A/N: For a reason unknown to me, when I save the word processed files to the rtf format, they put a -1 at the beginning. :/ It truly baffles me.

Also, I can finally see the light at the end! 45 chapters (hopefully) will be the final number of chapters for AWA. …oh, the excitement! :D

Oh yes! For this chapter… *drum roll* From the creator of Kaito fish, from Heiji's saviour comes…the dimension beyond the dimensional door! Beware, this friend whom I get these ideas from usually gives birth to the oddest situations, so be ready for some anomalies!

Marie Ravenclaw - I knew it was something else! I'm just very, very dense. :P Shin-chan can't escape the truth. XD Especially since he uses it in his catchphrase.

UnfoundSakura - Thank you! X3 Comments like that are always appreciated. ^_^

Nequam-tenshi - I suppose to an extent that could be true. Some snow will probably be on the ground when the time comes, but that's not quite what the message means.

AmaryMei - I don't think he can ever have a normal vacation. Not even here. XD I remember those episodes! Good, good times. That was a great arc. I really wanted the kids to have some sort of spotlight after all this time, and finding out about magic was just the ticket. It's funny though, since they don't know nearly everything, only the fact that magic exists. XD Yeah, considering in the first chapter of Magic Kaito he and Aoko had a duel in class without seeming to get any punishment for it, I doubt a phone call would really effect him. XD *shifty eyes* Well, checking to make sure that I was right, it actually wasn't snowing when he died. (weirdly) With Bodonni's seal, all he needed to complete it was a crystal, but Houseki never gave him the chance to conjure up one and…well, this'll all be touched on, don't worry. The answer to that last question should pop up soon too. Yes, sometimes my sarcasm is cruel. X3' …If it makes up for anything at the end there, I DID have tacos recently. XD (Actually, it seems like all of my friends did but more on that after the chapter)

Teh Evil Anime Neko - Thanks. XD And…three days? O_O That's like…12 chapters a day! D: Wow, that's fast. Conan…Conan always seems to be the target of all the questions and suspicions. XD The snow thing…well, I'll put it this way: how would you define snow? …or even, how would dictionary (dot) com define snow? There's a key word in there that may help. :3 GASPE, Holy cow, you're right! I HAVEN'T been shot in quite some time! That…that is really weird. :| Oh, and in response to what Whiskey looks like…I think it's safe to say I don't know. XD'' He was just kind of there. Whether he was handsome or not I suppose is up to you. XD'

Miyanoai - Yeah, that violation thing occurred to me when I was rereading the chapter. I got a good laugh out of that. XD The seal will probably be touched on in the next chapter. As for Houseki's whereabouts.. That'll be coming up, don't worry. Hakuba finding out (whether it's about magic or Conan's identity, this answer is for both) was in chapter 25 Allied Enemy. …or just before that, but I'm pretty sure it's that one. Earth Emblem? Hmm. That DOES sound interesting… Only problem: since it most likely involves dirt, I can't see Hakuba bothering to use it and get his clothes all dirty. XD' Soul Eater is amazing~ I wish there were more available dubbed…and thanks for the taco! It makes up for Wednesday which was the only taco-free day this work week for me!

Dimensional Door

With snow and dead leaves crumbling beneath his feet, Conan was never left in complete silence. Even the wind, which felt like a mere child's blow on hot soup, seemingly boomed in his ears. It had only been three days since Akako had deciphered what Hoshi's numbers meant, but to Conan it felt more like three months. The complete wonder surrounding the message never strayed from his main focus. A few times already someone had asked him a question and it took him a second to realize they were talking to him. That particular fact didn't help with his predicament with Ran very much.

Her suspicion had only shown in sporadic moments before the trip with the Detective Boys, but after that she seemed to be glued to him every minute of the day. Conan was fortunate that Agasa agreed to hold onto his original cell phone for him, since the second Ran opened the door to the agency on Sunday, she sent out a call to one Kudo Shinichi. Of course 'he' answered, but even with 'Conan' at her side, she still stared at him in the corner of her eye. As she did, he tried to ignore her while reading a comic, but that seemed difficult. It was much easier to focus on what Hoshi's message could mean than that demeaning crap.

More intelligent than he, Akako had phoned during lunch break to suggest a meeting instead of his 'lesson' on Wednesday. With the coming events in the next week - which Conan was still a bit ticked that no one had bothered to tell him - they really needed some sort of strategy. Agreeing to slip out as silently as he could, Conan hung up.

…but of course he had to tell Haibara, which was pretty much impossible to manage without one of the Detective Boys overhearing. As he tried to think up some method of nonchalantly telling her, he then recalled that he could use telepathy. Although he knew he had a good reason why he'd forgotten - he hadn't been able to use magic at all, let alone telepathy, for awhile - it still made him feel a bit down. Focusing on Haibara, he sent the message, which she responded to with a simple nod.

With that, it had been set: they were to meet on Wednesday at Akako's. The discussion topic? …at that point, it could pretty much be anything.

Rewinding the previous days out of frustration, he shook his head and sighed. Much like a train engine as the steam erupted from his mouth, it was only then he heard something. Staring at Akako's ahead just past some trees, he slowed his pace and, for the first time during his stroll, listened to his surroundings. Behind him came familiar crunches of leaves and snow. Someone was there.

Trying to remember the usual order everyone arrived in, he crossed them off in pairs. His mother and father would come together - of that he was certain - and they didn't have school to worry about, so they most likely came at least a few hours before the scheduled meeting. Akako, Hakuba, and Kuroba all went to the same school, so it'd make sense if they all came together. With the school being closer to her home than the detective agency or Agasa's home, they'd no doubt arrive before he, Haibara or Hattori. Quickening his pace as he concluded it was those two, he went on thinking. Trotting by himself, he knew that Haibara had went back to accompany Hattori. She'd been reluctant to do so, but Conan had insisted on it. If the Detective Boys were to follow anyone, it'd most likely be him. He could turn intangible but Haibara couldn't.

Halting immediately, he waited for the corresponding steps behind him. One crunch for each pair of feet. One… Two…

Three crunches: three people.

Whirling around, he saw the three figures quickly attempt to hide themselves. They had actually done a pretty good job, he couldn't see them, but Conan knew damn well they were there. Not even able to yell a single word at them, he could only curse in his mind, 'DAMN. Of all…the days. Why…? Why today?' Slapping his forehead, he could already hear the annoyed remarks and comments that would come from those inside of Akako's. 'I can't even send them back…not now. They may take the wrong path and…well…I could take them back myself but-'

"Conan-kun?" surprising him although he knew she was there, Ayumi timidly poked out her head from a nearby tree. "S-Sorry for following you. We just…really wanted to see one of your lessons!"

Coming out himself, Mitsuhiko grinned, "You said we could come see one once, right?"

"He didn't just say," Genta crossed his arms, "he promised."

Still unable to find the words, Conan waved his arms ahead of him and stuttered, "I-I know! B-But…today isn't exactly-I mean, it's not quite a-"

"Is that Koizumi-neechan's house!?" Ayumi perked up. It was pretty much a rhetorical question, seeing as she ran towards it without a second thought. Much to Conan's dismay, Mitsuhiko and Genta were right at her heels.

Oddly the one following at that moment, Conan shouted as they got to the door, "No, you can't-It's not-!"

But Akako had already opened the door, and judging by her expression, he was already dead.

Making a display for the kids with her fake smile, Akako questioned, "Conan-kun, why are your friends here? You know that other people shouldn't be here when you're having lessons. …I know we aren't exactly having a lesson today, but you still shouldn't have brought them."

"We're really sorry!" the three children each bowed toward the witch at the door.

First to stand straight once more was Ayumi, "We just really wanted to see Conan-kun use some magic."

Obviously determined, Mitsuhiko let out a compromise, "We'll be quiet!" to which Genta added on, "We won't even listen to anything you're saying! We just wanna see some magic!"

Knowing in his gut that Kuroba or someone else inside was laughing at his predicament, Conan lowered his head in embarrassment. 'You've already seen me use magic…couldn't you guys have stalked me some other day…?'

Having twisted away from Akako, Ayumi was then looking back at Conan for support. Although she didn't find any in him particularly, she did see something that helped strengthen her argument. "If other people aren't supposed to be here, why are Ai-chan and Heiji-niichan coming!?"

Swivelling at her word with everyone else, Conan's mood plummeted even more as he indeed saw the two just coming out of the forest. From the distance, it took a second for them to realize the Detective Boys were there - let alone that the two of them were the subject of the conversation - but for those at the doorstep, the revelation was immediate. Contrasting Conan and Akako's alarm with their pride, the Detective Boys were none the wiser as the witch muttered a few magic lined words from behind them.

Turning only in time to see the kids fall like Kogoro after one of his drinking phases, Conan sent a bemused look Akako's way, "…I know they can be annoying, but did you really have to knock them out?"

Not one to take kindly to accusations, even if they were true, she quickly spat a comeback, "Did you have to bring them here?"

Realizing his mistake once again due to her remark, he merely glared off to the side and muttered, "…Touché…"

Arriving at that moment behind him, both Hattori and Haibara stared at the children out cold on the ground. Shifting their sights from Akako to the three bodies dubiously, Hattori was the first to comment, "…are ya puttin' 'killin' children' on your list of hobbies now, Koizumi-chan?"

"No, Smithy-kun, however…Kudo-kun here has decided that apparently the kids should know about everything too." jolting her thumb in his direction, she smirked as he flinched. She knew very well he hadn't meant to, but she enjoyed bugging him.

His lower lip curved, he huffed, "I-I didn't realize they were following me, okay? I was…thinking and I suppose I wasn't really listening to the things around me."

Placing her hand on his shoulder, Haibara gave him a genuinely fake smile, "Well, I guess it's a good thing you and I didn't go together. Who knows how much worse things could've ended up if I were there to screw things over!"

Glaring as Haibara followed Akako and Hattori inside - not aiding in the carry of the kids in anyway, either - Conan couldn't help but mentally comment, '…are all of the women in the world out to get me?' Although sarcastically at first, after a bit of pondering, he soon realized how true that statement was. From the fan girl definition of 'out to get him' to the dig for truth that seemed to start at him to Houseki's obsession with reviving Hoshi… he seemed to be a 'girl magnet' in the worse way possible.

Slouching as he followed Haibara into the unbearably-close-to-the-door living room, Conan tried his best to ignore the reactions of those who were there. Although Hakuba didn't seem to have been paying attention, Kuroba's chortles more than made up for his silence. He was attempting - and failing - to stifle them in order to get a comment out, but words failed him as he continued to laugh mockingly. With one brow raised, his father merely looked at him questionably. When they made eye contact, he shook his head with a slight disappointment and crossed his arms. Worst of all was his mother: she'd brushed off the incident as a 'cute child act' and continued to insist he sit on her lap. Settling on the couch he'd fallen unconscious on many times before, he pouted, ignoring anything around him until everyone was in the room.

Returning from (what Conan assumed to be) leaving the kids to rest in the guest rooms, Akako and Hattori took their respective seats before any words were said. Any thoughts on Conan's mess-up had quickly been forgotten in order to make room for opinions and speculations on the topics about to pop up. Usually the one to start the frequent debates, Akako waited until she had everyone's complete attention before she began.

"Let's not hesitate, we don't have the time to waste. …In less than a week from now, we're led to believe the Volley Comet is going to pass near the earth. According to what Kuroba-kun and I found out, the comet will hover in view for a week - it's excess power being the strongest to us magic users on the corresponding Wednesday." staring at Conan specifically, she mentioned a new piece of information he hadn't yet heard, "…With the information ahead of us, it isn't risky to say this is when Houseki plans to revive Hoshi. …in fact, it may be the only time she can."

Although seeming as taken aback as the rest of them, Yuusaku recovered quickly. "That does make sense…if Hoshi's soul has been sealed for this long, the seal would have to be incredibly powerful. Even Houseki would need a little assistance."

"If that's the situation," Hakuba suddenly spoke up from his chair, "then our main objective…is going to be defence, isn't it?"

"Against Houseki…and Them for that matter, defence does seem to be the best option. …maybe the only option." Shaking her head, Haibara frowned, "But…I have to say, defence isn't going to be very effective. …Especially for an entire week."

"It might not be just a week." Reacting in a way that signified he hadn't quite meant to mutter that comment, Kuroba was reluctant before explaining, "Well, Koizumi-chan would be the only other one to know this but…Houseki's been alive for awhile because of that immortality potion…or whatever. Since it doesn't really seem to actually need Hoshi's soul to be created…she could have a backup plan that if she doesn't get Kudo now…she could do it in the next passing of the comet 10,000 years from now."

Always seeming to be a pessimistic one, Haibara then remarked, "Well, that's reassuring: here we are wondering if we can even manage a simple week and here you tell us she'll be stalking around for all of Kudo's life. Forget the chances if that's the case, guarding him forever would be impossible."

"…that's exactly why we're not going on the defensive then, isn't it?" Unable to hold back his smile, Conan stared around the room at each of the individual faces, "Running is pointless if all the paths lead to the same destination, which is why we're going to dig - hypothetically - and make a new path. Even if Houseki is powerful, even if she has the Organization behind her, there's one advantage that we have. …she doesn't know where to find Hoshi's soul yet."

Leaning in with curiosity, Hattori queried, "…and you do?"

Shaking his head, Conan went on, "I'd say it's best that no one know where it is. As long as it's lost, she won't be able to really accomplish anything."

"…'Wouldn't be able to accomplish anything'…?" staring at the floor, Akako seemed somewhat distressed. "I guess that'd be true to a certain extent Kudo-kun, but…once she gets desperate enough, there's no doubt she'd at least…do away with your soul."

As the silence settled in with that realization, each of the heads turned to stare and wait for Conan's reaction. Lowering his head slightly as he thought about it, he eventually smiled, "…if somebody can eventually stop her, let it be."

Not completely listening, the next remark could've came from anyone. "But Kudo-!"

"It doesn't matter at this point. This has already involved me for over thirteen years and Houseki…for much more. The 'coming cataclysm' hasn't exactly been explained in full, but I have no doubt that Houseki would be the cause behind it." Speaking to no one really in particular, he stared at his hands, "If we can at least stop her, if we can at least set her straight…we'd be saving everyone, even her." under his breath, barely audible, he mumbled, "…and with my strong resemblance, maybe it'll count…and they'll finally be even."

Shocked as he was to hear the whisper of the familiar female voice echo 'idiot' in his skull, he didn't say a word about it.

"…Alright, Kudo-kun. If that's your decision." Being the one to say there wouldn't be any hesitation, it was Akako who then changed the topic, "As much as we need a plan, I still find Hoshi's dying message to be significant."

"Hoshi's dying message?" Apparently the only one who didn't know about it, Kuroba puffed his cheeks as he realized this, "Geez, thanks for telling me, Koizumi-chan."

Always quick on the ricochet, Akako briskly stated, "…and thank you for telling Kudo-kun about the coming cataclysm."

Shut up immediately by that point, Kuroba moved on evasively, "A-Anyway, what was his dying message?"

"The numbers 2 5 4 9." Purposely saying this first, Akako smiled in satisfaction at Kuroba's confused reaction. Getting her share of pleasure, she finally stated, "Using the Asu-Ra code, we deciphered it to mean 'snow'. …but that's what's got us stumped. We can't figure out what he's trying to say by writing snow…let alone using numbers to do it."

A bit annoyed by the last factor, Conan pointed out, "I already told you: he probably wrote it like that since he figured Houseki couldn't read."

Seeming to come up blank much like the rest of them, Kuroba then said, "I have no doubt that his message is important, but I don't think we should waste our time pondering about it now. Let's wait until we at least have a clear plan of action before doing that."

Usually the one with the plans, Yuusaku seemed somewhat startled when everyone turned to stare at him. Going into thought for a good minute, disappointment turned out to be an understatement to describe his speech, "…anyone have any ideas?"

Everyone in the room knew the situation was dire, but it was only then they realized just how bad the circumstances turned out to be.

Noticing the hope that had plummeted due to his statement, Yuusaku looked away, his arms crossed, "We don't have many options. Houseki's had the advantage since the beginning and she still does. Since she left Kaito-kun, we haven't known where she's been. Meanwhile, she can track us down easily. As Ai-chan said, hiding is useless. …and our only close lead to the Organization, Okiya Subaru, has off and fled."

Differing from everyone else by being annoyed rather than miserable, Kuroba narrowed his eyes and frowned, "So basically…we're screwed."

Never one to give up easily, it was then Hattori who spoke up, "There've been plenty o' times we've 'been screwed', but we've always made it out of it. …a majority of those times were just like now: we didn't have a plan." Smiling with the cocky reassurance only he could achieve, he finished, "…and how did we make it out of those situations? Sure, we pull a plan out of our asses, but the important thing is we don't let ourselves get down in the dumps. Act now: think later."

"...speak for yourself." Almost crushing the spirit he'd roused up, Akako then smiled, "...But I do understand your point, Smithy-kun, and its not a bad idea."

Although it wasn't thought through, the sudden confidence that came with the 'plan' was all they needed to move on without any second thoughts. A few suggestions popped up here and there about possible events to come, but through and through the plan could be easily summarized in one word: wait. Normally none present would've enjoyed the idea very much, let alone if it was the only one available, but because of the situation, because they knew if they didn't prevail they had nothing to lose, for once waiting didn't seem like such a bad idea. As long as they were prepared, there was a chance.

Personally, considering his own deduction on Houseki's whereabouts, Conan was glad they didn't make anything set in stone.

Since not much could be said for a strategy, the topic of Hoshi's dying message arose once more. Oddly enough, it was Kuroba - the one who originally abandoned the topic - who brought it up again, "Koizumi-chan, how exactly did you find out about Hoshi's dying message?"

"Oh, that was actually me." lifting his hand to get Kuroba's attention, Conan went on, "When Houseki was inside of you, she contacted my arm and I was able to experience some more of her memories. That dying message just happened to be one of them."

"Huh…so Houseki knows about the dying message too?" his brows curving into a puzzled 'v', he continued, "That's…weird. Do you suppose…she knows what he was trying to say?"

"I would be surprised if she didn't." Crossing her arms, Akako frowned, "Over 10,000 years she's had a lot of time to think about it. …though, I wouldn't blame her if she hadn't figured it out. I mean…it's only one word. One word…that could be deciphered in a number of ways."

"Maybe the answer…will come in time." Speaking up from the couch, Conan decided that it was about time his personal agenda came into play, so he stated abruptly, "Koizumi-chan, how long are the kids going to be out for?"

Glancing toward the hallway that led to the guest rooms, she was about to say something when there was the sound of several doors opening and closing.

Uh oh.

Realizing that the kids were coming (and that they had no reason for being there) Conan watched as Hakuba, Kuroba and his parents went about hiding. Apparently cheating by Kuroba's standards, Yuusaku as well as Yukiko used the intangibility spell. Not wanting the kids to see them either, Akako scurried over to a nearby open closet, pulling the door completely open just in time for Hattori to push Kuroba and Hakuba inside. The click of the door closing was simultaneous with Ayumi's foot stepping into view.

Obviously appearing suspicious, the Detective Boys' groggy sights were immediately targeted at Akako and Hattori. Not looking along with Haibara, she and Conan were putting up there own charade of cleaning some items off the coffee table. Answering the question that hadn't been asked yet, Akako stammered, "Th-Thanks, Hattori-kun. I don't think I could've closed the closet without your help: there's a lot of stuff in there."

"N-No problem, Koizumi-chan." Laughing awkwardly, he added, "This is what I came here t' do today, remember? Ya wanted some help cleanin', right?"

Still subject to the children's suspicious stares, Akako and Hattori's worries only increased as Ayumi asked, "Why are you leaning against the wall like that?"

It was an odd question - 'why are you leaning against that door' would've made more sense. However, as Hattori, Haibara, Akako, Conan and (possibly) his parents twisted to look behind the witch and the Soul Smith, they realized Ayumi wasn't wrong with her wording. Behind them was indeed a wall.

Mouths gaping, there was only one question hanging in the air and only one witch who knew the answer.

"…where'd the door go…?" Kaito squeaked as his eyes noted the anomaly behind Hakuba's back. He hadn't gotten a good look at the inside of the 'closet' as he and the snobbish detective were being pushed in, but as he switched on the light (which was a difficult task since it was pitch black and it was an old-fashioned pull-the-chain light) a very unclosetesque surrounding welcomed his eyes. Worst of all was the fact that the door they had just came through was gone. …not only that, as he looked around he soon realized there wasn't a door anywhere.

Taking in the room detail by detail, Kaito tried to recall any part of Koizumi's abode that looked quite like the library he and Hakuba were in at that moment. Although no exits were in sight, Kaito wouldn't have doubted one to be hidden behind all of the volumes, texts, shelves, tables and books scattered all over the place. It was actually quite a large hall; all of the clutter just made it appear more cramped than it was. Not liking the fact that the entrance had disappeared in a split second, there was nothing Kaito wanted more than to be out of that place.

Hakuba, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind the creepy archives. With the lone light bulb and the eerie natural light of the room - despite having no windows and that it was completely black only seconds before - he was able to see the words as he picked up a random book and leafed through it. Scanning through a few other volumes and scrolls while ignoring Kaito's protests, the detective finally said something, "I'm not sure how we arrived here, but this seems to be a library of sorts for magical history and secrets."

Feeling as though that sounded familiar, Kaito dug through his memories until a name popped up. Gasping quietly, he mumbled to himself, "This couldn't be the Malinkai archives…could it…?" Noticing Hakuba's - annoyingly - curious stare, Kaito sighed before explaining, "When Koizumi-chan and I went to the Furui Islands to look for information, some archives were mentioned by…well, our guide. We never did end up going there, but it didn't really seem to be all that necessary at the time."

After a brief scan around him, Hakuba shook his head. "I believe that's unlikely."

Not too happy about being locked in some pool of books with the know-it-all half-Brit, Kaito pouted, "Yeah, because you're the expert on the subject."

Used to Kaito's stubborn attitude, Hakuba merely shrugged, "That is true, since it doesn't take an expert to use some common sense." Halting Kaito's hostility with a raise of his hand, he went on, "Since we were forced in here during a grim situation, I assume it'd be safe to say Koizumi-chan didn't plan on this. I'm not familiar with the house myself, but I'm positive Koizumi-chan would at least know about this. If what you've said is true, why would she bother to take you the long way to the Islands when she could've just opened a door? I'm positive there's a way out of here, so it's not as if you would've been trapped."

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Kaito glared off to the side as he reluctantly admitted, "I guess that makes sense…"

"Of course it does…which is also why there's no need to burden yourself with any worries." Hakuba smirked, "Koizumi-chan will let us out of here when the time is right and, until then, you and I have no need to converse seeing as I'm interested in reading some of these scriptures and you...well, you can do as you see fit."

Lifting his shoulders in annoyance and tauntingly mouthing 'and you can do as you see fit' Kaito then went about searching for another way out. Throwing aside several books to make paths through the clutter, the work was highly discouraging. No matter how far it seemed he went, Hakuba's distance from him never changed. He was always sitting at his seat, investigating some piece of writing. Scowling anytime he bothered to look back, Kaito thought, 'Koizumi-chan, Kudo…hell, even Hattori…somebody get those kids out of there so I can get out of here.'

Patting the wall continuously, Heiji scrutinized it inch by inch searching for the door that was no longer there. Even going so far as to raise his sight ability, he still couldn't see any signs of the door being there. What had happened?

Receiving a few questioning looks and baffled stares like his own, Heiji noticed only Koizumi's expression was unique. Lacking any real emotion on her face, her voice turned out to be the same, "That's the dimensional door." Not seeming to care anymore about the children's presence, she went on, "It's a strange enchanted object that my family received quite some time ago. I was taught that while open, it will lead to the original intended room and act very much like a regular door. But, if it's closed it will switch its position to somewhere else in the house. …what's worse, if someone's inside the room when it closes…they'll be transported somewhere else: whether its actually to another dimension or somewhere on earth, I wouldn't know. All I know for sure is that the destination is never certain."

Not knowing exactly what had happened, the Detective Boys trilled, "That's so cool~!"

Listening intently to the explanation, Heiji then questioned, "So how do they get out of there?"

Confused, Ayumi blinked up at the Osakan, "They…?" Suddenly concerned, she inquired, "Did somebody get warped to another dimension?"

Clutching her arm, Koizumi avoided making eye contact. "Yes, that's very likely."

Heiji couldn't read minds, but he could easily tell she considered it her fault. He wanted to say he was the one who pushed them inside, but he doubted it would do any good. She was the logical, cynical, sarcastic type who could 'take care of herself'. If anything, a likely consequence if he spoke up was a good whack to his head with one particularly painful fairy wand.

Leaving the silence to be claimed by someone else, Kudo took that job as he spoke up, "…I think I may know something that could help us. This is just a guess, though." As the eyes followed him when he jumped off sofa, he smiled, "I can go check it out while you guys try to find the door."

"What exactly are ya talkin' about Ku-eh, Conan-kun?" Not receiving an answer, Heiji then shouted after the retreating boy, "Hey! Where're ya goin'!?"

With everyone at his heels, Kudo smirked back at them as he briskly ran through the front door he'd opened ahead of time with magic. Slipping on his shoes, he narrowly dodged Koizumi's arm as she reached for him. Finally answering Heiji's second question, he said, "I already told you: I'm going to check out my assumption." Releasing his Attribute, he flew off swiftly.

Most likely hesitating since she didn't enjoy showing her abilities in front of the kids and because she knew that if anyone were to stay to try and help Hakuba and Kuroba out of their mess, it'd be her, Koizumi didn't fly after him. Instead, before he was out of hearing range, she yelled, "You can't just go by yourself! Especially now!"

However, he either flew farther away so he couldn't hear her or he ignored her words. Whatever the case was, Kudo was gone, and he wouldn't be back…for who knew how long.

Eyes on the backs of the kids - including Haibara - as they walked back inside, Heiji was silent. Out of the blue, he sent the kids to the living room to 'check for any books that could help'. Although sceptical, Haibara went with them. Knowing that he might get hit by the wand, Heiji then attempted to brighten Koizumi's spirits a bit anyway, "…I don't think we have t' worry about Kudo." seeing her troubled look, he went on, "There are two very reliable guards with him.

"…and I guarantee they wouldn't let anythin' happen t' him."

'…now let's see…we went down that road and turned there…' following the road as Agasa had only days before, Conan retraced the voyage back to the snowy mountains. It amazed him just how quickly he was travelling: he'd flown from time to time, but he'd never gone very far. If he'd known just how quickly he could go…travel beforehand would've been so much easier.

'…I just hope no one's looking up here with a telescope…' watching as he passed by cars below with ease, he let out a chuckle, '…scratch that. They'd just see a blur anyway.'

Spotting the mountains quickly crawling up over the horizon, he focused less on the roads and more on the mountains. The area with the cave they'd went in had an odd formation than the rest of the peak, so it'd be easy to recognize. Approaching the familiar area after all of one minute, he halted in midair to look for any possible people nearby before landing. Wary in case there were people inside of the cavern, he retracted his wings. Thinking of an excuse to explain his lack of a guardian if anyone happened to cross his path and ask, Conan then strolled inside.

Warm vapour accumulated on his bare skin, much like the first venture into the caves. Collecting on his glasses, the mist caused his vision to become slightly impaired. Not actually one to need glasses, he removed them and tucked them away in his jacket's inner pocket. Hearing a quiet drop of water and noticing some steam ahead, he knew he'd found what he was looking for.

Careful not to fall over the ledge into the water, he glanced down at his reflection. Watching as his winged self smiled back at him, he noticed something else. Although only there for a split second, he'd got enough of a look to notice what had crossed over the water's surface. Through his annoyance and frustration, he finally managed to sigh, "…You shouldn't waste any more power than you already have. I mean, it must be hard to stay invisible while flying…" turning, he frowned as the two very familiar figures appeared before him. "…Mom. …Dad."

Kneeling down, Yuusaku placed his hand on Conan's shoulder - the usual sign that a small lecture was coming - and began, "You should know better than anyone that taking unnecessary risks is a bad course of action. Heading out on your own in any situation usually isn't a good idea, but it's almost…suicide in these circumstances - especially in your case, son."

Like any normal teenager, Conan didn't exactly enjoy lectures - even if he could tell the point was valid - so he attempted to avoid any further speeches with a joke, "…It's never a suicide, dad."

Having been on many a case himself, Yuusaku actually chuckled, "…You have a point there."

"Wow~! I've never seen anything like this before!" Passing by the two men at the very moment she'd appeared, Yukiko was at the edge of the small precipice, "It almost seems to be like what Soul Smiths see…according to the textbooks." As Yuusaku and Conan walked up beside her, she pointed out small details only visible in the water, "Look: our magic power is showing by the glowing outlines and Shin-chan's wings are revealed. Also, if you look really carefully…I think you can vaguely see our magical paths."

Cocking an eyebrow in his mother's direction, Conan thought, 'Are you sure that isn't just some steam in your eye?'

Forgetting the origin of his ear for thought, it came as a small surprise as he heard Yuusaku chime in, 'Why ask that question in your mind when you could just say it out loud? That way you'd get an answer.'

Contrasting his father's grin with a frown, Conan admitted, 'If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Key word: say.'

'You're right, it is the key word…which is why my point still stands.' Looking serious for a split second, he was soon smiling once more, this time with his head to the side, 'There's no rule like that concerning asking, now is there?'

Staring back at the water, Conan compared the three figures. Yukiko's eyes were shining with amazement - even in the water - Yuusaku's grin was wide and white, and he himself appeared a bit baffled. Raising his head to observe his parents directly, he nearly thought before he caught himself and instead whispered extremely quietly, "…sometimes I wonder who's really the child here…"

Always one to pick up on things, Yuusaku immediately asked, "Did you say something, Shinichi?"

Flinching, he laughed awkwardly, "Y-Yeah. I was…well, grumbling about how we should really get a move on rather than staring at this water all day."

Realizing his point, Yukiko quickly went about walking ahead in the cave. Reaching a fork - the one Conan had followed Kokoro down - she stopped and asked a question. Despite what he thought, the question that reached Conan's ears wasn't 'Which way do we go?' Instead, he heard, "Why did you come here, Shin-chan?" Catching him off guard, she had ample time to squeeze in another question while at the same time answering her first one, "You said you were going to check something. What were you coming to check?"

Nearest to the water, Yuusaku peered over the edge as he said, "I'm assuming since you came straight here it's this water you came for. Right now you're going on to try and find an area lower down so you can some of it, if I'm right. …the question is…why son?"

Inheriting his stubbornness from the very two that were questioning him, he merely brushed off the interrogation with, "I'll tell you when we get there."

Recalling from his chase of Kokoro, Conan walked down the path he hadn't taken that time. That path had branched off from the water and led further into the mountain. The other path, the one they were taking, it followed the edge of the water almost like a sidewalk. Steeping gradually downwards, Conan knew they'd eventually be low enough for what he'd come there for. His father was right: he was there for the water.

Busy with thoughts on what would be best to contain the unusual water, Conan wasn't too focused on the path ahead. Thus, he was completely shocked when he heard a familiar voice holler, "Y-You! Why are you here!?"

Whirling to face forward, Conan brought up his own arm to point in much the same manner as the one he was pointing at, "K-Kokoro-kun!? Why are you here!?"

His finger drooping, Kokoro frowned and stated, "…I sort of live here…"

Commenting mentally on how cute Kokoro was, Yukiko then asked, "You know that child, Shin-chan?"

Latching onto the name in an instant, Kokoro reiterated it before Conan could reply, "…'Shin-chan'? …Where do you get 'Shin' out of 'Conan'?" pausing, he snickered before adding, "…and chan?"

Seeming to always have excuses up her sleeve, Yukiko answered without any hesitation, "Well, I'm his aunt and he looks so much like my son Shinichi when he was this age that I just can't help it. Besides," she chirped, "he didn't like it when I called him CoCo~"

Barely able to stifle a laugh, Kokoro repeated, "…Coco?"

From beside her, Yuusaku slowly spun his head in her direction, "…Coco?"

Eye twitching and his mouth ajar, Conan couldn't even voice the name, he could only do it mentally, '…Coco?'

Enjoying the laughter that accompanied the two syllables, Kokoro finally managed to ask, "…so…what are you doing back here?" Taking a step back, his expression changed to a worried one, "You aren't going to beat me up, are you? I swear, I haven't done anything bad since you left!"

With her hands on her hips, Yukiko stared at Conan suspiciously for a second before stating, "…Ignoring the 'beating up' comment for now, I think you'd better answer his question. After all, we asked the same thing and you said you'd tell us the answer 'when we got there' and…I think we're there."

Indeed at what seemed to be the lowest area they'd get to, Conan sighed, "Well, you guys know that the water is special: that it shows magical abilities or reveals things hidden by spells. I was thinking…" Approaching the water, he knelt down, "…maybe this can show something more than what Hattori sees."

Not catching on, Yukiko asked, "Why would that help us get around our dimensional door problem?"

"It wouldn't." Knowing exactly what was on his mind, Conan had to wonder if Yuusaku had read it when he wasn't paying attention. "You want to use the water…for something else, don't you?"

"Yes." Stalling for a split second as he sensed around the area for a familiar spirit, Conan finally explained when he felt nothing, "Back at the house, I heard her. I'm not sure where she is or where she's hiding, but I think this water would help dissolve her cover."

Left in silence as Yuusaku and Yukiko took in the information, Kokoro felt it was a good moment to speak up, "It sounds like you guys are going through some pretty serious problems here." Possibly encouraged by the fact they'd spoken so freely around him, he suggested, "Hey, maybe I could be of help?"

Still not very happy with the events that had happened only the weekend before, Conan frowned, "…and just what could you do to help?"

"Well, there's one thing I know I can help you with," Smug, Kokoro smiled and pointed toward the water, "The water isn't what makes the reflections unique like they are…the flowers do that."

"Flowers?" Recalling what Agasa had mentioned, Conan went about scanning the surface of the water. Noticing the scattered buds, he was surprised to see quite large ones floating about. How hadn't he noticed them before? Watching as Kokoro flew over the water and plucked one off the wet plane, he had to wonder just how 'rare' flowers had to be to produce the effects these ones apparently did.

Bearing the flower in his hands, the harpy told them what he'd learnt, "Like I told you before, Conan-kun, I've been alive longer than most humans 'my age' have been, thus I've learned a bit more. One thing I was curious about early on was the water and it's strange reflections. At first I tried things like drinking it or swimming in it to find out if I could see the things the reflections in the water showed. That…didn't work…and I don't suggest trying it. It was actually by accident that I found out it was the flowers' doing…Some girl had read about the flowers in one of the resorts brochures and…I, well, wanted to show her one of them since-" Noticing the looks on the others' faces and that his own cheeks were red, Kokoro skipped that section, "A-Anyway…when I caught some of the pollen in my nose, aside from sneezing a whole lot, I was able to see what I'd been seeing in the water for a little bit."

"The pollen is what makes the reflections in the water…?" Yuusaku asked, intrigued. "That's amazing. I wonder how it works…"

"I wonder how that dimensional door works." Pouting, Yukiko seemed concerned. "Judging by what Akako-chan said, it sounds like its one doozy of an enchanted artifact. I hope Kaito-kun and Saguru-kun can get out okay…"

"Whatever the case is, we shouldn't keep them waiting," Taking the flower from Kokoro's hands, Conan went about leaving.

His exit was quickly halted by the young boy's shout, "Hey! You never answered if I could come with you!"

Turning to face him with an irritated glare, Conan replied, "I can't tell if you've changed since a few days ago, but even if you have it isn't enough. We wouldn't want anymore people involved than there already are either. You'd be in danger."

"I don't care! I …I want to help!"

Before Conan could deny him once more, Yuusaku stopped him, "Hold on. Maybe he could help us. You're not giving him a fair chance."

'…and you're not the one who he nearly killed by dropping him in midair.' he would've said it aloud, but even through the small grudge he had for the harpy, Conan could tell he was sorry.

Contemplating the situation with her thumb positioned on her chin, Yukiko stared down at Kokoro with all seriousness as she said, "Alright, you can come with us on one condition." Waiting along with him, Conan and Yuusaku were also curious what she was about to say.

"…let me call you Koko~!"

Shoulders drooping, Conan heard his own thought coincide with his father's, 'I should've seen that one coming…'

"Kuroba, I think I've stumbled onto something here."

It was barely audible over the distance, but Kaito's heightened hearing picked up Hakuba's statement. Although they'd been in there for what felt like hours, Hakuba hadn't said anything since he said they didn't need to talk. Not too happy about having to make his way back to Hakuba - especially since he wasn't too sure which direction to go in - Kaito slowly picked his way through the books that had escaped his first kicks to the side.

Going quite some ways, he stopped to look around. No sign of Hakuba. Odd as it was to realize, Kaito felt a little more anxious without the pompous detective in sight.

To his relief, that same haughty male was slightly irritated, shouting, "Kuroba, what are you doing?"

"I don't know!" Hollering the first answer that came to mind, Kaito cursed the stupidity of his answer. Making up for it, he then added, "Where the hell did you wander off to!?"

"My only possible motion since you last saw me was to obtain a different book." Somehow sounding like his voice was coming from every direction, Hakuba then added, "Personally, I was going to suggest you not wander off, but I knew you would disagree and do it anyway. I thought I'd use reverse psychology to keep you in place, but I suppose that didn't work, now did it?"

Not sure which way to yell, Kaito decided to howl upwards, "You'd better be glad I can't find you right now you arrogant-!" Sights set above for the first time apparently, Kaito stopped as he noticed something.

Sounding closer as Kaito also heard his footsteps, Hakuba's tone was somewhat apprehensive, "As much as I'd enjoy hearing the end of that sentence, it seems you've decided to cut it short." Unable to see him since his eyes were focused up, Kaito could still tell by the sound of things that Hakuba was then in sight. Most likely seeing him, Hakuba still felt inclined to ask, despite the obvious answer, "What are you looking at?"

"See…for yourself."

Pausing for a moment in which Kaito assumed he was doing just that, it took a while before Hakuba muttered, "…There are candles floating above."

Hovering in random positions above their heads were the fire hazards. Besides the obvious fear that accompanied being in such a flammable room there were two questions that went hand-in-hand with the candles. 1) How were they floating? And 2) Why did their light spread so evenly around the room? Magic seemed to be the first answer but as for the second Kaito was stumped. It wasn't very bright in the room, only about the same amount of light as early sunset, but there wasn't the usual flicker that came with the illumination of flames. Somehow, the candles made Kaito want to leave that place even more.

"Well, that's certainly intriguing." Always quick to recover from just about anything, Hakuba set his sights downward once more. Flipping the book in his hands open as Kaito glanced down, he held it in front of him as he found the page. Waiting as Kaito's eyes scanned the page, after a while he finally spoke, "…If that information is valid, with Hattori's abilities we'd be able to find Hoshi's soul if we knew where his grave was."

Etching the important words into his mind, Kaito still found himself glued to the text, reading it over and over again. It wasn't a very long entry, but it's information pulled a crucial string in Kaito's mind, although he didn't know why. Despite the fact that Hakuba had obviously already read it, Kaito felt inclined to read it aloud, "…'The Bases of Souls.'

"'Although souls can go through many different alterations, the soul base will remain indefinitely with the body until the soul is annihilated. Even if the body has been destroyed, the base will remain. In most cases if that happens, the base will affix itself to the body's general area. The base…is the formation where a soul gathers back to after a spell. However, the body is what gives the base stability. If a soul is to gather at an unstable base, the base will break and the soul will dissipate into the air. Soul bases are connected to their respective soul through a path: these are the Soul Paths...'"

Nodding, Hakuba took the book back, his finger holding the page, "Since Hattori is able to see the Soul Paths, he should be able to locate Hoshi's soul if he finds his soul base."

"You're right." Listening to the feeling in his gut, although he didn't know why, he said, "Hakuba, let's not bring this up unless finding Hoshi's soul becomes necessary. Don't ask me why, but I have a feeling it'd just be another burden unless we actually need to know that."

"I understand. Sometimes knowing less you'll have less stress." Looking into the book once more, he flipped to the next page. "I've only skimmed to this point so far. There may be something more in here that could be useful."

Not one to enjoy carrying more than he needed to, Kaito snatched the book from Hakuba's grasp. Positioning his finger at the top of the page with the information he'd quoted, he frowned at Hakuba, "Well, since you didn't find anything before this, why lose the page?" Bringing his hand down swiftly, he tore the page from its binding with the utmost precision.

Neither of the two males noticed since the distance was great, but something stirred.

Grinning at Hakuba's expression as he gave the book back, Kaito tucked the page in his pocket after folding it. "Oh come on, it's not like anyone will notice one page missing. Even if someone did, I think they'd notice the entire book being gone more." Sticking his tongue out, he taunted, "…and here I thought I was the devious thief."

"Not once did I mention stealing this book." flicking through a few more pages, he actually admitted, "However, if we were to take anything, I'd say take in bulk. That way the chance of overlooking something is lessened."

Moaning, Kaito replied, "Oh please. If we were to 'overlook' anything, I'm sure Koizumi-chan would let us back in here."

Looking less than amused himself, Hakuba queried, "…and if someone were to find us trespassing?"

Partially because he was fed up and partially because he wanted to, Kaito set his sights upwards as he howled, "Trust me, there is no one else here!" Hearing a shush above the echo of his words, he sighed and lowered his volume, "For the love of all these frickin' books, Hakuba, there's no real need to be quiet. Even if it looks like a library, there's no need to shush me."

"…that wasn't me." turning to stare him in the eye, Kaito was able to notice a drop of sweat on the detective's cheek. Only wavering for a second on his suspicion, Kaito was about to protest when a new voice halted him from behind.

"It might not be a library, but you should still be quiet."

Flinching, Kaito ran a few steps forward before starting to turn the other way. Unfortunately, his sights missed the lone volume on the floor his foot landed on. With the spin and his weight combining, he quickly fell to the floor. Grunting as the relatively heavy book fell in the center of his stomach, he heard laughing. It was feminine, so unless Hakuba had a girly laugh, the newcomer was enjoying his clumsiness. Brushing himself off as he rose, Kaito gazed at the one by Hakuba.

With her hand over her mouth to impede her laughter, the girl had to lift her glasses for a second to wipe away a tear. Finished with that, she looked ahead with a smile. Brown eyes to match the hair that framed her face, she appeared to be a young librarian. The turtleneck didn't help, but it was a stylish sleeveless with a nice red for a color. Hands resting on her hips, she questioned them, "What exactly are you two doing here?"

Calm as ever, Hakuba replied from the position he'd been in when Kaito left - he hadn't moved, "My apologies for intruding, but we came here by accident. Forced through the door we were."

"There's a door?" Tilting her head with a completely baffled expression, she frowned. "Weird…wonder why I've never found it before."

'…You're…kidding, right?' Not quite wanting an answer to that question, Kaito instead went with, "So you live here?" after her nod, he added, "…What do you eat? It doesn't look like there's a canteen or anything around here." '…and since there isn't a door, I doubt you can get take-out.'

"Eat?" Pondering for a while, she then stated, "…to take into the mouth and swallow for nourishment; chew and swallow."

Taken off balance by the definition, Kaito attempted to reword the question, "Uh, yeah. So what do you…take into mouth and swallow for nourishment?"

Stopping to think for another moment, Kaito was almost certain she'd spew out another dictionary definition. Surprising him in more ways than one, she finally answered, "Knowledge."

Causing even Hakuba to react with the odd response, she actually got a stutter out of him, "E-Excuse me…?"

Feeling that that wasn't enough, Kaito added on, "You can't eat knowledge… don't you have any food?"

"Food…?" Going into thought once more, Kaito could tell the conversation was going nowhere. Watching as she was about to speak, he noticed she stopped as her eyes widened in his direction. Ignoring the previous question, she suddenly sent out one of her own, "Hey, what's your name?"

Blinking at the sudden inquiry, it actually took a second for him to answer, "I-I'm Kuroba Kaito."

"Really?" Leaning in closer to get a better look, she pulled back as she gasped. Smiling, she pointed at him, "You must be the husband Kiro-chan's told me so much about!"

Knowing for certain that he didn't know the girl even in a past life (he could sense this), Kaito was highly confused. As far as he was concerned, Kuroba Kaito was still a single man. Hell, he didn't even know anyone named 'Kiro'. Feeling that things were getting weirder, his suspicions were confirmed as he glanced past Hakuba's and the girl's head. In the background, floating much like the candles, items of food were there and continuing to appear.

Brought back to the conversation by the girl's voice, Kaito heard the taboo word. Not quite listening to the entire sentence, he muttered, "Wh-What did you just say?"

"Oh, I was just saying how Kiro-chan mentioned your weird fear of fish." There it was: the taboo word again. Looking in the background once more, Kaito was horrified to find some of the items of food were beginning to change…into fish. Continuing to float almost like they were swimming in the air, the flounders there were worse than the normal ones. At least with regular fish they were limited to the water.

Realizing that things were beginning to shift, change and appear whenever the girl mentioned them or gave them a thought, Kaito shuddered, 'This is going to be… interesting…'

Running into some of the people who worked at the nearby resort, it took a bit longer than they would've liked to fly off. Coming up with a reason how and why they'd passed by without a permit took a long time. During that period, Conan had to keep the flower they'd taken intangible so as to not raise any further questions. Left with a mere warning that they shouldn't let their 'sons' out of sight anymore, Yukiko and Yuusaku as well as Conan and Kokoro waited for some isolation before flying off.

With the pale moonlight shining over the clouds onto their faces, the four of them appeared quite ghostly flying in the air. As Kokoro's glowing face lost its interest in the two wingless flying adults, Conan then took the opportunity to speak, "Kokoro-kun, if the pollen of the flowers is what creates their abilities, how did that power transfer to the water's reflection like that?"

Just as Kokoro was mumbling "I'm not sure", Yuusaku interrupted, "You mean you haven't learnt that yet? I realize your lessons have been a bit haphazard, but you should at least know that water is an excellent non-conductor of magic. If used correctly, ice and water can greatly reduce the effects of spells. Why do you think water is used throughout novels and such in healing? It's used to cleanse or block out any negative symptoms."

Far enough away that he didn't have to worry about his thoughts being read, Conan mentally commented, 'Sorry. Between the two of them, Houseki and Akako-chan weren't exactly able to find time to fit that lesson in.'

Daring to fly lower to avoid the clouds that were emerging before them, Conan shivered as he let out a column of steam. On the ground the temperature was quite mild, but up in the air - at night to boot - the degrees dropped briskly. Glancing down at the snow falling, he continuously watched as their shadows parted the moon's light from a few dozen flakes. It was definitely an interesting sight; along with Kokoro and himself, even his parents were mystified by the effect of the snow.

…snow.

Landing a small distance away from Akako's front step, Conan let his mind stray from the instructions his parents were giving Kokoro and instead sent his sights skyward. Watching the few illuminated flakes that caught the moon's light, he thought about the message once more. 'Aside from the wound inflicted with the sword…he was dying from the level eight seal and evidently the process was completed…even though the one emitting the spell had been killed.' Coming across an anomaly in his thought pattern, he began, '…but…didn't Bodonni himself say that he needed-'

"Shin-chan?" Bending down to his height, Yukiko blinked as Conan snapped out of his daze. "Aren't you coming inside? Koko and Yuu-chan are already putting on their slippers as I speak." Pointing behind her at the lack of the two bodies, she successfully made her point.

Brushing some of the flakes off his shoulders, Conan felt his mouth naturally round in wonder as he and the others saw Hattori run by. Not even stopping to say hello, he dashed out of sight into a nearby hallway. In wonder at what he was doing, the answer soon came as he ran back into view.

"What are ya guys waitin' for? Come on!" Never the best at explaining with words, Conan as well as the rest at the door heeded his instructions and followed him.

Seeing a crowd gathered in the middle of the hallway, it didn't take long for Conan to figure out the door they were standing in front of was the dimensional door. Noticing them first, Akako commented, "Well, you sure are late…all of you." Looking down, she was about to say something about Kokoro, but the Detective Boys beat her to the punch.

"What are you doing here!?" Much like Conan, the three children weren't too happy to see the harpy.

Calming down the kids in record time with a simple wave of her hand, Akako pushed their grudges to the side, "So, is this boy what you went to get? …How is he going to help us with the dimensional door?"

Eyes widening as he realized he hadn't thought of an excuse for what he'd been doing, Conan merely laughed trying to stall for time. About to speak, he was halted by a remark from Hattori.

"…did ya hear that?"

Around the crowd in the hall, everyone shook their heads. Leading his fingers over his ears, Hattori closed his eyes. "It's sounds like…water. A…stream, I think. And there's a voice…" opening his eyes in an instant, he reached for the doorknob. Before turning it, he yelled, "Everybody, get outta the way!"

Abiding the order, the group got out of the way just as the water rushed through the open doorway. Riding atop the waves came a canoe. That canoe was lucky as hell the hallway it boated into was a large one. Difficult with a practical river flowing through it, Hattori somehow managed to shut the makeshift dam (albeit, he was soaking wet from the knee down).

Wearing explorer garb straight from one of those action movies, Hakuba stepped out of the wooden boat, complete with a paddle in his hand. Appearing quite annoyed, he brushed off the questioning looks with an out-of-character, "Don't ask."

Going against his request, Hattori asked, "Hey…where's Kuroba?"

Jolting his thumb toward the door, Hakuba replied, "I told him to get in the boat, but he didn't. …Claimed the flying fish were after him again."

While some picked up on the 'flying fish' comment, Akako actually prioritized and said, "W-Wait…Kuroba-kun isn't with you?"

"…not unless he's this paddle." Noticing the distress quickly surfacing on her face, he then asked, "Why? Can the door only be opened at certain intervals?"

Her eyes glued to the floor, she mumbled, "I suppose you could say tha-"

"OH THANK GOD! I'M FINALLY OUT~!" Nearly vibrating the house, Kuroba's voice echoed from above. Sounding overjoyed, his coming appreciation rant also leaked through the floorboard, "I don't care what anyone says, even what I've said before! I love this house, I love these walls, I love this floor. They. Are. All. Normal."

Questionably staring up at the ceiling, Conan couldn't help but shout, "Hey, Kuroba! …Glad to hear you're back!"

Silence occurred for a split second after the remark, then footsteps hurried toward the stairs. Already running when he saw them, Kuroba went into an all out sprint and tackled Akako. Somehow not knocking her over, he looked up at her with an expression that was a cross between traumatized and downright crazy. With a twitch in his eyebrow, he queried, "Why didn't you open that bloody door sooner?" Raising himself to grab her shoulders, he added, "There were flying fish! Flying fish! …and you!" Pointing at Hattori, he then smiled, "Thank…thank god! You're not a stickman!"

Perplexed looks appeared in every possible way on the faces of the surrounding outsiders of the experience. More calm about the situation than Kuroba seemed to be, Hakuba sighed, "…let me evaluate by saying…we basically just spent the last few hours inside of the mind of a teenage girl. The only way we got out was by making her think about doors…which was not a simple task. …and this wasn't some normal teenage girl, this was the tomboy who enjoys video games, football, reading, and apparently action movies: complete with rivers and alligators that populate those rivers…which attack anything that moves."

Given the chance to take his breather, Kuroba began, "Don't forget that she also apparently likes cross-d-" rather than interrupt the old-fashioned way, Hakuba let the paddle do the talking for him. Wobbling a bit, Kuroba stammered as he stumbled back and forth, "It's the concussion…I s-swear."

A little anxious seeing as Hakuba had a viable weapon at hand and he didn't seem to be in the best of moods, Conan carefully asked, "I…I suppose we aren't going to hear the full story…are we?"

Miraculously recovering from Hakuba's blow, Kuroba and he were able to answer simultaneously, "Not in your lifetime."

Putting his hands out in defence, he laughed awkwardly, '…at least they're agreeing on something.'

Hearing a door opening, Conan was too busy trying to hear noise in the background to know what topic Kuroba had been interrupted in the middle of by a female voice commenting, "Wow, this is exactly how I pictured Akako-chan's house to look like."

All swerving to look at the newcomer, Hakuba and Kuroba instantly flinched and moved a few paces back. Before anyone could say anything to the girl, she spoke, "Hey! You're Akako-chan, right? …and I've already met Kaito-kun and Hakuba-kun." looking down, she gasped, "Whoa! The Detective Boys! …even Conan-kun and Ai-chan are here!" Regarding the two adults, she grinned, "Now, I'm not sure on this one, but you two are Yuusaku-san and Yukiko-san?" Glancing downwards again, she pointed at the harpy, "You're a hard one too but…I think you were Kokoro-kun." Glancing at Hattori, she stopped.

Standing in silence for a while, it took a few moments before Hattori pointed to himself, "…and…?"

"Beats me." Turning her back to the group, she took one last look at them. Addressing Kuroba specifically, she growled, "…Kiro-chan wants to see her hubby again, so come by for supper today, won't you?" With that, she left through the open door. It disappeared behind her.

Staring in disbelief at the area the door had been located, Hattori groaned, "…I'm questionin' how she knows any of us…but how does she know…" he indicated Kokoro, "…this kid and not me? …I don't even know who he is."

Patting his shoulder in comfort, Kuroba stated, "Don't worry, she knows who you are…she just thinks you look like a stickman."

"…and that you're supposedly good at chess." Hakuba added on. "By the way…will you play me once? I'd like to make a comparison."

Although whispering, Conan heard Kuroba say, "Better practice, buddy. You don't want to be upstaged by a stickman."

In deep wonder of what the hell could've happened to the two past the dimensional door, Conan could only sigh as he realized he would never never know as long as they had anything to say about it. Comparing the two, Conan could almost say that mystery was more troubling than Hoshi's dying message.

Finally checking the time as the Detective Boys began to yawn, they decided the meeting for that day was adjourned. Gathering at the front door to say their farewells for the night, it was possibly the last time they'd all be in the house before the fatal week came. Deciding it was the time to act, Conan danced around on his feet and asked mentally, 'Hey, Akako-chan…where's your washroom?'

'Whoa, after all this time, you've never went here before?' seeing that he was 'desperate' she tilted her head to the hall left of the door. 'Third door on your right.'

Sending a small message of gratitude, Conan snuck off to the hallway. Sure that no one could see him, he pulled the flower out of his coat. Resisting the urge to sneeze as the pollen wafted into his nose, he peered around the corner - a surprisingly perfect vantage point of the door - and scanned the people there.

Just as he thought, instead of the ten who should've been there, there were eleven. It was quite a shock as to where she was, but for once Conan felt he finally had the advantage.

(February 17th)

Phew. I have to clean the kitchen now, so ending this is not very fun for me. D:

Oh yes, regarding the happenings after we left Hakuba and Kaito in the dimension…well, let's just say my friends and I had a lengthy conversation and most of what we said happened. What did we say? …a whole lot of crack, which is why I didn't actually write that part. Since it's pretty vague, feel free to fill in the blanks as you see fit. xD

Anyway, my time on earth may be limited with what I'm planning. I'm just hoping my executor will give me time enough to finish my story before they do me in. :'D

MOVING ON. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but AWA seems to have magical properties. Now, I just thought this was applying to me, but apparently not.

There have been several weird coincidences so far. First off, (and this has happened with Miyanoai apparently, too) the snow song actually seems to summon up snow. I was once singing it on a normal, not cloudy day and after school…it snowed. I mentioned a snow storm in a chapter and less than a week later my friend asks me "Hey, did you see the winter storm watch on the weather?" Then, I joking put a question about tacos and…

My friends practically had a taco week. One friend had them Monday. Another Tuesday. Three of us for lunch on Thursday. And then? My dad makes tacos today. MADNESS.

Along with that, something I haven't written and merely joked about writing was an early spring. The temperatures lately…almost spring like. They keep shifting between spring and winter temps like nature's asking me, 'When will you write it in?'

IT IS CREEPY. BUT AT THE SAME TIME COOL.

*cough* Other than that, there are a bunch of edited things for this chapter! Hope you enjoy what didn't make it in~

This is just after Akako says they're confused by Hoshi's message.

OMAKE

"…Snow, huh?" Contemplating the word himself, Kuroba - like the rest of them - came up blank. Shaking his head, he shrugged, "I can't see any real meaning behind it…well, other than the fact that he apparently liked snow. …a lot. …so much that he made a song about it." Pounding his fist into his palm in a fake moment of realization, he remarked sarcastically, "Maybe he means this is like one of those video games where the 'holy song' weakens the big boss!"

Less than amused, Hakuba stared sceptically at Kuroba, "Yes, because we all know they had gaming consoles back at that time."

"Hold on there, Saguru-kun, Kaito-kun may have a point." With her cheerful way of being serious, Yukiko covered her ears, "With the way Shin-chan sings, Houseki wouldn't be able to fight back in fear of becoming deaf."

'…Oi, oi…' Chuckling half-heartedly himself, Conan glanced around the room at the other smiling faces as the joke settled in. Even Hakuba was grinning. '…so much for not hesitating during this debate…'

This is after the guys are pushed into the closet. (and its assuming the closet isn't the dimensional door)

OMAKE #2

"Th-Thanks, Hattori-kun. I don't think I could've closed the closet without your help: there's a lot of stuff in there."

"N-No problem, Koizumi-chan." Laughing awkwardly, he added, "This is what I came here t' do today, remember? Ya wanted some help cleanin', right?"

Seeming to get away with the 'explanation' as to why they were holding the door shut, the two walked away from the door as the Detective Boys went about talking with Conan and Haibara. Among other things, the main question they had was, "Why did we wake up in the guest rooms?"

Answering for Akako, Hattori stuttered, "I-I was wonderin' about that too, and when I asked Koizumi-chan about it, she said that it was some natural spell at her doorstep…sort of like a security system. You guys were unfamiliar, so it knocked ya out."

Genuinely impressed with his lie, Akako was about to smile Hattori's way when something else caught her eye. Quickly running over to Ayumi - who was at the closet door - she stopped immediately as the door quickly swung open, revealing Kuroba and Hakuba cramped inside the small space. Their faces were blank.

Swerving to look at Akako with the obvious question on her face, Ayumi blinked as Akako flinched. Put on the spot and always one to easily poke fun at people, she placed her hands on her hips and chided the two, "Geez! What are you two lovers doing in there?"

Laughing at the remark with everyone else, Conan was surprised to see that Hakuba was as red in the face as Kuroba. Both wore deadly glares, too.

This would've been the first lines of the second scene in the library place.

OMAKE #3

"…and that is why British scones are better."

'With books, scriptures and loads of other boring crap around me…I can't believe I chose to listen to that to pass the time…' Clearing some wax out of his ear, Kaito paused before blatantly stating, "Well, if I'm ever in the mood to be completely bored out of my mind, I know who to call."

Never phased by anything, Hakuba rebounded with, "I could say the exact same thing about those pranks you call magic tricks."

Suddenly feeling the need to strangle a certain half-Brit's neck, Kaito mentally concluded, 'Maybe that scone speech was better than this. At least with that we aren't at each other's throats…'

See you within the next coming week! :D