A/N: Um, hello... This is quite a short chapter. The next one is longer. I promise. Sorry for the long hiatus. I blame school for that. And lack of inspiration. And finding Supernatural. And a lot of other stuff. At the bottom note I'm going to answer a lot of reviews so that is adding to the word count.

Oh, and a lot of what is talked about in this chapter are reference Leap to Relatively Unknown.

Chapter 63.

Seven Days until Mystery Train, Saturday

"What do you think?" A female voice mused whist painting her nails.

"About what?" A male voice asked back and tossed a magazine aside.

"The Hunters. They have been on the move."

"I heard. Seven operatives just last week. Within 24 hours even."

"I do wonder where they get their information from." The woman blew gently on her nails and screwed the nail polish bottle. With her other hand she tucked her wavy, platinum blonde locks behind her ears. "And how many of them there are…"

"…I met Kage last night."

"You did?" The woman blinked. "Bourbon… What did she say to you?"

Amuro paused and gave a considering look on Vermouth. He wondered how much she already knew about this person.

"They basically admitted being the mastermind behind the Crows. And that they had more members than just her. One of them was ready to shoot me. The one who handled Osaka."

"A sniper?" The actress arched her eyebrows in obvious interest.

"Yes, they let me see the laser tag… They called the sniper Sanjuu."

"'Sanjuu'?" This time it was shock that penetrated the disguiser's metaphorical mask. "Are you sure?"

"Yes… How so?" Amuro frowned.

"That's… I've heard Gin using that name once. Only once. It was when we were planning to get Kir out from FBI's hands." She was surprisingly somber now. The amount of emotion this topic related to Kage spurred from the woman was astounding. "It was an obvious slip of a tongue and he made me swear not to tell anyone who isn't… who doesn't have certain level of clearance."

"What did Sanjuu do then?"

"He organized the deliveries to the hospital to go accordingly…" Vermouth looked out of the floor-to-ceiling windows and sighed. "You know him. Sanjuu. Also known as Kurosawa Yamato, the Living Legend. The person that the rookies are scared with so they won't mess up. Otherwise the Legend will come and take care of them. I suppose Cordita's fate was quite a fright to some."

This time it was Amuro's turn to be shocked. Yamato. The kid he had known ages ago, who'd gotten out of Organization never to be seen again.

"You'd be surprised." The woman chuckled. Apparently the detective-slash-waiter and thought aloud. "Kurosawa-san has been surprisingly active. He is even back in Tokyo since last year. He does have an amazing track record of disappearing. We have no idea where he is or what he does. After Gin contacted him, the kid did as asked but dropped out of the map again."

Still, the man couldn't help the cold feeling he had. He used to consider Yamato a sort of a friend back then even though he had the cold-blooded side in him too. To think he had been the one ready to pull the trigger on him.

"Who else do you think is with them?" Vermouth spoke again.

"…" Amuro frowned and leaned his elbows against his knees. "Could Hibiki be? They did cause freezing of our systems when Akai was found out to be an FBI mole thus enabling him to flee."

"Possible." She nodded sideways. "Not confirmed though. It's possible that Hibiki works independently."

"But they could also be the perfect person to track down the whereabouts of each of our NOC."

"Maybe. Then there is the woman. The police reports have two names down for the murders in Kyoto but both of them are fake. There is, though, enough time for one to change their disguise and location thus be only one person to handle both of those two murders."

"A mystery then. The whole lot." Amuro picked himself off the couch and to the window. "Do you think they'll appear at the Train? Kage stated to be knowledgeable of Sherry's presence there." And warned to stay out of their way.

"It is possible… Did she say anything else?"

"No." Other than to leave the Okiya's alone. But I'm not telling it to you.

"By the way…" Vermouth smirked suddenly. Or not so suddenly. It was more like her default face. "There is one good thing that came from the Hunters."

"Oh… Do tell."

"The FBI will be now busy to comb for other moles instead of focusing on us."

Six days until Mystery Train, Sunday

Tsukiko yawned and climbed out of her bed. She could hear Jodie making breakfast. It was the woman's day off since it was Sunday. It was good. She had been so busy lately. Tsukiko could guess why it was that and hope the woman was taking a good care of herself.

"Ohayoo, Jodie-san." The girl greeted sleepily when she made her way to the kitchen in her pajama's.

"Ohayoo, Tsukiko-chan." Came the cheerful reply.

"Someone is up and about today early…" Tsukiko plopped down on the nearest chair and drew a mug full of freshly brewed tea closer. It was good that Jodie had learnt to brew tea properly despite being a coffee drinker. Likewise Tsukiko had learnt how to use a coffee machine. This way whoever was up first would handle them both.

"Yes. I thought we could do something together today. When was the last time you bought some new clothes? Or just hung together with someone without some case popping up?" The mock-stern way the last question was said was enough to send Tsukiko into a fit of half-sleepy giggles. "I mean it. You are so accident prone."

That sobered the girl quickly. "Mai-san said the same thing… Right before the trip to Aegis Hotaka."

"Yes…" It seemed that Jodie wanted to comment her actions on the ship but decided not to. Who knew what could've happened to Ran if Tsukiko hadn't been there with her lifejacket. "But what do you think? You could pick something new for you trip on Mystery Train too."

That actually was a sound idea. Sonoko was sure to notice if Tsukiko began to use same clothes too many times. The rich girl had already commented how Tsukiko seemed to only have one pair of black jeans. And one or two blue ones and one white ones. And used her violet jacket all the time.

"That would be nice. We could go to movies too. Or arcade."

"Great. Eat up then. We need to plan our little shopping spree."

Five days until Mystery Train, Monday

Tsukiko spent the evening after school with Kaito. They had a heist to plan. Luckily she already had a pass ring that she'd gotten from Sonoko. First Class even!

"I can't wait to see the train." The former blonde grinned.

"It is a great contraption." Kaito admitted while making some mask or other. "Though what exactly interests you in it?"

"I've read the Hercule Poirot story, Murder at Orient Express. And I love the era of 20's before the Wall Street crash. So elegant and nostalgic. It is one of my favorite times of history right alongside the Victorian era." Tsukiko explained.

"Ookay." Kaito shrugged.

"Victorian Steampunk as a genre is interesting too. Imagine what would've happened if gas motors had never been invented or surpassed steam engines."

"But, Tsuki-chan… Aren't those sceneries a bit too fantastical?"

"Maybe. But what if scenarios are fascinating. The style of clothing is great too."

"Hmm… Yes. It is interesting. Imagine all the gadgets they would have and no one would blink at them. It'd make our job so much easier." Kaito's face lit up at the thought.

Tsukiko grinned happily. How nice to find something of mutual interest between them.

Four days until Mystery Train, Tuesday

A black phone rang once. It rang twice. On the third ring it was picked up.

"What took you so long?" Kage frowned and placed their feet on Tsukiko's desk. The door behind her was firmly shut and she knew that Jodie was still at work. Meaning no one was listening in. The whole room had even been swept for bugs. Some say paranoia, Kage says double-checking. Considering that one FBI agent was down, they could never be too careful in regards of the rest of them.

"Why do you sound so pissed off?" Yamato countered easily.

"Because this is the first moment I've been in control since… Since that day."

"… You lost your temper in a situation where your true nature and existence would've been revealed to someone whose trust both you and Tsukiko need. She called me yesterday and told all about the debacle. Okiya-san knows that there is something going on with you but most likely won't question it. At least not very soon. Was there anything else you wanted to speak about or did you call me just to rant?"

Kage scowled briefly before smoothing their expression. "Actually I was going to ask you to come along to the Mystery Train. An extra back-up if you will."

"Hmm. Why not. It should be relatively easy to get the ticket. With Hibiki's talents that is…"

"Who's Hibiki?"

"No one."

"Sanjuu…" Kage growled warningly low in their throat.

"Maybe one day you'll know more but not now. Bye!"

"Don't you dare-!" But Yamato had hung up already. "Dammit!"

Three days until Mystery Train, Wednesday

Details had been honed out. Preparations were almost done. The schematics of the train were memorized. Vermouth hung up her call with Gin and gazed out of the large windows of her apartment. She'd just had a relaxing bath and soon that pest Sherry would be out of the game. Yes, everything was good.

Her phone rang again. With a sigh, she walked back to the coffee table and picked the mobile up. It was Bourbon. The actress answered.

"Yes?"

"Why is he called Sanjuu?"

"What?" Out of all questions the man might have, this was about the least she expected. About the plan maybe, but something this trivial? It was unexpected.

"Why is Kurosawa Yamato called Sanjuu? It isn't Sanguine, I already checked. And I used to keep an eye on him. He never received a codename."

Vermouth hummed thoughtfully. Apparently the revelation about Kurosawa's remaining connections and other information about the man had rattled Bourbon more that she'd noticed at first. Maybe she could exploit this? Or not. Kurosawa saw nigh impossible to track and Bourbon's last contact with him had been almost ten years ago.

"It is a nickname. Play of words." The woman sat down on a chair and leaned back. "I asked Gin and he explained. Apparently he doesn't think much of the man anymore."

"A play of words…" Bourbon sounded thoughtful now. "Yama… Mountain… San…" The man muttered. "I see. Thank you."

"You are welcome." Thank god the man was smart. Vermouth really didn't feel like starting to spell it out to him. "Is everything in your end done?"

"Hai. Everything is in place."

"Good."

Two days until Mystery Train, Thursday

Tsukiko lounged on the sofa, talking to her phone. At the other end was someone whose voice she hadn't heard in ages. Hondou Eisuke. While some emails had been exchanged during the last months, the two of them hadn't really talked to each other.

"So something big is happening again?" Eisuke sighed.

"Yeah. I can't really tell you anything though. Just in case." Tsukiko smiled faintly.

"I understand. Be careful though, alright? What you have told me about your previous escapades…"

"Hai hai… I've be careful. You do your best at America though, so you can one day come back to Japan." 'Come back to me.' "You are my first friend. I miss you. And so do Ran-san and Suzuki-senpai. And Edogawa-kun… And I bet you'd like to meet Sera-san too." There was so much to tell. So much to say. So much left unsaid.

"I will. Wait for me, Tsukiko-san." She could hear the smile in his voice. "And you do your best too. Don't take unnecessary risks in your game." 'I don't want that you get hurt. Hearing about the extent of Hidemi-neesan's injuries was bad enough.'

"I won't. Just what is needed. I'll be fine. We all will be fine. And I can try to…" 'contact your sister' "…for you. If you want to. Just a simple message. I could… I could find a way."

"Not yet. Enough time hasn't lapsed." 'She is still in danger.' "But thank you for your offer. I'll think about it."

"Good to hear." Tsukiko looked up from the magazine she had, at the other side of Kudou library where Subaru, Yukiko and Conan were planning. They weren't nervous for some odd reason. Probably because there had been time to put the plan together unlike all the other times (if Halloween wasn't counted) when Organization was confronted (indirectly but still). The former blonde's input wasn't needed yet. Besides, she knew her part of the plan already. Sort of. There was always room for improvisation.

"I need to go now. I'll write you soon, though." There was voices at the background. Probably Eisuke's new friends or something similar.

"Okay, Jaa ne."

"Jaa ne. Ganbatte ne, Tsukiko-san."

"Arigato."

A day until Mystery Train, Friday

It was Friday night. The last chance to back out of any plan that was woven during the week.

Tsukiko packed her shoulder bag and went to sleep at the Kudou mansion. She'd meet up with her friends at the station then.

Yamato cleaned his gun and put it into the holster underneath his jacket. He bid goodbye to Saya and went to stake-out the station.

Saya smiled faintly as she watched her (boy)friend leave and settled on the sofa to drink some wine and read a good book. In the room nearby, only a computer screen provided light when a certain computer genius typed away.

At the station, Vermouth placed explosives to the last carriage.

At his own apartment, Amuro talked quietly to the phone, confirming the plans of his own.

At Ekoda, Kaito placed down his tools and smiled at the two masks he'd finally finished. He texted good night to his mother and left the lair of Kaitou Kid.

Meanwhile at Beika, five kids were put to sleep. Three of them couldn't sleep because of excitement, two because of nervousness.

The FBI agents around Tokyo continued working or alternatively went to sleep. They had to find out how much Tommy Murray had leaked information before getting killed by the Hunters. And possibly also figure out the Hunters' real intentions.

At Suzuki mansion Sonoko chatted on the phone with Makoto and told him about the upcoming train trip(somehow managing not to mention Kaitou Kid at all).

Ran wished Conan good night and sent a text to Shinichi.

Subaru and Yukiko packed the needed disguises and other luggage.

Beika quietened down. The playing board was set.

A/N: Whew... I don't really have any special notes here now... Other than that I love the idea that Vermouth might be rattled when she hears something unexpected of Kage(co-operation with Sanjuu) and Amuro is surprised about Yamato's whereabouts. I just hope it isn't any out of character like. But thank you all for reading my fic and staying faithful even when I've not updated. :)

Replies to reviews:

-Kimmiko T:
Thank you very much. Sorry I didn't update earlier.

-Tsuki:
I'm alive. I hope you like this chapter. :')

-Zeladious:
:D I'm glad you liked it.

-Grace F:
I didn't feel comfortable in adding her to the camping grounds. Camping is DB thing, sort of. Sera followed them yeah but I didn't really have any viable reason to put Tsukiko there too. Meeting Shiho would've been awesome but then Haibara's suspicions would've been raised regardless of Tsukiko's reaction to her. And I don't want that.
The plot of Mai's book... will be explored when it's published. It's awesome though. Just sayin'.
Saya is... a mystery. She will have mentions here and there but will appear properly in Leap to Relatively Unknown in a while.
Both Kage and Tsukiko have wanted Murray out of the game for a long time. Since his name appeared on the list, it gave Kage an actual reason to get rid of him. Their decisions are complicated. But one reason Murray was lured to the place where gasexplosion took place was to show the whole world(and the FBI) that the Crows are everwhere.
Kage and Amuro. Kage 'let' it slip that they know Okiya's because they are aware of Amuro's real allegiance. And there is a threat of Sanjuu busting his brains out. Or just a show of trust that in the end they are on the same side. I'm not sure. Like I stated before, even I'm not sure of Kage's thought process. But in short they know they can trust Amuro to a certain degree. And as you can see from this chapter, he didn't go telling Vermouth anything.
I can't wait for the Scarlet series either.

-kakuichinen: (chapter 34)
Yup, the Moon. :D

-Guest: (chapter 39)
Hmm... could be... but the reason for the 'no' is that eventually... actually that's explained in the next chapter.

-AsDoI:
I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed this.
Oh, Shinichi won't be spared from teasing. Not at all. :D
PS. I love your penname

-rukia kukichi:
Thank youuuuu!
I'm doing this I'm doing this. I can do this you don't need to cry. Unless it's tears of happiness.
your character sounds interesting. My only concern is that if you've put too many roles on her. But if you can make it work in a believable non-mary-sue way(unless it's a parody) then go ahead.

-Karen:
Whoa! That's one big review. I loved to read it btw. :) (a lot of your quesions are answered in the reply to Grace F)
Yeah, Mai decided to give up her title. She has acted as the class president diligently and exemplarily so it'll still go to her resume. In two years they'd be seniors and... well, DC would be over already. But yeah, she just wanted more time for herself and this was also an act to get free of social pressures. And now she has more time for her investigations and book writing. If she were a BO agent I'd be very, very afraid. She is almost better than Vermouth at information gathering... Nah. Not really. But stay tuned on Cherry Blossom Viewing Whatever the Name was... Then Tsukiko and Conan realize how dangerous Mai actually is.
FBI-Sanjuu-stuff: explained in this chapter. I'm glad your review came so early that I could include stuff to the conversations here. The FBI agent himself though... now that a couple of people have pointed this out I realize I didn't really think through it. But I didn't like the guy and I wanted a diverse selection of people and occupations to baffle the police. Maybe he was a sleeper agent and part of the same reinforcement group than Camel, and heard about Kusuda and stuff only when assigned there. As for not saying anything about Kir is from CIA... Maybe it wasn't just spread to everyone... People needed to guard the hospital corridors and such still. But one reason that I wanted/needed a mole in FBI was when Gin told Kir that they had intel the FBI hadn't left the hospital and that Camel was tangled in a murder case. yeah. I guess that's good enough explanation. :)
Saya and Yamato sort of date. I'm not sure yet if they are a couple but they do flirt occasionally. Created by Hibiki? Well... She will appear occasionally but as stated in previous review reply, she will be more prominent in Leap. Teacher yeah, but not at Teitan. Too risky. Librarian indicated to one of the crows who were killed in the explosion. But Yamato in the role? Interesting thought.
It's Sanjuu. Just Sanjuu. I can later explain where it comes from. Or you can try to figure it out too. ;) But Okiya's aren't in danger yet.
Yeah, Tsukiko is alright, just tired. Kage has temper. You might remember from Private Eye in the Distant Sea(if I remember correctly) Kage and Red Moon talked about how it would be handy to be separate people. It's like with travelling aboard or living together. You learn each other too well and frustrations burst out at each other. Because Tsukiko is the first one of the three, she has the priviledge to decide in the end who is in control.
And now to your questions! :D
1-2. I don't know. I began this fic so long ago that I just needed someone(non-canon character) to find Tsukiko and get her to a hospital and then have the FBI handle the rest. Make the woman move away was an easy option. Maybe she'll appear again, maybe not. I don't know. Name was quite random.
3. ... Yeah, Conan is quite important character to consider about. Let's just say that this far he is used to Tsukiko's presence and after the events of Raven Chaser he trusts her quite a lot. Considering that Subaru/Akai agrees to pretend to be her brother, there isn't much he can do. And Tsukiko won't tell him anything unless asked. If even then. It's a bit like with Sera. There is a lot of unanswered questions but Conan has so degree of trust. Besides, Tsukiko 'eavesdropped' the phoneconversation between the boy and Heiji during the Sushi case so...
4-6. Shugo is going to appear in... within ten chapters if I remember correctly. It is a filler chapter. Probably. My plans are in a flux now. Shugo pretty much introduces himself so Tsukiko recognizes him immediately. It will be ugly.
7. Answered in the chapter and Leap. Kage knows that Yamato and Amuro know each other and hinted so. Tsukiko doens't know about this connection.
8. Well... Nothing is sure yet. Maybe, maybe not. I'm glad to hear you like him. (you double date me? what?)
9. Oh, yes. The argument after the Department Store was bad, just wait until after Scarlet Arc.
10. I have some pairs in my mind but this far I think I'm going with canon. (ShinRan, HeiKazu, Satagi etc.) (RedStarling too later on but not a focus) I stated in Leap that Ekoda pairs are a bit less canon because of Tsukiko (and Shugo). but yeah... :)
Phew, this was a lot of questions indeed. But good questions. I enjoyed answering them :)

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Bye for now! Mystery Train in the next chapter.