Pursuance: Part 1 – A Sailing We Will Go: In which Hattori and family take a vacation.
A Detective Conan/Chounouryoku Tantei Heiji Heiji Fanfic (Psychic Detective Heiji)
By
Deborah J. Brown

Acknowledgements:
All usual disclaimers regarding ownership of Detective Conan and related characters apply. This stuff is copyrighted to Aoyama Gosho.

Much thanks to Icka M. Chif for her beta-read. And apologies for not putting this in last time I posted. *sigh*

(email from Kazuha to Ran)
December 12

My dear Ran,

I think you'll understand what I mean when I say that BOYS ARE A PAIN! Between Shinichi and Heiji I'm not sure which is more pathetic. At least Shinichi has the excuse of not being around for not telling you when something's wrong. Heiji, though - Mr. Bigshot toughguy detective - is always here and he knows he could tell me! But no, he has to go and hide it.

To tell the truth, I don't know why it bothers me so much. I mean, we've been friends since we were practically babies and it isn't like he's ever been much for saying when he's hurt or upset. Still, I can usually find out what's wrong despite his best efforts. Of course, most of his real upsets are his father's fault and it's always obvious when he and Uncle Heizo aren't getting along. This seems like it's deeper, closer to the heart. If I didn't know better I'd think you'd dumped him or something. (No, no, I know you didn't. You convinced me a long while back that you two weren't dating.)

It all started a few months ago. After that time he went up to Tokyo when we went shopping. He got home so incredibly late and he never explained why – to me, his father or his Mom. That last is the really weird part. Heiji might not have told Uncle Heizo, but he doesn't usually keep secrets from his Mom. He hasn't said a word to her and I know she's as – or more – worried about it.

Then there was that trip we took last month. You remember, the haunted house party? There were a few times he acted like he was going to jump right out of his skin. Worse, ever since then he keeps muttering something under his breath when he thinks no one's there to hear him. Something about someone named 'Furanki". Between that and the static shocks I keep getting around him I almost think he's possessed or something.

I suppose I'd worry more if he weren't solving cases. If anything, though, he seems to be more active than ever. It's like he has a sense for where a murder's been committed, and he's driven to solve them. He's always hated murder, but now, it's like there's something personal.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you we aren't going to make that outing next week. Uncle Heizo suddenly decided that he needed a vacation and he invited me to come along with the family. It sounds weird to go on a cruise in the middle of winter, but that's what we're doing. I wonder what he's up to?

Regards,

Kazuha

***

(Email from Heiji to Shinichi, by way of Agasa-Hakase's address)
December 15

Hey Kudo,

What is it about girls that make them think you have to tell 'em every blessed detail of your life? Kazuha's sulking at me because she thinks I've got a problem and won't tell her. Okay, so I do have a problem and I'm not telling her but still I can't possibly tell her I see ghosts. I especially can't tell her why. Not when the explanation would mean telling her about 'them'. Not when she might let something slip that'd put her in danger. I'm still praying they haven't figured out what happened at the lab that day Ai-chan and I visited.

Speaking of which Tell Ai to do some research on grims. That's what I think Franky is. And before you ask, yes, he's still hanging around. (I think it's a he. I haven't bothered to take a close look.) Having a headless dog sitting beside you all the time can be distracting, too. It's hard enough paying attention to the teacher when there's a suicide sitting five feet away from me sobbing his eyes out. I'm going to have to see what I can do for the poor slob. His brains leaking down his face is starting to get distracting. Wonder where he got the gun from anyway? There's no doubt he killed himself – too many witnesses saw him – but maybe if I find out why he'll leave me alone? Sorry. I'm rambling again, aren't I?

Did I tell you Dad's taking us on a vacation? I don't know what's up with him, but I think some letter he got a week back has something to do with it. He, mom, Kazuha and I are going on a cruise ship down to Hawaii. I'll keep in touch, of course. There's supposed to be a computer with satellite internet access in our suite. Sweet, huh?

Oh, and would you pass my thanks on to Agasa-hakase? That watch and sweatband he made for me is a lifesaver. I doubt Kazuha would agree – seems like she's the one who gets the static shock off me most often – but not having to worry about picking up people's thoughts or feelings every time I touch them is a small price to pay for zapping all and sundry wherever I go. Besides, as long as I remember to ground myself, it isn't so bad.

Cheers,

Hattori

***

(Shizuka to Miki)
December 16

My dear old friend,

I apologize for not having gotten back to you sooner. It's been too long since we've seen each other and it seems our reunion will have to wait another month. My husband has decided that we should go on a cruise this next week. It's rather unexpected and I suspect him of being up to something, but well you know my husband.

If nothing else, a cruise might afford me an opportunity to find out just what my foolish boy is up to. I told you, I think, that he's been behaving a bit oddly lately. In fact, I was really hoping to consult with you about him. You are, after all, considered a guiding light in your field. No, I don't expect a free consultation, Miki. I know what your time is worth. In any case, the matter is a moot point, since I won't be able to meet you as we'd planned.

I really am rather worried about the boy. It's obvious something troubles him and if there is anything I can do to help, I want to.

Sincerely,

Shizuka

PS. I just had a thought. Would you like to go on a cruise? All expenses paid, of course.

***

(email from Kazuha to Ran)
December 18

Dear Ran,

Well, we got off to a flying start today. What with Heiji and his father arguing throughout packing, I thought I was going to have to throw a fit in the middle of the living room to make them get moving. We did it, though and we're on the cruise ship. I'm typing this email using the computer in our state room! I'm going to be so spoiled when we get back – this thing is so quick. It uses a satellite connection too!

Did I tell you last time that this is a mystery cruise? That's right. We're going to spend the next fourteen days in the middle of a murder mystery game. You should have seen Heiji's face when he found out. He's really looking forward to it, even if it isn't real. Honestly, he's like a child at Christmas when there's a mystery to solve. (Heh, I just realized, it nearly is Christmas, isn't it?) Not even his dad reminding him that these mystery games seldom make sense was enough to daunt him. I bet he solves the case before it gets halfway through. Given, of course, that a real one doesn't turn up – the way they always seem to around him. I think that boy's cursed, and I can't make an omamori powerful enough to keep murders away when he actively seeks the things out. But that's beside the point, isn't it?

Anyway, you should see our rooms. A single lounge between two bedrooms. Heiji and his dad are staying in the one room, his mom and I in the other. The bedrooms are huge, too. Almost as big as the room we stayed in at Nor'hanger Abbey. Not as nicely decorated though. I suppose there's no way you could keep a cruise-ship room that nice, even on a ship this big, so I'm not complaining.

Anyway, Heiji wants to use the computer now, so I'll get off and get back with you later. Don't worry, I'll tell him to say hi to Shinichi for you.

Regards,

Kazuha.

***

(email from Heiji to Shinichi)
December 18,

*grumble*

It's a good thing Agasa-hakase gave me that security program. Otherwise I wouldn't dare write to you using some strange computer. Stupid thing took a half-hour to load on this piece of junk, though. Fortunately, Kazuha's gone off with mom and dad, or I'd have to worry about her looking over my shoulder while I type. Not to mention my oh so curious lady Mother. She keeps looking at me strangely, Kudo. I know she's suspicious. It just ain't easy hiding my 'condition' from her.

Is it whining to say I really want to tell her? I don't like having to keep secrets, but what would she do if she found out that I can see dead people? And not just the damned bodies that follow you and me around like – well like a certain headless dog of my acquaintance. He's sitting beside me, by the way, and his head would be sticking out of the window if he had one. I wonder if I could convince him – or my subconscious, as Ai keeps insisting – that it's perfectly all right for him to have a head?

Oh, by the way, Kudo, guess what kind of cruise this is? A mystery cruise. One of those trips where actors perform a mystery right around you. You even get a crack at solving it yourself. Dad, of course, had to be a wet blanket about it and remind me about how badly written the things usually are, but it'll be fun, I think, to puzzle out something where nobody really dies. I

***

HEIJI:
"Heiji. Please leave that silly game and come out. Your father and Kazuha are waiting."

I forced myself not to jerk sharply as I moved my finger from the hotkey that had covered the email screen with a more innocent game of solitaire. Part of Professor Agasa's program, a quick and easy way to conceal what I'd been up to. Good thing I'd kept an ear out for someone opening the door to our suite. Otherwise mom would have been on me far too quick for my comfort. "Hi mom," I sighed. "I thought supper wasn't for another hour."

"That's true. However, your father desires that you accompany us, rather than bury yourself in a computer for the duration of the trip." Mom floated in, walking with her usual grace, her expression revealing nothing. If I didn't know her so well, I would have thought she was talking to a casual acquaintance, rather than a son that she was worried over – and I knew from the way she was watching me that she was worried.

Damnit. It's easier for Kudo. His parents know and understand about his problem. How in the ninth hell can I explain what happened to me without sounding like I've gone stark raving mad? I sighed. "Okay, okay, Mom. I'll be there in a moment. " I hit another set of hot keys. Ones that would save my email to Kudo for later as they closed the game.

"Very good," Mom turned and headed for the door again, standing beside it and waiting for me. "You really should spend more time with the rest of us, child. Especially Kazuha, who has been quite patient with your sulks lately. Besides, I am of the understanding that the drama that we are to observe will be beginning soon."

I muttered something under my breath about Kazuha and my sulks, but was careful not to say it so loudly as to force Mom to take notice. Instead I went to the door and opened it, knowing that was what she was waiting for. Behind me, Franky jumped down from his post at the window and followed.

***

KAZUHA:
The last dregs of sunlight flowed across the ocean, painting the sky a rosy pink and gleaming upon the waves. I sighed, watching the play of light and shadow. It was so very beautiful.

"I want to apologize, Kazuha-chan."

Looking up, I smiled at Uncle Heizo. "Sir?"

"My fool of a son. He doesn't treat you at all well, does he?" Heiji's father was staring off into the sunset, a grim expression on his face. I wondered if he ever smiled. Not that one could tell under that mustache of his. "His mother spoils him."

I looked away, not sure exactly how to react. I sometimes wondered if Uncle Heizo knew his son at all. Heiji might be brash, arrogant and cocky, but he wasn't spoiled. "I don't feel mistreated, sir," I told him, pretty much truthfully.

"I've heard the way he talks to you, child. It's unforgivable for a boy his age to speak so rudely to a young lady." Uncle Heizo shook his head. "I really don't know why you put up with it. Especially lately."

For a long moment I went silent. There were a lot of things Uncle Heizo didn't understand. For that matter, there were a lot of things I didn't understand. Heiji's current behavior was part of the latter, but the former "Sir, Heiji and I We get along the way we do for a reason. I don't mind how he talks to me." Besides, I give as good as I get, I thought to myself, and wondered if that bothered Uncle Heizo as much or more than the fact that his son treated me more like one of his male buddies than a girl.

The frown deepened and I wished I had the courage to say other things to Uncle Heizo. To say why he and his son didn't get along. Heiji's parents were old-school all the way and if – at the depths of her personality – Heiji's Mom wasn't as tough and self-assured in her own hidden ways as his father, he probably would have grown up just the same. Heiji hated that his mother needed to hide her strength, hated that his father let her do so. That was, I suspected, one of the biggest reasons we treated each other the way we did. I sighed and looked back along the ship. Heiji might respect me the better for being strong enough to speak my mind to him, but there was no way I could right now. Not to Uncle Heizo.

Watching the deck I saw that Heiji and his mother were coming our way, relieving me of the need to work out an answer to Uncle Heizo's unspoken questions.

***

HEIJI:

Something was wrong with Kazuha. I could see that in the way she was standing. "Damn it, has Dad been upsettin' her?"

"Your father is concerned about the two of you," Mom sighed. "You do treat her somewhat rudely, child." She looked at me and a faint smile crossed her face. For a moment I thought she was going reach out and straighten my hair the way she used to when I was a kid. Then she turned away, "Though I will grant that she returns the favor."

"I like her the way she is," I grumbled under my breath, side stepping a ghost that was leaning against the railing. He was dripping with water and blood and I felt a certain sympathy for the poor wretch. I'd gone overboard from a ship once, some time ago. There, but for the grace of god - or at least Kazuha's protective talisman – I might have been. At least I avoided the propellers, I thought, avoiding looking at the unpleasant gashes. What a mess.

Mom sighed, "Look out for the table, child," she murmured, and I realized that in avoiding the ghost I'd nearly walked into something a lot more solid. "You're so distractible these days."

Shrugging, I returned to Mom's side. "I thought I saw something jump out of the water," I told her. "A dolphin, maybe?" She gave me a considering look and I added, "Or maybe just a big fish. I don't know."

My explanation sounded lame, even to me, and I went as silent as Mom. She was, I suspected, giving my excuse as much credence as it deserved. Still, at least she didn't call me on it, even if she did know I was pulling at straws.

As we approached Kazuha and my father, Mom raised her voice enough to say, "Kazuha-chan, you should put on your sweater. The wind is picking up."

"Yes, Aunt," Kazuha sighed, pulling on the cardigan she'd slung around her waist. "Hey, Heiji, did you remember to send a 'Hi' to Shinichi?" At my glare of irritation she grinned. "Didn't think so."

"Idiot," I growled. "I was not sending email to Kudo!" Which, strictly speaking was sort of true. After all, Mom interrupted me before I could get the thing sent. "Besides, even if I am, it's not my job to pass messages."

A growl reminded me that my Father was none too pleased with the way I treated Kazuha. "Speak more politely to young ladies, boy!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," I muttered. "Sorry, Kazuha." I noted a significant look pass between my parents and wondered what they were thinking. Sticking my hands in my pockets I cocked my head at the Old Man. "Mom says the show's goin' t'start soon. We goin' in?"

***

KAZUHA:
The dining hall was much bigger than I'd expected and I couldn't help but stare around delightedly, much to Heiji's obvious irritation. "Will ya stop gawking, Kazuha?" he muttered to me, making sure his parents were far enough ahead of us to not hear him. "Yer acting like a country bumpkin."

I mock-grimaced at him. "Heiji, you have absolutely no sense of wonder." This was one of our favorite arguments and after the unnerving ease with which he'd apologized to me earlier I wanted to feel like things were back to normal.

"Nope. None. Not a smidge." He grinned at me and I could see that he was feeling much the same, "I'm a detective. It's our job to ignore a sense of wonder for the facts."

There was a chuckle behind us and Heiji turned and stepped sideways to permit those behind us through. The lady was an older woman in a dark Chinese dress and her escort, a tall, well dressed man with very carefully coiffured hair. He was handsome, though a bit too self-composed for my tastes. He looked too young for the lady, though, who was surely closer to Aunt Shizuka's age, if not older. He had to be at least twenty-five years her junior.

"Superintendent Shiratori," Heiji gave the man a little bow, startling me. The man didn't look like a policeman – more like a model for some fancy men's magazine. "It's been a bit."

"Hattori-kun." Even his voice was more polished, more debonair than I expected from a policeman. Maybe it was my father's influence, but I didn't feel comfortable around someone who was obviously more interested in gaining position in the Force than in doing his job. "Yes, it has, I trust your indisposition that night was short-lived?"

Heiji had that look again, the one that said he'd swallowed a sour lemon. "Uh, yeah. It was just a cold. And it was late." He coughed hurriedly, as if he wanted to change the subject and turned to me. "Kazuha, this is Superintendent Shiratori, from the Tokyo Branch. Superintendent, Toyama Kazuha."

"Ohhh. Toyama Your father was with the Force? Chief Inspector Hattori's assistant? I recall working with him some years back."

I felt stiff and uncomfortable. "Yes, he was. He's retired, though." So he can't help you get further up in the ranks, sir.

Rather to my surprise, he nodded, smiling. "So I'd heard. He runs a very successful agency too. I'm not at all surprised."

A small cough reminded us of the lady and the Superintendent's expression turned embarrassed. "I'm sorry, my manners are atrocious. Hattori-kun, Kazuha-kun, this is my Mother"

"Shiratori Amiko!" Aunt Shizuka called, hurrying over to us.

***

HEIJI:
Mom took Shiratori-san's hand with a smile that – for her – was broad and happy. I suspected most people would have thought they'd just met. "It's good to see you again! Such a surprise And this is Nozi-chan? I haven't seen him in years!"

I thought Shiratori was going to faint. He certainly didn't look well. Not that I blamed him. Being reminded of what had to be a baby name by one of his Mom's friends couldn't have felt very good. He forced himself back to some semblance of composure, though and bowed. "Er I don't think I"

"You were only a baby when Shizuka-san was my student, Ninzaburo. Of course you don't remember," Mrs. Shiratori took Mom's hands and smiled at her. "We've not been able to meet for so long. Hei-chan was just about four when I went to Europe. I'm glad to see you again."

Now it was my turn to feel faint. Hei-chan? Damn it, I'm 17. I am not a Hei-chan anymore. I gave Kazuha a glare, warning her that she'd better not even think of calling me that later. Her grin just turned my expression even more sour. Turning to Mom, I gestured towards the table where Dad was looking impatiently at us. "Mom Dad's waiting," I murmured in her ear.

"Oh dear. My manners Please forgive me. Would you and your son be willing to join us?"

"Of course we would," Shiratori-san nodded, not even glancing at her son to check his opinion on the matter. From his expression, I suspected he was torn. On one hand, it certainly wouldn't hurt his career to pass a friendly evening with Osaka's Chief Inspector. On the other – the risk that his mother would say or do something embarrassing must have seemed pretty high. I know I wouldn't have wanted to chance it.

"There's not enough seats, Mom," I pointed out, "Why don't Kazuha, Superintendent Shiratori and I sit at the next table?"

"That sounds like an excellent idea to me, Mother," Shiratori noted, giving me a wry look. "I hesitate to call it the children's table, but"

"But there's no reason why we should inflict our conversations about the past on you," Mrs. Shiratori said. "I quite understand. But behave, Ninzaburo. No encouraging them to get into trouble."

The Superintendent had the grace not to wince too obviously.

***

KAZUHA:
"It's rather embarrassing, actually," Superintendent Shiratori said, smiling at the two of us over the menu. "Mother absolutely insisted on coming on this trip and wouldn't let me say no to coming along. Still, I have to admit to being intrigued by the premise. At least it's a distraction" The last was more muttered than stated outright and I had a feeling he really hadn't meant to say anything. Heiji raised a brow but with more tact than I usually give him credit for, didn't pry, turning to other subjects.

I watched the Superintendent and Heiji talk with mild amusement. The conversation had begun awkwardly, of course. Shiratori-san wasn't used to dealing with teenagers much, it seemed and I think I must have been making him nervous. It didn't help that I'd not taken to him at first. He was beginning to grow on me, though, in an oddly likeable way. As long as I ignored the almost too-suave style I thought I could deal with him easier. Besides, anyone who takes being called Nozi-chan by a complete stranger without losing his temper has got to have something going for him.

"Mothers can be that way," Heiji agreed, glancing over towards the 'adult' table with a grin. "I" He was about to say more when the sound of an argument interrupted him.

"Look you stupid little fool, I am not going to discuss the matter further! I'm telling you again, I am taking up your behavior with your superiors as soon as we get back to port!" The speaker was an older man, dressed in an expensive outfit that still managed to look wrong on him. Maybe it was the shade of purple. He had a sour face with white streaked black hair and narrow black eyes. "If you don't leave me alone right now I'll ask the Captain to put you into the brig!"

"Sir" The person the man was speaking to was wearing the pale green skirt and jacket of the ship's crew, though it didn't quite fit her apparently heavy-set frame. There was padding in her suit that made her look larger than she really was. Her hair was dyed a reddish brown and her rounded face wore a deeply worried expression. "Please, it isn't what you think it is I found"

"Be quiet and go away now!" the old man growled angrily.

Forced by the combination of the attention she'd drawn on herself and by the old man's insistence, the young woman hurried away.

"Hmph," the man said once she was gone, speaking to one of his companions, a plump man about his age with perfectly white hair and a cheerfully friendly expression. His outfit was unfortunate, being a crumpled suit in a strange shade of yellow. "These characters. They have absolutely no concept of place, do they?" His voice seemed too loud for the room, and something about the way it carried made me realize this was part of the show. It certainly had everybody's attention.

"What was it she wanted, Professor Ikura?" another of the people at the table asked. This one was a woman, elegantly dressed in a long red gown with an ivory cigarette holder held in one gloved hand. Oh, this is definitely the show, I realized. Surely no one really dresses that way?

"I discovered her in my cabin earlier today," the old man said grimly. "Poking through my briefcase. The little wretch tried to claim she found it in one of the public bathrooms and knew it was mine by the card case inside."

The fourth person – an elderly woman with a sharply sour face and enough diamonds on her teal outfit to decorate a chandelier – smiled. "You mean you didn't have it put away in the safe in your room the way you'd said you would?"

The old man looked ready to snap, but his companion put a hand on his arm. "Now, now let's not make a scene, Ikura. Was everything where it was supposed to be?"

"Of course it was, Kiro!" Ikura answered. "You know I" Again he paused, glancing at the two women suspiciously. "Never mind what I did with it," he continued. "You'll find out the contents in my own good time."

After another 15 minutes of conversation, filled with vague hints and allusions to some wonderful device that the old man had designed, things quieted down and the scene ended with the group all leaving the dining room in different directions. Deciding the show was over, I turned to Heiji and Shiratori-san, wondering what they would make of the plot so far. Except Heiji was gone and Shiratori-san was staring off towards the exit with a puzzled expression on his face. "What happened to Heiji?"

"I'm not sure," Shiratori-san murmured, blinking. "He turned pale and ran for the door. Is he subject to sea-sickness?"

"No," I answered, getting up. "Shiratori-san, if you'll excuse me I think something must be wrong."

(to be continued)

Author's Notes:

Well, it took over a year to get done, mainly because there are a fair number of other demands on my time; family, hobby, artistic and literary. (Yes, I'll be working more on Amusing Interlude soon. Really.) That and I hit a point in the mystery that needed a lot of ironing out before I could go on with things.

The main story is pretty well done, so I'll be posting this fairly regularly, once a day or so.

This fic jumps between Heiji and Kazuha a lot. Apologies to those who have problems with that sort of POV shift but that's part of how I write.