Case Closed Fan Fiction ❯ The Detective Prince ❯ A Day of Fun ( Chapter 32 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

The Detective Prince
Chapter 32
A day of Fun

Everything stiffened, stillness taking over from shock. He slid him up the wall while moving in, keeping his eyes leveled with his the whole time.

"So, it's you"

"And you know why I'm here."

"Listen, I don't know anything."

"Wanna try again?"

"Your choice if you don't want to believe me."

Red Robin pulled back slamming Nightel to the wall once more, letting him fall to the ground. He reached into his jacket, bringing his finger to the trigger with a grin. Nightel slowly pushed up to have the staff spring open, a blade popping from the end right to his neck.

"Don't even try it." Red Robin warned holding the staff tight in hand.

"Think you're faster than a bullet?"

"Don't have to be, just faster than you," Red Robin replied. "And that I most certainly am."

He gave it a seconds thought, pulling the gun from within his jacket tossing it to the ground.

"What is it you want to know?"

"You arranged to meet at the bowling center with a man named Rick, a Black Yang."

"What does that have to do with you?" Nightel asked.

"Someone left a message to the back of the building," Red Robin answered. "I'm quite sure you know what it said, being the fact you're an Outworlder."

Nightel looked to him in shock.

"The tatts along your arm gave it away," Red Robin stated. "So what's the deal in you calling out to a Black Yang, trying to frame him for the murder?"

"Why even ask if you already knew?"

"Mind telling me who killed all those people?" Red Robin asked putting his staff away.

"Don't know," Nightel replied. "That was someone they brought in."

"They?"

"Some group Brutho has on the payroll," Nightel answered. "It's all a little hush hush right now, but I hear they're good at what they do."

"You ever meet with any of these.... people?"

"Yea, just a couple days ago," Nightel stated. "The guy was a little over dressed considering the weather, wore a hat, dressed in all black."

"Was his name Gin?" Red Robin asked cutting him off.

"You know the answer to everything, don't you?"

"Were you planning on meeting with him again?"

"No, but I did hear him talking on the phone about an upcoming hit."

"Can I get the who, when, and where?"

Nightel stood up straight, still recovering from the encounter with the wall. He took a few moments to rehash what he had heard, down to the last detail.

"Next Thursday at the Billian hotel, the target is some high class car dealer from out of state," Nightel said reaching down for the antique cup. "He was talking with a friend of mine named Freil about it, can't remember the name."

"That'll do," Red Robin said. "I can figure that for myself."

"Anything else you want to know?"

Nightel looked to see he was gone, leaving him to the darkness of the room. He sighed, pulling up the chair which had fallen during their meet.

"That about does it, no more night shifts."

The papers lay stacked to his desk, sorting them into place. A knock came to the door just after nine thirty.

"Come on in."

The door slid open, surprised at who'd come to see him.

"Hattori," Juzo questioned. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

"There was a shooting, I just have a few questions."

"You mean the one involving Kaitou Kid?"

"What were you able to gain from the crime scene," Heiji asked. "Is it clear he really killed those people?"

"It looks that way, we found some case shellings which tells us the type of gun used," Juzo informed. "But we're mainly going off of what witnesses have told us."

"Did any of the security camera's catch any of the action."

Juzo shook his head from left to right.

"They must have been disabled before the robbery."

"That figures," Heiji said. "Conan told me about a dead body found in the basement of some house where a murder took place, I was wondering what you thought of it."

"Dead body in a basement," Juzo questioned. "We found stolen goods, but there was no dead body when we checked."

"What about the bloody message written to the wall in the room he was held?" Heiji asked.

"No sign of that either," Juzo replied. "Are you sure you heard him right?"

"No body...no message to the wall, who could have disposed of them," Heiji thought. "Kudo said all the men present had been disarmed and left unconscious, could someone else have been there?"

"Hattori, are you ok?" Juzo asked after not receiving a reply.

"I'm fine, just something coming to mind."

Juzo pushed out the chair, stepping around the desk.

"You're thinking about what you saw yesterday, aren't you?"

He nodded his head, there was no use in denying it. The sights of the deceased still weighing heavily on his mind. Megure gave him a few more moments to think, taking a slight step back.

"We're doing our best to track this killer down," Juzo said. "Did you happen to follow up with Mr. Rick?"

"Our little ally already looked into that." Heiji replied.

"Oh really, what was he able to gather?"

"Minimal information, which of course lead to someone else," Heiji added. "I'm pretty sure this other guy will have some info which could help lead to finding this blade killer."

"I try not to disappoint."

The two of them turned to the sound of the voice, Red Robin dropping in from the window side to the ground.

"What did you find out?" Heiji asked.

"I know when and where there next hit will be."

"Great, we'd love if you'd share," Juzo said. "I'll have my unit ready."

"Sorry Inspector," Red Robin apologized. "But I think It'd be better if handled this one myself."  

"What do you mean," Juzo questioned. "If someone's life is in danger I'm entitled to knowing who."

"Then we take the risk of them finding out you're onto them," Red Robin stated. "Then who do you think will be their target?"

"I really don't like being kept in the dark."

"You won't be for long," Red Robin noted. "This is just something I need to do alone, I'll try to make sure no one gets hurt."

"So what are you doing here anyway," Heiji asked. "I'm certain that wasn't all you came here to say."

"You're correct, I was hoping there'd be an update on the weapon used," Red Robin said looking to Megure. "Have they been able to diagnose the exact blade which was used in the killings of those people?"

"Not yet, but our lab experts are working on it."

"Good, I'll be back to check up on that," Red Robin said heading back toward the window. "Try not to worry."

With that he took off, leaving the two alone to the room like they had previously been.

"So what do you think?" Juzo asked.

"What do I think," Heiji questioned. "I think we just need to give it some time, all it may take is a little extra patience."

Heiji then walked for the door with Juzo heading back to his desk.

"Hattori," Megure called out before taking a seat. "When should I expect to see you again?"

"Good question," Heiji replied. "I guess that'll depend on what's going on back home."

"Very well detective, until next time."

Heiji nodded with the close of the door. He finished sorting the papers to his desk before calling it a night himself in the following hour.

The belt snapped into place, with the shirt sliding down atop his shoulders. Conan grabbed hold of his bag while walking out of his room.

"Now, what to have for breakfast."

He dropped his bag next to the table, making his way to the kitchen. He stood there, thinking up what he should make before going to school. Ran came from within her room that next minute, heading toward the kitchen with the morning paper in hand.

"You look like you're in a good mood," Conan commented while pouring himself a bowl of cereal. "How long have you been up?"

"For about an hour," Ran replied spreading the paper across the table. "What do you think Conan, I found something fun we can do."

He pushed the box to the side, looking down to the bold headline.

"A carnival," Conan said looking to Ran. "That's perfect."

"So do you want to go?"

"Of course," Conan replied. "When is it?"

"It starts at four thirty on Tuesday," Ran read. "And look, it's only five miles from here."

"Cool, I'll see if any of my friends want to come."

"Hope you don't mind if I invite someone."

"Go right on ahead." Conan said with a spin of the spoon.

"I knew I heard voices," Kogoro said coming from his room. "What are you two yapping about now?"

"We're going to a carnival on Tuesday," Ran replied. "Would you like to come?"

"I don't have time for something like that," Kogoro said turning for the kitchen. "All my time must be spent trying to track down and get that serial killer behind bars."

"Do you have any idea who the guy might be?" Ran asked.

"No profile yet, but we're willing to bet it's someone with experience in the use of sword play."

"Has he killed anyone else yet?"

"Not since the bowling center," Kogoro replied. "But you shouldn't be thinking about that, we'll have this wrapped up in no time."

"I hope you're right."

It didn't take him long to finish, waving bye to Ran before heading out the door. It was a cloudy morning, part of the sun being covered in it's path.

"Doesn't look like we'll get any rain," Conan thought looking to the sky. "Maybe not here, but those to the North may get a little."

He could hear screams coming from the school yard as he approached, arriving to find a jump and rope competition being held. Then he saw her, sitting to the bench alone. Conan made his way over, taking a seat next to her.

"Hey Haibara," Conan greeted. "What are you doing over here all by yourself?"

"Waiting for you," Ai replied looking to him. "We need to talk."

"Ok," Conan said with the rub of his head. "What do we need to talk about?"

"About you, and Tim," Ai said looking to the ground. "What is it between the two of you?"

"We're just friends," Conan replied. "There's really nothing for me to explain."

"I for one find it strange that someone his age would want to hang with someone yours," Ai stated. "Unless of course he knows the truth, who you really are."

"Of course not," Conan denied with a laugh. "Why would I tell him?"

"I don't know," Ai said giving it some thought. "Maybe the two of you have an arrangement of some kind."

"She's already piecing it together, now what am I supposed to say?"

Their foot steps could be heard as they pounced over, Ai and Conan joined by the rest of the group.

"Perfect timing."

"What are you guys doing out here," Mitsuhiko questioned. "Class starts in under three minutes."

"It's nice and cool out today," Conan replied. "Beats going to class early any day."

"I guess you make a point." Mitsuhiko said.

"Are any of you going to be busy tommarrow after school?" Conan asked.

"Not me." Ayumi said.

"Nor will I." Genta said.

Mitsuhiko shook his head as well.

"Why did you ask, you have something special planned?" Genta questioned.

"Well Ran and I are going to a carnival and I was wondering if you all wanted to go."

"Is that even a question, of course we will."  Mitsuhiko said.

"What about you Haibara," Conan asked looking back to her. "Will you come as well?"

"You have to come, it won't be as fun without you." Ayumi said trying to convince her.

"Ok, I'll be there," Ai said sliding down from the bench. "But we better get to class before we're late."

"There's no rush,"  Mitsuhiko said looking to his watch. "We now have approximately two minutes until class begins."

"Well lets get going." Conan said jumping down from the bench.

They began class off running, getting right into it. He pulled the notebook from his bag as the lights to the room flashed off.

"A history lesson, just what I need."

Conan reached for his phone just after an hour and forty into class, setting it to vibrate. He slid it in between his notebook while quickly sending a message.

It was mid day, and finding a seat at this time could be challenging. Things were crowded just like any other day. He luckily found a seat to the back corner, setting up shop from there. It wasn't long after that a tray fell to the side of his, being joined by a fellow student.

"You're not slick at all." Ran said taking a seat next to him.

"What are you talking about?" Tim asked with his attention directed downward.

"I see you over there on your phone," Ran pointed out. "You know it will get taken away if they see you right?"

"Why do you think I'm sitting all the way back here," Tim questioned. "Your presence here is only going to attract others."

"What are you trying to say," Ran asked glaring over. "Trying to tell me to get lost?"

"I wasn't going to say that." Tim replied continuing to text.

"Give me that!" Ran snapped reaching out for his phone.

She grabbed a hold of his left hand, turning his wrist to see it was gone.

"Where'd your phone go?" Ran asked noticing it in his right hand.

"Bet you've never seen quickness like that before." Tim jokingly teased.

"Oh I see," Ran said with a striking smile while leaning in. "Now you're calling me slow."

"Uh oh, wrong choice of words on my part."

He breathed out in relief at the sight of Sonoko approaching from the side.

"What are you two doing sitting all the way back here?"

"He was the one sitting this far," Ran replied. "I came over and caught him playing on his phone."

"It was important." Tim stated.

"Oh really," Sonoko said taking a seat across from them. "So who were you chatting with."

"He's a...my business partner."

"Didn't know you had one." Sonoko said.

"They come and go," Tim stated. "You're always working with someone new."

"Sonoko are you doing anything after school tommarrow?" Ran asked changing the subject.

"Disregarding any homework I may have, I should be free."

"Great, then you can come to the carnival with me." Ran said.

"Sounds better than doing nothing at home."

"I was going to invite Tim to," Ran said glimpsing to him with a grunt. "That was until he started acting rude to me."

"Sorry, that wasn't my intent."

"Was that an apology I heard?" Ran asked.

"Don't push it." Tim remarked with a grin.

Ran smiled in return.

"Would you like to come along to?"

"What time is it being held?"

"Four thirty." Ran replied.

He reached into his pocket after feeling his phone vibrate. He pulled it out, beginning to text once more. Ran tapped him to the shoulder in the seconds that followed.

"So Tim, are you going to come?"

"It depends, do you want me to?" Tim asked.

"Of course I do," Ran replied with a laugh. "Why else would I have asked?"

"Just trying to be clear, considering our status just a few moments ago," Tim answered while putting his phone away. "I'll let you know by tommarrow morning."

"I hope you decide to come, I'm pretty sure there will be plenty of fun activities."

"Maybe even a little competition," Tim said digging his spoon into the mashed potatoes with a spin. "I've always loved a little competition."

Ran brought a hand to her mouth, a look of shock in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Tim asked lifting a brow.

She didn't reply, simply pivoting her eyes for him to look. He turned to find the potatoes clamped to Sonoko's chest, slowly drifting down into her shirt.

"In no way did I mean to do that, would you like me to get that for you...or Ran could if." Tim said with a gulp. "I'm so sorry, it just flew off."

Her eyes stare glued to him, the anger all but obvious in her expression. Ran couldn't help but giggle, bringing a smile to Tim which didn't help.

"Now I get an enraged Sonoko, what a day this is turning out to be."

The bell had rung, but it wasn't until after a few seconds that she took note of the half emptied room.

"Aren't you coming," Ayumi asked walking past her desk. "School is over."

Ai pushed down from the chair, walking along side Ayumi as they made their way toward the door.

"See you girls tommarrow." Sumiko waved.

Ayumi waved back before the two turned the corner. They made their way past the front doors to see Genta and Mitsuhiko standing near the sidewalk in wait. Ayumi raced over with Ai strolling close behind.

"What took you so long?" Genta asked.

"I was waiting for Ai."

The three kept to where they stood as she approached.

"Where's Conan?" Ai asked.

"He took off right after class," Mitsuhiko informed. "He said something about meeting with someone."

"Did he say who it was?" Ayumi asked.

"Nope, but he sure was in a rush." Genta said.

She didn't need anything further, it was clear who he'd gone to see in her mind. They began chatting amongst themselves as they walked. Ai took to the back like she had several times before, gripping the straps to her bag in thought. Minutes passed as they continued to walk.

"Are you ok," Mitsuhiko asked noticing her trailing behind. "You're a little quiet back there."

"I'm fine, just thinking."

They went their separate ways after walking a block up, waving to one another in the process. Her eyes lay fixated to the ground while arriving to her street. She looked to see the gate as well as the front door opened.

"Didn't know we were having company."

Ai walked in, closing the gate behind her. It became very apparent as she stepped to the door, the voices coming her way. But who had come to visit? Ai walked in cracking the door shut. She took a few steps in, peaking around the corner to see the three of them standing in conversation.

"What's he doing here?"

"So that's how the two of you met," Dr. Agasa said. "Now that's not something you hear to much."

"It was more embracing than anything," Tim stated. "I felt bad for walking in like that."

"So Conan, did you chase after him once he came out?"

"I had gotten a good look at him so that was enough, besides I was more worried about Ran," Conan replied. "But even if I had chased him down there wouldn't have been much I could have done, I'm not even half his size."

"Well I'm glad you decided to bring him over."

"And it's good to meet you as well Mr. Agasa," Tim commented. "Conan told me about your many experiments, that must keep you busy."

"Oh yes, it's almost a hobby of mine if you want to call it that."

"Keep it up, you might gain a big break some day."

"If he's lucky." Conan stated.

"Don't give him such a hard time Conan," Tim said. "Experimenting with genetics as well as mechanics can be a very difficult task."

"How would you know," Conan questioned. "You've never actually worked in that field of work."

"Add that as another thing you didn't know about me little detective."

"Anything else you want to lay out on the table?" Conan asked with the cross of his arms.

"Going to have to be a little specific," Tim said tapping his wrist. "I have many talents."

Hiroshi smiled, humored by the bickering between the two.

"Conan where's Ai," Hiroshi asked. "Didn't the two of you walk together?"

"Tim was already almost here when school was out," Conan informed. "Didn't want to keep him waiting."

"I'm sure she'll be here any minute now." Hiroshi said looking to his watch.

Tim took to the wall, a smirk forming to his lips.

"She's already here," Tim said looking to the wall. "Just in hiding."

Ai stepped from around the corner, Conan uncrossing his arms as she did.

"How long have you been standing there?" Conan asked.

"Not very long," Tim replied. "I'd say for just under a half minute."

"I'm sorry about that Tim," Hiroshi apologized. "She can be a little shy."

"I'm not shy." Ai said walking over and having a seat to the couch.

The room lay silent for seconds to come. Tim pushed from the wall, grabbing his bag from the ground.

"I better get going," Tim said strapping it into place. "I'll be sure to stop by again some time."

"I'd me more than delighted." Hiroshi said in response.

"I'll go with you," Conan said grabbing his bag as well. "There's something I need to talk to you about."

"Tell Ran I said hello."

"I'll be sure to do that," Conan said as they turned to walk. "See you tommarrow doc."

She watched as they headed out, the door closing behind them. Hiroshi walked over, standing directly behind her.

"What's wrong, do you have a dislike toward Mr. Wayne?" Agasa asked.

"It's not that," Ai replied. "I think there is something about him we don't know, something Shinichi hasn't told us."

"Something he hasn't told us," Hiroshi questioned. "What do you think he's hiding?"

"I don't know."

That was all she could say, the factor of the unknown still weighing high.

A warm wind blew along as they walked, turning up past the first block. A jet flew overhead catching their attention, even if it was only for a few moments.

"How'd I do back there?" Tim asked stashing his hands to his pocket.

"Stellar, I'd give you a nine."

"You think he likes me?"

"I'd say so," Conan replied with a smile. "Is it true what you said back there, about working with genetics and all?"

"That's right," Tim confirmed. "It's one great asset to have."

"Yea, I bet."

They took another turn, met by two trucks racing by.

"Besides meeting with Hiroshi, you said you wanted to talk to me about something."

"It's not really that important, I was just wondering," Conan said looking to him. "Are you going to be busy after school tommarrow."

"What's happening, something important come up?"

"Actually we're planning on going to a carnival," Conan replied. "I was hoping you would come along."

"You're the second person to invite me," Tim said. "Ran asked me at lunch."

"So are you coming?"

"Well since you both asked, I don't see why I can't make room for it." Tim answered.

"On another note, we need to be extremely careful on what we do," Conan stated. "Haibara has become increasingly suspicious of you."

"Yea I noticed," Tim said. "Is she going to the carnival to?"

Conan nodded.

"This might be an opportunity to throw her off."

"How do you plan on doing that?" Conan asked.

"I'm still working up to that," Tim said looking forward. "But you'll know just as soon as I do."

"Great," Conan said taking off. "I'll see you tommarrow then."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

Tim watched as he darted up the block, disappearing around the corner shortly there after. He then turned, heading in the opposite direction to his place. He returned to the apartment to the sound of a beep, alerting him the scan was complete.

"About time," Tim thought tossing the bag to the bed. "Now let's see what we have here."

He sat to the chair, his eyes widening at what the screen read.

"Unknown?"

It took a few seconds for it to sink in, knowing he had much to do ahead of him.

"Whatever was in that box is not registering to the system," Tim said bringing a hand to the mouse. "It must be two separate components mixed together to form something untraceable, the question is what?"

That was a question he wished to answer. The rest of that day up until the night was spent trying to identify the elements which had been stored to the box. He ran smaller tests to see if he could diagnose it as a whole, one piece at a time. The clock rolled past 2:00 A.M. finding himself asleep to the desk from exhaustion.

It rang loudly to his displeasure in the wake of dawn. He rolled to his side with a groan, reaching for his phone. Conan brought it to his eyes to see an incoming call from Mitsuhiko.

"I wonder what he could be calling about."

Conan then looked to the clock, tossing the covers to the side after realizing he had only two minutes until class was to begin. He darted out of bed, quickly dressing before storming out the room. He took to the kitchen, grabbing a snack while racing out the front door.

"So much on my mind last night, can't believe I forgot to set the alarm."

Conan arrived to the school, not surprised to find the halls empty as he rushed through. He came to a stop once reaching the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open. Sumiko immediately looked to him with her hands falling to her waist.

"It's unusual for you to be late," Sumiko said. "Did you remember to get a late slip?"

"Oops, that kinda slipped my mind." Conan replied with a laugh.

"Never mind that, you have some important notes to take," Sumiko informed. "You can go down later, but right now I want you to go to your seat."

Conan did as instructed. She then took to the board to begin the class lesson. Conan reached for pencil, only to realize he didn't have one. He then felt a tap from behind, Ayumi leaning forward in her seat.

"Conan where's your backpack?" Ayumi whispered.

He rolled his eyes, knowing this just wasn't his day.

"I must have forgot it on my rush here." Conan replied.

Ayumi sat back, digging into the depths of her bag.

"Here," Ayumi offered. "You can use one of my pencils for the day."

"Thank you."

She also gave him two sheets of paper, class finally getting underway.

The day continued to progress at a normal rate, everything crammed from all sides. First period had already ended. He found himself sorting the contents to his locker, setting everything aside, ready to take to gym class. He closed the locker with a click, spinning to the side to lock eyes with Ran.

"Hey Tim, how's your day coming along?" Ran greeted.

"Ok I guess, just taking it one step at a time."

"So," Ran began with her best smile. "Are you coming to the carnival?"

"Yea, I'll be there." Tim replied.

"Great, I knew you'd say yes," Ran happily said heading to her next class. "I'll see you after school."

"I guess you will."

This was to be their final stop before heading to their final destination. What was only supposed to be a minute of waiting turned into five. Conan looked to his watch, becoming slightly impatient.

"What do you think's taking him so long," Ayumi asked. "I thought he said he was just going to change his shirt."

"He probably went to go eat something." Mitsuhiko said.

"But there will be plenty to eat at the carnival." Ayumi stated.

The front door flew open the next second with Genta heading out with a new shirt on, just as he had said.

"Took you long enough," Conan said with relief. "Let's hurry back to my place, Haibara is going to meet us there."

"Sorry about that," Genta apologized as they began to walk. "A few books in my room fell over, had to pile them back to the desk."

They kept casual conversation as they made their way, arriving to the Mouri residents in a timely fashion. Ai stood next to Ran whom both waited to the side of the roadway.

"So are we about ready to go?" Mitsuhiko asked.

"Not much longer, Sonoko will be here shortly," Ran informed. "She went home to go change, we'll leave as soon as she arrives."

"What about Tim," Conan asked. "He told me you invited him."

"He's going to meet us up there, I just got off the phone with him," Ran replied. "So don't you worry."

"Awesome," Mitsuhiko said. "Maybe he'll buy us some more ice cream."

They waited for another minute or so, watching as a cab headed their way. It came to a stop once reaching them, the window sliding down to reveal Sonoko in the passenger seat.

"Surprise," Sonoko said. "You should all be able to squeeze to the back."

"Great timing." Ran commented.

"Couldn't agree more." Mitsuhiko said in agreement.

Ran stepped in first with everyone climbing in behind her. They found themselves situated rather quickly, driving off as soon as they did. Conan sat with his head to the seat, looking out the window as they drove. The others kept light conversation the whole way there. It didn't take long for everything to come into view, dancing, the parade, the activities.

"This will be far enough." Sonoko said looking to the driver.

He turned the wheel, edging close to the sidewalk with a stop. They all stepped out, relieved to be from the narrow space from the back of the taxi.

"There's so much going on." Mitsuhiko said looking in all directions.

"Question is, where to start." Genta said with excitement building.

"I want to watch the parade." Ayumi stated.

"You can always catch that on TV later." Genta said.

"Watching something live is a whole nother experience." Ai said adding in her input.

"I think I'll stay out of this one." Conan thought to himself.

Sonoko came to the side of Ran with a slight nudge.

"This whole thing was your idea," Sonoko pointed out. "So what do you think we should do first?"

"I don't know," Ran said giving it some thought. "Maybe we could find something to eat, then decide on what to do afterward."

"That's a great idea!" Genta yelled in full support.

"I guess that's not a bad way to start things off," Sonoko said. "So where to?"

"Anywhere's fine, as long as it's not a long wait." Ran replied.

"I think I know just the place," Sonoko said. "It's only about a block away from here."

She lead them up the street, turning to the left once reaching the end of the block. They soon arrived to a small pizza joint, waiting in a relatively small line.

"It's been a few months since I've had any pizza." Ran said.

"Me to," Conan said. "It's long overdue."

"What kind are you going to get?" Ayumi asked looking to Ai.

"I'm not hungry," Ai replied. "But I could use a little something to drink."

Their turn to order had arrived. Ran looked back to the detective boys, making sure she gathered what they would like to have which took all but a few seconds.

"Ran are you going to get something as well?" Sonoko asked.

"Of course," Ran answered. "I haven't eaten since breakfast."

"Are you ladies ready to order?" The clerk asked.

"Oh yes, we're ready," Sonoko replied. "Had to make sure we had everything lined up."

"It happens all the time, so no worries." He said not bothered at all.

From there they ordered, checking with the others to make sure they ordered the right stuff. She reached down to open her purse, fiddling toward her bills. As she gathered the money someone stepped to the side of her, placing the amount due to the counter.

"No need to lift a finger I'll cover all payments for everyone today."

"Hi Tim." Ayumi spoke more than glad to see him.

"How did you find us?" Conan asked.

"I saw the seven of you walking this way from across the roadway." Tim replied.

"That's so sweet and thoughtful of you," Ran said. "But are you sure about paying for everything?"

"It's a special day, so I'd like to treat you all to a free one."

Sonoko stepped up to him with a huff, crossing her arms in the process.

"You're a little late," Sonoko explained. "I'm already paying for everything."

"I was referring to you as well."

"I don't need your money." Sonoko proudly stated with the shift of her head.

"Is this about yesterday," Tim asked. "Look...I said I was sorry, I even agreed to help you amp up your chemistry grade."

"This has nothing to do with that," Sonoko lied while looking back to him. "All I'm saying is I don't need your money."

"Fine," Tim said finally giving in. "How about we do it this way, I'll pay for all the guys and you do the same for the girls."

"Fine." Sonoko remarked agreeing to terms.

"Does this mean we also get to split into groups?" Conan asked with a smile.

"Most certainly not," Ran answered. "We're staying together, and that's that."

"It was worth a shot," Conan thought. "What we say and do from here is important, don't want to further Haibara's suspicions."

"Here you are," The clerk spoke from behind. "Everything's all a go."

"But I didn't even pay yet." Sonoko said spinning around.

"Sorry, but I already beat you to that." Tim said with a grin.

"And here we go again."

They sat to a table close to the door, taking their time to eat. Ai was the first to finish, being the fact all she had only ordered a drink. She slipped down from the chair, joining Tim who stood right outside the front entrance. He glimpsed back to see Ai take a seat to the bench right behind. She rested her chin to her palm, taking a breath in of the city air. He wanted to say something, but what could he? It was almost like playing a game of chess when it came to her, every move just as important as the last. The parade continued to ravage on, the others coming from the doors a short period later.

"How come you didn't eat anything," Ran asked. "Aren't you hungry?"

"I'll have a little something later," Tim replied. "Let's just try and have a good time."

"Tim seems to be acting a little different," Conan thought to himself. "Maybe this is part of his so called plan."

"So what are we going to do first?" Ayumi asked.

"Maybe we could join in on one of the many activities." Ran suggested.

"I like that idea." Mitsuhiko said.

Through all the drums, violins, and hornets, it managed to strike loud and clear. They all turned, the sound of a terrifying scream coming from just around the corner.

"And here I was hoping for a promising day without any drama," Conan thought. "Guess that was wishful thinking."

To Be Continued








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