-Love of Four-

Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.

Warning: KaiShin relationship.

A/N: I thought I'd try a different approach? Maybe? I don't know. But I do miss heists a lot...

11: To Ponder on Meanings

Another week passed with Shinichi now too tired to do anything apart from sitting in the large wingback chair in the library, staring at the shelves of books. Shiina stood nearby, directing a worried gaze in his direction.

"I'm fine." He declared. The most recent case had been a draining one. It was not as bothersome as a serial murder case, but it was mentally draining where miscommunication led to multiple deaths done by multiple hands. Shinichi thought he might have read some similar case somewhere but he was too tired to look at the notes to ascertain his deduction.

"You don't look fine." Her personality had changed recently. From being an exact replica of Shinichi, with the exception of being weak against blood and murder, to a maternal personality something akin to Ran's only less physical in her show of annoyance.

"I'll be fine then." He waved off the concern. "I only hadn't expected this week to be so hectic. Maybe this is all payment for that nice weekend..." His mind drifted back to the calm date he had with Kaito. There were no murders, no crime, not even someone jaywalking. Kaito had taken him to brunch, which was followed by a stroll in the park. They went to a weekend handicraft market and was thoroughly entertained by the street performances. At one point, Shinichi thought Kaito would go back on his word and perform magic on the streets but he stayed dutifully close to Shinichi, offering commentary when possible. He let himself smile at the memory as he fingered the small string bracelet on his wrist. It had been a spur of the moment thing from Kaito, picking up a pair of identical thread woven bracelet. The weave of blue, indigo, red, and white was strange but it suited them well.

"I see you're lost in your thoughts again." Conan's entrance came unheard, startling Shinichi upright. "And I suppose you haven't even read the papers yet."

"Something happened?" He reached out to the offered paper. It was unlike him to not have read the morning news but he had slept in, missed the morning class, then stumbled on that draining case during his walk to school. Shiina had been understanding and forewarned the teachers, not that anyone was surprised. He only made it in to school after lunch. After school was no better, he sent Shiina home first as he went grocery shopping but stumbled onto another crime scene, though this one already had Division One on the scene. He was only pulled into the case because one of the victim's friend demanded Shinichi to be part of the investigation. Not that Division One complained seeing as Shinichi tends to close cases within 24 hours of it happening, something that the police both loved and hate him for (love because of the closing rate, hate because of all the paperwork involved).

"Here." Conan scooted over and help open up the newspaper.

Shinichi peered at the paper opened up before him, it showed a full page spread of a KID note.

忘れる者は聞け。覚えた者は見て。理解した者はやれ。

黒と白の真ん中から美しきの光を奪うために天から舞い降りる白い翼持つの人は正義と礼儀を持つ者を訪ねます。

"Those who forget, listen. Those to remember, see. Those who understand, do. That which possess wings of white will descend from the heavens to take away the beauty of the light in between black and white by visiting the one who holds justice and courtesy." Shinichi stood up to pace around the library. "This just...doesn't make sense. Well, not in the usual sense at least. It's not KID's style to write like this."

"But you still understand don't you?" All three of them were sporting the same knowing smirk.

"Ah." Shinichi nodded before heading back towards the large wooden desk, he ran his hands over the smooth surface. "The first line, those three sentences, they're all of the same origin."

"Confucius." Shiina pulled out a book from the nearby shelves, which just happens to be a book on philosophy. She flipped through the pages, opening to a particular entry dedicated to the philosopher in question.

"Yes." Shinichi leaned back onto the desk, looking up into the high ceiling of the library. "But it's not an exact translation of the quote. Translated, it should have been What I hear I forget, what I see I remember, what I do I understand but even that still deviates from the original text. It talks about the path of learning, how to train the person and the mind to understand new knowledge."

"You know, that quote is awfully like Holmes." Conan piped up from his seated position, with his legs swinging playfully, "people see but do not observe."

"Kind of, not exactly though. Holmes was talking more about people's lack of awareness to their surroundings whereas Confucius was exploring the realms of how people should learn. They may sound similar but the meaning's different." Shinichi went over to pull out another book, a Chinese philosophy book by the spine's title. Opening the page, he flipped it open to the exact quote "Not hearing is not as good as hearing. Hearing is not as good as seeing. Seeing is not as good as knowing. Knowing is not as good as doing. It's talking about how things can be learnt through experiencing and action and until a person has done something, they would not know the true meaning of their learning."

"So…" Conan looked up expectantly for Shinichi to continue. Despite all three having come to the same conclusion of the heist location, it seems Shiina and Conan were not as confident in their deduction as Shinichi.

"The closest and most likely place is Yushima Seido, which used to be a private Confucian temple and an institution for education. It was once a host for a number of institutions including use as the Ministry of Education, museum, and host to the university." Shinichi placed the open book onto the table surface and flipped out his phone. "To my knowledge, there's nothing much inside the place. There is the inner hall, not really opened to public, and there's the Confucius statue. But otherwise, there are no gems or valuables of note…" His fingers scrolled through the numerous articles.

"There." Shiina somehow managed to sneak behind Shinichi and rest her chin on his shoulders. She pointed at a particular article. "The university is hoping to use the inner hall to host a short term gallery. But why would KID go after books when he's been targeting gems?"

"Might be because he was bored." Shinichi shrugged, dislodging Shiina from her perch. "Either that or it's because he had to make a monthly appearance and thought this might be as good as any…"

"That's just too risky isn't it?" Shiina flopped down onto the leather chair. "He's taking so many risk for what? "

"Who knows. I never had the chance to ask…" Though now that he thought about it, they never did tell each other about secret identities. Shinichi was quite sure Kaito suspects that he knows something about KID but since they never talked about it, it was merely assumptions. Same with Shinichi not having said anything about his time as Conan.

"What other exhibits are there?" Conan now crowded around Shinichi, standing on tiptoes like a child would when in the presence of something that attracted their attention.

"Rare books and gifts offered to the university as thanks…" Shinichi scrolled through the list. There were some with pictures, but a majority were just words. "And the exhibit would be for a duration of a month."

"So although we know the location, we still don't know the target and time." Conan moved his attention to the newspaper on the table surface, half of his body was leaning on the table top. Taking pity on the boy, and Shinichi wondered if that was why so many people wanted to pick him up when he was Conan, Shinichi picked the boy up so he could sit on the table surface proper. He was treated with an unsatisfactory glare but Conan's attention quickly turned back to the text.

"Not exactly," Shiina pointed at a phrase in the note. "In between black and white, that's the time."

"Half in darkness, half in light. Seeing as KID operates during the night and his heists are often linked to the moon, it means that he would strike during the half moon. Another anomaly for the thief." Shinichi tapped his chin. "But we still don't know the target."

"What if we go take a look?" Conan looked up with wide blue eyes, reminiscent of a puppy. "They might not be opened to the public as yet, but you can probably trick your way in."

"You're trying to turn me into a thief aren't you?" Shinichi mussed up the neat hair, teasing the boy. "I'll have you know that although I don't follow the law to the letter, I do follow it in spirit."

"Yea right." Both Conan and Shiina gave him a look of disbelief. "Running around the crime scene, picking up evidence and pocketing them, interrogating suspects and sometimes tricking a confession out of the suspects, I don't think any of those actions are what we can call legal." Conan scoffed.

"It's in the spirit of justice. We still nabbed the criminal at the end."

"We kick soccer balls with enough force to damage concrete, and these are normally directed towards those criminals that we chase. I'm surprised that the police never said anything about it." Conan kicked out, managing to hit Shinichi in the stomach. Though without the kick enhancing shoes, it was not as painful as it would have been.

"Still…" Shinichi glanced back at the papers, knowing he pretty much lost the argument. "I guess we can go and take a look at the exhibit. I'm guessing they're doing the setup now in preparation for the opening...tomorrow?" Shinichi had to look twice at the date. It was rare for KID to leave so little time in between notes and heist, a first if his memory was correct. He has yet to check on the lunar calendar but he had a strong suspicion that KID would strike on the opening night for dramatic effect.

"Cool! I'll go grab our jackets." Conan jumped down and ran out like an over enthusiastic child.

"Really, that boy." Shiina followed sedately, in a manner reminding Shinichi of how Ran would follow at a slow pace behind Conan. As time passes, he sees more of Ran in Shiina and wonders if he too has some of those traits.

The three of them did manage to gain access into the hall in question. Most of the staff were still setting up the security measures but one particular corner had posted security guards around a crate. The university staff in charge approached them with an amicable smile. Shinichi assumed it was an amicable smile since he did contact the university just moments ago and they must have had words and notified the on-site staff of his arrival.

"Kudo-san, it's such a surprise." He shook hands with Shinichi with enthusiasm. He suspects the staff is a fan of his and doubted the man was actually surprised. "And these must be your assistants." He eyed Shiina with eyes that spoke more that just mere appreciation. Shinichi moved so that he could cover the girl from view.

"We came because of a heist notice from KID." Shinichi pulled out a newspaper clipping. "It hinted towards his intention to steal something from this exhibit and we wanted to see what it could be."

"Well, mostly it's just books donated by our alumni and university patrons. However, we do have several expensive pieces." He motioned for Shinichi to follow him towards the guarded crate. "We're still setting up the security measures but I guess we can show them to you now." With a crowbar, the man opened the crate to reveal a locked suitcase.

"Is it really fragile?" Conan asked, peering into the crate without a mind for the splinters and nails sticking out. Shinichi pulled the boy back, no point in having Conan hurt himself. In return, he received a frown but Conan still complied and stuck close to Shinichi.

"Hm?" The man pulled out the suitcase and placed it on the edge. "Not really, just that it would be more difficult to steal the whole crate than a single suitcase. Thieves generally target things that are easier to steal rather than things that requires them to jump through the hoop so to speak. With the exception of KID of course. He just takes whatever he wants." Amusement shone in his eyes and in his words. "Here're the valuable pieces. This one over here was donated fifty years ago. It's a rather ornate paper weight made from black onyx. This crystal tree, which we believe is designed to be a pen stand, was gifted fifteen years ago and the final piece here is an ink bottle, gifted ten years ago."

The black onyx had been carved with ivy all over the inky surface. There were small crystal insets, probably to represent flower buds, strategically placed to reflect off the best light. The crystal pen stand was made in an abstract form of a tree, with the base slightly more spread out and having rougher carvings that reflect light in a harsher angle. The mid section, likely the trunk, was smooth and devoid of any carvings, whilst the top part was not only carved with leaf motifs but also had pieces of green crystals and emeralds of varying shades adorning the rim. The ink bottle was by far the most delicate of the three pieces. While the bottle itself had nothing much to note, though it was geometrically cut, it was the stopper that had attracted the most attention. Made in the shape of a Botan flower, the petals consists of various shades of pink and red. But at its very center was a rather bright yellow stone.

"That would be a yellow diamond, quite rare for such a large carat to be set into something like this." Shiina commented from behind, peering over Shinichi's shoulders. Shinichi nodded, coming to the same conclusion.

"And people just gifted these to the university?" It was hard for Shinichi to believe people would just give them as thanks.

"Well, they are donations to the university's cause if that's what you're asking. The university receives all sorts of gifts. Books and monetary gifts are most common. Though at times we do receive things such as these. We generally keep them in our gallery on campus, and sometimes auction them off at charity events but that's very rare." The staff took each of the pieces out with gloved hands, setting them on a nearby table. The security guard gave them a frown but otherwise said nothing.

Shinichi lean in to examine each piece. All intricately made from his non-expert eyes. "These must cost a fortune." He murmured, "but isn't it a risk to show them here? Didn't the insurance people complain about the lax security?"

"They did. But we came to a compromise. The exhibit would only be held for a short duration, ticket sales is based on pre-registration so that we can control the number of people entering. We do have surveillance and security. Cameras are trained on our exhibition pieces." He motioned to the various dark corners. "Of course, setting them up had been another issue that we had to deal with but all is going well. At the opening, only selected guests and media people would be able to attend." He pulled out an invite and handed it to Shinichi.

He looked at the white cardstock. Flipping it over, it held a time and date written in black cursive writing framed in a silver border. The date coincide with the date they identified back at the home. A quick browse on his phone's calendar revealed that it was also the date when there would be a half moon. There was no need to guess when KID would strike.

"I think I should inform you that your opening ceremony would be the time KID will come steal your exhibit." Shinichi handed the invite back but the staff shook his head.

"That's your invite." He said, pushing the card back towards Shinichi. "We'd feel better if you were to attend. As a form of security some might say."

Tucking the card into his pockets, he was about to ask the man to speak with his superiors and reconsider rescheduling but the sudden ringing of the phone interrupted their time.

"Sorry about that. I need to take this. Feel free to take a look around the hall. If you see anything suspicious or anything we can improve on, do let me know." The man rushed off to the side, leaving the three delicate pieces on the table.

The three of them spread out into three direction, much to the ire of the security guards. Conan's small stature was already difficult to spot but within the dark hall, it made the task even harder. Shinichi heard one of the guards commenting on Shiina's appearance, something along the lines of "just my type" and Shinichi had the urge to kick the guard in the shins. He stuck to the potential showcase areas where the staff were busy assembling the various pedestal and lighting.

"Kudo-kun?" A familiar voice called from behind him.

"Hakuba-kun? Nakamori-keibu?" He was surprised to see the pair of them strolling through the front doors together, along with several uniformed police officers flanking behind. "Did you also figure out the heist notice?" Though before hearing any form of reply, Shinichi felt someone pounce on his back and his instinctive reaction was to throw whoever attacked him in the overhand throw Ran taught him a while back.

"Wah~!" The exclamation followed by a loud thud.

Shinichi's attacker landed in front of him, holding onto his head in pain.

"Kaito!" Shinichi quickly knelt down, examining the type of damage he did. "Are you hurt badly? Don't startle me like that!"

"Couldn't help it. I wanted to surprise you." With a sheepish look, Kaito took Shinichi's offered hand to stand up. "I need to ask, when did you take up martial arts?"

"It's not martial arts, merely self defence." Shinichi helped pat out the dirt on Kaito's clothes. "Seriously though, don't do that."

"I'll remember to wear a bell next time then." Kaito took Shinichi's hand and gripped it tightly. "I just didn't expect you to react so violently."

"Ahem." The inspector coughed to bring the situation back to the present. It was obvious he wanted to ask Shinichi how he knew of the magician but decided to abruptly change the topic after seeing that gleeful gleam in Kaito's eyes. "What are you here for?"

"The same as the pair of you." Shinichi automatically answered with the assumption that they too were here on a hunch. He was calm for a split second before remembering he was not supposed to be alone. Conan and Shiina were also on premise and if Kaito saw all three of them together, Shinichi was not sure what to expect. He feared the magician would once again accuse him of lying and playing with his emotions.

"KID sure knows how to select his targets though." Hakuba looked around their location, "this place has too many hiding spots."

"Ah, keibu-san!" The university staff that greeted Shinichi earlier returned with hurrying feet. "I was just informed of your arrival."

The inspector soon pulled the staff aside and began their long and arduous discussion, though some might call it an argument, on manpower and security placement. Tuning out the rather animated conversation, Shinichi focused on Kaito.

"And you? How come you're involved?" Shinichi was not sure whether he was here on his own accord or if Kaito tricked the inspector into letting him come. It would not be the first time the magician managed to coerce his way into a heist location as a civilian.

"Nakamori-keibu came to our school to pick up Hakuba for his input on the note. I just happened to be nearby and was noticed by him. He often asks me to heist locations as a consultant." Kaito shrugged as though it was a normal thing. Shinichi was not sure whether to believe him or not, but he would take things as face value for now to save himself from a potential headache.

"It was quite clear what the thief was trying to do." Hakuba chipped in, "the note is not his usual style and the references were rather blatant. If I had to guess, this was planned rather hastily and the note was sent out as an afterthought."

"Wouldn't be the first time for KID to be pulling of heists at such short notice." Shinichi did not find it all that surprising seeing as jewel exhibitors in Tokyo area would rather keep a low profile on their newest and latest collection. It must be a pain paying for all those insurance premiums 'I wonder if they have a special plan for KID-related theft.'

"Yes, but all those times were response to challenge style heist. This one, it was as though he was not planning to target this from the beginning."

While Shinichi cast his mind back to the various heists, he realized what Hakuba said was true. Most of those times, it had been because a certain Suzuki corporation advisor wanted to challenge KID for the front page cover of newspaper.

"Have you identified what the thief is targeting then Kudo-kun?" Hakuba peered towards the end table, "I assume you're here because you have everything figured out. Though why you said nothing to the police is a mystery."

"It's not that I didn't say anything. I came here to confirm my suspicions before attempting to tell them." Shinichi defended. "The website was severely lacking in the exhibits' description and I wanted to know what KID wanted."

"But time and location, those you know. It's crucial for the police to receive such information beforehand." Strange as it was for the English detective to show such hostility towards Shinichi.

"It's by the back." Shinichi pointed to the table with the three artifacts, ignoring the accusation aimed at him. "If you'll excuse me. I'll be going." Feeling slighted, Shinichi coolly walked off towards the entrance, hoping Conan and Shiina were already outside. He was thankful for the dark atmosphere and for the fact that Kaito only paid attention to him and nothing else inside the room.

Three steps from the entrance, Kaito latched onto his arm again. "Just where do you think you're going?" The playfulness in Kaito's voice spelled disaster for Shinichi. He hoped the magician was not planning to walk him home or anything.

"It's late. I should head back."

"And leave little ol' me to Hakuba and the police?" Fake tears threatened to fall from Kaito's eyes. Shinichi was hard pressed to be coldhearted and turn the magician away.

Shinichi was tempted to reply with a remark about KID needing to case out the heist location but he refrained and instead asked "Don't you have something to do here as well? Didn't Nakamori-keibu ask you to come as a consultant?"

"You don't like me anymore…" Even knowing the tears were 100% fake, it still pained Shinichi to see them rolling down Kaito's cheeks. He was sure the magician was trying to guilt trip him into do something.

"Kaito…" Shinichi reached out, hand poised to rub the wetness away only to be grabbed by Kaito's hands. "OK, you caught me. What do you want then?"

"Dinner?" The hopeful tone in his voice made it difficult for Shinichi to refuse but his mind told him that it was best to refuse the offer. His hesitation must have spoken in volumes for the magician as the light in his eyes dimmed considerably.

"Look, why don't you finish up here first then call me? I…" He wracked his brain for a suitable explanation. "I need to do something in the area first. I'll meet up with you later ok?" Before the magician could voice his opinion on how fake the reason was, Shinichi walked briskly away without another glance.

-TBC-