Title: Black Butterfly
Fandom: Detective Conan
Theme: #27- Forgive without forgetting
Summary: An ominous-looking pollinator drifted across the room.
Length: 2854 words

Disclaimer: DC is not mine! I owe it all to the great Gosho Aoyama-sama. –bows-

THUD! BUMP! THUD!

"GAHH! Oww, my head!" Officer Satou began rubbing her head, particularly the area near her left temple, in hopes of alleviating the pain she just felt. And she could swear she just felt something lumpy on the collision spot.

"I'm sorry Miwako-chan. Apparently, potholes made by nature can become so steep and large nowadays," her mother said apologetically, with sarcasm trailing in her last statement.

"Are you sure it's not your driving? Forces of nature shouldn't be blamed in place of human error… " She somehow felt doubtful about the gargantuan pothole part. The only response that she got was a snicker, followed by a raised hand pointing in the stretch of road they had just passed. Satou turned her head around and decided to see for herself the alleged monster-sized pothole- and she went from doubtful to amazed in a matter of nanoseconds.

It IS huge. Its diameter, she estimated, was around the same size as the typical manholes that abound the city streets. In fact, it looked more like an abandoned quarrying project in the middle of the road rather than a measly pothole.

"You were saying?" Boy, does she hate it when her mom grins. Unfortunately for her, it's not rare a sight as it may seem; she had seen this expression on her mother's face every time they would have those 'get-married-already-if-you-don't-want-to-spend-the-rest-of-your-life-living-with-100-cats' lectures. It gets worse in the family reunions. All those pictures of 'eligible' bachelors; sometimes they even went as far as bringing over their 'recommendations' in the flesh! Ever since her Aunt Tsugumi took along that half-Japanese doctor on one of those gatherings, the theme seemed to change from requiem to hook-up party.

She cringed at the memories she desperately tried to forget. But looking on the bright side, she thought, "At least they can't harass me, now that I'm about to-"

Her ramblings were cut off short when she heard a cough obviously intended to catch her attention. Her mother was still waiting for her answer.



Admitting defeat, she envisioned herself raising a white flag of surrender in her mind. "Yeah, you're right. But be sure to get as far away as possible from that hole on our way back home. I want to enjoy my beauty sleep."

"All right, I will." The older of the two Satous couldn't help but smile. There are times when she regretted raising her child as a spoiled brat who got everything she wanted. Still, she grew up to be a strong and dedicated woman; and her stubbornness made their relationship more special. They always argued about the littlest of things (particularly her daughter's former lack of a marital status); that's how things have always been and she's happy with it.

"Are you ok?"

Satou had just realized that her left hand was still resting on her left temple. It was throbbing a little, but the pain was still tolerable.

"Yeah, just a little sore…"

The young officer silently cursed the innocent-looking pothole and whatever force of nature (or man for that matter) which had concocted such a pathetic attempt for a practical joke. There she was, on the way to visit her father's grave in a mountain on the outskirts of Tokyo, as it was her parent's 29th wedding anniversary. She was making up for lost sleep on the passenger seat (and secretly enjoying a dream which involves a certain someone whose first name rhymes with Kataru, a five-course dinner and Kaito Kid) when the car suddenly runs over a huge crater in the ground, jolting her into wakefulness. Darn, I just had to wake up when I'm about to climb the tree Kid was perched atop in…

Another thought popped up into her mind. Why did 'tou-san choose to be buried in this place anyway? He could've chosen a more convenient location somewhere in the city…She was just not in the right mood today. Oh yeah, I remember why! I asked mom about this one time. She told me that when I was still a preschooler, Dad would always tell her that when he dies, he wants to be buried in a cemetery situated in a mountain overlooking the city he had served for so long. He said that even if he died, he wants to watch over Beika City; he wants to continue his job even in the afterlife.

Her father's dedication and strong sense of justice are just two of the many things that influenced her to pursue a career in crime. She had always admired these traits of his from which she had drawn her strength from in life's most trying times.

Fifteen minutes after the migraine-inducing incident, the sleek black sedan slowly screeched to a halt, as it approached that all too familiar gothic style gate. It still looked as same as the last time she came to visit, with the occasional discoloration here and there. Looks like it got a new paint job too, Satou thought, as she began to examine it more closely.



The two ladies opened their respective car doors and took their first few steps on the dry soil surrounding the cemetery. "Miwa-chan? Can you get the paper bag in the back seat please?"

Satou nodded obediently. "Hai, kaa-san."

The young officer opened the car's rear door, leaned, and reached out her right hand to grab the bag resting comfortably on the back seat of the car. Inside were some incense, two white candles, a box of matches and a bouquet of white periwinkle; it all felt so damn nostalgic. It's been at least 2 years since she last visited her father's grave.

With the bag cradled in Satou's arms, the older of the two opened the black-and-gold gate. It made a loud creaking noise as it did, which served as enough proof of its age. The mother- daughter pair made their way through the maze of tombstones, markers and trees.

Left, right, left…straight ahead, past Miyamoto-something's grave…To Miwako's surprise, she could still remember the layout of the cemetery quite well.

Ahead of them lay the remains of the Satou household's former head of the family, marked above the ground by a beautiful marble tombstone. Underneath it was a worn-out yet somehow recognizable photo of the courageous officer, encased in a sturdy wooden frame.

Satou rested the bag beside her father's marker and proceeded to light both the incense and the two candles. On the other hand, her mother pulled out the bouquet of periwinkles and placed it gently in between the two candles. After which, the family of two kneeled down, clasped their fingers together and prayed.

Silence and the rosy scent of the burning incense enveloped them. Well, it was almost total silence, if you don't count the chirping of the bluebirds. It all felt so serene…so calm and peaceful. It was as if time has stopped running all of a sudden.

After around five minutes or so, the older of the two stood up. She bent to grab the almost empty paper bag and tapped her companion who still deep in meditation. "It's time to go now," she beckoned.

Snapped out of her thoughts, the contemplative daughter responded, "Can I stay a little longer? It's been a long time since I last visited dad you know…and I have some unfinished business to take care of."

"Suit yourself then. I'll wait for you in the car then. Ok dear?"

Satou nodded as she watched her mom slowly disappear amidst the seemingly endless markers. She then looked back at the object of her previous contemplation. She read to herself the intricately etched epitaph.

Satou, Masayoshi

Died in the line of service

He shall forever be remembered.

"Konnichiwa, 'tousan! Long time no see!" Miwako smiled. She can't deny how much she missed 'talking' to her dead father. "It's been a while. Scratch that. It's been 2 years! I'm sorry I haven't visited you for such a long time…," Her eyes looked at the ground apologetically.

"It's just that works been wearing me down lately. You should know very well that crime never sleeps…although it does take naps occasionally." She chuckled a bit at her own joke. "So, did you like the flowers? I picked them myself. And they're not just ordinary flowers! They're white periwinkles, which symbolize memories of pleasure. I may not have much memories spent with you, but that's not really what matters does it?"

A gentle breeze blew past her, making her shudder. She pulled her jacket a little, to cover more of her bare arm. "Anyways, no more fooling around. One of the main reasons why I came here today is to tell you something that I'm sure you'll be happy about!" Satou took on a deep breath, and then continued. "Dad, I'm getting married this weekend."

She took another deep breath. "I know this is all too sudden. Two years ago, I came here telling you about how I almost shot that Tokyo bomber guy. I let my emotions take over me…and it can't be helped. I'm pretty sure anyone who faces a situation the same as mine would have done the same thing…well, almost everyone."

"It's just that the guy really knew how to get on my nerves. He was a merciless killer, psychopathic, even. He already took away Matsuda-kun's life…" Her expression shifted to a grim one. "But it didn't stop there. He injured Shiratori-san, attempted to kill my partner twice using the same method he used to kill Matsuda and even dared to send Teitan High into a fiery explosion. And all of this happened just because of a misleading comment from a news reporter. I'm pretty sure that you and Matsuda are laughing at me right now ne?"

The air was still and silent again. So silent, you could hear a pin drop.

"But despite that, there was this person who kept me going...I can always rely on him whenever I feel down. It was because of him that I was convinced to forgive that bastard. But not forget him, that's a completely different concept. And that's why I agreed without hesitation when he finally popped the question…" Satou could feel her cheeks rising in temperature. She raised her right hand and smiled as the silver ring glimmered in the sunlight.

"That's right. The person I'm going to get married to is none other than my partner, Wataru Takagi-kun. To say no would be such a huge mistake. Out of all the guys I have come across with, he was the only one who stood out. He can be a bit awkward at times, and overly shy as 

well. He's not really the most competitive man either. Shiratori could easily whizz through the ranks compared to him. But he DEFINTELY has a lot more good points than bad ones. He's a reliable person; he's always there no matter what happens. He's smart, sympathetic, determined, loyal…and sweet too!" The bride-to-be started to imagine how severe the redness of her face was that moment.

"I think he looks really cute when he blushes over the littlest of things. Did I mention how greatly he handles kids? Seeing him with Conan and the rest of their gang had always reminded me of how good a father he would be someday…he may not be aware of it, but Takagi-kun made such a huge impact on me. He turned my life around for the better."

Satou took a peek at her watch; her eyes widened when she realized how much time she had spent contemplating and quickly turned around towards the cemetery entrance. She bade her farewell as she made her mad dash, "Ja matta ne! Take care of yourself wherever you may be! And tell Matsuda-kun I said hi!"

Overhead, a black butterfly hovered by. It seemed to be watching over something…

--

Meanwhile, the day wasn't so rejuvenating for the vast majority of the population. In fact, it was far from that. Down at the MPD, it was just a typical day at the office; some of Metro's finest were enjoying a cup of tea in the break room, others were questioning witnesses at the interrogation room. As for officer Wataru Takagi, he was busying himself with writing a report about the murder case that transpired the other day.

Leaning on his table with his head resting on his right hand, he continued to narrate the details of yet another revenge-motivated murder. Sometimes he can't help but wonder about how heartless these people could become; how their desperation overshadows their conscience and drives them to commit the inhumane act of ending someone else's life…it all seems to be so routine at times.

Oh yes, it was just another day in the life of a policeman.

At 11:57 PM, the body of Tatsuya Tateishi, an ex-gang member, was found in his home lying in a pool of blood by Nana Shibata, a convenience store cashier who claimed to be a close friend of the deceased. Beside the victim was an ordinary kitchen knife, which is believed to be-

"Eh?" The young officer thought that he noticed some movement at the corner of his eye. He looked up and saw a rather ominous looking black butterfly hovering overhead. Something about it made him feel very uneasy. How the heck did that thing get in here?

He looked at the windows behind him; they were closed shut. That's odd. There's no other way for it to get in here…unless it…Bewilderment and terror crossed his face. Denial was the only reasonable solution he could think of; fainting was definitely not an option. Images of possible outcomes flashed through his mind. They were not pretty sights. Nah, it can't be! That's absurd! He pinched the bridge of his nose to calm his unsettling nerves.

Think happy things; forget about the creepy, six-legged animal that is about to land on my shoulder…Realization slowly dawned. What the…ABOUT TO LAND ON MY SHOULDER?! #!

Takagi was on the verge of a senseless panic attack moment as the butterfly approached him. He placed one hand on a folder on his desk, ready to smack the poor critter if it got too close for comfort. However, it wasn't necessary, as his anxiety faded instantly when the creature rested on his shoulder. Calmness surrounded him all of a sudden. Everything around him felt so surreal.

He closed his eyes, for some unknown reason. His instincts have told him to do so; it felt very appropriate. After a second or two, he opened them again; and saw an image of a middle-aged man overlap the dark-hued arthropod. Thank you, the reflection said. It was loud and clear. He blinked once, and just like that, the man was gone; only the insect remained.

Did that, err, man just say 'thank you?' I wonder why…I've never even met that guy in my life! …although his face does seem somewhat familiar. It was as though he'd seen those facial features somewhere before. There's no doubt about it. Now if only he could remember where exactly that place was…

He didn't have to think long enough though; the six-legged critter appeared to have read his every thought. It flew around gracefully, flapping its fragile wings with smooth rhythm. It began its slow descent and landed on one of the nearby vacant desks. It wasn't just any old desk; it was his partner's/fiancés.

The butterfly stopped right in front of a photo which was, if he remembered correctly, one of the very few 'complete' family portraits the Satou family had. He'd catch her gazing intently at the portrait countless times, whenever he'd have one those stolen glances every so often…

Wait a second. That guy…was it really him? Realization started to sink in the young detective. Seeing that its work was done, the butterfly began to fade away; it was such a beautiful sight, it dissolved through the air as though it were made up of specks of dust.

Officer Takagi quickly pulled himself together and decided to appease his curiosity. He stood up and made his way towards Satou's desk. He took a glance at the portrait; and his suspicions were laid to rest.

"Takagi-san? Are you all right? You look a little pale…"

Takagi nearly jumped in surprise. Oh yeah, Chiba's still here. How could I forget,

"No, I'm fine, really." He tried to look as convincing as he could possibly be.

However, Chiba saw through his mask easily. "Whatever you say...Just a little advice though. You may want to get as far away from Satou-san desk as you can. You don't want your wedding day to be postponed because of any, err, uneventful circumstances now do you?"

The Kamen Yaiba fanatic stood up from his reclining position and patted his friend on the back.

"Of course not," the young officer responded, ruffling his comrades hair in the process. "Not if you don't tell them…"

Teasing and laughter echoed in the MPD first division office, as the two officers set aside their narratives for a well-deserved break. Amidst the bliss, Takagi muttered silently. "You're welcome, Mister Masayoshi-san. It's my pleasure."

So yes, chapter 2 is finally up! I tried my best to get into as much detail as I could, although I'm not so sure if it worked. You decide! Please r&r, as I highly appreciate it. (:

I have no idea as to what the name of Satou's mother is, which really tested my lack of creativity. If anyone knows it, I'd be very happy.

Anyways, I finally got the Takagi to propose! Well, in my imagination, but that's not the point. Keep on reading! Adieu!