Disclaimer: Gosho Aoyama owns Detective Conan. I only own the plot of this story.

Shinichi stirred. "Ugh," he muttered as he sat up. His vision was initially tinted with black spots because the sudden change from darkness to light was hard to adjust to.

"Shiho?" he squinted to see the chestnut-haired teenager dozing off on a chair. Her head was awkwardly tilted backwards and her hands dangled weakly at each side of the chair. He wondered for a moment why he was lying on the sofa, and then he remembered.

No, not just what he had been doing before passing out, or what he had eaten for dinner.

Kudo Shinichi remembered everything. He remembered his first birthday gift, first day at school, first detective book, and his childhood friend, Mouri Ran, who was his first crush as well. He sat still and waited for his memory to sink in, to remind him of his history and who he used to be – not daring to move because memory is such a fragile thing and he might just forget everything again.

"Shinichi?" a soft, feminine voice called out. He snapped out of his trance and looked at Shiho. She looked genuinely concerned and sat down at the edge of the sofa beside him.

"Do you…?" she searched his eyes for any indication – they were no longer the usual dull shade of black, but brighter now, with fire and perhaps anger. "You remembered," she affirmed.

"Miyano Shiho. Famous chemist," he peered oddly at her, as if seeing her in a new light, but he broke out laughing mirthlessly. "This must be a dream. Why am I alive? What motivation do you have for resurrecting me?"

Shiho merely smiled. "You were never dead in the first place. You just passed out, that's all. I was nearby and I saw you. So I brought you back here and nursed you back to health."

Shinichi became tense. "Ran…where's Ran? Is she okay? Those two men in black – have they done anything to her?" Shinichi looked so desperate, so scared, that Shiho would have laughed any other day. However, right now she only felt upset and guilty because she knew what she was going to say next.

"She's dead. I'm sorry, Shinichi, I could not save her – "

"Lies. She can't be dead."

"The two men killed her when they realised she was coming after you – "

"No, no, lies. Lies. Ran could protect herself; she learnt Karate!" All this while Shinichi was shaking his head and covering his ears with his hands, "Go away."

"Be rational. She's dead," Shiho growled, slamming down on the dining table for emphasis. "If you are a man, buck up and avenge her."

"Who were they?" Shinichi was deathly quiet, his eyes glowing in silent fury.

"They were members from the Black Organisation. One of them is a high-ranking official and the other is his subordinate."

"How did you know?" Shinichi narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Shiho opened her mouth to say something, then closed it when she realised that she did not say anything.

"CIA agent," she spat, closing her eyes tightly. "I am a CIA agent working undercover in Black Organisation." Damn. She really hated herself now.

"Lies. You're a chemist."

"Yes, I am – that's what I am to everyone else in the world. But I am actually a CIA agent. And I need your help to bring down the Black Organisation."

"You want me to work undercover? And do their dirty work?" Shinichi curled his lips in disgust.

"Please, Shinichi. This is the only way to destroy them for once and for all," pleaded Shiho. "They killed Ran. And they won't stop if they aren't arrested. Please."

"I won't kill people," he said firmly.

"You don't need to," Shiho said, almost exasperated. "You can do intelligence gathering. Look, the Boss wants an intelligence officer, and I think you would be suitable for that job."

Shinichi looked away. "I'll think about it," his voice void of emotions.

3 months later

"This is the data that you would require in order to complete the latest mission, Fernet." A stack of papers was thrown at the latest addition to the Organisation. Rolling his eyes, he spun around and caught it with ease. He then flipped through it, a hand cupping his chin as he absorbed the material.

"Akai Shuuichi," he mumbled to himself, "Codename Rye. FBI Agent. Missing now. Location needs to be determined." He looked up to meet his co-worker's eyes. "Is that my mission – finding him?"

"Correct. Anokata wants it to be done within a week. All the best," his co-worker smirked, "No one has managed to track him down so far."

"Lovely. Thanks."

The co-worker seemed genuinely delighted by the fact that he had received a hard case, and Kudo Shinichi really couldn't blame him. After all, he was the "random kid who appeared because Boss wanted him". It did not help that he rose through the ranks quickly, earning himself the codename Fernet just a few weeks ago. Surely the more senior co-workers were green with envy.

After locking his office door, he left his department to head towards Shiho's. "Sherry," he corrected himself, reminding himself that he was in the enemy's lair. He had been appalled and yet strangely fascinated when he had been inducted into the Organisation as a member. Even though Shinichi knew he would have to do the Boss' biddings along with other criminals, it always surprised him everyday to see politicians and famous people alike, walking in and out of the compounds for whatever business they may have. It was almost sickening to truly see these people for who they are behind the masks they wear. And he would think to himself, I'm so naïve.

"Fernet."

Shinichi smiled. He knew his voice all too well.

"Gin," he replied, still wearing the same sweet smile. "I never knew that you are in the Biochemistry department."

"Oh no, Fernet, I just dropped by to visit my pet, Sherry," the silver-haired assassin laughed, cocking his chin at him. "Don't you miss your darling girlfriend, huh."

Shinichi's nose flared. "You – " he stopped abruptly, remembering Shiho's words: Pretend that you've lost your memory, " – are so funny, Gin," he added, looking uninterested. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Ah…yes, I'm sorry, I forgot that you've lost your memory," Gin snickered, pulling out his gun. "If not, I would have to finish you off, no?"

"You aren't making any sense, Gin. Shall I refer you to a therapist?" he said mockingly. "Sorry to end our conversation here, but I need to be on my way."

Roughly, he pushed Gin to one side and increased his pace.

"…you'll regret it. I know your secrets."

Shinichi pretended that he hadn't heard anything.

He had knocked on the door two times before walking in. "Hey," he said, flashing the sheets of papers before her. "You know anything about Akai Shuuichi?"

Shiho was in the middle of conducting an experiment. She was warded off by a transparent plastic wall, her back turned to him as she recorded the readings shown on the data logger.

"Can't you read? Experiment in Progress. It was written there on the door."

"I'm sorry. I thought you put it up there just in case Gin decides to come back again."

"You met him along the way?" she enquired, not really concentrating on their conversation.

"Yes. Anyway, what can you tell me about Rye? You've been here a long time – I thought you would know something about him."

Shiho removed her safety goggles and unplugged the data logger. "He was my sister's boyfriend," she said, "I'm still upset that he had left my sister. Why are you asking about him?"

"My latest mission is to track him down. I'd understand if you don't want to say anything. I'll find a way – "

"It's fine. I hated him for leaving her." Shiho grabbed a pen and a piece of paper, proceeding to scribble something. "This was his personal number. He's definitely changed it…but maybe it would lead you to other things. Hopefully."

Shinichi smirked. "Thank you, Sherry." She returned his smirk, and sighed. "You might find this useful…" she handed him a file. "I attended the Heads' meeting a few days ago. Heard something interesting."

"That reminds me – congratulations on your promotion!"

Shiho smiled tiredly. "This is so messed up. I can't take this anymore. I just want to get a normal job and lead a normal life. I didn't ask for this."

Shinichi squeezed her hand. "We're almost there. I'm getting closer." If possible, he increased the pressure of his hold. "I have to go first," he said apologetically. "I need to research on Rye."

Before she could help herself, Shiho had shot out her hand and grabbed his wrist. "Stay," she whispered softly, "for a little longer."

Shinichi's eyes softened. "Sure." He walked towards and enveloped her in a warm hug. "See, you'll be fine. I'll always be here, alright?" Shinichi made the mistake of looking into her eyes, because they were filled with so many emotions, and he felt himself melting into the burning pool of cobalt ocean. She felt so fragile, just a doll that would break any time, and Shinichi desperately wanted to hold on and never let go. In a bolt of madness, he placed his chin against hers and whispered, "I would get both of us out of this place, alright?"

"Shinichi...I'm sorry…" Shinichi shook his head, mumbling frantically, "No, you don't have to apologise for anything. I understand. It couldn't have been helped anyway."

"No, you don't get it, I – "

"Shiho," he insisted, "Once this is over, we can just go to the UK and hide there. No more pretending. No more lies. We'll be happy, okay?"

Shiho found that she had no energy to object, so she just nodded, her head tucked in the comfort of Shinichi's chest.

"…she would've been happy too," were the last words Shiho heard before she fell asleep.

Back at Shiho's apartment, Shinichi was reading the file that she had handed to him. "147th Department Heads Meeting," the cover page said, with the codenames of the respective Heads written below. He mindlessly flipped through the file, looking for words that may have relevance, before his eyes landed on the word Anokata.

Victim List: People who have interacted with Anokata personally

1. Sasaki Yumi

2. Fujimoto Akira

After almost four hours of research, Shinichi discovered they shared no more similarities other than the fact that their occupations were related to the study of Chemistry. Sasaki Yumi was the leading researcher at Fujimoto Incorporation, and Fujimoto Akira was the CEO of the aforementioned company.

"What's wrong?" Shiho said, glancing over his shoulder as he stared at his computer screen, propping up his chin with his left hand.

Shinichi turned around to face the dubious girl. "I don't understand why they would even need to see Anokata." He stood up and paced about the room. "What connection does Fujimoto Incorporation have with the Black Organisation?"

After a long time, Shiho spoke, "APTX 4869."

Shinichi's eyes widened in realisation. "The pill in the cabinet…" He still remembered that day clear as yesterday. Shiho had looked so frustrated as she rammed him against the wall, her nails digging into his skin – she had screamed and yelled at him, but Shinichi could not feel anything but sorrow and pity for the girl in front of him. The jarring hickey still remained painfully fresh in his mind till this day.

It seemed that Shiho remembered too. She was blushing. "I overreacted."

"I was wrong for not asking for your permission beforehand." Shinichi could feel himself blushing too. "Anyway, what's the link between APTX 4869 and Fujimoto Inc.?"

"Fujimoto Akira was an APTX 4869 client," mumbled Shiho, remembering the conversation with Gin on the phone. "He was killed later, but I'm not sure why."

"Who killed him?"

"Gin."

Shinichi sighed. "Why am I not surprised?" he looked at the list again and frowned. "Can I assume that he was killed because he interacted with Anokata?"

Shiho looked uncertain. "I don't know if there are non-officials who survived even after interacting with him. They don't publish those lists."

"But they publish Victim Lists. These people are messed up," Shinichi hissed. "But there's one thing for certain – they had enough value for the Anokata to see them personally…but something happened and they were deemed valueless."

Shiho nodded. "I suppose you're right."

"But why? Fujimoto Inc. is just a supplier of chemicals and drugs," Shinichi stopped walking aimlessly and sat down on a chair. "What does APTX 4869 do?"

Shiho flinched when she heard the name of the poison. "It kills people without leaving traces." Begrudgingly, she added, "But that's not the original purpose."

"Not the original purpose?"

"It's supposed to bring back the dead. Killing without leaving traces is just a convenient side-effect," she said indignantly. Shinichi could not figure out why she was so upset, but he detected from her tone that this was one of those things not to be asked about.

"Well…if that's the case, I can understand why Fujimoto Akira would order APTX 4869. But why would he need to talk to Anokata? How did he even contact Anokata?"

"Through one of his subordinates?" Shiho suggested, though she seemed doubtful of herself.

He did not reply, his mind filled with different possibilities.

Shinichi went into his room and locked the door. He needed distance from Miyano Shiho because she confused and distracted him at the same time. Pensively, he looked out of the window and tried to sort out the information in his head.

Fujimoto Akira and Sasaki Yumi – CEO and lead researcher of Fujimoto Inc. respectively – seemed to be able to contact Anokata with relative ease. After talking to Shiho, Shinichi had more or less deduced why Fujimoto Akira would want to purchase APTX 4869.

If it's true that the original purpose of APTX 4869 was to bring back the dead, Fujimoto Inc. could make billions from the mass production of APTX 4869 – or maybe the company could simply make a few of the drug and auction them off at impossibly high prices. It would be an extremely profitable business because it's in human nature to hold on to those they have lost. No one could resist the seductive idea of keeping your loved ones by your side forever.

From his deduction, Shinichi supposed that Fujimoto Akira probably heard about the research and development of APTX 4869 and contacted the Anokata through some means. Afterwards, Fujimoto Akira proposed the idea of buying APTX 4869, which Anokata agreed to. Then he was finished off by Gin, presumably after the transaction of money – which was what I saw before I became unconscious, Shinichi thought grimly.

Well, to be honest, Shinichi wasn't all that surprised that Fujimoto Akira was killed after he had passed the agreed sum of money to Gin. Of course they wouldn't hand over the drug as promised. He shook his head at Fujimoto Akira's foolishness.

"But how did he contact Anokata? Unless…"

Shinichi turned on his computer and searched for Fujimoto Akira's history.

Born in 1931, Fujimoto Akira grew up in a rural town of Kyoto before he attended the University of Tokyo located in Tokyo. He was in the Biochemistry Faculty, and one of the top students along with Elena Knights and Miyano Atsushi. After graduating, he founded Fujimoto Incorporation, which is now Japan's most prominent chemical and drug supplier.

"Miyano Atsushi…I've heard it before…" he slapped his forehead. "I'm thinking too much."

Next, he searched for Sakaki Yumi's history. Her history was similar to Fujimoto Akira's, except that she was born three years later. It was likely that she met Fujimoto Akira while in university, and joined his company years later as his most trusted researcher.

Still, something did not feel right. On a whim, he searched Miyano Atsushi's name as well as Elena Knights'. However, all that appeared was an error message:

Unable to Retrieve Information

"Seriously?" Shinichi cursed under his breath. He decided to take a different approach. He checked everything related to the University of Tokyo in hopes of finding something related to them, but all that he could find was simply: They disappeared.

But I'm sure I've heard of Miyano Atsushi's name somewhere before. Then he remembered the list of members that had been passed to him a month ago to find out if there were any existing spies in the Organisation. The irony. Still, if he wasn't mistaken, he must have read the name on the list.

Hands shaking, he reached for the list in his file. Eyes scanning over each name briefly, Shinichi finally found what he was looking for:

Miyano Atsushi (Deceased)

But he was not prepared to see:

Miyano Elena (Deceased)

"Elena Knights married Miyano Atsushi…" he mumbled softly, as if tasting wine for the first time. "Is Shiho their daughter?"

For a long time, he sat frozen on the chair. He wanted to forget everything, but to deny the truth is to delude himself. There was just one more confirmation that he needed.

Yappari. Shinichi let out a cold breath, his fingers trembling with anticipation. They were the creators of APTX 4869. This can't be wrong.

The hard part would be convincing Shiho. Stretching his neck, he unlocked the door and went out of the room to find Shiho. She was lying on her bed, her chestnut curls covering the side of her face.

"I know who he is," he said shakily.

Shiho looked at him sideways.

"It's – " Shinichi paused, " – it's your father, Shiho."

In the unilluminated room, it was hard to discern the expression on Shiho's face. Shinichi wondered if she was grievous, expectant, or simply apathetic. A ray of moonlight shone on her hair, making it appear brighter than usual.

"He's dead," she said. "He and Mother died in an explosion when I was young."

Shinichi took a hesitant step forward, as if she were a wounded animal that would claw at him should he come any nearer. "That's what everyone says, but it's actually a cover."

"Shinichi, do you hate me?"

He almost didn't hear the question because it was so soft. "No. Why would I?" He felt himself taking two more steps – bolder now, with more confidence.

"I lied," she said, almost wistfully. "I've been nothing but a liar and a murderer."

"I know." One step, and he had reached her. Gently, he lowered himself onto the bed and looked at Shiho with an apologetic smile. "I knew it all along."

Shiho smiled half-heartedly. "Is that so?" she said with no inflection. "I'm sorry. I was a coward. I couldn't bring myself to tell you the truth."

"I know," Shinichi said, stroking her hair calmly.

"Ran is alive," she said breathily. "And I'm not a CIA agent. I've been in the Organisation all my life."

"Shiho – "

"And now, it would seem that I'm the Boss' daughter – "

"And I was dead, but you saved me!" yelled Shinichi, crushing her as he scooped her into his arms. "Shiho, you are not evil."

"No, you're wrong," Shiho chuckled as if it were a joke, "I used you, get it? I'm sorry, I'm not as noble as you, Kudo Shinichi."

Shinichi tightened his hold on her. "If you were truly evil, you would've already killed me. You know the Boss' identity, now, don't you? So why haven't you killed me yet?"

Shiho pushed Shinichi back, her eyes brimming bright with tears. "Why do you have to make it so difficult for me? This was never supposed to happen – I wasn't supposed to care for you – can't you see? Not caring is always easier. But ever since you came into my life you turned it upside down, and now I can't get it back."

Shinichi patted her back, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her hair. "Recently, I keep having the same dream – I dreamt that Gin is chasing you, and he has a gun, and you just keep running and he keeps chasing – but I couldn't do anything. I always wake up before he shoots you, but I would feel so sick, so weak, because I can't even protect you. But I would tell myself, it's just a dream, but I'm so scared, Shiho; so scared that I would lose you."

"What about Ran?" she screamed, "Don't you care about her?"

"Of course I do!" he replied back, "But I care about you too!"

They stared at each other, each breathing heavily. Their eyes contained angry accusations, but a certain weakness that exposed their insecurities and vulnerabilities. There, they had said it.

"I'll always protect you, no matter what," said Shinichi, his eyes begging for Shiho to listen. "Please, I love you."

Shiho slapped his chest. "So what? We can never be together."

Tenderly, Shinichi lifted Shiho's chin and looked into the cobalt depths. "At least, let me love you for tonight."

Seeing the earnestness in his eyes, Shiho relented. Shinichi manoeuvred her body towards his, and her eyelids fluttered close in surrender. Finally, their lips touched. Shiho pretended that he was a lover who come to make her forget her pain, and tilted her head slightly so that she could taste him better.

"I love you too, Shinichi."

Author's Notes: Only one more chapter to go! Thank you to everyone for reviewing, favouriting and following - the email alerts I receive were the only things that kept me going - and it's so hard to believe it's almost the end. Be excited for the next (and last) chapter of this story! Please do drop me a review because that will really make my day. :D Thank you and see you around!