Ageha, Sora, Mashiro, and Tsubasa burst through the revolving doors and ran to the front desk. Thankfully, there was no line. Ageha reached the counter first, bringing her hand swiftly onto the desk in one big ding. The loud noise got one of the receptionists' attention, eyes glancing up from the computer screen.
"Hijiri Ageha. Checking in for five… well four now."
During the car ride, the adult called the hotel, explaining Ellee just caught a cold and had to stay home. The person on the other line was kind enough to understand and said she and her friends can still check in without her. Since the fifth guest omission was last-minute, Ageha won't get a refund for that person in her reservation. But, she was told she can pick another person to fill in that empty spot by the end of today.
Fingers clicked meticulously on the keyboard as he searched for her reservation.
"Ah, yes. Hijiri-san. I see one for today at 10 AM under your name." An eyebrow was raised in surprise and unbelief. "I must say, I'm impressed that all of you made it exactly on time."
"For reals?" Ageha said. She turned on her phone, which read 10:00. Her eyes nearly bugged out of her sockets. "Eh?! I don't believe it!"
The adult turned to her friends. "That was a close call. I mean a REALLY close call."
The three teens looked at each other in shocked realization. One second later, and they would've missed their reservation entirely. Mashiro was relieved on the inside that neither of them would have to go home because of the lost-and-found incident.
The hotel receptionist took out a few papers. "If you would be so kind, can I see your id card and printed reservation slip while you sign these documents?"
Ageha nodded, retrieving those items from her purse and handing them over. While she read over the papers, the other Precures sat in some nearby chairs due to Mashiro's sore legs and glanced around. The hotel's inside was enormous, fitting a plethora of furniture and decorations. Looking up, the three teens saw a big, crystal chandelier hanging above their heads. It was shaped like a cloud with multiple, huge raindrops dangling from it, almost as if it was raining inside. The chandelier was so mesmerizing, the three Precure just stood and stared at it for 2 minutes. Gold, yellow, green, and brown colors brightened the inside, illuminating a sophistication fit for royalty. At the same time, it also gives a warm and comfortable feeling that makes them feel home. What really grabbed their attention was the sunflower designs. They were everywhere: the walls, the chairs, the tables, the paintings, the carpet… you name it. Each artwork appeared to be home-made, judging by the unique details far different than the ones in factories. Moving their eyes slowly, the three teens admired the designs, feeling the love and labor poured into them. With these beautiful elements together, they put the "grand" and "sunflower" in this hotel.
Just then, Ageha and the hotel receptionist finished their tasks, exchanging the papers and id card back to their owners.
"Excellent, miss. You're good to go. Here are your key cards." He handed out two blue cards encased by paper envelopes to Ageha. Written inside are room numbers 908 and 909. "And here are your car keys. Someone named Kako requested that they be returned to you. Your vehicle is in the parking lot on the first floor." In the palm of his other hand lay a set of shiny keys, which Ageha accepted too.
"When you decide which person to invite, let one of the hotel receptionists know, so they can stay with you. Understood?" Ageha nodded. "Alright. Thank you for choosing the Grand Sunflower Hotel. We hope you all enjoy your stay." He ended with a smile.
The colorful quartet smiled back and headed toward the elevators. While walking, Ageha turned to Sora with a child-like eagerness and clapped her hands together.
"Now that our rooms are secure… What happened during your train tour?"
As the four rode the elevator, the bluenette told her friends about the different people she saw on the train, how she met and rescued Conan from a falling suitcase, being blamed for attempted theft by the suitcase's owner, and Conan's clever deductions which cleared her name. After Sora finished her story, Mashiro, Tsubasa, and Ageha stared at her, frozen with a mixture of shock, awe, and relief. It wasn't until the elevator's ding did the three unfreeze and exited with Sora to find their rooms.
Ageha put a hand on the bluenette's shoulder. "OMG, Sora! I never imagined something crazy like this would've happened to you. Sorry you were falsely accused. Does your wrist still hurt?"
Sora gave her a reassuring smile. "It's fine Ageha, really. I'm just relieved the misunderstanding was cleared up, thanks to Conan. For a young boy, he sure is intelligent."
"I was thinking the same thing," said Tsubasa. He began twirling his bangs with his left index finger in deep thought. "I've met plenty of young children on Earth and Skyland who don't know a lot, hardly remember what they've learned, or simply not interested in certain things. It's normal, given that their innocence prevents them from understanding the complexities and hardships in everyday life. But after hearing your story and witnessing Conan's mind at work, I'm starting to believe he's… different. Like more-mature-than-he-looks-and-thinks different."
"Maybe he's pretending to be someone else," replied Mashiro. "It's not a surprise since kids like to imitate any person they find interesting. It's basically how they learn and grow."
"Besides," Ageha chirped in. "Look at yourself! You're real smart for someone your age. Why, a year ago, you're already chock full of knowledge about aerodynamics, climate, geography, and weather. Now, you're expanding it to all sorts of topics, ever since you decided to become a sage. That's far more than what any adult can remember. If it's possible for you, then I think Conan's the same."
The wise boy chuckled. "I guess I can't argue with both of you." Still, he can't shake the feeling there's something special about the mini detective.
Finally, the group stopped in front of two oak doors with numbers 908 and 909 engraved in gold. Ageha handed Tsubasa the key to room 908, since it has only one room, and kept the other for the girls. When they're about to enter…
"YOU!?"
The four flinched from the shrill voice that echoed across the hallway. Sora stiffened as she instantly recognized that tone. Could it be? She slowly turned around to face the person.
Standing in the hallway corner was a woman in a white dress, the very one Sora met on the train. Her green eyes narrowed as the fashionable lady strode to where the bluenette was. Face to face, she crossed her arms with fury.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Blue Barbarian." The woman spat in a disdainful tone.
"Blue… Barbarian?" Mashiro looked at the Skylandian, then at the older woman. "Sora, who is she?"
"She's the woman whose suitcase I kicked away from Conan. I didn't get her name, though. She left without telling me. But now that she's here…" Sora faced the woman. "What's your name?"
The lady in the white dress let out a small huff. "Fine. Guess I don't have a choice. I'm Kuse Natsumi."
Sora politely smiled. "I'm Harewataru Sora." She pointed to each of her friends as she introduced them. "These are my friends: Nijigaoka Mashiro, Yuunagi Tsubasa, and Hijiri Ageha. Nice to see you again!"
Natsumi stared at her hand, unimpressed. "A pleasure."
"Excuse me, Kuse-san. Why'd you call Sora a Blue Barbarian?" asked Tsubasa.
"Because SHE recklessly wrecked my suitcase and scattered my dresses!" Natsumi yelled, banging her parasol on the ground like a cane. The loud sound caused the four to flinch. "I'm one of the contestants at the Summer Fashion Contest. It's Beika's most important event of the season. If there's even the smallest tear or stain on my dresses, I'd rather forfeit than humiliate myself and the company I'm representing!"
"You… make it sound intense," Mashiro nervously spoke up.
"Of course it's intense! Each and every fashion event is sacred to models and designers worldwide. It can either make or break their images. And I definitely do NOT want to be broken." Glaring at Sora, Natsumi pointed her closed parasol at her. "You're lucky my dresses are clean enough for me to wear. Otherwise, I would have sued you for personal property damage!"
Sora winced, feeling a small ache in her chest. It pains her to hear Natsumi once again flying angry accusations at her. At least she doesn't see her as a thief anymore. Still…
So arrogant. Can you really forgive her?
The bluenette clutched one hand tightly to her chest. That voice again. Why the same question? Sora already answered it.
Of course. Why are you asking me again?
… You say that now. But it will change… In due time.
Before Sora could inquire more, her mind was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Kuse-san." A serious Ageha stepped forward and placed a protective arm in front of Sora. "I understand your stress over the fashion competition, it doesn't excuse your behavior toward my friend here. A suitcase was about to fall on Conan, so Sora had to do something quick. If it wasn't for her heroic actions, he would have been gravely injured… or worse."
"That's right!" Tsubasa exclaimed. "Sora went out of her way to fold your dresses and return them to the suitcase. They were in her hands! Yet, she chose to give them back to their rightful owner: you! Even though it was an accident, Sora confessed what she did and apologized to you, remember?"
"Besides," Mashiro said. "Why would someone as selfless and honest as Sora commit such a heinous crime? It makes no sense!"
"How naive." Unswayed by their words, Natsumi glowered at each one of them. "No matter how kind people are, there's always a stain of darkness deep, deep in their hearts."
The four Precure were completely stunned by her comment. Never in their life have they heard anything so ominous. It sounded like a warning, screaming something terrible will happen and that they should run away as soon as possible. But from what though?
"Anyway, I must be going," Natsumi said, glancing at her phone. "The contest orientation is starting soon, and I can't afford to be late. It was… interesting to meet you three. But as for you, Blue Barbarian… " An icy stare locked onto Sora's blue eyes. "Look before you leap." She strolled away the elevators, leaving the group of friends to watch her with concern.
Mashiro was the first to turn her attention to the bluenette still clutching her chest. "Sora, are you okay?"
Sora blinked a few times before looking at her worried friends and giving them a small smile. "Y-yeah. I will be. Thank you all for standing up for me."
Tsubasa patted her on the back. "Of course. What are friends for? We never believed you would do anything bad on purpose." The boy sighed in disappointment and shook his head. "Unbelievable. How could Kuse-san blame you without proof and not bother to apologize afterwards? It's illogical."
"Maybe something happened to her." Sora pondered. "When she said those last words, I sensed so much anger and pain in her eyes. Just like Empress Undergu who thought Cure Noble betrayed and killed her father."
300 hundred years ago, Empress Undergu stopped the fight between Cure Noble and her father, officially bringing peace to both kingdoms. However, she soon witnessed Noble striking down Emperor Undergu for the safety of her kingdom, before she was rescued by Skearhead. Horrified by this terrible turn of events, the empress hardened her heart and reignited the battle against Skyland out of revenge. She later realized Skearhead was the actual traitor when he murdered the emperor for abandoning his desire to destroy the Skylandians. He then altered Empress Undergu's memories into believing Cure Noble was responsible for her father's death, so she would blame her.
Sora's words got Mashiro, Ageha, and Tsubasa thinking, too. There's always a reason behind a person's actions. While Natsumi's poor treatment of Sora was wrong, they're also curious about why she acts this way.
Sora's face became determined. "Next time we see Kuse-san, let's talk to her. Try to get to know her better. Even if it doesn't work out, we can always try again." Her friends nodded in agreement.
Ageha pointed two fingers at both doors. "For now, let's check out our rooms. We're on vacation, so let's have some fun!"
With a swipe of a hotel card, the girls and Tsubasa entered their respective rooms. In the girls' room, there were three big white beds side by side against the light blue walls decorated with blue and green birds. There were also little clouds painted on the ceiling, making the sky more realistic. On the tables and nightstands sat small lamps shaped like sunflowers. A large green carpet is spread out on the ground with the appearance and texture of fresh grass in a meadow.
Sora, Mashiro, and Ageha were wowed by the designs but when they peered out the window, they were more astonished. Since the 9th floor is the highest, they had the tallest view of Beika. Looking down, the girls saw how tiny the houses and people were compared to seeing them at ground level. Above, they even saw a helicopter whizzing past the hotel and jet streaking high in the sky.
Suddenly, Mashiro winced as she bent down her legs slightly and rubbed them. Worn from so much running, the pink-haired girl stumbled to the closest bed and collapsed backwards. Once her body touched the mattress, Mashiro's expression instantly became tranquil as she melted into its softness.
"Wow…" She quietly said. "Sora, Ageha, try these beds."
And they did. Like Mashiro, they immediately were absorbed. Sinking deeper into its soft and squishy pillows, the three felt so comfortable, it's almost impossible for them to leave. Before they could fall into a deep sleep, a knock jolted them awake.
Though comfortable in her sleepy haven, Ageha slowly got up and approached the front door. When the adult saw no one, she scratched her head out of confusion until she heard another knock. This time, it came from the door on the side. A curious Sora jumped out of her bed and opened it, revealing Tsubasa at the entrance.
"Hey, everyone! How is your room?"
"Lovely!" exclaimed Mashiro, clasping her hands together and smiling. "Everything is so luxurious, especially the bed. It felt like I was napping on a fluffy cloud."
"I'd say!" commented Sora. "I loved the sky and plant themes together. When I relaxed in bed, it reminded me of the times I laid down in the Skylandian grass plains, watching the clouds roll by."
"Just as I expected of a 5 star hotel!" Ageha grinned from ear to ear. "Ohhhh, can't wait to see the person's face when we invite them as a fifth guest."
Tsubasa put a finger to his chin. "Right. Question is: Who do we pick?"
The Precures debated and discussed with one another. It was tough, though. Mashiro's friends from school have their own summer plans. Yoyo is away on a worldwide tour of the botanical gardens. Beryberie and Captain Shalala, along with other Skylandians, are spending time with the Dragon Tribe to get to know them and their ancestors better. As for their parents, Mashiro's are too far, Ageha's is too busy, and Sora's and Tsubasa's… well they can't call them due to no technology. Portals are out of the question, unless the Skylandians wished to get caught.
30 minutes passed by, and still nothing. With closed eyes and crossed arms, everyone mulled over the next person of choice. A loud rumbling reverbated the whole room, startling the four from their train of thoughts.
Ageha held both hands to her stomach, blushing slightly.
"Heh, heh, heh. Uh… anyone else hungry?"
Tsubasa looked at his watch. "Sure, it's almost noon. We can eat first, then decide later. We'll be sightseeing and shopping the rest of the day, so there's time to think as we go."
His friends hummed in agreement. Making sure they still have their key cards, the group exited their rooms and rode the elevator to the parking lot. After spotting Piyo-chan, the four friends piled into the car, full of eagerness.
The adult was the most excited as she started her car. "Yoshi! Our first car ride in Beika. Let's get excited!!"
"Oi!" The three teenagers shouted.
As Ageha drove, Sora, Mashiro, and Tsubasa glanced out the windows. Everything in Beika is so crowded and busy compared to Sorashido City. Flocks of people and vehicles filled the streets, constantly on the move from one place to another. More buildings passed by as they towered over the car, some so tall they might come crashing down at a slight breeze. While comfortable with Mashiro's quiet and humble hometown, the teens had their spirits lifted by Beika's vibrancy, wanting nothing more than to partake in it. Everyone can't wait for the city's activities and attractions they've planned together.
Ageha's car turned at a curb where they spotted their destination: Ramen Ogura. A long line of customers is parked right outside, eager to taste its food. As the four waited, they read the yellow sign board on the top that said, "So WICKED It's To Die For".
"What a bold slogan," said Ageha, admiring the words. "I can sense the strong enthusiasm from whoever came up with it."
Soon, the vibrant group were escorted to a table by a female employee, Sayo Ohashi, who handed them menus. She has short brown hair covered by a red bandanna, a turquoise shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a white apron around her waist, and grey pants. At her suggestion, the four ordered the most popular dish: the Death Lord Ramen. Smiling at their decision, she gave them glasses full of water and left to have their food ready.
20 minutes later, the Precures were served big bowls of ramen, fascinated at the sky-high piles of bamboo shoots. Before they could eat, Ageha took a few quick pics.
"Itadakimasu." Everyone said and dug in. They slurped the noodles slowly, their faces instantly lit up.
"OISHI!!" Unified shouts of joy rang out. Sora, Mashiro, Ageha, and Tsubasa had plenty of ramen in Sorashido City, but this was nothing they'd eaten.
"These noodles… So chewy and delicious. It's like a bounce house party in my mouth!" Sora exclaimed, bringing chopsticks full of noodles in her mouth with gusto.
Mashiro delicately sipped the broth with her spoon. "This soup has a rich umami flavor. I can taste the kombu and dashi. It has the right balance of saltiness, which I really like."
"And the toppings," Tsubasa said, consuming each one. "Go great with the noodles and soup. Especially the bamboo." He pointed at the shoots. "I believe these are one of the keys that makes the ramen so delectable."
"Put them together, and you get one bowl of scrumdiddlyumptious awesomeness!!" Ageha stacked a spoonful of noodles, soup, and toppings before shoving them in her mouth.
The four delighted in their meal (with Ageha occasionally snapping selfies). Meanwhile, the manager watched them with a huge smile on his face. Sayo came up to him and gave him a thumbs up. The two were proud to see the Precures relishing the hard work poured into their special dish.
After the meal, the Precures walked to a nearby plaza where they spent hours exploring several shopping malls. The first one held souvenirs for the four to choose for their friends and family. For her brother, Sora got a mask designed after Yaiba, a popular TV show hero for little kids. The next one was a shoe store where Ageha, Mashiro, and Sora tried on millions of shoes, much to Tsubasa's boredom. When Sora tried on high heels at her friends' insistence, she immediately disliked them and shook them off, claiming them unfit for running. They visited a jewelry store stock full of fancy gems on top of jewelry in glass cases. While the girls were enamored by their beauty up close, Tsubasa excitedly told them the origins and symbolism of each jewel. This unintentionally got the attention of customers close by, increasing their fascination and desire of jewels to purchase more of them. Finally, the colorful group made their final stop at a clothing store. Since it's for females, Tsubasa decided to wait outside and watch their bags. Though his friends were hesitant, the boy insisted he'll be fine by himself for a while.
As the female trio tried on dresses, the disguised Puni bird used his time to survey the surrounding stores. Some sold environmentally friendly tote bags, a few promoted beauty care products, several displayed video games, and others sold snacks and other food that seemed appealing. A large fountain stood in the middle, shaped into several beautiful swans spraying water spouts from their beaks. Tsubasa was pretty astounded at how a large number of stores can squeeze into a single building and remain successful. Remarkable what humans can do to create a place that pleases people's different preferences.
Suddenly, Tsubasa heard a duet of rolling noises nearby. To his left, two small and round objects swerved at the clothing store's corner. They continued to approach him until their path altered into a small circle, clattering a few times before settling down in front of Tsubasa.
Puzzled, the boy bent down and picked them. One was an aquamarine and rose gold ring twisted into vines with a diamond in the center. The other was a sterling silver ring. Tsubasa instantly recognized them as one of the jewelry pieces from the previous store. What it's doing here, a hundred meters, he hasn't got a clue.
"Oi, boya!"
A loud voice drew Tsubasa's focus to the same corner. There stood a petite, young lady with curly brown hair and a long red dress, waving her arm down at him. Her eyes looked down at Tsubasa's in a mixture of worry and relief. Seeing his attention was caught, she fast-walked toward him, her white heels clicking with each step. She stopped a few inches from the boy, panting and sweating heavily.
"There it is! Oh my gosh, I can't believe they slipped through my fingers."
"Oh, do these belong to you?" Tsubasa said.
"Actually, no. I'm a maid of honor for a special wedding. I was instructed to hold onto the wedding rings until the couple said their vows. It's going to start in two hours, so I really need them back."
He nodded in understanding. "I see. Here you go, then. Please be more careful with them. Jewelry is very precious."
"I will. Thank you, sweet child!" She beamed, as she reached for the rings in his palm.
"HOLD IT!!!!!"
Both people froze on the spot, her fingers mere centimeters from the rings. Heads rotated to see an older man in a tuxedo charging in their direction, like a bull running to the color red on her outfit.
"Stop, boy! Don't give the rings to her. She stole them!"
The disguised Puni Bird gasped and eyed the girl in alarm. He closed his hand, clutched it to his chest, and took 4 rapid steps backward.
"Wh-what?!" The lady sputtered, looking at him in horror. "That's not true! I would never stoop to such a despicable act!" She turned to the teenager with a distressed expression. "Please believe me! That man is trying to take them for himself!!"
"Don't be fooled by her fake act." The man, who arrived next to the woman, shot her a glare. "I'm the best man who's responsible for both rings. The groom actually told ME to hold onto them, not HER." He outstretched his hand to the teenager. "Trust me. If she gets her hands on it, the wedding will be ruined."
"I… I…"
Tsubasa looked back and forth at the two, heart full of uncertainty. Both of them seemed to be telling the truth. Yet, he couldn't tell who's lying. He wished Sora was here… she would know at the punch of her fist. Though packed with knowledge, the Puni Bird isn't used to dealing with complicated situations like this. Plus, it was clouded with fear and anxiety of giving the jewelry to the wrong hands, making it harder to think straight.
Panic began to override his rational mind. Fist clenched tightly around the rings, nails digging deep into his palm. His other hand joined in, squeezing the one with the jewelry at an even tighter grip. Time is running out, and he needs to figure it out, now! He opened his mouth to ask them questions. But nothing came out. Voice stuck in his throat, Tsubasa closed his eyes shut, feeling helpless.
"Pardon me, but what is going on here?"
A foreign accent sliced the thick, tense air like a sharp katana. The young boy's eyes snapped wide open and looked up. Standing protectively in front of Tsubasa was another male teenager older than him. He had short curly brown-blonde hair with a dark blue suit, matching dark blue pants, a white shirt collar, and black dress shoes. To Tsubasa, he appeared to be a more distinguished gentleman than an everyday teenager.
At first, the fancy-dressed adults were visibly surprised at his sudden appearance. The next moment, they exploded into a cacophony, jumbling their words over each other in an attempt to explain themselves.
The Puni Bird flinched and hit his back against a wall. He couldn't understand anything they're saying, which increased his confusion and nervousness. The gentleman teen, who heard the younger one's movements, glanced over his shoulder. His amber brown eyes softened with concern upon sensing Tsubasa's uncomfortableness.
"Alright, alright. Settle down, please." The blonde clapped his hands to get their attention. It worked as the two quieted down.
"I'll hear your stories one at a time. Miss, you can go first."
The maid of honor blushed with a huge smile. "What a gentleman you are! I'm relieved you're willing to hear me out."
The best man rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.
"I'm a maid of honor for Yoshino Hiromi and Tabata Shigeru's wedding. Since they were busy getting ready, the groom requested for me to pick up the wedding rings. So I arrived at the Beauty Within Jewelry store around 3 pm and did so. But shortly after I left, this man came rushing at me, demanding that I give him the rings. It was so out of nowhere! He grabbed the ring box, trying to rip it from my grasp as I held on for dear life. Finally, I managed to wrench it from his hands. Too hard though, 'cause it flew from my hands and crashed onto the ground, which caused the rings to fall out and roll away. I ran after them as fast as my heels could take me and saw them tumbling down the stairs. When I looked down, I saw a boy with orange hair pick them up."
"Preposterous!" The man in a tuxedo exclaimed, horrified at her story. "Shigeru-kun entrusted the wedding rings to me. When I arrived at the store, the box wasn't there. It troubled me deeply, so I asked one of the staff members who explained to me a lady dressed exactly like her…" He pointed at the maid of honor. "Left with it on behalf of the groom. Panicked, I told them to call security and sprinted out to find that woman. Upon seeing her with the box, I marched over and demanded she return it. She refused and was about to run off, so I grasped the box and attempted to wrestle it from her. I tried to follow the runaway rings, but she dumped a bottle of hand sanitizer near my feet. Caused me to slip a lot, giving her a head start."
"I suppose it explains the wet stains on your tuxedo and pants? And the black stains on your pocket square?" The blonde teen commented, studying the older man.
The best man grunted in agreement. "Exactly. Now I'll have to go home and change into nicer clothes." He shot daggers at the maid of honor. "Thanks for the nasty surprise."
Tsubasa's eyes lit up with wonder as he twirled his left hair bangs again.
"It was an accident, really! The hand sanitizer must've fallen out of my purse when I ran, and you stepped and slipped on it unknowingly."
"Are you kidding?! You were firing it like a machine gun! I'd hardly call that an 'accident'!! Admit it, you planned to sabotage the wedding by sneaking off with the rings!"
Tears welled up in the woman's eyes as she frantically shook her head. "How could you accuse me like that?! I'm best friends with Hiromi-chan! I'd never ruin the happiest day of her life!!"
"Yes, you would!" The best man retorted.
"N-no, I wouldn't!" The maid of honor hiccuped back.
"Yes!"
"No!"
"YES!"
"NO!"
As the two argued, the blonde sighed, feeling a headache coming on. This is obviously getting nowhere. In the corner of his eye, he watched the orange-haired boy deeply lost in thought.
"Excuse me, boya," The older teen said, kneeling almost to the smaller teen's height.
Tsubasa blinked in surprise, pausing his hair-twirling. "Huh? Y-yes?"
"You've been quiet for 2 minutes and 34 seconds. What's on your mind?"
"Well… I just remembered something about the wedding rings."
"Oh?" It piqued the blonde's interest. "Mind sharing what that is?"
"But…" Tsubasa hesitated, scratching the back of his head. "I'm not sure if it's relevant."
"Every detail is important, even the smallest one." The blonde gave him a comforting smile. "Whether it helps or not, I'm willing to listen."
Tsubasa's eyes shone with wonder at the older teenager's words. Not only does the blonde dress like a gentleman, he acts like one with true, polite mannerisms. Seeing him lending a listening ear despite being strangers made the younger boy feel safe and comfortable.
Discovering a newfound trust, Tsubasa took a deep breath. "Okay. I'll tell you."
After the Puni Bird told the blonde everything, the latter requested the former to show him the rings. With careful eyes, the gentleman teenager inspected the jewelry, rotating them around at certain angles. When he caught sight of the inside, a confident smirk crossed his face.
"I know the culprit."
"What? Really?" Tsubasa barely held his shock at the blonde's swift declaration.
The older teenager nodded. "Yes. Thanks to you, I've figured out how to expose the lying thief they really are."
He then walked back to the still-bickering adults, along with the orange-haired boy carrying his friends' bags. Clearing his throat, the blonde calmed the two down as they looked straight at him.
"Both of you claimed to retrieve these rings for the wedding," The blonde started, holding the two pieces of jewelry in view. "But there is writing etched inside of each ring, which only the real person knows. So, who can tell me what they say?"
"Love you. Always and forever." "...Love you... Always and forever."
The best man and teenagers shifted their attention to the maid of honor who paused before each saying.
"Wh-what's with the sudden stares?"
The older teenager gave the maid a serious look. "Miss, your stumbling speaks in full volume." He pointed a finger in her direction. "You're the one who attempted to purloin the wedding rings!"
"WHAT?!" The accused woman exclaimed, fear in her voice. "Not you, too! Why would you say that?"
"The timing of your response." He replied, in a matter-of-fact tone. "People who know the answers usually voice them almost at the same time, 20 milliseconds to one second apart. However, you let this man answer first and then repeat the same words. It revealed that you didn't know the rings' messages beforehand and panicked when I mentioned them. So, you waited until you got the exact words and said them out loud to avoid suspicion. Instead, you've implicated yourself."
"But… but… how do the words prove who was trusted with the rings?"
"Earlier, I talked to this boy who had something interesting to say. 15 minutes before you reached the Beauty Within store, he was there and happened to spot a ring box at the counter. When he asked one of the workers about it, she told him three important details. One: it was for a wedding that starts at 5 pm. That lines up perfectly with your 3 pm arrival and the two hours you needed to bring the rings to the couple. Two: The box remained closed since there was a surprise on the rings that the groom wanted to keep secret. He plans to surprise his bride the moment they exchange vows at their wedding. Which brings us to three: Only one individual has the knowledge and permission to collect the box. And that person is the best man."
The woman's eyes widened with panic, taking a quick step back. She was clearly shocked at the brilliance behind his findings and deduction.
Eventually, the maid of honor composed herself, eyeing the sharp teenager with serious concern.
"Young man, you do realize you're pinning me as a criminal based solely on this boy's words? If the box was closed, then he never saw what the rings looked like. It's possible they were for another wedding that coincidentally starts at the same time. There's no proof the rings you're holding are the ones belonging to Hiromi-chan and Shigeru-kun."
Tsubasa winced. Unfortunately, she's correct. He never got a good look at them, not blaming the staff for keeping their promise. He's starting to worry his story isn't helpful after all. Casting a side glance at the blonde, the Puni Bird feared seeing the look of defeat on his face. Instead, there was a serene and focused expression, undeterred by the lady's denial of her guilt. It was as if he expected her to say that. Tsubasa stood dazzled at his determination, pondering over the blond's response.
He finds out soon enough when spotting the older teen face the best man and hearing him say, "Sir, if you would be so kind, would you show me the ring box?"
Without delay, the man in a tuxedo brought out a small green box shaped like a hexagon from his pants pocket. When the blonde beckoned Tsubasa to come closer, he slowly walked toward the two, curious where it's leading to.
"Is this the box you saw in the previous shop?" The older teen asked inquisitively.
Tsubasa analyzed it for several seconds, then confirmed it with a mhm. He gazed at the woman with growing worry, beginning to doubt her credibility. The two older guys too gave her disappointed and intense stares, the best man's even bigger.
Beads of sweat ran from the maid's forehead like a sprinkler. Her hands also started trembling as she froze like a fish surrounded by hungry dolphins.
"… Wait, I remember now! The groom did ask his best man to hold the rings. Shortly after he left, Shigeru-kun felt super anxious about all the horrible things that could happen to the rings. So, he asked me to also go and fetch them, just in case. Once I acquired rings, I searched everywhere for the best man to let him know I had them. Although, he found me first and… things went downhill. No matter how many times I explained myself, he wouldn't listen and yelled at me for being a thief. It was really terrifying, I had no choice but to run."
The lady nervously laughed, twiddling her thumbs together. "I'm awfully sorry. Forgot to tell you in all the confusion. Wedding jitters."
Amber eyes narrowed at her. "I suppose it won't be a problem if we contact the groom."
Color washed from the maid of honor's face at the blonde. "Say what?"
On cue, the best man whipped out his phone, scrolled a few times, and faced its screen to her, the name 'Shigeru' in full view.
"Since this was a misunderstanding, you won't mind him calling Tabata-san, right? If you're telling the truth, he can vouch for you. Therefore, proving your innocence."
At the blonde's nod, the best man proceeded to punch the call button.
"DON'T." The woman snapped in a low, sharp tone. Her head bowed down, causing her hair to cast shadows over her eyes. Whole body trembled furiously as delicate hands gripped tightly on the purse straps.
"Close… so close. All I had to do was say I was the best man's acquaintance. And the rings were mine. But…"
Her face contorted into a whirlwind of rage, lips twisted into a huge snarl and eyes blazing with hatred aimed at the two teenagers.
"You brats ruined everything!!!! If it wasn't your testimony…" The angry woman pointed a threatening finger at Tsubasa, causing him to yelp in terror. "And your deductions…" Same finger traveled to the undisturbed blonde. "I would've easily gotten away with the rings!" She stomped her foot on the ground, hard enough to reverberate through the entire mall. "But nooooo! They were taken from me. Just like Shigeru-kun by my bestie, Hiromi-chan! I was supposed to be his bride, not her! Hiromi-chan knew I loved him, yet she developed feelings when he fell for her. I thought if I snatched the rings first, the wedding would cease, leaving the couple unmarried and the best man left to blame. It'd serve that selfish traitor right."
The older teenager shook his head in disappointment. "No, miss. You're the selfish one. The love of your life chose someone else, it was his choice that must be respected. Moreover, as Yoshino-san's closest friend, you should have supported her affection toward Tabata-san, instead of letting jealousy consume your heart. Now, I'm afraid you'll face the consequences of your actions."
His speech led the maid of honor's fury to deflate. Bowing her head in shame, she stared at the floor with downcast eyes, regretful of her horrible plan. On cue, a security guard arrived at the scene and listened to the blonde and best man giving their statements. While they discussed, Tsubasa goggled at the taller teen. Though he's heard Conan's deduction about Mashiro's whereabouts, this was his first time watching someone actively solving a mystery. A great deal of admiration swelled inside of the Puni Bird for that person, almost as much as his respect for Ageha.
With evidence incriminating the maid of honor, the security guard escorted her to the exit, where the police were waiting.
The blonde finally gave the wedding rings to the man with a tuxedo as he placed them gingerly in the box. He displayed a grateful smile. "I would like to thank you both for exposing her and saving the rings. And sorry for making you uncomfortable previously, boya."
"No problem," said Tsubasa. "I understand, since you were given a big responsibility by the groom."
"It is my pleasure to uncover the truth," replied the older of the two teens. "Lest it be lost forever amongst the countless lies and deceit. I do hope the bride and groom's wedding will be a blessed one."
The best man nodded, giving a polite bow to them. Quickly but slowly, he left to reach the exit, too.
Waving at the person disappearing in the distance, Tsubasa felt sympathy for the former maid of honor. Sure, what she did was wrong, but he can't help but feel sorry she never ended up being with Tabata-san. Hopefully, the lady will change her ways and find love again someday.
"Hey, onii-san?" The orange-haired boy said to the blonde. "Thanks for helping me back there."
"No problem, little boy." The smiling older figure said. "When I saw you frightened, it looked like my assistance was required."
"Yeah, I'd be in deep trouble without you." Tsubasa paused for a few seconds before asking, "You know… the way you talked, you thought, you pieced together bits of information… Are you…" His eyes sparkled like stars. "a detective?"
"Indeed, I am," He broke into a confident grin. "I must introduce myself. My name is…"
A loud gasp cut him off. The male teens turned to the source. Standing 'round the corner was Ageha with arms full of shopping bags. On either side, Mashiro and Sora each held a bag while glancing at the adult with confusion.
Her face grew a slight pale color, looking straight at the blonde boy. Arms dropped to Ageha's sides, making her bags land on the ground.
"R… Ruru?"