Oh hi there! Where have you been? Oh my, what's with that stare! Oh I see! You have wondered where I have been as well! So I've been kind of busy but summers here meaning well time to get going again. So let's finish this story up, shall we? Yes, I do think that's a good idea too! Now on with the show!

By the way I can defiantly say this chapter will either be my death by you fans or my revival—Only you can decide! So, please, enjoy.

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Chapter 18: Their Meeting

Disclaimer: I do not own Detective Conan.

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The elevator was slow to descent but at least Ran knew they were getting closer to their destination at the sound of the soft melody coming from below. Her boyfriend, whom Ran flustered at the thought, was much too busy chattering with Okiya to notice it. Ran resisted the urge to grumble about how idiotic Sherlock Holmes and detective stuff was. Well it wasn't like she thought Holmes was stupid, the truth behind it was that Ran hated Shinichi for bringing him up all the time during important situations.

If only he wasn't a detective but alas he was so she would have to endure it. This was fine because secretly even though she did curse it, Ran found his momentary appearance rather cute. After all without the glasses he was the boy who was her first and only crush. Ran glanced away with a spoiled look. Her cheeks were much too bright for her liking and Ran refused to let Shinichi find out or he'd tease her to death. She would just have to settle down and focus on the music which grew louder and louder by the second. For it was her only company.

The beat was so easy to recognize at least. This music was known as Jazz as far as Ran could remember. Ran had often heard many varieties of it when she went shopping with Sonoko but it was nothing this smooth. Ran shut her eyes allowing the musical instruments to reach her ears so she could identify them one by one. The saxophone was first to identify as it played side by side with the piano. Behind those instruments played the bass gently and steadily while whoever was on the drums tapped against their cymbals softly every now and then.

It made Ran feel so relaxed to the point that she felt her back leaning against the wall as her head rested on the corner near the door. She wanted to know where that music was coming from, it was so alluring. She could fall asleep to it.

"Ran, hey, is everything alright?" Shinichi's voice came in concern as he rested a hand on her shoulder. Ran snapped away from the door blinking away at him with a curious expression. "What's wrong?" He asked once more and she couldn't help but laugh.

"Stu-pid," She replied causing his expression to turn sour as she did before. "I was just listening to the mus—" Ran paused as she held onto Shinichi was a bright redden face. This sort of position was making her heat up all too much. If only the elevator hadn't jerked to a stop. She wouldn't have slammed into Shinichi causing him to fall over with her on top. Shinichi also held a fluster face making this scene ten times worse because he wouldn't even look at her! Or rather he was covering his glasses and face while trying to point out something to her. Ran followed his gaze to see her skirt was lifted up a bit revealing a pink and white bunny panty shot.

"AAH!" Ran screeched as she pulled her skirt down. Her tomato red face grew grander and she sputtered pervert out to Shinichi looking absolutely mortified. The young detective continued to hide his face by turning his body as she began to bop with rolled up fists and a cry of detest for the boy under her.

She would kill him for this!

"Ahem."

They both froze, each sharing their own unique pose. Ran attempting to reach for Shinichi's neck and Shinichi trying to hold her arms back as his grin quickly changing to a lined expression.

Oh that's right they weren't alone! Okiya was in the elevator with them, watching them interact…. Within a second both teens separated from each other in their now child like forms. They wouldn't dare to look at each other especially now with the door to the elevator finally sliding open.

At least it seemed like Ran would get her wish. She could see the band she wanted to encounter in the far corner of the room. It was her, not Shinichi, which was the first to step into what would be the Black Organization's Headquarters.

"This is…" Shinichi began as he glanced around.

"…Amazing." Ran finished even though by now she had known Shinichi had ignored her presence. His attention was already straining back on Okiya questioning their surroundings. After all this looked more like a restaurant then a hideout. It also seemed like the Black Organization had its own little private club and that's probably precisely what it was. There were such a grand number of tables but full services to go along with each. The people here were so well dressed that Ran was thinking this to be some sort of fantasy tale that she never wanted to wake from and this wasn't even the best part! Ran squealed when she saw the bar because of its huge aquarium loaded with tons of colorful fish of all shapes and sizes!

It was so awesome!

Ran turned to grab Shinichi's arm and eagerly show him the band. However as she faced him, her happy expression fell almost immediately. Although his sharp, frustrated gaze was not settled on her, it still made Ran feel uncomfortable. Her lips tugged into a line as she questioned whether or not to approach those balled up shaking fists and hold onto them with a soft smile.

XXX

"What is going on here?" Shinichi whispered harshly toward Okiya. He didn't appreciate being lied to. He didn't like being lead paths that didn't make any sense. He wanted to trust Ran but the more Shinichi chatted with Okiya, the more frustrated he became. Their talk in the elevator proving to be a fine example when Shinichi brought up Holmes to lighten the situation but Okiya turned it against him in a hidden message of what he would do if he lost someone precious. The whole thing was utterly baffling.

If only he had the chance to bring Shiho with him. Then at least she could have hinted if this was merely a ruse trying to separate Shinichi from solving the case that haunted him for years. However now was a different case, he didn't even know where Shiho was at this point. She could be preparing the trade or waiting him to show. Shinichi wanted to leave but there was no way in hell he was going to leave Ran behind especially when Shinichi wasn't even sure who Okiya was referring too. Shiho or Ran. He couldn't let her out if his sight. She was his…

"Shinichi…" Shinichi blinked snapping out of his fit to find his left hand brushing through his hair and a warm tingling feeling spreading through his right. He glanced to that hand to see Ran staring down at it while caressing softly.

He was scaring her again wasn't he?

Shinichi lowered his gaze under his bangs and popped it back up almost immediately to show her a happier expression. His true feelings hidden under the rims, but when Ran didn't smile back, he knew then that she could tell he was lying. Yet than she always played along knowing it was for the best.

"Ran…" He breathed out softly but she ignored turning away from him a smile returning her lips as it was her turn to take lead.

"What's with the rain effect?" Ran suddenly asked while she broke away from Shinichi and far away from that gaze that caused a stabbing feeling deep inside her heart. "I haven't heard people play ambience music along with their songs in awhile."

"Well Mouri-san sometimes were cooped down here until the boss issues us work so it can be very boring. Some members decided this would be our little get-away kind of place to keep us relaxed between working hours." Okiya replied smoothly.

"I wouldn't mind working here." Ran mumbled earning a glare from Shinichi to which she responded with a laugh, "Kidding of course." Okiya smirked.

"I'm sure we wouldn't mind you working alongside us Mouri-san." He told her with that same eerie smirk. "I've never had the pleasure of working with an angel before." Ran scoffed at the title, she had heard it so many times from Vermouth that it was starting to annoy her. Ran wasn't perfect so there was no way she could ever be an angel of any sort.

It was then that she felt Shinichi grab her and drag her gently close behind him as if to protect her from something dangerous. Something Ran didn't understand.

"Don't get used to it." Shinichi replied with his own charismatic grin forming. "This angel is for my eyes only."Ran flushed while scolding Shinichi's words in the back of her brain. What in the world was he getting so touchy about?

"Worried?" Okiya suddenly challenged making Ran's brow raise as she gave Shinichi a questioning look. Did he really think Okiya had a chance versus him?

Ran watched as Shinichi's hand lowered from protecting her and then was back into his jean's pockets.

"Of course not," Shinichi snapped back defensively, "What I'm more curious about is just where this boss of yours is at?"

Ran almost fell back as she felt a trail of sweat roll down her forehead. Why did his lies always sound do cocky? Sometimes she wondered what she saw in him. He really was an idiot!

"You will meet with them soon enough Edogawa-kun because here comes our entry right now." Okiya said silently raising his hand to wave at the sound of clacking heels, "However you two must keep your identities secret. It will be dangerous from here on."

"One moment." Shinichi replied, grabbing Ran's arm and pulling her away from Okiya. Ran gave him a blank look.

"What is it now Shi—C-Conan-kun?" Ran corrected as waitress strolled passed them. Now that Okiya had warned them Ran felt as if everyone in the room was watching them.

"Whatever happens don't leave my side." Ran shook her head.

"Stupid, idiotic, detective freak, how many times are you going to tell me that? I already know this and besides Subaru doesn't seem like a bad person. I-I just think you're over thinking this C-Conan-kun." Ran whispered back and Shinichi's eyes narrowed. "I know Vermouth cares for the both of us a good deal despite what you think. She might threaten you but I saw it in her eyes that she really does want you to succeed."

"I'm not talking about Vermouth Ra—Rain, I'm talking about—"

"I know but if he's working alongside with Vermouth that must mean he's somewhat good—"

"Or a spy."Shinichi finished causing Ran to feel grim.

"I hope not…"She whispered fidgeting her index fingers. "I mean, um, he's into Sherlock Holmes like you so he must be good right?"

"That's what I once thought too…" Ran glanced down. Apparently he had this conversation before and now Ran wasn't sure what to think anymore.

"Shi—"

"My, my, what do we got here?" Shinichi and Ran both looked up to see a teenager looming over them with a small smile. "I didn't realize you were a father Bourbon." The teen said chuckling. Both Shinichi and Ran paled at the sight.

"I'm not," Okiya replied adding his own chuckle, "I'm just babysitting for a family friend Rum." He replied and the teen's smile grew into a cat-like grin as her eyes landed on Ran particularly.

"Well aren't you just the cutest thing? What's her name Bourbon? She reminds me of someone I know." Rum asked as she bent down to Ran's eye-level. Ran continued to pale as the woman closed in on her.

"Edogawa Rain." Okiya said and Rum hummed.

"What a pretty name. Rain, almost like Mouri-san…." Rum said while lifting a hand to pat Ran on the head but froze at Shinichi's sharp command.

"Don't. Touch. Her." Shinichi growled causing Rum to glance his way as she dropped her hand away from the younger girl who continued to look absolutely petrified for some reason.

"And who's this little boy?" Rum questioned giggling, "Her boyfriend?" She asked nailing it right on the mark.

"Ah no." Okiya intervened. "Don't mind him, he's just protective of his little sister."

"I see." Rum replied sounding annoyed as she rose back up on her feet. "Well whatever the case Bourbon you should be careful. Gin came here not too long ago and was quick to leave in such a hurry. I hear the boss finally found out where that brat was hiding."

"I heard…That's why I'm here. The boss summoned me." Okiya said carefully and Rum lifted her right index finger up to her lips.

"Oh." She said while running her index finger across her lips as if she were applying lipstick. "I guess that means you need me to open the back door."

"Please Rum if you can." Rum grinned.

"Of course I can! How silly for you to say such a thing! Oh and Bourbon do me a favor? Just call me Kazumi-san. It just sounds so much more natural like that don't you think?"

"…Sure Kazumi-san…No problem at all." Thus Kazumi smiled in approval and told Subaru to follow behind.

XXX

"It just can't be." Ran whispered shakily behind the group. Her eyes were on the two people walking ahead of them. Her eyes were becoming watery at the sight. "She's so different. There's just no way she could be a part of something like this."

"Ran," Shinichi called in the tiniest voice as he walked side by side with her. "I know this must be hard for you but you have to endure it."

Ran bit the bottom of her lip. This was just like the time she found out her idol was a murderer yet only now it was her teacher instead. The very teacher who taught her all sorts of abilities such as the rounding heel kick and the same teacher who was the former karate club champion – Tsukamoto Kazumi – age 18.

'You're in top shape as always Ran.' Kazumi-senpai once told her while wiping the sweat from her forehead. 'All that studying and exam made my body feel sluggish…Want to spar for a bit?'

'Yeah, my pleasure!'

"It has to be a lie." She darkly whispered. "It just has to. I can't fight against someone like her. She-She's my friend Shinichi…"

"I understand Ran but calm down. I'm sure the truth will be revealed soon enough."

"Yeah I know..." Ran said as she gripped Shinichi's shirt. "It's just… I'm just not sure I'm ready to hear it anymore."

"Everything will work out you'll see. I mean what are you worried about, you have me right?" Ran merely nodded causing Shinichi frowned.

'It will only get harder from here on.' Okiya's voice mocked causing Shinichi to sigh.

XXX

"And here we are." Kazumi or Rum said as she guided them to the door that was guarded by two other larger and bulkier black organization members. "The boss will be waiting inside. Do you want me to watch the children Bourbon?" Okiya shook his head.

"I think the boss will let it go this one time." He replied and Kazumi dropped down on a sofa near the door. She kicked her feet up and place one leg over the other.

"Oh okay," She said, snapping her right hand and one of the two guards assisted her by bringing her a drink from the small refrigerator door in the corner. "If that's what you think is best…"

She doesn't know the truth. Ran thought sadly as she glanced at her friend from behind Shinichi. Does that mean she's not on our side after all? Oh no, how am I supposed to face her now! I don't want to fight my friend!

"Coming Rain-chan?" Subaru asked as he held the door open, and Ran nodded quickly jerking her head away from Kazumi who was still staring at her that shady grin. The door closed behind her, and when they entered, the whole room was dark. Then suddenly the lights came on, causing both Shinichi and Ran to squint their eyes.

At the desk a woman sat, leaning over desk with her hands joined on top of the desk. Ran's mouth practically fell open as she pointed at the woman with an agape expression.

"You're that woman from before from the bank! H-Hiroda Masami-san!" Ran cried out recalling and then quickly shut her hands over her mouth.

"Don't worry." Masami told her smiling, "The room is sound proof. The other organization members won't hear." Ran nodded, but still felt very stupid. However now she felt even more confused. "But I thought we were supposed to meet with Akemi Miyano?"

"She is Miyano, Akemi." Shinichi said coldly causing Ran to shift her gaze on him. He looked just as perplexed as her on the situation. "But that would be impossible because she died right in front of me!" Akemi stared at Shinichi with sad eyes.

"I'm sorry Conan-kun…I thought I was a goner too. I had no idea that the bullet wound I took wasn't what caused me to slip out of conscious."

"What?" Shinichi cried out frustrated. "Your heart stopped beating! You died! This is impossible!"

"So those information files on Vermouth's computer were the truth after all." Ran said as she faced the woman who kind of resembled her. It was then that Shinichi grabbed her shoulders so forcefully that Ran was a bit frightened.

"Ran explain now! What file? Tell me what it said!" Ran gulped and nodded.

"I only read how Irish gave her some type of medicine that day before she went to work. It stopped her heart and she had no idea. It must have been a terrible experience...I'm sorry..." Ran said looking down at the ground but Akemi shook her head, smiling.

"Don't be Mouri-san besides it was probably not as terrible as your heart attack experiences." Akemi said jokingly.

"This isn't funny!" Conan yelled interrupting their laughter. "Your death, it pained all of us, especially Shiho! How can you possibly laugh at a time like this? How could you do this to your own sister? I thought you were trying to get out of the syndicate but instead here you are! Its boss!"

"She wasn't the original boss Shinichi!" Ran cried out, jerking out of his grip. "The original was killed by an organization member named Irish. Isn't that right Subaru-san?" Okiya nodded, and turned his attention on the scowling boy.

"Irish wanted us all to be free of this wrenched place but he was killed out on duty and was unable to proceed on. Akemi wasn't aware of the fact that Irish was planning to stage her death in order to use her against Gin." Ran nodded as she remembered what Vermouth said to her.

"They must have been hiding in the ambulance that came to escort her out. I assume that's when they switched her body with that life-like mannequin."

"Correct." Okiya said, "It was Irish and Marsala who did the task. Marsala still hangs around by the bar if you want to question her about the situation further."

Shinichi shook his head and Okiya nodded in understanding.

"I knew asking for your help would be difficult considering what happened between us…" Akemi said, eyes drifting away sadly.

"Thus you resulted in asking Vermouth to take whatever means necessary to get me here? Even if it meant hurting my loved ones!" Shinichi snapped causing Akemi to blink tears.

"No that's not what happened at all!" Akemi shouted as she rose up from her desk and slammed her hands flat on top of the table. Akemi then fisted her hands and closed her eyes allowing some tears to roll down her cheeks. "I only figured since Mouri-san was known as your childhood friend that she could possibly convince you to come." Akemi lowered her head as a way to apologize. "I never had any intention of harming Mouri-san. All I've ever wanted was just to be reunited with my little sister. Please forgive me Conan-kun! Please!"

"Shinichi…" Ran weakly said besides him and Shinichi sighed.

"I would have helped if you had just simply told me. That's what friends do." Ran smiled, and Akemi raised her own head, eyes brimming over with tears of joy.

"T-Thank you Conan-kun, thank you so much. I knew I was being foolish for not believing in you from the start."

"People make mistakes…It's only human to." Shinichi told her while Ran suddenly pulled Shinichi into a hug, kissing him on the cheek causing the miniature detective to blush.

"R-Ra-Ra-Ran!" Shinichi exclaimed while Akemi chuckled at the two of them. It was such a funny sight that reminded her of a man that she too loved more than anyone else in the world.

"Akai…" Akemi whispered softly earning a glance from Okiya but he said nothing. Akemi smiled on for a bit before allowing her eyes to settle on Okiya. He showed her something hidden in his coat, and her lips lined while the two love birds continued on with their moment.

"Conan-kun, Mouri-san," Akemi called as she slipped back on her smile. "How about I make us some tea before I explain what I had in mind?" She offered pointing over to the machine. Ran brightened at the idea. She was starting to get a bit hungry from the excitement and at least a small glass of tea would keep her at bay for a little longer. Shinichi agreed too after all it did sound like a nice treat and something to let his mind wander for a bit.

"Akemi-san you're such a wonderful person. I can see why Ai-chan admires you so much." Ran told Akemi while awaiting the tea. Akemi scratched her head.

"Ai-chan?" Akemi wondered and Shinichi filled her in causing the elder sister to blush. "Oh! Well I don't know...I feel like I've been a coward lately. I keep thinking when Shiho sees me again she'll surely hate me."

"Wha—! Don't say that!" Ran protested, "While it may take Ai-chan a bit to readjust…I'm sure she could never hate you. Right, Shinichi?" Shinichi nodded.

"Shiho isn't stupid, she'll understand once she sees you. It would be unlike her to do something otherwise." Tears began to roll down the elder sisters cheeks once again.

"Thank goodness," Akemi said holding a hand to her heart, "Oh thank goodness…I love my little sister so much. She is the world to me."

"I know the feeling." Shinichi muttered under his breath as he glanced towards Ran.

It was the sound of a whistling that caused the mood to quickly change. Okiya began to pour the tea into two separate cups once he had turned it off. Akemi took it from Okiya and presented it to the now sitting duo. Ran took it gratefully with a wide smile.

"U-wah, it smells so good!" Ran exclaimed before she sipped it. She let out a delighted hum at the taste and grinned. "It tastes wonderful as well!" Akemi chuckled.

"Ah Mouri-san, you're so cute!" Ran flushed and Akemi continued to giggle. "No wonder Vermouth always speaks so highly of you." Ran lowered the cup onto her lap and shook her head in denial.

"You should see her when she's angry." Shinichi snickered lifting his cup to take a sip. "You're opinion might surely change." Ran turned to shoot Shinichi a glare.

"Geez Shin—"

"Ran!" Shinichi cried out as Ran suddenly gripped at her heart with a painful expression. The cup shook heavily in her lap as Ran let out a startled gasp. "Ran what's wrong? You look pale?" Ran attempted to lift her right hand up to signal that she was okay but then another surge of pain shot through her. Another cry came out from her lips as she gripped her forehead allowing a trail of sweat to roll down her face. "Ran what is it, hey, stay with me! Can you hear me?"

"..D-Dizzy." She mumbled out as the room began to spin. She turned to Shinichi weakly to see multiple Shnichi's spinning around her. "And t-tired."

"Ran—ack!" Shinichi exclaimed as he felt his own chest grip painfully inside him. "Wha-what the hell?" He gritted out as Ran leaned against the back of the chair, eyes drooping shut.

"Shi—Ni—Chi…" Ran slurred as her body finally gave out on her, lulling her into a deep slumber.

"Ran!" Shinichi called as he tried to shake her away with his left hand while his right hand gripped against his chest. He could feel that burning sensation ripping through him again like many times before but he wouldn't let himself fall into the darkness just yet. He turned his blurry mind over to the fuzzy woman that split apart and together in his eyes. "But Why?" He asked the woman who had evaded him once before.

Akemi gave him a small smile.

"Don't worry you'll understand soon enough Conan-kun." Shinichi felt his eyes shut painfully at another ripple of pain running through him. At this rate he would fall prey to the darkness in a matter of seconds.

"You—betrayed—?" The boy croaked out as he rolled off his chair and hit the ground with a thud. Akemi moved over to him and loomed over his fallen form.

"No," She told him in a soft voice as his vision began to deteriorate. "Not in the way you think Conan-kun..."

"I don't understand…"

"You don't have to. Just trust me."

"…Ran." Shinichi grumbled against the carpet floor. Akemi smiled, bending down to the boy to pull his glasses away from his face.

"Don't worry she'll be safe, I promise." Shinichi smiled.

"T-thank y-you..." He said before finally allowing himself to fall into a gentle slumber.

Akemi smiling as she gently reached up and brushed her hand through his hair. "Goodbye Edogawa Conan. I hope someday soon that we'll meet again my little detective friend…Perhaps I'll leave Mouri-san to that." She added, snickering and with that being said Akemi pressed her lips to the young boy's forehead before raising back up to issue her next set of commands to Okiya besides her. The time for action starting now.

XXX

End Chapter 18

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Uh oh, Spaghetti-os! Though I would like to say something before you all set me on fire—there is hidden meaning within Akemi's last words in this chapter! If you can figure it out than yay! However if you're stuck—do not worry for the answers will come next chapter soon enough!

Now for the reviews! Woot!

First, thank you for the newly adds and for the people who add this story to alert, hope you will continue to follow it as I appreciate your company and really do want to make the story complete for you!

Schnulf: (I hope you don't mind that I shortened it!) Thank you very much and I'm glad you like it! I hope you will continue to enjoy it in the future! Thanks for your support!

Jebbifurzz: Wah – you made me blush! Aha-Thank you! I'm glad you feel so strongly about my story because I just love writing lovey dovey scenes! Thank you for gathering the courage to write a review, you've made my day feel so much better upon reading this! Thank you so, so, so, much!

Moonsmile: Not to worry the elevator is non stuck, and it's okay if you're not my 100th reviewer – though it's funny to hear you guys are competing for it. I'm glad you stuck around! P.S hurry up and update your story – k thanks. SMILE!

Angelsgrace: Sorry for the short chapters but I'm sure you can understand. I mean it might be short for a bit more because I need to get my motor running. I know this might be horribly wrong to ask but please be patient with me and thank you!

Sock Monsta: Saved the best for last because you've been my reviewer for the longest time and I pray that you're still around somewhere! I promise to not let you down again! You will see the ending that we both desire!

Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone one last time before I slink off to write the next chapter. So again, thank you and see you soon!

-Tav.