Disclaimer; I do not own Case Close or any of its characters! Only C!
The Start of Something New
Tokyo, Japan. 1:30 am
Home of the Mishima Family.
The maid had just finished the last of the laundry. Placing them on the right table, she switched off the light and was ready to go to bed. It had been a long day and the effects of the quiet night were starting to take effect. The eldest grandson, of the Governor of Tokyo had just celebrated his ninth birthday. The place had been a mess with kids, elder (respected) government officials, and birthday cake. Now that everyone was home and the three kids (counting the birthday-boy) were all fast asleep.
The parents had left for a quiet, midnight dinner, as they were confident the servants could watch the place and the sleeping angels, in peace. However, as the maid was about to lock the door, she felt a cold breeze coming from the hallway.
Was a window open? She was sure that all of them were closed! How and why one was left open at this hour was confusing. Granted; it had been a crazy day and it was possible that it could have been forgotten. So, without further due, she strutted down the wooden hallway and entered the living room. As she suspected, the far right window was wide open. Too tired to think of the reason, she walked over to it and closed it. Lifting the lock over its hinge, the maid went to check on the children; to make sure she wasn't being pranked on. Bless their hearts; they could be sweet, but damn. Children will always be children. Two boys and one girl. Now she wished she could be out drinking instead of their parents!
"Eddie? Cindy? Adam? You better be asleep when I come in!" The maid accused, yet in a quiet-like tone. Entering the boy's room; since they shared one and they loved the 'Demonic Duo' tittle, she was grateful for the silence and not any more 'jump-scare' pranks from them. But… upon further inspection she noticed that both beds were empty. Empty!
Gasping, she quickly ran to Cindy's room, hoping they were just playing around. But no! As soon as the maid opened the only daughter's room, she was gone too! Wide awake now, the maid began to panic and then her eye's caught something. A piece of paper lay folded on Cindy's bed. Picking it up with trembling hands, she unfolded it to read the message inside.
We have your children. Wait for further instructions.
In full blown panic now, the maid let loose a shrill, waking up the rest of the household. Unbeknownst to the people inside that were now scuffling around to find the kids, a man wearing all black, sitting in his black car, smirked from across the far street of the neighborhood. Watching the scene with his binoculars as he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. When the other end picked up he replied; "They know. Proceed to phase two."
Six days later.
Conan Edogawa (aka Jimmy Kudo) sat on the hard recliner of his girlfriend's apartment home, while watching the TV. The news anchors were currently speaking about the kidnapping of the Governor's grandchildren. He wanted to help but he, along with Rachel and her father, Richard Moore had been told to 'back off' by Tokyo's Police Department until further notice.
"Man! I can't believe this!" Richard complained as he chugged down another can of beer while sitting at his desk. He too wasn't happy about being told to 'back off' from a case that he could help; if not up his celebrity status as the Sleeping Sleuth. "I should be out there and this case would be solved in no time! But Meguire has me pinned down like a moth on the board!"
Don't you mean butterfly, old man? Jimmy thought and gave the slightly drunk PI a sideways glare before returning to the screen. Though he couldn't really blame the guy. As a detective himself, Jimmy wanted to go out and solve this case too. There wasn't a lick of sense to the kidnappings either! Only one note that read; Wait for further instructions. That's it. What kind of note is that? Was it ransom or something else? The more he thought about this, the more his brain would itch. But just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, the sound of the apartment door being opened pulled both of their eyes from the TV.
"I'm home!" Rachel smiled as she walked in with a few bags of groceries. She had said she was going shopping after she got fed up with all the 'male drama' about the current case her father was solving. Though she loved Conan like a little brother, he too had gone distant and quiet about the whole kidnapping ordeal. She knew he was smart and perhaps afraid for those kids too; for he proved to be a selfless child at his age; but after almost a year, she learned he could be just as lame into cases as her father currently was. Perhaps living with them and taking 'privet lessons' from Jimmy didn't help any either. For she never saw Jimmy's face again since the Park incident, he would always call her or find Conan gone for an hour only to return about something Jimmy had told him. It was getting old really fast. She wanted to see Jimmy! But for now, she could tolerate his distance as long as the runt was keeping her smiling.
"Great! When's dinner?" Her father asked smugly as he tossed away another empty can of beer.
"In an hour, I guess," She sighed and headed for the kitchen. Noticing her cool and somewhat depressed tone, Jimmy/Conan jumped off the recliner to follow her.
"Are you okay, Rachel?" He asked, truly concerned about her.
"I'm fine, Conan. Really," She said, but he saw the way she was slowly unpacking, like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. "Thanks for asking."
Man. I hate to see you upset. He thought as he tried to think of something to cheer her up. Then an idea came. Though he knew the fault of her depression was mostly on him, he wasn't going to stand around and let it continue. "Hey, Rachel! Did you know that Koala's can sleep for twenty two hours a day?"
"Really? Twenty two hours a day, hu? I wonder how they squeeze the rest of their time in." She started to smile some as he tipped his head slightly to the side, gaining that 'cute child look' she always loved about him. "Why the sudden interest in koalas?"
"Well, since your dad is known as the Sleeping Sleuth, I figured that if he ever gets a raise he could be known as Inspector Koala!"
"I heard that!" The said Sleuth growled from his office table as the two began to giggle and laugh to each other.
"I'm not sure about that, Conan," Rachel managed between each giggle as she bent down to his level and whispered. "He's not very cuddly as a koala and he doesn't eat leaves. Although, I'll praise the day when he starts eating healthy!"
"I heard that too!" Richard barked out as the two young hyenas began laughing again. Before he could come up with a counter, his phone went off. Straightening his jacket out (as if he could be seen from the other side of the phone) he picked it up and stated his usual tittle. "Detective Richard Moore here! How can I – Oh! Inspector! It's about time! Am I finally - ?"
Jimmy and Rachel could both hear the fierce interruption of Inspector Joseph Meguire but couldn't make any details. They could only see that Richard's face was growing confused yet serious at the same time as he continued to reply with "Yes" and "I gotcha," and then finally "We'll be there soon." After he hung up he turned to his daughter and the kid rather calmly.
"What is it, dad?" Rachel asked calmly as she had learned to recognize a moment when it became serious with him.
"You better make it a fast dinner, Rachel," The PI said as he pulled out a cigarette and his lighter. "Seems like they need me on this case after all."
"You mean the one with the Governor's grandchildren being kidnapped?" Conan asked out of habit.
"Ya," The old man rubbed at his mustache as he took a puff in and let out a steam of smoke from his mouth. "Apparently, there's more to this case then they think we can handle."
"What do you mean?" Rachel asked, sounding confused. "You've always been able to help solve cases for the Metropolitan. What's changed?"
"Meguire will explain the details once we head over to the airport in one hour," He said as he folded his arms over his chest and began to mope.
"The airport? Why are we going there?" Rachel asked again as she and Conan now looked even more confused.
"Something about getting 'extra assistance' in this case," Richard huffed out as he glared out the window. "Since when did cases turn international?"
International? As in; someone out of Japan is coming here to help in this case? Jimmy thought, now even more concerned as to why the situation had escalated up to this point. And why is Inspector Meguire allowing this? Something is up.
Rachel felt confused to, but once her father got that 'look' she couldn't argue anymore. So, as instructed, she made a quick and filling dinner before they dressed and headed out the door for Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Along the way, Richard's vehicle was flashed behind them by Meguire's car. Apparently, the guy wanted a word before proceeding. Pulling over to the side, so as to let other passing vehicles by, Richard, Rachel, and Conan all got out to meet the old officer.
"Just so you know, I'm against this as well," He said in his deep and rough voice while straightening his light brown hat and coat. "But I didn't have much choice. The Governor's brother wanted to make this a 'private' and 'fast' transaction."
"Transaction?" Richard asked as he and the other two also looked skeptic. "We're not smuggling foreigners now, are we?"
"No. It's more like she was hired and Mr. Omashu thinks very highly of her and believes she can help," The Inspector said coolly.
"Mr. Omashu? Oh, ya! He's the half-brother of the Governor, right?" Richard asked as Rachel and Conan both rolled their eyes at him.
"As usual, your deductions are right on," Meguire sighed as he placed his hands in his pockets.
"But a she? Is she some detective from Europe or something?" Richard pondered and then saw how Meguire was tensing up.
"From North America," He rumbled out and all three of them gaped at him. "Mr. Omashu was in New York City when he found out about the kids being taken. He's rather close with the family too and was trying to ask for help," When he wasn't interrupted again, he continued, "Apparently, whoever took the kids also had an agent there too. Almost shot him in broad daylight, making it look like a street-war had gone on. But this woman had jumped between them and took out the gunman." Meguire pulled out a picture and showed it to the three.
"What's this? Some sort of joke? Her image is hardly showing!" Richard accused as he looked into the New York scenery as some woman dressed in black appeared to be a ghost; standing in front of Mr. Omashu protectively.
"Believe it or not, this picture is legit," Meguire said as Richard was starting to become upset.
"She kinda looks familiar," Rachel pondered as she searched her memories of why this woman was ringing bells behind her eyes. "Oh! New York! The Ghost of Revenge!"
"The what now?" Richard asked as Jimmy/Conan also looked confused.
"Serena and I were reading an article a few weeks ago about this woman that saves people in the streets of New York, New York," Rachel explained as the rest looked rather skeptic yet interested; except for Meguire who remained tight lipped. "I thought it was just some hoax and Serena was making fun of her style, but… I did some internet research on her and read how she stopped a terrorist at a TV station."
"So then why is her image like this?" Richard asked, already more than half annoyed that his daughter was getting in on this.
"Because… people say she isn't all human," Rachel spoke in a small tone as her father quirked a brow at her. "Half-vampire."
Once that left her mouth, she immediately regretted it as both Richard and Conan burst into laughter. Oh, why did Conan have to join in on her misery? It was bad enough that she had to suffer her dad's reasoning's, but him too? He's just a kid! He should find this stuff interesting, if not cool!
"That's the biggest load of bull I've ever heard!" Richard breathed out once he was able to control himself. "Half-vampire my ass! I bet she's just another weirdo that gets into all that Gothic crap! I mean look at her! The outfit speaks for itself! Sorry Inspector, but you've been played! I bet this things been photo-shopped!"
"Personally I don't care what she is," Meguire huffed. "All I know is what Mr. Omashu told me and what my team could dig up on her. Rest assured, none of it is pleasant. She's got a bad attitude and a reputation for losing her temper. But she's good at finding people; especially kids. Mr. Omashu trusts in her abilities, so we have the privilege of helping her go undercover."
"We?" Richard's expression grew hard as the inspector nodded at him coolly.
"Yes. She's arriving in his private plane and they'll be landing in less than an hour. Our job is to introduce her as an Exchange Student," He said and pocketed the picture. "Her name, as far as we know, is C. Like the letter. She'll be staying with you guys for the time being. Mr. Omashu has agreed that we keep her monitored at all times. What better way than having the famous Richard Moore watch her ass?" The PI frowned but said nothing else. "I'll be checking in every now and then too. Keep tabs on her and report to me immediately if she becomes a problem."
"Um, Sir? Who's that guy in the back of your car?" Conan asked as he finally pointed out to the young man, looking a little uncomfortable in the back seat. Next to him was a black briefcase which he was holding very tightly by the handle as if something would fall out.
"He's from a local pharmacy," Meguire said, "Mr. Omashu asked for something specific as it would be for C while she stays here."
"Like what exactly?" Richard asked, looking rather irritated. "She's not a druggy. Is she?"
"Is she injured?" Conan asked which made all of them turn to him in wonder.
"Not that I know of, but don't worry," Meguire straightened himself out, "I was told she likes kids."
"Like for lunch or dinner?" Richard joked in a mono tone of sarcasm.
"Dad!" Rachel gaped at him as Jimmy/Conan rolled his eyes behind those thick glasses on his face.
"Well, let's make tracks already," The inspector turned back to his car and opened the driver's door, "The plane will be landing soon and Mr. Omashu wants us to meet them there right away."
Still feeling lost and confused in this whole mess, the trio got back into the car and started down the road again. Lost in their own thoughts the ride turned out to be quiet and a bit unnerving. Instead of helping in on the biggest case of the year, they were playing 'chaperon' to some big city vigilante. She looked intimidating too. Jimmy thought as the car pulled into the very busy parking lot of the Airport. C. Is that a code name? And what's with the play about being half-vampire? Is it a scam for scaring people or just making herself feel big? Could be both.
Just as soon as they stepped out, Meguire and the pharmacist weren't too far behind. Following up the rear, Jimmy watched as the poor guys face turned from skittish to fearful. What's his problem? Is he just nervous about meeting a so called vampire girl? Perhaps that's what's in that case too. Blood for the half vamp-girl. Jimmy smirked in thought. What a gag! This person must have truly earned her reputation to convince others that she was some fairytale creature.
However, Jimmy's smirk began to fade when he saw law enforcement surrounding the place like flies. Though it was perhaps for the protection of the Governor's brother, they were also dressed like the place would soon become a war zone. Bullet proof vests and heavily made pistols! Wow! Talk about security!
"Here they come," Meguire pointed out a couple coming down a hallway. One was an elderly man with dark eyes that had seen too much grief. His grey overcoat trailed down to his heels as his dark hat sat above his head. And he was being followed, not just by two of his personal guards; but the most Gothic looking woman Jimmy had ever seen!
She was tall. Considering the thick black boots she wore, along with a black coat that hugged her hourglass frame nicely. Along with black pants, top, and a chain for a belt, he looked higher to see her face. Her eyes were hidden behind thick black sunglasses and her lips were also painted a glossy black. Her black hair was supported up in a spiky fashion by two sticks. Her skin was awfully pale as her neck dawned a spiky choker. A classic fashion for someone like her. Jimmy thought but it was the way she walked that made him nervous. As her boots stomped the ground slowly he could tell her movement mimicked that of a stalking cat; as if ready to pounce at any given moment. She also strode in with confidence, and the smirk she made when he knew she was looking at them, made him down right uncomfortable. She even reached into her pocket and pulled out, what it looked like, was a sucker! A tootsie pop to be exact, and she unwrapped it and plopped it in her mouth without a second thought. For a second, Jimmy saw a flash of her white teeth, and something else from her upper jaws. But he ignored it as the 'grown ups' started talking.
"Mr. Shawn Omashu. We're glad you're safe," Inspector Meguire expressed in a professional way, and then he turned to the woman. "We trust the trip home was – safe?"
"Yes. Very much so. Thank you, Inspector," Mr. Omashu bowed his head at him and then gestured a hand to the dark woman. "And this is Dampire C. I asked her if she could help in this – scuffle we're in and she agreed. Please. Make her feel welcomed and help her in any way you can."
"Of course. But first, there are a few rules we have to go over," Meguire spoke calmly as the woman in question raised an eyebrow at him and her smile grew, making Jimmy's spine shiver. There was just something about her that set him off! "First. You will be disarmed. Any weapons, and I do mean any weapons on you will be turned over to me. Now."
The tone he used gave no room for argument, and the small group watched with tense emotion as the old Inspector and this woman got into a staring contest. When she moved her sunglasses down her nose some, Jimmy was fascinated at how bright her hazel eyes could be in the setting sun.
"Very well," She spoke in a smooth, feminine tone that he wasn't sure he would trust just yet. She removed her overcoat and handed it to one of Mr. Omashu's guards and started undoing the double gun holsters from her hips.
Wow! She knows how to pack it! Jimmy observed in shock as she continued to pull out the two guns, several knives from her boots, and even a short katana with a white band and a cross on its handle that was strapped on her back. Is she a one woman army or what!?
"That's it," She shrugged at Meguire as he put all of her weapons in a box that was set beside him.
"They'll be kept safe during your stay and returned to you when you leave," Meguire stated calmly as she took her coat back and Jimmy couldn't help but eye the punk, fingerless, gloves she wore along with her black nail polish. Is there any other color this girl likes?!
Blue.
HU!? What was that!? Jimmy froze as he felt a cold breeze run through the top of his temple and the voice that came with it was just as feminine as the woman before him. He could have sworn… No. No. No! That's impossible! There's just no way! It's late! That's it! I must be tired from all this excitement!
"Conan? Are you okay?" Rachel asked, noticing his twitchy and nervous movements.
"Oh! Ya! I'm fine!" He reassured in a happy tone and rubbed the back of his neck.
"It must be past his bedtime," The woman called C said, turning their gaze to her. When she winked at him, he swallowed. Sure she was pretty. Pretty dangerous! Oh boy!
When she grinned down at him (besides the stick of the sucker in her mouth) he couldn't help but gawk at those white stones of hers. They were white, white. And, for a moment he thought he saw one of them sharp and pointy.
"Also, while you are here there will be no killing allowed," Meguire had continued to drill her, even though those bright eyes of hers were locked on Jimmy's. "I mean it too! Even if the suspect is as fowl as the dirt they walk on, you are not to kill them! Or so help me God I'll have you booted out of this country so fast you'd think it was a habit!"
"I understand, Inspector," C said smoothly, yet kept her smile. "After all, I am a foreigner. Don't want to be a lousy guest."
"I'll bet," Richard drawled out as he put his fists in his pockets while drawing the attention of the strange woman to him.
"This is Detective Richard Moore and his daughter Rachel along with Conan; a long time resident," Meguire pointed them out calmly, "You'll be staying with them for the time being. Acting like an exchange student and only investigating when we need you. But may I remind you that any slip ups you make will be reported right to me immediately if Richard finds any! Got it?"
"Inspector, please," Mr. Omashu raised both hands in defense for the woman, which she only responded with an irritated glare. "She knows why she's here. She won't cause any unnecessary trouble. I promise you. She saved my life after all. She's saved many lives where she's from. Despite what the News has ridiculed against her, I believe she is a being with honor."
"Your too kind, Senator," C said but she sounded tired and a little grateful, despite the coldness she tried to put in. The man turned to her and put both hands on her shoulders, which everyone else found this to be surprising.
"You must search for that kindness within yourself as well," The man said calmly and with a gentile smile, "Despite what you believe yourself to be, you hold a kind heart. Use it more often and I promise the rewards won't be disappointing."
Jimmy watched in fascination as the woman in black almost looked sad before she returned the smile and gave Mr. Omashu a small bow of her head. "Thank you for coming. I know things will be different here than New York, but you only have to ask if you need it." He then waved over at the young pharmacist who quickly picked up the black briefcase and handed it over to the woman, like she would bit him at any moment. "All that you need is in here. Call if you need anything else. Alright?"
"I shall. Thank you," C bowed again before Mr. Omashu bid good night to everyone else and was escorted to his car.
"Well, now that that little show is over, let's get going and start the case already!" Richard pressed but his daughter slapped him on the shoulder for his rudeness.
"Dad! She just flew thousands of miles to get here! I'm sure she would like a bath and some time to rest, you know!" Rachel barked at him as he groaned at her in return before rubbing his abused shoulder. "I'm sorry about him," Rachel bowed to the woman in black and straightened to smile back at her. "He can be… over ambitious, but you learn to love him. Welcome to Tokyo!"
"Thank you. I'm sure I will," She smiled back with those black lips of hers. "And I'm sure the little man here won't mind an extra roomie either?"
"Na! Conan is cool with it," Rachel spoke up for him before he could get a say in. "Right, Conan?"
"Uh, ya!" Jimmy replied happily but then trembled inside. "So, you're from New York? I hear they got the best hot dogs in the country!"
"Among other things," C smirked down at him as she turned to her new hosts. "But I'm sure to love the menu here too. My taste buds are quit universal."
"I'll bet," Richard groaned moodily (again) before turning his back to the scene and heading for the car. "Come on, team. It's getting late and I'd like to be home before the traffic gets any worse. Not like you're not used to such things, right C?"
"I've done my research," She said as she followed up the rear as everyone dispersed, but not before she noticed Inspector Meguire giving the 'stink eye' to Richard and he returned it with a 'thumbs up' as they headed for the parking lot. "New York traffic is not so different from Tokyo's. That is, if you know what streets to avoid."
"Ya, sure. Fall in so we can go already!" He hassled as he pulled out the keys and unlocked the doors. To Jimmy's horror, he would have to share the back seat with C. He tried not to feel nervous or even look skittish, but there was just no avoiding that 'bad' vibe from her! She was trouble! He could feel it! How on earth was this woman going to help solve this case if she kept giving him the heebie-jeebies!
The ride back to the apartment was anything but pleasant. Especially since Richard kept staring back into his rear-view mirror in confusion. What was he seeing that was putting him off? Was it the woman? After Jimmy heard him mutter "Shouldn't have had that half a pack of beer," he concluded it was just his vision. Honestly, it's a miracle how this man still kept his license as both a detective and a driver!
Miracle? Or luck?
T-That voice again!? What is going on with me!? Jimmy whipped his head from side to side, almost losing his glasses in search for the source of this voice.
"Hey, you okay little man?" The woman next to him laid a hand on his small shoulder and then helped to readjust the glasses on his face. "You don't look so good."
"Conan?" Rachel looked from her passenger seat to find out what was going on with her young friend.
"I'm fine! Really! I guess I'm just really tired is all!" The boy giggled nervously, but as he fooled the other two, the woman next to him looked doubtful. Just turn away! Stop staring at me please! I'm fine! I am fine!
"Hmm," She hummed in her dark tone and then turned those eyes of hers back to the window.
Blowing out a stream of air that he had been holding in, he suddenly noticed how his small body was aching for rest. Was it really just stress? Being so worked up over nothing that his own mind was building its own consciousness? He had been a kid for a long time but it never affected him like this! Maybe the Doc could help him? In the meantime, there were still other things to maul over. Like the case they were soon to start on tomorrow. Sure they had agreed to help this woman, so that she could help them solve it faster, but still… How can he focus when the very presents of this C is shattering his self-control?
Well, bed first and then breakfast should help clear my mind. There's nothing else you can do except go along with it, Kudo. Like you always do.
Kudo?
Slapping his face to try and redirect his thoughts again from this so called 'conscience,' he pushed away any other thought for now to try and relax. Though he didn't see it, this woman in black was eying him rather curiously from under her sunglasses. Whatever was going to happen next in this case was sure going to be interesting!
Hello everyone! I'm back with a new story! Well, this story is an event that occurred between C's time in New York 'before' she reunites with Dracula. And no he won't be in this. Nor with Vi or Harley either. I'll have some other important characters in here though.
So, what do you think? This story is for my little sis, (like I said in my last one) so you don't have to comment if you don't. But REVIEW if you do! Awesome and inspiration is what keeps me going! Anyway, this seems to be getting interesting, even from my point of view! : o Well, see you all soon and hope you continue to enjoy my stories!
Love to all; BR2
PS, sry for any mistypes I've made! I posted really late! Also for the names under the story; I'm used to hearing the English versions; so I'm sticking with them!
