Sorry this is a little short one, compared to the ones I have been doing. This is a lot of stuff that was never in the anime or manga. If you guys like stuff like this, I can write more, but if you are like Gosho is the only one to make up this stuff, then I will stop haha. This is episode 510. Thanks for everything.
When we walked through the door, Agasa Hakase looked skeptical, if not suspicious. The other children, who I learned were Ayumi, Genta, and Mitsuhiko, ran off toward the kitchen chattering excitedly.
"Oh Conan-kun, Ai-kun. Who is this?"
I smiled warmly. I had to get this just right. I couldn't think of any alternatives.
"Hello, my name is Okiya Subaru. I am an engineering student. I heard these children knew a professor. I thought I could meet you and possibly get your help on some projects I might do in the future."
His eyes sparkled as they took in my clothing attire. He must have figured it out, at least to some degree.
"Oh, you are an engineering graduate student. So someday you will earn your doctorate and become my professional rival, huh?"
I shake my head, trying to remain modest.
"No, not at all."
I glance around at the house. It sure was an interesting and nice place, if not a bit big for only two people.
"Still, what a big house you have. Is it just you and the child that live here?"
He agreed. I sighed inwardly as I plastered on a disarming smile.
"Well it doesn't seem there would be any problem adding another."
Yep, this wasn't going to work. I saw her stiffen in fear and shrink back behind the professor. There was no other way though. There were no more apartments in the area, and I couldn't keep a better eye on her then here, especially if there is a new organization member on the loose. It's not like I can tell her it is for her own good though. I tried explaining.
"You see, the apartment building I was living in burned down. If it is all right, could I stay with you until I find another place to live? Of course in my free time, I will do anything to help you with your research."
Hopefully that will be enough to convince the adult. Everyone here, except Haibara of course, knew who I was and what my ultimate goal was: to protect her. Although she will be the one that can make or break this arrangement.
"I don't mind, as long as it is ok with the kid."
She shook her head vehemently. Well then, there went my plan. Where else could I possibly stay to keep an eye on her? The Boya turned toward me.
"What about using Shinichi-niisan's house?"
Shinichi? Kudo Shinichi? So the boy did know this mysterious detective? I had to play dumb so I asked.
"Shinichi-niisan's house?"
He nodded readily.
"Yes, no one is living there right now. Look it is that house next door."
He pointed toward the familiar manor next door to the professor. If I could live there it would make things a lot easier, like meeting with Yukiko-san, and keeping an even closer eye then what I was doing in the apartment. It would be even more perfect then the previous arrangement. Maybe luck did have a hand at the apartment burning down. The Boya added.
"He left the keys with me."
Why would a capable teenager detective leave house keys to a seven year old? That wasn't normal, unless the detective also knew about the Boya? Something else to investigate. I step forward.
"Oh, what a lovely western style house. It's ok?"
He nodded in approval, and was promptly yanked aside by Haibara. They held a whispered conversation, and I could guess what it was about, probably the strange man is from the organization routine. I wonder how often they have played that game. I studied the house intently.
Although, one thing was bothering me. How could the Boya just volunteer a house to me, when he didn't live there? I mean I guess Yukiko-san would agree, but it technically wasn't her house since she was constantly overseas. I can't believe that Kudo Shinichi would willingly volunteer his house to a wanted fugitive, and I didn't exactly like this 'it's easier to ask forgiveness then permission' type plan.
"Here are the keys to the house."
I glance down to see the little discussion was over. Haibara was looking very confused and the Boya looked extra childish. Oh, did he do that to her too? I didn't think his act would work on her, considering she was an adult and she had to know what he was capable of.
"Are you sure this is ok? That 'Shinichi-niisan' won't mind?"
He nodded.
"Yeah, I will email him later."
Wait, did that mean that the Boya knew where he was? I guess I will have to ask him later. I say seriously, more Akai then Subaru.
"Thank you. You have really helped me."
I see the boy narrow his eyes into his normal personality.
"In exchange, guard his house when he is away."
Protect it, and her. I get the message. I nod knowingly.
"Of course."
He glanced at the professor.
"Hakase, I am going to go over with Subaru-san to make sure everything is picked up. You take the kids and Haibara to go see Kaito-kun."
Haibara's eyes widened, probably disagreeing with the fact that he was going to be alone with a suspicious man and pulled him aside again as Hakase called out to the other three children. After another discussion and departing words, the two groups separated, with Conan-kun telling his friends to give Kaito-kun his well wishes.
We walked through the door, and the Boya zoomed off, up the stairs. I raise an eyebrow as I calmly step further into the kitchen. What could he possibly be doing? He seemed awfully familiar with the house, although if he knew Yukiko-san, he had probably been here before. Wonder if Yukiko-san had leftovers in the fridge.
After another five minute the Boya reappeared looking awfully relieved and satisfied about something.
"Well? Find what you were looking for?"
Conan-kun smiled charmingly, as if what he just did was perfectly normal and not out of the ordinary at all.
"Yes, just making sure there was nothing embarrassing laying around."
Then his grin grew sharper.
"How ironic, that you would be the red guy, Akai-san."
Ah, he was confronting me about the identity almost immediately then. I opened my eyes fully, relishing in the fact I could use my full sight, and I flicked off the choker to speak normally.
"Hai. I thought so too. Wonderful deduction, although do you usually do it in full view like that?"
He pulled himself up to sit at the table with me.
"No, usually I am more careful, although I knew there was no danger there. I'm glad you weren't hurt. I was worried when Kaito-kun mentioned a suspicious man was at the apartment you were staying at."
He relaxed slightly.
"The FBI hasn't told me anything about your death, probably to keep me from worrying or sticking my nose where it doesn't belong. I was lucky in the fact that Jodie's phone acted up and I managed to give her mine, but she gave me a different phone completely when she returned it, so it must have been held as evidence. I am guessing everything else worked out?"
I nodded, smirking at my accomplice.
"Yes, everything worked perfectly. You are fantastic Boya."
I stuck out my hand, with the intent on fulfilling my promise I made to myself on the pass.
"Thank you. You saved my life."
I meant it too. He shook it carefully and smirked.
"I just hope you can protect Haibara."
He narrowed his eyes as he glanced to the house next door.
"You came on a little too strong. Offering to stay in her house with her?"
Ouch, I can feel the lecturing gaze. I blink as I explain.
"I couldn't think of a better alternative. I cannot keep an eye on her if I was far away. I didn't know staying here was an option."
He sighed, placing his small elbows on the table.
"Haibara is paranoid, even more than me. She suspected you of being with the organization when we first met, which is normal to some degree, but she seems to have sensed you aren't what you seem. Then you offer to stay with her, of course her suspicions are going to rise. She thinks you are an agent for them. I probably won't hear the end of it for a long time."
He blinked at me clearly.
"I would back off a little for now. Try not to fraternize with her for a little bit, and then start giving peace offerings. Going over and talking with the professor, find some way to interact gradually. Eventually she will learn to trust you."
I suppose that will work. I agree I did try a bit too hard to be in her life. Of course she doesn't trust me. An evil organization is after her head; I would be paranoid too.
"I will try."
Ah, yes, I wanted to ask him about Kudo.
"How do you know the Kudos Boya?"
I see the slight change in the Boya. Open became guarded and defensive, relaxed became tense, only for a split second, but it was definitely there.
"They are distant relatives of mine. Ok-Yukiko-san helped me in the plan to capture Vermouth by dressing me up as Haibara. She is really a master."
He nodded at my clothes.
"I didn't recognize you. I thought it was you because your body types were similar but it was so different I couldn't tell. I had to make sure."
I narrowed my eyes. That kind of answered my question.
"One more question. Do you know where Kudo Shinichi is?"
He paused, cocking his head to one side in confusion.
"Why do you want to know?"
I gestured around me.
"I am currently living in his house, his mother is doing my disguise, and Jodie says he has been missing for over six months. Of course I am curious as to his whereabouts."
The Boya regarded me carefully through his glasses.
"Don't worry about Shinichi-niisan. He is ok. He is just having some trouble with the case he is trying to figure out."
From what I have heard about this detective, he is a prodigy, solving crimes at almost inhuman speed and precision. What kind of case could stump this kind of person for more than six months? He couldn't have stumbled across the organization, could he? It would explain his disappearance, and he might possibly be dead. Although, if he can get emails and calls from phones…then maybe he isn't dead, but I know that emails can be hacked, and voices can be mimicked; I was wearing the living proof. It was very confusing. Although, it looks like I cannot ask anyone around here. Everyone I have asked has given me very unspecific answers, only to brush off my fears, not to give actual answers. So I back off a little.
"All right, if you say so."
The boy grew grim.
"Oh yes, did you hear about the new member of the organization?"
I nodded.
"Bourbon right?"
The Boya scowled.
"You don't know who it could be, do you?"
I take a few seconds to think back. I remember several of the lower members were training to be promoted to be given alcoholic code names, but I left before they completed their training. I couldn't say with certainty who it could be, but I knew all of their faces.
"No, but I am sure I can recognize them by sight if they come near Haibara. As soon as they do, I can let you know about it."
He sighed in relief.
"Good, it always pays to know when they are coming."
He hopped off the chair to the floor.
"I will have to stay away from you for a little while, but I will try to put in a good word for you to Haibara to get her to drop her guard. I will also try to get you involved as much as I can without facing her wrath so you can have chances to prove you aren't a threat. You can do whatever you like with the house. There is a really good library that I would recommend."
He started off toward the door, before pausing.
"Akai-san?"
I freeze. His stance was off. This wasn't the Boya that I had gotten to know, who was confident in everything he did. He seemed…afraid? Angry? Both? I wasn't sure.
"What is it Boya?"
He turned around, his face serious, with a hint of sadness.
"I just wanted to apologize."
I narrowed my eyes at him. Apologize? To me? What for? He had saved my life, given me a chance at new life, and is letting me do the one thing in the world I wanted to do. What could he possibly want to apologize to me for?
"What do you mean Boya?"
He faced me fully, his blue eyes never leaving mine.
"Miyano Akemi."
I stiffened. I had completely forgotten that he had been involved in her death, and had vowed to ask him what had happened. Did he directly cause it? I take a deep breath to calm myself. I couldn't make any judgements until he told me his side of the story.
"What happened Boya?"
He stepped forward. He must know my connection with her, probably James or Jodie told him, and he must know that I wasn't going to take this news lightly, but he still squared his shoulders and answered calmly.
"There was a robbery at the bank where we usually go, and she was new to her job there as a teller. One of the pieces of evidence was a mask that had her lipstick on it, but the proportions didn't match her face. I knew she was involved, and that she was getting framed. The other robbers had been killed, so I guessed they would come after her next. I snuck into her apartment to try to find evidence against her, and I managed to find a key to a coin locker that almost assuredly had the money in it. I was about to go check it out when she came in and stunned me. I told her not to go, that it was dangerous and she would be killed, but she ignored my warning. I managed to put a tracker on her car before she left and I followed her as fast as I could, but by the time I got there, she was already bleeding out."
He clenched his tiny fists.
"She was the first one to give me solid information about the black organization, but she told me in her dying breaths. I am truly sorry I couldn't save her."
I froze processing the information. The Boya was blaming himself for Akemi's death. Why? I understand that he was involved, and maybe the bitter, grieving part of me wanted to blame him, however I know the boy. He had one of the quickest reaction times I had ever seen. If he couldn't get to her in time, I doubt anyone else in the world could. He didn't have a car to follow her, he was seven, and this was Gin and Vodka we were talking about. I was sure that he did everything he could. Edogawa Conan was not the type to half try to save a life if he knew it was in danger.
Besides, he wasn't halfway around the world, and the reason she had to do such a thing by herself in the first place.
"Boya, you tried your best right?"
It sounded so plastic in my mouth, those words of fake comfort. We both knew how superficial it sounded. He spat angrily, so uncharacteristically of him.
"My best wasn't enough Akai-san."
True, but if we could always stop the crime before it happens, there would be no need for investigators and detectives.
"Boya I don't blame you."
It was true. I didn't. Maybe a little, but not enough to act on it. Gin was the one who pulled the trigger, the one that proposed the deal and tricked her, and the Boya, what could he have done if he was there in time to save her? Get shot by Gin, or watch helplessly while she was shot? Exposing his genius to him? If that were to happen, and he did die that day, a lot more people would be dead, myself included. Haibara would have been killed by Vermouth, we would have never caught Kir, the plan would have never come to fruition, and so many cases would remain unsolved. Speaking of Haibara, I wonder if she knows about this.
"Boya, does she know?"
He nodded solemnly, knowing I was referring to Haibara.
"Yes she knows I was involved, she was…upset about it. I doubt she has truly forgiven me either."
It also explained why he went so far to protect her. If he knew from the beginning that she was her sister, was he protecting her from the organization as atonement for letting the elder die? That had to be part of it. He blinked up at me, blue eyes tinged with grief, anger at himself, and apology.
"I just had to tell you."
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. How was I supposed to answer that? I couldn't tell if he wanted forgiveness, or for me to yell at him.
"Boya what would you like me to say to that?"
He paused, before looking down at his feet. I knelt down to his eye level.
"If you had interfered you would have been killed, and just imagine how the people in your life would be effected by that. Our grand plan would have never happened, and I would probably be dead, as well as Haibara, Jodie, James, and so many other people whose death's would have never been figured out, and the organization would be winning right now. I don't blame you, and if it makes you feel better, I forgive you. Don't beat yourself up about it. Akemi knew exactly what she was doing, and thought the risk was worth it."
Akemi knew what she signed up for. She knew how the organization worked, and how unlikely they were going to go through with their end of the deal, but she wanted to try, to get both her and Shiho out of there. Now all we can do is follow her final wish, and protect Haibara as much as we can.
The Boya blinked at me, waiting for me to speak again. I sigh.
"You know, when I first saw that picture of you in that article about her death, I was worried that you had killed her, that you were part of the organization. I am so glad I was wrong. All we can do now, is make sure Haibara is safe and away from the organization.
I gave him a small smirk at the disgusted look on his face at the very thought of him being an operative for the organization, and smirked wider when I saw the face relax into normal calmness. He nodded at me, faint smile on his lips.
"Hai Akai-san."
He glanced up at the clock on the wall and stepped back.
"We will talk later Akai-san. Please don't go through Shinichi-niisan's things."
He stepped out of the kitchen and waved at the front door, before closing it softly behind him. I ran my fingers through my fake hair, breathing a heavy sigh. That was the bad thing about law enforcement officers, from local police to national law agencies that some crimes affected us more than others, and the weight of souls unsaved weighed heavily on our shoulders. I remember a lot of the people that had been killed when I felt like I could have prevented it, even though in all reality I had done everything possible to keep it from happening.
The Boya was different. He was still young, and had not had the chance to experience that, at least a lot. Sure, Jodie told me he got caught up in murder cases more than anyone else, but I was betting that he always caught the criminal afterwards, like today with the arsonist. Justice would prevail, and happy ending for everyone. However the world is not all sunshine and rainbows. Akemi's death was different. Not only had she bled out in the Boya's arms, but her murderers were never caught. The case was still left open, at least to him, since the higher powers deemed it a suicide and closed it.
The Boya wasn't the type to experience failure very often. When it did, it weighed heavily, the burden of a person that was too little too late.
I wonder how often that has happened to him, when he had been helpless to save a life or solve a case relating to a death. I doubt it is a lot; he seems the type to do anything and everything to prevent loss of life.
I stand going over to the cabinets, looking for something to drink, preferably something alcoholic. All this heavy talk has gotten me in the drinking mood. I pause as I reach for a cabinet handle. Although, this is the first time in a few weeks I have thought of Akemi. Does that mean I was moving on, getting over it? I hope so. The Boya probably didn't mean to open up old scars with this conversation, but it was…cleansing, knowing the Boya had done everything to save her. It gave me a little closure on her death, knowing what happened.
I smirk as I find the bottle of bourbon in a high up cabinet. Fantastic. Now for a good old night of drinking, not in grief as I had been these past few months. No this was purely for enjoyment.
As I fixed my first glass, I suddenly had a thought. What had the boy said?
She was the first one to give me solid information about the black organization.
So was Akemi the one who introduced him to the organization? It would explain why he was pursuing them so relentlessly, again to make up for the fact he couldn't save her. No, that wasn't the vibe I got from him.
She was the first to give me solid information…
Maybe he knew about it before, but she was the one that confirmed his suspicions about them, or gave him information he hadn't had previously. What if he had encountered one of the operatives before on a different case, and that Akemi was just clarifying some things.
Dang I have a lot of work to do. Not only does this Boya's connection with the organization still remain a mystery, I was now intrigued by the disappearance of Kudo Shinichi. On top of all that I still needed to get Haibara to trust me.
I take a swig of my drink. I might need a couple of more of these. Then I am going to explore this house fully. If I was going to live here, I might as well be acquainted with my new living space.