--Chapter 20: Worsened Conditions--

Back in his room, Conan stirred again. He was feeling worse than he felt before. He got up out of his little bed and tried to feel his way along the wall toward the bathroom. Now he had a headache as well, and with every step he took another POUND went across his temples. "Ohh..." he moaned, holding his head with his other hand, stopping right outside of the bathroom door.

Kazuha got up, hearing Conan. She walked over to him and knelt down. "A-Are you okay? You look pale, kid." She felt his head. "You're feeling warmer, go back to bed." Gently putting her hand on his back, she lead him into his room, and before shutting the door, she looked down at him. "Call me if you need anything." She then walked down the hallway and into the livingroom.

"But Kazuha-neechan!" he started, but she had already walked away, "...I have to use the bathroom..." He sighed, a sudden dizzy spell almost knocking him over. "What am I going to do?" he asked himself. He then slowly opened the door, and quietly, carefully, continued his way back.

"What was that about?" Heiji asked upon Kazuha's return.

She shrugged, "He's still feeling warm." She sat back down on the opposite side of the couch, leaning back. "Poor Ran-chan, she worries herself so much for that boy," she said, putting her hands behind her head and looking at the ceiling.

Heiji's expression grew worried. He remembered that the drug from the other day was only experimental. "Are you sure he's okay?"

Down the hall, Conan managed to get by without too much trouble. He headed back to his room, still clutching the wall. He walked in front of Ran's room, clinging to her door. But one more dizzy spell, and he kneeled down to the floor, holding his head and taking deep breaths. "What's going on today?!"

Kazuha sat down, sitting on the opposite side of the room from Heiji. Looking up at the ceiling, she gave into thought. "Our visit here, hasn't been the same as usual." she stopped, rubbing the back of her head embarrassingly, "Well, I-I mean how it all leads up to Nagi, and Kogoro. How was Kogoro involved with the situation, and how was Nagi captured?" She sighed, slumped back against the couch, she twirled a piece of hair from her bangs. She looked over at Heiji.

He raised an eyebrow, watching her. "You're right.. Geez, I wonder if it was even a good idea to send him out like that this morning, even if the little squirt IS sick.." He turned out the window to peer down at the empty street.

Kazuha kicked up her legs, sitting up. She rubbed her head, "Poor Ran, she must have a lot of things on her mind. I mean, with what has been happening lately." she turned towards Heiji, "Y'know?"

He smiled a little and looked down. "Y-Yeah." He then suddenly perked up, "She's still sleeping, isn't she? You think there's anything we can do to surprise her before she comes back out?"

Still in the hallway, Conan tried to regain his balance. He managed to stand up again, but the house felt like it was spinning in circles.

Putting her pointer finger against her cheek, Kazuha gave a thought to his reply. "Y'know, that sounds pretty smart!" she jumped up excitedly. Running into the kitchen, she rolled up her sleeves, "I'll make a dinner just for Ran-chan." She nodded to her own offer, but then stopped, remembering she couldn't really cook that well. Walking out of the kitchen, she hunched her back. "I... I think I'll go out to the store and purchase a cake, er..something," she insisted, almost muttering.

Heiji blinked for a moment at her. "Haha, aww, Kazuha." He got up and grabbed her wrist as she approached the door. "No, I'm sure we can figure something out. At the least there's probably some parboiled rice in the pantry. There's almost no way to mess that stuff up." He turned around and started toward the kitchen.

Blinking for a moment, she shrugged. "Neh, I guess you're right." She smiled, following him into the kitchen. "S-Should I go check on Conan? I think earlier today he REALLY wasn't feeling well," she asked with concern in her tone.

Heiji turned around to her. "Actually, that's a good idea. You want me to get the water started?" he asked, pointing to the stove.

Kazuha nodded. Clapping her hands, she lifted them up to her forehead. "I'll be back," she said, turning around and running off down the hallway. Quietly opening the door, she glanced around in the dark room. "Conan?" she asked, stepping in.

After managing his way down the hall, Conan had finally been able to reach his room again. As soon as he entered the door, he fell to the ground and was out like a light.

THUMP! Kazuha jumped up in surprise. Turning around, she looked down to see Conan lying on the ground. "C-Conan!" she yelled out, kneeling down to him. She picked him up, "Heiji!"

"Huh?" Heiji mumbled, as he set down a measuring cup filled with rice and dashed across the kitchen. "Is something wrong?" he called down the hallway.

"It's Conan," she stated, looking down at the eight year old who fell helplessly in her arms.

Ran walked out, rubbing her eyes. "Mmm? W-What's going on?" she muttered, still half awake. She looked down at Conan, "C-Conan? Conan!" She quickly knelt down to him, "W-What happened? I haven't been asleep for too long..."

Heiji stepped into the doorway. "Ah! Is he all right?!" He rushed over to Kazuha and stared at the kid. "Oi! Wake up!" But Conan didn't stir. Heiji kept staring at him, feeling increasingly more guilty every minute.

Feeling his forehead, Ran nearly jumped back. "He's burning up," she said, almost startled. She got up, making her way into the kitchen almost tripping over the carpet. Running back to Conan she knelt down to him, slowly putting a teaspoon of medicine in his mouth. "Sit him up so he won't choke." Kazuha sat him up, as the syrup slowly reached down his throat.

Conan then woke up, coughing as he was made to swallow the medicine. "Bleh, this stuff again?" He then opened his eyes and looked up at all the worried faces around him. "Ahh.." he was going to speak but stopped himself, closing his eyes again and putting his hand over them. He leaned back into Kazuha's arms. "Can you guys stop moving around so much?..." he groaned.

Ran smiled in relief, she came closer to Conan gently pushing her cheek against his. "Thank goodness, don't scare us like that again," she whispered. She got up, looking down at him with a smile, "Kazuha, can you stay here with Conan? I'm going to go make him some tea." Of course, Kazuha nodded in reply 'yes'. Soon after making the Chinese tea, she walked back and handed it to Conan."This should make you feel better."

Conan stayed leaning back as he took the tea from Ran. His eyes still closed, he took just a sip before putting the mug down beside him. Heiji stepped closer and whispered to him. "Hey, are you okay?"

Conan peeked open a single eye to glance at him. "Do I look okay?"

"Ah, ha ha.. heh..." Heiji couldn't ignore the obvious. "Well, do you think we should go see Agasa then? He might be able to help you."

Conan put his hand back up to his head and turned aside. "I-I don't know..."

Kazuha got up, still carrying Conan. She sat him on the couch. Ran grabbed the mug. "I'll go get you some more," she said, walking into the kitchen. Kazuha followed Ran from behind.

Closing the curtains behind her she looked at Ran, "Oi, Ran. Isn't it pretty weird how Conan usually does this?"

Ran poured more of the tea from the kettle. "Does what?" she asked, looking at Kazuha, confused.

Kazuha rubbed the back of her head, "How he just randomly passes out."

Ran shrugged, "He's a kid, Kazuha. What do you expect? I was a bit like him when I was little." She walked back into the livingroom.

Conan pulled a pillow over and set it behind his head. He was now feeling nauseous every time he moved it too quickly. He could feel little beads of sweat on his forehead, but didn't know what it could mean.

Heiji remained in the bedroom even after the rest had left. He closed the door behind them and pulled out his cell phone. "Yeah, is that Haibara girl there?..."

Ran fell beside Conan. Looking at him, she felt his forehead once more. "Mmm.." she whined quietly. Looking at Kazuha, she sighed. "He's still really warm." Kazuha exhaled as well, handing Ran a cold wash cloth, Ran gently set it on Conan's head and took off his glasses.

Conan squeezed his eyes shut tightly and made a little moan. He put his hands up and held the wash cloth in place. "Th-Thanks," he managed to say. He slowly opened his eyes and adjusted them to the room. "H-Hey, where's Hattor- I mean, Heiji-niichan?" He would have smacked himself if he didn't already hurt so bad.

Kazuha glanced up at the room. "I thought he was in here.." She got up, walking to the room. She whispered against the door, "H-Heiji?"

Ran gently set his glasses on the table beside her, she rested her head in her arms. "Get better, okay?" she asked, with no sign of a smile in her face. Just concern.

"So, this is just one of the side effects and it will pass?" Heiji spoke into the phone.

"Yeah, don't worry. I used an 'agitator' ingredient to help further along a sickness, in case it helps him stay transformed longer. Just give him a little time and it should pass. Up to another day, at most," Ai drawled.

"ANOTHER DAY?! Ah.. Well, I guess he'll get through it. Thanks for the info," said Heiji, without emotion.

"No, thank YOU for the feedback," replied Ai, hanging up. Heiji sighed and put the phone back into his pocket.

"Heiji?" Kazuha asked through the other side of the door.

Heiji jumped. "K-Kazuha!?" He opened the door to end up right in her face. "Ah ahh... Uhh.. Hi!" He stood there awkwardly for a moment. "I umm.. I gotta go see the kid," he said quickly, slipping around her by going along the wall.

Ran tilted her head, watching Conan breath hastily. She turned away, looking outside the window. "Should I take you to the doctor, Conan?" she asked, turning her head back into his direction.

Conan listened to Ran. "N-No. It's okay..." He pulled his legs up to become more like a ball.

"Eh?" Watching Heiji walk off, she was speechless. More clueless. Did she hear him in conversation just moments ago? She sighed, leaning up against the wall and rubbing her head.

Ran nodded, getting up she slided her fingers through his hair. "I'll be right back." she walked off, passed Heiji.

Heiji turned quickly to make sure Ran had left. He then turned back to Conan and hissed into his ear. "Hey, I got good news. That girl said that this really is just a side effect, and it'll wear off within 24 hours."

Conan peeked at him through one half-opened eye. "Great. Another day of this." He tried to sigh, but ended up coughing instead.

Kazuha nudged Ran in she arm, before entering her room. "Ran, maybe we should go..."

Ran stopped her, putting a putting finger up against her lips. She noticed her cellphone was vibrating on the table. Picking it up, she answered quietly with Kazuha behind her. "Hello?" she sounded curious, seeing that it was a unknown caller.

"Meet me at the park, 8, tonight."

The call ended. Ran looked at Kazuha, "Who was it?" Kazuha asked.

Ran looked away, "I'm not sure, but he wants me to meet him at the park later tonight."

Kazuha closed the door behind her, "If you're going, you know I'll be going. Just in case."

Ran shook her head, setting the phone on her bed. "You're still injured Kazuha, it'd be best if we kept this a secret."

Kazuha took a step closer to Ran, "No. Whatever happens, we're in this together." she stated.

Ran sighed, rolling her eyes to the clock, "6:10." She looked at Kazuha, nodding. Walking out in the livingroom she looked over at the couch and whispered to Heiji, "How's he doing?"

"He just now fell asleep again..." he responded quietly, standing up and turning to the girls. "Poor guy. But at least, I expect he should be better soon... So what are you girls up to?" he asked, noticing a certain alertness between Ran and Kazuha.

Kazuha turned her head, ignoring his question. She walked back into the room. Ran watched Kazuha walk away in the corner of her eyes. "She must be tired," she said, smiling nervously. Kazuha slammed the door, walking to Ran's bed, she snatched her cellphone to look up the most recent calls. 6:08: Unknown. She threw it against the bed, she walked toward the window and looked out of it. "Come on Toyoma, who could set up a meeting just for Ran?" she quietly asked herself. Hitting her head, she squinted her eyes in deep thought.

Heiji watched her walk away, with a worried look on his face. "Mm.. That should be all... It has been another long day..."

"R..Ran-neechan?..." Conan muttered. He slowly sat up on the couch, still holding his head without his glasses.

Ran jumped up, out of her trance of watching Kazuha walk off. She looked over at Conan and grew a soft smile. "How are you feeling?" she asked, in a kind, gentle tone.

"A.. A little better.. I feel like going for a walk.." Conan said, hopping down onto the floor and balancing more easily. Heiji watched him.

"Are you crazy? What if you fall over again!?"

"I'll be fine..." Conan replied, taking his hand down and smiling up at Ran briefly. "Ran wouldn't let me fall. Besides, my legs need to be stretched a bit."

Ran was bit suprised to see him walking. She giggled, kneeling down to him, she gently rubbed the top of his head, "Mhm." Kazuha walked out of the room and into the kitchen. Pouring herself a cup of tea she sat down in a chair in the corner of the room. Ran got up, looking at Kazuha. "Ran and I will be leaving around late 7 later tonight. We have to go to the market," she quietly said. Kazuha looked away.

"You girls sure love that market, don't you?" Heiji peered at them.

"At 7 specifically? That's awfully weird, Ran-neechan," Conan blinked, gently turning to face them both.

Ran quickly jumped up, rubbing the back of her head. "Well, I guess they're having a sale around that time, and Kazuha and I would like to get there right on time." She turned toward Kazuha, "R-Right Kazuha?"

Kazuha smirked, sipping her tea, "Mhm."

Conan raised an eyebrow at them, as did Heiji. "Well, all right," Heiji admitted. "You girls should go get ready now." He stepped back into the kitchen to finish making the rice. "Looks like me and the kid will need to get by on our own for a bit, right Conan-kun?"

"Yeah," replied Conan, as he brought down the wash cloth and brushed the wet hair from his forehead.

Kazuha got up. Looking at Ran, she grabbed her arm and walked her into the room. Ran stumbled, following. Kazuha grabbed a baseball hat, putting her pony tail in it, then grabbed another hat and put it on Ran. "Make sure you put her hair in it."

Ran rose a brow, "O-Okay." After the process of getting ready, Kazuha looked out the door to see if Heiji and Conan were out in the living room, but they were still in the kitchen. "Okay, come on," she whispered, dragging Ran out the door and closing it behind her. Ran giggled.

"Y'know, Kazuha. They already knew we were going out."

Kazuha turned around, "Ran. What if they saw us dressed like this? Then they'd be even more suspicious."

Heiji finished with the rice and put it in a bowl. Conan sat at the kitchen table and peered at him. "Are they up to trouble again?" he referred to the girls.

"Nahh no way," said Heiji, somewhat nervously, "Kazuha wouldn't admit to a lie like that..."

Conan bent over the table and looked Heiji in the eyes. "So now you're all 'Mister Trusting'? Come on, you know they shouldn't need to go to the market EVERY DAY..."

"W-Well, it's just.. Maybe they DO! Haven't you ever thought of THAT possibility, Mister Great Detective of the East?..." Heiji exchanged with him an equally flat look. Conan merely sighed and poked at the rice with some chopsticks, still without an appetite.

--End Chapter 20--