Poor little babes, on a fine summers' day; were stolen away

[shiragamisama]

There's a flick as the lights go out briefly; the magically sensitive will notice a surge of power, and a sudden Great Presence in the manor. Something with a lot of innate power and spiritual presence is here.

Physically, he's not that imposing. Creepy, with an otherworldly air, to be sure, but those who have seen Shinichi in his Shiragami

Comments

[changedling]

[This particular Conan was half expecting the surge. Despite his long residence in the Mansion, he never felt easy there, never accepted it. Spirits did not give so freely, and the Mansion could only be the work of spirits. So he waited, staying alert for a sign such as this -- and now that it had come he did not even hesitate before setting off in bare feet and habitual robe in the direction of that resounding presence.

His instinct was unerring and it did not take him long to reach it's source.]

[mukashi_no_ran]

[All thought of tea is forgotten at Shinichi's touch. Ran turns back to him, emotions rushing from joy to sadness to everything in between.]

Shinichi --

[My Shinichi, she thinks but doesn't say, and the thought gives her a brief moment's pleasure, and then the impact of his words catch up. The shock is deep enough to hurt and she's stunned for a moment, eyes welling with tears as she reaches for him.]

Do not say that, please, Shinichi. If there is an enchantment, there is a way to break the enchantment -- please, do not say such things! Anything I can do I will -- you know I am strong.

[shiragamisama]

There is... no enchantment to be broken, no spell or curse... Ran... I didn't-- I... I changed.

[He enfolds her hands between both of his, afraid to lose her, that she will pull away. His voice is hollow, full of grief and unwanted acceptance. How long had he fought this himself, in the depths of his despair? To be trapped in the Forest forever... or sicken and die as the spiritual power that had attached to him withered away. No. Much better to live and regret than fade away and cause her more pain as he died in her arms.]

You are strong enough to move mountains, my love, and yet there is nothing that can be done for me. Even Hattori accepted this, after a time.

I cannot turn away from this duty.