Project Phoenix (ReiXShiho Case Closed Fanfic)

Chapter 2 - Wake of the Phoenix - 3

"Shiho-chan, you see that door, right there? Go through it and follow the arrows to the tunnel. Once you'll be there, run to the end."

"What about you?"

"I'll be right behind you."

"As if."

"Smart girl... you saw right through me. Don't worry. I'll catch up as soon as possible."

"Don't..."

"Shiho-chan, you are a bright, charming and very brave lady. Thanks to you, I had so much fun for the first time. I want to protect you and all the wonderful memories from this summer."

"You can't win against them... We'll fight together."

"No, that's not your mission. You need to be safe, for your parents... and for the world."

Heavy footsteps resounded from far away.

"They're coming. Now, go."

He expected her to protest more, but only noticed tears streaming down her cheeks and an understanding nod. He could imagine her pain, the sorrow that pulled on the heart and suffocated its victim. And she was there, nodding, determination gleaming in her eyes, despite the pain, despite this desperation that even adults could hardly fight.

She'll become someone great. He shone his cheerful smile to her. He'll protect her; he'll fight for her. It was the right thing to do.

*****************************

Rei lifted his eyelids and glanced at the clock.

2:54 pm.

He had fallen asleep after vomiting during the whole morning. His whole body, especially his head, had been invaded by waves of pain. He couldn't recall the exact time, but he fell asleep on his couch due to the subsequent dizziness.

He had to see a doctor soon.

I better get going.

Before the party, Rei had to buy some grocery to fill his empty fridge and cupboards, just in case his stomach felt better. He also had promised to help prepare dinner for the party.

As he walked outside - after covering himself with enough cologne to cover the obnoxious smell of decay, Rei remembered fragments of his dream. He was walking quickly, almost jogging toward somewhere... or rather from someone. A girl was with him. She had strawberry blonde hair and had the height of an eight-year-old.

Shiho...

The little girl in his dream had a more innocent gaze, although it possessed such a hint of maturity that is uncommon in children of her age. Nevertheless, Rei was sure that the girl was Shiho, perhaps her real eight-year-old-self.

Why did I dream of her?

Rei had heard that dreams often reflect one's inner desire.

The tanned man blushed. No, he wasn't thinking of Shiho 'that way'...

Although Shiho had often crossed his mind since a week ago, since he had discovered - or rather, confirmed - that the little Haibara was Shiho, Rei was intrigued by the past he supposedly shared with her, but could not remember, and was not satisfying some fantasies of his... at least, not substantially. The way Shiho had been following - or 'investigating' - him made it impossible for him to forget about her intense gaze and adorable attitude.