T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 36 - 2 Hours of Hell

It was clear that Nathaniel was not well-liked among them, and his presence seemed to evoke a mixture of frustration and annoyance. The fact that they referred to him as a "bad kid" only deepened the mystery surrounding Nathaniel's situation.

"Bad kid?" Shinichi echoed, his eyebrows raised. "What do you mean by that?"

One of the Edgewood kids, a girl with a serious expression, leaned in to explain. "Nathaniel used to be a student at Edgewood Academy. His behaviour was... well, let's just say he caused a lot of trouble."

"He was disruptive, defiant, and often got into conflicts with both students and staff," another boy chimed in. "He even murdered a boy in our school as well."

Shinichi's eyes widened at the revelation. The seriousness of the accusation took him by surprise. Murder? It was a grave accusation, and if true, it would explain the eerie atmosphere around Nathaniel. His curiosity and detective instincts kicked into high gear.

"Murdered a boy?" Shinichi repeated his tone a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "Are you saying that Nathaniel is responsible for someone's death?"

The Edgewood kids exchanged sombre glances, their expressions a mix of bitterness and resentment. It was evident that Nathaniel's actions had left a lasting impact on them.

"Sorry if I may ask, but he murdered a boy?!" Shinichi was shaken, how is it possible for an 8-year-old boy who is in this condition to be able to commit such atrocities?!

"That's what the evidence suggested," the serious-looking girl explained. "He, as well as a group of other children of nobles and royals allegedly tipped the victim's abusive mother who lost custody of her son, who is a well-loved Duke in our school on how to get him back, by kidnapping a dear friend of his to lure him back."

The 6-year-old apprentice's eyes widened as he listened to the Edgewood kids recount the serious accusations against Nathaniel. The story was complex and disturbing, involving kidnapping, abuse, and a tragic outcome.

"He was able to do all of that!? In that condition!?" Shinichi exclaimed while pointing at the wheelchair-bound boy.

"No," Another child denies this, "Before, he was a perfectly healthy normal boy."

"How did he become this way then?" Shinichi blinked.

"Karma happens," One of the Edgewood children replied, "Somehow he ended up in the laboratory of Edgewood Academy and ended up with carbon monoxide poisoning when someone lock the door and sealed the window shut, which lead him to that medical state as he is now, he was around...8-years-old when it happened." 

Shinichi was taken aback by the revelation. The tragic turn of events painted a grim picture of Nathaniel's past. From a troubled and disruptive child to a wheelchair-bound, unresponsive boy due to carbon monoxide poisoning, it was a dramatic transformation that left Shinichi feeling a mix of sympathy and intrigue.

"Carbon monoxide poisoning?" Shinichi repeated his tone a mix of shock and disbelief. "That's... horrific. Did anyone...caught the person who did this to him?"

"No, in fact, the police didn't even bother to." The Edgewood children exchanged sombre glances before turning to Shinichi, "Everyone knew of his role in the murder, also with all of the awful deeds he did, it only seems fair justice is served that he can no longer talk or walk anymore."

Shinichi was left speechless by the Edgewood children's account of the tragic events that had befallen Nathaniel. The complexity of the situation, the accusations against him, and the severe outcome he had faced left Shinichi grappling with a mix of emotions.