The Murder of Shinichi Kudo

[Aeyra 260]

*Greetings! Some of you have probably read this on ff.net already, but I doubt you've read my redone chapters! A.K.A. I went back and started writing my chapters from scratch! And I must say, they are much better. If you haven't read it yet, I hope you enjoy. Please comment at the end. (and review on ff.net) Thank you! (and to those reading, I'm- um- kinda on hiatus. But I'm working on Chapter 47! (ish..)) There may be tense errors, seeing I was writing a bunch of stuff in present tense in other stories, but feel free to correct me!*

Chapter 1

Shinichi's POV

"Ran, would you try to stop crying already?" I asked, leaning down, an exasperated look on my face. "It's starting to get more than slightly annoying. All I hear is sobs and sniffles. Brighten up already!"

"Shut up, Shinichi!" Ran's blue irises were outlined with lines of red, nose pink from constant rubbing. How much can this girl cry? "Not everyone sees murders every stinking day of their life! Especially not beheadings!"

"Okay, maybe the method was harsh, but you should cheer up. We went to Tropical Land to have fun, remember?" I smiled at her, hoping she'd follow my lead. I was personally quite disappointed at today's results: what had started out as a great start on the romantic outlook turned horrifying when a murder plagued our roller coaster ride. So much for my dreamed untainted 'fun'.

"I know that you deduction baka," she replied, wiping away her tears. Light from surrounding vendors and the above moon reflected off of her chocolate hair, making her look beautiful. More beautiful than usual. It reminds me of why I asked her to come with me.

My heart did a flip as I imagined just confessing now. Maybe I'd get the smile I'd hoped to see. Then my brain envisioned the more realistic results. Laughter, and after that, endless teasing. I'd save the confession for later.

"Okay, okay," I said, giving up the fight, soothing her by patting her shoulder. She looked up gently at me, giving a slight hint of happiness in the tiny grin.

As I stared back, a black figure caught my attention. Swiveling around to get a better view, I peeked over Ran's head to see the tall, stocky man who had ridden in the roller coaster with us. He surveyed his surroundings, giving off the aura of suspicion and extreme caution. There was a strange bump around his waist, as if there was a small item placed around it.

That's strange, I thought, my detective mind whirring. Where have I seen that shape before? Also, where's that blond man who was with him?

As quickly as my questions took form, my brain returned answers faster than a calculator could solve math problems. That shape! I realized, heart pounding with furious excitement. It- it's a gun! It has to be! Only police are allowed to own guns in Japan though... He can't be a policeman though, the only other choice is a smuggler or Yakuza! I'll need proof in order to catch him though. That man was probably his partner. This is excellent! I'll have both of them behind bars in no time!

The man suddenly slipped away into the shadows behind him, and my instincts urged me to follow. This was a case, and there was no way I could resist the pull of stopping crime. It was what I lived for as a detective- and what I lived for after death.

"Ran, I just remembered something I forgot to do!" I told her as my feet started carrying me in the direction of the mysterious person. "Leave without me- I'll catch up to you soon!"

"Wait, Shinichi!" she protested. "Please don't go!"

If only I listened to her, I might have stayed. If I had seen the expression on her face, fearful and full of worry, I might have stopped. If I just waited a second more, perhaps she could have convinced me to tell the police instead of handling what was to happen by myself. Unfortunately, I didn't do any of the above things, which would ultimately lead to my downfall.

Foolishly, naively, I instead approached death without a fear, not knowing my fate had been sealed the moment I entered that unlit, hidden alley. Silently, I pressed to the wall, carefully making sure I wasn't discovered as I inched farther along, tracking the stocky man until he reached an empty space lined with frail bushes and one lone lamppost, revealing a shorter, mustached man in the darkness.

He was short and fat, eyes covered by dark shades, wearing a high-class designer suit, complete with tie and even including a large briefcase which hung in front of him, grasped by his chubby fingers. Sweat was pouring down his face, body almost shaking as he announced, "I brought the money as you told me to. Now where is the video?"

Smiling, the other man snickered, voice laced with a fox-like quality as he answered, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. The money always comes first. You should know that."

As the other person hesitated, his hand moved ever so slightly to his hip, and the reaction proved my suspicions.

"O-of course sir!" replied the chubby man promptly, nervous and frantic with fear. The scene in front of me reminded me of a cat playing with a mouse, toying around until it decides to give the killing blow. "Here it is!"

When he opened it with a clack of metal, I was immediately astounded by the amount of yen I saw. Stack upon stack of 10,000 yen bills, filling the briefcase entirely. There must be at least 100,000,000 yen in there! I mentally calculated. That makes this blackmail!

I reached for the disposable camera I'd been using all day. 10 photos left, I examined. That's more than enough. Just gotta block the flash and I can pull this off without a hitch...

Barely a second after I snapped the first picture, I heard the crunching of footsteps behind me. Crap, I'd forgotten that his comrade might have been-

"Your detective game is over, meitantei." I caught a glimpse of long blond hair and cold, chilling green eyes as a blur of hard, blunt metal hit me over the head.

"Agh!" I screamed, but the sound was nearly inaudible as I laid still in agony. My skull felt as if it had cracked, pain overshadowing all other worries, warm, sticky blood dripped onto my face, and the salty, unmistakable taste of it entered my mouth.

My instincts screamed for me to flee, but I could not move, immobilized by the shock and sheer pain. I heard laughter from behind me and shoes hitting the ground fast. The man must have run off, and I wished I could follow.

"A-aniki," uttered a gravelly tome, sounding surprised. "What happened?"

"This brat saw everything that just happened. Took a couple of shots too," explained a sinister voice, icy and monotone. A stomp and then the crunch of plastic ensured the camera's destruction.

"Should we kill him?" My heart pounded wildly and adrenaline pulsed through my veins as I processed it. Come on! Move you idiot! Your life's on the line here, Kudo Shinichi! The cocking of a gun reaches my ears, and I prepare for a sickening bang that will signal my end.

"Hold it. You don't have a silencer on you, and those police are still around. This is the perfect opportunity to test out Sherry's new poison."

Sherry? I wondered. Poison? Oh no, that means-

"Since her original test subject disappeared, this detective brat'll be our little guinea pig. That girl said it'll leave no traces of poison on the body; let's put her skills to the test, shall we? Open wide," he said with a malicious, teasing tone, lifting up my head.

Taking out a cylindrical tube filled with water, he pulled a black case from his pocket, opening it to show small red and white pills. It must have been the poison. One was slipped into my mouth, and its foul taste seeped into my tongue, and I immediately felt fire.

I leaned forward a little to try to hack it up, but the water was forced in and my mouth held closed. "Can't let you spit it out." Laughter from above me. "Be a good boy and swallow."

I tried to resist, but he was too strong for me in my weakened state. The poison went down.

He let go, allowing me to fall back onto the ground, body already burning. It was as if somebody had increased the temperature of the earth at least 100 degrees, melting me down piece by piece.

"So long," said the sinister voice, almost teasing. "Meitantei."

The poison seemed to spread, expand, threatening to char me to mere ashes, a wisp of smoke. No, no, no! I thought, mind still reeling. I- I can't die yet! I'm only seventeen! I have dreams, plans, a girl I love- God help me!

Not even heaven has the ability to ward off done evil, apparent as I take my last, shaky breaths, eyes closed, unmoving. The pain alleviated as I drifted into eternal slumber. The darkness claimed me as I floated.

***************************

30 minutes later...

"I found a dead body!" yelled a police officer, motioning to his comrades. Upon closer inspection, he declared, "It's Kudo Shinichi! He's been murdered!"

[Misaki-chan 164]

It's great! Keep up the good work!

[Anti-APTX4869 181]

I.. I can't wait for the next chapter....

[Aeyra 260]

It's great! Keep up the good work!

Thanks! (it's a lot better than it was before restarting completely...)

I.. I can't wait for the next chapter....

It shall come... soon. Maybe tomorrow.

[IdentityUnknown 216]

Read this on FF.net but now you've made it better.

"See you later," said the sinister voice. "Meitantei."

I thought Gin said "Goodbye, Meitantei". Saying "see you later" makes him sound like he expects Shinichi to survive.

[Aeyra 260]

Read this on FF.net but now you've made it better.

I thought Gin said "Goodbye, Meitantei". Saying "see you later" makes him sound like he expects Shinichi to survive.

I meant to type 'So long, Meitantei'... Lemme fix it. Writing stuff at 10 o'clock at night does not help you think better..

[mabel 59]

make more! make more!

Poor Kudo-kun....

[Aeyra 260]

make more! make more!

Poor Kudo-kun....

I have more... I'm going to delay it though because I want to make releases a little more regular...

[mabel 59]

oh.. ok...

[Aeyra 260]

*Since I have nothing else to do, I thought I might as well post some more. I'm halfway through chapter five, so I guess this is okay. Please comment! I'm happy about the nice feedback I've been getting. Thanks!*

Chapter 2

Ran's POV

Shinichi, where did you go? I thought as I sat fidgeting on the couch, feeling the urge to just call him and confirm he was okay. He probably just thought I left without him, and decided to head home by himself. We were on different routes from Tropical Land at least.

Why am I so worried? I fretted silently, as my only company was my drunk father, who, at the moment, was in no condition to listen and even if he did, he wouldn't have cared- instead he'd have probably dismissed it as over worrying, making some lame joke about me getting gray hair or something. After all, Shinichi didn't always come back on time.

But his voice rang in my head, "Leave without me- I'll catch up with you soon!" Such carefree confidence, a smile on his face as he ran off into the shadows. Strange- all I'd seen there was a tall, bulky man dressed in black. Then I remembered the man had ridden the roller coaster with us. Perhaps Shinichi found him a suspicious character as he had so slightly hinted during his deduction.

Could it be that he ran into trouble with that man? My imagination took flight, creating some dozen variations of Shinichi getting seriously injured, Shinichi getting killed; playing the bloody scenes over and over like it was stuck on repeat. Torturing.

I need- I need to check on Shinichi, I thought, fumbling for the telephone. He- He'll answer me, and then we'll just have a big laugh over this whole fiasco. That's it, that's exactly how it'll go.

I tapped the numbers, numbers I'd long since memorized. I held the speaker quietly in my hands, leaning against the cold, hard glass of the windowpanes, staring out into the night.

There's a new moon tonight, I realized offhandedly, frowning as I recalled its supernatural meaning. It signaled death. Shinichi, you better pick up the phone, I'm going to kill you if you don't... I swear to god I'm going to strangle you...

The first ring, a second, followed by the third, all screaming that their master wasn’t home. Come on, Shinichi! How long can you take to pick up a frigging phone? Dammit, just pick it up already! Please! I begged inwardly, my heart knowing that he wouldn't answer me.

It almost skipped a beat when I heard his voice, but I was disappointed when I realized my call had been sent to the answering machine. "This is Kudo Shinichi, famous high school detective, at your service. If you have a case for me, please leave your number-"

"Dammit!" I cursed as I slam the phone down. My father looked up at me in surprise, the telltale crimson blush across his face.

"What's wrong, Ran?" he inquired with a quizzical look.

"I'm going to Shinichi's house," I told him in an angry voice that sounded more like a command than a statement.

As I charged towards the door with fury and fear, the phone rang. Could it be Shinichi? It better be you, Shinichi, I seethed. Otherwise, I'm going to beat your stupid, arrogant, deduction idiot ass to a pulp...

"Hello, this is Inspector Megure." So it wasn't not Shinichi. However, the inspector's gravelly tone seemed to carry a sense of forboding, scaring me and sending cold shivers down my spine.

"T-this is Ran," I answered, my voice meek as I spoke into the phone, hearing it quaver as I shook with a sense of fear I had never felt before. "Did you want to talk to my dad, because, if you did, he's kind of drunk at the moment- I bet you can hear him in the background- I'll remind him to call you back later-"

"Well, I'd have preferred to have him tell you this, but it seems I'll have to deliver the bad news. I want to tell you right now that I myself have only just heard it and am on my way to investigate. Please try your hardest to react as calmly as you can." My breath came to a stop. I felt as if I already knew what he about to say, so sure, so afraid, struggling to keep from fidgeting.

“It’s about Shinichi, isn’t it?” I accused him, no emotion in my voice. There would be only one reason he’d call me at this hour, and

"Kudo-kun, well Kudo-kun..." he hesitated, making my heart flutter in a not-so-romantic way, instead, I could hear the blood pounding, make out each shaky beat as adrenaline raced through my tense body, but I understood my fight was already lost. "He's been found murdered at Tropical Land."

I had already known the answer, but my grip on the phone still went loose, dropping it as the words echoed throughout my thoughts. He's been murdered, called one ghostly whisper, He's dead, cried another. Tears started building up, spilling their heat as they overflowed and ran down my cheeks, like trails of burning fire. But they felt like ice to me, because they announced the cold, chilling truth, uncaring and undeniable.

I wiped away the moisture with my left hand, and my right lay on my mouth, covering it as I whispered, "Shinichi... You stupid baka..."

How could you? I thought, sobs racking through my throat, as I tried bitterly to keep them down. How could you die on me? I thought you cared about me enough to not leave... Why did you... Why did you...?

I refused to think the word, knowing the moment I did would be giving up, accepting the truth. And how could I? I could still see his smiling, cheerful face in front of me, his laughter as the soda spilled over us, leaving a sticky sweetness on our clothes and faces. The feeling of his hand in mine as I prepared for the hurtling drop of the roller coaster, saw his blush as I teased him, visions of Shinichi from just hours ago. Healthy, living, happy. Memories that would live with me forever.

"Ran-kun, Ran-kun." The inspector's voice emanated from the dangling phone, still bouncing up and down from my sudden drop. "Ran-kun, are you still there?"

"I-I'm here, Inspector," I murmured, grief staining my ragged voice as I picked up the handset. "It's just- it's just-"

"I know what you mean, Ran-kun," he replied sympathetically, a lighter hint of that same sorrow in his tone. "I can't believe it either. I'm sorry if this sounds preposterous, but I want you to come to the scene as a witness. You were going out with him today, is that correct?"

"Mm-hmm," I confirmed, coughing and tasting only salty moisture. "B- but I'm not sure if I want to come..."

"It's okay, you don't have to. Since you're a minor, it's perfectly okay for us to exclude you from the investigation-"

"No," I protested, my voice sure and steady. "I need to go. I think I might be able to help. Shinichi was my best friend and I need to see the person who killed him behind bars."

"If it's okay with you I guess... But- can you handle it? You'll have to see- you'll have to see-"

"I've seen corpses when I went to murders with my dad and Shinichi alike, Inspector," I informed him, a strange sense of confidence flooding through me. "I can handle it. I'm sure."

"I'm sending a patrol car to you, expect it in a few minutes." He pauses, filling the silence with awkwardness. It had to be hard how to figure out how to say 'goodbye' when you just delivered a message of death. "Bye, Ran-kun. I- I'm sorry I had to tell you." A clack from the other end signaled the call's end.

"So, what happened?" asked my dad, splayed out in his swivel chair, holding a can of beer. "Something 'bout that detective brat?"

"Shinichi's been murdered, dad," I said with an icy, tear-filled glare. "The police are going to pick me up soon so I can see the crime scene."

"Ran..." he replied, looking flustered underneath the blush. "I- I'm not sure what to say-"

"You don't need to say anything. I'll handle it by myself. So please, just let me figure it out..."

He shut up, allowing me a few moments of soliloquy to think. Shinichi, dead in Tropical Land, having never walked out of the park into safety. Shinichi, who had been laughing with me just hours before. Shinichi... The guy I fell in love with, my first and only love, the Romeo in my own play, starring me as Juliet... Shinichi, gone to me forever.

I cried for the next few minutes, his face, preserved in perfect detail, was fresh in my mind, the azure eyes shining, chocolate bangs falling unevenly, yet perfectly, across his forehead, his cocky grin, his signature know-it-all smile. It was like a photo, realistic, but lacking essence. I needed him to feel comfort, his spirit, his everything...

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and it was opened to reveal Officer Satou, a woman I'd met in Shinichi's investigations. "Ran-chan," she greeted me, giving me a benign, sad, almost tired smile. "Come with me- I'm your ride to Tropical Land."

"Okay," I replied, taking one last look at my dad, who was staring at me almost guiltily, as I exited the room.

Walking slowly down the steps, Satou-keiji made no attempt at conversation, keeping the quiet in place.

As we drove down the road, me riding in shotgun, the only sound was the gentle purr of the engine as we sped towards our destination. Shinichi, are you up in heaven? I wondered vacantly, wishing for a response from the shining stars. There was no answer, leaving me watching the skies for something, just something to distract me from the pain.

"Ran-chan, we're here," Satou-keiji informed me as the car came to a standstill. Hesitating, she continued, "You can still turn back you know. No one will blame you if you do."

"I'm staying. If not for the investigation, for Shinichi's sake. He deserves to have his killers caught. If there's any way I can help, I'll be willing to. There's nothing I won't do."

"I believe you, Ran-chan." Her confidence in me boosted my own, giving me the courage to step out of the car and face my fears. I had to accept this. You are strong enough for this, I tried to convince myself. Do it for Shinichi.

The last part was what fueled my legs and steered me towards the alley which I automatically knew was the scene of the murder, but even that enough wasn't enough to prepare me for what I saw. Had death been so utterly frightening before?

It wasn't that Shinichi looked scary- it was the concept of him lying so still with the dried blood on his face, mouth slightly open as if in a sigh, eyes closed, laying on his chest with his limbs spread out, hands still loosely grasping the crimson-stained grass. He could have been sleeping, his expression so peaceful, his body so relaxed. But the blood, his undeniable stillness, destroyed any chance of that hopeful belief. Shinichi, beyond a doubt, was dead.

From experience, I knew I was supposed to hang back, refrain from approaching him, but my body moved on its own, knees buckling as I reached him. I heard a protest, and then a 'Let it go', but they were distant. I could only hear the painful ringing in my ears, whisper his name over and over as my tears splashed onto my hands and pants, burning them.

I remembered just a day ago how I'd warned him of the danger of his obsession of becoming a detective, and his light-hearted reply. "Once you start, you can't stop! That's the feeling of being a detective!"

Was it worth it, Shinichi? I challenged silently, squeezing my eyes tightly shut. Was dying worth the feeling?

With no answer, I created my resolve. I will be the one to bring down the murderers who killed you. I will become the detective in your place, Shinichi. It all starts tonight.

[mabel 59]

poor poor shinichi...... make more! make more!

[Aeyra 260]

poor poor shinichi...... make more! make more!

Do you really like it this much? It hardly got any reviews on ff.net...

[Anti-APTX4869 181]

This is amazing.

I've always wondered if Ran would become detective...

And here it is!

Detective Ran! I wonder if she is smart enough I know she can do it!

Death of Shinichi is sad... but somehow I have a weird feeling about that.

BTW, isn't Ran's dad a private detective...? O_o Father vs Daughter...

MAKE MORE!!! Your stories are quite addicting.

[Misaki-chan 164]

I love it! I can't wait till the next one!

[kaRAN 10]

OMG the title gave me a heart attack when i saw shinichi was murdered

[mabel 59]

Do you really like it this much? It hardly got any reviews on ff.net...

it such an awesome story!

[Shinichi Kodou 12]

AMAZING although i ADORE Shinichi and never thought of him dead :'( but i loved it the writting style, so detailed and discribtive that u "feel" it

keep it up =]

[Aeyra 260]

*This is currently (I think) the weirdest chapter in my story. It's the only time I truly stray a bit more towards fantasy, and I tried to make it less confusing than it used to be. I don't actually know what limbo is, but I think I used it right. (confused) (I am an atheist) Hope you like it! (I'm working on Chapter 6)*

Chapter 3

Shinichi's POV

The first thing I was aware of was the feeling of wind rushing through my hair, rustling my clothes, making me cool and comfortable. Opening my eyes after what felt like eternal sleep, I noticed my feet weren't on the ground. In fact, none of me was on the ground. I was falling.

I instinctively panicked, flailing wildly before recalling my circumstances. The last thing I remembered was pain- lots of it, like burning at the stake. It was followed by the memory of the poison, and the tall blond man who had hit me down before slipping in the deadly capsule. Wait a second- deadly? Doesn't that mean...

Oh no, I thought, realizing the cold truth. I- I'm dead! Then, where the hell am I? Limbo?

The sky- or at least what looked like the sky- was half dark midnight blue, starting to give way to hues of golden yellow and pink. It reminded me of a sunrise. I'll never be able to see another one, I mused, no emotion in the thought except maybe bitterness. I'll never see the stars, the sky, rain, the ocean ever again. My parents, my friends, Ran- I cringed, her face appearing in front of me, smiling, the violet eyes twinkling with her happiness, pure and untainted. That caramel hair tracing the outline of her face, then cascading past her shoulders like a waterfall. Her smile, a light-hearted grin, meant for me, one that would make me heart flutter and my face flush. Ran, never again. Lost to me forever...

I hit a soft, cushion-like item I presumed was the ground, and immediately examined my surroundings. The pillow-like surface seemed like clouds; cottony white stretching for what must have been thousands upon thousands of miles in all directions. Nothing else in sight.

Looking down at myself, I was wearing a long-sleeved shirt the color of snow, accompanied by very light gray pants I almost mistook for white. The color of an angel's robes, I thought sarcastically, more than slightly annoyed. Please don't tell me I have fake wings and a halo as well.

Checking my back and head, to my relief, I discovered the offending items were not presence. I don't know why, but the very thought of having them, even with nobody to see, is embarrassing. The word 'nobody' reminded me of my loneliness.

I once again scanned the horizons, searching for another sign of life- I mean death, I mean- oh screw it, you know what I mean- and was disappointed. What is this place? I wondered. Why am I here?

As if to answer my questions, the wind began to stir, creating a sound like the scratch of crisp autumn leaves against frozen soil, clouds rising to form a solid mass, still amorphous, and grew darker to the point where they were almost black.

Lightning boomed as a voice rang out, omnipotent as it echoed through my head, completely controlling my attention. “Kudo Shinichi, we have decided to give you another chance on earth. You were not supposed to die today- however, fate sometimes changes itself in ways we cannot forsee. There were things you were meant to do, important things that required you.”

"What are you talking about?" I screamed over the screech of the wind, which was getting more powerful by the second. "What was I meant to do?"

As if ignoring me, the voice continued, tolling out in its thunderous tones. “Even we do not have the power to revive you entirely, but your spirit can be restored. However, it needs a living vessel to contain it, a willing person who is willing to share the space of their heart and mind. There is only one person for the job. This person is none other than Mouri Ran.”

"What?" I exclaimed, confused at the sudden offering of life, and the mention of Ran.

“We will not force you to return, but if you stay here, you will never receive another chance. If you return on the other hand, it'll be without the knowledge you would have been granted had you decided to stay. It will be up to you, through Mouri Ran, to solve the mystery of your murder, and bring down the ones who did it. Once the case has been ended completely, you will promptly leave earth once more, that time for good. Staying here will grant you access to the next world, but will give you no information about it. Will you make a choice?”

"I would like to return," I answered, confident and loudly, yet hardly able to hear my reply over the wind.

“Then may luck be with you, Kudo Shinichi.” With that, I was swept away back into the darkness with the blowing storm.

[Misaki-chan 164]

Nice job Aeyra! XD It's great! Keep up the good work!

[Anti-APTX4869 181]

Woohoo!

That was great!

I wish to read more. Your stories are great.

[Hejle 20]

The last chapter... Awesome... Made me think of Eragon (Another story, forget it)... Really interesting... Keep up the good work...

[kaRAN 10]

the last was superb

[mabel 59]

MAKE MORRREE!!!

[Aeyra 260]

In answer to mabel's request (because I'd honestly forgotten- I've been planning out chapters 48-53) here's the next chapter. It may have weird tenses (again) but I hope it's enjoyable!

Chapter 4

Ran's POV

I awoke curled into a ball under my thick winter blanket, eyes sore, body stiff. My memories of last night were vague- blurred visions of a darkened Tropical Land, a police car, and- and Shinichi's body. I remembered it with a twinge of pain; his face was emotionless, as if he had gone to sleep, head blotted with dried blood, bangs stuck together by the crimson liquid, hands just barely grasping the grass in front of him. His azure eagle eyes, that special intense gaze that could pierce through all lies straight to the core of the truth, closed forever, never to be opened again.

But- couldn't it have all been a dream? A horrible nightmare conjured by my overactive imagination? It had to be a dream, I decided, knowing in my heart I was only fooling myself, but holding on tightly to the last bit of hope I had left to cling to. There's no way Shinichi could be dead, right?

I actually smiled a little at the last thought, feeling more confident in my farfetched wish than before. Shinichi had to be alive- he simply had to be. He'd always been part of my life every day, how could he have simply disappeared? Vanished like evaporating water? Ridiculous.

Happier than before, I got out of my warm bed, and shimmied out of my pajamas. Putting on a red turtleneck and dark blue jeans, I looked into the mirror, posing for fun. I noticed bags around my eyes and the red that indicated poor sleep and crying.

I probably just cried during the nightmare, I thought, desperately fighting against my fear that Shinichi was- that Shinichi was- I refused to say it. Who wouldn't cry if they found their best friend murdered? Even if it was a dream...

Combing out the tangled knots that had formed in my hair, it occurred to me that I hadn't showered the previous night. If I had, I would have conditioned. And I showered every day. Why hadn't I last night?

I was probably too tired after hanging out with Shinichi, I presumed, making up excuses for these obvious signs left and right. That's why, that's why... I chanted mentally. No other explanation...

I opened my door, revealing my dad watching TV, headlines too loud for me to ignore. The scene was familiar, a dark alley outside Tropical Land. There was tape where a body had lain... It's not true! I screamed silently, feeling as if I was being ripped to pieces. Not possible!

"Last night at around 10:30 P.M. the body of high school detective Kudo Shinichi was found here on the grounds of Tropical Land. The police have no leads so far, and anyone with any information are asked to contact the police at..." My ears were ringing, trying to block out the words, that reporter who was saying them so apathetically, so bluntly, showing she obviously didn't care. My best friend was dead, murdered, and I'd never see him again. How could she talk as if it didn't matter?

Letting out a loud sniffle, I went back into my room, hearing the television turning off and my father anxiously following me.

"Ran, are you okay? I know how tough this must be-"

"How could you possibly know?!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, letting out all of my stored anger. "Shinichi is dead and he's never, ever coming back! How could you understand? Tell me dad. Please." My voice ended almost like a plead for help, but all he did was stand there awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head, lost for words.

"Well-um-"

A knock from the door captured our attention, and I looked over to see Satou-keiji leaning against the frame, having entered because the door was left unlocked. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting," she started, trying to judge the situation. "But Inspector Megure would like to see you, Ran-san. It's about the case." She looked uncomfortably to the side and gave a little cough. "But if you don't want to go right now..."

"No, it's fine," I replied, sniffling. "I don't want to stay. It's on the news."

"Ran-chan, it's all you'll be hearing about at our investigation. None of us want you depressed like this. We can always get your testimony as a witness later after you've recovered."

"I might forget important details!" I said, knowing I had to go to Tropical Land. I remembered what I had swore last night. "I will become the detective in your place, Shinichi. My investigation starts tonight." How could I possibly uncover the truth without attending? "Please, Satou-keiji. I want to go."

"Fine. But don't push yourself too far. The grief could have a much longer-term effect if you stress yourself out. Okay?" she informed me.

"That's fine by me," I agreed. I don't think my heart could stand the pain if "I pushed myself too hard".

I followed her down the stairs to the police car, identical to the one I'd rode in last night. Pristine black leather sheets, a gleaming side-view mirror, and an unscratched exterior. "Is this car new?" I asked, looking around to catch what details I hadn't noticed before.

"Barely a week old. I've been out on cases so much with everyone else we needed a new cruiser. Isn't it great? It's top speed goes over 200km/hr, but that's technically illegal. However, I actually had to catch a criminal by driving that fast..."

Satou-keiji kept me entertained with startling robberies and the long hunt afterwards, high-speed chases, keeping me thoroughly distracted from the worse parts of my life. I laughed along with her; forgetting for just a few moments the truth. My now upside-down reality.

At least she knew what to say better than my dad- she didn't say a word about Shinichi once after entering the car. I was sure that as an officer, she's seen deaths more personal to her. That's why she can help.

However, soliloquy can only last so long in the face of despair. We arrived in matter of minutes, and Satou-san led me to where several officers were already present, and they respectfully stepped out of the way as we approached. I cringed as the scene was unveiled, but breathed a sigh of relief as I realized that Shinichi's body- the still, bloody, lifeless corpse- had been removed, leaving white tape and dark champagne splashes on the grass in its stead. Easier on my heavy heart.

The inspector appeared in front of me, giving a rough cough before staring somberly into my eyes. "Ran-kun, before I begin with my questions, is there anything you would like to ask me?"

"Have- have you figured anything out?" I inquired nervously, wondering if this was the right thing to ask. If I'm to take Shinichi's place, I'll need to know what to do. I should know- he and my dad are both- were- (a painful cringe) detectives. I should have learned something.

"We've gotten the autopsy. It's- it's quite strange though. I've never seen anything like it before and-"

"What?" This got my curiosity. The inspector was experienced- he'd been at several murders. What was so different?

"We were unable to find a cause of death," he whispered, voice hollow and disbelieving. "I had them check over and over, but even they had no idea what was wrong. His skull was damaged and bleeding, however the wound was nothing close to fatal. He's just dead. No poison, no anything. Just gone. Gone." His face was pale as a sheet, blanched with shock. He had been pretty close to Shinichi and not only had Shinichi been killed- this was a murder that would make even Holmes himself struggle.

"Is that possible?!" I blurted out, unable to stop myself. "He couldn't have just died!"

"I'm afraid so, Ran-kun," he stated gravely, shifting his hat. "We discovered that his death took place about half an hour before discovery, which puts the crime to about when you two left. Do you recall anything suspicious?"

"Well," I mused, blinking away tears as Shinichi's last smile filled my vision. "Well..."

"Don't push yourself!" he warned, assuaging me with a comforting pat on the shoulder. "This kind of thing is hard to deal with. We need you for this, Ran-kun. And whether you tell us today or tomorrow there isn't much difference- we'll learn eventually."

"O-okay," I sniffled, ashamed at my sobs. Why can't I just keep myself together at these crucial moments? I thought, angry as hell at myself. Dammit. You're the only one that can tell them about Shinichi's last moments and you can't do anything but cry. What a useless excuse for a best friend...

"By the way, Ran-kun," said Megure-keibu, turning me towards the scene again. "I'd like you to meet someone who'll be helping us during the investigation. Hattori-kun! Over here a moment please!"

Through clouded, foggy eyes I saw a tall, caramel-skinned teenager saunter over, a baseball cap flipped backwards on his head, logo hidden from my sight, viridian eyes filled with determination. The light in those eyes- they gave me the same, awestruck sensation as when I'd look at Shinichi during a case. Utter, unconquerable confidence, cold, hard, steel- scary and a daunting combination.

"Hattori-kun, Mouri Ran-kun," he introduced us. I gave the boy a small smile, and he returned a sympathetic grin. "Ran-kun, Hattori Heiji-kun. You may have heard his name before. He's a famous high school detective from Osaka."

"Nice 'ta meet 'cha!" he greeted me, a distinct dialect marring his speech. "I just wish it was unda' different circumstances."

"Same here." I offered him my hand and he shook it, irises conveying apology as I stared at him. "So- how goes your investigation?"

"Not very well," he replied honestly, a disappointed expression on his face. "I've been searchin' the place all mornin' and I can't find a single clue. This mystery is downright bizarre. It's like it's been taken right out of a story of some kind."

"Heiji!" A feminine cry emanated from the sidelines, and I turned to see a teenage girl about my age waving frantically at Hattori-kun, her dark brown hair put up into a ponytail with a yellow bow. "Heiji! They won't let me in!"

Hattori-kun cringed, sighing before pulling up his hat and twirling to face her. "Of course not, ahou! This is a crime scene! Only da’ people investigatin’ can come in!"

The volume surprised me, and I backed away, the noise still ringing in my eardrums. Ahou...

"Baro! Just wait for me, 'kay? I'll be done with this case in no time at all!" A wink from Shinichi, and then he'd finish up the case like lightning, fulfilling his promise.

So many times before. Why couldn't "I'll catch up with you?" be fulfilled too? Why couldn't he keep just that one promise?

Tears, so many tears, dripped from my eyes, welling up and spilling over. My body shook from sobs, and it must have looked quite serious because the girl ran in to give me a handkerchief.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly, holding out the small square cloth with a concerned expression on her face.

"Kazuha!" complained Hattori-kun, green eyes annoyed. "Didn't I tell you to stay out?"

"But- but this girl- um-" she stuttered, her tongue tripping.

"I'm Mouri Ran," I explained, wiping away the moisture.

"Ran-chan was crying! Besides, it's not like I'm goin' ta destroy your precious crime scene!" she protested, rolling her eyes as Hattori-kun countered her.

They continued to bicker for the next few minutes, sharp insults not meant to be taken seriously, eventually straying from her intrusion to ridiculous nonsense. I had stopped crying by then, instead curiously interested in the way they talked to each other, and how, how much it reminded me of-

"Are you two dating?" I blurted out, unable to stop myself. It was rude, but I had to know. Watching them- well, I felt like it was a clip of my previous everyday life, familiar as breathing. I already missed my own arguments with Shinichi.

"Eh?" they replied simultaneously, eyes blank, cheeks champagne-red. Hattori-kun was the first to recover.

"Whaddaya talkin' about?" he exclaimed, frantically waving his arms around in random movements, face redder than a ruby. "How could she be my girlfriend?!"

"We're just childhood friends!" added Kazuha, thoroughly embarrassed. "He's like my lil' brother!"

"I was mistaken then." I felt my smile widen, and then slip away. It was so obvious, the bond they shared, and yet- both denied this one, definite truth. Sad. Feeling a need to advise them, recalling my own lost dreamt romance, realizing how much he would act like Hattori-kun if we had been attacked with the same romance, how obvious our feelings were to friends and strangers alike, I told them, "Just don't wait till it's too late. You can't do anything about it after that. I- I definitely regret it."

They stared uneasily at me, and then each other, sharp green eyes trying to pierce the other, trying to read behind the jade. They said nothing, instead standing still, absolutely silent. I could sense the tension, the hesitant air, the lingering pressure my words had left, hinting for them to share their feelings. Nothing.

"Aww! Come on, Ran! You know he's already like your husband!" commented Sonoko, pushing me forwards. "Both of you confess already!"

Shinichi and I had blushed profusely and looked away from her, ignoring her and continuing our conversation. There had been no way I was going to confess to him two days ago. And now I really wished I did. At least I would have gotten an answer of some sort. Not silence from a cold, frozen corpse.

Shinichi... I think, keeping the sobs from showing. I wish- I wish I told you...

Ran, can you hear me? There was no mistaking that voice, that resonating tone, that arrogance smoothly blended in.

I could almost see his sharp, lightning blue irises, that familiar cocky grin as I turned around and exclaimed, "Shinichi?!"

*LOL I wrote the original of the chapter when I was still a canon geek. I guess I can fake being HeiWa and KaiAo for the time being. ^^ (don't worry, it's not going shounen-ai.)*

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>_<

OMG! Aeyra this is great!! You saved me from boredom!!

I will wait for the next...