Sergeant Genzo paced the dock, his face jubilant. A swarm of police had rounded up The Crows and Rupert's men. They were marched off to a fleet of vans. By then it's around 8 am.

"What a haul," he beamed. "Not a bad morning's work."

"But it's a shame The Snake got away," Ranran spats bitterly, "I'd more than like to throw him behind bars to rot in hell."

"Not that you are the only one, Ranran-san," agreed Shinichi. "But there'll always be the next time. Nah?"

They watched as Watanabe was bundled into a prison van and driven away."Will Botan's family be notified of what he has done?"Ran wonders worriedly, "I think he is going to be disappointed with his uncle."

"Yeah right," Emiko rolled her eyes, "He will think his uncle is cool for jailbreaking since he been doing that shady food business. Apples don't normally fall far from the tree."

"I agree, "Junko nodded alongside Michio, "You ain't wrong," Michio sighs.

"I really thought he was reformed," said Takuma. "Why did he become a criminal again?"

"As I said, Takuma, criminals tend to remain the same. He is one of those people who say they will change, but towards the end they don't even realise all they are doing is lying to themselves into thinking they will change to make themselves feel better, just to justify committing more crimes," their heads turned to the little detective girl as she gazes up at the sky.

"Mah ma, Ranran-san, don't be too judgmental and harsh just because one told a lie," Genzo nodded."Some convicts do change their lives and turn their backs on crime. Nah?"

"A few of them. Not the majority."Ranran pointed out, before frowning disapprovingly, "Can't believe an old man like him still wanna commit the crime."

"True, even so, you must remember that towards the end, Watanabe is already becoming an old man, Ranran. Time isn't on his side. When you reach our age, you will realize that you would do anything to fulfil your wishes before you die. For him, having spent this long in prison, I guess he thought he had one last chance to make his fortune, relive his life once more."

Men in white overalls led the two tigers into a caged trailer, as they are planning to place them in a zoo. Ranran ran over to Fifi as it looked exciting. It had been waiting for this day for years, and now the human was finally here. The white tiger couldn't help but feel excited as it watched the human approach to pat its head."Did you have it rough?" she smiled at it softly.

The huge beast bared its fangs and gave her a loud, throaty purr.

"You seem to have no problems handling a tiger, Ranran. It is very surprising, considering you only knew it for two years."

Ranran reacted in surprise as she turned to see it was Shinichi, who grew a sweat in surprise, as he stare at the tiger in fear based on its fangs."What are you doing here?"

"Saw you went over to see the tiger, so I followed you from the back in case one of The Snake's men is around. Not that I am worried for you anyway."

Ranran rolled her eyes at his bashful expression before her eyes went back to the tiger."My great grandmother...was raised in a circus."

"Eh!?"Shinichi's eyes widened in surprise at her revelation.

"Whenever my parents go out for work, she had her butler take me there to hang out. I grew up around tigers, elephants, and all sorts of animals when I was younger. So for me to handle Whiskers is nothing." Ranran smile softly as she stroked and petted the tiger. Ranran observed Shinichi silently before she states, "You did well."

"Eh?!"Shinichi reacted unexpectedly.

"Actually, you did a lot better than I thought you would. Regarding this profession."

"Thanks," Shinichi responds, scratching his head a little.

"No seriously," Ranran continues, "it's not easy doing something like this. As you shall soon see, later on, it won't just be the criminal actions that be jaw-dropping, it is the motives behind the crimes, that themselves will make it...draining. Emotionally and physically. It changes your outlook on life, at times.....not for the better."

Shinichi can agree with this. It's not something he expects to have to deal with. There will be days when you have to be on alert for your life 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and to top it all off, this is the real world, where justice may occasionally turn a blind eye to criminals accomplishing their crime. This will wear him down and take a toll on his mental health, undermining the principles and ideas he has held his whole life.

Even so..... he'll continue just because he wanted this Tantei dream badly in the name of justice, even if it means spending time with the lunatic Kudo Ranran. Maybe...someday, he will be able to make better decisions than Ranran.

"In the future, these kinds of decisions like the one you make....it will come up a lot more than you think, and also, no matter what decision you make, not everyone will become a winner in all of this."

Shinichi realize she was right. Though she isn't what he would call, thoughtful for others, she obviously ain't ruthless enough to lead someone to die. Not as he knows it for now."After thinking of this, would you want to continue becoming a Tantei?"

"I am aware," Shinichi confirms, "but that doesn't mean I will stop becoming a Tantei."

That's right.

Perhaps that is why.....he does often wonder how does Ranran deal with this Tantei world on her own? Dealing with people who lie in front of her while mocking justice in the face. How she managed to take away the only key to their freedom through her schemes, wittiness, being cunning of all sorts.

If anything, it had made Shinichi realize that maybe...

Perhaps...Ranran has personally dealt with this far too many times, her emotions have become far too numb to even care anymore. Now that he thinks back, when they first met, she was able to expose his prejudice towards her in terms of character. And that made him wonder whether he should be wary of her or not.

"Of course, I know you won't, "Ranran says, turning to glance at the tiger being taken away. "Then maybe one day, you'll meet a case that will make you think otherwise"

It's saddening to say, but it's true. Shinichi knows this. "You speak as if you've encountered one?"

"Eh?"

"A case that changed your outlook on life?"

Ranran thought about it for a while, before deciding, "That is up to you to decide."

"Hah!?"

"Go back to look after Ran and the others Shinichi, "Ranran ordered, her attention still solely focus on the tiger."I'll be back to join you guys later on."

"Ranran..."How can he not be worried for her? After all, criminals tried to shoot her with multiple guns! There were literally raining bullets she had to deal with!

"Emiko told me Ran cried about you when Rupert kidnapped, that she was scared and all sorts."Shinichi blinked when his mouth fell, learning from Ranran's revelation."She needs someone, to be there for her."

"But..."

As if she knew he was worried for her, "I am alright." she reassures.

"Eh?!"

She gave him a reassuring smile," I have grown used to dealing with this sort of thing on a daily basis. That is something the detective in me has to adapt, even if I ended up staring death in the face, I have to continue. If can't do it, I am letting myself down."

Let alone, him.

But those last 3 words never made it out of her red lips.

The boy's eyes widened, as he was amazed at Ranran's tough mentality despite her young age, unlike Mouri Ran who cried as soon as she was kidnapped by Rupert, having one gun pointed at her. Sure, Shinichi himself admitted he too cry when Ranran pointed a gun at him, but still, it's admirable that Ranran is willing to put aside her fears and her life on the line in the name of justice.

Deciding that arguing with her is pointless, he exhales, "Alright, I will leave. But be quick, alright?"

As Shinichi waved at her, Ranran waved back, "Alright! I just need to wish Fifi goodbye!"After he left out of her sight, she was left with her thoughts. As well as the tiger."I will try to visit you at the zoo whenever I am free."Ranran promised the tiger. Fifi felt a sense of relief wash as its expression relaxed.

So relaxed, it ended up lying down in the cage and rolling over, exposing its belly in the trailer for her, which Ranran knew what it meant. She wished she could give it a belly rub as she did back then with 'The Boy', but judging the two men wearing overalls observing her, it wouldn't be possible as they are fearful a tiger is capable of attacking a little girl like her.

Also...' he' is no longer around now. Only Fifi does that to the humans it trust. But mostly for 'him'. Whenever Fifi wants to see him, it does that to lure him over and give it belly rubs.

In other words, Ranran knew the tiger is asking 'Where is him? The one who always arrives to give pets with?'

Ranran takes a deep shuddering breath before letting out in rush, "Whiskers...he is gone... because of me. He is...never coming back. No matter how hard I try."

The tiger sensed her depression in her broken voice. He puts his paw on her shoulder through the cage, reassuring her that everything would be alright. To Ranran, Fifi was always there for her. No matter how bad things got, whether it was a hug, a listening ear, or just being present, Fifi was always there to make Ranran feel better.

But observing Ranran's expression, it ain't sure if Ranran is ever going to recover from whatever pain that is clouding her since she was 4.

"Alright girl, it's time to take Fifi to its new home."

As soon as she distances herself from the trailer, she wished the tiger goodbye, "Bye Whiskers! Enjoy your relaxing life in the zoo, alright!?"

Ranran observes Fifi placing its front paws on the metal bars, looking at the little girl. The little girl looked up at the tiger and smiled. The tiger felt its heart warm at the sight of the smile and it began to pace back and forth again, this time with a bit more purpose.

It knew that the little girl was sad, but she smiled seeing it. The tiger was glad it not only manage to reunite with her but was also able to comfort her. Even if it was just a little.

Right now, as the truck carries it away, Fifi looks forward to a life of bathing under the sunlight as it eats as it pleases, no longer dreading the constant hell it has to deal with life in the circus.

......

As Ranran returned o the group, Junko turned to Genzo. "There's one thing I don't understand. How did you know where to find us?"

Genzo broke into a grin. "You've got someone special to thank for that... someone who phoned me about Rupert and the fake white tiger, and told me you were in trouble."

He beckoned and Amelia walked out onto the dock.

"The circus is going to be leaving within a week or so since we have to deal with Rupert's fallout. As for Fifi, it's sad we have to part ways because of how things turned out. Overall," she sighs, "It's for the best that Fifi retires, as it has been with us for over 11 years. And for that," She turned to all of the kids, "I thank all of you for rescuing Fifi. Cause I have no idea what would've happened to it had you guys not intervened."

Everyone crowded around her to shake her hand. Michio shook her hand, but Junko smiled at her and was the one who said it first." No, Arigato to you Amelia for contacting the cops. Otherwise, we would've been dead for all we know."

"It's alright."Amelia then spots the red lip little girl as she approaches, "Ranran right? Do you still recognize me?"Amelia pointed to herself.

"I do, you always gave me the biggest caramel popcorn whenever I dropped by."Ranran cringed uneasily, this wasn't a reunion she was expecting.

"Since you still remember, for friendship's sake, we need to talk" Amelia came closer to her.

"There's nothing to talk about," Ranran was trying to avoid talking to her.

"You do, a lot. You owed me an explanation."Amelia gave her a stern look.

"Over what?"Ranran calmly asks her.

"All of this."

By this point, Ranran felt a little nervous as the other kids wonder what is going to happen to her, now that Amelia learn of her detective profession.

..........

Fast forward to where things are now, Ranran sighed, she was well aware Amelia wouldn't just let this go, so there wasn't much of a choice for her. "Because I ain't ready to die the way he did."

Amelia is unable to form words, her lips sealed and her eyes widening in terror at the tone of her voice. "Excuse me!?"

"Amelia, have you ever...had your life played out pathetically?" Ranran closed her eyes, sighing in frustration as she pinched her nose bridge a lot more than she intended to, sitting on a log bench.

Realizing Ranran is finally about to do a tell-all, Amelia finds herself sitting next to her. 

Amelia, sensing the gravity of the situation, found herself sitting next to Ranran. The air was thick with unspoken emotions as both girls prepared for a conversation that would unravel the mysteries of Ranran's past and her motivations as a detective. "If you are talking about being humiliated, it ain't as if I was immune to it. Since I am the only one who belonged to a circus troupe despite being born into a family of nobility, other kids did make fun of it, but I just simply brushed it off with sarcasm anyway. What does this have anything to do with what you are doing now?"

"Everything," Ranran opened her eyes, meeting Amelia's gaze. 

After sharing certain ambiguous information, circles formed around Amelia's head. So much of it is already so alarming. And sad. "Ranran," Amelia exhales audibly, her eyes are full of heat. Anger and disbelief were written on her face."How long-"

"Amelia, that is all I am going to share."

Ranran tried to leave, but Amelia shook her head as she grabbed her wrist, not letting go. "How long?" she asks quietly. "How long has this been going on? All of....this?"

Ranran swallows."2 years. And this was before meeting you."

Amelia looks at her then she shakes her head in disbelief. "Why-"

"In case you are not aware, adults in our world-"

"I don't mean that," Amelia corrected the 6-year-old, "I mean why wasn't-"

"Peace an option? Of course, we did consider at some point, we ain't an idiot."Ranran smiles weakly. "But so many times...God just kept putting us in a corner...that was no longer possible anymore."

"God?!"Amelia repeated as she blinked," But this whole mess began, all because you both put your lives on the line, running a revenge online agency towards children of nobility and royalty, Ranran!"

Ranran fell silent to that, but Amelia wasn't done.

"I keep telling the both of you that 'revenge' is a dirty business, Ranran!" Amelia spits out and starts pacing up and down. "Why didn't you both call anyone for help? Or even me!? Had you told us you two were behind it, we-"

"Why didn't we call any of you?" Ranran asks bitterly before she scoffs, "Who would believe us if one hears 'We are to be other's sacrificial lamb in the name of other's happiness'?"

"I would, Ranran! I would!" Amelia remarked.

"You would, but not everyone will." Ranran acknowledged bitterly.

"That ain't an excuse to not say a word, Ranran! I could've-" Amelia looked at Ranran, her expression filled with grief after learning everything.

"You wouldn't even survive the first round, Amelia," Ranran responds defeatedly.

"How would you know that!? You both barely even-"

"Take it from someone who worked in this line for 2 years before moving here, it will not get you anywhere,"Ranran laments about her own predicament.

"Ranran...."

Ranran shut her bright blue eyes, recalling the moment she looked at the screen as the projector played out, where her supposed ugly future plays out. She swallowed heavily at the moment, bile in her throat, anxiety tight in her gut. Ranran would have continued to spend her life like a wild idiot with no brains like that one brain cell heiress Sonoko had she not come across that projector. "That projector....where is it now?" Amelia inquired.

"It's somewhere where those jerks can't get to," Ranran acknowledged, dropping her head.

"I can't believe you both would-wait! Does this mean his ex's deranged ramblings were-"

"Yes."

Observing Ranran's expression, Amelia then gave slumped. "You know you are playing a dangerous game with the devil, right!?"

"Would you have rather let that murderess walk away happily while she proudly threw a lavish party the very same day he was scheduled to be buried, Amelia!? "Ranran's voice was tinged with rage and grief. "If you were in our circumstances, tell me straight in the face that you'd surrender your aspirations of being a contortionist for a kid who hardly deserves it!" For the first time in her life, Ranran snapped at Amelia. That shut Amelia up as she helplessly stared at Ranran, not knowing what else to say."You wouldn't, right? I thought so."Ranran spoke bitterly.

Amelia had been listening intently before, still feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information.

"...I want to ruin 'them', especially those who would eventually wrong me, I had to!" Ranran's visage darkens. "A lot of sacrifices had to be made, far too many...."

"But honestly, if I didn't leave to join the circus troupe and heard all of this, I swore I could've beat that psycho to death!"Amelia riled up angrily to the sombre younger girl. At the same time, the contortionist could envision all of the horrible deeds 'she' could've done, had Ranran not 'settle' the damn wench of. And she feels nauseous at the thought should that 'girl' succeeding.

Suddenly, Amelia remembers the days Ranran and 'The Boy' would often show up with bruises, whenever she pressed about them, the two would always brush off her worries and claim they would fall from the slide, or accidentally hit against a swing or a pole. Now everything began to make sense. 

Seeing Ranran growing pale by the minute, the sympathetic contortionist gently puts her hands on her shoulders. "Hey. It wasn't your fault, ok?"

Ranran swallows hard. "He would've been alive if it wasn't for me."

"No Ranran, he couldn't have," She shook her head at her while she closed her arms around Ranran. "You, him....along with the others...you are all the victims of God," Amelia whispers. "God play favourites, and it was about time someone retrify God's mistake... "Amelia deflated and looked back at Ranran. 

The founder of the association was too weak to reply in response.

It was at this point that Anekua realised something else, "Hang on a minute...with that projector in your hands and you telling me everything I needed to know...why did you hire your future enemy as your apprentice!?"

"He begged, "Ranran answered flatly without hesitation.

"Begged!? Was he that shameless!?" Amelia pressed.

"Well, I wouldn't use that word, "Ranran then lists her words casually, "But then...considering he broke into my house, claimed 'I adore dancing in gowns at some posh party,' then stated I was blessed with the talent 'because my mother slept with his father' and stuff....it ain't surprising for him to behave that way."

"He did what!?"Amelia silently seethed in anger as soon as she learns of this.

........

"That was disrespectful of you to treat Ranran, young boy! Where are your manners!?"Amelia roared at Ranran's apprentice, as he winced in response.

After Amelia learned what Shinichi had done to Ranran, the two girls returned, only for Amelia to drag Shinichi back to where Ranran had been previously in her spot. "I swear I apologize to her!" Shinichi admitted sheepishly as he bowed apologetically, but Amelia wasn't going to let him off the hook just yet.

"I'm not sure what you had against Ranran, but you had no right to disrespect her like that! If I hear something similar happening again, you can bet I'll get my circus colleagues to teach you a lesson! Do you hear what I'm saying?" Shinichi's surprised look and Amelia's fiery voice startle the kids from afar, and they wonder what they're arguing over.

"Keep it down!"Shinichi hissed, seeing the kids' curious expression from afar, especially Ranran blinking her eyes."I don't want others to hear!"

"Oh, so you have no problem trying to destroy a-then 5-year-old Ranran's reputation in front of her bullies, but you are worried about your reputation being dragged to the drain?"Amelia leaned closer and wrapped one arm over Shinichi's shoulders, side by side, as if they were buddies, whispering in his ear so no one else could hear. "There, does this help you defend your priceless little reputation?"

"I was young back then!"Shinichi protested.

"You were young back then?"Amelia taunted in disbelief, "Ranran is the same age as you, and she barely behaves the way you did! Age is just a number, not a reason for mistreating her like that!"

That shut Shinichi up.

"After all the crap you've put her through, you'd better look after her well in return."

Amelia let him go as he dusts his clothes while he blinked. "I'll certainly keep an eye on her. Though I am pretty sure she can look after herself without me." Shinichi shifted a bit in a disapproving way. "She'll be fine."

"You're not listening. I don't care if one-day Ranran has nothing to do with you. I don't care if she threatens your life. I don't care if she even murders you. You'll keep her safe. If she won't allow you near her, keep an eye on her in other ways."She spoke with intense eyes.

"Eh?!"

"You are under no obligation to do anything for me, but she is someone close to us and someone we will miss greatly. I need you to keep your vow. That you'll protect her life and wellbeing. And if you had to pick between her and your future girlfriend or wife, or even your future children, you still have to go with her." Amelia sat up straight. "If you had to choose between her and anyone else in your association, you'd pick her."

She regarded him steadily. "I'm not sure I can promise that."

"She is the reason why all of this had to happen, right? This detective dream of yours?! Don't think you are going to get a free lunch from her just because you are now her apprentice."Amelia's furious eyes made him sweat bullets.

"Of course not! I ain't going to let her carry all of this on her own!"Shinichi yelled back in response.

Amelia couldn't leave without an assurance. "Kudo Shinichi, I need your word on this."

Shinichi looked at her a moment longer, then sighed. "Alright, Amelia."

"Say it."

"I give you my word. I will keep Ranran safe. Even if it means sacrificing my future family, girlfriend or kids for that matter."

Shinichi vowed, staring intensely back at Amelia's eyes with seriousness in his tone.

.....

"I'm sorry, Ranran, for everything," Amelia hug Ranran close to her, as the circus troupe are done packing their items before they leave."If he gives you more problems, you call me and I will make my dad fly all the way here to scold him!"

Ranran hugged her back. "It wasn't your fault. Also, I can look after myself."

Letting go, Amelia nodded her understanding before turning to the other kids, "As for all of you, again, thank you for rescuing Fifi. And as for you," She turned to Shinichi, who later gulped after Amelia warned, "I am watching you. Remember, my circus troupe won't let you off easy if you do anything to Ranran."

She then gave a stern burning gaze onto Ran and Junko,"The same goes for the both of you. If I hear any word that you keep causing problems onto Ranran, you are going to suffer the 'Edgewood punishment'. You hear me?"

The two girls shook in terror on Amelia's threats,"Wait, what is the 'Edgewood punishment'?" Takuma began to ask out of curiosity.

"You wouldn't want to know, Takuma."Ranran dismisses her words.

The trailer behind Amelia horn loudly, indicating it was time she leave with the troupe.

Waving her goodbye, the members of the Tantei association waved back before they parted ways with the circus troupe. Mouri Ran then took Shinichi aside while she looked puzzled. "What happened earlier? It sounded like she wanted to kill you or something," she whispered.

After having to deal with everything today, he decided to call it a day."Next time, Ran. I am tired. Come on, everyone."Shinichi turned to the rest of the kids, "We got a long explaining to do with our parents being out this late."

And he wasn't wrong. For everyone was scolded severely by their parents for getting involved with dangerous criminals.

The same was evident for Ranran as well.

"Ranran, this time you took it too far!!"

Her mother was screaming and crying at the little girl. By now, her dad entered the living room to see the commotion."What part of this did I take it too far?"Ranran responded casually with a shrug.

"You brought not only Shinichi but as well as the five other kids to go after a wanted criminal!"Her mother's accusations ring off the walls, chilling her husband to the bone.

Honestly, Ranran didn't think her parents would arrive home early with Shinichi's parents so to speak. While Shinichi is being scolded for joining Ranran's antics back at the mansion, Ranran was no different either. Sighing, Ranran rolled her eyes and answered, "Did you listen to Shinichi's side of the story?"

"We did!"

"Then you should know how things came about. It can't be solely my fault, you know?"

The three gathered in the lavishly decorated living room. Originally her parents were supposed to arrive home in 5 days as they were encountering difficulties in locating some target. Yet for some miracle reason, as soon as her mother got word of their daughter's shenanigans, they were able to cut short and locate the target within several hours and arrived home early to scold the little girl.

"Alright, I'll agree on the fact that Eri and Kogoro's daughter was poorly raised, which is why Shinichi ended up with you in the first place. I mean, after all, you can't blame the poor girl for acting like that. "The woman sighed with her arms folded.

"Right?"Ranran nodded to her mother, as she justifies, "Ran is a nut case!"

"That is what normal 6-year-old girls act around a boy they like, Ranran. However, I will spare you that thought since you have proven your point."The woman was reluctant to admit further, but she knew she had no choice, "Then that situation with Suzuki's daughter...really, who knew she was awful with the way she treated Shinichi. What is the Suzuki family doing with their youngest daughter?"

"I keep telling you that Suzuki's youngest daughter is a simpleton, you never believed me."Her husband sighs.

"Don't you ever speak of a child like that! I won't allow anyone calling one stupid!"His wife told him off, before pondering what their daughter had just said, "Except that ill-mannered woman's daughter! That Fuyuko girl! Who knew she would end up doing all those horrible things to that coward's son! She is the same as her mother!"

"That woman even to this day has never changed since high school."The man licked his lips in disapproval, "I was shocked when she ended up having Junko after what had happened. She shouldn't even be allowed to be released back into society after what she did!"He slams his fist angrily on the table, while his daughter observed silently.

"Honey, don't think too much. At least on the plus side, she can never escape public opinion for her sins."His wife adds coldly speaking about the Fuyukos, "Fortunately, that other woman is keeping a tight leash on her son's money, on how much the money ends up with them, otherwise...I foresee their daughter becoming another mistake of society."

"Technically, in my opinion, her daughter is a mistake. Considering she kept pursuing after coward's son."Her husband believes.

"After hearing all of this, I ain't the worst kid, right?"Ranran pointed out.

"No, you ain't. You are just eccentric like your father."Her mother admitted, massaging her head, "I just ain't sure how I am going to explain this to the Majimas and Hirakis for their sons' thanks to you. "

"Tell their parents to listen to their sons, otherwise, scolding them will drive them to an early grave, "Ranran suggested.

"Listen Ranran, in this world...you can't act as willfully as you want. What you did such as puncturing the tires of some criminal's tires, as well as stealing the money to buy your friend's smartphones-"

"Technically, The Snake's idiot men parked illegally and destroyed our HQ. Also, The Crows deserved it after destroying our phones, not to mention, leaving the box open halfway while fleeing from a shootout."Ranran justifies, interrupting her dad."So as a leader, I have the right to deduct their income from them."

"Yes Ranran, but technically that could've ended the lives of those girls who were kidnapped! They almost died because of you!"Her mother yelled at her, observing the daughter couldn't be bothered by their lives."Just because you warned them in those contracts, doesn't give you the right to disregard their lives!"

Again, rolling her eyes for the nth time has become her daughter's signature trademark.

Finally, her mother snapped, "If it were 'him', would you have treated it with caution!?"

That must have struck a nerve at the girl, for her expression immediately contorted to anger as she jumped up, "Of course! But they ain't him!"Her parents gasped in astonishment while mother had covered her mouth with her hands, and her father couldn't seem to comprehend what their daughter had said. Sinking back into her seat, Ranran went on, "Everyone around me in the association approached me with motives of their own, except Takuma. However...not even Takuma knew the real me besides 'him'."

"Ranran..."

"Mother, I am tired. I am heading to bed, good night everyone."Ranran grew tired, having to deal with all of this nonsense. The tiger, The Snake's true identity, Tantei association. Everything.

"Ranran, I don't mean-"

"Enough is enough, honey."Her husband had his hand on his wife's shoulder, as they silently watch Ranran leave the sofa and storm into her bedroom, slamming the door shut.

.....

"What do they know!? They know nothing."

Ranran lamented to herself as she locked the door of her bedroom, not wanting anyone to barge in to tell her off in lashing out against her mother's words.

Upon heading to the PC, she accidentally spots a reflection of herself in the mirror, spotting the same doll-like features she has as a child. However, she also sees the remainder of that night. Her right eye was revealed to turn green again, as green as a grass.

That's right, similarly to The Boy's eyes, she saw the first time they met.

"What is this?"

Her family was confused by unnatural means, pointing at a then 4-year-old Ranran's right eye, revealing a shade of green in contrast to her counterpart, which is blue as Ranran remained on the patient bed.

"Someone pleaded to donate the eye, knowing he is about to die."The head doctor discloses as he was aware he can no longer hide the truth about the donor.

The little one knew the horror of that statement. "Donate? What... what do you mean by that?" Ranran felt those words sound heavy.

"There wasn't much time in trying to restore your sight. The Boy that came with you knew this, so..."

What did she mean? Ranran dreaded to ask, but she had to know. "It ain't from-"

"I am sorry. But there was no other available transplant at that time."

She knew it.

Even before the doctor uttered 'his' name, she didn't need to think twice to know who it belonged to.

"He begged me to do so, knowing his time was running out." The doctor said, "A few days' recoveries and you'll be capable of walking yourself out of here." Her head hurt more as the doctor quickly explained, "He wasn't going to make it, he knew it, "The doctor replied, before reassuring, "Of course, medically it shouldn't have been the case where colours change here and there. But you know how this place works, where science is a little advance."

The little girl must have looked stunned, as the head doctor held a mirror to her face. The doctor's colleague commented, "This is unheard of."

The head doctor put the mirror back in its case, as the reaction of Ranran's family was priceless to her operation. "I agree, but given the situation...there are things that can't be explained in the medical field. How odd, the colour of the donor's eye shouldn't have to make a difference."

The girl blinked a couple of times before she could see clearly."It looks beautiful."Her mother commented though she frowned."Is this permanent?"She asked the doctor.

"It's on-off, there are things that not even science can explain."

Whenever Ranran thought about its origin, she felt sick.

There were days she recalled when she intentionally squeeze her eyes shut, not wanting to see the colour after having been discharged from the hospital. She did not want to see, the harsh truth in front of her reflected in the mirror.

However, Ranran can't always live in la-la land forever. Let alone, avoid all the mirrors in the world.

Staring back at the mirror, she did not know if she could celebrate regaining her sight if it meant losing 'him'. It shouldn't be this way, she shouldn't have been the one to remain alive on her own. It shouldn't have happened.

Ranran's reflection reminded her of how much she had been through in her life. Already older, a lot smarter than in her younger days, and no longer cried since he passed away. Even though it has only been 2 years since his death, she still feels broken and lost.

She never meant to be a detective. She wanted to be an entertainer, mostly a singer, but life happened and she was forced into this life. She had to do what she had to do to survive. And now, she has a better life than she ever could have imagined.

But what is the point? Knowing he is no longer around to witness this?

Deciding to entertain herself after the squabble with her parents, she hopped onto the seat and switch on the PC, deciding to finish reading the Fairy Tale she had left hanging 2 years ago.

As soon as the book loads on Wattpad, to her surprise, the book's status read as 'completed'.

At first, she sat still for a moment in hesitation. She never read it after what happened 2 years ago. After all, 'he' promised to read out the ending to her. An ending that will never come out of his lips again.

Her eyes then drifted to emptiness, recalling her days back in Edgewood Academy, where its walls were panelled with rich, deep scarlet wooden panels. The floors are of polished wood, and the ceilings are high, vaulted, and richly decorated with angelic figures. The paintings on the walls are all of the nobles who graduated and better the world. By all accounts, one would describe it as a 'real-life Hogwarts', minus the magic of course.

It was a school where any noble parents would enter for the first time and go, "That's the one! It suits our status where no peasants are allowed to set food to sully the floor except our kids!"

Why the school was decorated the way it is was simple: It is a privileged education for nobles only, and they wanted everyone to know that a commoner's kid doesn't deserve their place in here, even though they earn through their scholarship efforts. So anything that they deemed 'inappropriate' will not be allowed.

But today, only today will be an exception.

The principal and the community love 'him', so he would be an exception in his honour. After all, Ranran is selected to lead it, that was his wish.

The day when she re-entered the school back then, she recalled the sky was a deep blue, and there was a gentle breeze that carried with it a hint of salt. The sun was shining, and everything looked so perfect inside and out while kids and parents alike were entering the building. Normally, the kids and adults alike will fill it with cheers and laughter, and Ranran who always hated school would notice the mood is filled with happiness.

But as soon as Ranran entered while the large door opens, she knew that day was different.

Everyone around here as she walked past was looking downcast, sympathy was evident in their eyes while some women were shedding their tears, and some of the men and kids were wiping them away with handkerchiefs as if they knew she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.

And they were not wrong, spotting her clutching 'his' portrait tightly to her chest, his smile in the photo never dim, despite his photo filtered in grey and white, while she was in her Edgewood academy school uniform. He was a student in their school, forced to leave, then return, only to live a short fleeting life after escaping his personal hell.

If he were to die and live a short 8 years of his life here, then he should die as a student of Edgewood Academy, it's something the community and Ranran will honour.

She was only 4 at that time, and couldn't understand why even a beautiful day like this felt like it lost all of its colours as she walked somberly, leading the adults who are carrying his white coffin detailed in gold, marching behind her quietly as others make way for her like a bestowed guest of honour. Bystanders all believe she was rather brave after having to endure 'The Darkest Christmas' as they would later refer their tragedy to be, while she walked in front of all those people with her mentor's portrait all the way around the neighbourhood for two hours on foot bravely. Her feet hurt, even her right eye patch that covered her missing right eye, but she couldn't care less. She will walk, she has to send him back to the chapel after all.

A place where no bad kids and adults will ever hurt him again.

It was also a lonely thing, walking all alone with people staring at her and 'him'.

It was then that she realized why the sky looked so dark. It was the colour of mourning, and everyone is sad since his passing. The interior of the school remained the same. The floors were shiny, but there was a dull, desolate feeling to them. It was as if the sun will no longer shine inside, reflecting Ranran's poor little heart that eventually dimmed beyond return.