Story Summary: SIOC fic. What happens when an SI is reborn as the younger sister of Akai Shuuichi and Haneda Shuukichi and the older sister of Sera Masumi? Spoilers for Episode 1018 and Chapter 1037 onwards. The chapter below has spoilers for Movie 25- Bride of Halloween. If you're not updated on the anime, manga or movie, read at your own risk.

Beta: Grammarly

What's this? A new chapter? Yes, I decided to release this chapter early as an apology for the late upload of the previous chapter. I've been trying to find ways to save Amuro's friends from their death. I hope I did a good job. Reviews are always welcome!

Before living with the Kudou's, Yusaku-sensei stayed at home to take care of Shinichi while Yukiko worked, but most of the time he was confined in his office all day, leaving the boy to his own. Yukiko would be doing modelling jobs or acting jobs, but her projects are fewer than before they had Shinichi. Now that a third adult is in the house, I offered to lessen the burden of chores and took care of Shinichi. Yusaku-sensei still holes himself in his office all day but leaves during mealtimes. Yukiko has more projects to do but makes sure to see Shinichi and me out the door and be home every day by 10 PM. Yukiko cooks breakfast, and I cook dinner when I get home. They told me I didn't have to, but I insisted. They've accepted me in their home and lives, and Yusaku-sensei's a good mentor. It's the least I could do since they flat-out refuse that I pay rent.

Because of my help around the house, Yukiko has finally accepted a role in a movie overseas. Yusaku-sensei came with her and left me to comfort his crying editors. Even if he's out of the country, he still finds the time to help me with my work. They've been gone for a month, and this is the longest they've been away. If this goes on, I definitely will need an assistant. I can't always rely on Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko to deal with my work.

I frowned at the grandfather's clock in the living room. It's already ten past seven, and Shinichi's still not home. He walks home with Ran and would usually be home by four to change clothes. Then he's off to the park to play soccer until I get him at seven. I tried to call his phone for the fifth time today, but I just got the 'phone not available' message again. With a nod, I placed all the ingredients for dinner back in the fridge and removed my apron. I went to my room to change and popped into Shinichi's room to pack him a change of clothes, including a thick jumper, into one of his spare bags. Before leaving the house, I texted him and hopped into my car.

Usually, I walk to where I want to go. Shinichi even walks to school on his own (and meets Ran halfway there), but I'd drive him and Ran to school sometimes, especially if it's raining or snowing. It's not raining now, but it's starting to get cold, and I don't fancy freezing my feet in the cold December weather.

I checked my phone screen. With no new notifications from Shinichi, I pushed the button to open the garage and left the Kudou's house.

The improvement of technology and fashion in the series is no way near as I live in this alternate universe. The Roller Coaster Case won't happen for seven more years, yet touchscreen phones started to emerge six months ago. The latest Apple smartphone was just released, which looked to be an iPhone 4, and people are clamouring to get one. Even cars. I know that my favourite car won't be released until 2013, yet when Yusaku-sensei came home from America, he's waxing poetically about his friend's car during his trip. When he said the make and model, I knew I had to get it. It took a lot of money to import the Volvo XC60 to Japan, but it was worth it. Yusaku-sensei also questioned my sanity when I can't stop giggling whenever I'm in the driver seat, but he won't get it even if I tell him that this is the car of Edward Cullen in the Eclipse movie. I want to get the two door Volvo C30 but it's not going to be suitable in the future. Even though the kids can fit in Professor Agasa's Beetle car, having a second car that can fit everyone will be even more convenient.

I passed by the park near Shinichi's school where I found him. He was outside the public toilets by the faucets, drenched from head to toe, with Ran off by the side looking at Shinichi with worry. When I came closer, I saw Shinichi holding a broken pipe.

I've been carrying a tennis ball since meeting Furuya and his friends. I still didn't think I would meet them earlier than I expected. Heck, I'm not hoping to meet them at all. Still, the second encounter solidified the idea in my mind that I would be part of their lives and me of theirs.

I found a space to park the car and went to see them. As I approached, Shinichi yelled something at Ran while the little girl tried her best to hold her sniffles. I hooked my hands on my hips and looked down at him in disappointment. "Honestly, is this why I can't reach you?"

"Masami-nee-chan!" His hands tightened on the pipe, and the water sprayed him in the face. "Ack!"

I tutted and grabbed the tennis ball from Shinichi's bag. Someone grabbed it before I could place it between the broken pipes.

"Good thinking, Masami-san!"

I pretended to be shocked. At the corner of my eye, I saw the rest of his friends, sans Furuya, approaching.

"It stopped!" Shinichi exclaimed, looking at the now calm water pipe in awe.

"Hagiwara Kenji," I said in greeting. "-san," I added it as an afterthought.

"Hai! Hai!" He smiled up at me. He gave a wink to the kids before standing up. "Long time no see. How are ya?"

"Hagi, what are you doing?"

Hagiwara turned to his friends and called. "Jinpei-chan! Call a plumber."

"Huh? Why?" Then they noticed me. "Masami-san! Long time no see!"

I let out a chuckle as a greeting. "So, I've been told. It's nice to see you guys again."

"How are things after that case?" Hiro asked as they approached. Matsuda's already on the phone, probably with a plumber, but listening to the conversation.

I frowned. Yusaku-sensei told me what happened after being bedridden for three days due to a fever— perhaps due to shock. I still don't remember what happened when I blacked out after Yuki-kun's confession, but it was enough for Yusaku-sensei to handle everything from there. He told the police not to disclose my identity as JL Roberts and made everyone, including the Police Academy students, sign an NDA.

It took three months before the court gave the final verdict to Yuki-kun. To protect Haruka and I, our lawyer, who happens to be Kisaki Eri, and the prosecutor took our statement in private instead of us appearing in court. Yuki's lawyer did try to plead for insanity, but the judge overruled it, and Yuki was sentenced for fifteen years to life for second-degree murder. I did visit him in prison a month after his incarceration, but he refused to see me. Either because I didn't attend his hearing, because of shame, or because it took me that long to see him. A side of me is thankful that I didn't meet him the day I visited. A part of me doesn't want to spoil my vision of him. I still see him as the shy, quiet guy from high school instead of the deranged criminal that the news labelled him as.

Date elbowed Hiro with disapproval as Matsuda, still on the phone, cleared his throat and gave a pointed look at Hiro. Hiro looked down and apologised.

"It's fine," I waved his apology. I looked down at Shinichi, and he gave me his 'I'm so cute, so I can't be in trouble' face, but I was unfazed. "Do you know how worried I've been?" He winced. "I called you several times, but your phone is either dead or not working."

"Broken," he muttered meekly. "I tried to call you, but the water pipe got the phone wet."

"You mean you let the phone get wet." I scolded him. I sighed in defeat while our audience watched us with amusement. "Fine. I'll let it go for now, but I will tell your parents about this."

He looked on in horror. Inwardly, I smiled. I knew Yukiko had bought Shinichi a new phone, and she was waiting for Christmas to give it to him. I gave him the bag with his clothes and pushed him towards the toilets. "It's a good thing I have the mind to bring you a change of clothes. Where are your shoes?" He pointed at Ran, who was holding his perfectly dry shoes and socks. Good thing, because I forgot to pack a change of shoes and socks. Ran seems okay but with traces of tears on her cheeks, though. "Okay, go ahead and get changed. I didn't have time to cook dinner, and your parents are not yet returning home. We'll have to eat dinner outside." I turned to our four audience. "You boys want to come with? My treat, as thanks for… what happened back in the case."

"Aa, I mean…" Date started to say, looking at the other three. It must be Furuya. He's not in the park. Most likely, he's at the Academy.

"We'll take your offer!" Hagiwara and Hiro exclaimed their acceptance. I nodded in approval.

"What about you, Ran?" I turned to the girl. I fished my handkerchief from my bag and wiped her wet face as I knelt in front of her. "I can call your parents."

"It's okay, Masami-nee-chan. Dad is taking us out for dinner. It's their anniversary today," she said with a smile. She waved at us and ran to go home.

While waiting for Shinichi, I fumbled below the sink and found the lever to turn off the water. Hagiwara looked in disbelief. "I can't believe I didn't think of that," he said with a laugh.

In no time, Shinichi came out from the toilets, and I turned back to the boys, getting ready to guide them back to the car until I noticed that they were wearing their uniform. From the baseball mitts on Hagiwara's and Date's hands, they're done with classes for the day. It's a Friday too. "Er, I don't know if you can wear your uniforms when you go out. Can you?"

Matsuda looked towards their uniforms— from Hagiwara's drenched uniform thanks to the burst water pipe, his dirty pants and shoes and Date's dirty face, he sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Er, if we're not going to a fancy restaurant, it should be fine."

"We can go back and change if that's alright, Masami-san?" Hiro asked. "Maybe we can also get Zero while we're at it."

I nodded in acceptance despite Date's protest. "Shin-chan here is a budding future detective," I gestured to Shinichi, who scowled at me for the nickname. I never call him that. I hid a smirk. "He might appreciate seeing the school."

They looked at each other before smiling at the boy, while Shinichi only tilted his head in question. Several minutes later, he's breaking my eardrums from shouting in delight. "Cool! Nee-chan, it's the Police Academy building!"

"Yes, Shinichi," I said, trying to calm down the jumping boy. He might be small, but his bouncing is making the car bounce, too. "I can see it Shinichi."

He scowled at me, but he changed it to puppy eyes. "Can we go inside? I wanna see the shooting ranges!"

"Er, buddy, calm down," I tried not to laugh. I'm teasing him when he grows up. "I don't think we can go inside."

I'm currently parked at the entrance of the Police Academy building, waiting for the boys. The police stationed at the gates stopped me from entering the facilities, but Date explained why I was there, and the police let me park the car inside meant for guests. It was a tight squeeze, but Date sitting shotgun with Shinichi on his lap did the trick.

Sometime later, I saw them emerge from the dorms, clean and their clothes changes to casual outfits. I saw Matsuda laughing as Hiro and Hagiwara dragged a protesting Furuya along, with Date smirking behind them. He ran and reached the car first. He opened the front seat door as Hiro and Hagiwara frogmarched Furuya onto it. The other four piled behind us, dragging Shinichi along with them.

Furuya blinked at me, and I did the same while the four sniggered. He sighed in defeat and closed the door. "Thank you for dinner, Masami-san. I hope we are not imposing." As he said the last word, he glared at his friends.

"It's not an imposition at all," I said. "I offered. And as I said, my treat— for helping back then."

The car was silent, sans Shinichi and Hagiwara. The ten-year-old is rapidly asking him questions about the campus and classes, which Hagiwara is only too happy to answer. I smiled, watching them in the rear-view mirror.

"I hope sushi is alright with you boys," I announced. "The little man demanded sushi. Even if he made me worried sick." Shinichi pouted but shot me an accusatory glare. "I know a good sushi place. It's a family favourite."

"You said you want sushi too," he grumbled but Shinichi's eyes widened in delight in no time. "Matsuya-san's?!"

Shinichi jumped in delight when we got out of the car. He grabbed my hand and impatiently dragged me towards the entrance.

I sighed but scowled at the smirks from the boys. Even Furuya's letting loose as he looked on at Shinichi with fondness. However, his excitement diminished when they saw the ambience of the restaurant. "Ah, Masami-san?" I turned to look at him. He and the boys are now looking at the restaurant unsurely. "Are you sure dinner will be your treat? This place looks expensive."

"It is, but—" I said hurriedly as they all tried to protest. "The owner owes Yusaku-sensei for solving her brother's murder, so we eat here half the price." I shrugged. "Sometimes I try to pay the full price, but the waiters are also in the know."

Shinichi led me towards the hostess stand, and I let him. He pointed at the matron excitedly, who greeted us with a smile. "Masami-chan! Long time no see! Shin-chan, how are you?!"

I chuckled. "That seems to be the consensus for today. Good evening, Yamada-san." I nodded in greeting, trying to calm Shinichi but to no avail. I just looked at him, exasperated, while the boys looked around in wonder. "I called Matsuya-san earlier—"

"She had your favourite room reserved for you," Yamada-san winked. "And she instructed us not to give you the menu this time." She tutted as she led us to the private room. "She insisted."

I pursed my lips but gave in. "I have guests with me, Yamada-san. I tried to tell Matsuya-san about it, but she was so excited on the phone."

"Oh, hello, boys!" she greeted the five men standing awkwardly behind me. Then she winked at me. "Masami-chan, five boys at the same time?" She teased. "Does Kudou-sensei know about this development?"

I smiled weakly. "It's not what you think, Yamada-san. They're the ones who helped Haruka and me with the case a few months back. I invited them to dinner as thanks."

Her face turned serious suddenly, giving me an apologetic look. She nodded. "Hai, I saw that in the news. What a shame. Shame!" she said with a frown. I shifted awkwardly while the boys glanced at each other uncomfortably. However, her playful smile came back, and she pointed at the five boys none too discreetly. "Still, being surrounded by five good-looking men must be heaven! Who do you think is the most handsome, Masami-chan?!"

I chuckled awkwardly. She didn't give me any chance to respond as she led us towards the private room. She opened the sliding door and gestured for us to come in. We piled into the room, removing our coats before sitting around the low table while Shinichi gravitated towards the window to appreciate the view. Inwardly tapping my shoulder in pride as I had the mind to change my long skirt to linen pants earlier. It's really difficult to sit elegantly on the floor wearing a skirt.

I remember this restaurant from the series. Each room is private, with a huge window overlooking an indoor garden and an artificial water feature outside each room, so your food is delivered to you using small boats. It was Yukiko's birthday, and Yusaku-sensei treated us here for lunch. Of course, the Death Curse on Shinichi started early since birth as he was the one who found the body in the bathroom. Yamada-san, the cheerful elderly lady who greets the guests with her warm smile, was made suspect. But of course, Yusaku-sensei had put his foot down and solved the case. Our bill was free as thanks from the owner for catching the real culprit, but that didn't stop Yusaku-sensei from talking to the cashier to pay the tab in full discreetly.

In a kneeling position, Yamada-san settled herself near the door and looked at us expectedly. "Now, anything you feel like eating? The owner said she can whip up practically anything for you!"

"Well, it's starting to get cold, so I would love to have the special nabe," I stated. Yamada-san only smiled in pride. "The little man demanded sushi, so we'll get that. Maybe barbeque," I added, noticing the covered charcoal pit at the centre of the table. "Beers or sake for the boys?" I asked inquiringly at them. Hiro nodded enthusiastically. I got a 'Cheers!' from Matsuda while Date, Hagiwara and Furuya only shook their head in amusement.

"At least it's the weekend," Date said.

In no time, the big boats started coming in loaded with food I requested and food off the menu. I could only look on in exasperation as Date and Hagiwara each hauled the heavy plates from the boat to our table while Hiro took it upon himself to operate the grill. Matsuda assigned himself to the drinks, ensuring each glass was topped off with either beer or sake, leaving Furuya and me watching on in amusement.

The topics of our conversation were comfortable with mild banter, especially with Shinichi minding his sushi plate and enjoying the view of boats passing through our window. That is until someone mentioned the case a few months ago.

"Hiro-san mentioned that you and Furuya-san was shot," I said in concern, bowing my head in apology towards Date. "I'm sorry for what happened. It seems I owe you boys even more for saving my life. Twice."

"It comes with the job we're about to take," I waved my apology away, giving me a crooked grin. "It's no problem."

"Have you talked to Souma-san since then?" Hagiwara asked.

I placed my chopsticks down. "I went to prison to see him, but he refused to see me."

"I'm sorry," Furuya muttered, echoing my actions. He reached for my hand and gave them a comforting squeeze. The mood around the table sobered except where Matsuda and Shinichi were bonding over the barbeque. Even though he's ensuring Shinichi is preoccupied, his ear is attentive to us.

I shook my head like a dog, trying to get water from my ears. "It doesn't matter anymore. I've been keeping myself busy instead."

"We heard," Hiro said in relief, happy that he could change the subject. "Your third book was just released, right? My brother got himself a rare, autographed version. He's a fan."

I blushed. I and the publishing company agreed to keep my identity a secret until I graduated high school. However, I think they're having the time of their lives keeping the identity of JL Roberts as a secret to the public. The unveiling was moved until I graduated from university instead. It came as a favour to me, seeing as my university professors are not just using Yusaku-sensei's writing as a topic in class but also mine. Sitting in class while they talk about my writing style would be weird, not to mention, embarrassing.

"Tell your brother not to buy any autographed version then," I sniffed indignantly. "I'll be more than happy to sign a regular copy."

I discovered that Bloomsbury is selling the autographed versions in auctions for loads of money. I was annoyed when I found out by accident. The Phantom Lady made a fuss about stealing the gold version box set of three made by Bloomsbury with my autograph on the sleeve and on the dedication page. Yes, real gold. I never thought that it's possible to print using gold sheets but they made it work. However, not only was the auction done in private, but the bidding was done with the books not even in the vicinity. I don't know how they pulled it off, but the books are given safely to the one who won the bid.

I blinked when all of them procured a copy from their bags sheepishly. Hiro even has two copies of the first and second books in hardbacks and two copies of the third, still inside it's protective plastic. Furuya let go of my hand to get his bag near the door to get his paperback copy of Prisoner of Azkaban. He was blushing when he came back to sit next to me. I let out a bark of merry laughter and fished my fountain pen from my bag. "You do know that you can't show these to people if I leave a note on the books." They nodded in agreement, pleased.

"I have to say," Furuya said, watching me compose a note on Date's copy. "Reading about the Divination class made me curious. I bought my tarot cards to play with."

"Hmm? Do you know how to read them now?"

"Ah, no," he scratched his head embarrassingly. "I still haven't found a book I can refer to with the card's meanings. I got the set from a friend. I may not know what the cards mean, but they're pretty."

I was careful not to smudge the ink and gently blew on the page for it to dry quickly. I tried to ignore the sniggering from Hiro and Hagiwara's corner. I don't know why I grew up left-handed— I was right-handed in my previous life. Being left-handed is difficult. I got in so much trouble using the scissors a lot.

"If you want, you can borrow mine," I finished Date's copy with a flourish of my signature, pulling the next copy— Matsuda's— to write on. "I asked Yusaku-sensei to get me books for reference when he and Yukiko went to Italy and France for one of Yukiko's auditions. You can borrow them if you want."

"Or you can teach him," Shinichi pipped, his face stuffed with grilled meat. "Masami-nee-chan has powers!" he whispered conspiratorially to Matsuda. The man is proving to be playful and great with kids.

"Shin-chan, I don't have powers," I laughed.

"But you solved the murder case of the principal a few years back."

"You got involved in another case, Masami-chan?" Hiro asked in concern.

I set aside Matsuda's copy of the book in favor of Hiro's stack. Keeping it open so not to smudge the ink. "We were on our way home when Yusaku-sensei got the call from Inspector Megure. He is always asked to help whenever the police are stumped on a case. I came along as I am his secretary, after all. The principal of a nearby nursery school was found dead on campus with a 'Death' symbol nearby. I just pointed out the irregularity of the character. It turns out that a kid laid coin sweets near the body as offerings, and it was your father who solved it, not me."

I pointed at Shinichi. He just shrugged. "What about the predictions you've made? You said that Apple would be a good investment. Dad was sceptical, but he said you now have lots of money from it. He said that he also invested after you did. You also said that one of Dad's manuscripts will be stolen. You were right. There was a break in, but the police got involved quickly and caught the guy."

I was speechless. I didn't know Yusaku-sensei knew about the investment. I did buy shares when the company was made public, but I wasn't counting on any returns for a few more years. And I only gave him an offhanded warning about his manuscripts potentially being stolen. He now keeps all his unfinished works in a safe beside mine.

I glanced at five curious faces. I have been thinking of ways to save their lives. My heart went out to Amuro Tooru when I saw the Bride of Halloween movie. I saw the post-credit scene where he's toasting a drink to a picture of his friends, and it made me cry. I even read and watched the Wild Police Story Arc and episodes that featured all five of them numerous times, committing it to memory to find ways to keep them alive in a fanfiction I was writing back then. Especially Hiro. Making Shuuichi as an ally to Bourbon and Scotch against the Black Organisation will be better in the long run.

Shinichi just gave me an opportunity, and I can't miss it. I was planning on leaving a note on Hagiwara's grave, but knowing the guy now, I can't bear to think of letting him die. But using my so-called 'powers' might be of help, especially the bombing. Suddenly, I remembered that all five would graduate in a few months. Hagiwara and Matsuda will be assigned to the Bomb Disposal Unit immediately upon graduation. Seven years before the series starts is supposed to be Hagiwara's encounter with the serial bomber, and he will meet his death. Matsuda would be next, thanks to a bomb in a Ferris wheel four years later. Date, getting killed in a hit-and-run. Hiro committing suicide, thinking that the person running up the stairs is a Black Organisation member. Well, it is true, it was Bourbon.

I blanched, kicking myself internally. Shuuichi was able to stop Hiro by holding the gun's cylinder. However, he was distracted by Bourbon running up the stairs. Thinking that he's cornered, Hiro pulled the trigger. Bourbon thinks that Shuuichi forced Hiro to commit suicide.

I can't waste this opportunity.

"Masami-chan? Are you alright?" Everyone stopped what they were doing, including Shinichi, who was now looking at me with concern.

"Shin-chan, would you mind asking Yamada-san for some tea? We're out." I instructed the boy. He looked at the full teapot but didn't question me. He stood up and left the room, closing the sliding door.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing myself to calm down and released a calming breath. I finished the note on the book, replaced the cap on the fountain pen and slid the book away. I grasp Hagiwara's hand, who's sitting on my left, and close my eyes. I felt his hand twitch but stopped moving to envelop my hands with his other hand.

Now, what do I remember about Hagiwara Kenji? I know he has a sister. Is she already part of the Kanagawa Police? I know she's an Assistant Inspector, but there was no mention of when that happened. I released another breath from my nose, opened my eyes to look straight at Hagiwara's smirking face and tested the waters.

"You have a sister. Older. Blonde hair. I can see her wearing a uniform. Is she part of the police?" I asked.

His smirk fell, and his mouth opened in shock. Pleased at his reaction, I continued. "I can also see you in uniform." I frowned. I need to be vague but still informative. "It's bulky and padded, with a tinted helmet?"

"The Bomb Squad?" Date asked.

Hagiwara and Matsuda nodded. "We got an offer three days ago from an officer scouting the academy for recruits," Hagiwara explained.

All five of them turned back to me, awe in their faces. "It's not something that Masami-chan knew before meeting us earlier."

"Twentieth floor," I continued, getting their attention again. I acted like I was seeing something horrific. I mean, Hagiwara's death is unfortunate. But now that I know the guy, the incident surrounding his death is just heart-clenching. "There was also something about a mercury switch?" I'm currently trying to remember the bomb in the Tokyo Tower lifts with Conan diffusing it. "The timer's been stopped." Then I gave him a look of disgust, dropping his hands in irritation. "You're procrastinating, joking with someone on the phone. You're not even wearing the padded uniform. The timer restarted, and the bomb blew up. I even saw five or six officers with you. Three guesses whose fault was that." If he hadn't been talking on the phone with Matsuda and hadn't waited to defuse the bomb, it would not have exploded. He would've lived.

All of them looked pale, understanding the implication behind what I said.

I didn't let them recover as I took Matsuda's hands, who was within my reach as he was sitting next to Hagiwara and made a show of closing my eyes again and concentrating. Everyone's attention is now on me. "Ferris wheel. Haido Shopping Mall." Mentioning the area is a bit of a stretch. I peeked at them, but their serious faces were trained at me, listening in on my every word. Matsuda was assigned to the Homicide Division to cool off after Hagiwara's death. It was implied in the series that he tried to look for the bomber responsible for Hagiwara's death before the higher ups decided to assign him to the Homicide Division. If Hagiwara lives, there's no need for Matsuda to be transferred. He and Satou would not meet. Takagi Wataru would have a chance.

I remember the control room blowing up first, and the people working there were able to evacuate the passengers before the bomber activated another bomb, trapping Matsuda in the air. I gritted my teeth in anger at the bomber. No need to mention the gondola number because Matsuda figured it out. Plus, it was included in the bomber's letter. Then, in the most stoic voice I could muster, I enunciated with a stony face, "Brave police officer, I commend you for your courage and present you with a reward. A clue to where my second, larger firework will be played three seconds before the explosion. Good luck."

I let go of his hand, which had turned clammy in mine. "Do not wait for that three seconds!" I scolded him, pointing at his face threateningly. My finger is so close to his eyes that he's almost cross-eyed. He nodded and swallowed nervously. "There's no need. It's Beika Central Hospital."

Date was next as he was sitting on my other side. "Masami-chan, I think that's enough—"

"Shut up." I snapped. I grabbed both of his hands with my trembling hand. Watching the episodes of their deaths in my previous life didn't affect me, but trying to remember their deaths after knowing them is giving me dread and a mild headache. I closed my eyes again and made a show of rubbing my temples. Now, what do I remember about Date's death? I know that he was hit by a car after catching a criminal. He gave his notebook to Takagi with the engagement ring. My face softened. "Natalie." He reeled back in shock. From the two times I encountered them, Date said he has a girlfriend, but never has he mentioned her name once. "She's really pretty." He looked pleased at my compliment but had a nervous air on him. Not surprisingly, I just predicted the death of two of his friends. "You bought an engagement ring and plan to propose. Or will, I can't rem— I can't say." I hastily corrected myself. "You just caught a criminal, a fraudster, but you dropped something, and you were hit by a car." I finished irritably, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Is anyone of you going to die of old age?"

I stood up on my knees, shoving Date out of the way to crawl closer between a shocked Furuya and a nervous Hiro. I took Hiro's hands and closed my eyes again.

Morofushi Hiromitsu. Scotch. From a summarised episode that Furuya Rei narrated, Hiro joined the Public Security Bureau right after graduating from the Academy. He infiltrated the Black Organisation as Scotch and killed himself when Shuuichi cornered him. Even after Shuuichi tells him he's FBI and working undercover, Hiro still kills himself. I squashed down my irritation. Among the five of them, I'm fond of Hiro most of all for some reason. I don't even know why I address him as Hiro while I address the other four with their last names. Maybe because I had a crush on his brother when I was watching the series. Not a fan of his moustache, though.

I'm on two minds if I should leave a hint about his parents' murder, but he has his friends to help him with that. If I remember correctly, the culprit was saved by Hiro.

"Guitar?" I asked, turning to him to confirm. His nervousness lessened and his eyes perked up at the mention of the instrument. "More accurately, a Bass Guitar in a train station. I can see you teaching a small… boy?" The question of the gender is deliberate. A lot of people would mistake Masumi for a guy in the future. I remember Masumi seeing Shuuichi and Hiro at a train station. I can't remember why they're together, though. Perhaps a mission? Then Bourbon appeared afterward.

"I've been teaching myself classical guitar. Close enough." He teased playfully, forgetting the devastating news of his friends' deaths.

Don't worry; I'm about to knock your world a peg or two. I made a show of glaring at him angrily. I let go of his hands as if they burned me. "Rooftop. Gun. A man with long hair. Another man with blonde hair at the stairs. All allies, yet you killed yourself! Because of a misunderstanding!" I snapped at him, hitting him on the head with the nearest object, which happened to be the hardbound copy of Chamber of Secrets.

I made a show of calming myself, breathing in and out while rubbing the sore spot on his head that I hit. "I'm sorry. I know this has not happened yet, but I can't help but be irritable at your future choices."

"Do you—" I turned to Furuya, who was behind me. He licked his lips nervously. "Do you see the future often?"

I let out a breath in a huff. "No." I lied. Of course not. It's just an anime I watched in my previous life. But the lie is necessary to make sure that these four survive. "Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't. But most of the time, it's always someone else's, not mine. I never look into the future because all I only see is death." I shrugged. "Though there are times that I see something good. Something to look forward too." I tried to ease their fear. I nodded at Date's direction. "Like wedding bells and... a basinet."

Date's face morphed to longing while a wistful smile appeared on his lips. The purpose of the lie is for him to have something to look forward to. I pray that he listen and not be careless in the future.

I pretended to look curious at Furuya and approached him on all fours, who blinked in surprise but stayed put. We're technically nose to nose, I'm practically on top of him. I ignored the four guffawing monkeys around the table. I looked into his eyes with my unblinking green ones. "Bourbon," I muttered.

"Hai?"

I swallowed nervously. He's too close. I blushed as I moved back a little. "Be careful of people with alcohol names. Especially the silver one. However, you have to be smart because most of them are enemies… but a handful are allies."

He gave me a puzzled look. But I wasn't done. Many argue that the movies are not canon, but The Bride of Halloween is so close to canon. I should've included this in Matsuda's 'fortune telling' as he's the one who diffused Plamya's bomb, but I forgot. Furuya and Matsuda would stumble to the site after visiting Hagiwara's grave. "A pink and blue liquid. Make sure you always carry bubble gum with you. All of you."

Furuya's the toughest of them all. He'll be hurt, shot at, a grenade will be thrown at him, but he will survive. A warning about the Black Organisation and Plamya's bomb won't go amiss. Even without the bubble gum as a stopper, Kazami can find a neutralising agent to cancel out Plamya's formula.

"Well," I finally said, straightening out a little. "Looks like at least Furuya-san can live to old age."

That's when Shinichi appeared with a second pot of tea. I scrambled back to my seat. Shinichi smirked at me but didn't say anything further. "Finished?"

I cleared my throat, face still red. "Yes." The four monkeys made a reappearance as they look at Furuya and I in amusement, hiding their sniggers behind their glasses of beer.

"Here's your pot of tea. Do you want me to get you a third one?" Shinichi teased.

I rubbed my temples in annoyance, expecting a blackmail from the smug-looking little devi. "Would you mind getting the Anvil from my bag?"

Shinichi scrambled to get my bag and fished out the bottle of pain meds. I necked one capsule before downing a cup of tea. Thankfully, it's from the cooling pot on the table, not the scalding fresh one that Shinichi got from the kitchen.

"Does it give you headaches?"

"Yes, a side effect." I lied. "I took my phone from my bag and checked the time. "It's late. I have to put this little man to bed soon." I haven't eaten a lot today but thanks to five men and a growing boy, the food sent to us is almost finished. "Ready to go home?"

It was quiet in the car on our way back to the Police Academy. They all looked thoughtful. Even Shinichi felt the tension in the car. "Don't mind what I said," I looked at them from the rear-view mirror. "You make your fate. Though, take them as a warning."

I dropped off the boys at the Academy, not bothering to go inside the campus. With a wave, Shinichi and I drove back home. He fastened his seatbelt with a smug grin trained at me.

"What?"

"So, which one of them is your boyfriend?"

I almost lost control of the car, swivelling to the other lane. Thankfully, the road was empty. "I don't have a boyfriend!" I stuttered.

"But you almost kissed that blonde guy. Wait till Dad hears about this!" He exclaimed in glee.

I laughed. "He's not gonna believe you," I said, shaking my head, laughing at his attempt to blackmail me.

"Hmm." I glanced at him. He has his thumb and forefinger on his chin, reminiscing his adult version when thinking. However, his frown turned upside down, and he gave me a wide smile. "I won't tell dad if you won't tell them about the pipe."

I glared at him. It's not working, as I can't get my eyes off the road. It's a good thing my astigmatism didn't follow me in my new life, but I still don't want us to be in an accident just so I can properly give him a stink eye.

I stopped the car at a red light, still amused as his smug-looking face. "Fine."

But his smile only widened. "Oh, but what about Shuukichi-nii-chan? He'll be interested to hear about your new boyfriend," he said, looking outside the window with fake innocence. If he tells Shuukichi, I will definitely get a tongue-lashing from Shuuichi, because Shuukichi will definitely tell on me. Shuuichi has already proven that he's protective of me. He also has access to guns and rifles. He might kill those five before their actual deaths.

"You sly little devil." He didn't say anything but just peeked on his fingernails in satisfaction. I let out a loud chortle laugh at his attempt on looking like a mafia boss. "Shephard's Pie and a Sherlock Holmes book?" I offered. He's been requesting Shephard's Pie ever since I made one for dinner.

He only gave me a look like he's expecting I lay more on the table. I sigh in defeat. "I'm going to London for work once your parents come back. I'll get every souvenir from the Sherlock Holmes Museum for you."

The little devil behind me nodded in satisfaction.