The Silver Bullets

by Rebelleader1011

Thoughts of one Akai Shuichi, the silver bullet to the black organization, on one Edogawa Conan, the other silver bullet, as together they plan, scheme, and take down the organization that has taken so much from both of them. Because after all, what could the FBI agent have been thinking when planning with an apparent seven year old who had the brilliant mind of a detective?

35. Revelation

This is the final chapter of this fanfiction. It has been quite a long time coming, and it has been a fun ride with each of you. Sorry it took such a long time, but it is coming to an end. I will see about writing the Bourbon companion piece, if I have time. Enjoy the last chapter, and thank you for reading.

I was wary, unnecessarily on edge. It had been rather quiet since our last encounter with the organization, and our progress on finding Rum was at a standstill. I expected more of Bourbon, since he already had his suspicions that Subaru was Akai again, but aside from mild stalking, he hadn't tried to confront me again. Probably suspected it would end like it did last time, in failure.

I hadn't seen much of Boya either. I had helped with that Kaitou Kid heist, which was an adventure all in itself. It was exciting to see the thief in his element, but it had higher stakes then he had intended, seeing as he took pics of me I didn't wanted leaked anywhere. It was amazing how Conan had figured out the culprit, and pulled me aside, following 'Agasa-san' to corner him in the bathroom. Interacting with him again proved him to be eccentric, by only accepting the challenge, and had no intention of taking the jewel. It was curious that Conan mentioned that the thief was looking for a specific jewel and it only created more questions about the mysterious thief. Then he was gone, using a trick I wished I could learn for tight spots, vanishing like the phantom he was and generously leaving the phone with pictures there with us.

Ever since then, no contact from the primary school student. He was probably busy with his own devices, trying to watch Bourbon probably. I heard they had a bit of a tussle a little while back, and I don't know how it ended but I hope they are back on friendly terms. I just wished there was some more excitement around here, some progress besides this stalemate I found myself in.

It was a quiet morning, no visitors or anything and I was about to take up residence in the library just to continue my reading of the massive collection of mystery novels, when I heard the doorbell ring. I pause in sipping my coffee, and I go to the door. I pray it isn't Bourbon; I don't think I am mentally prepared to deal with him. The visitor is a much more welcome sight.

Conan stood on the doorstep, hands in pockets, looking casual as he peered up at me through his glasses. I take in his appearance in a second. No distress so there can't be a problem, no Detective Boys so no mystery or case to solve, and no puzzlement on his face which meant he didn't have any mind-boggling questions to ask me. So why was he over here?

"What is it Conan-kun?"

Conan glanced around the street warily, before asking softly.

"Can I come in?"

I nodded solemnly, gesturing inside. He stepped through the doorway, and I don't miss how his eyes dart longingly around the foyer. Is he homesick? Is that why he is here? I ask courteously.

"Coffee?"

I almost chuckle at the way the primary schooler's eyes light up at the prospect of the bitter drink.

"Yes please."

I make my way to the kitchen, grabbing a mug from the cabinet and pouring him a steaming mugful. I grab my own and head to the living room with the child, at least physically, trotting at my heels. I set both mugs down on the coffee table and I sit in the chair while he hops on the couch, grabbing onto the drink with both hands, cradling it gently as he sipped at it. We sat in silence for a minute before I asked.

"Not that I don't enjoy the company Boya, but any particular reason why you are over here?"

I did like it when he came over, and collaborating with him against dastardly criminals was pleasant, but I don't mind just bonding with the boy over a cup of coffee like this either. However, if he was over for a particular reason, I should probably try to get the ball rolling. He sighed.

"I just needed to get away from it all I guess."

He took another sip and his eyes hardened slightly.

"Have you gotten anything else from Kir about Rum, or any more leads?"

Ah, that explains it. He is restless like I am. Too much silence from the Organization means they are committing crimes out of our field of vision, and we can't strike back or prevent those crimes. I shake my head.

"Not at all. Any luck with Bourbon?"

He seemed to deflate.

"No, I had hoped…"

He trailed off, taking another sip of coffee. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news. He looked up at me, blue eyes blazing.

"I don't like this silence. It makes it seem like they are preparing for something."

I nod in agreement.

"We will just have to deal with it when it comes Boya."

I wonder why he is so impatient. He is usually calm about these sorts of things, but hunters need to hunt. It was in our nature, and petty crimes that didn't lead to them were stimulating usually but can get tedious.

I felt a stirring in the back of my mind and I realize this could be my chance. It had been a little bit since I had asked about him being Kudo Shinichi, not since the case that we figured out Rum was Asaka. I had hinted at him trying to tell me and that very obviously had not worked. I know he wanted to tell me after everything was said and done, and it was probably safer that way. However, it was just us here, in the safest house considering I check it almost daily for spying devices, and I was genuinely curious. The only way to sate an investigator's curiosity is to give them the answers they need.

It wasn't like I wanted to scare the kid. I just really wanted to know how it happened. How did Kudo Shinichi become Edogawa Conan? Now with us alone, it gave me my chance. How to do it though? I had tried the subtle hinting approach, and that had failed spectacularly last time. Time to go for the blunt approach then.

"Hey Boya?"

I let out a little bit of my intimidation factor, leading him into a trap, because that is how it must be if I want answers. Outsmarting the genius; this was going to be a feat. However, I know how he would think now; I know him well enough to know how he would react to such stimuli. The boy across from me froze, sensing underneath my casual question something more. He calmly set his cup down on the table, watching me warily. Instantly defenses were constructed, making him seem guarded. Perfect. After a second of steeling himself, he asked carefully.

"Yes Subaru-san?"

I lean forward, smirking. Now how to do this? I open my eyes fully and pretend to be nonchalant, even if I let intimidation sneak into my posture, putting my elbows on my knees and clasp my hands together. I feel like I am back in the interrogation room again, although this isn't the usual criminal I have across from me. No, this one is brilliant, and the only way I am getting anything out of this confrontation is to go all out.

"I know who you really are."

It was incredible to watch the change in the Boya. He straightened and backed away slightly. I saw his pupils constrict in horror and dart toward the door in hopes of escape. Then he seemed to backtrack, realizing that would only delay the accusations, and that's when he realized his mistake. His defenses were too much like an adult, and to prove his identity he needed his childlike innocence. To do that he had to make a complete one eighty, tearing down all of his walls that he had constructed. It took a total of three seconds, but Edogawa Conan, normal primary school student with a sickly-sweet disposition, sat across from me. He asked with innocent curiosity.

"What do you mean Subaru-san? I am Edogawa Conan. I am just a kid."

I grinned at the act. Wow superb, just like I am sure your mother taught you. I leaned into one hand and raised an eyebrow.

"Are you now? I do believe you were originally known by another name, Kudo Shinichi."

There was a barely perceivable tremor that ran through the child across from me. He opened his mouth to protest but I beat him to it, laying down the evidence to trap him, like he would his own victim.

"It would explain your connection to the Kudos and to this house. There were no photos of you younger here, no photos whatsoever. Mouri Tantei's rise to fame came only after Kudo Shinichi disappeared, and you managed to come into the world. There are no records of you, like you shouldn't even exist. It explains your intelligence, your deductive abilities, and your soccer abilities."

Conan swallowed thickly and pasted on his face the fakest grin I have ever seen on him. It probably would have worked on someone else, but I knew him well enough to tell the difference.

"They are all coincidences Akai-san. I mean honestly, a teenager shrinking? How is that even possible?"

I shook my head slightly. He is putting up less of a fight then I expected. No wait, underneath his façade, behind the naivety in his eyes, I see a little bit of his real personality. Ah, he is right, all the things I mentioned before could easily be pushed away as coincidence. He is looking for an opening, a chink in my armor to strike, to break down the trap around him. He is waiting for me to give him something else for him to counter. Well then it was time for me to give the final blow then. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I wouldn't have believed it myself but I know for a fact teenagers can shrink from guarding Shiho. If you want definite proof I heard you during the death kanji case, when Mouri Ran called you, I overheard your conversation in the bathroom. You are Kudo Shinichi, without a doubt."

Conan's fists clenched around his shorts and he seemed to think the table was the most interesting place in the whole world, contemplating his next move. His eyes closed for a moment and when he looked up at me, all childishness is gone. His blue eyes sparkled like they normally did, but there was a level of weariness that fell over his face that I had never seen. Ho, I guess that was enough. I pulled back, laying off the pressure and waited for him to tell me, no longer trying to interrogate. I had presented my evidence, and it seems like he has given up the pretense, finally. He took in a deep breath, before saying hesitantly.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Kudo Shinichi."

I closed my eyes for a moment, opening them fully and tried to imagine the teen, not the boy, on the couch across from me. I relaxed, pleased that my investigation was correct.

"Sorry for scaring you. I just was curious."

Conan, no Kudo Shinichi sighed.

"No I am just…not many people know, and I want to keep that number as low as possible."

I understand. It was the same rules as a NOC, the more people that know the higher the probability of being discovered. I nodded.

"I don't plan on telling anyone. I just wanted to clear up a few things with you. I mean, you know my identity, and I know you won't tell mine, so you have to know I won't tell yours."

Shinichi nodded slowly, before looking up at me, and I couldn't help the smirk at the look in his eye. Ah, that was the Boya I know.

"What do you want to know Akai-san?"

I felt a rush of excitement. He was going to answer my questions? That was both unexpected and appreciative. The first question was to know how far spread this knowledge was.

"Who else knows?"

It can't be that many people. Shinichi swung his legs back and forth on the couch as he thought.

"Um, not a lot. Agasa Hakase knows, as well as Haibara. Hattori Heiji also figured it out awhile ago. It is quite useful in solving crimes together. My parents also know, as well as Hondo Eisuke. He surprisingly figured it out before he left for America. I have a sneaking suspicion that Sera Masumi also knows who I really am, but she hasn't confronted me about it."

All in all most of the people I suspected would know his secret. Hattori Heiji though, was kind of a surprise. I have heard that while Kudo Shinichi is the champion of the Tokyo police force, Hattori Heiji was the just as capable detective that led the Osakan force in his deductive reasoning. The rumors about him being brilliant must not be exaggerated.

"Would he be a good fight against the organization? Hattori Heiji I mean."

If he is really as good as Kudo Shinichi was, it might be good to have him on our side against the Organization. Another capable brain on hand couldn't be bad. Shinichi's eyes widened as he shook his head.

"No, it's not in his personality to be subtle. He would try to attack the Organization outright, and it wouldn't be good if he got killed because of it. He has helped me with some cases, like the case with Vermouth and Haibara at the pier, but I don't want to drag him into this full time."

Ok Boy I will trust your judgement. This Hattori Heiji guy sounds like a different kind of hunter. Shinichi took another sip of his coffee.

"Anything else?"

Yes, two more major questions, just to sate my curiosity.

"How did you shrink exactly? And how did you get to know the Organization?"

Both of those thoughts had plagued my mind ever since I met the boy, and when I first figured out he was the teenage sleuth that disappeared. I had thought that Haibara had been the one to drag him into it, but he refuted that theory on the hospital roof that night I had asked him about it. There must have been another way. Shinichi smiled regretfully and sighed.

"Well they are kind of tied together in a way."

His tiny hands clenched around the coffee mug, almost as an assurance. I wait patiently for his explanation. I am done pushing for answers. He is telling of his own volition now, so I don't have to do anything.

"First, some context. Do you know what Haibara was working on in the Organization before she left?"

I narrowed my eyes. Shiho did tell me, but it was a vague description and a very long time ago.

"It was some kind of drug right?"

Shinichi nodded.

"Yes, a poison to be exact called Apotoxin 4869. The point of it was to be untraceable in a victim, so it could be used to pull off the perfect crime so to speak. It was highly experimental, never before tested on humans, at least this particular batch."

What did that drug have to do with this? Shinichi seemed to see my confusion.

"Don't worry, I will get to it. About two years ago I took Ran on…an outing."

I smirked.

"You mean a date."

Shinichi's cheeks glowed red as he muttered.

"It wasn't a date."

Right. Not a date. I wasn't an idiot. I could tell even without my sources, namely Sonoko Suzuki, that they were close, closer then best friend status. From the time I saw Ran discuss Kudo Shinichi, and the way that the Boya put forth everything to keep her safe especially, it was obvious they were deep in young love. But enough teasing. I needed to know how this happened.

"So what happened on this outing?"

Shinichi sighed.

"I was a young, eager, naïve, and arrogant detective. I had solved every case put in front of me and had earned a little fame because of it. We were riding one of the rides, one of the roller coasters, and what always happens happened; a murder occurred. We had to detain all of the riders in the car naturally. Gin and Vodka were also on the ride."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to imagine the two criminals trying to have fun on a roller coaster. The boy must have seen my disbelief because he explained.

"I think they were scouting the place for someone. Anyway, Gin wanted to leave right away and he caught my attention."

He frowned.

"I could tell that even though he wasn't the murderer, he had to have murdered people before. His aura just screamed at me that he was dangerous. I was suspicious of them, of Gin especially, from the very start."

Yes, both of them, but Gin more so, gave off that evil aura that most experienced hunters could feel it with their instincts. Even back then the Boya was impressive, feeling something that some seasoned law enforcement couldn't. Shinichi let go of the breath that he was holding.

"I deduced the real murderer and she was led away by police. I was about to take Ran home, we had had enough excitement for the day, when I saw Vodka sneaking off somewhere. I was suspicious, so I followed him, leaving Ran behind."

Of course, bold and reckless Boya would run straight after a criminal, regardless of the danger. To be fair, he couldn't have known how dangerous, but he should have known all criminals are dangerous. Shinichi rubbed his head a little, and I could hear the weariness leaking into his tone.

"I still regret leaving her there in a way."

I can kind of see why. It looks like it has caused them a lot of problems. I mean if this is how Boya fell into chasing the organization and turned into a child, then it must have been hard for him and Mouri Ran, who would miss him. I had a certain image of Akemi for some reason, wishing I didn't go on such dangerous missions. I shake my head to clear it, just in time to focus in on Shinichi saying with resolve.

"But I don't regret chasing Vodka."

I looked up at him. His eyes had hardened, blue sapphires full of conviction and a longing of dragging the criminals out of the darkness into justice. Ah, this was the hunter I have seen, chasing his prey with aggressive energy. He did regret it a little, and I could tell he sometimes hated his tiny body, but he didn't regret chasing after the organization, because it was in his nature.

I smiled. This Boya was going to be a hell of a law enforcement officer, whether he is a detective, policeman, a special agent, or anything in between. He would put his cases, criminals over the safety of staying with the people he loves, over the comfort of a nonlethal lifestyle, over a normal life in general. Not many people are that committed. I sit up straight and nod at him.

"Do you know you are one of a kind Boya?"

Shinichi cocked an eyebrow up.

"What do you mean?"

Of course, he had no idea how amazing he was. I waved my hand.

"Nevermind. Continue your story."

Shinichi regarded me for a moment before nodding solemnly.

"I saw him meeting with a CEO of some sort. The man offered Vodka at least a million yen, for some kind of film, one that proved he had been using his company to smuggle weapons."

Shinichi clicked his tongue with slight irritation and seemed to sink into the seat he was sitting in.

"I was so wrapped in observing them, I didn't hear Gin sneak up behind me. Next thing I know, I had been hit in the back of my head with something heavy."

Shinichi frowned, as if he were concentrating very hard, and I am not surprised. Getting hit in the back of the head? I am surprised he remembers anything from that night. But something else is nagging at me. How is he still alive? Gin should have shot him in the head for witnessing such a thing and he would be dead, simple as that.

"Sorry most of it is kind of fuzzy, but I remember them trying to shoot me, but Gin said something like the police could still hear the shots, since they were still investigating the murder from earlier."

I release the breath I was holding. Good, so he wasn't shot. Kudo Shinichi had the strangest relationship with Lady Luck. It got him injured and put in all of the worst dangerous situations with almost no hope but then it gives him a reprieve, just short of killing him, or giving him one chance to change his fate, which he usually took. I'm just lucky Gin decided not to pull the trigger. So if not shot, then instead…ah I think I am starting to fit the pieces together. Shinichi must have seen the knowing look in my eye because he nodded.

"They said something about experimental drug nontraceable in a corpse, made by their organization. I just couldn't help but think there was more of them, hiding and doing deals in the darkness. I also knew I was about to die. I was trying to panic and move but my brain was still kind of fuzzy. Someone, I think it was Gin, pulled up my head, shoved a pill down my throat, along with a vial full of water. I instinctively swallowed and almost choked on the thing. Gin said 'goodbye, meitantei' before they ran off somewhere."

Shinichi's hand rubbed unconsciously over his sternum, his eyes narrowed as he recalled the event.

"It was…painful. I just remember intense heat, my heart pounding so hard it shook my body, and the feeling like my bones were melting. I thought I was going to die. I must have passed out, but imagine my surprise to police officers woke me up with 'are you ok little boy?' I was a little offended, considering I was a high school student, but then I realized…"

He trailed off, took a deep breath and continued.

"A side effect of the poison, only one rat out of all of their experiments managed to do it, according to Haibara, causes deaging instead of death. I am lucky in that aspect."

I released the breath I had been holding without knowing. So he had been poisoned into this state, once again luck keeping him alive for a greater purpose, but giving him the short stick, literally. Now though, everything makes sense. Now that I had some context anyway.

This was the story, hidden under so many lies and facades, the truth that no one was allowed to know. So, if that happened to him, then Shiho…

"Was Shiho forced to take the poison too?"

Shinichi gave me a knowing smile.

"That's her secret to tell, not mine. If you want to know you can ask her."

I grumbled.

"She isn't going to tell me anything."

She barely trusts me as it is, no way is she going to tell me how she shrunk. Shinichi laughed.

"Probably, but she shrunk much later and sought me out, because she was the only one who knew about the shrinking process, and figured out that I hadn't died."

He took another sip of his coffee.

"I made my way home and met Agasa Hakase. I told him who I was, and he didn't believe me, but I managed to convince him. I couldn't even get through the gate of my own house without him. He convinced me to go with Ran, who came over to check and see if I had made it home, because with her father being a detective, I could possibly access cases that they were a part of."

Oh, that actually makes a lot of sense. The more famous he made Mouri Kogoro, the better cases he would get, and the only cases that would involve the Organization had to be impossible to solve because they were so good at what they did unfortunately. Although, he missed one part of the story. I smirked.

"Ah, and you came up with the name Edogawa Conan from the books in the library right?"

His eyes widened.

"How did you know about that?"

I chuckled.

"Kudo-san actually pointed it out unintentionally when he visited. I could figure it out beyond that. I switched them up so no one else could figure it out though so don't worry. I bet you were kind of rushed right?"

Shinichi nodded.

"Ran cornered me before I could come up with a better name."

He scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"That's another reason I want to take the organization down. The closer we get to them, the more likely we will come across information regarding an antidote that could restore us to our fully-grown bodies; we have temporary antidotes that Haibara has managed to create, but their effectiveness runs out quicker the more we use them."

So not only is he doing it for the taking down criminals, but it is also to take his life back. I can understand that. When Shiho left or got kicked out or whatever happened, I bet they denied her access to her own records so she couldn't make one. The only way is to go to the organization itself for resources. A memory of Agasa-san and Conan arguing in the car popped up in my mind.

You know what is at stake Conan-kun if you get caught.

You know what is at stake also Hakase, of us needing to pursue them.

This is what they were talking about wasn't it? Agasa was pointing out that he could jeopardize everyone around him, himself included. Conan was argued that not only do they take care of the organization, but also pursuing the opportunity to get his old body and take control of his life as a teenager again. Well this was a simple mission I could easily help with.

"I can keep an eye out for her research as well. Another pair of eyes could help."

If we storm the castle in the future so to speak, if three of us were looking for the same thing it was more likely to be found. Shinichi shot me a grateful smile.

"Thank you Akai-san."

His face fell with his calm matureness as he asked solemnly.

"Akai-san, can I ask a favor from you?"

I was a bit startled at the change of pace, but I asked anyway.

"Sure Boya, if I can do it."

He steepled his fingers together, looking serious. He sighed before beginning.

"Our investigation is getting closer and closer to the heart of the organization. It is only going to get more and more dangerous from here on out. If anything happens to me, can you please look after the Mouris?"

Oh, that's an interesting request. Shinichi bit his lip.

"I have done my best to make Mouri-tantei famous, and I am afraid he might catch the wrong attention. He already has once, back when you had to cover him with sniper fire."

Oh, I remember that mission. That was so long ago. Shinichi continued.

"So if he keeps getting these cases and catches their attention, with me gone… I just need them to be safe."

He bowed his head.

"I knew, back when I first started living with them, what a risk it would be. But if I am gone, and can't…"

He trailed off, and I understand everything he is feeling. Besides the Mouris just taking care of him and basically adopting him, the love of his life was there. I can kind of see the similarities between us. With Akemi, I wanted desperately to keep the darkness from entrapping her, but it was too late. Mouri Ran had a pure innocence, that I am sure Kudo Shinichi has fought hard to protect, all beyond her scope that she could see. I could see him totally throwing himself into the part, not even worrying about his own safety, but worrying about them, more specifically her. I sighed.

"Boya, let me make this clear."

He looked dejected, like I had refused him. He has got it all wrong though. I would protect the Mouris if I could, but he is selling himself way short here. My first instinct if Kudo Shinichi was in trouble or captured by the organization was to help him, not go protect someone else.

"Let's be honest here, we are in this together Kudo Shinichi. If you are captured, I probably am too. We are going after Rum together after all, and if they find one of us, then they will probably find the other one right?"

Shinichi swallowed and looked like he was about to say something, but I beat him to it.

"So, what would you do? If I was captured or something happened to me?"

I already know what his answer would be. He looked almost indignant as he replied with conviction.

"I would probably ask the FBI and maybe Hattori and Megure Keibu to protect Haibara and the Mouris, and then I would try to get you back."

Of course. He could make sure all bases were covered at home before launching a frontal assault. I wouldn't expect anything else from him. I nodded.

"Exactly. Do you think I wouldn't do the same to you?"

His eyes widened. I raise my eyebrow, asking for him to protest. It isn't exactly his fault. It is how he is made, to care about others before himself. In a situation where he is danger, he will more then likely focus on escaping, but worry about others protecting those important to him first.

"If you are in trouble, I will set things up so that they are taken care of, but I am coming to find you Boya, whether you like it or not."

This is the Organization we are talking about. One of us against them can do damage, but both of us will be unstoppable. We aren't called the Silver Bullets for nothing.

"If you are…absent though, then yes, I will protect the Mouri's."

I refrain from using the word dead because we both want to keep that from happening. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth, not to mention it is bad luck mentioning the demise of an ally. I try to lighten the mood.

"I might even ask that bastard Bourbon for help."

Shinichi gave a small smirk at that comment. I take another sip of my coffee.

"Your worry is understandable. I am sure the Organization is already keeping tabs on Mouri Tantei from the time before. I am actually surprised they haven't tried to assassinate him further."

Shinichi sighed.

"Mouri Tantei has connections to many of the police force, both from mine and his own influences from back when he was a police detective. However, I think it is Vermouth's influence that keeps me and Ran under the radar."

Vermouth? That's right, she had an unnatural obsession with both Shinichi and Ran, for some reason. Shinichi added.

"She knows my real identity as well but hasn't acted on it."

I raise my eyebrow at him.

"Any idea why she is protecting you?"

Shinichi's eyes lightened, and he gave a small smile.

"I have a faint idea, but I think o-kaa-san's influence plays a little bit as well."

I guess that answer means he isn't willing to share that information; so, it wasn't important. I'm sure if it meant an edge on her he would have told me. He wasn't the type to withhold info like that. I nodded to myself before sitting back.

"Any other requests from me Kudo Shinichi?"

Shinichi shook his head and hopped off his seat. I analyze him, slightly out of habit. He looked less tense then when we came in, and now, I feel for certain that for the very first time, after months of collaborating with this shrunken teenager, I have finally seen the real Kudo Shinichi. Underneath the brilliant strategist, the aggressive hunter, the diabetes-inducing child, and the daring detective, was this fascinating young man. I felt like I had finally broke past all the masks and lies, to talk to the real person that had been by my side in this fight against the organization. It was a freeing feeling, and I could tell that even though he didn't want me to know at first, it was relaxing for him too. I am sure he doesn't have many chances to be his true self, and I can provide a small outlet, not often, but when needed.

I had started this fight against the organization long ago. I have attacked the organization from the inside, and from the outside. I had many allies in my fight, known and unknown, and in my long battle, this never-ending war, I had never met anyone who was more compatible with my mind, more committed to be the torch in the darkness of the organization.

The organization had affectionately given me the nickname 'Silver Bullet', and have acted accordingly to deal with me, afraid of what I alone could do against them. Some, like Gin, I am sure were skeptical that I could do it, while others treated me with the caution I deserved. I could be dangerous, constantly throwing wrenches into their plans with pleasure. However, I wasn't alone.

Kudo Shinichi was just as qualified. He had more successful missions against the Organization under his belt, and he had been fighting them for a shorter amount of time. Alone, I could do some considerable damage, and Boya could too. Together, we could be unstoppable, finally toppling this criminal Organization that has plagued both of our lives, dragging it out into the light once and for all.

"I hope to see you soon Akai-san. Those who hide in the darkness cannot hide for very long."

I see the confident smirk, and the fierce glint that I was well accustomed to seeing in his cerulean eyes. I grin back at him. With him, yes that statement was definitely true.

"I will let you know if I hear anything."

Shinichi nodded.

"I will put out my feelers as well."

Shinichi slipped on his shoes and grabbed the door knob. I felt like I needed to say something else to him.

"Kudo Shinichi?"

He turned, hand still on the door knob, as he gazed at me curiously. I stepped toward him.

"If you ever need to be Kudo Shinichi, you can always come back to your own house."

Shinichi raised an eyebrow.

"Is that an invitation?"

I nodded.

"Of course."

It absolutely was. Conversing with the boya, no the young man was always a pleasure, especially if it was his real self and not the one hidden behind masks and facades. I would always welcome him here. Of course, he could come anyway; it was his house after all. Shinichi blinked in surprise before he smiled, not one of his smirks that signaled he figured something out, or his grins of excitement. This was a genuine smile of contentment, and I hoped that was a signal that he would take me up on my offer. He gave a small wave as he opened the door.

"See you around Subaru-san."

Just like that the spell was broken. Both Akai Shuuichi and Kudo Shinichi faded into the background as Okiya Subaru waved Edogawa Conan down the sidewalk. I leaned up against the doorframe as I watched the grade schooler leave just because I couldn't see him, didn't mean Kudo Shinichi wasn't in the shadows, and honestly, that was where he was the most dangerous.

The Boya had given me a lot of information to think about. It was a story that I am sure had only been told a couple of times, and it was an incredible story as well. Now though, I had another reason added to the list of things I wanted to take down the Organization for. Avenge Akemi, protect Shiho, incarcerate Gin, and now get Kudo Shinichi his life back. He deserves to become the best detective this world had ever seen, and not as the child, but as the adult.

The Organization was going to continue to thwart us. They were going to throw more operatives, more information, more traps, more frustration, and more stress that at times it will be impossible to deal with. I was prepared to be beaten down, to be shot at, put in life or death situations, protecting friends and allies alike, working with unsavory individuals as well as savory ones. After fighting the Organization for so long, I knew what to expect.

That didn't mean I had to do it alone. Kudo Shinichi was just as prepared. I knew that no matter how many times they shove us down, we will stand up, no matter how many times they evade us, we will find them, and no matter how many times they commit a crime, we will stop them. It was our duty, as the Silver Bullets fighting the monsters in this world, and I couldn't have chosen a braver, smarter, more dedicated partner for it. Watch your back Organization, because no matter how long it takes, this pistol is loaded and has you in its sights. We will take you down, both of us as the Silver Bullets.