This is part two of Darkest Hour. Thank you for your reviews. It allowed me to think in a new perspective and hopefully provide some light on some of the plotholes you all realized.

Finally I pull into the aquarium's parking lot. I buy an overpriced ticket at the gate, disguising my rifle bag as a backpack, and slip through the gate to the almost amusement park. Now then, I look up at the brilliantly flashing Ferris wheel; time to get to work.

It took a little time to scout out the base of the Ferris wheel, but I finally found the 'employees only' entrance. After making sure no one was watching, I sneak inside, climbing the various stairs until I reach what looks like the top. There is a ladder up to a small hatch, that I easily climb. I brace myself against the wind that swirls around me, threatening to push me over the edge. I glance around in the darkness of the night, looking out over the aquarium. There were bright lights and people below like ants, and I could see almost everything from here. It was a good vantage point to counterattack the crows. The wind will make sniping more difficult from this height, but doable.

So this Ferris wheel is two sided, leaving an area in the middle that doesn't rotate. Good, now I need to scout out this area so I can use it to the best of my ability when the time comes. Hoisting my rifle bag on my back, I carefully start to walk one way across the Ferris wheel, using a spindly rail as a foothold. Not exactly ideal conditions, but Jeet Kun Do did teach a lot about balance.

Now then…they could attack inside the Ferris wheel, but they have to reach it first, which means I need to snipe them from up here. I just need to set up a good position. I stepped onto one of the Ferris wheel's, the one moving at an escalators pace upward, to move back to the middle.

Suddenly something whipped right past my face. Was that a hat? There was no way a hat could come up here from the crowd below, which means…I turned toward the other end of the Ferris wheel. There was Bourbon, crouched by the entrance.

"So you came."

He said, throwing off his shirt and it blew away in the wind. I smirked. Thank goodness, he was alive.

"Looks like you managed to escape successfully."

He scowled.

"If you are here, that means, as I suspected you shot the light to drop it and blinded them. You realized I was still in the warehouse and couldn't get away. To make it look like I'd run outside, you kicked the door open and tricked them. Thanks to that I was able to hide in the shadows and learn what they planned to do."

He had already deduced that much huh? I see he is as sharp as usual. As he talked, the different Ferris wheels that we were on brought us closer together. As the distance between us shortened, I could tell by his stance he was ready to try his hardest to kill me. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement, even though I shouldn't. We were on the same side, working toward the same goal. We shouldn't fight. Bourbon continued, that irritating smug smirk on his face.

"I suspected that, if you were the one to do that, you'd end up showing up here. Why don't you tell me? What motivated you to help us out? You could have easily listened in to them and gotten info without having to risk yourself, couldn't you?"

Don't patronize me Bourbon. You already know Kir and I are connected somehow, unless you didn't investigate me thoroughly, which I know you did. And this ungrateful jerk didn't even thank me for saving his life. He could have at least had the common courtesy. I mean, I could have just let Gin kill you, but unlike you I don't let grudges get in the way of my work.

Maybe I do want to fight this guy. Let off some steam a little, for both of us, so we could focus on our jobs later.

"So you came all this way to talk?"

Bourbon smirked arrogantly.

"Yes, I came here to tell the FBI to back off and that we PSB will get our hands on Curacao."

Hmm, quite a bold statement, and an order at that. The only people I will take orders from are James, and Conan, not Bourbon. I smirked pleasantly.

"And what if I say no?"

Bourbon narrowed his eyes, and put up his fists in a boxer's stance.

"Then I will take her by force."

Ah shoot, I fired him up now. I gave a small chuckle, not moving at all. I wasn't going to attack him. Immediately his face fell into a snarl.

"Retreat, Akai Shuuichi."

He sprinted towards me. I raised my hands in a comfortable Jeet Kun Do stance, frowning. Here he comes. He jumped up, coming down on me. I step back slightly, and raise a foot to kick forward into his gut. This is a fight to be sure, but I have to be careful; we are several hundred meters in the air, and one misstep could mean our deaths. He hit the bars, wobbled a bit, and my kick hit him right in the shoulder. He snapped back, rolling along the Ferris wheel for a few meters before he sprung to his feet.

He paused a moment before rushing forward, staying low. I aim my jab right at his head, but he ducked, tackling me to the ground. I groan slightly, rolling over on top of him, only for him to return the favor. We grappled on the ground, tumbling on the bars and I was kind of aware of light going on behind us. Fireworks, by the sound of it.

I was on the bottom so I raised my foot and kicked Bourbon up and over behind me. I saw him roll up to his feet, while I slowly raised myself up, waiting for him to strike again. He was the aggressor in this situation, mostly focusing on offence and seeing how many hits he can get on me, while I focus mostly on defense, and acting in self-defense to. I am not afraid to hit the guy if he needs it. Although, I got to say, he is not a bad fighter.

There, he runs forward, arm drawn back ready to swing. I duck and dodge to one side, sliding into one of my stances as he slides past me, only to turn and try to hit me with his other hand. I stepped back, missing a vicious upper cut. He kept pressing forward, going in for a right hook. I dropped down and side stepped, gently parrying the blow as my field of vision was illuminated by another firework. He tried another upper cut, which I smacked slightly off course as I drew back, mindful where I stepped. He went in to punch my ribcage, and I moved to escape the blow, but it barely grazed me. It was slightly painful, but not as bad as what I was about to do. Using the force, I pivoted on my heel, bringing my right foot up to scoop a kick right up into his jaw, forcing him back. Good, I needed a little space anyway.

He tumbled back, feet clanking on the bars as he fought to regain his balance, swinging his arms wildly. Finally, he stopped, and he looked irritated that I managed to get the better of that round. Surely that's enough right? We have had our little tussle. Now we can focus on the matter at hand, the fact that the organization is on its way, and we need to both fight to keep Curacao with us. He immediately readied his hands again to fight. Dang it Bourbon. I stepped back slightly, feeling my feet slip on the bar, I steady myself.

"I believe I told you Amuro-kun. Don't mistake the enemy that you have to hunt down."

I raise my hands anyway as I can tell by the rage on his face he is past the point of listening to me. I don't think even common sense can get to him as he is now. He is too hyped up on adrenaline, too focused on seeing me hit the pavement beneath us to focus on something else. Bourbon nodded.

"Yeah, I will hunt down those Organization rascals, once I bring you down that is."

Awfully ambitious, aren't you? He charged forward, moves obvious as he is going with a right punch again. I swing to the side and he goes straight past me, like a bull in a bull fight. He swings around, and I rotate to bring a kick right at his head again, but he seems to have learned from his past mistake and ducked. Shoot, now my back is toward him. I have the intuition to turn around and dodge his flying punch as well. He goes forward, a flurry of combos as I deflect and parry them. There, a punch I can use. I grab his arm and toss him over my shoulder easily. He gives a small grunt of pain as he lands on the metal.

Ah, is he hurt? Is this my chance? He hasn't gotten up yet. I rush forward, and Bourbon watches me in surprise, trying to retaliate as I kick underneath him as hard as I could, scooping him up and over the edge. He would fall in the middle of the Ferris wheel and be incapacitated for awhile, at least I hope. I blink in surprise as I see his hands gripping stubbornly onto the Ferris wheel's frame. Oi, seriously? I hear a grunt, and then both of his feet plunged right into my stomach. I gave a grunt of pain as I staggered back, but managed to stay on my feet. Damn that hurt. He is already up and moving for the kill again too.

I deflected the new punch aimed right at my face, and see that his defense has an opening and take it, delivering a palm strike right to his nose. He lets out a gasp in pain, and his whole defense buckles, allowing me to kick right into his side. He curls in, trying to control the pain as he hits metal with another pained sound.

I hop back a couple of steps as he immediately gets back to his feet. Man, he has stamina at least. I haven't exactly been holding back and he just keeps getting back up. He charges forward with a yell, and I deflect both punches aimed for me. The third I grab his wrist, and pull him forward, only for me to thrust my elbow back, right at his nose, which he catches with his free hand. Ah, too slow. We are kind of in a stalemate now. Can I try to reason with him again? I snap.

"And what if Curacao recovers her memories and they attack us while we are quarrelling? What will you do?"

This has no longer become a fight to blow off steam. This has turned into a death match that I should have expected. We cannot fight any longer or it will get dangerous. He, and I are putting this whole mission in jeopardy; it was kind of my fault for being pulled along to his pace.

"How about you clear things up? Are you saying you don't trust Japan's police because they stole information from us?"

What? Oh, did Curacao's espionage hurt Bourbon's pride a bit? In any case, that is not what I was saying at all. I let go of his arm and push hard with my elbow simultaneously, throwing him back, and I instantly get into position to fend off another attack.

Suddenly, my pocket vibrates. Huh? Instantly I am brought out of fight mode. A phone call? From who? James? I reach absentmindedly toward my pocket, intent on answering it when I hear another yell. Ah crap, don't get distracted in a fight, especially with someone out for your blood. I didn't react in time as Bourbon went straight for my middle, pushing me like an American football lineman, back along the thin railing. There was no way I wasn't going to miss a st—

Bourbon shoved me to the right, off the railing. I let out a gasp of surprise as almost solid ground turned into free fall, and we fell in between the two spinning wheels toward the inside of the Ferris wheel.

He still had a hold of me, but we hit a wall and separated, with him slightly beneath me. I was in a better position to catch my fall, instead of falling on my back like he was probably going to do. I spread eagle to try to slow my fall some. Ah, I was within distance to kick him. I lashed out managing to catch both of us in awkward positions as we hit a small platform. Well at least we don't have to worry about high speed winds and possibly falling to our death now.

I was the first up and I leapt back to gain some distance. This fight needed to end, and it was getting harder and harder for me to try to talk to Bourbon. It looked like I had to knock him out and go deal with the organization that way. I didn't want to do that, but I don't really have a choice. Looks like I have to go from defense to offence now.

Bourbon pushed himself to his feet, looking around frantically.

"Where is he?"

I take a deep breath before I decide to gain some force. I sprint sideways up the wall and leap over behind him. He must have heard me because he turned, eyes wide as he brought up his hand to block the kick. The first one, almost broke his arm and it faltered slightly to the side. As soon as I landed I spun wickedly, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick straight at the side of his head, making him flip in the air with the force. I narrow my eyes and hop back. Was that enough? He glared up at me from his spot on the floor, blood running down his face, but not unconscious. It seems he has realized I am done fooling around. I tched in annoyance. Why don't you just stay down?

He rushed me again, throwing both right and left jabs, that I easily deflected, and shove back against him. He let out small angry sounds as he punched back into my arm, and then hooked right through my defense to hit my face. I fell back, shaking my head slightly, but immediately flowed into the next motion of a sidekick right at his head, which he quickly retreated. I spun, delivering another roundhouse kick which crushed once again into his forearm.

I staggered back, slightly off balance. Crap, if he notices…too late. Seeing the opportunity, he charges forward with a yell, aiming a vicious jab right at my cheek with all of his body weight behind it. I gasp in surprise as it strikes me, throwing me back against the wall. I wince as I felt my ribs slam against the metal, knocking the breath out of me for a split second and I grab at my throat subconsciously, before I remembered, oh yeah I am in a fight right now.

The left jab crunches into my cheek bone and I feel myself falling slightly, only to catch myself and pull my stances back together into a suitable defense. He tried to jab again, but I deflected twice, before I saw my chance. I slid my foot forward between his legs and delivered a powerful blow right to his solar plexus, driving him back into the thin railing. He buckled in pain as both his front and back were delivered strong blows almost simultaneously. Then he started to slip over the railing, to fall directly to the ground. Crap. I stride forward, grabbing him by his shirt front and hauling back to safety.

"Stop already."

This is pointless, us trying to kill each other when we have bigger priorities. I feel something move, and then a foot was pushed stubbornly into my stomach, forcing me back.

"Already giving up?"

Ah, he still has the same amount of fire in his voice now as he did at the beginning of the fight. He was breathing harder then I was, and he looked way more tired, but his stubborn pride was going to make sure either he hit the ground, or I did. He wiped the blood from his face, and smirked confidently as he raised up his fists again.

"Come, let's go for round two."

I really didn't have time for this. Honestly, what was it going to take? I can't use anymore force or I might accidently break his neck or something, and he won't stay down with the amount of force I was currently using. I tched in annoyance, and bring my hands up in my favorite position.

"Akai-san!"

Immediately I drop out of fight mode, and I see Bourbon relax too, glancing behind him.

"You are there, right? We are in trouble, lend me a hand."

Conan. So he managed to get here. Something must have happened. I drop my stance and relax, even though Bourbon still wants a fight, by the way his arms bob up and down like a boxer's. I couldn't pull him out of his craze, maybe Conan can. He sounded urgent.

"If they fail to retrieve Curacao, they intend to blow up everything along with this Ferris wheel."

I suck in a quick breath. That was bad. With all these civilians around? Bourbon still looked like he wanted a piece of me, so I firmly shook my head. Not now. We have work to do.

"Please, if you are there, lend me a hand. We have to disarm the bombs before they detonate them, or we are all done for."

I see Bourbon slowly lose all rage and thirst for blood, and his feature soften into realization that beyond our fight, the world still revolved, and we did have work to do. Saved by the Conan-kun it looks like; I wouldn't have been able to talk him out of it myself. Bourbon leans over the rail.

"Is that true Conan-kun?"

There was a slight pause.

"Amuro-san? How did you get here?"

Bourbon leaned farther, and I see the seriousness in his eyes.

"Explanations can wait. Where are the bombs?"

Conan reported instantly.

"There are a lot of them set up in the gap between the wheel and the axel. I don't know when they are going to remotely trigger them but we need to disarm them immediately."

Bourbon glanced back at me, gaze wary. I could basically hear his thoughts as he looked at me. Truce? I felt slight relief as I nodded, affirming the truce, before I head down the stairs. I hear Bourbon call out behind me.

"Got it. I am heading down with the FBI."

"Ok."

I heard the relief tangible in his voice as well. I heard the rapid footfalls behind me, and I almost went on the defensive until they slowed down, keeping their distance.

"Don't think I have forgotten Akai Shuuichi. We will continue this later."

If we are still alive later I retort in my mind, but outwardly don't give any sign I had heard him. He stayed exactly five steps behind me until we reached Conan. Th Boya scampered up and immediately I felt his eyes go intense as they surveyed my various injuries from our scuffle. They then turned to Bourbon, giving him the same scan, before crossing his arms, and raising his eyebrows at us. He didn't even say anything, but that look was scolding. I fought a wince. That look was so lecturing, like a teacher scolding two students for fighting, and it was highly ironic the child/teenager in child's body was giving two adults that same disapproving look. Bourbon seems to notice it as well as he stiffened slightly. It only lasted a second, before Conan reported.

"I think I found the main detonator in a hose dispenser. I think that is the main one to disarm right now."

Bourbon spoke up.

"I have some history of disarming bombs. I will come with you."

I nodded.

"I will check on the rest of the bombs and their conditions."

All right we have a plan. Conan led Bourbon down, while I find steps that lead to where I can get on the axel. Hmm, I had never seen Bourbon and Conan interact before. The look in Bourbon's eyes was probably similar to the one I had in my own. He obviously respected, and admired the boy, and knew of his abilities. He must have high respect for him if he was willing to stop the fight with me at his word. Boya had even more connections then I thought, in the case of making two men who disagree on almost everything, work together.

I race carefully across the axel, spying the explosives. I knelt down to examine them properly and frown. Hmm, C4 and enough to blow this entire Ferris wheel into the ocean and cause a lot of damage and casualties. It was professionally done too by the look of it. Organization's handiwork. I carefully make my way back along the axel to drop down right by Conan and Bourbon. Both jump a little, but Bourbon doesn't go into attack mode, which I consider progress.

"Akai-san, what about the explosives?"

I report easily.

"As I thought, they are C4 and they are set up in a pro manner. If they all simultaneously explode the axel won't be able to withstand the stress and cause the chain to collapse."

Both of them scowled. Yes, that future was very grim, but we have enough time to deal with it. Bourbon said purposefully.

"I see, it doesn't look like we have time to waste."

He opened the panel, exposing a hose. He parted it down the middle and pushed it to the sides, exposing a small black box.

"This is it?"

Well, Bourbon seems to have handled the bomb situation, keeping him busy. I might as well do something useful as well, like go back to my original plan of going to the top to snipe. The bombs just narrowed down where they could come from. I pull my rifle bag off of my back, and laid it down, unzipping it easily as I listen to Conan's and Bourbon's conversation.

"Well, do you think you can defuse it?"

"No problem. It is a commonly found type. I know how to disarm it."

"Wow you know a lot about bombs don't you Amuro-san."

I pulled out my rifle, assembling it with ease, and loading a spare clip in it and readying it for action. Ho, getting more information on him Boya? You can probably disarm that bomb too, from what Yusaku-san has told me.

"A friend taught me at the police academy,"

I sighted down the sights, checking its accuracy. Perfect. I can make shots like this. This was my night vision scope too, so I can shoot in the dark as well. Great for aiming at those who slither in through the shadows.

"By the man who'd eventually become the ace of the bomb disposal team, but he ended up dying when he was diffusing a bomb in a Ferris wheel."

Hopefully that isn't a premonition of what is to come. Conan murmured absentmindedly.

"During a bomb defusal on a Ferris wheel?"

Did he know that officer too? Probably, the kid knew everyone. I pulled out a spare scope to stash in my pocket later, and checked my case, that I always kept a few spare tools for bombs handy just in case. Have been on too many missions that involved bombs that I made a habit of just carrying kits around with me wherever I went. Bourbon smiled nostalgically.

"Don't worry. His skills were perfect; I will prove that to you."

I stood up, rifle in one hand, and kick my case over to him.

"Here use this."

He was going to tackle this bomb with a pocket knife, which is preferred, but there were other things that I had that would make it easier. He looked up at me, almost suspiciously. I explained.

"You have the necessary tools in there. Take care of the defusal."

Conan stepped forward.

"Where are you going Akai-san?"

Ah, already forming strategies Boya? He wants to know where all of his troops are in case he has an idea to possibly salvage this almost unwinnable situation. I gripped my rifle tightly.

"If they set bombs here, then they plan to strike the Ferris Wheel. The only route to get to Curacao without worrying about the explosions is…"

I paused, letting them catch up. Conan gasped.

"From the sky!"

Bourbon narrowed his eyes and glanced up. I nodded.

"Exactly. I am going back to where I was to stall for time. You just make sure you disarm the bombs."

Looks like you hunch about helicopters was correct Boya, although I wonder how you could have known that if you weren't there yourself.

I ran up the stairs, up to the top. I was about to go out again, when I paused. The gravity of this situation fell on me. I was here, as myself. I know, I cannot allow Okiya Subaru to be here because Bourbon would surmise that was me and continue to harass me in daily life, but Akai poses that much more of the problem. If Gin or any of the others see me, then it won't matter about the NOC list; Kir would be killed anyway. Bourbon is also here, risking his involvement too. Conan as well. All three of us here pose a problem at having our identities exposed to the organization.

Did we have a choice however? All three of us were the best in our respective fields, and if we didn't present the organization with the best, there was no way we could win. Taking this big of risk however; it was difficult to see if it would be worth it. If we win and have our identities exposed, all three of us will have to be on the run for a while, having to live in constant paranoia, and a lot of our colleagues will be killed. If we lose and have the NOC list exposed, then Bourbon and Kir will die anyway, which is also bad.

I just can't be caught. That was the only explanation. Stay in the shadows where they can't see us, hidden at all times. All three of us understood the risks in coming here. All three of us realize that we are betting our entire lives to make sure this plan succeeds, and that was honestly all about what being an agent was about. So many secrets, so much was riding on making sure this plan succeeds. We just can't lose, and if we do, we will be prepared to deal with the aftermath.

Finally, I reach the top of the Ferris wheel, panting as I look around. Curacao should be nearing the top right about now, so if they are going to act, now would be the time. I narrow my eyes. That sound…what was that? Rotor blades? A helicopter then. This rotor sound…they must be close by. It sounded like they were…directly above us.

I whirled around gazing up into the inky blackness, spotted with a few clouds. I barely spy movement, about eight hundred meters up. I grit my teeth.

"It's them. What are they trying to start?"

I checked out the helicopter through my scope, observing its movements. Wait a second, that is a V22 Osprey. How did they get one of those? They had a nice little toy there. Now what were they going to do with it? I see the giant claw, hanging down from the helicopter. Wait, seriously? They are going to take the entire car that Curacao is in? Will they be able to do it?

I take aim, when suddenly something disappears. I didn't realize what it was, until I opened both of my eyes and glanced around. The lights; the entire aquarium's power was shutting down. No wait, the aquarium itself seems to be unharmed, but a good majority is in complete darkness. Crap, they are making their move now? I guess I should be grateful, considering they can't see my face from where they are without any light to see, but still it will make shooting slightly more difficult. I raise my rifle, listening as the rotors get closer. I carefully move sideways, trying to get a better angle on the helicopter. I murmur to myself.

"Looks like this rifle won't beat that."

It's true; a sniper rifle, as good as this one is, cannot go up against a full military helicopter and hope to succeed. Just because it looked invincible though, didn't mean it was.

"There should be some kind of weak point somewhere."

Ah, there are the rotors. The bullets I have right now might be enough to at least destroy that. It would take the entire copter down too without one of its rotors. I had just put my finger instinctively on the trigger to shoot, when a huge gust of wind came up, knocking me and the rifle of balance. I staggered, my stomach jumping to my throat as I slid toward the edge of the gondola I was standing on. That was close, and I missed my chance. Dang. I watched as it swooped down, grabbing onto the gondola, ripping the metal like wrapping paper with shrieks and groans. I hid behind a beam and steadied my rifle against it. I gritted my teeth.

"I can't aim from this distance either."

It was way too close. Not only would the sniper rifle not do its intended distance, but the probability of them seeing me is high. I was wearing very dark clothes, but still if they saw my body heat with the infrared sensors that thing has to have, they could gun me down in an instant. They were going to get away with Curacao at this rate. I had to do something fast. My only chance was when they were trying to fly away.

The helicopter levitated a few feet, before I saw the clamps open, letting the gondola fall through the Ferris wheel, right in the middle. My eyes widened. Crap, there was a PSB officer on that thing right? He had to be escorting Curacao. Is he ok? Why would they want to abandon her here anyway? Unless she wasn't in there to begin with. Oi, did she try to run? Not useful, right now focus. I see the guns on the front of the helicopter rotate, and I immediately draw back. I am not going to fight that.

The helicopter retreated back into the sky a little bit, before swooping down, hovering right in the middle of the Ferris wheel and began shooting automatic bullets at the interior of the wheel. I tightened the grip on my rifle. No, Boya, and Bourbon is down there too. I just pray they keep their heads down. If they are attacking like this though, it must mean Bourbon did disable the bombs, and they had to resort to plan B. That was a small relief.

I take aim on the rotor and narrow my eye. The rotor is staying mostly still for the most part, but if I miss, the bullet would go straight down into the crowded aquarium. The probability was about twenty percent, but I wasn't about to take that chance. Not to mention, from above, the blades get in the way. I need to get beneath it.

I jump down, racing down the stairs toward the middle of the Ferris wheel. I hear the crackle and pop of the bullets shredding through the outside of the Ferris wheel only to ping off of the mostly metal structure. I hear some start coming through right behind me. I sprint forward, sliding behind a more solid piece of wall for cover, gritting my teeth, cradling my rifle, and praying the metal holds. The bullets chase me, and go around me thankfully.

I see a hole in the wall, and I hoist up my rifle, ready to shoot when the bullet cascade runs by again. I curl up a little, bracing as debris falls off the wall and hits me and my hands. I look down at my damaged scope, cracked and completely useless. I tched in annoyance. That was a good scope, and my only means right now to be shooting in the night.

So what? Was I just going to die here? I can't aim, and I was basically in a battle ground. They had us trapped in here like fish in a barrel, basically shooting at us until we died. I am in a good position here to shoot, if I had a good scope, but if I try to shoot now I would be killed. I gaze around, searching for something to use, anything.

Wait, the bullet pattern is different now. I looked over to my left.

"The attack is focusing on a specific spot."

Someone playing a decoy? In any case, I saw an opportunity when I saw one. Now that the bullets aren't going randomly, I don't have to worry about being shot for now. I feel bad for the person, whoever they are, hope it isn't an ally, which it probably is, and move quickly, looking out the holes that had been punched through for a good sniping spot.

Suddenly, the bullets stop completely. I pause, looking up. I can't see the helicopter, but I can hear the rotors still, which means they are nearby still. Why would they stop, unless their target is dead? I feel a cold chill up my spine. It wasn't Boya was it? That would be something he would do, run out to try to protect other people. I pray it wasn't.

"Akai-san! Amuro-san!"

I heave a small sigh of relief at the yell coming from below me, from the wreckage. I gazed downward to see Conan, picking his way through the debris.

"Over here."

I call out. I see him swivel his head toward me, and his eyes light up in recognition.

"Akai-san!"

He sprinted up the half-collapsed stairs to hop over to the platform I was on, gritting his teeth as he pulled himself up. He looked battered and banged up, and his glasses were missing. Huh, I don't think I have ever seen him without his iconic glasses on his face. I asked seriously.

"Are you hurt Boya?"

He looked up at me, eager smile on his face.

"No."

Good, so he must have not used himself as the decoy. I slide behind the metal beam and I glance outside, trying to detach the scope on my rifle.

"Hide, I can still hear the rotors."

He crawled forward, hiding behind the same metal beam that I had, staying low to the ground. I pull out my spare scope, sliding it into place.

"What about Amuro-san?"

I glanced over at him, seeing him look extremely worried. Of course, this was Conan, the one who wanted to save everyone, even arrogant jerks like him. I reassured him, letting some of the dislike I had for the man slip into my tone accidently as I adjust the screws tightening the scope on.

"Don't know. But if they have decided to attack us with the helicopter then that must mean he was able to disarm all the bombs."

Conan grinned, looking way too enthusiastic then he should be in this situation.

"Now we just need a way to repel them."

A new voice called out of the darkness.

"Is that rifle an accessory?"

Well speak of the devil and he shall appear. I look up to see Bourbon dangling over a balcony. Conan called out happily.

"Amuro-san."

Bourbon looked straight at me.

"Don't we have any way to counterattack? FBI?"

I feel a slight tick of annoyance. It wasn't like I didn't want to do something I just couldn't. I reported.

"There is a way to, but the night vision scope got broken. The only thing I can use is this spare normal scope, but this can't bring down that steel crow hiding in the darkness."

Conan piped up, asking.

"If you could see it could you bring it down?"

I was confident I could, so I answered simply.

"Yes."

"How?"

I looked up to see the Osprey descend a little and explain.

"If I could target the rotors joints, then maybe I can."

Conan looked over at me, amazed.

"I couldn't see the joint."

I narrowed my eyes and looked over at him.

"When it is facing the front, you can't. If I can startle them and light up the rotor are for about five seconds then…"

It was possible. I could do it with my skill. I look over to see Boya patting his belt, looking thoughtful.

"I can light it up, but if we don't know where the rotor area is then I can't aim."

Ah, boya with his firework soccer ball. That can work; it has worked before. However, he needs to know the general direction otherwise this won't work.

I flinched as the sound of a gun shooting once again filled the air. Were they aiming for us? No wait, they were aiming for something totally different. Gauging the direction, it looks like they were aiming for the axel.

"No way, they intend to make the axel explode?"

Tch, we might have gotten rid of the detonator, but if that C4 get hit with a stray bullet the whole thing is coming down.

"And make it collapse with the entire Ferris wheel huh."

Conan thumped his fist against the metal beam.

"Damn, even though I know where they are shooting from, I don't know where the rotor is."

I looked through my scope, trying desperately to see the rotor with the inferior scope.

"You said you only needed to figure out its overall shape, right?"

I glanced up at Bourbon. What, did he have a plan? There was a split second of silence before I hear him running above us.

"Don't miss it!"

I look out to see something, what looks like my rifle bag, being tossed through the air. Two seconds later, an explosion erupts right between the chopper and the Ferris wheel, painting the sky red and orange. I see, he must have taken some of the bombs from the axel when he was disarming them. I hear Conan next to me.

"I can see it."

Sure enough, the Osprey's shape is easily to see as it is buffeted by the shockwaves, through the wind and the sparks. I ready my rifle, putting it up to my shoulder, and out of the corner of my eye I see Conan flick a dial on his shoes. Ho? Is that not just for decoration then? I see the shoes spark wildly and in the next split second he flicks a dial on his belt, expelling the soccer ball instantly. He took a few steps forward, drew his leg back and snapped it forward, hurling the ball toward our enemies.

"Go!"

The ball started to glow and whizzed across the space, and I can't help a smile as I am reminded of the last time I had the light provided by the Boya. I put my finger on the trigger and breathe in, holding it as I watch the soccer ball hit the Osprey, knocking it slightly off course as it banged against its nose, before rocketing farther into the air, exploding with light.

Immediately everything was illuminated. I could barely see figures in the cockpit, and they were all looking up in confusion. Probably didn't expect to be taken down by a firework. I need to act fast before they lock in on us and start shooting again. I zero in on the rotor and release the breath I was holding.

"Go down."

I brace myself as the gun kicked back, letting loose the bullet. I watched its progress and smirked when I small a tiny spark followed by smoke billowing out of the rotor.

"Did that do it?"

"Yes."

Bourbon and Conan cheered quietly. Good, now maybe they can back off.

Now that I think about it, that stunt was pure teamwork. If we didn't have Bourbon setting the bombs to explode, Boya wouldn't have been able to shoot his firework, and I wouldn't have been able to shoot. All three of us actually worked together to bring down the Osprey. Huh, never thought I would ever work with Bourbon on anything, but Boya has that effect on people.

The chopper wobbled in the air, obviously unstable, but the bullets started flying again. Of course, this is Gin. He wouldn't just accept a loss; he wants to annihilate us. It looks like he is aiming at the axel again. Conan gave out a frustrated curse.

"Dammit."

He ran back, leaping off into the darkness. I reach out with a hand, before I returned it to the barrel of the gun I was holding. I wanted to yell that it was dangerous, that he should stay here, but he had never been the type to hold still when there was danger. I don't know what he could do now, but I just hope that he stays out of harm's way. I raise my sniper rifle; maybe I can try to hit him again. The firework is now a falling ball of light, which isn't as much as before, but it can be enough.

Suddenly I hear muffled crashes below me. What was that? Did they succeed in hitting the bombs by the axel? I let out a surprised grunt as the floor buckled and collapsed beneath me. I was buffeted between the debris easily until I hit something. I reached out blindly, struggling to find a hand hold to keep me from falling completely. I wipe the dust from my eyes and glance around. I am on one of the gondolas that were at the lowest point. I calm my breathing and look around. The axel is still holding right?

I felt the structure sink and start to roll. My eyes widen as I discard the rifle, grabbing onto the gondola with both hands. What should I do? The direction it was going was toward the aquarium, where most of the people were. Lots of people will be crushed, but one person cannot stop this thing, especially once it gets going.

I felt myself suddenly be hoisted up in the air, as the wheel kept traveling forward. This is bad, really bad. There is a slight slope which will make the wheel go even faster. I felt something crunch against the wheel, probably some building that was trampled. My eyes scan my surrounding, looking for something, anything to help.

I was almost halfway up by now, and I happened to look back toward the other Ferris wheel, and I hear a yell. Bourbon. What happened? Then I see a tiny object being flung across the space. I blink, my sniper vision easily discerning what the object was. Conan. Did Bourbon just toss a child? I smirk to myself. It was probably for the best. Only that guy would consider this a solution to our problem. I can tell he has some sort of object attached to him. Is he trying to stop the wheel?

I gasp as I realize he isn't going to make it. I climb up a little on a ladder that was near the gondola, gauging the speed. I can catch him from where I was now.

"Reach!"

I hear him yell, coming closer. I ready myself, reflexes ready to snatch him. I watch him through the dust come whirling out of nowhere, hand outstretched to the ladder. I reach out, clasping my hand around his wrist. I heave out a small sigh that he didn't go plummeting to his death, and smirked down to see him dangling in my grip.

"Akai-san."

I see the relief and urgency in his eyes. I smirked at him.

"You have some sort of plan right?"

He had to. This boy had a plan for everything. He must be over at this part of the Ferris wheel to stop it, and he had the means to do it. I was given a chance to stop this thing. I had been wrong before. A single person could stop this Ferris wheel. To answer, he just smirked.

"Yes."

I pulled him up, setting him on the ladder.

"What is it?"

The Boya looked around, brilliant blue eyes assessing the situation.

"Help me tie this around the wheel. We need to be higher up."

He held up black…rope? No, it looks almost elastic. I nodded and started climbing up toward the top of the wheel. I felt the wheel shudder as it looked like it ran over more things. I glance down to see aquarium below us, crumbling. I had hoped the more building we ran over, the more resistance we would have to stop the rolling wheel, but it seems like it isn't slowing it down by much. Ah crap we are running out of time Boya!

"Here!"

He crawled over to one side of the wheel and I stayed on the other. He tossed it to me and I grabbed it, yanking it tight.

"These suspenders can stretch up to a hundred meter. Agasa Hakase made them for me."

He swung back over to the middle of the wheel, grabbing the suspenders and tied it sharply, pressing the button.

"How's this?"

I watched as the suspenders whipped up and tightened, back to the original Ferris wheel.

"Come on Akai-san, let's head to the top."

I look up to see Conan already climbing, his eyes focused on the top of the Ferris wheel. I follow quickly, surprisingly not being able to keep up with the child ascending ahead of me. Finally, it leveled out and climbing became a sprint. Despite our efforts, it looks like the wheel has still not stopped. I observed urgently.

"This won't be enough to halt it."

One flimsy suspender, even if it is an invention of Agasa Hakase's is probably not strong enough to stop this thing. Conan reassured me.

"It's ok, I have another plan."

Really? How many do you have in that incredible brain of yours? He already had come up with this plan on the spot, and already had another ready in case the other failed? His flexibility never ceases to amaze me. I follow him, watching my step on the unsteady structure, running on the two-foot-wide pipe. I tried to ignore the fact that I could fall at any time, and focused on what was ahead. Boya, what is your second idea?

Conan gritted his teeth as we arrived at the top of the other side of the Ferris wheel, looking down over a stadium of people that was right in the way.

"Damn, at this rate, I won't make it."

He took a running start and fell down, using the metal as a slide. Woah, Boya, you are going to fall. I know the situation is dire, but panicking and rushing will only lead to mistakes, mistakes that can cost lives up here. I had no choice now. I followed him, skidding on my feet, and reaching out to grab him before he fell too far. I warned him.

"Stop, don't rush."

Conan turned, reaching back.

"Akai-san!"

In that moment I saw the ultimate trust the Boya had in me. He had jumped, being reckless like normal, putting his own life at risk, but it was more then that. He didn't just jump because he needed to save people; he jumped because he knew I was there to catch him. He had faith that I would save him from his death, literally putting his life in my hands.

He gave me a challenge, and I was going to fulfill that trust in me if it killed me. Quickly the fall went straight vertical. I had one hand keeping me sort of rooted to the Ferris wheel, and the other still reaching out those last few inches to soundly grab the Boya's wrist. I saw his face contort in something akin to pain, as my grab wasn't exactly gentle, but neither is falling off a one hundred meter tall Ferris wheel either.

Once I had the kid in my grasp, I could focus on my other objective; keeping us on the wheel. I immediately flip around, using my three remaining limbs to get us to stop our descent. My fingers slipped over the smooth metal, and my shoes scuffed against it. I kept my eye out of the corner of my eye for…there! A gondola. Conan seemed to have the same idea as he reached out, trying to grab the metal to swing both of us over there. I heard a ding, and we landed on the gondola.

I rotate my grip, going from his arm to the back of his shirt, steadying him against it. I see blood running down his arm and my eyes widen. Crap did I hurt him? That must have been the ding earlier. I look to see that he hadn't even noticed his injury as he threw off his belt, wrapping it around the metal. He fiddled with it, face becoming more and more serious.

"Will this work?"

He pressed a button and the soccer ball began inflating. He kept his hand on the button, but the other hand he reached out, grabbing onto the metal out of the way.

"Akai-san."

He pulled himself out of the way, reaching out to me.

"Here, hurry."

His eyes sparked, and I can finally see the panic in them. This was his last resort. If this didn't work, then we will have failed to save hundreds of people. I let go of the metal pipe I was holding onto, half jumping, half swinging over to where he was currently perched, grabbing onto his hand. He grunted as he pulled me over, out of the way. We climbed a little, watching as the soccer ball inflated, and we continued forward to the stadium. I see; he wants to use the ball to act as a buffer to stop it. Conan pleaded.

"Fill up, fill up faster. Get bigger."

I gritted my teeth, watching it all unfold. If we didn't fail it would be cutting it very close. We played our cards, we risked our lives, we did everything we could have. However, I was still looking for something, anything to help speed up the process of stopping it. The Ferris wheel started to crunch down on the top of the stadium.

"Dammit, it's not stopping."

Panic wasn't in the boy's voice anymore. I look down at him to see his face contorted in helpless frustration, and full-blown fear. I tightened my grip on his shoulders slightly.

Then I hear something strange. A horn? Who would drive toward this accident? Was it the police or fire department? No, a crane came tearing through the fence, right toward the Ferris wheel. I predicted its movements and my eyes widen. It was going to ram into the wheel! I immediately grab Boya around the waist and pull him closer to me as I wrapped myself around the ladder, bracing for impact.

Both of us groaned as the wheel shook with force, rattling me down to my bones. I feel squirming in my arm and I realize Boya was trying to get a better look. I let him watch as the crane drove further, pushing against the wheel. They are doing it. I don't know who they are, or where they came from, but they are miraculously saving the lives. It just might be enough.

Suddenly a hard push rattled the wheel and my hand, which I thought was secure, suddenly became insecure. I fumbled with the metal as I tilted back, instinctively letting go of Conan as I stretched out my hand for something to stop my fall. I let out a small gasp, as I felt myself begin to free fall, eyes closing.

"Akai-san!"

I felt a tiny hand grab the front of my shirt. I opened my eyes, and saw Conan stoically holding on to me, blood dripping from his arm, but his eyes showed concern as he unhooked his other arm from the ladder, putting the ladder between him and me, and grabbing my shoulder, pulling hard. I was awestruck for a moment, before I shifted finding a foot hold, only to lose it again as the wheel shifted again. I heard Conan grunt as he struggled to keep me from falling to my death. I gritted my teeth and latched my hand onto the ladder, hauling myself back up into a suitable position.

"Are you ok?"

Conan looked up at me, worried. I nodded, breathless at my nearest brush with death. Never mind that, Boya just saved my life. I wasn't exactly a light weight, and he was just a child, well with a child body. I had been too busy trying to keep him out of trouble, I never even considered he might do the same for me. I smirked to myself. I hadn't done that in a while, underestimate Edogawa Conan. That was my mistake.

"Thank you Boya."

I look down to see the crane slam up once more against the wheel, actually lifting it up. Were they going to do it? Stop this thing that I felt like we had been fighting against for hours? I watch with bated breath as the crane slid up underneath. No, you can't do it that way you will—

Then the Ferris wheel rolled back into it's original position, and I felt a sickening crunch. The crane exploded, letting a fireball come within mere meters of us. I felt the scalding heat against my back and Conan flinched beside me. I glanced down to see the crushed remains of the crane; the person inside could not have survived. I swallowed thickly. Your sacrifice wasn't in vain; the Ferris wheel grinded to a halt, keeping still.

I finally relax, looking down to see the crowds cheering and clapping at our achievement. It was tragic that one hero, one brave soul lost their life, but it saved countless others. We fought the crows and won, by keeping our lives, and fought the Ferris wheel and won, with a cost.

"That crane, who was driving it?"

I heard the thoughtful tone and glanced over. Conan stood there, looking down at the wreckage, looking unbelievably crushed. I felt a small sliver of sympathy for him. To him, this was another failure. Someone died, because he couldn't do anything, when in reality he had tried his hardest. He had risked everything, pulling out tools and using his ingenuity, put forward everything he had to save lives. He had done so much this evening. I couldn't have asked for anything else from him; he should know that despite the loss of life, he did do very well. It could have been so much worse. I smiled proudly at him.

"Well done Boya."

It was true. He had done more then me and Bourbon in trying to stop this thing, and in the end, without his efforts, the crane wouldn't have done much. It was the combined effort that did it.

"Y-yeah."

Conan still looked down, but that was his nature. I wasn't going to let him beat himself up though, not over this, which I still consider a success. I put a hand over on his shoulder, which finally broke his reverie.

"You did well."

I reiterated. He blinked before smiling faintly.

"Thank you."

We clamored down together, helping each other through the wreckage, and Conan glanced up at me.

"I am going to go see who was in the crane. I will be back."

He scampered off, toward the ambulances. I slid back into the shadows behind the Ferris wheel, pulling my hat over my face a little so I wouldn't be recognized. I found a nice building to hide behind and pulled out my phone, sending a quick report to James. After I pressed send, I leaned up against the building, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. What a night. I lost my good sniper rifle, probably destroyed, and I was battered from head to toe and had to fight against those nasty crows.

We were lucky, very lucky, and by we I mean Bourbon, Conan, and I. There was so much that could have gone wrong, so many chances that our identities could have been exposed, but with so much confusion and chaos they never did get a good look at our faces. I think Gin expected us to die when the axel collapsed, and didn't put two and two together, even if the late Akai Shuuichi was the only one who could have hit the rotors on a moving helicopter in the dark.

"Akai Shuuichi!"

I stiffened. No, I cannot deal with him right now. I am grateful he was alive, but still, I planned on not confronting him, at least for another ten years. I opened my eyes to see Bourbon staring me down, fists clenched, and ready to fight. I just gave him a deadpan look.

"Don't you think we have had plenty of action for one night, Rei-kun."

He tensed, eyes narrowed at his real name, before he smirked.

"So you are getting tired. How pathetic of you to give up."

I stand up straight, ready to have the inevitable fight.

"Amuro-san! Have you seen—oh."

Conan dashed up out of nowhere, taking in the scene before him. For a moment all three of us stood at a standstill. I broke the silence.

"Boya, did you find out who was in the crane?"

He looked up at me, sorrow deep in the dark blue eyes.

"Curacao was the one. They just took her corpse away."

Curacao? The black organization agent? Why would that be? They aren't the type to sacrifice themselves for other people. Although she had run from the organization in the first place. Something must have changed her mind. Bourbon also looked confused. Conan swallowed and bowed slightly.

"Thank you, both of you. Without both of your help, I wouldn't have been able to do the things I did to try to protect everyone."

I chuckled a little. Of course he would thank us, when he had been the one to lead the assault on the Ferris wheel.

"Anytime Boya."

Bourbon nodded.

"Yes Conan-kun, without your support we would have been unable to do anything."

Yes I remember that feeling of helplessness well. I tried to find an opening to use, but I was next to useless until Boya presented the opportunity to me to give me a purpose. Conan looked up at both of us warily, and I can hear the question on his lips before he asks it. What now? He knows what will happen if he leaves us here alone. I am actually impressed Bourbon hasn't tried attacking me, even with him here.

Suddenly I see the change fall over him instantly. I almost raise my eyebrows as Conan transformed into a normal six year old, putting on his childish mask easily. He asked innocently.

"Akai-san, you aren't going to hurt Amuro-san, are you?"

I hide a smile as I replied simply, giving Bourbon a mild warning glare.

"Not at all."

Conan nodded, turning to Bourbon.

"Amuro-san, you aren't going to hurt Akai-san, are you?"

Oh, is that the ploy he is going with? Will it be effective though? Bourbon stiffened before raising an eyebrow.

"Conan-kun, that act doesn't work on me."

Conan blinked innocently.

"You mean you want to hurt Akai-san?"

Ouch that puppy dog look. I see Bourbon look at Conan in confusion, but I see his resolve begin to crumble. Bourbon sighed, kneeling down so that he is eye level with Conan.

"Conan, don't you need to go home? It is late."

Trying to get rid of the obstacle. Conan saw through the tactic and tapped his chin thoughtfully.

"Oh yeah, the PSB oji-san wanted me to tell you to come and report back to him."

Bourbon's eyes widened.

"Ah crap."

He rushed off, toward the crowd that was still gathered around the Ferris Wheel. I smiled; expertly done Boya. That was a surprisingly simple trick to get the arrogant jerk off of me. Conan looked up at me.

"Have a good night Akai-san."

He started to stride off, before I grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Boya, thank you for saving my life."

I don't think I could express my gratitude enough for that. Conan smirked.

"You always have my back Akai-san. It was time I returned the favor."

I blinked, before I smirked back.

"Again Boya, anytime."

Conan gave a small salute, before he sauntered back to the crowd, hands in his pockets. I watch until I see Mouri Ran and Sonoko come out, and smile as he was accosted, probably with questions. I need to take advantage of the opportunity he gave me, before Bourbon comes back. I slipped quietly into the night, fulling intending to end this hectic day with a drink to celebrate.