N: Hello! Sorry it's been a while. I've been wanting to update but my beloved laptop got broken (I can't access my notes for this fic either!). Thanks to my mother's laptop, here is a new chapter. It's quite long and eventful so I hope it was worth another long wait. Enjoy!
The children were busy scribbling on their forms in English class. Rin was walking around the room to help the children with some questions regarding the forms. Mitsuhiko and Ayumi were teasing Genta about his weight and Conan was busy conjuring personalities for his parents. He looked to Ai with some concern but he was surprised that she was silently filling up her form.
'The stamp pad is currently being passed around.', announced Rin. 'Please do not play with it. One neat thumb print is enough. The neatest thumb print will get a prize from me.', she added with a smile.
So this is why we're doing this activity, thought Ai. She quickly turned her gaze to Conan who was still busy writing up family information. The stamp pad reached Ayumi and Mitsuhiko was teaching her the proper way to make a thumb print. 'To one side and gently roll your thumb over.', advised Mitsuhiko. Genta did the same. Conan was finally done with his and he finished it up with his print. Rin asked them to pass their forms and Ai quickly grabbed Conan's paper. She smudged his print with hers before passing it to Rin.
'What did you write down?', Conan whispered to Ai. 'My aunt's information of course.', she simply replied. Upon hearing this, Genta and the others joined in. 'What does your aunt look like?', wondered Mitsuhiko. 'I bet she's pretty too.', Ayumi answered. Mitsuhiko slightly blushed and Genta added, 'Can we visit your house Haibara-san? I think you have a lot of imported food.', and he rubbed his tummy in delight. Conan also wanted to visit Ai's new home so he supported the group's suggestion. To his suprise, Ai easily said yes. The Detective Boys cheered.
Baskets of carnations, tulips, and roses were coming out of a flower shop carried by a line of men acting like a conveyor belt. Vermouth was standing near the shop's entrance ticking off her list as each basket passes her by, her brows curved in a furrow. 'What a waste.', she sighed to herself. In the distance, the familiar rev of a black porsche was fast approaching. Out came Gin while Vodka drove on looking for a parking spot.
Gin approached Vermouth, standing tall in his black cloak in the midst of the colorful flowers. Vermouth, not lifting her head from her list, asked Gin why he was there. 'Where's Sherry?', he simply asked. Vermouth was surprised to hear this but she didn't let any of that show. She looked up from her list and stared at Gin from her sunglasses. 'Do I look like the 'Lost and Found' to you?', she said with much irritation. Vodka appeared from the corner and noted, 'That's a lot of flowers.'
'It's for Spirytus' welcoming party. What a waste.', Vermouth answered, disgust all over her face. 'Why are you doing this if you don't want to? You can get cheaper flowers.', Vodka further inquired. 'The Boss ordered me to of course. Who else in the organization has impeccable taste? This party is organized by me. It has to look the best even if the guest of honor is the scum of the earth.', Vermouth replied. She sighed and said she better get going. There was a lot more to do and the two were doing nothing but delaying her. She got on her motorcycle and led the truck of flowers to the venue. As she sped past the streets of Tokyo, Gin's question kept playing at the back of her head.
'Get the car. We're leaving.', Gin ordered Vodka. He went inside the flower shop and ordered a white and a red rose. 'This will be delivered to 22 Meiji Street?', the cashier confirmed. Gin gave a short nod and swiftly got out of the shop where Vodka was waiting in the car. 'Did you buy flowers Aniki?', Vodka asked with some disbelief. 'Flowers attract all sorts of things Vodka.', Gin replied with a self-satisfied smile. 'Even scientists.'
Bourbon was surprised to see Spirytus sitting at one of the tables at Cafe Poirot alone. He innocently approached her and asked what she would like to have. 'A chat with an old friend.', she answered with a smile. Bourbon knew there was no point acting like they didn't know each other. He awkwardly sat down across her.
'Relax for goodness sake.', Spirytus said. 'This is your territory and I'm no stranger.'
'Truly.', Bourbon replied. 'I know you Spirytus. You're never around without reason.'
'Reasons which I would gladly divulge to you.', Spirytus calmly said. She knew that Vermouth would never do this and she seized the chance to satisfy Bourbon's thirst for answers. Bourbon of course was reluctant. This was tempting but his loyalty to Vermouth will not be swayed by sweet words and cheap tricks.
'Well, if you're not ready to chat, I won't force you.', Spirytus said with a smile. 'I'm having a welcoming party soon organized by none other than Vermouth herself. Will I see you then?'
Bourbon didn't know about said party but he didn't want to show how clueless he was about everything. 'Of course. Vermouth and I are a team.', he answered firmly.
'That loyalty!', Spirytus sighed. 'I hope your loyalty to her is well-deserved.' Bourbon said nothing and merely stood up signalling Spirytus that the conversation was over. 'Change is coming Bourbon. I hope for your sake that you're on the right team.', Spirytus said. She slipped her card on the table and added, 'If you ever wish to grant me the chat, reach me here.'
With that, Spirytus slipped out of Cafe Poirot. Just then, her phone received a mail. It only said one word 'Match'. She waltzed home after reading it, her smile spreading from ear to ear.
'22 Meiji Street!', the Detective Boys exclaimed. 'So this is where Ai-chan lives.', Ayumi mused. 'The house looks quiet. Is your aunt not home?', asked Mitsuhiko. 'I guess not. She's busy.', Ai answered. 'You can come in.'
'Shitsurei shimasu!', the children greeted in unison. Conan scrutinized the two-storey house as he went in and noted hidden cameras in various corners. Well watched, he thought. Other than that, he noticed nothing out of the ordinary. The house was well furnished and clean. Too clean maybe. 'This house is big for only two people.', noted Mitsuhiko.
'Haibara's aunt must be rich.', added Genta. 'That means they have lots of food!', he happily exclaimed. Ai told them to settle down and relax while she looks for some snacks. She went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. It was empty. Ayumi entered the kitchen and asked if she needed help. Conan and the others followed. They opened the cupboards. They were all empty to everyone's utter disappointment. 'You don't have food Haibara-san?!', Genta exclaimed. 'How do you live?' Ai was as surprised as they were. She's never been in the kitchen as a matter of fact. Conan was watching her every expression so she collected herself and simply explained, 'I forgot we didn't have supplies yet. My aunt is actually out because she bought some groceries.' Ai offered to buy some snacks over at the convenience store but the others said they didn't want to inconvenience her further. 'I just want to see your room Ai-chan.', Ayumi requested.
Ai said she'll head up first and tidy her room up a bit and the others can then follow. The truth is, she didn't know where her room was, or if she even had one. She's never been in the second floor and who knows what Vermouth is storing up in there. The house had two rooms upstairs. One was locked. I suppose this is Vermouth's, she thought. And the other one was slightly open. She opened the door fully and was surprised to see a beautiful bedroom fit for a young girl. It had a canopy bed which had fluffy pillows and a teddy bear. It had a study table and a shelf filled with books and magazines by the wall. The middle area had a rug and a small table where she can have tea with friends. Ai was still viewing her supposed room for the first time when the children came up behind her and entered happily.
'What a beautiful room!', Ayumi exclaimed. 'Fit for a princess.', added Mitsuhiko. 'It looks like the display room in the mall I saw the other day.', Ayumi further noted. That's probably what it is, thought Ai. Conan continued to study the house along with Ai's expressions and he came to the conclusion that Ai wasn't living in the house itself. There was no food and she was just as in awe as the others upon seeing her room. 'But there's no food!', Genta exclaimed and everybody heard their bellies rumble in agreement. They decided to take their leave. 'Will you be alright Haibara-san?', asked Conan. Ai nodded and said that her aunt will surely come soon anyway. Conan wanted to stay a bit longer but the Detective Boys were dragging him out as well. They said their goodbyes and the Detective Boys were on their way.
Ai was quite tired and seeing the canopy bed earlier made her even sleepier. She went up to her room again and sat on the soft bed. She heaved a sigh and quickly fell down. It's been a while since she lied down on a real bed. All she has down the lab was a cot and there was too much running through her head, she was exhausted but she couldn't sleep. Lying down on the soft bed, bordered with fluffy pillows, and touched by the light of the setting sun seeping through her windows, Ai was lulled into a deep sleep.
Vermouth got home and noticed a slight change in the house. She checked the camera feed and saw the Detective Boys visiting and Ai sleeping soundly in her room. Vermouth stormed to her room and slammed the door shut. Ai woke up with a start. 'Oh sorry your highness, you didn't wake up with a true love's kiss.', Vermouth mockingly said.
Ai rubbed her eyes and noticed that it was night already. She carefully got up. 'How dare you sleep around while I'm outside, working my brows off for that Spirytus bitch?', Vermouth was pissed and she was letting it out on the little girl. 'You even brought visitors! What were you thinking?'
'It's all part of the act isn't it? You could at least buy some food. Your props are lacking.', Ai replied with a yawn. 'We don't have food because I don't want visitors, you understand?', Vermouth was really not in the mood. Ai just woke up from a good sleep and she wasn't going to let Vermouth ruin it so she was heading out the door. 'Wait! I'm not done yet.', Vermouth exclaimed.
This is too much drama, Ai thought. She heaved a deep sigh and said, 'We're both grown-ups here Vermouth. I do my work silently. I expect you to do the same.' Ai walked down the stairs and headed out to the backyard. Vermouth followed shortly before Ai was able to enter her underground lab. She took her seat on the patio and gestured Ai to do the same. 'I've been busy organizing Spirytus' welcoming party.', she announced, her head was cooling down maybe with the help of the night breeze. How is this relevant to me?, Ai thought. 'You have to be there.', added Vermouth. Ai went stiff. Working in an underground lab is a lot different from going to a black organization gathering. Was she ready for this?
'Why? Isn't my being here a secret?', Ai asked. 'There are no such things as secrets in the organization.', Vermouth replied with an air of concern and fear masked by ice cold apathy. 'The Boss will be there and it is the perfect time for you to be formally brought back in.' Ai was silently thinking about the consequences of such an appearance. Vermouth can see her gloomy look and she added teasingly, 'Besides, who wants all the spotlight on Spirytus?' Ai was still quietly brooding. 'I'll arrive late for the days to come. I don't want visitors coming in. Just keep working.', ordered Vermouth. Ai took that as her signal to leave and retreat in her underground abode.
The next day, Ai made sure to tell her teachers she will be missing a school day. The welcoming party was scheduled then but she merely told them that she had to work on her papers for her transfer to England in the future. She handed them a letter from her aunt. Kobayashi-sensei was surprised to hear the news of her future migration. Ai asked her to keep it a secret from the Detective Boys for now. Ai nervously approached Rin's table and was glad to see her seat empty. She hastily left the letter and was about to head out when Rin arrived. 'Haibara-san, what brings you here?', Rin asked. Ai explained about the letter. 'You're actually just in time. I want to talk to you.', Rin said with a smile. Ai felt her heart beat a little faster upon hearing this. Rin said it would be best to talk to Ai on the benches near the field. The weather was pleasant and Ai agreed. Working underground makes a person appreciate every moment under the fair, blue sky. While they were walking to the field, Rin asked her more questions about her future move to England. Thankfully, Vermouth gave her a script before on what to say regarding the details of her migration. She memorized this and was able to answer Rin's questions satisfactorily.
They reached the field and sat down on the bench. As soon as they sat down, Rin's disposition changed and Ai felt the black organization's aura stronger than ever. 'Sherry.', she whispered. Ai froze. Was she hearing things in her head? Was this fear? Or did she actually hear this lady say out her code name? 'Unlike Vermouth, I like getting straight to the point.', she added. 'I need you on my team. Leave that drama queen and work with me.'
Ai still couldn't get over the fact that this lady knew her real identity. She has kept this for so long and not even Gin has figured it out. How did Spirytus find out in the little time that she's been in Japan? Ai was still in shock and all she could mutter was 'H-h-how...'
'Why do you bother yourself with irrelevant details?', replied Spirytus. Ai was of course worried about Conan moreso than herself. Ai was piecing events together in her head, processing how this misfortune could have happened to her. 'The activity...', she whispered. 'I..I.. was your target. N-n-not..'
'I looked up Sherry's profile the other day and you'd have to be blind not to see the striking resemblance between you two.', Spirytus explained. 'I needed confirmation and the forms you filled out did the trick. Your prints matched.'
Ai was slowly gaining her ground. The problem is already there. There was no use fretting about it. Sooner or later, the whole organization will know that Sherry is back. She just didn't want them to know that she was back as a little girl at the moment. Spirytus can see the concern on her face and she assured her, 'I don't really care what's happened to you, including why you've turned into a child. A disguise maybe but no matter. I do not concern myself with trivial details.'
'What do you want from me?', asked Ai. Spirytus insisted that Ai should leave Vermouth and work with her instead. 'Why do you work for her?', asked Spirytus. 'You know she's a pain and I'm sure she hasn't entirely been honest why she wants you back.'
There was some truth in that. Come to think of it, everything happened so fast and Ai wasn't entirely sure she knew the answers to Spirytus' critical questions. 'I work for the organization, not her. The organization needs me.', she replied.
'That may be true. But I see in you a different light Sherry .', Spirytus mused. 'What ever happened in your hiatus made you soft and I can tell that you can no longer kill.' Ai made no reply. 'And you don't have to.', Spirytus added further. 'I know Hell's Angel, your mother. I know that she doesn't want this research finished.'
Ai was surprised to hear her mother being brought in the picture. She barely knew her mother and here was Spirytus using her to bring Ai to the other side. 'If you work with me, I will ask you to make a drug that will not kill but will still prove useful.'. Spirytus proposed. 'I will make sure you have decent living quarters and enough supplies.'
This was all very tempting but Ai made sure not to say a word else it be used against her. She needed to think this through carefully. A slip of the tongue, a wrong move, could prove fatal. Spirytus smiled. 'What did Vermouth do to deserve such trust?', she wondered. 'If there is one person in the world who wants you dead, it's her. The incident at the Mystery train was all her plan. The organization only wanted to capture you but she wanted you reduced to ashes.'
Spirytus can see that Ai was not going to say much. The seed is planted at least, she thought. She sighed and said, 'Well, it seems like you need some time. You're back in the organization Sherry. Keep up.' With this, she handed Ai her calling card and told her to contact her if she has chosen. The sun was shining brightly but Ai was filled with rain clouds. A storm was brewing, that was sure, and she needed to make her choices carefully.
Rin went back to the faculty area. One thing about her conversation with Ai was bugging her. 'I..I.. was your target. N-n-not..' was playing in her head. Who could my supposed target be?, she mused. She entered the office and swiftly went through the forms from the activity. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Scribbled handwriting, a few erasures, but of course neat thumb prints. Children, Rin smiled inwardly. They'd do anything for a small reward. She continued to go through the forms when she finally came upon something. A smudged print. 'Edogawa Conan.', she whispered.
Bourbon and Vermouth were sitting in a hotel restaurant, their table brimming with food. Vermouth was talking to the chef and placing orders on which ones they will be serving at the party. The chef noted them down and left the two. 'Almost done.', Vermouth sighed. 'This is too much work. Thank you for helping me. Your part time job at that Cafe proves handy.', she told Bourbon.
Bourbon's mind was far off and he didn't really notice Vermouth speaking. Bourbon!, Vermouth called out to him. He was startled and Vermouth asked him what was wrong. 'I ate too much.', was his simple reply. 'Well, you can rest here. I have somewhere else to go to next.', Vermouth said and took her leave. She glanced back at Bourbon before leaving the hotel and saw that he was in a daze. Something is off, she thought. But she couldn't be bothered at the moment since her phone was ringing with her next appointment.
Bourbon could not take Spirytus' visit out of his mind. He knew it was dangerous to entertain this because that's exactly what Spirytus wants. Then again, he also knew that there was truth in there. He's been asking Vermouth what was going on. He's always been by her side, helping her without a clear view on the purpose of his actions or the general plan. Bourbon's inner conflict was hard to tame. He got Spirytus' calling card from his pocket and looked at it with a stare that could burn.
Ai was back at home. She was sitting in the bathroom absorbed in thought. It was one of the few nooks in the house that wasn't bugged and she made the most of it. An offer lay before her once more. An offer very different from the one she is in now. She remembered how Vermouth abducted her and threatened her. She can see the living conditions she has with her. And most of all, how totally in the dark she is with what really is going on. Spirytus' offer made a lot of sense but somehow she couldn't bring herself to just turn her back on Vermouth. After all, she's known Ai and Conan's secret for so long without bringing them before the organization. Why does she do that?, thought Ai. Still, Vermouth is volatile. You can never tell what's going on in her head. Spirytus seems more reliable. This internal debate kept going through her head when she heard the doorbell ring. A visitor?, she thought.
She went outside and saw a delivery man. His truck parked outside showed the picture of flowers. Maybe they're for the party, she thought. She told the man her aunt wasn't home but the man said the flowers were for a lady named 'Sherry'. Ai was shocked. Was this from Spirytus? She asked who they came from but the man told her that the sender wished to remain anonymous. Surprised as she was, Ai signed the papers and received a white and a red rose. She quickly went inside, looking around to see if she was being watched. She sat down on their couch and looked at the two roses with mixed fear and surprise. 'He knows...', she whispered. Does he know about my size too? Another set of questions flooded her mind. What is with today?, she thought. In all her confusion, the bell rang once more.
She nervously opened the door and saw none other than Subaru standing on her doorstep. 'Long time no see Princess.', he greeted her with a smile. 'I brought you some food.', he added as he lifted the paper bag he had with him.
N: You probably hate me for ending it like that haha. There will be more of Subaru next chapter, promise! How did you find this chapter? Much has happened but more is still on it's way. I always appreciate your reviews so don't hesitate in sharing them. I hope I can update soon. Mother dearest uses this for her work so I have limited access. Until the next chapter! :)
