Hey guys, this is not the actual chapter 8. This is just a prelude to the story in the near end. I'm having a major writer's block here. I am really sorry. But in return, I am giving you the story which was near the ending, the story of Ayashi while she was living with the characters of 'Detective Conan/Case Closed'. Please do not be mad at me, I will update chapter asap. Please do read and review as usual! I am really in need of ideas!!!
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A Girl With No Memories; A New Beginning
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A girl walked down the streets in a slow pace. She was utterly drenched, from head to toes. She had been walking down the road for a long time. Her dull amethyst eyes starred on the ground while she was strolling in the rain. Rain drops pattered down from the clouds and skies mercilessly, as if they were crying for someone, crying for a girl whom had no past, a girl who lost all her memories.
She walked aimlessly down the silent streets, with no direction or destination. Her long raven hair was dripping with water. She was dressed in a short white skirt, long boots and a long-sleeved black top. She felt cold, she did not know if she was cold physically or her heart had been frozen. Who she was? She did not know. She just remembered that she woke up from the dark alley of the streets. She began her aimless journey a few hours ago. She felt pain; her mind was swirling from pain. Her lips were dry as if she had not drunk for a long time. She could not remember anything. She was beautiful. Just like a porcelain doll, so fragile, so vulnerable. An empty vessel without a soul, her mind was in blank. Her pale skin and skinny body reflecting the lost of nutrition. She was very tired. Every part of her body was aching. She tilted her head up, looking at the dull sky. Rain drops pattered down on her face. Passer-bys looked at her, as if she was mentally unhealthy. Sure, she felt cold and pain physically but it was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.
Who she is? Will anyone tell her? She wanted to know. She felt uncertain, insecure and afraid. She tried her best in remembering her past, but her mind and body simply would not allow. She felt a sense of fear in remembering it. Maybe her past wasn't pleasant? This is the only reason she could thought of. A high school girl, of age 16, with an impossibly high IQ of 225, Higurashi Ayashi walked down the streets with her head hung low. She noticed a rock under her feet; she kicked it with very little strength. Her life energy was draining away in every moment. She was about to collapse, her eyes were about to close themselves shut for probably forever. She felt her body fell forward without control. She waited for the pain to come, however, after several moments she was still in the midst of the air. She looked up, only to see that a girl who looked about the same age as her holding her up. "Daijoubu, Ayashi?" the girl asked her. 'Ayashi? Is this my name?' she thought. 'Just who is that girl? She seems so familiar…'
"Ran-neechan, why are you running so fast?' asked a young boy who was about 6 to 7 years old. The young boy switched his gaze to her.
"Ne, isn't she Ayashi-neechan?" She managed to straighten herself. She looked clearly at the girl. The girl whom the boy addressed as Ran was wearing a sweater, along with a short tight skirt which was above her knee. While, the young boy was wearing glasses, along with a blue jacket over his top with a small red bow, a short pants and a pair of mechanically enhanced shoes. The young boy looked innocently at her with his bright blue orbs which were as clear as the sea.
"Ayashi-neechan, gombawak." He greeted her with a bow. She looked wearily into Ran's eyes and then to the boy.
"Who are you?" she stopped for a moment "Who am I?" Ran gasped. 'Maybe she doesn't remember me?' Ran thought. But something wasn't quite right, how could she doesn't know who herself is? Higurashi Ayashi, the most beautiful lady she had ever seen. The girl who was so ever confident although very lonely at times.
"Ayashi-neechan, I am Edogawa Conan. She's Mouri Ran. Don't you remember us?" Conan asked. How could Ayashi forget him, if she knows who he really was? Kudo Shinichi was Edogawa Conan's true identity. Ayashi had even helped him to change him into his original self as the price for him helping to solve the assassination case. Conan watched as Ayashi shook her head. This Ayashi that Conan saw was no longer the Higurashi Ayashi he knew. The charming high school girl with a high IQ of 225, whose deductions skills could rival his other than his father, Kudo Yuusaku, the world's famous mystery novelist. He would surely suspect Ayashi to be his younger sister if he did not know the truth; Ayashi possessed the beauty of Kudo Yukiko and a clever brain from Kudo Yuusaku. If only that was in the reality, Ayashi could have a happy life living with them. 'If okaa-san and otou-san were to see her, I think that they would love her a lot.' However, Conan shrugged that thought to the back of his head. Ayashi looked weary and tired.
'Perhaps she wasn't Ayashi.' Although the girl in front of her does look like the one she knew, but they were nothing alike apart from their appearance. "Gomen, I think we have mistaken you for the wrong person." Ran then took Conan and walked away from the 'Ayashi' they saw.
"Ran-neechan, isn't that Ayashi-neechan?" Conan asked while they continued their journey home, back to the detective agency that Ran's father, Mouri Kogoro owned. Mouri Kogoro was now one of the famous detectives in Japan due to the secret help given by Edogawa Conan whom in reality was Kudo Shinichi.
"I think so too… But other than her appearance she's nothing like Ayashi …" replied Ran. Ayashi was a dear friend to Ran since she had protected her from harm. But she was worried about the girl she saw just now, the girl whom she mistaken to be Ayashi. The girl looked pale and thin, as if she had not consumed any food or drink for days. She was about to collapse in the middle of the road, and why didn't she carry an umbrella with her during a rainy day like this? 'She seems to lose her memories too…' Ran could see that girl seemed to be lost no matter heart or soul. On the other hand, Conan was thinking about that too. 'Why that girl does seem to be lost?' he thought. He looked on the ground, and found a pebble. He began to dribble it to focus on his thoughts.
"Ouch!" Conan fell onto the hard ground. He had knocked himself against another person.
"Gomen, Daijoubu?" Conan then realized that he had knocked over a high school student of Seijou Academy. Conan then took a closer look, that high school student looks like…
"Akito-niichan…" It was Amamiya Akito, the blond-haired young man who was always around Ayashi.
"It had been a long time, Mouri-san, Conan-kun." Akito could instantly recognize them. They were the detectives whom had helped to solve the assassination case a year ago.
"Gomen, Amamiya-san can I ask you a question?" Akito's eyes widen, what question does Ran want to ask? Without a second thought, he nodded his head to show his agreement.
"Amamiya-san, have you seen Ayashi recently?" Ran wanted to make sure that the girl they saw a moment ago wasn't Ayashi. Akito's emerald eyes widen. Of course, he had not seen Ayashi since a week ago. He could never forget the incident.
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Flashback
"Kai, tell me who is the one that you truly love?" asked the Dark Master. Ayume and Ayashi were being chained by the notorious Dark Master. Kai was asked to make the choice, whether to save Ayume or Ayashi. He did not know how to choose. Both of them were the ones he loved. But who does he love more? He does not know. He does feel comfortable while with Ayume; although she wasn't as beautiful as Ayashi, but he could still felt that his heart wavered whenever she smiled at him. But with Ayashi, he felt that he sympathy and also guiltiness for her, the sad and lonely girl, whom was abandoned and unwanted since at the tender age of 10. Ayashi had just learned to smile recently. As far as he could remember, her smile was the most beautiful one he had ever seen. It does suit her well instead of her usual stoic self.
He looked up, he saw Ayume was frightened, she was crying from fear. While on the other hand, Ayashi revealed no emotions on her delicate and icy face. She had returned to her stoic and cold self since Kai told her that he loved Ayume more than her. He walked away immediately after he had told her the truth. He did not want to see the disappointment on her face. He wanted to keep a good memory of her smiling at him. The true Ayashi he had saw, was the most beautiful girl he had seen. Under the cold exterior, Ayashi had a kind and gentle soul. He felt happy and contented while spending those three months with her. However, everything was ruined. He found out that he wanted Ayume more than her. He thought that it would not cause much pain to Ayashi, since she was always alone and she was independent. This was only his point of view, never did he knew that he was the one who caused much more pain than the others to her.
Ayashi learned to trust the others more while she was with Kai. But she would never think of Kai being her backstabber, the one who had hurt her most. She recalled that the Dark Master telling her that love would be her poison and would eventually be her downfall. Now, she felt that she was a fool for not believing those words. 'I will find my happiness, definitely.' That was her answer to him. She was really a fool to actually believe in love, she should have never allowed Mizuki Kai to enter her crystallized heart. Even when her family had abandoned her, she never felt so much pain. The pain of betrayal, which was what Kai, had granted her in the end. Endless tears had flowed down her cheeks on the day before, the particular day, when Kai told her that he had fell in love with Ayume. She let herself cried out those pains in her heart, pain which could not be described with normal words. Here she was, just like a child whom parents had left her alone in the dark and never came back. She reached out her hand, waiting for someone to save her. She had thought of Kai being the one, but she did not know that Kai would first save her, and then pushed her down further away from the light. Love, she had made a silent promise to herself that she would never fell in love again. Yet, she begged that Kai would not shatter her last piece of soul and her last sense of pride.
Kai was really having trouble on choosing one of them. The Dark Master had only given him a chance to choose. The one that he forgoes would be deeply hurt, as she fell into the pit of darkness. If he chooses Ayume, 'But what about Ayashi?' his conscious opposed. Yes, if he chosen Ayume, Ayashi would probably really fell into darkness. That poor girl was already pitiful enough to spend half of her childhood in the darkness, and was drained physically and mentally. He had hurt her enough. But what about Ayume, if he had chosen Ayashi? Ayume had a kind soul whom could bring happiness. She was the light of the Higurashi family, while on the other hand Ayashi was the dark one; it was not the destiny that Ayashi had chosen herself. Sure enough, Ayashi had her playful side as well. He loved Ayashi, but Ayume was better, in her personality. He looked up; his gaze fell on Ayume and then Ayashi. A drip of water fell onto his forehead. It was a tear, which was as large as a pearl and pure as a spring.
"Help me, Kai!!!" Ayume screamed for help, she was truly afraid of the Dark Master. He was just like a phantom that creates fear out of the others. She wondered how Ayashi survived for years. 'It must be the Dark Master whom caused her to change into her cold and stoic self,' she thought. 'So the tear must be from Ayume I assumed.' Kai was about to make up his mind. By his side, were his friends, his own family and the Higurashis. Izayoi, Satsuki and Tsuyoshi seemed to be afraid that any harm to come by Ayume, as she was their little sunshine of joy and their one and only daughter.
"Kai-san, please save Ayume, we will be grateful if you would do that…" Satsuki pleaded Kai as uncontrollable tears slid down her elegant cheek. Tsuyoshi hugged her by his side, making sure that Satsuki would not do anything rush.
"Satsuki, please control yourself." Said Tsuyoshi, he too was anxious about Ayume.
"How can I control myself? Ayume was our daughter, she was our one and only…" Satsuki had broken down thoroughly. Kai was afraid of making the decision; he did not want to hurt neither of them. He turned to his grandfather, hoping that he could give some suggestions. But instead the old and wise Mizuki Azukiya simply shook his head, telling him that it was a decision he should make himself.
Azukiya then tilted his head upwards only to see that Ayume was trembling with fear and Ayashi… The knight that he should acknowledge, instead of fear, Ayashi was calm and through her amethyst eyes, Azukiya could see that she was not afraid of death, but he could sense a silent request, a small and unheard request of wishing that Kai would not shatter her heart and her last pride. He respected her, and truly, he liked her a lot. She and her sister was nothing alike. Ayume was pampered whereas Ayashi was strong and mature. Azukiya truly felt sorry for her, sorry that his grandson had shattered everything of her.
Kai then turned to his friends, the Five Force Knights, the companions that vow that they would never be apart. Akito and Akizuki were looking at Ayashi, whereas Yuki, the youngest girl whom he treated as dearly as his sister, was looking at him with hopeful and teary eyes.
"Kai-niichan, please save Aya-neesan, she's the only one that I have in this world, I could not lose her, onegai…" Yuki cried out in Kai's chest. He looked at the girl, who was crying so hard. Kai really wanted to make a selfish decision of his own. But it concern life and death, who should he choose?
"Yuki…" a soft and gentle voice called out. Yuki looked up as she recognizes that voice.
"Do not beg him; let him make his own choice…" Ayashi told Yuuki as she took a last glance at Kai. Their gazes met as they transmit unspoken messages. Kai felt sorry for Ayashi, but still he had to make the final choice.
"So who do you choose?" the Dark Master asked in a fathomable voice.
"Kai…" Satsuki pleaded.
"Kai-niichan…" Yuki struggled from the hold of Akito and Akizuki whom had decided to respect Ayashi's wishes. Kai closed his eyes, recalling the time he had spent with Ayashi and Ayume.
"I choose Ayume…" he gave a slow reply. The Higurashi family let out a sigh of relief.
Satsuki walked towards Kai, "Kai-san, and arigatou for choosing Ayume. We are happy that you had chosen Ayume over that cursed trash. Really, arigatou," Satsuki told Kai with gratitude but at the same time she insulted Ayashi. Yuki ran towards Kai with fury and anger exploding in her.
"Why? Why do you choose Ayume? Why not Aya-neesan? Aya-neesan loves you a lot, if not for her you would have died a long time ago. Why? Aren't we the inseparable Five Force Knights? Haven't we vowed to be together forever? So, why do you choose an outsider over her? You really think that Aya-neesan is only a cursed trash like that woman had mentioned?" Yuki threw all those questions into Kai. She once thought of Kai as a role model other than Ayashi. Kai was just like her big brother whom would protect her. But all those images shattered after Kai had chosen Ayume over her beloved Ayashi. Yuki was now beyond mad. Kai hung his head low. He knew that he had once more disappointed Ayashi. A tear dripped onto his forehead. It was Ayashi's, those sadness and loneliness. Her soul was now completely shattered with her pride.
"Gomenasai…" He knew that a single sorry would never be enough.
"Ayashi had you seen clearly? The man whom you loved had chosen an outsider over you. The man whom you had so much confidence in had chosen someone over you." The Dark Master laughed out loudly for Ayashi's foolishness.
"Now, for the price…" The Dark Master walked towards Ayashi. "Wait, what price are you talking about?" Akito asked, something was not in place. 'What price was the Dark Master talking about? Ayashi had never mentioned about anything of it.'
"Haven't she told you about this? This foolish girl was so naïve to believe in love, she contracted a bet with me, if that Mizuki boy had loved anyone else over her within a 100 days, she would have to give up her freedom and obey my words." The Dark Master said and explained. Tears continued to slide down Ayashi's cheeks. She would never open her heart to anyone once more.
"Thanks to you, Mizuki Kai. I had my 'Queen' back in place. I finally have my most perfect Queen assassin back in place!!!" The Dark Master stood beside Ayashi, a dark light soon engulfed them, disappearing from the sight of the others.
"Aya-neesan…" Yuuki wailed loudly as she could. Akito looked up, he prayed for Ayashi's safety.
End of Flashback
Akito turned to Conan and Ran, "No, Ayashi had been missing for a week. No one had ever seen her." He was surprised that they would ask him about Ayashi. Ayashi was in the hands of the Dark Master, no one knew her whereabouts, or is it she was dead or alive.
"Missing? Why Ayashi-neechan was missing? Something happened?" Conan asked with curiosity. The truth is that he was worried about her.
"That's something you shouldn't know…" Akito replied with a hint of sadness. 'Then the girl just now, could it be…?' Conan gasped. That girl just now was indeed Ayashi.
"Why the sudden question?" Akito asked, Conan and Ran looked very surprised.
"Then that girl whom we saw just now…" Ran gasped, even that girl wasn't Ayashi she should have not let her go, and that girl seems to be so weak and fragile.
"That girl? Which girl?" Akito was shocked from Ran's words, she had seen Ayashi.
"Where is she?" Akito grabbed tightly on Ran's shoulders. He was frustrated. Where is Ayashi? Everyone was so worried about her.
"Akito-niichan, we saw a girl whom looked like Ayashi-neechan. But she lost her memories." Conan explained to Akito. He had never seen Akito lose his control. Conan concluded that Ayashi must have lost her memories.
"Lost her memories?" Akito thought for a moment.
"Where did you see her last?" Akito asked.
"Across the road over there." Without hesitation, Akito ran as fast as he could. It was dangerous for Ayashi to be wandering along the streets especially when she had lost her memories.
"Wait, Amamiya-san, we will go with you." Ran shouted as she and Conan were trying to catch up with him.
"Anything," Akito was anxious, if Ran and Conan were to come it will be the best.
Akito ran as fast as he could to the place where Ran and Conan last saw Ayashi. Although it wasn't sure that if they had really saw Ayashi, but he wouldn't give up any hope. Akito looked around his surroundings and Ayashi was nowhere in sight. 'Where are you Ayashi?' Ran and Conan soon arrived behind Akito, panting heavily. They continued looking for Ayashi frantically.
"Akito-niichan," Conan called out to Akito, it wasn't really a plan to search street by street.
"Hai, Conan-kun?" Akito lowered himself to Conan's level.
"Akito-niichan, I suggest that we should split up, Ran-neechan and I will search the upper streets while you continue to search on the streets lower down. If we have any information, we would contact each other through phone. Is that alright?" Akito thought for a moment before giving his consent. Ran and Conan begin to run to the upper streets and continue their frantic search.
Akito continued his search for another hour; however there were still no news of Ayashi. Ran and Conan had not contacted him. It was not a solution to search blindly for Ayashi. He took out his mobile and dialed for Yuuki and Akizuki. "Moshi-moshi, Akizuki?" Akito spoke to the phone.
"Oh if it wasn't big monster, and by the way I am Yuki." Yuki answered the phone since Akizuki was busy in the kitchen.
"I have no time to play with you today little girl, I have some news to tell you." Yuki groaned.
"I am not a little girl, and what news?"
"Do you know Mouri-san and Conan-kun?"
"Oh, you mean the Mouri Kogoro-san and Conan-kun whom helped to solve the case of assassination?"
"Yes, but the Mouri-san I am referring to was Mouri Ran-san."
"Oh, what about them?"
"Listen calmly, and don't get over happy, and step your big foot around the mansion until it collapse. Mouri-san and Conan-kun saw Ayashi just now." Akito paused for a moment to listen to Yuki's reaction.
"Listen here, you big monster, I don't have a big foot. About the matter of Mouri-san and Conan-kun… what, WHAT?! They saw Aya-neesan?" Yuuki on the other hand overreacted. She was so happy. Akizuki came in just as she mentioned about Ayashi. She immediately leaned over to Yuuki.
"So get your lazy bum down, to look for Ayashi. Meet me at Beika Street 20 within 5 minutes." Akito hanged up the phone after finishing his last sentence.
"Yuki-chan, what is Akito-san talking about?" Akizuki asked as she followed the flustered Yuki whom was currently running towards to the main entrance of the mansion.
"There's news concerning Aya-neesan." Akizuki and Yuki ran off instantly without a second thought to the appointed destination. 'Only Ayashi-san could have influence her in the world.' Akizuki thought as she took a glance at Yuki whose face was radiating pure happiness in this moment. Akizuki and Yuki managed to arrive within 3 minutes, and saw Akito leaning against the pole, reading the time that was indicated on his wrist watch.
"Big monster, you mentioned that Mouri-san and Conan-kun saw Aya-neesan just now, where are they?" Yuki asked Akito while she was panting heavily as she managed to catch her breath for a moment.
"They did saw her, but they did not know that the girl they saw was Ayashi," Akito explained to Yuki, he took his mobile out of his outer coat. He ruffled his hair making it looked messier than ever. His tie was looser than regulation. Still Ran and Conan had not contacted him.
"So where are they now?" Yuki asked Akito, she knew that there were still chances of finding Ayashi.
"They were looking at the upper streets. I am splitting you two, Akizuki; you will go to the Beika northern estate. While Yuki, you will start at Beika city mall. If you had any news, contact me immediately." Akito gave out instructions; they had no time to waste. Ayashi could be in any possible danger at any moment.
Without hesitation, Yuki and Akizuki spilt themselves into their various destinations. Yuki ran as fast as she could, her hazel eyes scanned her surroundings carefully missing not a single detail. Still, there was no sign of Ayashi. 'Just where are you Aya-neesan?' Yuki was worried about Ayashi, especially after that incident that happened weeks ago.
"AYA-NEESAN!" she screamed loudly, hoping that Ayashi could hear her voice if she was near here. Yuki tried to find every area that she could, finally Yuki broke into tears as she sat herself onto the ground hugging her legs to bury her head in, "Come back, Aya-neesan…" she murmured as she let herself to cry out freely.
Akizuki on the other hand did the same thing, as soon as she reached the Beika northern district, she began to search desperately for Ayashi, the girl she respected Ayashi for her intelligence and her strong will. Rather than thinking of her as an elder sister, Akizuki thought of Ayashi as a comrade, to her Ayashi was a responsible leader of the Five Force, she was strong and gentle at the same time. Ayashi was very intelligent as well; she often helped Akizuki in her school work, and would try her best to make her understand every concept. Although Akizuki did not score well in her examinations, Ayashi still forgave her, and continued teaching her. Ayashi was best in forensic and deductions; Akizuki believed that if she was a normal human, Ayashi would be the best detective or investigator in the entire world. She had searched for Ayashi for nearly an hour but there were still no news of her. She tried every way on locating her, and she even asked the passer-bys or residents if they had seen Ayashi. "AYASHI-SAN!" She screamed into the air, wishing that the girl that she respected would hear her if she was near.
Akito continued his search after instructing Yuki and Akizuki. He had made a point to check his mobile phone every minute, to see if the others had information of Ayashi. Akito liked Ayashi since young. Ayashi was intelligent as well as beautiful. He could swear that no other woman was more beautiful than Ayashi. After he learned that Ayashi had fallen for Kai, he gave them his silent blessings, wishing that they could be happy forever. He really wished that Ayashi could find her happiness. Ayashi had suffered more than them, so she deserved to be happy. Akito realized later that the love he had for Ayashi was none other than simple brotherly love. He wanted to protect that girl forever, making sure that no threats could come near her. However, he should never have allowed Kai to come near Ayashi. He used to believe that Kai loved Ayashi wholeheartedly, but he never knew that it would lead it to the tragedy had happened. He couldn't imagine how Ayashi had endured all this pain of betrayal.
Ayashi had always been in pain, even if she did not display it on her facial expression. Akito leaned on the pole and panted, he had been looking for her since afternoon, and it was near evening now, where could she have been to? Now, she had lost all her memories, she must have been vulnerable. "AYASHI!" He screamed for Ayashi, wishing that she would hear it if she was somewhere near.
Ran and Conan were running from streets to streets since afternoon. They looked up the sky and realized that it was near evening. 'There must be some ways to find her.' Conan thought as he and Ran continued their blind search for a certain girl, whom they respected and their friend.
"Ayashi-neechan," Conan shouted, wishing that she would hear him. "Ayashi!" Ran shouted as well. They looked around their surroundings, and saw no sign of Ayashi. This would be no good; they can't continue searching like this. Ayashi had lost her lifetime memories, even if they were calling for her, she wouldn't know. It was just like yesterday when they knew Ayashi, the charming lady who possessed a high IQ of 225.
Conan's flashback
Conan was in the hall of the Nakuru mansion, thinking about the assassination case which had just happened. Kurata Yuki was assassinated; the culprit just left a poker card, 'Ace of Spades' behind as the only hint. Conan believed that it will end it like this. If the culprit left a poker card behind there must be still someone whom was about to be attacked. In the series of poker, there were 13 cards, so there might be 12 others in the dark of the assassination list. How should he figure out who were the remaining victims? He thought for a long time, he had to find out who is the culprit before another person got assassinated. Mouri Kogoro was requested to solve the case of assassination. This was the first time detectives were requested to solve a case of the magical realm. Edogawa Conan or rather Kudo Shinichi never believed in magic throughout his 18 years of life. This was definitely not a simple case of assassination, especially if the victim was the Topaz knight of the Five Force. In the magical realm, being a knight would represent the strength and power of one. Everyone were here, except one person whom was about to arrive.
"Gomen, I am late." Conan looked at the high school girl whom just entered the situation. From her dressing, Conan was sure that she was from Seijou Academy. He also could not help but to admit that the girl was beautiful. But he could also see a hidden sadness buried in her face.
Everyone in the room bowed, "Ayashi-sama," that girl Ayashi gave a curt nod, 'Who is she? Why are everyone addressing her with honorifics, she's sure someone important.' Conan could not help but thought.
"I heard that Yuki was assassinated?" Ayashi asked.
"Hai, Ayashi-sama. Yuki-sama was now resting in the room." An old woman answered Ayashi's question.
"Are her injuries serious?" Ayashi directed the question towards the old woman whom answered her.
"Nothing serious, just a slight cut on somewhere near her stomach, which I believed will heal instantly." Ayashi let out a sigh of relief.
She then walked towards Conan, "Who are you? A little boy like you should not come to a place such as dangerous as this." Ayashi looked into Conan's innocent eyes; she could not help to think but to admit that this young boy was cute.
"Err… I am Edogawa Conan. I came with Detective Mouri to help to investigate this case." Ayashi smiled, this boy was definitely not telling the truth, although he was not lying on the part about solving the case. Ayashi believed that he could solve it instantly for someone like him, if he gets a little help from her.
"Are you sure? Lying is a bad exercise for someone as young as you… No, or should I say someone like you." Conan blinked several times; he was shocked from what Ayashi had said. Although he wasn't sure, but how does this girl sees through his secrets? Or is it she did not know, and was referring to something else.
"Nani?" He tilted his head, indicating that he did not know what she was talking about.
"You should know it yourself," with her last statement, Ayashi left to visit Yuki.
Ayashi and Conan entered Yuki's room. Her room was now crowded with visitors. Akizuki was by her side looking after her. Mizuki Azukiya, Kai, Akito and two other strangers were in the room visiting Yuki. A man was asking lots of questions regarding the assassination, so she assumed that he was Mouri Kogoro, the detective whom was famous nowadays. Beside Mouri Kogoro, was his daughter-Mouri Ran. Ran looked about the age of 17 to 18 and Ayashi assumed that she was studying in Teitan High from her uniform. Ran had a pair of long and masculine legs which was also feminine at the same time, 'She must be involved in martial arts or sports often.' She thought as her amethyst eyes trail to Conan which was looking at Mouri Kogoro. After Mouri Kogoro had finished questioning, Yuki turned her head slightly, her lips twitched into a huge smile.
"Aya-neesan!" Yuki was happy that Ayashi had come to visit her. Ayashi smiled gently and walked towards Yuki, whereas Conan ran towards Ran.
"How are you feeling?" Ayashi asked Yuki with concern.
"I am feeling just fine. Everyone was so worried about me. It is not like I am not injured before." Yuki smiled. Ayashi switched her gaze from Yuki to the Mouri family.
"Gombawak," she greeted as she bowed a slightly, it was not polite for not greeting someone elder than her.
"Gombawak, who are you?" Mouri Kogoro asked, it was not usual to see someone as beautiful as her other than his beloved idol Yoko, greeting him politely.
"Gomenasai, forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Higurashi Ayashi, please to meet you, Mouri Kogoro-san, Mouri Ran-san and Conan-kun." She smiled politely as she introduced herself.
"Mouri-san, did I tell you that Aya-neesan was the 'Queen' of the Five Force?" Yuki announced Ayashi's ranking to the others. Ayashi was always her role model.
"QUEEN?!" the teenage girl standing in front of him is the queen? Akito, Akizuki and the rest of them here did explain to Mouri Kogoro and Ran about the ranking earlier, as they thought that it might lead to the next clue. Queen was the second highest ranking in the magical realm. Mouri Kogoro had expected it to be at least an adult or an old woman, but he did not know that the beautiful young lady standing in front of him was the queen? 'So that's why everyone was addressing her in honorifics.' Edogawa Conan thought, 'If she was the queen, the higher the chances she would know my secret. I better stay some distances away from her.'
Mouri Ran stood at there watching her father looking at Ayashi in the usual eyes that he looked at the other attractive woman. Ayashi was really beautiful or rather very powerful; being a queen in such a young age would prove that she was intelligent and powerful as well. She could not help but to think where Kudo Shinichi was. The Kudo Shinichi that she knew would surely be interested in such a case.
"If only Shinichi was here," Ran said her thoughts out loud.
"Gomen," Ran immediately apologized and was blushing at the same moment.
"Don't tell me that you are thinking of that idiot at this time." Mouri Kogoro smirked, while in this time Kudo Shinichi was not around, he was given a chance to prove himself to be a better detective than him, despite he did not know the truth that it was Edogawa Conan helping him every time.
"Otou-san, Shinichi is not an idiot; or rather I would say that he was a mystery geek." Ran answered.
On the other hand, Conan was blushing, "I am not a geek." Conan explained himself.
"Ne, we are not talking about you kiddo." Conan then realized that he had spoken out loud, how careless of him, especially when he had to prevent everyone else of knowing his secrets as Kudo Shinichi.
"I didn't say anything," Conan laughed a little. Ayashi caught the sentence he said and gave a light chuckle.
"Yuki-chan, we will go out now, have a good rest." Ayashi said while patting Yuki on her head. But she refused to let go of Ayashi's hand.
"Aya-neesan, stay a little longer," Yuki wined like a young child.
"No, Yuki you need a good rest if not how are we going to catch the assassin sooner?" Ayashi reasoned.
"Hai…" Yuki pouted as she really wanted Ayashi to stay with her. Every visitor left the room, leaving Yuki alone.
"Conan-kun, can you come with me for a moment?" Ayashi had already figured Conan's true identity. Conan was sweating and was afraid that Ayashi had seen through him, she had put on her poker face, and he was not able to observe her and see her motive.
"Hai," he said finally as he grabbed on Ayashi's hand and she led him towards the balcony of the mansion, if he did not follow her, Conan was afraid to cause more suspicions.
"Ayashi-neechan, why did you take me here?" Conan asked; which caused Ayashi to chuckle.
"Drop off the 'neechan', in the fact that you are older than me. I haven't even addressed you as 'oniichan'." Ayashi laughed at the statement. Conan was more nervous than ever, it seems that the teenager standing in front of him had figured out entirely.
"What are you talking about? I am only a child, how can I be older than you?" Conan was trying his best to reason with her, but nothing seems to be working.
"Kudo Shinichi…" Ayashi said out his real name.
"How can I be Shinichi-niichan? I am only a six years old kid." Conan said, 'She really had guessed out…" Conan was sweating behind his back.
"You may be able to lie to everyone else, but not me. Kudo Shinichi of Teitan High, age 18. Your favorite sport is soccer I assumed." Conan knew he had nothing to say, Ayashi had figured out everything.
"How do you know?" Conan asked, while he no longer speak in a childlike voice, instead in replacement was his usual Kudo Shinichi's voice.
"What would you say if I say that it was magic?" Ayashi said in a teasing tone, Conan let out a sigh.
"You should know that I don't believe in magic. It is nothing more than a trick and for entertainment." Said Conan, but instead Ayashi smiled.
"The real magic is different. The magic that a magician performed was a physical trick, but it was not gifted power. The ancient magic that we used was passed on for generations, it was a talent that was given to us for purposes, or I rather say that it was a curse." Ayashi's facial expression was no longer the cheery one that he saw a moment ago, but instead it was cold and unfeeling.
"You still haven't answered my question," Conan pointed out; Ayashi was explaining the concept of magic instead. Conan knew almost how she figured it.
"I catch your sentence earlier on. Your eyes also betray everything you are hiding." Ayashi smirked, Conan looked at her, 'this girl isn't as simple as I thought.', "You really are observant, but that's also not the only thing that you notice right?" Conan then turned to Ayashi.
"Of course, it was obvious when Mouri Ran-san mentioned about you, you are blushing right? Why would you try to defend yourself if you aren't Kudo Shinichi, when she talked bad about you?"
Conan then took off his spectacles, "I should have take note of you, especially when you are a 'Queen' at such a young age. You would be a great detective if you would like to." Ayashi looked at him and smiled gently but with a hint of sadness hidden.
"Yes, if I could. But I am not a normal being…" Ayashi looked into the sky
"But I am really happy to get such a comment from a famous detective such as you. By the way, mind me not asking, you like Mouri-san don't you?"
Conan was blushing furiously, "Nani? Why would I like someone such as her? She was so irritating." Ayashi laughed wholeheartedly. "Really? Then shall we see her reaction if I told her about this." Ayashi began to stroll into the main hall when Conan grabbed on her hand and refused to let it go.
"Fine I lost, but just don't tell her." Ayashi put a finger on her lips indicating that her lips were sealed.
"I would really suspect you as my long-lost sister if I know that my parents had secretly gave birth to one." Conan pouted like a child.
"Do we look alike? I mean your parents and I?" Ayashi asked; she was really curious about that.
"Exactly the same, your deduction skills and intelligence from my father, beauty and that weird personality from my mom." He explained, somehow, Ayashi and him were somewhat alike, heart or soul.
"If next time I met trouble, I would disguise as your sister then so no one would suspect about me, since you said that we were alike." Ayashi winked with playfulness.
"Yes, of course. Having a sister such as you would be very interesting." Conan… No, Kudo Shinichi was imagining the expressions of Kudo Yuusaku and Kudo Yukiko if they were to saw her. Ayashi held out a pinkie finger.
"Promise?" Conan quirked an eyebrow, he could not imagine that the powerful 'Queen' have such a childish side, their fingers entangled.
"Yes, promise." Conan smiled. They walked into the mansion together once more, with their secret promise hidden in their heart.
Ran's flashback
Ran, Conan and Kogoro were in the detective agency, trying to figure out who the 12th victim would be. So far the assassin had attacked the victims in numeric order. A poker card was always left behind as a clue. The victims that the assassin had chosen mostly had numbers in their names. 'So who would be the 12th victim?' Conan thought. They had been racking their brains for nearing a day; however, they had to be faster before anyone was harmed.
Conan walked towards the window, 'If it was in order, the 12th victim should be the 'Queen', but who is it?' he placed his elbow against the window and rested his head on his palm. 'Queen… So his or her name shouldn't have a number. But queen should be a female right? But never be too sure.' He looked closely into the skies. It looked familiar, just like a few weeks before. Just where he had saw this scene? His memories rewind back to weeks before, 'Mouri-san, did I tell you that Aya-neesan was the 'Queen' of the Five Force?' he recalled what Yuki had said. 'Then the queen would be…'
"Ayashi-neechan!" Conan ran back towards Mouri Kogoro and Ran. "Ojii-chan, the 'Queen' is Ayashi-neechan!" Conan screamed; as Kogoro's eyes widen. "Didn't Yuki-neechan say that before? Ayashi-neechan is the queen of the Five Force." Kogoro then recalled the statement that Yuki once said.
"Then what are we waiting for? Find her immediately; she could be in danger at any moment!" With that Mouri Kogoro grabbed his outer coat which was lying on his couch and ran out of the door along with his daughter who is an expert in karate and Conan. They ran to the Nakuru mansion, in hope that they would find Ayashi at there. Mouri Kogoro knocked the door harshly as he was frustrated and nervous as well. A maid answered the knocked, and opened the door immediately.
"Can I help you?" the maid asked politely, she didn't know who they are, and was afraid to let them in.
"Is Ayashi-sama in?" Kogoro asked in a frustrated tone not to mention he was panting heavily as well. They had run all the way from the detective agency to here.
"No, Ayashi-sama just left a moment ago." Akizuki whom was in the chamber, heard the commotion and went towards the main hall to see what happened. 'So, Ayashi left some time ago… Where could she be?' Conan was using his detective skills as Kudo Shinichi to predict where Ayashi could be.
"Oh, it was Mouri-san. What makes you come here?" Akizuki was surprised that Mouri Kogoro would come for a visit.
"Akizuki-san, we would need your help…" Mouri Kogoro tried to explain as calmly as he could. Akizuki nodded her head, indicating for him to go on.
"We suspected that Ayashi-sama could be the 12th victim, so we need your help to search for her, as she might be in…" Mouri Kogoro did not finish his sentence as Kurata Yuki whom was hiding in dark listening to the conversation ran towards him.
"Nani? Aya-neesan is the 12th victim? Let's go and look for her now, Akizuki-neesan!" Without further hesitation, the five of them ran to the streets, and was planning to go towards Ayashi's mansion.
On the other hand, Ayashi was walking towards the open area of the forest. She had sensed someone following her, and she had already figured out who it was. As she was about to reach the dead end, she jumped to a tree branch on top, for a normal person, her speed was invisible. A lady who looked about as if she was in her twenties, appeared out of blue. She was dressed in black entirely with her face covered, and was looking frantically around her surroundings.
Ayashi gave a light chuckle; "You're the one right?" she started. The lady became more nervous, and began to look around in all directions.
"Where are you?" the assassin asked in a harsh tone which contain a hint of nervousness, she couldn't let her guard down as her opponent was the 'Queen', the most powerful, cunning and not to mention intelligent knight. Ayashi was a well-trained knight.
"You are the one whom assassinate Yuki and the others right?" Ayashi asked once more, she was getting ready to battle this assassin, and she was confident that she would finish it by the end of evening.
"So what?" the assassin asked, although she acted bravely but she couldn't help to be afraid, as the shiver was sent to her spine.
"Don't hide anymore! Come out to battle me if you have the guts! I am not afraid of you even if you are the queen!" the assassin thought that it might not be a good idea for Ayashi to be in the dark, she was observing her moves.
"Are you sure? You are nothing but a chess piece…" no longer using her usual tone, Ayashi's voice turned cold and unfeeling.
"Where are you?" the female assassin shouted, she then heard some noises above her, she tilted her head up, "Above you." Ayashi then jumped to the ground and landed gracefully.
"It's all right for you to uncover your face now, no one is around," Ayashi had already released her amethyst rod; she planned to go easy on the assassin.
"Matsuri Shizuka a spy that was hidden in the council, or should I says now the Dark Master's 'Pawn'." Ayashi then turned around to face the assassin who seems to be in shocked.
"How do you know?" Matsuri Shizuka asked as she was trembling in fear.
"You are leaving clues everywhere; even if they are not obvious. Any last words?" Ayashi asked before she started the battle.
"The master requested you to finish your mission before he decided to interfere." Matsuri Shizuka answered, while releasing her weapon which was a sword. Ayashi smirked, Matsuri Shizuka then charged towards her without any warning. Ayashi blocked off her attack easily, without breaking a sweat. After constant attacks Ayashi had always been dodging but never attack, "Why don't you attack?" Shizuka asked, she was already sweating and panting hard, "I will, if you wanted to end your life sooner…" Ayashi replied smugly, she continued dodging skillfully.
Akizuki and the others were searching for Ayashi everywhere. They were actually not as nervous, as they knew that Ayashi would have no problems handling them. They felt rather sorry for the assassin as he or she might be dead or either seriously injured by their queen. They soon arrived in front of Ayashi's mansion, and came to know that Ayashi wasn't home.
"Where could Aya-neesan be?" Yuki asked, even though Ayashi was the 'Queen' she couldn't help but to worry for her somehow. Just as everyone was searching around, Conan came to a place, the entrance of the forest. He squatted down as he noticed footprints on the muddy ground. The sun was about to set, it would be best to find Ayashi before the sun had set down completely.
"Ojii-chan, look what I had found?" Conan shouted, attracting everyone's attention.
"Footprints! They should be Aya-neesan's" Yuki exclaimed as they finally found a lead to where Ayashi is. They ran into the forest without hesitation. They soon heard the sound of metallic objects clashing onto each other. They took a closer look only to see Ayashi fending off her opponent's attack.
"Aya-neesan!" Yuki screamed, as she looked at the woman who was fighting Ayashi, it was Matsuri Shizuka! 'Why is it Shizuka-san?' Yuki could not understand. Matsuri Shizuka used to be Yuki's guardian till the recent years she had move in to stay with Akizuki.
"Why?" Yuki murmured, the woman who was so caring towards her, yet was the one whom was the betrayer. Ayashi was slightly distracted when Yuki screamed for her. She needs to finish it off as soon as possible. She was shocked too, when she learned that the assassin was Matsuri Shizuka, the one whom Yuki treasured dearly other than her. But it has to be her, when Yuki was taking martial arts training with Shizuka; Ayashi was sitting by the side, observing them. By now, Ayashi had already memorized all the steps and techniques Shizuka used to battle. She had yet to attack, but only dodging, in order to let Yuki to see Shizuka the last time. Shizuka was already draining her energy away, she had used various special attacks but none seems to affect Ayashi.
"Blades of Wind!" Shizuka sent off her attack. "Shizuka-san, you should know me more than anyone else."Ayashi twisted her amethyst rod to separate the blades as it was sent off to the sides.
"I am the controller of the wind, so your attacks don't take effect on me." Ayashi said calmly.
"But look closely…" Shizuka answered, as a blade had not been fended off, it came back directly in the direction where Mouri Ran was standing.
"Mouri-san!" Without a second thought, Ayashi used her body to protect Ran, leading to the blade cutting her right shoulder. Ayashi was bleeding profusely, as she spitted out blood through her mouth.
"Higurashi-san," Ran was shocked, Ayashi was injured as she tried to protect her.
"Daijoubu, it will heal pretty soon." She assured Ran before sending out her first and last attack to Matsuri Shizuka.
"Sayonara, Shizuka-san." Ayashi spoke her last sentence to Shizuka. She twisted her amethyst rod which had turned into two sharp blades at the tip point, and send it off to her. Needless to say, Shizuka could not avoid it and was cut by the blades, leaving two deep wounds by her stomach and her back. The amethyst rod was then returned into its original form. Ayashi walked slowly to Shizuka's badly injured body.
"If you are intending on killing me like this, you definitely will not make it." Ayashi told Shizuka, as she was clutching on tightly to her shoulder.
"No wonder you are the 'Queen', you were only injured by me when you are distracted right? You purposely did not attack me, as you were waiting for Yuki." Shizuka answered in a shallow voice. Ayashi replied nothing, as she looked at Shizuka.
Yuki walked forward and stopped beside Ayashi, "Shizuka-san…" Yuki was about to cry, "Silly child, don't cry." Shizuka reached out her hand to wipe off Yuki's tears.
"Why?" Yuki simply did not understand.
"Gomenasai, Yuki-chan. But remember there were no lies in my…" Shizuka did not manage to finish her sentence, when she started to gasp for air. Shizuka seems to be having difficulties in breathing.
"Be safe…" Shizuka said out the last words of hers before closing her eyes forever.
"SHIZUKA-SAN!" Yuki's sad screamed filled the entire forest. Ayashi felt that her vision blurred as her body became lighter; she lost her conscious before falling to the ground.
Days later, Ayashi woke up in her own chamber. Yuki had fallen asleep beside her. She patted her head as Akito came in.
"You're awake," He said, everyone was worried as she had been out for days. Ayashi placed her fingers on her lips, requesting him to lower down his volume as she did not want Yuki to wake up.
"Are you alright?" Ayashi nodded her head, "Just mild poison," she answered. Akito walked towards Yuki and placed her on his back.
"I will get this monster back, have a good rest." Akito left Ayashi's room. Ayashi looked outside the window; it was almost noon she supposed.
"Higurashi-san, Amamiya-san said that you're awake." Mouri Ran came in after she knocked the door.
"Is there anything, I can do for you?" Ayashi asked politely as she tried to get off the bed. Her shoulder had recovered fully.
"Arigatou, Higurashi-san." Ran thanked Ayashi for protecting her; she was glad that nothing worse happened to Ayashi.
"It's nothing; anyway you should know that I have special healing powers." Ayashi answered, she was quite shocked when Ran had thanked her.
"That's good to hear." Ran replied, as she smiled.
"Higurashi-san…" Ran wanted to thank her once more.
"Ran, drop of the 'san', just Ayashi would be enough. Friends should not call each other with honorifics right?" Ayashi said as she winked.
Ran just smiled happily and nodded her head eagerly, "Yes." Ayashi gave her a smile, and that's how those two girls from entirely different worlds became best of friends.
"Could you ask Conan-kun to come in for a moment?" Ayashi asked.
"Sure." Ran replied as she went out to get Conan.
"You're all right?" Conan asked as he entered Ayashi's room.
"About Shizuka-san…" Ayashi tilted her head slightly.
"You did it purposely right? Dodging her vital points." Conan asked, "You are as observant as usual." But there was a point that he did not understand. Why Matsuri Shizuka died, if Ayashi had not strike on her vital points?
"The mastermind of this assassination killed her, by poison I assumed." Ayashi answered Conan's doubts as if she could read out his mind.
"How did you know?" Conan had doubts about Ayashi knowing that Matsuri Shizuka died of poisoning.
"I knew it before, her shadow was light. By magic principles, a light shadow would soon caused death. She couldn't be so seriously injured if I did not intend to kill her." Ayashi explained to Conan, since no weapons were present during Shizuka's death, it would be poison which caused her to die tragically in the end.
"You really are one which was unpredictable, I am quite jealous of your observation skills." Conan crossed his arms together; both of them were more alike than they would know.
"Remember our promise?" Ayashi asked Conan with a smile.
"Yes, never would forget about it." He turned to Ayashi, as both of their eyes met, their appearance were almost alike, except for their eye color, which Kudo Shinichi's was deep ocean blue while Ayashi's was dark black with a hint of amethyst.
"Conan-kun, we are leaving!" Ran shouted from the main hall to inform Conan that they would be leaving in a moment's time.
"Hai!" Conan answered as his voice return back to the childish one.
"Till we meet next time, mystery geek." Ayashi said in a teasing tone as she waved him good-bye.
"I look forward in seeing you again, queen." Conan answered in a similar tone with a smirk. But he would never expect to meet Ayashi once more in a totally different situation.
End of flashback
Conan and Ran wandered back to their various memories. The sun was about to set yet there were no signs of Ayashi. "AYASHI/ AYASHI-NEECHAN" They shouted one last time. They continued running for another short distance.
"Ran-neechan, why don't we ask Akito-niichan to go to the detective agency first? We could plan on how to find Ayashi-neechan more efficiently." Conan thought that it would be a wiser idea to ask Akito more information about Ayashi first before they continued their blind search. 'Just where you are, Ayashi?' Conan recalled the beautiful features about the girl, whom was alike to him. Ran then took out her mobile phone and dialed Akito's number. After she had informed him about the idea, she and Conan ran home in a fast speed.
Akito had informed Yuki and Akizuki, they were now on their way to the Mouri Detective agency. When Ran called, Akito thought that she had news of Ayashi, but in the end it turned out to be another matter. Akito tried his best to run as fast as he could. Akito made a silent vow, to protect Ayashi, to protect her from Mizuki Kai and other dangers. Images of the past flashed through his mind as he was running. Yuki and Akizuki were running in their best speed too, it had been weeks since Ayashi was missing. They missed her much, especially Yuki. She could not accept the fact that Kai, had gave up on Ayashi for Ayume. Kai was Yuki's role model and a brother whom she loved dearly. Ayashi was kind and gentle under her cold exterior. She simply could not understand, why, why had Kai abandoned her? Kai should know about the pain that Ayashi had gone through more than anyone else. This time, she will make sure that Ayashi lead a happy life after they had found her. A life, even if she had disappeared from her memories, she wanted Ayashi to be happy. Akizuki understood that Ayashi must be in pain, a pain that was indescribable. From her heart, she respected her, a responsible leader and a kind yet gentle lady. She too, wanted Ayashi to be happy, even if her presence was erased from her life forever.
Ran and Conan were the first to arrive. Ran had told her father Mouri Kogoro about the situation, he was shocked at first. But after he had agreed to help. Mouri Kogoro had taken a liking on that young and polite girl. He was worried about her of losing her memories; he would try his best to help them in finding her.
Akito and another two unexpected guests soon arrived after, "Ehh… Yuki-san, Akizuki-san?" Mouri Ran was shocked as she did not expect two of them would come.
"Gomen, Mouri-san, I asked two of them to help without telling you."
They settled down by the couch, "Daijoubu, if we have more people to help, the faster we would find Ayashi." Ran explained. Conan was sitting beside Ran as he listened to their conversation.
"Any news about Ayashi-san?" Mouri Kogoro started off first, all of them shook their heads; they had been searching for hours.
Outside, it was raining heavily, the wind was howling, the dark clouds had covered the bright full moon. Sounds off thunder could be heard from far, as lightning appeared soon after.
"We had searched everywhere, but there are still no signs of Ayashi-san." Akizuki explained.
"Ran had told me about the matter, that Ayashi-san had lost her memories. Could you tell me more clearly about it?" Mouri Kogoro asked; he needs to know the entire details about the case.
"Nani? No one had told me about this? Aya-neesan had lost her memories?" Yuki reacted strongly; she knew that this might happen as the truth was too hard for Ayashi to accept.
"Gomenasai, Mouri-san, I can't tell you about the exact details, but you could say that she was kidnapped." Mouri Kogoro nodded his head; he knew that there were lots of unrevealed secrets in the magical realm that he was not supposed to learn about it.
"Akito-niichan, are there any special ways to locate Ayashi-neechan. You know, like magic?" Conan asked innocently, Akito shook his head.
"Ayashi is impossible to locate, her aura was too strong." If he knew any way he would have tried it before asked. The thunder strike on the electric transmitter, causing a black out. They looked out of the window, everywhere was in dark. However, Conan came to know that they weren't really in dark. Something was bright, giving out its radiance. Ran, Kogoro and Conan's attention switched to the three knights; something hanging on their necks was giving out light, a pure topaz, ruby and emerald glow. Akito reached his neck and grabbed an emerald jewel out, which was giving out a bright emerald glow, after which Yuki and Akizuki did the same. The lights was combined and lit up the whole agency.
Conan immediately forms up a plan in his mind, "Akito-niichan?" Akito switched his gaze to Conan, as he lowered himself to his level.
"Does this jewel have connection with the one Ayashi-neechan always wore on her neck?" Akito thought about it for a moment and nodded his head.
"So if this jewel is glowing, hers would be glowing too right? Since everywhere was dark now, we could go out and find her easily." Conan then flashed him a child-like smile. Akito understood of what Conan had said immediately.
"Yuki, Akizuki…" They turned to Akito who was holding on his jewel in his palm showing to them.
"We could use this to find Ayashi," they startled for a moment. Yuki and Akizuki looked at each other; they smiled to each other as they understood Akito's words. It was just a simple message, 'The amethyst light will lead to her.'
Akito turned to Mouri Kogoro and Ran, "Mouri-san, follow the amethyst light as it would lead to Ayashi." Everyone ran out of the agency at once, they look around their dark surroundings, searching for the amethyst light. Conan turned his head around, where he spotted a shimmering amethyst glow at the eastern side of the Beika city.
"Akito-niichan, over there." Conan pointed excitedly on the eastern side of the city.
"Everyone, over there!" Akito shouted attracting the attention of the others. They ran towards the east direction, in hope to find the girl whom was so important in the hearts of everyone. They ran eagerly towards the direction despite of the heavy rain. They soon reached their destination. The amethyst light was beyond bright; they saw a figure lying on the ground.
"Ayashi-san!" Yuki hurried towards the unconscious figure. It was really Ayashi. They had found her; Akito put his fingers on her wrist, trying to feel her pulse. Her breathing was shallow, not to add that she was wet. Conan looked at her; she was no longer the Ayashi she once knew, but a lonely girl whom was always on her own. Ran and Kogoro let out a sigh of relief, they had really found her, and she wasn't on her own anymore.
"Carry her back to the agency; she was extremely weak now. Hurry, before she caught a cold!" Mouri Kogoro said, "Arigatou, Mouri-san." Akito placed the unconscious Ayashi on his back, 'Ayashi, I promise that I would not let any harm come to you once more.' Akito was thankful that they had found her. He ran in his fastest speed, while the others were trying to catch up.
It was bright, bright in the early morning. She opened her eyes, and the piercing sunlight came into her eyes causing her to squeeze her eyes tightly shut. She woke up, as she felt she was lying on something soft and fluffy. Her body temperature was no longer cold, but instead warm. Still, her mind was in blank, no one was in her sight. She was alone, somehow she felt scared. She did not what was it that caused her to be like this. Was it the long term loneliness? She had no idea. She was in daze. Who she was? She remembered a girl and a young boy addressed her as 'Ayashi', but was that her identity? She thought that someone had finally found her in the darkness and she wasn't alone anymore. But it was actually false hope, it turned out that they had mistaken her as someone else.
After that, she continued to walk alone under the rain. She was cold, she looked at her surroundings. Where is she? She did not know at all. She continued her aimless journey down the road. The sun started to set, as the sky changed into an amazing color. She walked and walked, she arrived to a mansion, 'Mizuki' the gate plate read. She had a sense of familiar presence; she shrugged that thought out of her mind immediately. She couldn't help but to stare at the mansion. An azure-eyed boy soon walked out with a hazel-eyed girl, they looked compatible from far. They were walking in the pathway. That girl seems to be smiling, while the boy's face held an expression that couldn't be described- sadness, uncertainty and guiltiness. That boy soon forced out a smile on his face. Sure, that boy was familiar, who is he? She tried her best to search her memories once more; she wanted to remember everything, so that she would not feel lost and uncertain.
"It's scary, someone save me…" a young girl's voice rang in her head. She saw an image of a young girl, whom was sad, endless tears flowed down her blood-stained cheeks. She was chained, her movements were restricted.
"Help me… Please, save me, get me out of here. Please, don't disappoint me anymore." The next scene she saw caused her eyes widen, she saw nothing but a pool of deep crimson blood. She hugged her head with pain and agony. She ran and ran, hoping to get to somewhere safe. Rain drops continued to pour down from the skies. She did not even stop running even if she was breathless, until finally she stopped and lost her consciousness.
"Ayashi, you're awake." A girl came in with a huge broad smile hanging on her face.
"Ayashi," she shook her by her shoulders as she broke out from her chain of thoughts. The girl's hand reached out to touch her forehead.
"That's good; your fever had gone down entirely. I have to tell the others…" That girl then ran out of the room excitedly.
"Ayashi had awakened!" Outside the living room, Kurata Yuki was sleeping on the floor with Nakuru Akizuki, hugging each other for warmth. Amamiya Akito was leaning on the wall, with his legs crossed. As soon as they heard Ran's words, they woke up from their sleep at once. Amamiya Akito dashed into the room immediately, he was not asleep but only resting, he hardly had any sleep during the past few days.
"Otou-san, Conan-kun, Ayashi had regained her conscious!" Ran went into her father's to wake Mouri Kogoro and Edogawa Conan up. Yuki woke up drowsily, she rubbed her eyes, "Ran-san, what did you say just now?" Yuki asked as she yawned. Akizuki was awake too.
"Ayashi was awake!" Ran told Yuki, she get up on her foot and dashed into the room in a split second.
"Aya-neesan!" Yuki was by sitting by the bedside, holding on Ayashi's hand. Akizuki, Conan and Kogoro came in last. Ran locked the door after. Ayashi looked around her, she was confused with so many people surrounded her. She did not even know who they are.
She looked at them, observing them with her eyes, "Who are you?" Ayashi asked.
"Aya-neesan, I am Yuki, don't you remember me?" Yuki asked with concern, she made herself to accept the fact that Ayashi had already forgotten about her, but still she felt sad. Ayashi shook her head slowly. The truth is that, she doesn't remember any one of them. Akizuki stepped forward, with one of her hand on Yuki's shoulder.
"Gomen, allow us to introduce ourselves," Akizuki paused for a moment as she felt Yuki's tears dripped on her fingers.
"I'm Nakuru Akizuki." Akizuki started off with herself, as she tried to lighten up the spirits of everyone's.
"I am Amamiya Akito," Akito looked at Ayashi, as she tilted her head.
"I am Kurata Yuki." Yuki wiped away her tears; she decided stop crying as she didn't want Ayashi to be worried about her.
"I am Mouri Ran." Ran introduced herself with a broad smile.
"I am Edogawa Conan!" Conan said with a hidden frown on his face, as Ayashi gave him a light smile.
"Mouri Kogoro," he knew that everyone was sad.
"Who am I?" Ayashi asked; she wanted to know her real identity.
"You're Higurashi Ayashi!" Yuki told her in her usual cheery tone. She came to accept everything. Conan walked to her, and told her something humorous, which caused Ayashi to chuckle. 'Maybe having a normal life wasn't that bad.' Akito thought, as he finally saw Ayashi smiling truly for once.
Ayashi was sharing a room with Ran. She was resting by this time, as the knights, Mouri family and Edogawa Conan was sitting in the living room discussing about Ayashi. "Now Aya-neesan had lost her memories, what should we do?" Yuki asked; she was afraid of Ayashi having any danger.
"Maybe having a normal life wasn't that bad…" Akito spoke his thoughts aloud.
"Akito-san, what are you thinking? Ayashi-san is the queen after all; she couldn't possibly lead a normal life for the rest of her life?" Akizuki asked with concern.
"But at least for this period of time, we should let her be happy." Akito answered, he was frowning.
"Yes, I agree… At least for this time, we should let her be happy." Yuki agreed with Akito's suggestion, she had saw Ayashi smiling with Conan just now. It was the most beautiful smile she had ever seen.
"Yes. Ayashi-san was always protecting us. It's our turn to return her the favor." Akizuki wanted Ayashi to be happy, even if it doesn't last long.
"But if the others know that Ayashi-san was alive, what would probably do something harmful to her." Yuki did not want Ayashi to be danger once more.
"Mouri-san?" Mouri Kogoro turned to Akito.
"Will it be fine, if Ayashi stays here?" Mouri Kogoro nodded his head without much thinking. Conan and Ran were happy as well, however with different reasons. Ran was happy that her friend was staying with her. Conan was happy as Ayashi might be a help to solve cases. Ayashi had great detective skills, so she could probably help him. He was also looking forward in comparing their skills, on the other hand, Ayashi would be safer if she was to stay here, and he would definitely help to protect her, as a brother.
"Yes, staying here means that she would not see that Mizuki-baka again," Yuki got slightly angry when she mentioned Mizuki Kai.
"Then we should change her name…" Mouri Kogoro suggested, "Changing one's name would be the easiest method to cover her identity."
"But which name would be better?" They rummaged their brains to search a suitable name for Ayashi.
"How about I say that Aya-neesan was my relatives?" Yuki thought, but instantly Akito opposed.
"Big monster, everyone in the magical realm knows that you are the only one left in your family line. Apparently we couldn't use our surnames." Akito told Yuki.
"But we also couldn't use Mouri-san's, he's a famous detective, and people in his surroundings would know." Akizuki said, "How about mine?" Conan asked suddenly, his was the most suitable one.
"I am a child, so no one would suspect me." He smiled as he remembered his promise with Ayashi. 'If next time I met trouble, I would disguise as your sister then so no one would suspect about me, since you said that we were alike.' He remembered, this was the suitable time.
"Conan-kun?" Ran tilted her head, "His would be the most suitable one, but how about your parents?" Akito was worried that his parents might know.
"Daijoubu, I would just explain to them." Conan smiled; Kudo Yuusaku and Kudo Yukiko would sure accept Ayashi as their daughter.
"Okay, Edogawa…" Yuki was still thinking about the names.
"How about Yuuri?" Conan suggested.
"Yuuri as in lilies?" Akizuki asked.
Conan shook his head. "'Yuu' (優) as in the best, 'ri' as in a detective's deduction (理). So it means the best deduction. Err… but if it wasn't…" this name just came into his mind without knowing. 'Yuuri' which means the best deduction would surely fit Ayashi's personality. Ayashi's intelligence was just as good as Kudo Shinichi; he believed that one day, Ayashi would surely be the best detective if she wanted.
"Edogawa Yuuri…" Yuki quirked an eyebrow, the name seems nice, it was only that she wasn't use to it. Akito and Akizuki nodded their head in agreement, as Yuki smiled as she allows. From this day onwards, Higurashi Ayashi, was no longer exist. In replacement, was a normal high school girl, Edogawa Yuuri.
A brand new day had started, the sunlight came piercing through the windows. Ayashi was still sleeping soundly along with Mouri Ran. She was sharing a room with Ran now; the peaceful slumber was then interrupted by the buzzing sound of the alarm. Ayashi was sitting by the bedside; as she was awaken by the noisy sound. She looked drowsily at Ran for moment. Ran yawned as she managed to pull herself up from the bed.
Ran rubbed her eyes, as she looked at Ayashi, "Ohayo, Ayashi… No, Yuuri." Ayashi tilted her head; it was just the next day that she learned her identity as Higurashi Ayashi, but why Ran is calling her Yuuri instead of her true name? Minutes later, the Mouri family gathered in the living room for their breakfast.
"Ohayo, Yuuri-neechan." Conan greeted as he placed his school bag beside him.
"Yuuri-neechan…?" Ayashi asked; she thought that Ran had just woke up, so that she had mistaken her for someone else.
Conan nodded his head, "Yuuri-neechan, from today onwards you're my neechan!" Conan answered happily; he was glad that Ayashi was now his elder sister, even though he was older in the reality. His and Ayashi's promise was fulfilled.
"Neechan?" Ayashi tilted her head, she was getting confused. Ayashi was now dressed in Ran's casual wear.
"Yes, neechan. Amamiya-san decided to change your name. From now on, you're Edogawa Yuuri, Conan-kun's elder sister." Ran explained; she came out of the kitchen with a pot of hot soup in her hands.
"Yuuri?" Conan looked at her with his innocent eyes, "Hai, Yuuri-neechan." He then assured her with a smile of his. Ayashi let out a small frown and followed by that was a smile.
"Hai, Conan-kun." She was having a new life, a life of Edogawa Yuuri. She believed that she would find memories, and create them with her new family.
"We are leaving," Ran and Conan ran out to the door and started their daily journey to school.
"Sayonara, have a safe journey." Ayashi… No, Yuuri shouted. Mouri Kogoro then proceeded to the second storey for his work, leaving her alone in the house. She was alone in an enclosed area once more, but this time she didn't feel afraid, but instead warmth, the love of a family. Maybe having a normal life wasn't that bad, she was free from all boundaries, even if the happiness only lasted for a short period of time, and she was contented. She looked out of the window, as a world of freedom was awaiting her. She could finally use her time to do something she likes. She believed that she would eventually have the courage to have all her past memories back, even if it was unpleasant. What should she do now? With so much time, yet she did not know where to start with. Ran had lent her some of her clothes; she was wearing a deep blue sweater, her amethyst jewel was covered with the clothes that she wore. A short white skirt as usual, but instead of long black boots, she was wearing sport shoes. Her raven hair was combed neatly into a long and high ponytail, leaving a few strands by the side. She still looked the same, as alluring as ever, but instead of Higurashi Ayashi, she was Edogawa Yuuri. This was her true self, no longer cold and unfeeling. She walked down the stairs. Yuuri entered the detective agency, and saw a man whom was wearing a bright orange coat along with a matching hat, beside him was a man whom was in his thirties; he was wearing a blue outer coat, with a pair of black pants. As the creaking of the door was heard, their attention was switched to Yuuri whom was just about to enter.
"Yuuri-san?" Mouri Kogoro asked, he was discussing about the case of murder with Inspector Megure and Shiratori. Yuuri had not expected any guests in such an early time.
"Gomen, I just came down to take a look." Megure and Shiratori turned around, and then back to Kogoro.
"Mouri-kun, I didn't see her before." Inspector Megure asked; although she does look similar to Conan.
"Let me introduce her to you, she's that little brat's sister, Edogawa Yuuri." Mouri Kogoro then invited her to come in.
"Yuuri-san, they are Inspector Megure and Inspector Shiratori." Yuuri then bowed down slightly, "I am Edogawa Yuuri, nice to meet you." Yuuri then smiled.
"Come to think of it, she does resemblance Conan-kun, their hair and faces are almost exactly alike." Shiratori commented. Yuuri settled down by the couch.
"Mouri-kun, I would require your assistance in this case." Yuuri did not know if she was required to go.
"Yuuri-san, would you like to go with us? Since you're Conan-kun's sister, I think you would be of some help." Yuuri turned to look at Kogoro to see if he allows, Kogoro nodded his head in approval, and he knew that Yuuri would help greatly, with her intelligence.
They soon arrived at the scene of the murder. Inspector Megure, Inspector Shiratori, Mouri Kogoro were inspecting the scene. A few evidences were found including keyboard filled with blood-stained fingerprints, the body of the victim, Mr Honda, age 46 was laid on the ground with one of his finger on the side of the keyboard. A spot which is not far away from the body was coated with drips of blood, and shattered pieces of glass could be found. On the computer screen, three letters 'JUN' were typed, and were assumed to be Mr Honda's dying message. But what could those three letters 'JUN' meant? If it was used to hint who the murderer was, why not type his or her name directly? The suspects were namely the wife of the victim, Honda Sayuri. The second one was the son of the dead Mr Honda, Honda Takeshi; lastly, was a maid whom first spotted Mr Honda dead in this room; Ochiai Minami. Yuuri listened closely to their statements, trying to find if there are clues in their words.
Yuuri walked towards the body, she looked closely on the keyboard once more, and she smirked. She knew who the murderer was and how it was committed. The murderer would never know that the deadly evidence could actually be found on her.
"Inspector…" She tried to call out Inspector Megure, to tell him that she had solved the case, but Mouri Kogoro interrupted.
"Inspector! I had solved the case and I know who the murderer is now!" Mouri Kogoro exclaimed; Inspector Megure and Inspector Shiratori turned to him, waiting to hear his deduction.
"The murderer is you, Honda Sayuri-san!" Mouri Kogoro turned as he pointed on Honda Sayuri whom was in shocked. The other two suspects turned to her as their eyes widen. Yuuri whom was leaning by the wall, quirked an eyebrow in amazement, she decided not tell anyone of her deduction first.
"What evidence do you have to say that I murdered my husband?" Honda Sayuri was flustered.
"Those letters 'JUN' as you know, represents June." Mouri Kogoro moved to the table and took the calendar. He pointed to one of the dates which was marked as Sayuri's birthday, "Your birthday is in June also, and probably Mr Honda wanted to hint that you are the murderer, yet he doesn't want you to find out. So instead, he uses the letters JUN as his dying message, to tell us that you are the one!" Inspector Megure and Inspector Shiratori looked at Mouri Kogoro weirdly, while Yuuri, who was by the side, shook her head.
"Why is it me? Not only my birthday, Minami-san's birthday was also in June. Why it couldn't be her?" Honda Sayuri retorted.
"Gomenasai," Mouri Kogoro moved behind and apologized as he knew that he had made the wrong deduction. Yuuri could not hold on any longer as she moved forward, "Inspector Megure, can I try? I think I had solved the case…" Yuuri said; as she managed to achieve both inspectors' attentions.
"Yuuri-kun?" Inspector Megure tilted his head; he did not know that this young girl was capable of giving a deduction.
"I will be expecting something from you, since you're Conan-kun's elder sister." Inspector Megure said as he gave her his permission.
"Arigatou, assuming that Mr Honda was killed after a hard hit on his head, the weapon the murderer used should be a glass bottle or something. The evidence is over here" Yuuri pointed to the drips of blood with some shattered glass pieces in it.
"It was said that the victim had left a dying message to hint on the identity of the murderer, 'JUN' was typed. However, if we looked closely on the keyboard, other than 'J', 'U' and 'N', what other button was pressed?" Inspector Megure went close to the keyboard, examining every button closely.
"The translator!" Inspector Megure exclaimed. "Yes, exactly. If we assumed that JUN was the dying message, which Mr Honda had typed after he accidently pressed on the translator, but without it what would the three letters mean?" Yuuri then explained.
"MI...NA...MI… Minami?!" Yuuri smiled as the truth was about to uncover.
"Then the murderer is… Minami-san?" Inspector Megure exclaimed as everyone switched their attention to Ochiai Minami. She looked flustered and nervous at the same time, "What evidence do you have to say that I am the murderer?" She asked with a smile, but it could be clearly seen that she was trembling.
"Of course, there is evidence." Yuuri said as she crosses her arms.
"This is a wooden floor, so if you are wearing shoes, Mr Honda would definitely realize that someone was coming close to him. So you committed the murder without your room slippers." Yuuri walked towards the spot which was coated with blood stains. "But look over here, the stain was not complete." She explained as she pointed to the stain which was missing.
"So you must have stepped on it unknowingly. If you are the murderer, there should be red blood stains on your white socks." Minami slowly took off her room slippers, as it slowly revealed the blood stain underneath her socks.
"Why do you kill my husband?" Honda Sayuri asked; she was beyond shocked.
"Today was the day he died a year ago…" Minami chuckled, as she faced everyone else. Takeshi's eyes widen, "You're...?" he recalled the incident that happened a year ago which involved his father.
"He was the one whom killed my husband in the car accident!" Minami exclaimed as tears slid down her cheeks.
"He ran away after killing my husband!" Minami explained. "I don't regret on what I have done, I finally had my revenge!" Minami smiled as she was brought away by the police.
"Yuuri-kun, thanks for your deduction. I didn't know that you are a detective." Inspector Megure commented.
"I am not a detective, but I guess that I could help a little." Yuuri said as she was shy. Mouri Kogoro walked towards them, thinking that Yuuri somehow looked like Kudo Shinichi while she was giving her deduction, but he shrugged those thoughts immediately.
"Yuuri-san, does your family have detective genes? You are like that little brother of yours." Mouri Kogoro said; he was proud of her of solving a case within half an hour. Yuuri smiled, as they returned back to the detective agency.
Yuuri took a look at her wrist watch, "Mouri-san, is it alright if I pick up Conan at his school?" she asked, she realized that it was near to the time that Conan was released from school. On the other hand, she wanted to take a walk around the district since she did not have anything to do back at there. Mouri Kogoro thought for a moment before giving his consent. Yuuri alighted in front of Teitan Elementary, while Kogoro returned to the agency by his own. The bell rang, as young children ran out of the gate as their school time had ended. Yuuri searched for the figure of Conan, but she saw none. She leaned against the pole for support.
"Conan-kun should we go to the candy shop for some treats?" Yoshida Ayumi asked; as Tsuburaya Mitsuhiko, Kojima Genta and Haibara Ai followed them behind. Conan let out a sigh; he was already a high school student, yet he had landed himself in an elementary school, after that incident with the black organization. He walked out of the gate with the fellow members of the Detective Boys, until he saw a familiar figure.
"Yuuri-neechan!" He called out, Edogawa Yuuri turned to where the voice came from. The others followed behind Conan. "Conan, I came to pick you up." Yuuri explained as she smiled. The young kids could not help but to think that Yuuri was a real beauty. Yoshida Ayumi looked at her in a dreamy expression, thinking that if she had those looks, Conan would be sure to fall for her. Tsuburaya Mitsuhiko and Kojima Genta drooled over her; wondering why Conan was so lucky, to have another beautiful girl surrounding him other than Mouri Ran. Haibara Ai whom was at the back, looked at Yuuri with a suspicious look. Since when Edogawa Conan or rather Kudo Shinichi had a sister, who she does not know? But she could not admit that the girl standing in front of her does resemble him.
"Are they your friends?" Yuuri asked as she noticed those few kids behind following him. Conan nodded his head, before proceeding to the introduction.
"I am Yoshida Ayumi" Introduced the girl whom was standing beside Conan. Ayumi looked very sweet and innocent.
"I am Tsuburaya Mitsuhiko," A boy would was tall and skinny, introduced himself to her.
"I am Kojima Genta." A big-size boy stepped out.
"Haibara Ai," A young girl introduced. Yuuri found out that Haibara was rather mature and beautiful. Somehow she wondered if that young girl, Haibara Ai was an elementary student.
"I am Edogawa Yuuri, Conan's sister. It is a pleasure to meet you all. Yuuri introduced herself as she bowed down slightly with a gentle smile. Yuuri and the members of the Detective Boys strolled down the road together as they walked towards the future at the same time.
---oOo---
This is the ending of the prelude. Hope you had enjoyed it! Please do leave some ideas in your reviews for chapter 8. If you have any queries in understanding the plot of the story, please do leave a message or a review and I'll try to answer you as soon as possible!
