i_s_l_a_n_d_rp | (no subject)

He is. Even if he's got a weird view of me. He's the hot blooded detective type, but even without getting riled up, he is good. Definitely someone I can call a rival.

A weird view?

He's...well, it's like, even though I'm his rival, he's got some sort of hero worship. Not a full blown thing because it's not like if I did something, I'd crush him or something. He's just kind of...obsessive about me and thinks I won't make mistakes until I actually do.

It's kind of hard to describe. Maybe it's because he's a detective and I'm the one with the freaky life and he wants to know the 'real' Kudo?

... Hahahaha! You find the most interesting people, don't you? What kind of rival does hero worship? Though the notion of the 'real' Kudo is an interesting concept.

Hattori, apparently. It's not the right definition, but I'm not sure what else to call it. He always seems like an overexcited puppy when he can drag me somewhere.

...you'll probably never meet him. [Sighs and leans against the tree.] The 'real' Kudo can't show his face while 'Conan' is around, be it the body or personality. Can get close, but not quite.

I see, I see. Names and personae are a troublesome thing, aren't they? I have my fair share of issues with them. [ -- slip of the tongue, thank you event, but will be playing it off naturally as if she meant to say that. Really. ]

But it is too bad I probably won't meet him. You sound like you come from a kakera where I'd find many entertaining people. But who can say? On this island of miracles, nothing is at absolute zero.

Very troublesome. There are times I actually feel sorry for 'Conan' considering how messed up things would be for a kid 'like him.' Though that's usually when I'm feeling guilty about lying to Ran and thinking way too much about this. [Does note how she has problems with them. Because that's what he does.]

Hattori or the 'real' Kudo? Hattori is possible, considering there's already three others from my world here. [Though he only said two were in danger of finding out his secret.] Considering one is his childhood friend, he might get kidnapped. I certainly get enough face time in the papers that they might not worry about fame protecting people.

As for the 'real' Kudo...I doubt it. Reverting to him now, even if a cure is found, would be dangerous and...the only person I'd risk doing it here for isn't on the island.

Ahh, you're getting talkative again. But if you're not resisting, I assume these are things you don't mind telling me. Who's Ran?

Hattori, naturally. From my perspective, the roulette for how the island takes people isn't based on fame. It's who you know. Flip the chessboard over. There are many ordinary people here with no claim to fame. I myself have never been in any newspapers... and there are sets of people who 'know' each other from their respective kakeras. Though there are also lone people, such as myself, here.

A shame... if you believed in it, my magic could probably change you back. But you don't, and you won't, most likely, so it's something I wouldn't be able to grant.

Edited 2010-04-10 21:55 (UTC)

I don't usually talk about this with anyone. Hattori would worry. Ha- [Pauses, biting his lip a moment.] She isn't someone to talk to about stuff like this. Agasa would be like Hattori. And talking to my parents would be a nightmare and probably get them to act all weird. If someone already knows, it doesn't matter much other than matters like that.

Ran is my childhood friend and the person missing Shinichi the most.

That's what I mean. Some people might not kidnap a famous person for something like this because it attracts too much attention. A child whose been in the newspaper on more than one occasion and living with a famous detective would likely get far too much unwanted attention if they were worried about it. Especially when that child is well known to so very many investigators. They're confident, the people behind this, I'll give them that.

So, they'll take anyone they want. Be it people not known or people well known.

...as tempting as a magic fix would be, I really can't believe such a thing. Especially when it's only been science that's made me normal, even for a short amount of time.

I see... so since the secret is already free to me, I can listen to both sides of you. Kudo Shinichi and Edogawa Conan. [ Notes the pause, but will be saying nothing in exchange for him not questioning her name earlier. She knows when to repay favors ] It must be quite the difficult facade to pull off. There can't be that many who know who you are.

... ahh. [ Well, childhood friendship strikes a note with Beato. ] And someone Shinichi misses as well?

True-- I think it's rather conclusive that fame and influence isn't a factor. But what is? ... though you and I disagree on the force behind it, we can both brainstorm the motivation of whatever it is. Like a Schrödinger's cat box where we don't ponder the alive or dead status of the cat, but rather, why the cat is in there in the first place.

I knew you wouldn't, and that's why the magic wouldn't come true. If you had any doubt about it whatsoever, even in a place like this, free of magic-resisting toxin, my magic to restore things to their original form wouldn't work. That's the fickle nature of magic.

Pretty much. Knowing Kudo Shinichi and if you were an enemy would pretty much get me killed. Since I'm not already dead, then it doesn't matter. [And yeah, he's trying to avoid Haibara's name. She was gonna kill him slowly as is.] And...no, not many people probably could. Kids get the short end of the stick a lot. And there are some who know, but even then, there's....just a wall.

... [Nods.] Very much. All I can do is be a comfort as 'Conan,' but it doesn't always help.

True. The fact is, there is something behind this and that something has reasons for doing what it does. One of the ones that make the most sense is a psychological experiment. Even for someone to believe all this weird as 'real' naturally, just all the different people would have an interesting outcome.

So magic works like that? Which...would mean magic doesn't work on someone if they don't believe in it? [That was...weird even for magic.]

I wonder if that means I'll get to see a 'real' you, if there is one to see? [ cackle! ] A wall? Hmhm... must be hard. You're only seven on the outside, so that truth you seek is hard to confront when few will take you seriously, mm?

Ah, so you keep near her in that guise?

There's evidence in the favor of a psychological experiment. After all, we're here spilling the truth at the Culprit's whims today. Whether that's because of some island magic or because of Mystery Poison X, who can say...? [ dry, forced laugh ] I'm annoyed, this island is trying to outdo me.

Because the lack of belief makes you resistant. [ ... serious face ] If something favorable happens, one can chalk it up to coincidence or luck, as you said. Or if one chooses to believe in miracles and magic, they open up a world so that those things can happen. A world where even a child can craft something from the sea of zero. [ Like a sentient stuffed lion, for example. ]

No. Because that wall is still there. With that wall, I can't be the 'real' Kudo as Conan. And yes. Seeking the truth as a seven year old is a pain. When someone like Hattori or Agasa around, it's a lot easier and with police officers who know me, they'll at least consider it. But it took months before they decided that maybe that observant kid really did spot something of worth. Then there's the problem if I face off against a criminal alone...

Her father is a detective. It's an easy way in in finding the people who did shrink me. So I'm living with them while my parents are traveling as a favor to Agasa, whose my relative. Conan has become her pseudo little brother now. I...wasn't supposed to be like this for so long.

And I've heard there are other 'events' like this. People seeing their fear. Supposedly Halloween was something akin to a slasher movie. Kazuha won't tell me details about it, so it's as close as I can figure. Like this place is trying to drive people nuts or break them.

Ah, like the magic toxin? That...is an interesting way to look at magic.

Kuhihi... then I'll acknowledge it. It's something else we have in common. [ pause at that ] It's like something out of a manga Battler would probably read. That kind of eventful life is almost picturesque! But from your perspective, quite annoying as well, can't it?

But it turned out to be quite long, didn't it? That's what your voice is telling me.

... kuu. It must've been traumatizing. But there are all kinds of psychological tests. Ones of fear, ones of love, ones of willpower, such as this-- I don't think that the culprit is conditioning us for anything, but my experience here is still rather lacking. Who knows? Maybe there's actually something of value in this maze you were going to look around. Another cat in a box.

Right. But I have no idea if you've got an 'Endless Nine' class resistance, like he does.

Edited 2010-04-10 23:14 (UTC)

...I'd be lying if there wasn't some thrills to it, but I preferred it when I wasn't under four feet tall.

Almost a year now. A year of lying to her, of trying to return to my life, searching for those people.

It could just be to see how much we can take. Too many tests and people are going to break just from stress. [Looks at the maze.] Well, if you were going to hide something and it's on the island, the maze is one of the better places.

Endless Nine? Sounds like a game.

Of course, of course. I'm one of the few people in this world-- or on this island, even, who'll acknowledge that competence and age are two wholly separate things... but I'll be lying if I said I didn't do a mental double take at first.

Think of it as only a year. To me, that sounds like barely anything... though that's natural.

And you could think of that as the reason as to why people get sent home. They weren't a valuable test subject. [ Also looks towards the maze. ] ... Really? I disagree. If you're looking for conclusive answers, I doubt there's anything valuable in there. A maze begs you to find the exit or the center-- that is the purpose for a maze to exist. Why would the island hide anything in someplace that, even if it's hard to navigate, invites you in by nature? ... but there's little we can deduce conclusively. Perhaps the island rewards the daring who take that challenge. Or maybe it leads them on.

Think of it as the equivalent of breaking the counter if you were to measure anti-magic resistance.

It's not common, though not completely impossible. The kids I hang out with are becoming more and more competent the more cases they end up on.

I can't...really think of it like that. It's not natural for me to hide. I hate lying. And watching Ran...makes it feel like it's a hundred times longer.

It could be. Which does bring up the concept of 'brought here and returned' and what the point of saying that is. Two people said Edogawa Conan was here three years ago. I'm sure you can see the obvious problem with that.

People like to do obvious things. Besides, while it might invite people in, what better place to actually hide it. Don't make the clue obvious, something hidden where people expect things to be hidden more plainly.

Definitely sounds like a game, but I get it.

So you bring another group of children with you on these adventures of yours?

... [ smiiile, and cackles ] It must be paaainful. But wouldn't it be more painful to see her move on and forget? Count your blessings, even if a lie cuts into you.

True, though their words aren't conclusive proof. No matter who said they witnessed what, that's no guarantee that it actually happened. In fact, the fact that they said they saw you here three years ago... makes those two people instantly suspicious, doesn't it? [ cheerful giggle ]

I suppose... but the flavor of obvious the island likes is still a mystery to me. For all we know, the answer really is right below our feet. [ taps her foot ] Or among us, within our line of sight day in, day out.

...not on purpose. Either they follow me, they drag me on a trip, or we're just on a trip with Agasa, so they're right there when we come across the murder. [Because his luck is just that messed up.] They've gotten into the detective thing. Which...is actually a bit of a blessing. At least if we keep finding this stuff, they can compose themselves and they listen to orders when there's an imminent threat. [Not so much when there isn't. That's a bit more hit and miss.]

[The look of hurt was quite obvious there.] ...I wonder sometimes. I don't want to lose her, but to keep hurting her...I'm almost not sure which one I'd hate more. At the moment it's losing her, but if I stay like Conan for years and years... [Even if it's tear out his heart, could he really do that?] And telling her, of course that'd put her in danger.

It does, actually. Especially since one is...a living doll. Or something. [From his expression, it's quite obvious he's not quite sure what to make of that yet.] Shinku is very...interesting. And not the easiest being to figure out. I will. Eventually. Just...not yet.

More than likely, it is. It's the mundane that's usually the bigger clues instead of the obviously weird.

I guess not much can be done about suppressing a child's natural curiosity, even with something so grizzly as murder, hmm? At least they can keep themselves in line at your orders.

[ If this weren't a truth event, Beato would probably sneer at that, what with all her issues with love. But instead, you get this face. ] Ahahaha... I guess some things as rigid as elements don't change no matter what the kakera. A rock and a hard place.

A living... doll? [ The amusement comes back to her face at that. ] Another thing I'm familiar with. Well, what do you think? A marionette created by the island to mislead you? But you're bound to get more technical than that, riiiight?

I'm sure whatever truth this island has to offer will be blunt and irritating, because it was right there all along.

That...pretty much describes them. Luckily it's not always murder with them or I can keep them from seeing the actual body. [Save them from some trauma, anyway.]

[Probably a good thing. He might kick her otherwise with the shoes on. Ran is an extremely touchy subject.] ...I suppose not. Not surprising, what with love can do. Hopefully I won't have to make her wait too much longer.

She...certainly seems that way. Ball joint for where her arm meets her torso and nothing to say it's just attached. It's...I'm not sure. She might be a robot. If this is the Cocoon system, that could just be programmed for her. I...don't know enough yet.

...actually, that makes it a bit more interesting. Hiding soemthing in plain sight, it takes skill when someone's looking even there.

Not quite as used to crimes scenes as you are, then, even if they're getting better?

[ It's touchy with her too, so she'll probably be kicking herself later for looking soft on the subject. ] Do you believe the theory that time doesn't pass while you're here? You don't, right?

Both are certainly probable, hmhmhm? ... Describe this Cocoon system. I'm not familiar with it.

It takes incredible powers of observation to note tiny details, but even greater powers to take heed of what's important right when it's in your face. That can be applied to all sections of life.

Basically. Then again, most people just aren't used to crime scenes as I am in general. The least I can do is provide what protection I can to them even if they have to follow. If someone is alive, it's one thing, but there's no point for them to see how bloody the deaths can be.

...no, I don't. All the more reason to figure out this place.

Yes, they are. Agasa can make some impressive things, the fact something like Cocoon exists, it wouldn't be unreasonable for a robot that well built to exist. The Cocoon system is a Virtual Reality. It's incredibly real. It hijacks your senses so the only way you can tell it's not reality is because of inconsistencies that it has in comparison to reality. Such...as cake growing from trees.

[Nods.] It's...not the easiest thing to do, but it's better than just sitting back.

Then there really is nothing I have to worry about. In fact, from now on, I'll really have to stay on my guard around you, and use my red queen sparingly. [ Scoffs ] I guess there's a trade-off for how enlightening this has been. Hmph.

I'll disagree yet again, but that's no surprise.

So... [ Thinking about it, give her a bit as she's got a 1986 mind. ] Effectively, you could blame quite a bit on that, couldn't you? From what you're saying, it's similar to being stuck in a linked dream or coma with set boundaries, laws, and a created world which we exist in. Not bad, not bad. Certainly not the worst theory you could apply to this place.

In that case, you just need to keep in mind that favored move of yours. Following the mundane.

Edited 2010-04-11 23:52 (UTC)

Then I won't have to feel guilty for forcing out the truth via a drug. [Or whatever was used.]

I could, yes. Someone owning the island would take a lot of money, so getting their hands on Cocoons wouldn't be impossible. Either way, this is all on a big scale no matter what. And since I've been in the Cocoon, I know how real it can be, so there isn't even the argument of 'it doesn't feel like a game' because the only time it did then was when people lost the game and faded away.

I plan too.