Prologue

"Mom, can I stop by at the park?" Ayumi asked her mother.

"I guess, but I want you to be back before it gets dark, okay?" She replied, lugging the shopping bags along with her.

"Yes, mom!" Ayumi quickly skipped away to the park.

Well, somewhere in the park. Actually, the reason why she wanted to go the park was because she had found a beautiful flower garden in a hidden place in the park. No one was there, only the flowers. It was so pretty, Ayumi wanted to pick some of the flowers. She told herself that one day she would take Conan-kun with her to the garden!

When she got there, she saw a shadow standing by the flower garden. So some people did know about the garden. . . But the thing was, the shadow's size was about hers, and was looking down at the sunset.

The shadow knelt down and picked a flower. "I'm sorry Ran. . . I'm sorry I failed you."

Ayumi cocked her head. Wasn't Ran Conan-kun's sister? And that voice. . . It sounded like Conan-kun! But the tone was sad, full of longing.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew and Ayumi had to close her eyes to keep the petals and dust from getting in her eyes. When she opened her eyes, she gasped. The person wasn't there anymore! She was so sure that the person had been standing there. Who was it? Was it Conan-kun? Or someone else?

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"Tadaima!" Ran yelled as she entered the agency. But there was no reply except her drunken dad's snores.

"Conan-kun?" she called uncertainly. Maybe he was at Hakase's. He liked that place, for some odd reason.

She spotted a note sitting on the table. Ran curiously picked it up and began reading. "Dear Ran-neechan, I know it's on such a short notice, but my parents came to pick me up to take me to back to America. I have everything, don't worry. I know I didn't forget anything. If I did, please give it to Agasa Hakase. He'll know where to find me.

Also, there's been a very sad happening at America while we were at Japan. Shinichi-niichan was involved in a car accident, and unfortunately, he didn't make it. His grave is at America. But I want to tell you that Shinichi-niichan told me that he loved you very much. I'm sure he'll be protecting you from a far always. His parents will probably call you soon.

Ran-neechan, thank you for always staying by my side. I'll never forget you. I will miss you.

Good-bye, Ran-neechan.

From, Conan"

Ran trembled as tears formed in her eyes. Her school bag landed next to her with a thud as Conan's letter fluttered down to the floor. Conan was gone. Shinichi was dead.

Her knees became weak as she landed on her knees. "No, no, this isn't true! This is a dream! Ran, wake up!" she cried, holding her head in her hands.

"SOMEONE TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE!"

Her cries full of sadness, longing, and agony echoed through the house.

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Conan sighed as he leaned his head towards the car window. He'd cried enough today. He didn't need to repeat it again.

"You've always been talking about how there is only one truth. Now let me tell you the one truth. The truth is, Kudo-kun, there is no antidote for APTX4869. Were stuck in this body forever."

Haibara's voice kept echoing through his head. Those same lines. And he hated it.

"Shinichi? Were here." Hakase's voice stated.

Conan looked up sadly and slowly got out of the car.

As they both walked through the airport in silence, Conan quietly looked around the airport one last time. He knew he wouldn't be coming back here forever.

His plane was already boarding.

"Well, Shinichi, that's your gate. Are you sure about this, though?" Hakase asked uncertainly.

Conan nodded mutely. "Trust me, Hakase. I know what I'm doing. I just don't belong here." Suddenly, he turned around and gave a small smile to Hakase. "Thanks, Hakase, for helping me get through this miserably life. Write me, will you? Tell me what's happening around Beika."

Hakase nodded, and pushed his luggage towards him. "Better get going, Shinichi. The plane might leave with out you."

He nodded and entered the gate, never looking back.

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DING DONG

Ayumi, Genta and Mitsuhiko rang the doorbell to Hakase's house, but no one answered.

"Hakase? Hakase?" They yelled, but it just wouldn't open.

Suddenly, a car drove up, and Hakase came out, looking quite grave.

"Hakase? What happened?" Mitsuhiko asked worriedly.

"Nothing, kids. What is it?" he asked tiredly.

"Well, my mom said I could invite everyone to my house to sleepover tonight. So we wanted to invite Conan-kun and Haibara-san so we came, but no one answered..." Ayumi replied.

"No one answered?" Hakase asked, looking surprised.

They nodded.

"Ai-kun should be here..."

Hakase quickly opened the door and called, "Ai-kun? Ai-kun?"

There was no reply.

Hakase went to Ai's room and opened the door.

"Ai-kun, why didn't you-"

He stopped. The room was empty, as if no one had ever been there before. There were no traces of Ai left.

"A-Ai-kun?" Hakase said worriedly.

"Look! There's a piece of paper on the floor!" Mitsuhiko cried and picked up the paper and opened it.

Mitsuhiko looked thunderstruck as he read the letter. "H-Hakase? What does this m-mean?"

The other two edged towards Mitsuhiko and said, "What is it?"

Hakase took the paper and read it aloud, his face now pale.

"Dear Hakase,

I just want to tell you that I'm leaving. Forever. I'm a constant danger to you and the kids. Each second, each day, I am taking a step forward to revelation. You know that I will begin looking like Shiho Miyano soon. And there is no doubt someone will recognize me. Now that I have failed you and Edogawa-kun, I have no goals, like I used to have. Nothing to do, except wait in fear for them. I will be in a place no one can find me, so don't bother looking for me. It will be of no use. I will miss you, and I'm thankful I've got to experience my second childhood. I confess, those kids have made me soften a bit. Thank you. Now, before I go, I have one last favor for you. I want you to tell the kids about us, when those kids are older and can understand it more. Promise me, Hakase, tell them one day. The story about the woman who turned girl and traitor, and the boy who was at the wrong place at the wrong time and because of that, his life was turned inside out. Again, thank you. I can never return your debt.

Ai Haibara"

The piece of paper fluttered down to the ground along with a single tear.

The three kids looked dumbstruck. "A-Ai's gone? And what did she mean?" Ayumi asked softly.

Mitsuhiko looked ready to breakdown.

Hakase looked at them gravely. "Yes, Ai's gone. And so is Conan. They're gone, Ai-kun to a place we can never reach her, and Conan, well, I can send letters to him for you."

Ayumi stuck out her lower lip. "B-But he n-never s-said good-b-bye!"

Genta looked sad. "We'll never forget them."

That day was a day full of tears, sadness and longing.

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