Chapter 25
"Hey, trust me!"
I looked around myself, saw the fire closing in to me. The heat, the smoke was getting unbearable.
The paintings was falling off the walls, the ceiling were getting blacker and the paints were dripping down slowly. Thousands and thousands of pounds of antiques were being destroyed in front of my very eyes.
If I could save them, I would.
Listening to the fizzy sound of the burning furniture, the rumbling sound that came from beneath me, I felt so lonely, so isolated.
I watched till they escaped out of the mansion, and I dragged myself to sat in the corner of the room, unable to move.
I laid down slowly, staring straight at the ceiling, the floor was getting hotter and hotter. In comparison, my body was cold and weak.
I groaned, the pain was keeping me awake.
I just want to lie here, fall asleep and never wake up again.
Yes. I wanted to die.
I closed my eyes, what was happening around me was too horrifying. Didn't want to watch--------
I started to think, I have been doing a hell of a lot of thinking lately, and one of them was her.
Her eyes---the tears----she was crying, she wanted to die with me, but I wouldn't let her.
So I kissed her.
Damn, she is so gona kill me when I see her again-----oh wait, what am I talking about? I wont see her again------ I wont see her blue eyes and long, black hair ever again----------
I told her who I really am, and I know she knows. I could tell from her eyes. She was shocked, but everything became clear to her at that moment.
Why did I decided to tell her? Well-----I am not sure. I guess I wanted to confess to her before it was all too late. I never realised how much she meant to me until then.
I smiled. It was a good kiss.
I decided it was best not think about it, just clear my head, stay blank and wait for the fire to devour me.
But I couldn't.
So much emotion was go through me, so many things that pop into my head.
I thought of another person that means the world to me.
My father.
I could picture his face in my head, his warm smile, his voice-----everything, even after so many years,
I still have the vivid images of him and everything we done together.
He looked sad.
"I'm sorry, dad----I didn't find out who killed you---I cant----" I whispered, feeling a lump in my throat.
My father just smiled, it was a sad smile.
Something in his eyes was speaking to me, having a go at me.
I put my hand over my face, felt the sweat that came running down, I heard my breathing, fast and heavy.
*What am I doing?*
*This ain't like you, Kaito Kuroba!*
*Lying here dying, this is NOT the style of KID the phantom thief either! Get up you stupid idiot!*
A stupid idiot? Now, that sounds familiar--------
I heard Aoko`s voice. "Kaito you idiot! What are you doing?!!"
I coughed, open my eyes. It was so bright, the fire and the heat made my eyes watery.
My head and my mind was as clear as a deep blue lake. An energy erupted within me.
"Never gives up" I said, talking to myself.
"Its not over until its all over, so move your legs and get the hell out of here!"
I struggled to stood up, I kneeled on the floor, panted for a few seconds, and took a deep breath, with a grunt, I stood up, holding my stomach.
It was painful, but I was determined to get out of here.
I looked around myself, between the fire and the black smoke, I saw the stairs that leads to the second floor.
Go upstairs. That was the only way. I dont know how the hell I am going to escape the building if I go up, but---------
Hey, wait. An idea pop into my head.
Maybe if I get into my room and use that-----?
I grinned.
Oh yeah, KID the phantom thief is back.
I cant wait to hear her calling me an idiot again when I see her.
And to be honest, that is pretty stupid.
I took a step forward and starting to walk towards the stairs.
**************************************
He opened his eyes. Trying to focus. He felt dizzy and faint.
He sat up slowly and looked up at the mirror ceiling.
Between the fire and smoke, Shinichi saw three figures disappearing out of the exit.
"They made it!" said Shinichi to himself. A happy feeling came over him.
Then he felt a stabbing pain suddenly pierced through his head.
"OW!"
He grabbed his head and felt the wet blood.
Shinichi realised he was in deep trouble.
"Why the hell aint I dead yet?!" muttered Kudou to himself.
*but then I think its not something that most people will usually complain about.* thought Shinichi.
"At least they are out, all they need to do is jump off the building into that pond------I am sure they will be all right." Thought Shinichi.
"But I am NOT all right."
He stood up and saw the fire. It wasnt burning inside the room since the whole room was made out of stones and mirrors, there wasnt much that the fire could burn with,
but the air was feeding the fire and the smoke was rushing into the room.
The stairs was now too high for Shinichi to reach, it was still swaying side to side.
Shinichi looked around himself, realised he was trapped in the room.
There was just him, the fire, smoke and the statue of Lady Norferk lying on the floor.
"Shit!" he thought. "There is no way getting out of here------I am going to be burn alive in this room!"
Unless some miracle happen, Shinichi knew that he wont get out of the mansion alive.
He sat down again, drew his knees up to his chin and just looked. There was no hope in his eyes.
"This is it" thought Shinichi. "I am going to die here----not the best way to end your life, but there is nothing more I could do."
He thought of Ran.
"Ran------how is she going to cope without me? Will Heiji tell her what happened to me?" It was painful just to think that Ran will be on her own.
So many questions rushed through his mind. *Does she know how much I love her?*
"Just one more time-----let me see her one more time." Whispered Shinichi, he wasnt sure who he was talking to, but he couldn't help the heart broken feeling. He felt angry.
Why does this has to happen? He's engaged to the only woman he ever loved, and now they are not even going to get marry?
He wants to be with her so much-----------------------------------------
He felt so tire, too much carbon dioxide was making him sleepy, his mind was getting foggy------
But all the time, the image of Ran stayed in his head.
Kudou coughed, he stare blankly into the space in front of him. The statue was laying there.
At the bottom of her feet, the ground was sparkling.
Shinichi blinked, not sure whether his eyes was playing tricks with him or not.
"What is that---?!"
he scrambled onto his feet, to get a closer look.
On the stone floor, there was a round shape, dented inside the ground. It was very irregular, about the size of a palm. It had different patterns carved in it and the dented area were in gold.
Shinichi looked, he used his hand to push the dented hole, and felt it sank deeper and deeper into the ground. It was like a bowl, resting on a spring.
Shinichi quickly pulled his hand out, because in no way was he expecting a *sinking* hole.
The dented hole came up slowly again.
"What IS this---?!"
Shinichi looked hard.
"If the statue weren't pushed over by Alice, I will never find this because the statue was on top of it. It must be something important, otherwise it wont be in gold-----but that the heck it is?"
Some sort of device? A trigger? A secret button?
"A way to escape !" thought Shinichi. "Now I have to figure out how it works-----"
The fire was closing in on him, the heat clogged his mind and the smoke was making it hard for him to breath.
Shinichi coughed and wheezed, knowing very soon he will faint and die, choking on the deadly and hot smoke.
He could felt the heat behind him, sweat ran down his back, he brushed away his hair, trying to focus, trying to concentrate. The pressure, and nerve was like a huge tidal wave, crushing down on him.
He must stay calm, otherwise, all would be lost.
"*Cough* damn---think, Kudou think!! You have seen this somewhere before, but where---the shape----------in gold-------------------"
Shinichi breathed hard and fast, staring at the hole, feeling the time passing away, each second was vital, he couldn't afford to miss out any second, because it would mean life, and death.
"In gold---small size-----round-------"
A thought pierced through Shinichi`s head like a bullet.
"THE GOLD ROSE!"
Kudou didn't bother to stand up on his feet, he crawled on all fours, to the statue's head, and looked at the gold rose, it was already attached loosely when the statue was pushed over.
He reached out and easily took down the gold rose.
"Right, lets hope it works."
Shinichi went back to the hole, and carefully, he puts the gold rose inside the shape. It didn't fit in quit well, so he had to rotate it about, and finally, the rose fits perfectly into the hole.
The hole sank slowly, deeper and deeper, then it stopped.
Nothing happened.
Shinichi bit his lips, felt the frustration and dread that came over him.
Something else was missing. What was it?
He couldn't concentrate, just keeping his eyes open was difficult.
But he wont give up so easily.
"It needs to be the right weight, it must be measuring how much weight was being put into the hole constantly-------what could it be? Think---damn, I cant even see clearly now------" thought Shinichi, struggling, trying to clear his heavy head.
It was so hot------so tired--------
"Something else that rest inside the rose--------"
Of course, it was something really obvious, but it was very difficult for someone to think straight when they have been running all day, didn't sleep for the last 24 hours, going through physical and emotional pains and on the edge of being burn alive.
The fire behind Shinichi suddenly erupted, it burned Shinichi`s back and the pain made him jumped.
"AHHH!!" he jumped forward, spun round to looked at the fire that was now a few feet away from him.
Sweat came running down his face, cold sweat. His back hurts, he must got some burns on his back.
The pain suddenly made his mind reacts faster than usual.
"THE BLUE GEM!" shouted Shinichi, he reached into his trouser pocket, and took out the blue gem.
"Did Hakuba and Heiji really believed I lost the gem?! Well, even if they didn't, they sure did a pretty good job acting!" thought Shinichi. It was another trick of his, of course.
He knew that if Alice caught up with them, she will kill them no matter what. So he pretend to put the gem in his top pocket, just so if Alice asked for the blue gem (which she did), Shinichi could act like he lost it,
that way, she could never get it back.
And maybe after the whole thing is over, Richard's family could retrieve off his body later-------but he couldnt have done it without Alice really believing he lost it. Well, that was his plan anyway.
So, Heiji and Hakuba`s reaction was vital.
Without their stunned expression, Alice could tell easily Kudou was lying and still retrieved the blue gem from him.
"Now----put the gem in------please let it work----!!" prayed Shinichi, as he carefully laid the gem into the gold rose.
The hole sank deeper, and deeper--------then it stopped.
A loud crash went behind Shinichi, he looked back, saw the walls that was collapsing, the entrance of the room was disappearing with the fire.
"Damn! There is no time left!!" cursed Shinichi, he backed away from the fire, coughing and wheezing, retrieved to the far end corner of the room, the broken stairs were swaying above him.
He leaned closely against the wall, staring at the fire. Death, was not far away.
A strange noise went of behind Shinichi, an he suddenly felt something was moving away from his back.
He turned and saw a part of the stone wall behind him was slowly sinking deeper and deeper into the wall.
The moving part of the wall was about two meters high and a meter wide.
He could hear the squeaking noise of the mechanics within the wall, the wheels turning, the clanking and banging noise that almost deafening him.
He watched, waited.
The wall sank about a meter deep and revealed a long, narrow stairs that lead upwards.
A rush of cold, fresh air blew into his face, he had never feel so relieved before.
Shinichi held the urge to let out a cry of happiness.
He looked back, saw the statue of Lady Norferk.
The fire already surrounded her head, it danced around her, the reflections of yellow and gold cast onto her beautiful face.
she was now a statue with the colours of gold and silver, the most noble colors blended prefectly on her silver body.
Her big eyes were looking at him. Her face was smiling.
Shinichi smiled, he then saw the sparkling object near the statue's feet.
The fire was closing in on it quickly.
He dashed towards the statue, bent down and picked up the blue gem from the hole, before the fire burn his hand.
"Thanks, Lady Norferk." Whisper Shinichi.
He then ran into the secret exit and disappeared, leaving behind the fire, the smoke, the broken mirrors, the gold rose and finally, the statue of Lady Norferk.
Few seconds later, a loud CRASH!!! Shook the entire building.
The room collapsed and destroyed the last memory of the mirror maze.
******************************************************
I panted.
So many stairs, I couldn't believe how I managed to climb.
Each time I lifted my feet, the stabbing pain shot through my entire body, so many time, I thought I was going to faint and never, ever open my eyes again.
But I am still alive.
I managed to climb to the second floor, dragging my legs and banding over like a hundred years old man with serious arthritis.
I tripped over, landed on my knees.
I bit my lips so I wouldn't cry out in pain.
The fire was steadily catching on behind me, it spread very quickly and pretty much burned the entire ground floor of the mansion, now the smoke was so thick that it was difficult to see. And breath.
I kept my face close to the floor, where there was still some breathable air.
I half-closed my eyes, trying to figure out which direction I was facing.
Hey, losing several liters of blood do tend to make you a bit disorientated. Or at least it felt like several liters.
It took me several seconds to figure out where I was, and I decided to turn left, back to my room.
The corridor was long and dark, I knew this is a big room, but now, the place seemed like a castle.
But I noticed a glimpse of light was coming through the windows, seeps through the thick, black smoke above me.
Ah----it must be morning already.
I felt the heat behind me, the fire that was catching onto me so quickly. It was already burning halfway through the red carpeted stairs.
"Why the hell do they always have those thick, heavy, stupid, BURN-ABLE bloody carpets in England?!"
I thought. "Stone floors would be much safer------"
Silly things to think about at a time like this.
I struggled forward, crawling on all fours so I could get the fresher air, but I was coughing none the less.
I saw the doors----so many door---which one is it?!
Couldn't think-----head dizzy----sleepy-------no, must keep myself awake!
I went up to the door on my left, pushed it open.
It was the stock room. What I saw certainly woke me up.
Louise was there. her body, cold and limp.
I bit my lips and turned my head.
There was nothing I could do for her or Mike. Anger and sadness filled my head, I feel sorry for them both. But there really was nothing I could do. Their bodies will disappear with the fire soon--------
I closed the door and decided to move on.
Which one is my room? Damn, I couldn't even see properly, the smoke was too thick.
I crawled forward and opened another 3 rooms, they were the bath room, toilet and another stock room.
Further down on my right, a large two doors room.
That was the library. The doors were closed tightly, and I didn't bother to open it. I gotta save all my energy.
So my room should be---let me think----further down on the left--------------the second door?
I coughed and moved past the library, that was I heard a squeaky noise behind me.
I stopped and slowly turned my head.
Was something wrong with my ears too? Or did I really heard that noise?
The doors behind me opened slowly.
I watched, didn't know whether it was horror or shock that took over me. Maybe both?
A hand appeared, a bloody hand it was. It held onto the door for a few seconds, and let go.
Then some coughing noise. Okay, so there was a person still in this mansion.
Alice? John?
A figure appeared slowly behind the doors, it stumbled forward and almost tripped over.
It stopped itself and looked around.
It saw me.
The surprise and shock that went through my head was something I will never forget.
"-----------Kudou?" I whispered.
"-----------Kaito?" He asked, blinking his eyes.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!!" we both shouted at the same time, and we both bit our lips because it hurts to speak so loud.
"What the hell---where is everyone?" mumbled Kudou, he stared at me like he just seen a ghost, then it obviously clicked in that detective brain of his that I was seriously injured.
He quickly came over and puts my arm over his shoulder, helping me to stood up.
"I was going to ask you the same thing------where is Hi-Heiji and, that, that ----guy?"
I struggled to speak, pant heavily at the same time.
Kudou looked at my face for a second or two, and he noticed my bloody, still slightly wet stomach.
"Shhh---dont talk too much, they escaped, but I was left behind."
I opened my mouth, but Kudou quickly finished his sentence.
"They had no choice, I will explain to you when we are out of here, it was NOT their fault."
He starting to walk, I looked at him, I saw several cuts on his face, loads of cuts on his clothes----and he was really well "smoked" like me, the black smudges were all over him.
His shirt was badly burned on the back, it revealed his red, wounded back.
Damn, just what the hell happened to him?!
"To my---our room----quick." I said.
"Why?"
"Unless you--- have a better idea--- on--how to get out of here?" I asked. A bit pissed off now because he told me not to speak, and now he is asking me questions that I have to answer?
"---None at the moment. The only way out is on the ground floor, and the fire was too big for us to even go back-----I don't know how to get to the top of the mansion, otherwise we could jump into the pond--------
we have very little time left-----so, what's your plan?" he finally asked, after considered all the possible escape route.
I must admit sometimes, I do get a bit annoyed with his *detective* attitude.
I grinned.
"Take us to our room------and I will show you."
"-------why do I have a feeling that I wont like what I am about to see?" he muttered.
We finally arrived outside of our room.
Shinichi kicked the door open, and we dragged ourselves in.
I stumbled towards my bed and Shinichi closed the door behind us. He then grabbed the bed covers and blocked the space under the door, to stop the smoke from seeping through so quickly.
I sat on the floor, next to my bed, and put my hand under the bed to pulled out my luggage .
Shinichi opened the windows, he turned around and saw me opening my luggage.
I took out my favourite clothes ever and held them up to showed it to Shinichi.
And Kudou face froze at the moment. It was half way between frowning and angry.
Not to mention the shocking and disbelieve expression.
I burst out laughing, though it hurts like hell.
"KUROBA?!!" he roared. "You had us trap in here just so you can die as KID?!!"
I was till laughing.
"KUROBA YOU-YOU BAKA! You are the biggest idiot ever!!!!" Kudou was roaring on the top of his voice. "You pathetic, sad freak!!"
"Chill----Kudou!" I grinned, watching his face changing colours between red and green.
"I need to ask you a little favour, that will get us both out of here, and keep me out of trouble." I winked at him.
"-----------------"
He didn't reply, but I could tell from his expression that his desire to beat the crap out of me was pretty strong.
"Hey, trust me, I am KID!"
I grinned.
"And I believe its the time to perform a little magic of mine!"
***********************************************
To Be Continue----------
***********************************************
Catz: TA~DA~~~!!! See-----told you I hate sad endings!! =^0^=
Yo Conan fans are cool with me now, right? =^.^= (Catz with a huge grin on her face, slowly but still a bit unsure, starting to remove her helmet and bullet proved vest.)
I planned this a~~~ges ago, and it was such an exciting *experience* to be able to write it all down------(Catz sighed with content)
Okay, I wont talk too much now------plz, plz PLZ write a review for this chapter, I SO want to know what you guys think!!
A BIG thank you to you all, especially those who wrote the reviews-------
Oh, and by the way------this aint the last chapter!! (Just thought I will let you know----)(hehehehe---)
"Hey, trust me!"
I looked around myself, saw the fire closing in to me. The heat, the smoke was getting unbearable.
The paintings was falling off the walls, the ceiling were getting blacker and the paints were dripping down slowly. Thousands and thousands of pounds of antiques were being destroyed in front of my very eyes.
If I could save them, I would.
Listening to the fizzy sound of the burning furniture, the rumbling sound that came from beneath me, I felt so lonely, so isolated.
I watched till they escaped out of the mansion, and I dragged myself to sat in the corner of the room, unable to move.
I laid down slowly, staring straight at the ceiling, the floor was getting hotter and hotter. In comparison, my body was cold and weak.
I groaned, the pain was keeping me awake.
I just want to lie here, fall asleep and never wake up again.
Yes. I wanted to die.
I closed my eyes, what was happening around me was too horrifying. Didn't want to watch--------
I started to think, I have been doing a hell of a lot of thinking lately, and one of them was her.
Her eyes---the tears----she was crying, she wanted to die with me, but I wouldn't let her.
So I kissed her.
Damn, she is so gona kill me when I see her again-----oh wait, what am I talking about? I wont see her again------ I wont see her blue eyes and long, black hair ever again----------
I told her who I really am, and I know she knows. I could tell from her eyes. She was shocked, but everything became clear to her at that moment.
Why did I decided to tell her? Well-----I am not sure. I guess I wanted to confess to her before it was all too late. I never realised how much she meant to me until then.
I smiled. It was a good kiss.
I decided it was best not think about it, just clear my head, stay blank and wait for the fire to devour me.
But I couldn't.
So much emotion was go through me, so many things that pop into my head.
I thought of another person that means the world to me.
My father.
I could picture his face in my head, his warm smile, his voice-----everything, even after so many years,
I still have the vivid images of him and everything we done together.
He looked sad.
"I'm sorry, dad----I didn't find out who killed you---I cant----" I whispered, feeling a lump in my throat.
My father just smiled, it was a sad smile.
Something in his eyes was speaking to me, having a go at me.
I put my hand over my face, felt the sweat that came running down, I heard my breathing, fast and heavy.
*What am I doing?*
*This ain't like you, Kaito Kuroba!*
*Lying here dying, this is NOT the style of KID the phantom thief either! Get up you stupid idiot!*
A stupid idiot? Now, that sounds familiar--------
I heard Aoko`s voice. "Kaito you idiot! What are you doing?!!"
I coughed, open my eyes. It was so bright, the fire and the heat made my eyes watery.
My head and my mind was as clear as a deep blue lake. An energy erupted within me.
"Never gives up" I said, talking to myself.
"Its not over until its all over, so move your legs and get the hell out of here!"
I struggled to stood up, I kneeled on the floor, panted for a few seconds, and took a deep breath, with a grunt, I stood up, holding my stomach.
It was painful, but I was determined to get out of here.
I looked around myself, between the fire and the black smoke, I saw the stairs that leads to the second floor.
Go upstairs. That was the only way. I dont know how the hell I am going to escape the building if I go up, but---------
Hey, wait. An idea pop into my head.
Maybe if I get into my room and use that-----?
I grinned.
Oh yeah, KID the phantom thief is back.
I cant wait to hear her calling me an idiot again when I see her.
And to be honest, that is pretty stupid.
I took a step forward and starting to walk towards the stairs.
**************************************
He opened his eyes. Trying to focus. He felt dizzy and faint.
He sat up slowly and looked up at the mirror ceiling.
Between the fire and smoke, Shinichi saw three figures disappearing out of the exit.
"They made it!" said Shinichi to himself. A happy feeling came over him.
Then he felt a stabbing pain suddenly pierced through his head.
"OW!"
He grabbed his head and felt the wet blood.
Shinichi realised he was in deep trouble.
"Why the hell aint I dead yet?!" muttered Kudou to himself.
*but then I think its not something that most people will usually complain about.* thought Shinichi.
"At least they are out, all they need to do is jump off the building into that pond------I am sure they will be all right." Thought Shinichi.
"But I am NOT all right."
He stood up and saw the fire. It wasnt burning inside the room since the whole room was made out of stones and mirrors, there wasnt much that the fire could burn with,
but the air was feeding the fire and the smoke was rushing into the room.
The stairs was now too high for Shinichi to reach, it was still swaying side to side.
Shinichi looked around himself, realised he was trapped in the room.
There was just him, the fire, smoke and the statue of Lady Norferk lying on the floor.
"Shit!" he thought. "There is no way getting out of here------I am going to be burn alive in this room!"
Unless some miracle happen, Shinichi knew that he wont get out of the mansion alive.
He sat down again, drew his knees up to his chin and just looked. There was no hope in his eyes.
"This is it" thought Shinichi. "I am going to die here----not the best way to end your life, but there is nothing more I could do."
He thought of Ran.
"Ran------how is she going to cope without me? Will Heiji tell her what happened to me?" It was painful just to think that Ran will be on her own.
So many questions rushed through his mind. *Does she know how much I love her?*
"Just one more time-----let me see her one more time." Whispered Shinichi, he wasnt sure who he was talking to, but he couldn't help the heart broken feeling. He felt angry.
Why does this has to happen? He's engaged to the only woman he ever loved, and now they are not even going to get marry?
He wants to be with her so much-----------------------------------------
He felt so tire, too much carbon dioxide was making him sleepy, his mind was getting foggy------
But all the time, the image of Ran stayed in his head.
Kudou coughed, he stare blankly into the space in front of him. The statue was laying there.
At the bottom of her feet, the ground was sparkling.
Shinichi blinked, not sure whether his eyes was playing tricks with him or not.
"What is that---?!"
he scrambled onto his feet, to get a closer look.
On the stone floor, there was a round shape, dented inside the ground. It was very irregular, about the size of a palm. It had different patterns carved in it and the dented area were in gold.
Shinichi looked, he used his hand to push the dented hole, and felt it sank deeper and deeper into the ground. It was like a bowl, resting on a spring.
Shinichi quickly pulled his hand out, because in no way was he expecting a *sinking* hole.
The dented hole came up slowly again.
"What IS this---?!"
Shinichi looked hard.
"If the statue weren't pushed over by Alice, I will never find this because the statue was on top of it. It must be something important, otherwise it wont be in gold-----but that the heck it is?"
Some sort of device? A trigger? A secret button?
"A way to escape !" thought Shinichi. "Now I have to figure out how it works-----"
The fire was closing in on him, the heat clogged his mind and the smoke was making it hard for him to breath.
Shinichi coughed and wheezed, knowing very soon he will faint and die, choking on the deadly and hot smoke.
He could felt the heat behind him, sweat ran down his back, he brushed away his hair, trying to focus, trying to concentrate. The pressure, and nerve was like a huge tidal wave, crushing down on him.
He must stay calm, otherwise, all would be lost.
"*Cough* damn---think, Kudou think!! You have seen this somewhere before, but where---the shape----------in gold-------------------"
Shinichi breathed hard and fast, staring at the hole, feeling the time passing away, each second was vital, he couldn't afford to miss out any second, because it would mean life, and death.
"In gold---small size-----round-------"
A thought pierced through Shinichi`s head like a bullet.
"THE GOLD ROSE!"
Kudou didn't bother to stand up on his feet, he crawled on all fours, to the statue's head, and looked at the gold rose, it was already attached loosely when the statue was pushed over.
He reached out and easily took down the gold rose.
"Right, lets hope it works."
Shinichi went back to the hole, and carefully, he puts the gold rose inside the shape. It didn't fit in quit well, so he had to rotate it about, and finally, the rose fits perfectly into the hole.
The hole sank slowly, deeper and deeper, then it stopped.
Nothing happened.
Shinichi bit his lips, felt the frustration and dread that came over him.
Something else was missing. What was it?
He couldn't concentrate, just keeping his eyes open was difficult.
But he wont give up so easily.
"It needs to be the right weight, it must be measuring how much weight was being put into the hole constantly-------what could it be? Think---damn, I cant even see clearly now------" thought Shinichi, struggling, trying to clear his heavy head.
It was so hot------so tired--------
"Something else that rest inside the rose--------"
Of course, it was something really obvious, but it was very difficult for someone to think straight when they have been running all day, didn't sleep for the last 24 hours, going through physical and emotional pains and on the edge of being burn alive.
The fire behind Shinichi suddenly erupted, it burned Shinichi`s back and the pain made him jumped.
"AHHH!!" he jumped forward, spun round to looked at the fire that was now a few feet away from him.
Sweat came running down his face, cold sweat. His back hurts, he must got some burns on his back.
The pain suddenly made his mind reacts faster than usual.
"THE BLUE GEM!" shouted Shinichi, he reached into his trouser pocket, and took out the blue gem.
"Did Hakuba and Heiji really believed I lost the gem?! Well, even if they didn't, they sure did a pretty good job acting!" thought Shinichi. It was another trick of his, of course.
He knew that if Alice caught up with them, she will kill them no matter what. So he pretend to put the gem in his top pocket, just so if Alice asked for the blue gem (which she did), Shinichi could act like he lost it,
that way, she could never get it back.
And maybe after the whole thing is over, Richard's family could retrieve off his body later-------but he couldnt have done it without Alice really believing he lost it. Well, that was his plan anyway.
So, Heiji and Hakuba`s reaction was vital.
Without their stunned expression, Alice could tell easily Kudou was lying and still retrieved the blue gem from him.
"Now----put the gem in------please let it work----!!" prayed Shinichi, as he carefully laid the gem into the gold rose.
The hole sank deeper, and deeper--------then it stopped.
A loud crash went behind Shinichi, he looked back, saw the walls that was collapsing, the entrance of the room was disappearing with the fire.
"Damn! There is no time left!!" cursed Shinichi, he backed away from the fire, coughing and wheezing, retrieved to the far end corner of the room, the broken stairs were swaying above him.
He leaned closely against the wall, staring at the fire. Death, was not far away.
A strange noise went of behind Shinichi, an he suddenly felt something was moving away from his back.
He turned and saw a part of the stone wall behind him was slowly sinking deeper and deeper into the wall.
The moving part of the wall was about two meters high and a meter wide.
He could hear the squeaking noise of the mechanics within the wall, the wheels turning, the clanking and banging noise that almost deafening him.
He watched, waited.
The wall sank about a meter deep and revealed a long, narrow stairs that lead upwards.
A rush of cold, fresh air blew into his face, he had never feel so relieved before.
Shinichi held the urge to let out a cry of happiness.
He looked back, saw the statue of Lady Norferk.
The fire already surrounded her head, it danced around her, the reflections of yellow and gold cast onto her beautiful face.
she was now a statue with the colours of gold and silver, the most noble colors blended prefectly on her silver body.
Her big eyes were looking at him. Her face was smiling.
Shinichi smiled, he then saw the sparkling object near the statue's feet.
The fire was closing in on it quickly.
He dashed towards the statue, bent down and picked up the blue gem from the hole, before the fire burn his hand.
"Thanks, Lady Norferk." Whisper Shinichi.
He then ran into the secret exit and disappeared, leaving behind the fire, the smoke, the broken mirrors, the gold rose and finally, the statue of Lady Norferk.
Few seconds later, a loud CRASH!!! Shook the entire building.
The room collapsed and destroyed the last memory of the mirror maze.
******************************************************
I panted.
So many stairs, I couldn't believe how I managed to climb.
Each time I lifted my feet, the stabbing pain shot through my entire body, so many time, I thought I was going to faint and never, ever open my eyes again.
But I am still alive.
I managed to climb to the second floor, dragging my legs and banding over like a hundred years old man with serious arthritis.
I tripped over, landed on my knees.
I bit my lips so I wouldn't cry out in pain.
The fire was steadily catching on behind me, it spread very quickly and pretty much burned the entire ground floor of the mansion, now the smoke was so thick that it was difficult to see. And breath.
I kept my face close to the floor, where there was still some breathable air.
I half-closed my eyes, trying to figure out which direction I was facing.
Hey, losing several liters of blood do tend to make you a bit disorientated. Or at least it felt like several liters.
It took me several seconds to figure out where I was, and I decided to turn left, back to my room.
The corridor was long and dark, I knew this is a big room, but now, the place seemed like a castle.
But I noticed a glimpse of light was coming through the windows, seeps through the thick, black smoke above me.
Ah----it must be morning already.
I felt the heat behind me, the fire that was catching onto me so quickly. It was already burning halfway through the red carpeted stairs.
"Why the hell do they always have those thick, heavy, stupid, BURN-ABLE bloody carpets in England?!"
I thought. "Stone floors would be much safer------"
Silly things to think about at a time like this.
I struggled forward, crawling on all fours so I could get the fresher air, but I was coughing none the less.
I saw the doors----so many door---which one is it?!
Couldn't think-----head dizzy----sleepy-------no, must keep myself awake!
I went up to the door on my left, pushed it open.
It was the stock room. What I saw certainly woke me up.
Louise was there. her body, cold and limp.
I bit my lips and turned my head.
There was nothing I could do for her or Mike. Anger and sadness filled my head, I feel sorry for them both. But there really was nothing I could do. Their bodies will disappear with the fire soon--------
I closed the door and decided to move on.
Which one is my room? Damn, I couldn't even see properly, the smoke was too thick.
I crawled forward and opened another 3 rooms, they were the bath room, toilet and another stock room.
Further down on my right, a large two doors room.
That was the library. The doors were closed tightly, and I didn't bother to open it. I gotta save all my energy.
So my room should be---let me think----further down on the left--------------the second door?
I coughed and moved past the library, that was I heard a squeaky noise behind me.
I stopped and slowly turned my head.
Was something wrong with my ears too? Or did I really heard that noise?
The doors behind me opened slowly.
I watched, didn't know whether it was horror or shock that took over me. Maybe both?
A hand appeared, a bloody hand it was. It held onto the door for a few seconds, and let go.
Then some coughing noise. Okay, so there was a person still in this mansion.
Alice? John?
A figure appeared slowly behind the doors, it stumbled forward and almost tripped over.
It stopped itself and looked around.
It saw me.
The surprise and shock that went through my head was something I will never forget.
"-----------Kudou?" I whispered.
"-----------Kaito?" He asked, blinking his eyes.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!!" we both shouted at the same time, and we both bit our lips because it hurts to speak so loud.
"What the hell---where is everyone?" mumbled Kudou, he stared at me like he just seen a ghost, then it obviously clicked in that detective brain of his that I was seriously injured.
He quickly came over and puts my arm over his shoulder, helping me to stood up.
"I was going to ask you the same thing------where is Hi-Heiji and, that, that ----guy?"
I struggled to speak, pant heavily at the same time.
Kudou looked at my face for a second or two, and he noticed my bloody, still slightly wet stomach.
"Shhh---dont talk too much, they escaped, but I was left behind."
I opened my mouth, but Kudou quickly finished his sentence.
"They had no choice, I will explain to you when we are out of here, it was NOT their fault."
He starting to walk, I looked at him, I saw several cuts on his face, loads of cuts on his clothes----and he was really well "smoked" like me, the black smudges were all over him.
His shirt was badly burned on the back, it revealed his red, wounded back.
Damn, just what the hell happened to him?!
"To my---our room----quick." I said.
"Why?"
"Unless you--- have a better idea--- on--how to get out of here?" I asked. A bit pissed off now because he told me not to speak, and now he is asking me questions that I have to answer?
"---None at the moment. The only way out is on the ground floor, and the fire was too big for us to even go back-----I don't know how to get to the top of the mansion, otherwise we could jump into the pond--------
we have very little time left-----so, what's your plan?" he finally asked, after considered all the possible escape route.
I must admit sometimes, I do get a bit annoyed with his *detective* attitude.
I grinned.
"Take us to our room------and I will show you."
"-------why do I have a feeling that I wont like what I am about to see?" he muttered.
We finally arrived outside of our room.
Shinichi kicked the door open, and we dragged ourselves in.
I stumbled towards my bed and Shinichi closed the door behind us. He then grabbed the bed covers and blocked the space under the door, to stop the smoke from seeping through so quickly.
I sat on the floor, next to my bed, and put my hand under the bed to pulled out my luggage .
Shinichi opened the windows, he turned around and saw me opening my luggage.
I took out my favourite clothes ever and held them up to showed it to Shinichi.
And Kudou face froze at the moment. It was half way between frowning and angry.
Not to mention the shocking and disbelieve expression.
I burst out laughing, though it hurts like hell.
"KUROBA?!!" he roared. "You had us trap in here just so you can die as KID?!!"
I was till laughing.
"KUROBA YOU-YOU BAKA! You are the biggest idiot ever!!!!" Kudou was roaring on the top of his voice. "You pathetic, sad freak!!"
"Chill----Kudou!" I grinned, watching his face changing colours between red and green.
"I need to ask you a little favour, that will get us both out of here, and keep me out of trouble." I winked at him.
"-----------------"
He didn't reply, but I could tell from his expression that his desire to beat the crap out of me was pretty strong.
"Hey, trust me, I am KID!"
I grinned.
"And I believe its the time to perform a little magic of mine!"
***********************************************
To Be Continue----------
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Catz: TA~DA~~~!!! See-----told you I hate sad endings!! =^0^=
Yo Conan fans are cool with me now, right? =^.^= (Catz with a huge grin on her face, slowly but still a bit unsure, starting to remove her helmet and bullet proved vest.)
I planned this a~~~ges ago, and it was such an exciting *experience* to be able to write it all down------(Catz sighed with content)
Okay, I wont talk too much now------plz, plz PLZ write a review for this chapter, I SO want to know what you guys think!!
A BIG thank you to you all, especially those who wrote the reviews-------
Oh, and by the way------this aint the last chapter!! (Just thought I will let you know----)(hehehehe---)