Soon, everyone was gathered in one spot. Sora, Mashiro, and Ageha stare at Kogoro with confusion, wondering why he's sleeping on a hot day.
Isamu tapped his foot impatiently, growing annoyed.
"Officers, we've been here for hours. Can I have my keys back?" The man with a ponytail thrusted an open palm to the two officers.
"Not yet, Aranami-san." Chiba said. "We're still going over the possibility of attempted murder. Based on what Conan-kun said…"
Isamu shot the officers a glare so hot, they would've burned to cinders.
"That pipsqueak? He ain't a real detective! Why are you taking his word for it?!" His voice grew very furious, shouting at the end. He threw his hands up in the air, frustrated at their backtracked theory. "He's wrong! You're right! You have all the evidence! The locked car, the sleeping medication, the keys inside my car… What more do you need?!"
"Sou, sou!" Yuriko cried. "We can't stay any longer. Look, the sun's setting!"
True enough, the sun has dipped below the horizon. Its warm, orange glow spread across the sky and reflected off the ocean's surface.
Her eyes glistened as another wave of tears threatened to crash. "C-Chiasa-chan…" Her voice cracked. "We have to know if she's alive. Please let us go!!"
Yuriko's body trembled badly, so Yuji began stroking her back gently for silent comfort.
"As for you, old man…" He poked the sleeping man's cheek repeatedly. "Wake up! You're blocking the front door. I need to drive everyone to the hospital. Now!"
"Sorry, Aranami-san. Not until the culprit is exposed. By me, the Sleeping Kogoro!"
The three adults gasped at the detective speaking.
"S-Sleeping Kogoro?! Here? I-I don't believe this!" Yuji stammered.
Like Tsubasa, the three Precure girls were completely stunned. The colorful centers of their eyes shrank, making the surrounding whites bigger. Jaws hung open wider than a python's jaws swallowing a full-grown deer.
Meanwhile, Officer Takagi smiled from ear to ear, bringing his fists up.
"Mouri-san, it happened again, didn't it?" He said, gleefully.
"Again?" Sora raised an eyebrow. "Takagi-keiji, what's going on? Is Mouri-san alright?"
"Better than alright! Every time he's stumped, he performs a peculiar dance before going into a sleeping pose. During his trance, Mouri-san shows his true potential, using his brilliant mind to solve difficult cases and catch real criminals."
"Say, WHAT?!?!" The Precures yelled.
Chiba rubbed his head, smiling at the group. "Yeah, I can't explain it. But he has helped the police so many times."
"Wait… when Mouri-san said he solves cases in his sleep… he meant LITERALLY?!" Mashiro shrieked at the end. She hasn't been this shocked since Sora and Ellee fell from the sky then floated down right before her eyes.
"That… is… so… COOL!!!" Ageha shouted, her eyes twinkling with uncontrollable excitement. Her hands flew to her cheeks.
"I know, right?!" Takagi turned to her, enthusiasm almost matching hers.
Mashiro stared at the female adult in disbelief. "Ageha, how are you okay with this? I AM FREAKING OUT!!"
"THAT MAKES TWO OF US!!!" Tsubasa exclaimed with arrow eyes, flapping his arms up and down like a flying bird.
Now it was total chaos. Isamu and Yuriko arguing with Officer Chiba who tried to calm them down. Officer Takagi telling stories about the Sleeping Kogoro to an excited Ageha. Mashiro and Tsubasa skitting around and flailing their arms. Yuji went to Chiba's assistance, while Ran attempted to soothe the panicking teens. Both with no avail.
Conan stood baffled and speechless. He knows a sleeping person talking normally is fictitious. Impossible, though ironic it came to life by a strong believer of logic. However, the little boy never expected it would spark a chain of intense reactions.
Remembering the current situation, Conan shook his head quickly. He has a case to solve. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Sora clapped her hands loudly, producing a powerful gust of wind. Everyone flinched at the sound as their hair flew from the strong gale. They stopped what they're doing and stared at Sora wide-eyed.
"Listen, minna." The bluenette announced in a cool, clear tone. "I get it. Attempted suicide or murder… A well-talking, sleeping detective… You must be so shocked, confused, and scared, it's overwhelming. I feel the same. I don't understand what's going on, either..."
"Demo…" She thrusted an open palm to the fast-asleep detective. "From what I've heard, Mouri-san is a hero. He upholds truth and justice, just like other detectives. He assists the police when they need it the most. He saves people from turning into more victims. He reveals the real criminals before they get away. That is something I respect." The bluenette placed the same palm over her heart. "A hero is not defined by their appearance but their heart."
Soft gasps arose from the crowd. They stared at Sora in deep admiration over her profound speech. So did Conan. Careful as always, he peeked one eye to look at the brave and determined girl.
His lips were parted in a silent gasp. A hand raised to touch Conan's heart, fingers curling slightly. A certain warmth bloomed inside his chest. It felt like she wasn't only talking about the Sleeping Kogoro. But also…
Him.
Conan.
No… Shinichi.
Sapphire blue eyes shone brilliantly like a pair of jewels shimmering under the sun. His respect for Sora continues to grow, even more than their first encounter.
The blue Skylandian turned to the Sleeping Kogoro fully. "Mouri-san, please continue."
Conan blinked in surprise, brought out of his thoughts. Quickly, he returned to his hiding place and spoke through his bow tie.
"Many thanks, Sora-san. Now minna, allow me to explain."
Everyone looked at the unconscious man seriously or nervously.
"At first glance, it seems to be a straight-forward case. The victim was in a sealed-shut car. Near her body were a set of car keys, water bottle, and sleep medication. With no open door or window, it's impossible for a person to drug her, plant her and the items inside, and lock the car without the keys. Considering these factors and her depressed state, one would assume she attempted suicide by heatstroke. However, I have unearthed new evidence that proves otherwise."
"Eh?" Takagi and Chiba exclaimed, shocked at his changed deduction. So were the Precures. He just claimed it was attempted suicide!
"First, Yamaoka-san. When did you go to retrieve the lost surfboard?"
"Around 3 pm."
"And when was the last time Fujimura-san drank from her water bottle?"
Yuji put two fingers under his chin, looking up in thought. "Eto… I believe it was 2:05 pm. Why do you ask?"
"Recall that Fujimura-san has a habit of drinking water every hour. By counting forward, she had her second drink at exactly 3:05 pm. 2 minutes later, Sora-san found the unconscious victim in Aranami-san's car and smashed the window to rescue her. Shigure-san reported hearing a car alarm at 3:09 pm. It was no coincidence. The culprit had to know when Fujimura-san drank and walked to the car with the keys, narrowing it down to you three."
The last part caused Chiasa's friends to gasp with horrified faces.
"Not you, too!" Isamu crossed his arms in annoyance. "This is ridiculous! We've already gone down that road. We are NOT doing it again!"
Yuji put a hand on his shoulder with a calm, firm expression. "Isamu-kun, please hear him out. This is the Sleeping Kogoro. He's never failed a case. If anyone can find the truth, it's him."
The ponytailed man leveled steely eyes at his friend, mulling over his advice. After a few minutes, he closed his eyes and let out a slow sigh.
"Fine. Tell us your new evidence."
"Very well," Mouri-san said. "Let's review your alibis. At 3 pm, Yamaoka-san went after Shigure-san's surfboard drifting at sea. Aranami-san followed suit minutes after tending to Shigure-san's wound. Both of you were too far from the parking lot to tamper the drink and trap the victim. Eyewitnesses have also confirmed neither of you left the beach. Shigure-san was soon carried by Fujimura-san to the car, where the two searched for the lost bandages. Though she was alone with the victim, it would be impossible to commit the crime, with the keys inside a locked car. However, there is one eyewitness who can disprove their alibi: Mashiro-san!"
"Eh? Watashi??" A startled Mashiro pointed at herself.
"Yes. You spotted Sora around the parking lot when you and your friends approached Aranami-san's car. I found it very strange. She was at a different location, far from the crime scene. This means you saw not Sora-san but someone else."
Mashiro scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. "Someone else? But… who?"
"Why, the other female with blue hair… Shigure Yuriko."
"WHAT?!" Said woman shouted, eyes widening with horror. Everyone else gasped aloud, looking at her in utter shock.
Isamu suddenly was furious. "Have you lost your mind?!" He yelled, shaking a fist in the air. "She looks NOTHING like Sora-san! Right, Mashiro-san?"
The pink-haired girl glanced at Yuriko head to toe, then nodded.
"See? Besides, she was at the beach after seeing my wrecked car. She can't be in two places at once!"
Takagi gave the Sleeping Kogoro a worried look. "Mouri-san, not that I doubt you, but Aranami-san has a point. ("Thank you!" Isamu exclaimed.) While both girls have blue hair, the shades are completely different. Not to mention their clothes, height, and facial features."
"True. Demo, it is possible under certain circumstances. Shigure-san, undo your hair bun."
A flash of fear crossed Yuriko's face. She shifted her eyes nervously at Mashiro.
"Wait… you mean… now?" She couldn't hide the anxiety in her voice.
"Yes."
Gulping loudly, Yuriko slowly raised her trembling hands to her head and pulled out the hair pin. Free from its restraint, the long blue hair fell down to her waist.
"Now Ageha-san, lend Shigure-san your sun hat so she can put it on."
The auburn-haired adult raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "Eto, not sure where this is going but okay."
Ageha handed her hat to Yuriko. She placed it on top of her head, the shade looming over her hair.
"Finally Shigure-san, go to the red car behind this one, stand behind it, and bring your head out to the right."
Every color drained instantly from Yuriko's face, 'til it's pale as a ghost. Her body became stiff as if frozen in a block of ice.
Yuji worriedly looked at his friend. "Yuriko-chan? What's wrong?"
"I… I… M-my feet are super tired from running a lot. Y-Yeah! Can I sit down instead?"
"You can after this, Shigure-san. It will only be a minute." Kogoro replied.
Yuriko inhaled sharply, mouth twisted into a nervous frown. Her eyes rapidly looked at Aranami-san's car then to the red SUV. Tsubasa tilted his head in confusion. Why is she so nervous?
Having no other choice, the blue-haired adult took one step forward. She hesitated for a second, then placed her other foot in front. Everyone either looked at each other or Korogo with uncertainty, wondering what he's up to. As Yuriko moved further away, Tsubasa's eyes and mouth gradually grew wide with realization. Finally, the woman arrived near the red SUV and did what Kogoro instructed. Her body trembled greatly as she poked her head out.
"Now look in the right side mirror, Mashiro-san." The sleeping detective said.
Mashiro squinted her eyes at the mirror for a moment. Suddenly, she gasped out loud, looking over her shoulder at Yuriko.
"Oh my gosh! Sh… She looks EXACTLY like Sora's!"
"Nani?!" Takagi and Chiba exclaimed. They glanced back and forth between the two shocked bluenettes.
"In the shade, hair seems darker because of melanin, a pigment responsible for hair color, being affected by many light sources. With limited light in shaded locations, melanin appears to have a darker color since it has little light to reflect back. At 3 pm, the sun was facing west, making this car's shadow longer and facing east. If Shigure-san only showed her head, her clothes would be concealed and her hair would appear dark blue like Sora's. In addition, the two cars are far apart. Tall people seem shorter at a distance because visual angle reduces as someone or something travels further away. Though Shigure-san was the same height, Mashiro-san saw her as a smaller person from a far distance."
"Tashikani," Chiba said. "But how did you know it was that car?"
"Conan told me he discovered something behind the car. Something that would prove Shigure-san was there. Chiba-keiji, go and investigate."
Tsubasa was confused. Mouri-san was talking to the police the entire time. So, when did he tell Conan that? Speaking of whom…
Tsubasa's eyes scoped around the parking lot. Where is Conan?
The portly officer nodded and walked to Yuriko.
"Excuse me," Chiba said to Yuriko who hesitantly stepped away. He scanned the ground until his eyes caught a long, blue hair strand.
Chiba picked it up. "It's a hair strand." He held it close to Yuriko's hair. "The color and length match perfectly."
"Just as I thought," Kogoro said. "Shigure-san, you told us you left the parking lot immediately after seeing your friend's damaged car. However, according to Mashiro-san's testimony, you were still here when Sora-san's friends approached it, which means your alibi is broken. Shigure-san, you're the culprit!"
Isamu and Yuji stared at Yuriko with faces as horrified as hers. Their mouths parted open in silent gasps, unable to process the thought of their friend as a criminal.
"Masaka… Yuriko-chan… It can't be…" Isamu murmured.
"Ch-ch-chotto matte!" Yuriko exclaimed, running up to the sleeping detective. Her voice was teetering on the edge. "That doesn't mean I tried to kill Chiasa-chan! I was wandering around the lot after she bandaged my leg. My hair strand must have fallen off then."
"In the spot where Mashiro-san saw the blue-headed figure? I find it hard to believe."
"W-well, maybe she was seeing things. Heat can make people hallucinate."
"Mouri-san," Yuji interrupted. Putting one hand on his hip, he outstretched the other into an open palm facing up. "How could Yuriko-chan have drugged the water? Surely, Chiasa or other people would've noticed her pouring sleep medication in her drink."
"That's not how she did it. Takagi-keiji, Chiba-keiji. Take a closer look at the victim's plastic water bottle. Right at the neck." Kogoro instructed.
The officers brought it to their faces. Their eyes grew slightly when they found a tiny circle, one millimeter wide.
"It's a hole made by a syringe."
"Say WHAT?!" Isamu shouted. Yuji's mouth hung open, barely holding his shock either.
"First, Shigure-san purposely fell off her surfboard and cut her leg on a sharp reef. She made sure it wasn't too deep for a hospital, yet serious enough to get out of the water. She also took the bandages from the first aid kit and hid them in her swimsuit pocket. At Shigure-san's suggestion, Fujimura-san borrowed Aranami-san's car keys to search for the 'missing' bandages in his car. With her surfboard drifting at sea, Aranami-san and Yamaoka-san went to get it, leaving the two women. Alone with the victim, Shigure-san said she wanted to go with her. Fujimura-san placed her water bottle in her pocket and bent down to give her a piggyback ride, so sand wouldn't enter her wound. With her back turned and hands empty, Shigure-san injected sleeping medicine into the bottle via syringe."
"Hold on," Takagi interrupted. "I understand it would have diverted the victim's eyes from Shigure-san. But what about the other beach goers? They'd be suspicious upon seeing her holding a syringe in plain sight."
"That's why it was done out of sight. See the pocket on her right side?"
The officer glanced at the right pocket on her swimsuit top.
"She used the syringe, while it was inside." Kogoro stated.
"Hah?" Isamu stared at Kogoro with the most incredulous look. "How is that possible?"
"You've seen sewing needles going through fabric, right? It's the same with the syringe needle. Shigure-san stopped a few inches from her friend and shoved her right hand into the pocket housing the syringe. By tilting it at a 45 degree angle, she poked the needle through the cloth and into the plastic bottle. Once it was administered, she pulled the needle back and climbed onto Shigure-san's back."
"I see," Chiba said. He inspected Yuriko's pocket inside and out. "It is big enough to conceal a syringe."
"Shigure-san timed it carefully, so she and Fujimura-san would reach the car by 3:05 pm, when fewer people were around. There, the victim took a big drink of water, unaware of its tampering. The two girls explored inside the car until Shigure-san took out and handed the bandages to Fujimura-san, claiming she 'found' them. After putting the keys in her pocket and bandaging her leg, the victim eventually fell asleep from the medication. Immediately, Shigure-san wrapped the victim's hand around the medicine bottle to get her fingerprints on it. She then entered the door opened by Fujimura-san and placed her in the backseat, along with the water bottle and sleeping medication. Finally, Shigure-san closed the auto door locks before shutting the doors themselves. This created the misconception that Fujimura-san, the only one with the keys, locked herself in to commit suicide."
"My word…" Yuji whispered, a hand hovering in front of his mouth.
Throughout his deductions, the Precures listened with growing shock and awe. Each of them witnessed Conan, Heiji, and Saguru shine as detectives. But a sleeping detective in action? That's unusual. At first, Skyland was the only place they thought where the impossible was possible. But Earth?
"Wait a sec!" Isamu said. "Fujimura-san drank from her bottle at 3:05 pm. It couldn't have taken too long for Yuriko to fake a suicide scene. Since she called the police at 3:13 pm, she had time to go back after she was finished. It's a three minute run from here to the beach. Enough time before Yuji-kun and I swam back with her board. If she stayed at the parking lot, she would've been discovered by someone or the police. So, why did Yuriko stick around?"
"Simple," Kogoro replied. "She originally planned to get rid of the syringe then return to the beach immediately after trapping her friend. So, she went to dispose of it in the trash can. But someone else appeared."
Sora's eyes lit up with realization. "Ah! That was me!!"
"Correct. Shigure-san was surprised and panicked to see Sora heading in her direction. Not wanting to get caught, she ran away and hid behind the red car. When Sora shattered a window, the sound shocked her so much, she dropped the syringe. It rolled a few feet from her, causing her to panic more. Once Sora left with Fujimura-san, Shigure-san was going to retrieve it. However, these three showed up shortly, forcing her to stay. Shigure-san knew if she didn't come back to her friends soon, they'd get worried enough to look in the parking lot. When their backs were turned, Shigure-san bent down and grabbed the syringe as Mashiro looked in the car's mirror. She quickly hid before Mashiro turned around and sprinted to the left, making her way around the cars and to the beach. After hiding the syringe, Shigure-san called the police and met her two friends who just came back to shore. While the three scoured for Fujimura-san, a thought hit Shigure-san. Mashiro saw her. Not clearly but still. If she told the police about it, they would suspect her, being the only person with the victim. So, Shigure-san styled her long hair into a bun to lower the chances of Mashiro recognizing her."
Yuriko's hands shook uncontrollably as her eyes widened with panic. Her friends stared at her with horror and unbelief.
"Y-Yuriko-chan… is it true?" Yuji shakily said.
"Ch-ch-chigau! I'd never…!" Yuriko shouted frantically. She shook her head and waved her hands that crossed each other.
She looked at the Sleeping Kogoro with wild fear in her eyes. "Mouri-san, everything you've said is circumstantial! Where's your solid proof that I tried to kill my BFF?!"
"The syringe," Chiba said. "If what Mouri-san said is true, her fingerprints would be on it. Although…" He crossed his arms with a troubled expression. "Both of her pockets are empty."
"Should we search the parking lot?" Takagi questioned.
"No, it's too risky. Shigure-san knew the police would come due to the car damage. If they find the syringe here or on her, the trick would have been ruined."
"Then, where could it be?" Takagi scratched his head.
"Conan-kun will show you. Conan-kun!"
"Hai!" The little boy popped out from his hiding spot, no longer holding his bowtie.
"Follow me, everyone! To the beach!" Conan chirped, pointing to it.
Wearing a carefree smile, he skipped ahead like a jumping gazelle. The two officers, Precures, Ran, and Chiasa's friends glanced at each other with uncertainty then went after him.
Tsubasa walked four paces before he stopped. He looked over his shoulder at the Sleeping Kogoro.
"Mouri-san, aren't you coming?" The orange-haired boy said.
No answer.
Tsubasa got closer. "Hello… Mouri-san?" He said a little louder.
Still no answer. Strange, why isn't he talking?
"Tsubasa!" Ageha called. "Let's go. Everyone else is ahead."
"Coming!"
The Puni bird took one last skeptical glance at the sleeping detective before joining the others.
X
"Conan-kun, why are we at the beach?" Takagi asked as they walked across sand.
"You'll see," The boy said, grinning at him. After several minutes, he led the group to the sand orca sculpture.
"Aaaaaand, here we are!" Conan spun around with a big smile, spreading his arms out wide like an eagle. "Isn't it incredible?"
Many people were impressed, nodding their heads or saying positive comments. The Precures beamed at each other. It filled their hearts with joy and pride to see others happy at their masterpiece. Except Yuriko. Frowning nervously, she turned her head sideways and looked down.
"It's beautiful!" Ran said, clasping her hands together. "Who made this?"
"We did!!" Ageha exclaimed, with an eager smile. She reached out to her friends on both sides and squeezed them into tight side hugs. Sora and Mashiro wore bright grins when all eyes were on them. Tsubasa shyly smiled and looked sideways, not used to the attention.
Pacing around, Conan analyzed the sand art, making impressed sounds. When he approached its left side, he stopped.
"Ah-le-le? That is one BIG tooth!" Conan titled his head curiously. He reached a hand to one of the front teeth. Suddenly, he was yanked back by Yuriko.
"Boya, don't touch! These four worked so hard on the sculpture." Her voice came out fast and jittery.
"Onee-san, are you worried about me ruining it? Or…" The boy in glasses gazed at Yuriko with hardened eyes. "Finding what's inside that tooth?" He said more seriously.
She gasped, letting Conan go.
"Inside… you don't mean…?!" Gloves on, Takagi gently shaved sand off the orca's large tooth, tiny chunks of it sprinkling on the light-colored sand. Finally, something clear appeared. Takagi's mouth hung open in surprise, before he proceeded to scrape off more sand. Fully unearthed, the object is revealed to be thin and shaped in a cylinder, about 3 inches long. A plunger at the top, and a 1.5 inch needle at the hub.
"No doubt… It's a syringe." Takagi took out the solid evidence.
The four Precures gasped loudly.
"Seriously?" Mashiro exclaimed. "That was in our statue the entire time?!"
"Mhm," Conan said. "Shigure-san had to find another way to get rid of the syringe. That's when it hit her. If she buried it in the sand orca, no one would find it. Plus, even if people saw her, they'd assume she was working on the sculpture. After getting out of the parking lot, she filled one pocket with water in the showers. Then, Shigure-san hurried to the orca statue and poured water onto the sand." He aimed a finger at a disturbed spot nearby. "With one hand over the syringe, she patted damp sand over it, shaping it into a tooth. But, sunlight reflected off the plastic part of the syringe."
"So that was the bright light I saw!" Yuji exclaimed.
"But why go through all that trouble?" Isamu questioned. "Wouldn't it be easier to bury it in the ground?"
"Shigure-san wanted the syringe to disappear for good. See how the waves stretch further to shore?" Conan walked a few feet away from the current shoreline and stopped at a certain spot. "The water only reached here several hours ago. That means high tide is coming. Judging by the close distance between the sculpture and shoreline, the waves would be large enough to destroy the sand art in minutes. If she concealed the syringe in it, the evidence would've been washed at sea, lost forever." The little detective switched back to his innocent smile. "That's what Kogoro-ojisan told me."
Syringe in hand, Takagi leveled a serious expression at Yuriko. "Well, Shigure-san? Since you were in a rush, you had little time to wipe your fingerprints off this syringe. If we find them, it's solid evidence that you tried to murder Fujimura-san."
Every color drained from Yuriko's face, leaving nothing but paleness. Shaky gasps left her mouth at her plan's failure and being exposed. Her terrified eyes looked around at the shocked or grave expressions of everyone else. Unable to deny it anymore, Yuriko hung her head in resignation and shoved her hands in her pockets. Her blue bangs casted a shadow over her eyes.
"Yuriko-chan…?" Yuji whispered.
Isamu stomped up to the older bluenette, furious at her betrayal.
"YURIKO, WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!?! Fujimura-san is your best friend!!!!!"
"... WAS my best friend."
Yuriko's voice was devoid of emotion, causing Isamu to blink in surprise.
"Wh-what happened?" Yuji softly asked, voice trembling.
Lifting her head, Yuriko glanced at him with defeated eyes.
"Do you remember the murder… one week ago?"
Yuji nodded shortly. "Yes, as clear as day. Or night. A guy was found dead in the tide pools. He got into a struggle with someone else and cut his head onto a sharp rock when he was pushed. It happened at the same beach as us. We didn't know until the news announced it the next morning."
"She knew…" Yuriko said in a cold tone.
"You mean… Fujimura-san?" Isamu said. "How do you know?"
"Three days after the murder, I went to Chiasa's house. She never answered my calls or texts, so I decided to check on her. I found her in the backyard reading something and called out to her, but she didn't hear me. Curious, I looked over her shoulder to see a piece of paper and read it. Finally, Chiasa realized she wasn't alone and hid it behind her back. I asked what it was, and she nervously said it was a letter from a distant relative before running back into the house."
"What did the paper say?" Chiba said.
Yuriko released a shaky huff. " 'Meet me at Odaiba Beach on July 24 by 10:50 pm. Alone. And tell no one.' "
Isamu's eyes grew wide with realization. "July 24… that's one week ago! Does it mean… ?"
"YES!" Yuriko's voice exploded like an erupting volcano. She jerked her head up, anger written all over her face. Her reaction led everyone but Conan to flinch terribly.
"She saw everything! She was there when the victim and killer met! She was there when they fought! Yet what did she do? LEAVE HIM TO DIE!"
Breathing heavily in anger, she paused before proceeding. "What's more, she lied to the police. She said she didn't see anything. Because of her, the murderer was never caught!"
Yuji and Isamu reeled in horror. Both from Yuriko's fury and Chiasa's secret.
Deep pain filled the woman's eyes. "If only she stepped in or came clean sooner, the killer wouldn't have gotten away. But Chiasa…" Yuriko squeezed her eyes shut. "She was nothing but a coward. She only cared about herself!"
"THAT'S NOT TRUE!!"
Yuriko's eyes flew open in surprise and darted at Sora. The younger bluenette stared at her with sternness, hands balled into fists.
"Now I understand… Chiasa-san's last words."
Yuriko scrunched her eyebrows. "What are you talking about?"
Sora's expression softened a little. "When I got Chiasa-san out, she woke up, though still groggy. She mistook me for you."
"Huh? How can that be?" Ageha questioned.
"It's the sunlight," Conan told her. "As Kogoro-ojisan mentioned, shaded places give hair a darker color. Therefore, the opposite is true for hair in bright places."
Sora continued, sadness reflected in her blue eyes. "Chiasa-san was crying. Bad. She apologized over and over for not telling you the truth one week ago. She said she did it to protect you and her friends. Still, she felt so guilty, she avoided you three. Just before Chiasa-san lost consciousness, she told me, 'Look in my purse for an envelope. Read what's inside with Isamu-kun and Yuji-kun. Then hand it to the police.' I didn't understand what she meant. But now…"
As Sora talked, shock slowly spreaded on Yuriko's face. When the teen trailed off, Yuriko fast-walked to her and her friends' beach spot. Takagi, Isamu, and Yuji tailed behind her. Opening Chiasa's purse, Yuriko searched 'til her fingers felt smooth paper at the bottom. The older bluenette ripped open the envelope, unfolded the paper inside, and read it, with her two friends reading by her sides. The instant Yuriko finished, she quickly was mortified.
"Th-this l-l-letter… i-i-it-it's" Her voice died down, fingers shaking from horror and realization.
"Hai, the one from the crime scene." Conan confirmed, his eyes concealed by the glare of his oversized glasses. "I believe she feared that if her friends knew the truth and the murderer found out, they'd kill you, too. She probably kept the letter out of regret from her actions. Eventually, she couldn't keep it a secret anymore. So, she decided to confess everything to you before giving this letter to the police. Though it doesn't justify her actions, it does show Chiasa-san truly cares about you. A lot."
Overwhelmed by this revelation, Yuriko fell to her knees on the sand, tightly gripping the letter. Her eyes never left the letter as real tears dripped down her face and choked sobs came out of her mouth.
"What… what have I done?" She whispered, voice strained from remorse. Her two other friends looked down at her with sad eyes, distraught at Yuriko's crime.
The Precures watched the three friends with sadness. The truth disturbed them more than the suicide theory. They were completely mortified from hearing Cure Noble betrayed Empress Undergu and her father. Only to be relieved when it's a complete lie. So to see actual betrayal between two friends… No one was prepared.
A ring from Takagi's phone cut the gloomy atmosphere.
"Moshi, moshi?" The officer asked. He stayed quiet for a moment, listening carefully before nodding. "Alright, thank you."
Takagi closed his phone, glancing at the three adults with a smile. "The hospital just called. Fujimura-san is recovering steadily. Doctors were able to lower her body temperature in time. A few more seconds, and it could've been worse."
Yuji and Isamu sighed deeply and smiled with relief. Yuriko sat numbly on the sand, astonished, then a little smile formed on her lips.
"That said." Takagi faced Yuriko with a serious frown. "Shigure Yuriko, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Fujimura Chiasa. Come with us to the station."
Yuriko simply nodded. Getting up, she handed the letter to Chiba with pleading eyes.
"Please find the murderer. For Chiasa-chan."
The round officer hummed in determination. "We'll do our best."
Yuriko walked away with Takagi and Chiba behind her. Isamu and Yuji watched with deep sadness at their friend being taken away. She suddenly stopped and turned her head to Isamu and Yuji with a remorseful expression.
"Isamu-kun, Yuji-kun… I'm really sorry for everything. Tell Chiasa-chan… I'm sorry, too."
The woman and two officers headed to the police cruiser. At the same time, Kogoro was strolling in their direction, rubbing his eyes and yawning a lot.
" *Yawn* What a nap! Now, time for busi….ness…" His voice trailed off as his eyes followed Takagi and Chiba escorting Yuriko out. He stared at the Precures, Ran, and Conan totally puzzled.
"Er… what did I miss?"
X
Everyone was now back in the parking lot. The Precures and Yuriko's friends were busy packing their stuff in their cars. While Yuriko waited in the police car, Takagi and Chiba filled in the details of his sleeping deduction to Kogoro himself. After talking with Yuriko, it was revealed she confessed to mixing sleeping pills in the liquid medicine, so Chiasa would fall asleep quicker.
"Arigato, Mouri-san." Takagi said, saluting to the detective. "Once again, you solved another tricky case."
"No sweat!" Kogoro crossed his arms, wearing a proud smirk. "Nothing escapes the eye of the famous Sleeping Kogoro!" He laughed boisterously, causing the officers to smile sheepishly at his boasting.
Conan flatly looked at the middle-aged man. Will he ever stop bragging? Conan was the one who solved this case. Eh, whatever. He shrugged. The truth was revealed, so what's it matter?
"Mouri-saaaaaan!" Ageha cheerfully called. She ran up to Kogoro, her face merely inches from his. "That was so spectacular!! Now I get why you're called the Sleeping Kogoro! The way you unraveled the culprit's plan in your sleep… You're one of a kind!"
The middle-aged detective blushed at her compliments, wearing a goofy grin. He straightened his shirt with a satisfied grunt, trying to look more impressive.
"You were amazing. How did you do that?" Mashiro asked.
"Honestly… I don't know," Kogoro responded, scratching his nose and looking up in thought. "It just happens. One second I'm awake, the next I'm out like a light. Don't remember a thing afterward."
"Hontou?" Tsubasa asked, baffled. He put a hand under his chin in serious thought. This is getting stranger by the minute. The Sleeping Kogoro acts like he knows everything. However, when he's up, he's clueless. Sounds fishy. The gears in the Puni Bird's mind turned quickly with curiosity, desiring to know more about the Sleeping Kogoro.
"Yeah, but who cares." Kogoro nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. "What matters is that the case is solved, and I did it! Ha ha!"
The orange-haired boy blinked in disbelief. Is he really not concerned about this… anomaly?
Sora stepped forward, her face brimming with focused determination. "Mouri-san, you truly live up to your title. The sleeping side you showed us today unraveled the truth that would've been lost forever. I understand how you've helped so many people. As a hero, I wish to learn it to help more people and stop criminals. So, Mouri-sensei." She bowed deeply. "Teach me your ways!"
"WHAT?!" Mashiro and Tsubasa shouted together.
"Sensei, huh? I like it." Grinning ear to ear, Kogoro placed his index finger and thumb under his chin, forming an L-shape.
"Sora, think about it! You need 8 to 10 hours of sleep!!" Mashiro exclaimed, reaching her open hands to the bluenette.
"I agree. Besides, how can you fight with your eyes closed?" Tsubasa added.
Conan observed the scene, chuckling at antics. The two male officers were about to enter their car, but Yuji stopped them.
"Matte. Can we talk first?"
"Sure." Takagi said.
Yuji looked worriedly at the officers. "I… um… heard about the case 4 days ago. How are you… holding up?"
The officers' faces immediately were downcast. Unable to hide their hurt and disappointment.
"It's… been challenging," Chiba said. "We were deeply hurt by what he's done. But, all we can do is fix the damage and move forward. Thank you for your concern."
"Yeah, I know how it feels." Yuji shuffled his feet on the ground. "However, that's not the only thing I wanted to talk about."
He inhaled deeply and let it out. "Officers, you need to stop relying on detectives all the time. It's not doing you any good."
The two officers made a confused noise.
"Mouri-san and Conan-kun have assisted us in our investigations and uncovering the truth behind countless cases. There's nothing wrong with accepting their help now and then." Takagi stated.
"That's the problem." Yuji sounded upset, giving them dead set eyes. "The more detectives gain, the more police lose."
Those words caught Takagi and Chiba off guard, rendering them speechless. Conan was eavesdropping close by. His eyes darkened by his strong emotions, glaring a hole on the ground. The teen in a child's body gritted his teeth and clutched his phone tightly as he understood what Yuji meant.
"Yamaoka-san… what do you mean?" Chiba asked.
"I…"
BEEP BEEP BEEEEEP!!!!!
Yuji flinched at the car horn.
"Oi, Yuji-kun! Hurry up!" Isamu yelled, poking his head out the window. "Fujimura-san's waiting for us. You've got five seconds to get in, or I'm leaving without you."
Yuji gave Takagi and Chiba one last desperate look. "Please, officers. You have to do something. You can't go down… Not like this."
After the two left, the police officers looked at each other with uneasiness then drove off, too.
"Conan-kun?" The mini detective jerked his head up, meeting the eyes of a very concerned Sora. "Are you okay?"
The boy in blue shook his head, smiling cutely. "Mmhm. Never better, Sora-neechan!"
Sora eyed him with doubt and concern. Something's definitely wrong. It was the same painful face she saw on the train.
Before she could ask, Conan said, "Oh yeah! I have something for you."
He looked over his shoulder at Ran. "Ran-neechan! Can you bring it over?"
"Okay!" The karate girl disappeared for a minute, then returned wheeling a cooler. Conan opened the lid and brought out a medium-sized beverage, offering it to the teen bluenette.
"What is it?" Sora said.
"A strawberry milkshake. I ordered it for you."
Sora couldn't believe it. It's the drink she never got to finish.
"For me? Why?"
Conan's eyes softened with sympathy. "I wanted to cheer you up. You looked really angry at someone near the restaurant. I thought I'd get you another milkshake, since you were covered in the last one. It was Kuse-san, wasn't it?"
Sora winced, inhaling sharply. It was a bad reaction. She knew deep down it is wrong to hate people. But hearing Natsumi say unfair things about her… It made something twist and turn inside of Sora.
What Conan said next surprised her. "Don't worry. Anger is a normal feeling. It's not the existence of anger that's concerning. It's how much anger takes over your heart. I've witnessed too many people letting their anger cloud their judgement, causing them to make bad decisions."
Sora shivered, reminiscing the fury of Empress Undergu and Yuriko.
"Just remember…" Conan locked eyes with Sora's, like a calm and blue ocean. "You're not alone. Never alone. If things are too overwhelming, talk about it with someone you trust. It helps. Really. More than you think."
A small, surprised sound came out of Sora's lips. Her eyes grew slightly at the wisdom radiating from the small boy. Reaching out slowly, she plucked the dairy drink from his hands, saying a gentle 'thank you' to him. He reciprocated with a kind smile. After exchanging byes, the Precures and Mouri family, plus Conan, drove in separate directions.
As the sun dipped lower in the horizon, Sora gazed out the window, lost in her thoughts. It filled her heart with dread at how she acted from seeing Natsumi. Thankfully, she didn't get hurt. Although… what if it happens again? Would Sora do something irreversible?
Closing her eyes, the Skylandian rested her head back. She focused on what Conan said to her, his words ringing loud and true in her head. He sounded wise, despite his age. Sora was starting to understand Tsubasa's curiosity about the child. His actions and words were too intelligent to come from a six-year old. Is there more to Conan than meets the eye? Well, whatever it is… It doesn't change the fact he's a kind kid, using his smarts to save people.
The corners of her lips curled up into a smile. Bringing her eyes back to the window, Sora took a big sip from Conan's gift.
Mmmm… Milkshake is sweet.
But not as sweet as Edogawa Conan.
X
As the boy predicted, salty water encroached more and more onto the sandy territory. It got dangerously close to the sand orca, mere millimeters from its tail. The water then receded, supposingly retreating to the open ocean. However, the next moment, a massive wave towered over the sculpture and crashed down violently. When the waters settled down and withdrew, the orca was gone. Vanished into the night, like it was never built.