Aeyra

Live. You accidentally posted late. I'll repeat my question: My old sig (the shinran one) or my new one? (the photoshopped one.)

Dent.

Teachers. My parents are scarier. O.O My old sig (the shinran one) or my new one? (the photoshopped one.)

Fine, I'll make a question to put this game back up, but I'm still answering team: What would you do if I deprived you of all entertainment?

Depression

? I have no idea. Heiji or kazuha?

go jump off of a waterfall. ^0^ It's raining...

Laptop. I'm using one right now. iTouch or iPad?

Granted, but then you lose that privilege. I wish I could find a CS5 serial key that works and stays working....

1944

Why does everyone seem to like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon while I don't?! (never liked Yugioh, gave up Pokemon cuz a.) I got bored and b.) my parents and friends became seriously annoyed with me.)

I get my old Dragonite (which was nicknamed Draika, level 100, defeated the advanced elite four with it five times using only the Dragonite, using one full restore. That's the reason Pokemon became so boring.) to dragon claw you to bits and then eat your remains. yes, I am cruel. Ayumi

such as birds

I would probably stop reading DC for a while. I don't like Yu-Gi-Oh. Is it possible for CrimsonSynchro to not be obsessed with Yu-Gi-Oh? (and why is it three syllables expressed like that?)

Sorry. I still think Pikachu's cute though. Someone who likes my new signature. Made it myself using Photoshop. (^- ^)

Avatar: 7/10 It's nice and cute Avatar: 9/10 RAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, I am in a total Ran mood. I think I was on Ai's side(not ConAi, just plain Ai) yesterday cuz I was being mean to her while writing a HeiShin fic -.-'. I feel Ran is suffering more and it's harder for her to get over things. She's constant, while Ai changes more easily.

I see.... So, do you think he's suspicious? Was his 'fate' ever specified?

I ban you for calling me ridiculous!

Chelsea->sea->Azure->Azu->Azu-chan Ri

I ban you for banning me for that! I hardly even play video games anymore!

Someone who deleted a pic off of their sig.

Because the first twenty or so chapters of my story are extremely short, I decided to just put up five here. These haven't really been grammatically corrected, seeing i didn't get my beta until chapter 34. Enjoy, though it's probably easier to follow through ff.net.... If the spaces are killed, forgive me, but they look fine right now... *crosses fingers* Chapter 4 Ran's POV It was the day after Shinichi had been found dead at Tropical Land. I had cried myself to sleep last night, but I had to stop soon. Shinichi's parents had been informed, and they were coming today. I felt crushed as I imagined the expression on his mom's face. The beautiful actress Yukiko Kudo wouldn't be acting out a tragedy, now she was truly part of one. His dad, well, he was good at keeping a straight face, but, he would definitely be depressed. But I had a matter of more immediate importance, I was to report back to the scene today in five minutes. Satou-san was going to pick me up again. I had told my dad everything earlier this morning. He took it calmly, but even his frown couldn't hide the shock in his eyes. He had then tried to comfort me, but failed. In fact, he even swallowed his pride and called over my mom to help me. She had agreed to come later, after my investigation. "I'm going to go out now," I said to my dad, who was sitting at his desk, reading the morning newspaper, hiding it from my view. I knew why, because the headlines would upset me. But I knew what it said. In big bolded letters Famous High School Detective Kudo Shinichi Found Murdered in Tropical Land. The whole of Japan knew now, and it would probably be the top news over the next few weeks. I closed the door, and walked outside. The newspaper stand close to the entrance of my house was filled with the same newspaper that dad had been reading. Just don't look Ran, ignore it, I thought. A black and white police car with sirens off pulled up at the curb. "Hello, Ran-chan." Satou-san greeted me kindly. There was a smile on her face, but I knew it was only to help me. "Good morning, Satou-san." I climbed into the shotgun seat. "Have they found anything out about how-" It was hard to finish my sentence, and his name caught in my throat. "About the murder method used?" she asked. I nodded in reply. "Strangely enough, they found nothing that could of killed him. The head wound was much to minor to be fatal, and there's no trace of poison, no evidence of strangling, or anything. He's just dead, nothing else." "How can that be?" I asked. "There has to be something, how can there be nothing?" "At this point, no one knows." She stared straight ahead at the road, no looking at me. "All we can say is that he was killed. Without a cause of death, we can't even say suicide or homicide." "Shinichi would never, ever commit suicide," I said jumping to his defense. "How can you even suggest it?" "There's always a possibility. But I know that view is very, very unlikely." She pulled the car to a complete stop, and stepped out. "You can talk to the doctors who did the autopsy about it. They know much more than I do." Shinichi's body was no longer at the crime scene, it was at a funeral home, where his mother and father would arrange his funeral. However, there was white tape marking where he had lain as he took his final breaths. Dried blood covered some of the grass, but other than that, there was no evidence that he was ever here. I spotted Inspector Megure and immediately bombarded him with my questions. He would know, wouldn't he? After all, it looked like he was in charge of this. "It's true that we haven't found a cause of death. I've never even seen a case like this, and neither have the higher-ups. I knew Kudo-kun, and it doesn't seem like he'd go without a fight, at the very least, a death message, but, there's nothing that explains how he was murdered." "Are you the one in charge of this case, Inspector?" I asked. "Are there any detectives working on this?" I wondered if Shinichi knew how he was killed, after all, you don't always see your killer's face… "We have one from Osaka, you might have even heard of him. Hattori Heiji, the famous high school detective." I'd heard Shinichi mention that name before; he'd talked about having a deduction match with Hattori one day, to see who the better man was. But Hattori Heiji wasn't going to be the only detective on the case, I was going to help the best I could. I started trying to recall the details. Shinichi ran into the alley that leads to here, but why? I racked my brain, searching for an answer. There was a man standing here, dressed in black… Could he have suspected him of a crime? Wait, that was the man I saw during the roller coaster murder! If he isn't the murderer, then he must at least have some information about this. "He's over there." The inspector pulled me out of my thoughts, and pointed to a tall teenager with dark skin wearing a baseball cap. "You could talk to him, he seems almost as smart as Kudo-kun was." I approached him, and he turned around to face me. "You're Mouri, right? The police told me about you. I'm Hattori Heiji, nice to meet you. Though, I wish it was under different circumstances." He held his hand out. I shook it, and smiled at him. "Have you figured anything out?" "Nope, not at all," he answered. "But as the last person we know to have seen him alive, you gotta know something, right?" "There is this one thing I just remembered," I confessed. "During the roller coaster case earlier-you what I'm talking about right?- he had his eyes on these two men dressed in black. They scared me, so I didn't pay much attention to them. And when he left to run into this alleyway, I saw one of the men. He was rather tall and sturdy, and other guy was thinner, and had long blonde hair. Does that help?" "Looks like we have suspects," he chuckled satisfactorily. "That's going to help a lot. This case didn't have many clues at all, in fact, not one." "Heiji, where are you?" The voice of a girl called. "They won't let me in." "I'm over here," he yelled back. "This is a crime scene, idiot. Of course they're not letting you in." He peered over at me and explained who the girl was. "That's my childhood friend, Kazuha. Tooyama Kazuha. She came with me from Osaka, though I left the hotel without warning this morning, but it looks like she found me. Let me introduce you." He walked me over to Kazuha. "This is Mouri Ran, one of the best friends of Kudo Shinichi. Mouri, this is Kazuha." "Nice to meet you," a smile lit up her features and her emerald eyes shone. "It's nice to meet you too," I answered, though not quite sharing her enthusiasm. "Are you two good friends?" It hadn't even been two minutes, but they had started reminding me about how my relationship with Shinichi had been. Good friends, but I had had deeper feelings for him, feelings that I never got a chance to say… "Hmm?" they both replied, blushing. "I meant like friends, not a couple." From the look on their faces, they had obviously misunderstood my question. It was quite funny. Hey Ran, looks like your husband's here! Sonoko had said that just days ago when Shinichi had come up to me during the class break. "Yeah, I met Heiji in primary school." She grabbed his arm, and his face turned red. "We've been friends ever since." Just like me and Shinichi. Friends since we were tiny children, and then he was ripped apart from me. Never to come back. Shinichi, Shinichi, Shinichi, Shinichi. I was thinking too much about him. I had to stop, before it hurt too much. Red-hot tears began to spill down my face, and then I pulled my head up in shock. Ran, can you hear me? Shinichi's voice rang in my head, and it wasn't my imagination. Shinichi? Chapter 5: Chapter 5Chapter 5 Shinichi's POV I was a comet down from heaven. Shooting down toward the place where I had been killed. To return to earth, and solve my unjust murder. I could see Ran now, talking to a dark-skinned boy and a teenage girl with pale skin. And then, I collided. She couldn't feel it; her expression showed nothing that indicated the sudden pain that pierced me, whatever I was now. Searing, fiery pain, as I once again was alive. Half-alive, but I felt it as acutely as the poison that killed me. But then it stopped, and I could see through Ran's eyes. The scene in front of me was blurry, tears clouded her vision, and I couldn't stand her suffering. I called out to her, hoping she would hear me. Ran, can you hear me? The words echoed around my mind, her mind. Did she hear? "Shinichi," she whispered my name out loud. I realized that I could see from outside of her too, what she looked like. She looked around from side to side, then her face fell, crestfallen. "Am I hearing things?" No, I answered. It really is me. I'm inside of you, no one else can hear me. I've fallen back from heaven. Shinichi… Shinichi! Are you really back? Her mind was excited and frantic, balancing between disbelief and overwhelming joy. For a while. I smiled, wondering if she could feel it. Until I help you solve my murder. You promised to solve it, didn't you? I thought you'd need my help. "Ran." The pale-faced girl asked. "Are you okay?" "Yeah," she answered. "Just a slightly uncomfortable memory." The dark-skinned boy nodded in sympathy. Who are they? I asked. The boy seemed familiar, had I seen him before? He's Hattori Heiji, and she's his friend, Tooyama Kazuha. They were called over from Osaka because Hattori-kun's a famous high school detective like you. Like I used to be, I corrected her. I was surprised at how easily she responded. She had accepted me immediately, I had expected tens, if not hundreds of questions. I can hear you. I felt happiness again. I can see you too. And of course I have questions for you. But, if you're really inside of me, we'll have plenty of time, right? Of course we will. I'll answer every one of those questions. I'd also like to tell you something that I never had a chance to say to you in life. I had met her again, and I knew it would impossible to keep from telling her how I felt. Courage to fuel my words fired up and me, and I spoke again. I'm in love with you, Ran. Even death wasn't able to stop that. There was no answer, only surprise, and doubt. She didn't know how to respond. It doesn't matter to me whether you feel the same way or not. I just needed you to know. I do, Shinichi! Her words came out fast and with a certain kind of intense feel to it. I love you too! That's why I was crying so much! It's because, I thought I'd never be able to see you again… Sshhh… I calmed her down. For the moment, I think it's best that you talk to your new friends, they seem to be worrying about you. Ah! I didn't even hear them. "Sorry Kazuha-chan, what were you saying?" "Do you want to leave right now? You're crying." Ran wiped away the tears with her hand, and refused the offer. "I feel it's important to stay. I want to solve his murder, because, I'd doubt he'd be able to rest in any kind of peace if he didn't get justice." Well said, Ran. You stole the words right out of my mouth. Did I? She sounded pleased. Of course, I could hear you thinking it as well. Cheater, I said sarcastically. Silent giggles. It was almost just like it used to be already. Less than five minutes back. How long could it last? I knew I wanted to stay forever, but we didn't have forever. We had until I solved the case, and there was no way I'd be able to resist trying to solve it. Besides, if I didn't accomplish my goal, what would those intimidating voices up in heaven do? We didn't have enough time. And who knew what kind of problems would erupt between now and the end? Shinichi, could you stop thinking so negatively? We're together for now, so let's focus on that, can we? Sure, as long as you want me to. There was no way I was going to disappoint her now. I was living on a blessing, and it was probably very short. I heard the clock in my head. Tick, tock, tick, tock… Chapter 6: Chapter 6Chapter 6 Ran's POV Shinichi was worried, worried about how little time we had left. I thought I just told you to stop thinking negatively! It's starting to get a little annoying. I'm sorry, he apologized. It's just that being some kind of angel and all that really makes you think from a different perspective. I ran out of time, and now I'm given more. It's like a dream, and I don't know when I'll wake up. I suddenly felt bad about berating him. He had genuine reasons for thinking that way. I wished I could help him… "Ran-chan!" Kazuha started shaking me. "You've been staring into space for a while now! It was like you were sucked into another world or something!" "Oh, sorry." I smiled apologetically at here. "Just feeling nostalgic, it helps ease the pain. Would you mind if I went off by myself for a little bit?" "Oh, that's fine. Heiji'll definitely figure something back by the time you're back! So don't be gone too long!" I found a desolate spot where I could 'talk' with Shinichi without being noticed. I have a question for you. Do you know how you were killed? It was that man in black. That tall one with the long blonde hair and ice blue eyes. He hit me from behind first with something like a bat. Then, force-fed me poison. Poison? I blurted out, shocked. But the autopsy showed no traces of any kind of poison. There was something he said. 'We'll use this new poison that the Organization developed. It leaves no traces on the body, they won't even know what killed him.' So it really worked. And they won't believe your word since there's no evidence to back it up. Even though I know the murderer's face and how I was killed, this mystery is going to be harder than I thought to solve. We just need to find the guy and make him a suspect, right? Then if the police find that poison on him, he'll be arrested. Isn't it pretty simple. No. His voice was filled with a sort of rage. He mentioned an Organization. And he looked like a mafia member. If that's true, then they'll sure to cover up all the tracks. We'd need to get the entire organization itself to succeed. I was filled with disappointment, until I remembered that meant that Shinichi would be able to stay longer. But, we'll be together all that time right? It means we'll be together, so it's okay, right? That's the only good part. I felt him smiling, like when I just told him one of Sonoko's silly antics, or a funny joke. But I'm worried. They'll be dangerous. I was killed because I witnessed blackmail. And the price was at least one hundred million yen. Rich, cold-blooded murderers. I don't want you against them. I didn't answer that. He wouldn't like my answer at all, so I changed topics. Shinichi, I'm meeting your parents this afternoon. They're arranging your funeral. Mom, dad… His thoughts broke off into incomprehensible phrases. Deep sorrow, regret, and fury once again to those who had done this to him, were all I could make out. Should I tell them? Where you really are right now? Maybe that would help them. Comfort them, especially poor Yukiko-san. She had loved Shinichi so much, and he was her only child. His dad was stronger, but I doubt he could handle the death of his son. I don't know. I'll tell what to do once I see them, because I don't know right from wrong here. Then let me go now, I offered. They said they'd be there all day. And I'll just go back and tell Kazuha-chan that I want to leave for today. That sounds okay. His voice called an end to this particular conversation. Dealing with his parents, who would never see him alive again. And he would have to watch. See them break down in tears, torn apart by his death. I wondered what my parents would do. If my dad wasn't drunk of course. I reentered the crime scene, and told Kazuha-chan I was leaving. "Before you leave, here's my number and the hotel we're staying at for the time being. It'll be useful to stay in touch." She handed me a slip of paper with the address. "We might be here for a while, come and visit if you feel down. I'll try to help cheer you up!" I liked Kazuha-chan. She was really sweet and kind. I bet that we would become great friends soon. On the taxi ride to the funeral home, Shinichi was still silent, but was having vivid images of his parents breaking down and crying, hurt, and confused. I didn't want to interrupt his thoughts, no matter how bad they made him feel. They were necessary, he needed to deal with this problem. When I entered the door, I saw the open coffin, and his parents standing next to it. I couldn't see their faces, but Yukiko-san was shaking, and Yusaku-san was hugging her tightly. They were dressed in black, the color for grieving. "Yukiko-san, Yusaku-san," I called to them. They looked away, and stared at me. Yukiko's lips seemed to say the words 'Ran-chan' but they were too quiet for me to hear. "Ran-kun," Yusaku-san addressed me. "You're early. We didn't expect you until later." There were no words. Nothing to say. "Are you okay?" "No." He shook his head, and I saw tears watering up in his eyes. "I'm not. I lost my son, how could I be okay?" Dad… Shinichi almost sounded as if he was crying too. His voice was thick, and caught in his throat. I'm so sorry. Would you like me to tell them? I asked. It would definitely ease their pain. But you don't have to, not at all if you don't want too. I want to, and that's the problem, Ran. I don't think anyone is supposed to know I'm here but you. It's bad enough that you'll be in danger from chasing the knowledge I tell you. I don't want to involve my parents, but I want to tell them not to cry. That I'm still happy, in a way. "At least he went to a good place." It was the best I could think of. Yusaku-san laid his hand on my shoulder, and patted it gently. "That much, I'm happy with." A smile was on his face, but tears were starting to roll down his eyes. "Ran-kun," he started. "Just to let you know, the funeral's tomorrow morning. Shinichi didn't really have a favorite time of day." Not really, just whenever a crime just happened to occur, Shinichi agreed. It feels weird, coming to the funeral home to arrange my funeral. "Do you need my help for anything?" I offered. "No." It was Yukiko-san who answered. "We have everything we need. My poor Shin-chan, why did this have to happen…?" "Ran-kun." Shinichi's dad pulled me away for a second. "You were at the crime scene this morning, right? Did they find any suspects or anything?" "Nothing, not even the cause of death." I felt so bad about lying. I knew everything that Shinichi had told me, but if I were to say that, I would give him away. "Okay." He looked disappointed. "Just tell me you find anything, okay?" I nodded, and left. His words were obviously a good-bye. So Shinichi, how do you feel now? Worse, much, much worse. Can I have some more time to myself? I need to think. Lies, deceit, grief… My lies were hurting people, who would definitely be comforted by the truth. But what to do? Chapter 7: Chapter 7Chapter 7 Shiho's POV *Author's Note: As I mentioned in my profile, this is the first chapter told by Shiho (Ai Haibara). Please read and review this chapter if you like it!* A newspaper was slammed on my desk, and I glared at the intruder. "Gin," I addressed him. "What're you doing here?" "Seems your poison worked, Sherry. Take a look at the headlines." The tall, blonde haired man pointed to a photo of the famous high school detective, Kudo Shinichi. And right above it, an announcement of his death. His murder to be exact. "It's easy to kill somebody with a poison," I snapped at him. "What would prove it works if is they can't find a cause of death." "Then, I suggest you turn on the TV, some officials are discussing it right now." He turned on the portable TV lying on my desk, and a reporter was interviewing the official in charge of the case and a dark skinned teenager. "Inspector Megure," the reporter started. "Have you figured anything out yet? Any suspects or clues?" "We have nothing," the inspector replied. "Not even a cause of death has been found. There is only one wound on the body, but medical experts say that it could not possibly have killed him. It's a very mysterious case, we've never seen anything like it at all." The reporter turned to the dark skinned boy, and asked for his opinion. "The famous Hattori Heiji, detective of the west. Have you been able to make anything out of this shocking murder?" "The last person known to be with him before death is currently stunned with grief. I'm pretty sure she can tell us something once she's better. However, with no cause of death, I believe that it might have been the work of poison. I don't remember when, but I read an article on a type of cell destruction called apotosis, which is programmed cell death. Of course, this is very hard to discover, because all the cells in the victim's body have already died, but it is the only plausible explanation I can think of." "That kid…" I mumbled, shocked. "How could he possibly know? The APTX 4869 did cause apotosis!" "Lucky guess." Gin pulled out a cigarette and lit it. His eyes glinted a dangerous icy shade, and he smiled. "It's more exciting this way. The closer he gets to the truth, the chances of him running into an 'accident' will increase dramatically. Imagine the high school detectives of the east and west both dying in unsolvable cases. It would become quite a headline." "Yes it would," I agreed with him. "But you came here to talk about something else, didn't you? Something of more importance." "Pretty good," he chuckled. "Your sister has made a deal with the boss." "Akemi did what?" I had always warned my sister of dealing with anyone of high ranking. It was dangerous, and if you said one wrong word… "If she can steal one billion yen from the bank, in two weeks time, both you and your sister will be free of this organization. If not, well, it'll look like our snipers will have a new target to shoot at." I jumped out of my seat, and shook Gin furiously, not thinking of the possible consequences. "No, I can't let that happen! Where is she? I need to go talk to her right now!" "Akemi?" His evil smile was back on his face again, the smile he usually saved for murder. "I believe she's here already. Looking for you?" Right on cue, my older sister came into my lab. "Shiho," she panted breathlessly. "I need to tell you something." She then caught sight of Gin, and showed visible recoil. My sister was afraid of him. "I'll leave now." He walked out of the open door. "Wouldn't want to interrupt your conversation." I could hear laughter from the hallway. That Gin… As soon as I was sure he was gone, I started screaming furious at Akemi. "How could you? You'll get killed! Even if you do succeed, they'll never let you go, and they'll especially be against letting me go. How many people have you seen walk away free?" Tears were watering up in my eyes, but I didn't want to wipe them away. "There's always a first, Shiho." She smiled at me. It was hard to believe that my sister was a thief, who had probably killed people along the way. She was just so pure and kind. "You shouldn't worry so much, it's my job as the older sister." "But I know more about this," I insisted. "Didn't you hear Gin? He's probably planning your death scene right now. And enjoying it. You've got to tell the boss that the deal is off, do you hear me? It's better to stay in the Organization and live then to escape half way and die!" "No," she answered firmly, pushing me away. Her blue eyes became ice like Gin's, and I was afraid. "I'm trying to get you out of this prison as best as I can without getting you killed. But as for me…" "What? What?" I didn't want to know her answer, I already knew it in my head. But I had to hear it, or else it wouldn't be true. "Have you heard that American phrase, 'Give me liberty or give me death'?" she asked calmly, as if this was no big deal. "You're committing suicide?" My voice got really high now, and she even backed away. "Stop this right now, for me?" My voice started becoming lower, and the tears came back. "Please Akemi, please." She patted me gently on the shoulder and then hugged me. "That is the one thing I won't do for you. I'm sorry Shiho, but I have to go now." I watched helplessly as my sister left, walking with the knowledge that she was walking into the arms of death. Akemi… I fell onto my knees, and cried. Chapter 8: Chapter 8Chapter 8 Shinichi's POV *I accidently spelled apoptosis wrong in the last chapter. Sorry!* The night had passed silently, and no matter how much I wished it wouldn't, the morning came. The morning of my funeral. Seeing my parents cry over my death again, seeing my friends grieve, watching people hurt because I died. I wanted to say the truth so badly, that I was inside of Ran, but, if just one person let out the word at the wrong place, Ran would be in danger, as well as the person who said it. I wasn't going to let anyone get hurt because of me. The alarm clock sounded, and Ran turned over and slammed the reset button. She yawned, got up, and stretched. Today's the day, Shinichi. Are you ready? As ready as I'll ever be. Do you have your black dress? Give me a moment to myself to change into it. I felt her blush a little bit, and I smiled. Don't peek. I won't, promise. Closing my eyes, or whatever I was seeing through, I relaxed for a couple minutes. I wondered who was coming, maybe my classmates, probably Inspector Megure, and a couple of others. Some of them would be able to get over it in a couple of days, others, maybe not for weeks. But they would be able to get on with their life, go to college, get a job, get married… All of which had been stolen from me. How could I have been so stupid to forget that the stocky man had had a companion? So many ways I could have evaded death; if I hadn't looked that way when the man walked into the alley, if I hadn't suspected him, if I hadn't followed him, if I had heard the footsteps of the man who came from behind me, so many ways. Shinichi! I'm finished! Ran stood in front of the mirror; but black didn't suit her very well. It was too dark, and a little bit too sinister for her. Really, Shinichi? I'm also a bit blackophobic right now. Who killed me? Two men dressed in black, that's who. There's something I'm really worried about. Ran's expression was very uncomfortable. I should be grieving over you, and crying endless tears at the funeral. But, you're still here, so I can't feel upset. And I'm a terrible actress when it comes to sad emotions. Could you possibly pretend that I'm not here? I suggested, after all, it would seem kind of weird how my best friend and supposedly girlfriend wasn't crying when I died. No, because if you're quiet, all I can think about is what you're thinking. If you're talking, I have to listen, I can't help it. Pretend you're still in a state of shock where you can't accept my death. Just don't smile, that would throw it off. Okay. My parents came by to pick Ran up in a long black hearse. Ran held a bouquet of white roses to lay by my coffin. My mother's eyes were red and puffy, and my father seemed no better. They didn't greet Ran, I guessed it was too hard for them to speak. They clung to each other, as if that was the only thing that kept them whole. My heard ached, to see my parents in such a pitiful state. When I had last seen them in America, my mother was all smiles, and my dad was full of pranks. There was no trace of their playful selves left. The funeral home came into sight, we got off the hearse, and we walked into the chamber where my body was. The black coffin was open, and as we walked closer, I saw my face, eyes closed as if I were sleeping, my face clean of blood, and my arms formed an X over my chest. Seeing myself dead, was just so strange. It was me, without me in myself. It sounds confusing, but, it's hard not to feel a little confused when you stare at your corpse. Ran lay her bouquet of roses next to my coffin, real tears running down her face as she looked at my pale, still face. You're dead, but you're alive. I guess I don't have to fake cry anymore, Shinichi. She stared back at the people who had came to grieve. A girl with light tea-brown hair came up to Ran and hugged her. Ran's best friend, Sonoko Suzuki. "Ran, are you okay?" Her eyes had tears in them, and they were also full of worry for her friend. "I'm so sorry." "You don't have to be sorry," she replied. "No one could have stopped him, except maybe me. If I had stopped him from running into that alleyway, then this would never have happened." "It's not your fault either, Ran." Sonoko gave her a tighter squeeze. "If there was a mystery to solve, then he wouldn't have let you stop him. You would have only been killed as well." Ran nodded, and wiped her eyes. She looked around, and I saw some of my other classmates, and surprisingly, Hattori Heiji and Kazuha Tooyama. They came up to her, and Hattori started talking. "Mouri," he started talking. "Did you see what happened on the interview with Inspector Megure and I yesterday? I think we have a new theory on how Kudo was killed. A poison that causes apoptosis." "Apoptosis?" Ran tilted her head to one side. Shinichi, do you know what apoptosis is? I think its programmed cell death. It occurs naturally, it's basically getting old. But it seems like a pretty good theory if it killed all the cells. As for the no trace left part, it would be because it would be normal for all my cells to die. "Apoptosis is a programmed cell death. In other words, it killed his cells. It wouldn't be like other poisons that kill by latching onto essential tissues and keeping them from performing vital functions." His expression reminded me of my own when I'd announce a seemingly random bit of trivia that was very important. A frown, mixed with confidence. "Who came up with the theory?" Ran asked. "I recently read an article about it, so I suggested it at the interview. It was the most probable theory, so that's the supposed cause of death at the moment. However, it would take a lot of money to create the poison, and a lot of trouble to hide it from public knowledge which leaves us with one kind of group. A mafia would be among the few capable of creating such a poison." "There was something I didn't say earlier," Ran started hesitantly. "I think I know who the primary suspects are. During the rollercoaster murder case, Shinichi had his eyes on these two men in black. And afterwards, when he left me, I caught a glimpse of one of them." "That helps." Hattori had a thoughtful expression on his face. "Can you describe them?" "One was a tall long-haired blonde, with blue eyes. The other was slightly shorter, stockier, and had black hair. Both were dressed completely in black." "I'll go tell Inspector Megure. I hope it wouldn't be considered rude if I left right now." He was looking in the direction of my parents. "Can I go with you?" Ran pleaded. "I want to tell him myself. And I can't stand another minute in here." The tears running down her face, and the sorrow and desperate need to get out that I could feel, showed she wasn't lying. "Tell his parents." He looked over at Kazuha. "Are you coming with us?" "I am." She started to cling to his arm again. "I don't like it here either, it's too sad for me." Ran explained her want to leave to my parents, and they nodded in acceptance. No words once again. This was good, within a day, they had figured out a likely cause of death, and narrowed down the types of criminals to a mafia. In other words, an organization. Ran, are you better yet? I questioned her. Now that you're talking again. It feels less lonely now. This would be the part of the story where the boy kisses the girl to comfort her. But, it was impossible. We were in love, with no method of showing it but words and thoughts. I wish it too, Shinichi. I felt what must have been a mental hug, and I returned it. Dying was so much more than losing your life. It's losing everything that came with it. My nonexistent tears ran down my face… Chapter 9: Chapter 9Chapter 9 Akemi's POV *I know the robbery actually took place way before Shinichi turned into Conan, but I'm putting it here to make it easier. Otherwise, Shiho's emotions wouldn't make sense, right?* I silently closed the door behind me. I could still hear my sister crying at what she must consider my betrayal. I leaned against the door, and remembered her words again. "Didn't you hear Gin? He's planning your death scene!" He face contorted with dread and fear. "What? What?" Now it was just plain anger, and she was crying, screaming the words at me, accusing me. "Please, for me?" Her voice was now merely a whisper, pleading. She closed her blue eyes, and tears ran down her face. I had left my little sister like that. Crying, sobbing, begging… I felt terrible. But it was all for her. If I could steal that money, then she could be free. Shiho deserved to live life to the fullest, not like a bird trapped in a cage, in a room where it could see the sky, with the knowledge that it couldn't fly into the open air. The boss had told me to come back if I changed my mind, or come back if my decision stayed the same. He would tell me where the robbery would take place, and assign me assistants. We would plan how to break in, steal what we needed to, and escape from the police. All would have to be planned perfectly; after all, any kind of failure meant death. It wasn't long before I reached the boss's room. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door. "Come in." The voice was icy cold and mechanic, frightening, and not very human. The chair in which he sat was turned to the back of the room as usual. Only the highest officials ever saw his face, or even knew his code name. The rest of us just called him 'The Boss'. "I'm going through with it." I spoke confidently, no weakness in front of the boss. "Tell me where and when, and I'll get started." "You know that if you fail, your sister will also be punished, right, Akemi?" He was also sadistic, asking questions that were meant to cause pain, instead of answering. And he never referred to anyone as their code name either. "Yes, I understand that. Which is why I won't fail." I meant it, and I swore on my life that I would not fail. That I would succeed, and save my sister. It was my duty, that my parents had secretly entrusted onto me. They had died here in the Organization, and I wasn't about to let Shiho do the same, whether it was sooner or later. If she was to die, she was to die free. "I have your assistants." I heard the snapping of fingers, and two men entered the room. "Your job is to rob the Teito bank of one billion yen. It will be an armed robbery, both cash and gold will be acceptable for me. It will take place in one week." "Have you secured us a getaway car?" I asked carefully. "This man right here has one." The smaller, stocky man stepped forward. "While he is part of the Black Organization, he works as a chauffeur. He will not be robbing the bank with you, he'll be waiting for you a little bit off. It is your job to escape to where he is waiting." "My car is a limousine, if you do your job right, no one will suspect the thieves would escape in such a noticeable car. But, if the mission in any way fails, I'm driving right off, no question asked." "I understand." I looked into his eyes; he was obviously hiding something, but what? There was fear, and maybe a slight feeling of guilt. Something's off here. "I will be assisting your robbery," The taller, muscular man spoke. "Boss, if you don't mind, may we leave to discuss and finalize the plans? That way, you won't have to listen to our pointless chatter." "By all means," the boss answered in a tone that was quite obviously a farewell. We all left the room, and headed for the department dedicated to robberies and related crimes. I unlocked my office room, and let the others in. "Would you two like some coffee or tea?" I offered. "Ah yes," the chauffeur answered. "Coffee with milk and sugar please." "I'll take the tea." The other man was quieter, and had a strange scary presence. "Give me one moment." I backed out of my office, and went to the coffee machine, where some other members of the Organization were discussing my sister's recent success with the poison. "Those police are so clueless," one chuckled. "That Sherry's a genius, there isn't even a way to confirm a cause of death with that poison." "Now that we know it works, we'll be able to use it much more often, and then there will many, many more unsolvable crimes." "Hey you!" One of them called to me. "Tell your sis congrats from us!" "No problem." I turned back the machine and prepared the coffee and tea. I chose coffee for myself, it always got me thinking, and I would need all the help that I could get here. Upon reentering my office, I found them already discussing the plan. "We'll need one 'ordinary citizen' among the two of us." It was the man who was to directly assist me in robbing the bank. "And maybe even the help of Vermouth. You know, in the disguise category?" "Vermouth?" If there was someone who scared me even more than the boss, it was his favorite, the female actress Sharon Vineyard, code name Vermouth. Master of disguise, she was also a cold-blooded killer, and there was even a rumor going around that she never aged. But, her help would be very useful. "You idea is that we where the disguises, and once the police lose sight of us during the getaway, we remove them and blend in with the crowd, right?" "Exactly," he sneered. "We just have to figure out how to get away. Should we each take a hostage and threaten to shoot if we're chased, and let them go once we're sure the police aren't hot on our trail, or something different?" "We'll do the hostage plan." My gears in my brain were starting to shift into place. Thieving was where I was brilliant, a genius. I'd never been caught. But that was hardly something to brag about, nobody here had ever been caught. Failure means death. One of the many mottos in this Organization. If you fail suicide, or someone else will take care of that job for you. "Hand me a blueprint of the bank," I gestured toward the papers they were holding. "I need to start seriously planning." In three days, we had already devised a nearly foolproof robbery plan. When we turned it into the boss, he approved of it. "You can start at anytime. The exact date planned before is not necessary." "Then, would we able to go the day after tomorrow?" I asked. "We'll scout the bank tomorrow, and have Vermouth work on disguising us that night." "I'll tell her." His tone was dismissive once again. As we turned around to leave, he said two more words. "Good luck." But the words had no sincerity in them. They sounded like a death sentence. Would I leave the robbery alive? It was a question for the future. Either way, I would just have to protect my sister. And hopefully, if I died, I would get a goodbye.

That sounds awesome. Even though the idea is slightly old, I think we should still do it.