The Beast Within (Shinkai/Kaishin)

Information

Haibara couldn't help but feel just the tiniest bit nervous as she came to a halt in front of Amuro's flat. She knew he was no longer chasing after her (and god bless Kaitou KID for his help) but something inside her kept rebelling to get closer than this. Trying to suppress her instincts, Haibara took a deep inhale and rang the doorbell.

For a while, nothing happened and the girl played with the thought of simply leaving again, closing her eyes before the gruesome horrors her friend had to endure this very moment. And then, steps were audible until the door opened to reveal Amuro Tooru. He was certainly surprised to see his old target waiting patiently for him but his old adorable smile took its place faster than usual and he beckoned her to come inside.
"The little scientist! Come in, come in- ah excuse me, I wasn't expecting guests."
Amuro began to push hastily a few old dishes from the coffee table inside the living room and tried to save at least a bit of a good first impression of someone's house. Not that Haibara cared.
"Amuro-san, I have to ask you a few questions."
"Straight to the point, eh? Sit down, I'll make us a tea."
Haibara sighed but settled on the comfortable couch, dismissing the offer.
"No thank you, I don't plan on staying long."
"Still distrusting hm? Clever girl."

Instead of pacing around to organize the living room a little bit, Amuro fell down on a chair in front of her and folded his hands with an expecting grin.
"What seems to be the problem?"
"I need information."
Amuro tilted his head, a little surprised but certainly pleased. Chuckling, he stared deep into Haibara's eyes which made her the slightest bit uncomfortable.
"I see I see. And about what? I'm afraid I can't give out the recipe for my special sandwich sauce."
"Don't play around, Bourbon."
The blond silenced and his smile turned sharper, callenging.
"Do you know about a second branch of the BO? Or a copy organization?"
For a moment, Bourbon closed his eyes to memorize his files about the Black Organization.
"Did you hear of anything?" he finally replied and Haibara internally groaned. She had to reveal information, Bourbon was careful.
"Yes I did and there do exist animal codenames, you know that just as well as I do. Tell me, do you know about anyone who fought the animals?"
Amuro sighed. If Haibara was visiting him for information it was most likely to Shinichi's benefit. Perhaps this was worth a try.
"People barely know this organization, nor their goal. I myself can't quite say I possess a lot of knowledge about them... nor can I say wether it is a rip off of the BO or a second branch. However..."
Amuro made a small pause to choose his words and Haibara had a hard time not jumping at him for stopping in the best part.
"Are you familiar with the name... 'Hakuba'?"
"Hakuba?" Haibara repeated slowly, memorizing the name, "Are you talking about this... Superintendent General Hakuba?"
"Not quite."

Amuro snickered and leaned a bit forward, Haibara didn't back down.
"His son. Hakuba Saguru, highschool detective, just like your fellow friend Shinichi."
Haibara stared wide eyed back. Shinichi had once mentioned a boy like this, during the gathering of the detectives.
"What is his role in this?"
"I can't tell you for sure but... he chased an assassine named Spider from Europe to Japan but failed to capture them yet. Currently, he lives in Ekoda with his father. I'm sure he will gladly share his deductions with you."
Haibara gaved a small nod and raised herself from her seat.
"Thanks. I will leave now."
"Are you sure you don't want to stay? I have a few fresh made sandwiches I wanted to give to the Mouris."
"I'm rather surprised you are still in contact with them, we all know Mouri is no match for you."
"Let's just say it's pleasant to have friends. And?" Amuro smiled sweetly at her yet Haibara was already on her way towards the door.
"Don't bother. If you remember anything else, you know where to find me."
"Certainly~" he hummed, sending shivers down the girl's spine, "Bye bye, little scientist~"

Haibara almost instantly collapsed as soon as the door closed behind her. Dear god, that had costed her every bravery she owned. She took a few seconds to collect herself, then marched back towards Agasa-hakase's. Secretly she wondered if KID and Shinichi were still at it... honestly, she didn't even want to know.
On her way she saw a public phone and got an idea. She wasn't quite sure if Hakuba would actually entrust her with his knowledge about her and Haibara wasn't in the mood to give him any information about her location if she called with her own phone. Sighing, she stepped closer and pushed a few coins inside.
"Hakuba manor, Baaya speaking. Who is it?"
The voice of a woman, most likely the housekeeper. Haibara took a deep breath.
"Is Hakuba Saguru available?"
"The young master is quite busy with an investigation and is no longer available for jobs. Is there anything I can give further?"
"Yes. I'd like to speak to him personal. It isn't about a job but very important."
The woman at the other end sighed and kept quiet for a moment.
"I can schedule an appointment for the next monday, 5pm. Is that alright?"
"Perfect."
"And for who?"
Haibara hesitated a moment before finally giving out a name.
"Haibara Ai. I might bring also a guest, if he has time."

Back in her own walls, Haibara fell exhausted onto the couch. What a day. Seeing her best friend almost broken, visiting one of her worst enemies and now she was gambling with a detective she barely knew from Shinichi's reports.
Suddenly a tea was placed in front of her nose and the girl looked up to meet Agasa-hakase's worried gaze.
"You look exhausted, Ai-chan."
"I am."
"Do you want to tell me what happened?"
Haibara dismissed that with a wave of her hand.
"Later."
Instead, she lifted up the cup and took a careful sip of her tea. Warm, comfortable and safe home. Haibara almost immediately relaxed with a deep sigh.

Now all she had to do was convincing Kudo Shinichi to join their meeting. However... leaving KID alone in the Kudo mansion could cause problems. And yet they couldn't take him with them. Haibara hadn't even seen KID yet... Shinichi made sure the phantom stayed invisible, even for his best friend.
Oh well. Only a few days to sit out and then she was going to press some information out of Hakuba. She could spend those days with researching on him... Smiling satisfied, she took another sip.
"Good idea," she quietly praised herself.