Ai slowly opened her eyes. It was morning and she had school. She could skip school but then Yoshida-san and the others will get worried and they might bug her about it. The last thing she wants is to explain herself. She decided to sit up. She saw Conan sleeping at the edge of her bed. He must have fallen asleep while sitting and watching over her. She smiled. She carefully got off her bed so as not to wake him up and proceeded to take a shower.

Conan opened his eyes. He tried to lift his head but he had a bit of a stiff neck because of the position he has fallen asleep in. He looked at Ai's bed and saw that she was gone. He was a bit surprised. He went out the room stretching and yawning. He saw the Professor drinking coffee while reading the morning news.

"Hakase, where's Haibara?"

The Professor met his gaze above his mug of steaming coffee. "She's taking a shower Shinichi. You have school today right?"

Oh crap. He forgot. "Do you need a change of clothes?", Agasa inquired.

"It's okay. I'll go get some at my house."

Ai was walking with Conan to school. He seemed absorbed in thought. She's a bit curious why but she doesn't want the spotlight on her so she just kept quiet. Just walking with him on a sunny morning was lifting up her spirits. She'd rather it stayed that way all day.

At the corner, Ai and Conan were greeted by the familiar shouts of the Detective Boys. "Conan-kun! Haibara-san! Ohayou!" Conan snapped out of his train of thought and greeted his friends. Ai let out a smile. "Conan-kun, why are you walking with Haibara-san today?", Ayumi gently inquired.

"Oh, I slept over at the Professor's house."

Mitsuhiko hastily replied, "Eh! Why did you and Haibara-san have a sleepover without us?". His face had a slight shade of red. Before Conan could speak, he met Ai's concerned gaze. He simply explained that the Professor wanted him to test a new invention. The Detective Boys groaned in disappointment. They could do that too! "Don't worry. It was another failed invention.", Ai assured them. "We should keep going, we'll be late for class."

The Detective Boys were walking to class. The three kids in front marched on, talking about Halloween. They all imagined what kind of costumes they could wear. Ayumi could be a princess. Mitsuhiko a pirate. Genta just wanted to be eel. Ayumi and Mitsuhiko both shouted "Genta-kun!" and Genta just scratched his head saying all he could really think of was lunch. They all laughed. "How about you Conan-kun, Haibara-san, what will you wear for Halloween?", asked Ayumi. "We'll dress up as children.", Ai replied coolly. Ayumi giggled. "Ai-chan, you are children! That's not a costume." "Oh right. Maybe a mad scientist then."

"Oi, oi." Conan gently warned Ai who just smirked at him. "How about you tantei-kun? What would you dress up as?", she asked Conan.

"Holmes I guess."

"How boring."

Conan let out his childish giggle and looked at Haibara a bit concerned. They kept on walking. It was the usual morning chatter and the children's energy made Ai feel better.

The group reached an intersection and were waiting for the stoplight to go red. The cars on their right were at a halt while the cars from the other lane sped by. Ai felt someone looking at her and she hesitantly looked back to the other side of the pedestrian lane on her right. Her sister was standing at the other end looking at her with a familiar smile. If it was her real sister, it would have brightened her day infinitely but she knew it wasn't. Moreso, she knew who that lady was.

The stoplight turned red and Ayumi and the others started crossing the street. Midway, Conan noticed that Ai didn't budge and was still at the other end of the road looking at her right. "Haibara-san!", called the Detective Boys. She snapped out of her trance and was quite surprised that they were midway the pedestrian lane already. "What are you waiting for?"

"I realized I'm not feeling too great. You all go on ahead.", she replied. Conan wanted to walk back but the stoplight turned green and the cars were honking at them. Ayumi dragged Conan and they ran towards the other side of the road. Conan tried to look back at Ai but the cars were speeding by. The lane on her right was clear and Ai crossed the street to meet who appeared to be her sister.

This felt disconcertingly familiar. Ai felt like she was again walking into another mouse trap. One ahead of the other. Vermouth was on a roll. If she wasn't crossing the street, she would have taken her time. What's the worse that could happen? She could get hit by a car. Like that's any worse than what lay ahead on the other side. With much thought she reached the other side and of course the lady was no longer there. Was she imagining things? Did the spectacle yesterday have that much of an impact on her? She decided to walk back home. She could use some rest. As she turned around, she noticed a box under the mailbox. It could have been a package or a prank or a bomb maybe but she felt like it was for her. Besides, who could see what's under the mailbox than someone as short as her. All the kids have gone to school. She knelt down and got the box. She sat at a nearby bench and observed it.

The box was around the size of two shoe boxes. It wasn't especially heavy. Ai didn't want to shake it to check further. It was wrapped with brown paper and black string wound around it ending in a simple bow. There was nothing written on it. No name, no address, nothing. She knew that this was a highly suspicious box and a normal person would hand it over to the police. But it was for her. Somehow she was sure of that. She pulled the black string and unwrapped the brown paper. Inside was a recycled box. She lifted the lid and saw red pumps with a black goth dress underneath. Printed on the pumps' sole was the characteristic gingko leaf pattern of Fusae. Damn that woman. How did she get this? On top of all that was a black veiled fascinator. What extravagant contents for such an understated box, thought Haibara. Actresses, they're always so dramatic. On the fascinator's clip was a note.

'Meet me at Beika Hotel in your true form. Here's an outfit I carefully handpicked for you. See you Sherry ;)'

This was out of the ordinary. Why does she want to meet me in such an eye-catching outfit in a crowded place? It's not like I can refuse this. I've been summoned. And I'd love to try on those Fusae shoes. Damn that woman.

Conan was on his way to school with Genta and the others. He can't help but think of what he saw at his house's study. There was a missing glass. It wasn't on the sink nor the cupboards. He could still remember the ring of dried water that it formed on his father's oak table. Does the organization still have suspicions about his existence? Anyway, they would get Subaru's DNA not his. And then there was that pill under the table. There are many types of pills in the world but Conan had a bad feeling about that one. It looked like the drug that shrunk him and Haibara. Why in the world would it be there? Are they trying to kill Subaru? Has he dragged Subaru into this mess? And then there was that peculiar reaction of Haibara last night. What's going on? Does she know that Subaru's life is being targeted? No. It was aversion not concern. Could it be that Subaru...

Conan's mind was racing, trying to make connections, trying to make sense of all his observations when he remembered Haibara is alone right now. In a slight panic, he called up the Professor to check if she got home safely.

"She's still not here Shinichi. She decided to come back home? Why? Is she still feeling unwell?", the Professor was slightly worried.

"That's what she said."

"Is there something wrong Shinichi?", Agasa was becoming more worried by the second.

Conan could sense this and he tried to reassure the old man. "There's nothing to worry about Professor. Maybe she just stopped by a store before coming back home. At any rate, I'll try to find her and walk her home to be safe. Please contact me when she arrives."

"Okay Shinichi. Take care.", and the Professor let out a sigh.

Conan said a quick excuse to the Detective Boys, something about a stomachache and he darted off to find Haibara.

"Conan-kun always goes to the toilet. There must be something wrong with his stomach.", wondered Ayumi. The three walked on to school.

Ai went inside the Beika Hotel and she started thinking of where she could change without anybody noticing. The painful scream would definitely attract people's attention. As she was looking around, a hotel employee approached her.

"Miss, are you Haibara Ai-san?", she inquired with a smile.

"Hai."

"Well, we have a room just for you. Your older sister is waiting there."

"Arigatou." Older sister my ass.

Ai proceeded to the room and saw her sister wearing the same outfit in the box sitting on the cushioned chair like a queen. "Welcome dear sister.", she said with a teasing smile. "Feel free to change in the washroom. I'd like to hear you scream. In pain." The lady's eyes were emotionless and she definitely wasn't joking. Ai felt a shiver run through her spine. Well, there's no turning back now. She went to the washroom and changed. Vermouth sat down excitedly waiting for the pain of morphing to come down on the little girl's body.

Subaru lifted his heavy lids and carefully shielded them from the sun's rays densely seeping inside his window. He woke up quite late due to the drinking the previous night. Even if Haibara doesn't acknowledge his help, he will continue to protect her. He knows he can do this better in his true form. He knows he made the right choice. He felt better. He felt the pill inside the pocket of his pajamas but he couldn't feel anything. He was quite surprised and he quickly stood up to check it further. There really was nothing. His slight smile turned into a frown and he went to the study. There it was. It was under the table. Why would it be there? He remembers putting it in his pajamas pocket the night before. Did he remember wrong? No. Someone put it there. He should've felt that person moving the pill from his pocket to under the table. And then it struck him. He was drugged. That's why he slept so deeply for so long. Alcohol doesn't do that to him. He stood up and tried to organize his thoughts. He then noticed the missing glass. He checked the kitchen but it was missing. They're on the move. Princess...

Subaru immediately called the Professor to check about Haibara's whereabouts. The Professor said Conan called earlier asking the same thing. He was getting worried. Subaru reassured him that he just called because he wanted to return some clothes her sister left. After putting down the phone, Subaru changed his clothes and started searching for Haibara. Target me all you want, but not Princess.

Vermouth and Shiho went down to the function room clad in matching gothic outfits. Shiho was still feeling groggy but Vermouth clung to her arm like a crab's pincers and basically dragged her around. Shiho read the signboard outside the room. It was a costume party. They went inside and there were monsters, fairies, royalty and many more drinking, chatting, and waiting for the program to start.

"Vermouth, there are a lot of people here. What are you planning to do?", Shiho inquired quite worried.

"Wow, Sherry you truly have gone soft. We need to do something about that."

Shiho cringed at the word 'we'. We? There's more to this madness?

"Don't worry. The show is about to start." Vermouth winked. A waiter approached them and gave Vermouth a box. She opened the box and in it were two gas masks. She put one on and gave Shiho the other. Shiho barely had her mask on when gas started to seep out from under the tables. Everyone in the room fell down in a deep sleep.

"That's better." Vermouth was walking a few feet away towards the center of the room kicking some bodies that scattered on the floor to clear her way. "Now we can talk."

Shiho looked at the bodies around her. All this just to talk.

"What do you want Vermouth?"

"You're welcome. I always have impeccable taste in fashion."

Vermouth was obviously in high spirits but Shiho just looked at her coldly.

"My, my. Always so serious. I'm here because I have an offer for you Sherry." She then took out a gun from under her dress and pointed it straight at Shiho.

"An offer with a gun to my head."

"My offers are always accepted." Vermouth smiled and gently resisted the urge to pull the trigger.

"I want you back in the organization Sherry."

Shiho's eyes slightly widened.

"I thought the jokes were over Vermouth. What do you want?"

"Ever since you left, that stupid research is not going anywhere. The boss wants it done and he's thinking of training Bourbon or bringing in her." She almost spat out the word 'her' with utter disgust.

Shiho froze. Spirytus.

"If either one of them takes the rein on the research, it will only be a matter of time before the other effect of the drug will be discovered. I can keep Bourbon busy following the scent of your sister's lover."

Images of the kiss in the cemetery darted through Shiho's mind and she was disturbed. How can this woman nonchalantly use my sister and manipulate all these people? Subaru-san... Moroboshi Dai.

Vermouth could see Shiho dazed and she said teasingly, "Was that your first time to see a couple kiss?" She let out a short mocking laugh. "You have much to learn Sherry. Not that any guy would fall for that." She looked at Shiho from head to toe. "I deeply dislike you Sherry. But that bitch is getting nowhere near Japan. This is my territory. You need to come back."

"You plan to bring me back to hell just so you can stay Queen Bee?" Shiho was annoyed at how this woman can easily ruin people's lives just to suit her flights of fancy.

"You can protect the people you care about more if you're back in. Do you want your covers blown?"

"I'm a traitor. The organization will not accept me. Besides, what's it to you if our covers get blown up? Why should I trust you?"

Vermouth could see that Shiho was at the brink of saying yes. Caring. Everybody falls apart when you use the people they care about. Easy.

"I will back you up. The boss won't say no to me." Vermouth suddenly walked up to Shiho and grabbed her by the neck placing the gun to her temple. "You ask so many questions. Someone's coming." She whispered. "You don't have to trust me Sherry. You just have to notice that I haven't pulled the trigger yet."

Subaru entered right after she uttered those words. He saw Shiho held at gunpoint and he aimed a gun of his own straight at Vermouth.

"As expected of an FBI agent. You woke up quite early.", Vermouth greeted him.

"Let her go.", Subaru replied coolly.

"Or what? You'll shoot me?" Vermouth taunted him. "Can you really shoot me with this face?"

Subaru firmly held his gun and aimed it straight at Vermouth's gun. There was a chance that Shiho could get hit but a marksman like him will make no such mistake. He needed to shoot soon. His mind will start getting hazy because of the gas. Again, Vermouth used Akemi's face, the woman he truly loved. It was a fake but shooting it was still quite daunting.

I'm sorry Akemi. I can't love two women at the same time. I need to protect Princess.

"Looks like you can't do it.", Vermouth said with a smile.

A shot echoed throughout the room. Vermouth's gun flew to the other side of the room and Shiho tried to run away but Vermouth held onto her neck even tighter. Shiho was gasping for air inside her mask desperately trying to claw Vermouth's arm off her. Another shot. Vermouth's shoulder was scraped and Shiho made a run for it. She ran towards Subaru and Subaru held onto her for support. The gas was starting to get to him. Vermouth got her spare gun underneath her dress and aimed it at Subaru. Shiho pushed him down.

She hugged Subaru tightly who was pinned down under her and waited for the shot to pass. Instead, they heard the impact of a soccer ball hitting Vermouth straight on the cheek. Vermouth staggered a bit but she released a gas that stirred the guests and escaped. Conan ran towards them. Shiho looked at Conan and then at Subaru and realized that she was still clinging onto him. She awkwardly got up and said she was fine. Subaru got up and said he'll run after Vermouth and that Conan should bring Haibara to safety. The guests were starting to awaken. Conan headed outside with Shiho trailing behind him.

"What happened?" Conan asked worried. "Are you okay?"

Before Shiho could respond, she heard the wailing of police cars approaching the hotel.

"You called the police?!"

"What am I supposed to do? I heard gun shots.", Conan answered defensively.

"They're not supposed to see me.", Shiho got up and left.

Conan wanted to follow her but Takagi approached him. "Conan-kun, what are you doing here? Don't you have school?"

"Takagi-keiji! Uh, I wasn't feeling well so I decided to go home early.", he hastily replied.

"Why are you in the hotel then?"

"Uh, Shinichi-niichan asked me to check up on something as I was walking back home."

"Kudo-kun?", asked Megure-keibu overhearing their conversation. "He asked us to check up on a function room here. Which one is it? Can you show us?"

Conan led the Inspector and the detective towards the earlier room. Upon entering, they witnessed a costume party. The organizer was on stage saying a few words of welcome. Everyone was chatting, drinking and enjoying themselves clad in their costumes like nothing out of the ordinary ever happened.

"Are you sure this is the room in question Conan-kun?" The Inspector asked incredulously.

Conan didn't know what to say. "I have to go to the toilet!" and he darted off to the nearby restroom. In Shinichi's voice he called the Inspector and clarified that it was all a little misunderstanding. He apologized for wasting their time but the kindly Inspector said it was okay. He has helped him a lot in previous cases anyway. He sat there on the toilet for a minute still amazed at how skilled the Black Organizaton is. They're like an elusive shadow that can disappear in an instant.

"Is it really okay for us to leave Conan-kun?", Subaru asked. He was driving his pink car away from the hotel.

Shiho, lying down in the backseat, grunted, "Takagi-keiji will bring him home."

Subaru smiled. "Don't be too hard on him Princess. He genuinely cares about you."

Shiho glared at him and he decided to keep his eyes on the road.

Shiho sighed. "Are you alright?"

"Me?", Subaru was slightly surprised at the sudden change of mood.

"Yes you - the man who accurately fired two shots in a gas-filled room with no mask."

Subaru laughed silently to himself. "I'm fine. Thank you for asking."

"Don't ever do that again.", Shiho replied. "I can handle that woman on my own."

"Unfortunately, I can't promise you that.", Subaru replied goodnaturedly. "I live to protect you Princess." His voice was low and he meant every word.

Shiho sunk in the backseat. Her phone rang.

"I'm fine. I'm riding home with Subaru-san." Her voice more grim, she said "Don't tell the Professor anything. Bye."

The car was about to turn on their street when Shiho requested to stay at Subaru's place until she's back at her child size so as not to worry the Professor. Subaru parked his car and they both entered the house.

"Are you hungry? I can prepare you something.", Subaru inquired as he turned on the lights.

"I can manage. Wash off the gun powder on you."

Subaru smiled. "Okay. I'll be fast. Can I interest you in a change of clothes?"

Shiho looked down at her clothes and she forgot she was still wearing the gothic costume.

"Don't get me wrong Princess. You look beautiful. Too beautiful, it's distracting." And Subaru let out a slight laugh.

Shiho blushed and said that a change of clothes would be great. Subaru went up and Shiho proceeded to the kitchen. She opened the fridge and saw her favorite - peanut butter and jelly. She smiled. She got a loaf of bread and made sandwiches.

Conan entered the kitchen and saw Shiho making sandwiches. Only now was he able to appreciate Shiho in all her gothic costume. It fit her well. Shiho caught him staring. "What are you gawking at?", she snapped.

"What are you doing here?", Conan sat down and saw the sandwiches. He was about to take one when Shiho lightly tapped his hand away.

"These are not for you."

Conan withdrew his hand disappointed. "Where's Subaru-san?"

"Upstairs, changing. I also asked for a change of clothes."

"So these are for him?", he inquired.

"Yes."

"Why are you making him sandwiches?", Conan asked with childlike curiosity.

Shiho continued spreading peanut butter and jam. "Because he saved my life."

"I saved it too. Why can't I have some?", he almost made a childlike pout to go with this.

"Why don't you ask Mouri-san to make you some?", Shiho teased.

Conan slumped on his seat. "Seems like you and Subaru-san are getting close."

Shiho just continued making the sandwiches.

"Ah le le, you're not denying it. Why are you trusting him so easily? I thought he gave off the organization's aura." Conan pressed on carefully observing Shiho's expressions.

"If I remember correctly, you're the one who said Sherlock Holmes' fans are to be trusted. You trusted him first you know."

She was right. But there was definitely something more to Subaru-san. He composed himself and tried to shed more light about what happened earlier.

"What did Vermouth want with you?"

"You can't possibly be surprised that she's after me."

Conan sighed. What was he thinking? Ai wouldn't tell him anything. "I think it would be safer for you to live in the agency."

"No. Way."

"You'd rather be near Subaru-san than me?", Conan's voice was slightly increasing in volume.

"Why are you getting mad?"

Conan tried to relax and continued, "I'm just worried about your safety. Vermouth is on you and you're not sure if Subaru-san is to be trusted."

"I'll take my chances.", she simply replied.

Just then Subaru entered the kitchen with his towel still wrapped around his neck. "Conan-kun, you're here. Sorry we had to leave you. Haibara-san, your clothes are in the room upstairs." He saw the sandwiches and asked if he could have some.

"See Edogawa-kun? A gentleman asks for permission. They don't just grab a sandwich." Conan grimaced. Shiho ruffled his hair and said they should both enjoy the sandwiches while she gets changed.

Vermouth was enjoying a relaxing bath when her phone rang. Gin's cool voice spoke at the other end.

"What have you been up to? You missed a mission."

"Is that concern I hear?", Vermouth teased.

"Concern for the organization. Stop exposing us."

"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."

Gin ended the call. "What is she up to Aniki?", asked Vodka. Gin sneered. "We'll find out." And the black porsche sped past the streets of Tokyo.

Vermouth texts Shiho.

'Even Gin is on the prowl now. It's time to accept my offer.'

Notes: Sorry it took me ages to update. I hope the slightly long chapter makes up for it. Thank you for reviewing. I love hearing what you think. :)