Song: Detective Conan - Ran No Ketsui (Detective Conan Sad Theme/Music)
POV: Bruce Wayne/Batman.
"Eh? You don't want your name to come out of this case, Kudo-kun?"
"Yes, Inspector Megure."
Batman was talking to someone on the phone. Someone from the official contact list. Inspector Juze Megure - Division 1 - physical appearance wise has a bit of an overweight appearance and detective coat, attire, and hat. From what he knew, the man was always around Shinichi Kudo, serving as a confidant of sorts and a connection that Shinichi has with the police department. Whenever Shinichi gets involved in a case, it's Inspector Megure who would be seen most of the time.
At least based on what he researched - and taking into account his voice/mannerisms/tone, the man is a genuine officer of the force, a true seeker of justice with uncompromising morals and integrity, and is competent of what he does as a police investigator and inspector - not counting the more complex cases Shinichi Kudo is involved in because, upon analyzation, the level of crimes and murders that Shinichi Kudo deals commonly feels like cases that Batman had solved in Gotham - at least, ones that aren't around supervillain tier.
Of note, Batman deduces that Inspector Megure also serves as some kind of bridge that connects to a hidden network of connections between various detectives all around the country. Shinichi Kudo - considered to be the Reiwa Era Holmes, and the Detective of the East, indicated three other mainstream detectives - West (Heiji Hattori - Male), South (Natsuki Koshimizu - Female), and North (Junya Tokitsu - Male) - that he may need to meet up. Oddly, it seems that as far as public perception is concerned, they never actually met. Though, one of them - the Detective of the West - did explain that he'd love to challenge the Detective of the East one day face to face, thus at some point, Batman may need to make himself ready for such an encounter.
Of all the detectives, Batman found this Hattori Heiji to resemble the overconfident yet competent Shinichi Kudo. Batman had no doubt that, based on emotional and theoretical patterns, a bond could potentially be forged. About 90% certain, Batman would have thought that their bond would be a positive one.
"Inspector, as of current, I'm working on an undercover case of confidential circumstances - disclosing my identity at this time in relation to this case, and most future cases, could affect and be detrimental to this case. If someone needs to be given credit to this case, I would suggest to give credit to Detective Mouri as he was the first detective on the scene and this was his case that he solved fair and square, I was simply called in at the last moment because of a life threatening situation - which was an issue that could be debated to lie outside of the case's first instance," Batman explained.
From what Batman understood, Detective Kogoro Mouri was someone that didn't have such a high opinion on Shinichi Kudo. Speculations. The man could have harbored some feelings of envy, as Shinichi Kudo is more well-known and a widely successful private detective. Another. It could relate to the relationship that the man's daughter - Ran Mouri - had with Shinichi Kudo. The latter seems to provide some credence of evidence when he noted the pictures (recent/today) that he saw on his phone's gallery.
Perhaps, to establish some proper working relationship, he - as Shinichi Kudo - could use this opportunity to, in an act of giving the case over to Detective Mouri, could at least get some good graces.
"I see," Inspector Megure spoke grimly. "I understand, Kudo-kun."
"And Inspector," Batman said. "I need a favor. I want a secret investigation to be conducted regarding the Suzuki Financial Group."
"Hmm? Why, Kudo-kun?"
"Seeing as one of the client companies of the group had been threatened, I feel that we may need to check every connection that the conglomerate had established - I would need names, that would of course include potential enemies."
"That's not surprising to hear," the inspector understood. "The Suzuki Financial Group is known for its integrity and wealth even amongst the other families, with the Yukinoshita Financial Group following close behind as a runner up. These families had to deal with potential enemies for decades, so I know this has more to do with simply just that, Kudo-kun."
"Perhaps a possible connection to the Pumpkin Heads; also, as there is an ability user (Quirk) being involved in the case - and confirming that there are Pumpkin Heads who are ability users (general categories). This may not be the last time someone would try to strike against the Suzuki Financial Group, or someone and something with a connection to them. And even if this isn't connected to the Pumpkin Heads, we would still need to root out possible dangers that may endanger innocent lives, such as this case exemplifies."
"I will see what I can do from my end, Kudo-kun," the inspector nodded.
"Thank you, Inspector, I'll keep in touch," the man said before hanging up the phone.
"...Shinichi?"
He looks to find Ran Mouri, who was standing a few close meters behind.
Currently, they were at the exit of the middle school, somewhere around the back. The man was already sitting on the stolen bike - intending to return it to its rightful owner. He noted her face - conflicted, doubtful, wary, troubled - all of which centered around suspicion - Batman was unsurprised. In fact, that's the trick of name addresses in Japan, and the context of one's relationship.
He could tell that this young woman wasn't fooled. Something was up. He - or rather, Shinichi Kudo, was acting out-of-character. Batman had assess the overconfidence trait in Shinichi, may border on perceive arrogance. Batman was acting in the opposite direction.
"Is the girl alright?" Batman asked, concerned for the young ten year old girl.
Then, a moment later, Ran smiled a little, some of the worries gone - though Batman wouldn't rule out suspicion just yet.
"Hmm, she's back with her father," Ran explained. "And...umm...Shinichi..."
"Yes?" Batman asked.
Then, the winds breeze a little, as some of the trees' leaves would follow in the opposite direction.
"...Who actually are you?"
Ran asked. Her expression was one of worry and genuine concern. Batman knows the full meaning of the question - implication, reasoning, justification - what he did on this night probably wasn't what Shinichi Kudo would exactly do. He looked her in the eye, gently yet contrite. To Ran, he was a completely different person than who she was genuinely familiar with.
Childhood friend. Potential romantic interest.
That touched Batman. Because for one...his wife was his childhood friend. Shinichi Kudo had a similar relationship with Ran Mouri, he would suppose. Despite his criticisms, there is one good, obvious trait that he found. He did care for Ran Mouri, in some capacity, based on what he browsed from his phone, including the notebook section and apps that had a sort of personal diary indicating such. Too detailed and descriptive, yet carried some kind of prose that would imply some form of romantic connection. A crush - potential for something else.
"...I don't know," He told a partial truth in one sense, because he couldn't fully explain his circumstances - there was still the gap of memory that he's experienced, holes that he needed to observe and try to assess. He still needed to find out who Shinichi Kudo is and to investigate about the proposed theories. "...But rest assured, I'm doing everything in my power to find out."
Ran's smile was a little different. What were her thoughts of him, he wondered, as he sees a kind of glow on her face. Positive reception. No judgmental outlook. A little hopeful trust.
"...I see. Then I could consider you as Shinichi in some way, even though you feel very different," She said, musing yet sad.
"If that's your decision," Batman nodded.
"...Can we talk some more later on?" Ran proposed with an inquiring tone and expression. "I want to...at least get to know who this person who looks and sounds like 'Shinichi' really is."
"...That would be quite difficult to fully explain," Batman reminded gently.
Ran shook her head. "Whatever comes to mind, whatever the time, I don't really mind, but...this may seem strange, but...I want to Shinichi again, my Shinichi."
Batman understood. "I'm currently looking into it."
Ran nodded in thanks. "That's all I ask."
Batman would begin to focus on the road, placing his foot on the pedal, accelerating, leaving Ran behind as she looked on with a distant look.
Song: Batman: Arkham Knight Soundtrack - Main Theme
Eventually, he would return the bike to where he found it, and started walking. Contemplation of thoughts, two cases that he got entangled in on the first night - or was it three in reference to the silver-haired black clothed man, with sharp eyes that spoke nothing but bloodlust - evil, plain and simple. A man who wouldn't hesitate to kill, and enjoys it, the kind of evil that Batman had fought for decades.
A memory - strange.
The silver-haired man wasn't alone. He was with another man in black - a muscular build, black shades covering his eyes, a subordinate attitude for the silver-haired man, a black bowler hat. An illegal money exchange went down. Somewhere in an amusement park. Tropical Land.
Strange. Inconsistent. He was wearing different clothes compared to that flash memory. Not his high school attire. Casual clothing.
There is one large gap of events that happened in one day that I have no context for. He thought.
List down: Flash memory. Kidnapping incident. A girl with pink hair and red eyes - unknown. Another kidnapping incident.
The girl with pink hair? Does she have some involvement? The way she was looking at him. Aside from darkness, aside from madness, what he also found was some kind of obsession. Unhealthy? Possible. Shinichi Kudo-related. Possible. May need to consider that this woman is also someone Shinichi Kudo could have known, acquaintance at best.
Then, as he was walking...
"?!"
He noticed and sensed that he wasn't alone. He hid from a nearby wall immediately as he glanced a little to the side where the Kudo Residence was nearby. There were a few men in black individuals, wearing black fedora hats and business suits, standing behind the residence's gate - with black cars parked around the area. What were they doing here? Some part of him recalled the two men in black from the flash memory. Piecing it from that angle, his thoughts turned grim. He would quietly try to make his way towards the mansion without getting spotted, hopping towards another lawn and dashing quietly before jumping a bit, landing towards the top of a storage shed nearby.
Someone must be after Shinichi Kudo. If what I saw in that flash memory was accurate, then he may have gotten himself involved in some conspiracy. He saw something he shouldn't. I was right to keep my involvement in the recent case confidential.
He waited, observing. At some point, there were a few men in black that would come out from the door and head towards the gate. But there was one who caught his eye - someone a little different from the rest. A scientist - due to her labcoat. A beautiful face, with wavy auburn hair. Japanese, with foreign features. Taking distance into account.
"We're done here for today. We've at least confirmed that Kudo Shinichi is successfully terminated by APTX 4869," She would say before exiting towards the gate.
The name "APTX 4869", Batman could guess, if based from a flash memory, that this was that strange drug that the silver-haired man had forced Shinichi to drink. If he had his Batsuit on, he would have tried to tail these people and find out about their current location. However, at this time, it would be most unwise. He may have retained his prime physical combat prowess even in a younger body that wasn't his (?), but if this is a conspiracy, and that Shinichi Kudo had been targeted for termination - and of course, that would include anyone - everyone - that Shinichi Kudo would have encountered.
These people were here to confirm on whether or not Shinichi Kudo was truly dead.
He eyed the black cars that would begin to drive away, carrying away the men, and the scientist, away and head to somewhere unknown.
Batman would land to the grass and walk towards the front lawn, with a contemplative yet grim gaze.
A theory. Say Shinichi Kudo is truly dead - having lost to a mysterious criminal organization wearing black clothing. What kind of operations do these people do? For them to just break into a dead man's house, that would mean that this organization values secrecy so highly to the point where anyone can die, even a random person who had no idea of what's happening, to prevent compromise.
"It's quite a miracle that you've managed to evade them - looking like that - even in this untrustworthy nightfall," Batman, much to his shock as he didn't sense the person behind him, turned around to find a man leaning towards the door, with arms crossed, his face grim, and his eyes white and bluish - ancient, a whisper, a familiar gaze. The man had office attire, with a beige trenchcoat.
This was no human. Batman thought grimly. It was far too familiar for him. He's seen eyes like that before, and the familiar sensation of the divine. He felt it around one of his fellow Justice League members - Zauriel. He felt it around the fallen King-Angel of the Bull Host, Asmodel (*1). One could easily discern the type of presence the angel has when you really know how. Zauriel's presence is nothing but a soothing calm, a reassurance. Asmodel's however was a raging fire that burns like hot brimstone. They were as opposite as both day and night.
But what about this man who had shown out of the blue?
"...You're an angel," A statement of fact, as he was more than sure.
"Of course, you would point out that fact by discerning my spiritual aura, as is expected of the World's Greatest Detective," The man spoke - his grim expression never changing.
"...Is this about my condition?" Batman simply cut to the chase without any need for clarification. As this man is an angel - an angel of Heaven just like Zauriel, he is the most likely being to be aware of what is happening.
"That's one part of it," The man's eyes narrowed and his mouth had a contemplative frown, while walking towards him slowly. "When you were struck down by Darkseid's Omega Beams, something strange happened - a Papilio Effect had rippled throughout existence, and one of those effects happened to be the obvious." He said, in reference to Batman being Shinichi Kudo.
"It's all for you to serve as a temporal patchwork if you will," The man explained, his face looking at him, straight in the eye. "That body that you are currently occupying, it is you and it is not you. The man known as Shinichi Kudo is like you, in the sense that he happens to be an "important fact" of history that cannot just be erased."
Batman thought about the flash memory. "Hours ago, what had happened to Shinichi Kudo, was that related to this "important fact" that you speak of?"
"Yes - for it is a central fixed point of this reality, one that cannot be undone, in the same way that your parents' deaths cannot be undone. Changing them has consequences, that mere mortal minds cannot begin to fathom," The man explained.
"And I suppose that's your job to decide such things," Batman deduced. He's aware of organizations whose job is to police the multiverse and the timestream. He's not surprised that Heaven has one - even if this is the very first time he's ever heard of it.
"A job description that most, not even most angels like Zauriel or Asmodel, would know or speak of," The man explained. "In ancient times, we are known as the Anno Domini. Nowadays, we are known simply as the Adjustment Bureau. We answer only to the Will of the Presence and his established temporal framework, as well as those whom he personally delegates to lead (*2). I am Archangel Castiel, one of the Seven Angels of the Weeks, and this world and its multiverse happens to be my jurisdiction."
"And in light of being a temporal patchwork, I do have a purpose here - a mission," Batman surmised.
"Yes, but I cannot tell you everything all at once, that would defeat the point of your role, thus you must choose your questions wisely, as you've already used two," Castiel warned.
That implies a hard limit to the questions I would ask - I should focus on the ones that should matter. Batman thought - silence would follow for a few moments - then he spoke - with a broad question. "Can I be allowed to make contact with my world?"
"Of course," Castiel nodded. "Temporal and Dimensional Travel is quite common in this world, if you know where to look. What you do with it is all within the matter of your own personal discretion."
"Next question," Batman said. "What exactly is supposed to be Shinichi Kudo's original fate?"
"Well," Castiel snapped his fingers and what materialized was an image of a young six year old child. Batman eyed the image. A dark blue blaze with a red bowtie on the center of his white collar, with grey shorts, and red sneakers. "He was supposed to look like this. It is not his time to die after all (*3). Rather, he is supposed to undergo the life of a child attending elementary school - at times managing to temporarily regain his original form before turning back - his actions while in this form has influenced thousands of minor events, and some important ones. Hence, you must undergo a similar fate, if a bit different."
As the image disappears, Castiel raises his right hand, which glows with a pure white light. Batman notices his physique changing a bit as his body glows luminously, and his clothing along with him to fit his form. He kept his clothing, but now he noticed how short he was. Everything seems taller than normal. Batman observed this phenomenon for a bit, as the light subsided.
"Not to worry," Castiel reassured, with his grim tone. "You can control your newfound physique - capable of switching back and forth from the body's original form and it's child form. Try it - concentrate with only through the act of the will."
Batman did just that, concentrating. Then, he transforms back into Shinichi Kudo, observing his returned state.
"Another reason is beneficial, for both Shinichi Kudo as well as for his loved ones. His identity at this time poses a grave danger. I cannot tell you of what, unfortunately."
"...Next question," Batman specified the terms. "Are there people from my world and its multiverse - in any form or capacity or purpose - for reasons that do or do not relate with Darkseid - here as well?"
"Yes," Castiel nodded. "Of course, I cannot tell you who they are specifically, but they do exist, live, and interact within this reality. Of note, there is one person that you should be made aware of - as it is something even I cannot ignore. Bartholomew Henry Allen."
"...!" Batman widened his eyes as he recognized the name of an old friend.
The Flash?
One of the original founders of the Justice League.
An old friend that Batman - that Bruce Wayne had missed.
"...Yes," As if Castiel read his mind, he responded with a solemn nod. "The same man who gave up his own life during the Crisis on Infinite Earths (*4), for the sake of the multiverse. He has been reborn in this world - though he has yet to fully access his connection to the Speed Force, nor has he yet to be aware of who he truly is - until the time is right. Be warned: If the mortal known as Barry Allen, when fully awakened, would allow himself to access the Speed Force once more - every speedster of the multiverse would be aware of his return - and of course, that includes..."
"...Zoom," Batman grimly finished.
Professor Eobard Thawne. The Reverse Flash. Professor Zoom. No one - hero, villain, or otherwise - has seen him in a decade since Crisis. Nor was he seen in any timeline whatsoever. It was like - when Barry Allen died, he vanished to parts unknown. Batman had an idea at least of just how deeply wounded and affected Thawne was when his greatest enemy and former idol, whom he impounds with misery after misery - and even Batman himself had received the brunt of it that was still in relation to Barry (*5) - would in turn have to live with the fact that in the end, Barry has become the hero Thawne would never become.
Batman missed him. Everyone missed him. There was not a day goes by that his name wasn't brought up. The Flash Museum essentially became a memorial of the man who died to save them all. The man who inspired many others - many younger generations of heroes.
Wally was devastated when Barry gave up his life to save us all. In the end, he took up the mantle, became the Flash, in his honor. He thought solemnly. But Zoom... If he even hears a whiff that Barry's alive... Lord knows what he'd do... I have to find him first, before that happens. I at least got a head-start, and as long as Barry doesn't use the Speed Force, Zoom wouldn't know. At least I hope so.
Song: Ai wa Itsumo (Lyrics) - Detective Conan
"And that would be all of the questions for now, Dark Knight," Castiel spoke grimly. "I would take my leave, after all...you have another visitor that would be coming to you on this night."
Then, like a blip and a sound of flapping wings, he disappeared, leaving Batman to contemplate everything that was said.
"Bruce..."
He turned around, his instincts rattled. He sees a red mystic portal that would allow a young woman with a beautiful Asian face, with maroon hair, of black jacket and white blouse, to walk out as the portal disappears. While her physical appearance was different, it was the eyes - even if their color is different, of a glowing red - that made Bruce found the connection.
"...Zanna," He muttered softly, his eyes widening.
With trembling lips, with disbelieving eyes, whose expression only conveyed a former sorrow that turned to a brimming joy, she dashes without hesitation and embraces him, squeezing him tightly. And a memory flashes from Bruce's own past.
Of a young boy who still had his innocence long before that night, and of a young girl who made him feel a sense of pure amazement - as she demonstrated a trick of magic, with the simple palms of her hands, of white doves that flew and landed on his head as well as hers. Of childish laughter, that formed a friendship...that turned into something more.
Batman - Bruce Wayne, genuinely happy - yet this made him suspect Castiel's involvement which he would address later - reciprocated with a firm yet gentle embrace, which they spent as the moments passed, when the moonlight shone quietly and the winds breeze peacefully.
Next Conan Hint:
Story: Happy Sugar Life
Trivia For Chapter:
(*1) - Asmodel is a character from DC.
Story Incorporation Trivia: Asmodel was the King-Angel of the Bull Host of the Pax Dei, the Army of Heaven. Once, Pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths Era, he tried to conquer Heaven, with the help of the rallied Bull Hosts, but were stopped by Zauriel and the rest of the Justice League, ending in Asmodel's punishment in Hell. Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths Era, he became a powerful Lord of Hell, and his countless armies of Bull Hosts still served him as their lord before they fell.
(*2) - Primary amongst all others is Michael the Demiurgic Archangel, also known as Michael Demiurgos, the Commander in Chief of All of the Heavenly Hosts. He is a character from DC.
(*3) - Castiel was implying the person and duty of Death of the Endless, the second oldest amongst the Endless, the anthropomorphic representations of the powerful natural forces they embody. She is a character from DC/Vertigo.
(*4) - The event is also known as the Crisis of 2024, or the Crisis.
(*5) - A reference to "The Button", which is a 2017 comic book crossover created and published by DC Comics.