Yay, we are on to the scarlet arc. I love this arc because this is the arc I discovered just how god like Conan and Akai really were. Of course I love Bourbon too so this was just an amazing Arc. This will mention episodes 779-781.
I was roused instantly from deep sleep as the doorbell chimed. I blinked, alert, at the clock beside my bed. It was a little after six. Who could be over here this early in the morning? I grab my voice choker from the bedside table and my pistol that was hidden in the drawer there. I wasn't going to take any chances. It wasn't Yukiko-san, she usually comes in the afternoon, so the most logical explanation was a threat. Although, what kind of threat rings the doorbell?
The chimes sounded off again, annoyingly loud in rapid succession, as I slid down the hallway to the intercom center connected to the front gate. I picked up the phone tentatively and click on the voice changer, trying not to sound like I just woke up.
"Yes?"
There was heavy breathing over the other end, like the person had run here.
"Subaru-san, it's me."
Conan? Something must have happened. I immediately push the button to open the gate and head for the door. I had barely unlocked the door when it was opened, the Boya standing there looking slightly worse for wear. It didn't look like he slept very well last night. He gulped, strolling with purpose over the threshold. He turned back, took a deep breath, and offered seriously.
"We have a problem."
I shut the door; habitually looking around to make sure the boy wasn't followed.
"What kind of problem?
It must be very serious if the Boya ran here so early in the morning. Conan bit his lip.
"Bourbon has figured it out."
I tense. That is incredibly vague. Did he find out about Haibara? Conan? The Mystery Train? Conan clarified.
"About you faking your death."
I sucked in a quick breath. Oh…that was possibly the worst option. Haibara I don't think he would harm her, especially after the Bell Tree Express, but he will have no qualms throwing me to the wolves. Plus, if he investigates me here, it could lead him to Haibara, and Conan. He could discover what I have found out about them, and some secrets need to remain secrets. In any case, it was early, and I am sure both of us will think better with some caffeine in our system. I head to the kitchen with the Boya trotting at my side.
"How? Did something happen to clue him in?"
Conan gritted his teeth as he hopped into a seat at the island in the middle, while I started to fix the coffee.
"Yes. He and Vermouth have been investigating Jodie and Camel recently. They gained some information a few weeks ago by disguising as people that were in the bank robbery Bourbon was a part of as your imposter. I was foolish and after discovering their plan I tried to run here to check and make sure that you and Haibara were ok, but I realized that might be a trap so I called instead. Haibara said she hadn't felt their presence around so both you and her were probably safe. After that, I am sure he has just been gathering the pieces of the puzzle. I saw him at Haido hospital investigating Kusada Rikumichi as well."
He frowned.
"Yesterday, there was a case that brought Bourbon and the FBI together as the victim was a friend of Jodie Sensei's, and she had hired Bourbon as a detective to investigate a stalker. I am positive that Bourbon used this case to lure them into a trap. After the case, Bourbon provoked Camel, and then Vermouth disguised as Jodie managed to get the last piece, the information that Kusada Rikumichi shot himself inside of his car."
I sigh as the coffee started to pour into the pitcher. Yes, Bourbon is highly intelligent and spying and gaining information was his forte. Even if the pieces might seem random to any normal person, Bourbon would connect the dots to get the full picture, especially since he expected me to pull off such a stunt. I turned to the Boya, to see he was looking at the countertop, looking highly displeased. I reassure him.
"It was bound to happen. It is probably my fault for exposing myself at the Mystery Train. He was bound to pick up on the inconsistency of it."
I sighed. I had been the one to clue him in, and was foolish to think he would just let that drop. I should have expected him to follow up on it. Now I will have to leave to escape him. I had hoped to stay here longer. I didn't want to leave Haibara alone, at least not yet. She still deserves to have her happy life, to have that life be protected by someone. Conan looked up at me, blue eyes glinting in the light.
"I am guessing now that he has found out that you are alive, it won't take him long, a day at the most to find out about Okiya Subaru. The question is how do we counteract against this?"
I pour the coffee into two mugs and set them both down on the table as I sit across from Conan. He raised his eyebrows at the mug, probably a little surprised an adult would give him the drink that was supposed to be bad for children. I take a sip of mine, and I can feel my brain start to move.
Bourbon was a fool. He probably thought he had the advantage of a surprise attack, thinking I came up with that master plan myself. It was a shame really; that the true mastermind was there to see the very second he came up with the solution. Now we can form a strategy to beat Bourbon.
"So what do we do Boya?"
I am not even surprised how easily I asked for the genius boy for ideas. If it was any other person across from me, I would ask them to leave the planning up to me. No one else I hold in such high respect regarding intelligence. I like this habit that I have fallen into, asking to collaborate with this fascinating person. Conan narrowed his eyes as he mirrored me, sipping delicately at the coffee, and heaving a small sigh of contentment at the hot liquid.
"First, before we go into planning Akai-san, I would like to ask you something. It should change how we approach this problem."
Ho? What kind of question could it be? Although…no did he possibly find out about Bourbon being a double agent? I ask.
"What is it?"
Conan observed me carefully, gauging my reaction as he spoke slowly.
"You knew Bourbon when he was in the Organization right?"
I nod in confirmation.
"Yes. He was still in training, but we saw each other occasionally."
He hesitated before asking.
"Is there a possibility of him being a NOC?"
I couldn't help it. A smirk slowly curved on my lips. Of course he found out. He didn't need me to tell him. Although, Bourbon probably had him under a magnifying glass, and once Boya figured out he was Bourbon, he was probably watching him just as closely, just to make sure he didn't do anything. The Boya is observant on a usual basis, but being under his eye when he is actually trying to look for evidence on a person all the time? He probably found out more about Bourbon then he found out about the Boya.
"With who?"
Just a little test Conan-kun. Which law agency do you think he is from? Conan replied immediately.
"Japan's PSB."
Ah, the same as Scotch. The remaining twenty percent I had doubts on him being a double agent disappeared. That can't be a coincidence that he was so close to him when he was alive, and the Boya suspects that he is one of their agents. I am curious though. How did he come to that conclusion?
"Ho, interesting Boya. What gave you that impression?"
Instantly Conan's eyes blazed with a calm fire as he eagerly went about his deduction.
"Multiple pieces of evidence. The first is his deductive ability and his way of navigating a crime scene. Most civilians do not know the correct procedure of preserving a crime scene, and definitely not most criminals, yet he knew exactly what to do. He deduces motives and evidence like a detective, not like a criminal who had killed before and that was how he would commit the crime if he had a chance. He had to be police force or on the right side of the law at some point."
He took another sip of coffee as he continued.
"The second is that he tried to let Haibara live on the train. It would be in the best interest of the Organization to kill the traitor, not let them live, unless he wanted to take her and question her for information which would help him as a double agent more than killing her. On the train, I believe he said that some associates would pick her up after he separated the carriage from the train. Black organization members would just kill her on sight, instead of capturing her, so it is safe to assume his real allies would have been the ones to pick her up, possibly to place in protective custody."
He paused and smirked.
"One time, we were standing near an elevator, and a boy shouted zero, which he responded to. Zero is the nickname of the organization that 'doesn't exist', the PSB. His excuse for that was it was his childhood nickname, which could also be true, a possible hint to his true identity. Also yesterday when he was talking with Jodie and Camel, he asked for them to 'get out of his Japan'. That kind of patriotism and protection of Japan, as well as the conviction behind the words that wasn't faked is something that speaks volumes of where his true loyalties lie don't you think?"
As I suspected, the boya found out by observing the smallest of incidences. Sure, none of that was conclusive evidence like how I caught Scotch, one or two of those wouldn't have amounted to anything, but four items added together is too much of a coincidence to be called anything except the truth. It was too much inconsistency in Bourbon's character to be considered anything but a NOC. Although, zero huh? Not a lot of Japanese names would produce that as a nickname. I could probably look into that myself. He asked.
"Do you think my deduction is correct?"
I nodded.
"Yes, I agree with you. I have some evidence of my own that made me suspect him, but not have enough to be completely sure."
He frowned, looking troubled.
"Good, I was right. He must have…"
He trailed off, thinking. I sipped my coffee and asked.
"What is it boya?"
He tapped his mug thoughtfully.
"I confronted him in private about it, to see if he would back off of investigating your death, but he said that my deduction was incorrect. I wonder if Vermouth had bugged him or something."
He took a deep breath and he took another swig, setting the cup back on the table.
"In any case, if he is a NOC, that changes how this operation will go drastically. We won't have to worry about him right? If he knows you're alive, wouldn't he just leave you alone?"
I purse my lips. Yes, usually in this situation a NOC would ignore my presence and play dumb, acting like they didn't know about my existance if someone else discovered it. However, this is Bourbon we are talking about. The probability of him letting it go is slim.
"Not necessarily Boya."
He stiffened and asked warily.
"What do you mean?"
I shifted slightly in my chair, leaning my elbows on the table.
"Bourbon and I have a bit of a history and let's just say…he doesn't like me. At all."
Conan cocked his head to one side.
"Enough to turn you into the Organization?"
I nod.
"Especially to the organization. He gets rid of me, his enemy, and will be able to get promoted, furthering his own goals."
He blinked several times in confusion before he shook his head. I know. You would think, since we are technically on the same side, he wouldn't turn me in, but revenge affects common sense in a strange way.
"Good thing I started thinking up a strategy then."
He leaned forward and he got his 'strategizing' face on, which gave me a strange sense of comfort. He started thinking aloud.
"He already knows you are alive, so convincing him of that would be foolish. However, we can convince him that Okiya Subaru and Akai Shuuichi are not the same person, and hopefully get him to back off of you."
I smile. The easiest way to do that is and following the boya's previous work would be…
"So Akai and Okiya need to show up in two different places at the same time."
He nodded, eyes flickering to mine for a brief moment.
"Yes, agreed."
I narrow my eyes.
"Who are you going to get to play Okiya? Kaitou KID?"
I highly doubt the thief will be willing to help the mini detective after last time. Not to mention, it would take either me, or Conan, to deal with him this time. I don't think anyone else could keep up mentally. Conan shook his head.
"No, I don't have a way to contact him, and it would be difficult for him to fulfill the role. No, I called both of the Kudos last night. They should be on their way here now. I was thinking Yusaku-san would be able to fill in the role of being Subaru, with me telling him what to do."
Ah, yes. Conan and Yusaku vs. Bourbon? That was a good combination. I bet the father-son duo could practically guess each other was thinking, making the interaction seamless. That however leads to a new set of problems.
"Are you ok with Yusaku-san facing off against Bourbon?"
Just like on the Mystery Train, we will be putting one of his parents directly into the line of fire. Was he all right with that? Not only that, but if Bourbon finds out about the Kudos helping, he could turn them in for helping me, or possibly connect them to Conan. Conan sighed, looking very tired. I think I realize why he might not have gotten much sleep last night.
"We don't have a choice. I can't be disguised as him, and you need to prove that you aren't him. Yusaku-san is the only one capable for matching wits with him and being cool under pressure without giving anything away. I have tried thinking of better options and couldn't find any. Can you?"
I shake my head. No, I approve of him one hundred percent. However, it wasn't my father facing an agent of a criminal organization. I decide to change the subject.
"Yukiko-san for the disguise right?"
He smirked. After twice seeing him in action, I was finally getting able to kind of predict his thought process. He looks quite pleased with the fact.
"Yes, but Yukiko-san will not be able to stay."
I narrow my eyes in confusion.
"Is something happening?"
He shrugged.
"In America, the Macademy awards are technically tonight, where Yusaku-san has to go to because of his recent movie might receive an award."
I frown. Then Yusaku-san cannot come and be Okiya right. Conan smirked pointing at the table.
"Yukiko-san said she would dress Yusaku-san up as you, and then dress up as Yusaku-san to go to the awards to receive it if he gets one."
It feels like we are all playing musical identities. I shake my head slightly. Man, this is so convoluted that it would take a miracle for Bourbon to figure it out.
"So if you and Yusaku-san will be here, then where will I be?"
In order to prove that we aren't the same, then I need to show up somewhere. Conan nodded.
"Well, this is you we are talking about correct? It wouldn't be smart to show up to a house you are living in, in your territory knowing who you are without backup."
Ah, I see.
"That is why it is imperative to know if he is a NOC or not, correct?"
He curled his fingers around the mug of cool coffee, with a smirk.
"Yes, if he was a regular agent for the Organization, it would be assumed he would bring some low level members to help ambush you. He has to go all out against you, in order to ensure your capture. However, if he fails or if we make him back off, then there are way too many witnesses to silence. He would be reported to the Organization, and I am not sure what their policy of failure is, but it can't be good."
Yeah, execution was the most common method of getting rid of those that weren't considered useful in the Organization's eyes. It was highly cutthroat, where you were constantly looking for missions to up your status or prove your worth so you don't end up with a bullet in the back.
"So in other words, he will use his real allies in the PSB instead of the Black Organization lackeys for this operation."
Conan nodded in agreement.
"Yes, I believe so."
He held up two fingers.
"There are two options he could use his allies for. One would be an ambush for you, which could result in a firefight, and can cause casualties on both sides, as well as a commotion. No, I think Bourbon doesn't want to waste resources like that."
He flicked one of the fingers down.
"If I were him, I would distract you here, and then force you to cooperate using something or someone that you don't want harmed, especially if he hates you like you say. Wouldn't it be more satisfactory to make you submit of your own volition then to take you down fighting?"
That is an accurate assessment of what Bourbon would do, although what could he use against me? My eyes widened in realization.
"Jodie and Camel."
Conan nodded seriously.
"Yes. He knows what they look like and possibly where they will be today."
How could he possibly know that? Conan must have seen the question in my eyes as he explained.
"Both of them have started getting doubts about your supposed death as well. There is only one logical place an investigator would go if they were curious about something."
I bite my lip as I answered.
"The scene of the crime. They are going to Raiha Pass."
Even if it had been months since the incident, it was the best place to start an investigation. Conan nodded.
"So, while Bourbon is here, engaging with Yusaku-san and myself, keeping 'you' busy, his real allies will be trying to apprehend Agents Jodie and Camel, in order to use them against you. Wouldn't it be really confusing for him if you showed up in the car that had the other FBI agents in it?"
Ah, I see. It's all coming together now. If I went with Jodie and Camel, I could not only prove that Akai and Okiya were different people, but also protect Jodie and Camel from them. It was killing two birds with one stone.
"You would have to remain hidden for a while though, let him deduce to his heart's content. He will probably have some way to prove that Okiya is you, and once he gives that evidence that isn't there, that is when we will strike. It will shake his confidence a bit, and probably will make him back off."
I nod. I don't think that will be enough. If he finds out he is wrong, he will back off Okiya Subaru, but he will want to investigate other avenues to find me, which could lead in me being captured further down the road. No, we need to get him off my tail completely.
"He will probably be in contact with his other agents. If I talk to him, I could probably talk him out of hunting me down."
Conan cocked his head at me.
"I thought you said he hated you."
I shrugged, draining the last of my coffee.
"Yes, but a good agent doesn't allow his personal feelings to affect his work. I just need to remind him of that."
If I could just remind him that even if he is on the same side as me, and give him a peace offering, there was a good chance he would back off.
"Boya, do you have a plan about the choker?"
I am guessing that Bourbon would research something to allow people to change voices, and from what I have heard, the voice changer choker used to sell really popular from Agasa Hakase's inventions to sell in the neighborhood. Bourbon would pick up on that and—
"Yes, there is a cold mask that has the same mechanism in it, and it can't be seen, and has a speaker in it if he is asked to remove it that I can speak out instead of Yusaku-san to cover it up. That choker might be the evidence that he needs to 'catch' you that we can turn on him. I borrowed it from Agasa Hakase last night."
He dug around in his pocket, pulling out the cold mask in question. After fiddling with it for a moment, he put it on his face, and the voice of Okiya Subaru came out of it, slightly muffled through the fabric.
"See? I can answer most of the questions through this without Bourbon ever realizing it."
I relaxed slightly. Of course he had already planned for that. Conan removed the cold mask and placed it on the counter.
"What about Haibara?"
If she senses anyone suspicious staking outside her house, she might think it was the organization.
"I instructed Agasa Hakase to take the Detective Boys out on another camping trip. They left right after school and won't be back until tomorrow."
I huffed a silent sigh of relief. Getting all of the collateral out of the way. Good. It is amazing that he was able to work this quickly to get all of this prepared in a little less then twelve hours.
"You really have thought of everything haven't you?"
Conan swirled his coffee around in his cup.
"It is important to be prepared."
Suddenly the doorbell chimes once more. I glance up at Conan as almost immediately his phone set off a ringtone. I notice how he pulls two out of his pocket, glancing between them until he picks the one in his right hand. Why would he need two phones? Ah, right, two identities. One must be his 'Conan' phone while the other one is his 'Shinichi' phone. Interesting. He hopped to the floor heading toward the door.
"Looks like they are here."
I finish my cup of coffee and place it on the counter, heading out after the boy. The planning part was over. It was now time to begin preparations. It was a bit strange preparing to protect myself instead of Haibara, but it was needed. Bourbon cannot know. I doubt he will either. All of this will be very interesting.