I never actually thought of writing anything
I am no expert in English and i know i'm bad
I still have no idea why i decided to do anything today.
Afternoon,Friday
"No Heiji! You dummy, I am going with you! I WILL go on this investigation because that's the only way to spend some time together!"
"Beside school? What are ya even planning on doing, Kazuha?" He turned around now, serious and with grim expression.
He knows that she is supposed to be his 'childhood friend' and all, but all she is doing is getting in the way. Every important case he has requires him to take some time to save this girl from trouble or from the murderer. Or both. He has enough on his back as it is, being allowed to sharpen his skills only because of his family and connections. His main objective in being a detective is not to make a bigger scene and figure out the crimes on time. Nothing more, nothing less. Certainly not wasting time on shushing her when the situation is delicate.
Yet here he goes again.
"I... wanted to help out, meet some people in town, uhhh, maybe go shopping and also figure out the case! I would help, just you watch me!" You could tell she was desperate now. Normal good friends give each other space, unlike this clingy thing...
In the end she dares to blame him for all her mistakes, meanwhile insisting on coming knowing all the risks that come with the field. Every time! "You know? Whatever. Just don't go crying because it wasn't as fun as me savin' your ass again."
"Haah? You idiot! I can take care of myself. You use this, 'saving' as an excuse because you ain't brave enough to confess yo feelings...!" She covered her mouth quickly, basically telling him all the reasons she has for going with him on the more important crime scene. Heiji furrowed his brow and Kazuha looked away from him, reddened. This girl. Did he even like her? Caring for your friend or even another human being does not equal love - and he didn't even think about asking anyone out, not Kazuha ,especially if it was just for her to criticize and insult him over and over. What is she thinking? This was a serious investigation, not a field trip...
"You think tha? Do you? Well listen here. Give me some space because you are too annoying as of now. I only think of you as a sister, ya doof.
I hope you can give up someday and see me as a brother, more importantly, one that you do not need to remind how much stupid he is every five seconds." He said as he turned around, effectively shattering the girl's fantasies and making her remember that trust needs to be taken care of if it's supposed to stay.
...
...Trust. Such a curious thing. You measure it yoself', but in the end the others decide. Most of the time, at least for him, they're wrong. Fleeting, powerful, rare... fragile.
...
Opening his cell phone, he typed out to his mom how much time he won't be at home. This clue that he received may change something much more important than just his skills or record. He may change someone's LIFE this time.
His thumb hovered over one of the other contacts he wanted to text. His thoughts flew freely as he stepped down the sidewalk, the phone in hand, his mind set up.
'Kudo' was glowing in black Kanji on his message screen. Should he tell him about the clues he found on Black Organization?
Thinking back, Kudo rarely shared information on them with him after this one time of explanation after he figured his friend out, so why should he? He thought for a second if his friend didn't trust him enough but quickly dismissed the thought, deciding.
...I think i have to do this myself. It will help so much you may even become free again. You don't even need to trust me, the Osaka precinct has them as targets anyway.
Just you wait, i will show you just how much i can do.
Another time,2 days before - Morning
"Dad?" Heiji stepped in his father's office, waiting for a signal to come in.
"I'm here. Is something the matter?" The older man looked up from his work and gave a questioning look.
It was morning, so the blinds were half open, letting in the warm sun. The lamp on the desk was giving light on some reports filled with information in neat rubrics and lines. Past cases he solved, reports to be read.
"I don't have all day. You either speak up or go interrupt someone else. I have enough cases i need to clean after you and Mouri made messes on the crime scenes." He said in a grim tone, cutting through the nice morning atmosphere like a blade.
Heiji knew he was an obstacle sometimes, a 'high-school detective that had no rights yet'. An amateur that just liked to find truth and work with his rival on mysteries. The happy-go-lucky chatterbox that tried to prove himself. He was always in his old man's shadow, ergo hearing all this from his lips often gave him a feeling of guilt and self-hatred.
Lately a lot of things gave him this feeling. He looked around more than before, maybe that's why. Anyways. He wasn't the type of person to complain about it or something, he totally understood, and so he just kept quiet about it and pushed through it in his own way. Busying his hands with his hobbies or school worked most of these times, if not the sheer hope of change someday. He looked up at his dad, fixing his reasoning again.
"I found some interesting case happening in another town, pretty near...I wanted to go there for a few days, but i need some case files from May and April that happened in following places."
He showed his general notes up to him, the placing of old crimes leading and pointing towards someone preparing a specific place with each anomaly - "It would be great practice and since the police deemed the killer to be done and the robberies to be stopped, as training i would like to go around again."
Was this enough to get him to agree?
"Hmm..." Chief of police grumbled and got up to the storage room for files.
"I agree, but learn something about workin' without problems this time and don't leave me more half-done work,"
He side-eyed his son to make his point. Important to remember, important to do. "so please, have fun. And report."
Hattori bowed lightly and headed to the door. "Oh, There will be some soup today for dinner, 5 p.m., Mom told me to tell ya" Heiji said happily closing the door.
"Well, if i will get these guys before you, hopefully we can make my cases more official next time..." Heiji told himself as he walked down the hallway.
Current time
3 people dressed in black were passing the narrow alley, walking hurriedly and talking quietly.
It was pretty late, about 1 a.m. or so.
Their cases rustling at their coats and smoke coming off one of the cigarettes made a pretty sight to behold, the setting being unusually silent.
The night was cold and a slight breeze was making trees rustle their pretty leaves. The night was dark enough to see stars and a full moon shining down on the roads, making up for all the broken lanterns in the way.
Even though there was no sun yet, the colors will be coming back quickly onto the sky in no time.
"Haven't we done enough in that area? Some people saw us last time but at the same time others offered good rare business... I kinda like it here." The mic buzzed in detective's ears, the conversation echoing. "Since we have a spot ready,we can..."
A female voice suddenly answered over her coat. "Whatever happens we already have some good weapons on us and transport ready at almost every spot in this cursed city, so i guess no need to hurry." Another voice followed up with the conversation, agreeing.
Heiji was pretty glad and proud of this device he used to hear their conversations. Never thought it will be useful since he was aiming to be a detective not a cop or a spy, but still. He was pretty sure if he got their voices he may as well have their identity easier to deduce later.
After a bit of work, maybe they will talk about their real hideout?- Heiji thought. - ...If they even had a stable one.
Shinichi never told him none of such things, alas only guessing and hope remained. The signal of the device required the high-schooler to move from time to time until the guys were done with their errands, eventually stopping somewhere giving him a solid location.
It was pretty late but he was glad to be here. Glad to be helping. Being alone really made tonight easier, especially when it came to concentrating on hiding your position and listening to the info at once. Trying to focus on the conversations going back and forth and trying to pick up on anything, he focused even more.
He was soooooo ready for the next few days of getting onto these goons.
"You guys are so screwed. I can't wait tah' i get yo all to pay for the crimes you committed." Heiji muttered as he went down the dimly lit street.
...
...
...
He didn't even notice how fast time has passed. It was basically morning, which meant he must have closed his eyes just as the sun rose up. Disadvantages of blinking, he guesses.
"Huh, that was more productive than i thought it would be. Now how is..." - The conversations were quiet for a while so he got paranoid for a second, however checking the location and everything being still active meant they haven't discovered his device or stopped where they were supposed to. Good.
The thing that happened here some other times made their move predictable enough to get close today. Since Conan always was paralyzed from fear when he had seen or heard about any of these guys or even a person who was just dressed black it seemed like a delicate task to even go near these guys - and here Hattori was, sneaking in a locator when being a safe distance away with a calm mind. It was going alright, and so Heiji put the locator down.
...Yo may be better sometimes with the case or noticing clues on the ground with that short posture of yours, but i am still good enough to figure out the enemy.
...
He didn't even notice the disguised woman behind him, reaching out for his head.
The same day, Mouri detective agency
Loud knocking was heard throughout the place, Indicating that the person was already expected in the place. Ran got up, going towards the noise.
"Yes yes, coming! " Ran ran down the stairs, her socks making the floor squeak. It was a wonder how the squeaking increased by about 25% when she went through, in the opposite of Mouri.
Kudo had no idea of any guests to be expecting - only thing that wasn't ordinary today was the attention Ran paid to her cell and a few gasps she made while texting. What can he say, it was a pretty boring day. Maybe it was some other type of important stuff with her friends or some sensation on the web, like a new cool movie they may watch soon that got her attention. Honestly he would be so up for that today, just as he was done with the recent case too. ANYTHING to do, sounded heavenly.
"Kazuha-chan! Come in, i will make you some tea." Ran said with tired voice, clearly preparing for a longer talk. She led her friend towards her room, stopping for a second to look back again. Turning once more, she took the cups with. Kudo took a second to understand the whole situation, deeming it ...weird. This girl, but no Heiji? Kazuha in Tokyo,so far away from her place?
The...were that dried tears on her cheeks?
...What the hell happened?
"Kazuha-chan, what happened?" Kudo voiced his curiosity and used his childish concern to get closer to the saddened girl. She seems so down and out of her usual energy, not even trying to answer. Kudo was starting to worry even in his teen-sort of way.
He got a bit closer, tugging her colorful dress - hoping to get her attention this time. He asked innocently, "Where is Heiji-nii-san? Isn't he in town with you?"
Ran looked at Shinichi, effectively silencing him. Touchy question?
Alright, now he was sure there was something important at play here that he had no idea about. He gotta know more.
Before he could get his answers however, Ran took her friend into her room and closed the door, clearly not wanting to get disturbed.
"What, you think a detective lacks ways to get answers? No way! " Kudo came close to the door, determined, getting his ear ready for all the eavesdropping he could get. The conversation, apparently, started with a long and loud hug full of assurances from Ran. Honestly, half of what was said was way out of Kudo's understanding, muffled or quiet or out of context. That left one option left for him to understand all this:
Hattori.
Normally he would pass the visit of an Osakan girl, alone, to be nothing special. Ran and she are 'friends' after all - but...
This feeling...
The weirdness of the situation itself...There was something not right in the air today...
He couldn't shake off this...weird omen. The one he had with some cases or clues, where the danger was impending.
Suddenly Mouri peeked from some sort of a newspaper to check on the girls. Looking around as if checking if the coast is clear, he pointedly looked at his small apprentice.
"Err...Ey, Kid, do you know what this is about? Should we do something?" He asked in a lightly-troubled voice. For a moment there Kudo got reminded that he wasn't the only one curious, just as he wasn't the only one worried, even if just a bit.
He wished he knew what this is about, or what to do, but... "I have no idea, Uncle. Curious though."
Just as he finished answering, Ran came out of her room with empty cups she used before.
She has a determined look on her face and so Shinichi got out of her way quickly, fearing the focused girl. The determination in her eyes, as well as her troubled expression suggested a hard obstacle to figure out. He almost asked if he can help with something but decided not to interrupt someone who knew what they were doing.
...Well...Now i think it would be a good time for some answers from anyone.
Hattori
Chat from: Today, 2:12 P.M.
-Hattori what the hell did you do
-Your friend just basically stole Ran for some emotional session or some crap and she refused telling me so how about you do.
-Could you tell me what the hell happened over there i swear i will get the answers out of you eventually
-Hattori.
-Hattori don't ignore me.
-Hattori please
-Hattori
-Hattori?
-Heiji, you there?
...
His hands fidgeted with his phone,impatient. What was up?
His friend normally responded within minutes, even at night, yet now there isn't a word...
Kazuha is in tears, Hattori is silent, Mouri is concerned
Something is seriously off
...
"Ha, would you look at that. A fancy detective that likes sneaking around and listening to private conversations.
Sounds kind of familiar, don't you think so?"
An unknown voice sounded, resonating through the empty room. The boy on the ground shook his head, a hateful glare sent towards the masked person before him.
Another person fidgeted with some fancy colorful bottles on the table, glass clanking as the liquid was mixed together.
"And what's more, he is always close when that Shinichi fellow is. That leads us to some...useful outcomes... " Heiji was struggling against his chains, shaking his head and chewing on the gag in his mouth. "...especially since the dude is alive but no one can find him. Who would have thought that we will get such a person to torture!"
"Ya should calm down, 'High-school detective' Hattori Heiji, son of the chief of dogs of Osaka. We just have a nice thing to test on you. Being a green leaf sure is fun when you are supposed to mess with potions AND people you have on your list at once."
"If you end up lucky, you can even run to that Kudo fellow and snitch on us, if he even is alive, saying how terrible it was in here."
The voice purred, the leather gloves handling a syringe with a big needle ready to go through human; tissue, skin, veins and muscle. Hattori heard the heavy boots getting closer to his back, step by step, syringe ready with whoever closed in on him. Ready to draw blood by simple pierce and inject the body with whatever it will absorb, the syringe touched his neck, playing with a bit of his skin.
"One thing i can say for sure, little detective. Even if you don't struggle for the process enough to tear up your veins, it will be painful enough for you to remember to never mess with someone who will enjoy it. Hint - us."
There was a smirk on his lips, ready to tempt their prey even more. "And if that fails, you will end up doing this 'torture' all by yourself." The members moved slightly, bantering from time to time, checking in with their documents.
The Osaka boy was moving tensely, his wrists bruising from their bondage and his head throbbing. His thinking was going 100 miles per hour, every possible scenario running through his head. He felt thin metal of the needle heavy on his brown skin, immediately making him sweat and tremble.
There was the same line repeating over and over in his head, his instincts kicking in more energy and adrenaline he couldn't use:
'run run run run run run run run Run Run RUN RUN RUN'-
Just before the the needle was about to enter his neck, he heard another quick banter. "How about some fun? You came so close to us after all. We have a cool new scientist that not only invented this cute new self-poison you will be testing, but also an antidote to the previous unfinished Apoptoxin your rumored friend was testing, right here! He does some cool stuff, i gotta admit. If you survive we may just let you fight for it, just for some melancholy, yes? Pfffha ha ha..."
Heiji's heart stilled as he listened to nothing beside the silence and rush of his own blood in his veins. The information stayed fresh in his mind, the detective remembering it all. He was in an unknown location, his plan all but almost teared to shreds, hurt all over and tired from days before...now at the mercy of criminals that caused Shinichi and many others nothing but pain... Maybe it was a huge chance for him to get what he planned,but...
He couldn't be more fucked.
The needle started injecting the liquid into him and all he could feel was pain and fire under his skin.
Mouri's Detective Agency
Kudo couldn't, he couldn't figure this out so it's obvious he's frustrated as all hell. Not like this never happened before but now it was just taking too long.
What kind of a detective couldn't figure out what happened with people he spent so much time with? It was his specialty for gods sake!
Enough with self-pity, he was taking it all in his own hands. Time to think about the whole thing....Let's go back to analyze the facts of what might have happened.
'flashback'
"Well, seems like no victory fer' me. Ya owned this case, Bro."
Heiji was standing close enough for Kudo to hear him, slightly leaning on the wall behind him.
It was a sunny day and all Shinichi could think about was to how to escape the sun, besides the case they just closed.
The characteristic cap was casting a shadow over Hattori's eyes, making it hard to determine where he was looking at the time.
The case they were just investigating was pretty tough, but Kudo ended up finding the last clue. - and even though they both concluded the killer (or in this case, killers), Heiji didn't count this as his own win.
He has to say, he liked working with a detective that doesn't treat him like a kid and he can actually rely on, but sometimes he thinks just how Hattori has to feel while working with him as a detective with a kid and all. He did however seem to enjoy some time with his friend, apparently, so he guesses it wasn't bad in the end.
"Come on Hattori, we aren't really competing. Besides, you did a lot, that's a tie. "
"..." Hattori looked in the direction of his small pal now, making notice of some sweat on his forehead. The wet drops were getting to his friend's eyes, the boy in question breathing in the 'way too hot' air constanlty in big gasps.
He squatted down, lending Shinichi a tissue which he used. "I never will get that one failed case, not to mention override the tie situation. If i had known there would be no more openings to get the tie anotha' way i would have never even tried." He said as he took off his hat and placed it on his friends little head, giving him some shade for his own face.
Kudo noticed Heiji was looking down from some cases back, quickly bringing the topic an octave lower whenever conversed with. It was a recurring thing now, the more dull and less chattering Hattori making appearance. Normally he was the one brightening the situation, but lately...
...
There was a part of Shinichi that wondered if he was just maturing and all, but it didn't even seem intentional.
"Is there something on your mind, Hattori?" Shinichi walked to stand before the dark skinned teen, expecting an answer.
Hattori looked away, avoiding Shinichi's gaze. Now THAT'S a bad sign in Shinichi's book. He immediately took the opportunity to stand taller and press a bit more.
"You told me i can count on you Hattori, and even though i don't say it often when we play a race to solve our cases, i hope you know you can count on me too?" He nudged his friend again giving him some confidence to open up. Hattori looked back at his friend, seeming to be searching for something in his eyes, thinking over some thought that Shinichi couldn't decipher.
"...It's nothing, Kudou. I'm just wonderin' about this one thing from a case you see. Nothing interesting, more like... complicated."
"Had to use my pathetic reasoning more than normal to make it in time. I wondered about working on it longer..." He laughed briefly, sounding almost on point but not quite. As he stood straighter and started walking on the sidewalk, passing the police taking statements from Ran and Kazuha, a message came to his phone.
Shinichi looked at the back of his friend as he walked, completely not buying his lie.
He unconsciously touched the cap resting on his head.
...
Heiji was sitting near the shop Kazuha just went in.
His face was glued to the screen of his phone, scrolling through with interest.
...If i think it is what i think it is,then...
Hattori hid the phone, letting a familiar smile onto his face. "It's something you missed, huh?" he let out under his breath.
He wasn't meant to see anything besides a teen interested in some site, but when it's Hattori...
Kudo wasn't sure he was supposed to be curious or scared.
'end of flashbacks'
"There is something i'm missing here, and it seems i was for a longer time." Shinichi stood in front of the door to Ran's bedroom, ready to play the role of the most weird kid ever and ask about some things he needs to know.
Like, right about NOW.