Chapter 42

Kamikakushi

Over the fields of the Matsumoto estate, a blanket of fog rolled in. From the hills, it settles over the river, weaving through the land like an Uwabami. A giant serpent of legends, a supposed folk tale.

"It'll eat little children who stray too close!" Yuuma's words repeated endlessly as Shiho walked through the thick mist. On her clothes, excessive moisture condenses. Wiping away the droplets streaking down her cheeks, a relentless buzz reverberated in her chest.

Shinichi had been missing for two hours. The situation was not looking good. The bathrooms had been inspected, as well as other rooms that had been made accessible. The Inspectors, the professor, Ran, Eisuke, Kogoro, and Eri-san, had spent the last few hours searching for him.

He had vanished. Evaporated like vapor into the air. Almost like he was—

"Spirited away," Shizuo Matsumoto holds a flashlight bearing a concerned countenance. The light pierced through the impenetrable fog. Visibility was ten times worse due to the weather.

"Where are you?" She thought while observing the Matsumotos searching by their side

You idiot.

"Ai-kun," the professor held onto her shoulder. "Do you think...he might have..."

"Sah," her worry and anxiety blended into anger. Trying to retrace his last steps, she folded her arms, a little peeved by his uncanny ability to land himself in situations like this.

Shinichi was going to use the restrooms. He was undoubtedly headed there—but he had been distracted. She cursed. Why hadn't she stopped him? Why had she not noticed the faint smirk he always wore when he discovered something new?

Shiho was always one step behind him, and this—

"Hakase," she said, "I might be wrong, but…this isn't an orphan—"

Seeing that they weren't alone, she paused. An oppressive chill sweeps over her. There was an almost ominous warning, and she knew not to react.

"Ai-kun?"

She held onto his shirt cuff to stop him. To his credit, he realized and turned to face the newcomer who had emerged from the fog like a faceless entity.

"You are wandering too close to the edge, little girl," Asahi exudes a friendly disposition, but the way he moved and spoke rubbed her the wrong way. She had noticed it ever since she entered the area.

That smile.

She grimaced at the thought, erasing all memories of a silver-haired beast from her mind.

Shiho studied him intently. A torchlight was held tightly in his hands. The condensing mist dampened the blue jacket he wore.

"I understand your concerns, but do not stray too close to the river," Asahi advised.

"Why? Afraid that I might get swept away," Shiho remembers the warning he told the children earlier.

Nodding, the man's expression became serious. "Three years ago," he explained, "there was an incident where a policeman, not a local, was stationed here. According to reports, he drowned in the river after getting lost in the fog upstream. Three days later, his body was found on our banks. We had to cordon off the area when we found him and prevent the children from seeing the body."

An accidental death? Shiho frowned. Something was amiss.

Frowning, she cursed. She was beginning to think like…that stupid corpse magnet.

"Yes, but the child has been missing for two hours," the professor asserted. "Surely, there are areas that we have not searched."

Asahi nodded and gestured for them to follow him. They complied, Shiho closely watching his movements and gestures.

The river.

He did not want them there.

"No luck," Satou-san clutched onto her sides. After combing through the vegetable fields outside the main building, the woman and Megure-san shook their heads. Similarly, Ran and Eisuke, who searched near the entrance, came up empty-handed.

"Where could that brat have gone," Kogoro-san snapped. Though he seemed irritated, buried underneath was the unmistakable cadence of concern. "Honestly, we leave that child alone for five minutes."

"This is getting quite serious, Matsumoto-san. Are you certain we have searched the entire area?" Eri asked Shizuo-san, who regarded the situation with furrowed brows.

Putting down the torch he carried, he turned to his son. "I agree. We may need to gather a search team, it has been too long, and the child may be lost in the fog."

They could not use their phones. The reception was poor due to cursed weather interfering with the signals. Additionally, the landlines were destroyed years ago, and heavy humidity made it difficult to repair them.

They were, consequently, split into two groups.

While one party was to search the compound, the other—

"I'll bring them to the police station. We'll get help from them," Asahi said as he motioned for the Inspectors and professor to follow him.

"Alright, we'll search the compound until help arrives," Shizuo said.

"Alright," Eri agreed, facing the inspectors. "Please hurry."

"Don't worry. He'll be found soon," Megure-san assures.

Shiho watched as they disappeared into the dense white mist. Her warning to the professor before he left still lingers, leaving a sour taste in her mouth.

"What do you mean, Ai-kun?"

"This place," she glanced towards the main mansion and the river. Shota's words give her a telling clue. "Is not safe for children."

"You're telling me to inform the police about…" the professor studies Asahi.

"Hakase, don't be too obvious. Reveal it once you arrive at the police station. We might have stumbled into a—"

At the mere thought, she grimaced. The theory conjured not something she wanted to be true.

With Asahi, the Inspectors, and the professor gone to get help from the authorities, a new search was initiated with their newly formed party consisting of Eri, Kogoro, Eisuke, Ran, Shizuo, and herself.

"Ai-chan," Ran holds her shoulder, "Still no answer?"

The raven-haired beauty refers to the detective boy's badge Shiho carried. Still tightly wound in her fingers, she shook her head.

"That idiot isn't answering."

"Where could he have gone to?" Ran sighed heavily.

"Probably drowned or stuck in a ditch," Shiho remarked.

"Ai-chan!" Ran admonished. While it was not a very nice thing to say, Shiho couldn't help it. It was a coping mechanism of sorts. If you think the worst, the outcome might be better than expected.

"Just kidding," she folded her arms.

"Hey, where are you headed?" when Shiho began to make for the fields again, leaving the main group.

"Just extending our search area, Ran-san," the girl paused when Shiho pointed towards the main mansion. "I would appreciate it if you would keep Shizuo Matsumoto busy if possible," she continued.

"And leave you alone in this weather, no way," Ran was fiercely protective, and Shiho smiled tentatively.

"I will be fine," she assured. "Promise it'll only take a few minutes. Besides, you must do so. It'll serve as a distraction."

"Distraction?" Ran catches Shiho's insinuations, "You don't mean to say…"

Shiho switches on the detective badge's torch as it cuts through the swirling uncertainty. "Yes," Shiho moves forward, "these children aren't just running away."

After much persuasion, Ran reluctantly let her go.

And Shiho found herself in mud surrounded by tall, unkempt grass. She had spotted it a few minutes ago. Having wandered near the river, a stone shape structure poked out just a few feet from the banks, emerging from the streaks of fog.

The well was located in an odd place. Right in the middle of the shallows, amidst a fast-flowing river. Shinichi would run towards this strange object if he was here. His insatiable curiosity would be his downfall one day. The mere thought of the detective brought a lump to her throat, which she swallowed.

It is just another of his stupid cases. She told herself. Nothing terrible would happen. He will come up alright, smiling as usual. "That stupid Holmes freak," she muttered, clutching the detective badge tighter. If you die, Shinichi. She waded into the shallows of the river. The cold penetrated through her skin like a million needles. Shocking her for a second. I'm not organizing your funeral.

She was knee-deep in water. A strong current swirled around her body. Shiho was forced to dig her shoes deeply into the wet mud. And she cursed internally at the thought of what it would do to her brand-new shoes. Well, it didn't really matter. Trudging forward, she eventually reached the platform. A narrow rectangular border surrounding the mysterious well.

Climbing up, she accidentally rubbed her hand against the rough surface and winced. The pain was sharp and instantaneous. And crimson bubbled up from the tiny cut. Blood smeared across the sides of the rock walls, which were covered in varying degrees of moss and lichen.

Water splashed against the platform, forming puddles along the sides. The well was ancient. Rotted bamboo beams supported the triangular roof above. Shiho glanced carefully into the well and was surprised to discover that it was not very deep. Shiho might be able to stand in it with her head peeking out.

It was also—dry.

Once again, the question arises. What was the purpose of having a well in the shallows of a fast-flowing river? Why wasn't it carrying water? And why—

Did its inner walls contain symbols?

The familiar "S" shaped symbols. Additionally, indecipherable characters were written on the spine of the "S." Accursed in nature, it remained a mystery. Even Shinichi was unable to make sense of it. The repeated characters were triangles with multiple lines drawn horizontally across them, looking like a pyramid. While it seemed familiar, Shiho was unable to identify the cause.

Using the torch, Shiho shines the light over the walls and catches them. On the bottom of the well were—holes. They were too tiny to be noticed. Despite this, water streams slowly into the dry well each time the river waves rush in. This would explain why puddles were forming on the floor. Shiho was perplexed until—

Hsss.

The sound of water rushing in hits her like a bolt of lightning. A radio session she had listened to during one of her late-night experiments in the basement returned to her. Gazing at the pyramid characters along the spine of the "S" shaped symbols again, she gasped. It was too sinister to even think about, and Shiho couldn't help but back away from the structure. It couldn't be...there was just no way...

A resounding splash followed. Shiho whirled around in alarm at the sudden movement. Her fist was poised to strike the stranger who had just invaded her space when she discovered a pair of innocent eyes and the beginnings of cracked glasses. In the shallows, a moaning Hondou Eisuke stared up at her. Water was rolling down his cheeks and fringe. The front of his light brown jacket was stained with mud. His jeans absolutely soaked through. Shivering violently, his teeth chattered. Wet clothes and the cold didn't mix well.

"What are you doing here?"

As a nervous chuckle escaped from his lips. Shiho sighed, extending her hand to the clumsy teenager.

"Ran was worried about you," Eisuke explained while wringing out the water from his jacket. The boy stared curiously at the well. Through cracked glasses, Shiho observed the sharp nature of the boy hidden beneath the clumsy persona he had assumed. "This..." he pressed his hand against his chin, frowning.

"Shota-kun," Shiho reveals to Eisuke the words of a small boy. "Said he had seen a snake twice."

"The Uwabami? One that Ran mentioned?"

"Move," Shiho suddenly pulls Eisuke back toward the shallows.

She pushed him down, forcing him into the tall reeds. He was about to make a noise in protest when she slapped her hand over his mouth. Even though the grass was tall, long, and unkempt, they did not offer much cover, and Shiho was counting on the heavy mist to conceal their positions. Once Eisuke spotted the newcomer, he stopped moving.

In the swirling sea of white, her figure was hard to discern. But she moves gracefully through it, making faint ripples as she steps into the shallows. She was silent, barely making a sound. Grasping the sides of the ancient well as she steps onto its platform—she peers in.

At that moment, Koharu's visage was one of unrelenting fury. Her grip on the sides was tight, and her knuckles were white from the strain. Those gray eyes were filled with rage, like an unquenchable fire.

Shiho glanced at Eisuke, who has reached a similar conclusion.

Her thoughts go back to Asahi-san. This man had been too eager to guide the professor and the inspectors to the police station. Shizuo practically hurried them as they left the estate. It became apparent that the situation was becoming more serious than they had anticipated. Shinichi...Shiho stares at Koharu. Where are you?

Waddling back, the woman left later. Shiho released her grip on Eisuke's mouth. Finally able to breathe, he gasped. Emerging from the reeds, they climbed the slippery banks. Once again, Eisuke slipped as Shiho assisted him.

As they sat panting for a while, Shiho made her decision.

They needed support, and trusting the Matsumotos wouldn't suffice. Mouri Kogoro would provide adequate protection for now; however, they would need a means to escape.

"You don't think this is...we need to..." Eisuke struggled to say something coherent.

Silently, she gestured toward the foggy estate in front of her. "We're in danger. Shinichi is still missing, and I intend to locate him."

"What…what are you suggesting, Haibara-san?"

Glancing back towards the dreaded well. Shiho swallowed her anxiety. Holding onto Eisuke, she points toward the compound's entrance.

"I need you to do something for me."

"What?"

"Just a little errand."

A grunt escaped his lips. It hurt. He was dizzy, and the world was spinning around him. Struggling to get up, Shinichi found himself propped against—

A rock?

His eyes snapped open, and he found himself staring into the darkness. Still nauseated, he struggled to recall the incident that led to this moment. He had intended to use the restroom. He had followed Koharu Matsumoto. He had—

Supporting himself, he stood up. Hands touching the damp surface of what Shinichi could only describe as a smooth rock face. The air was cold here, and he could feel a slight breeze from… above.

He gasped. Glancing upward, he saw gray skies covered in thick layers of pregnant clouds. A gentle stream of mist swirls in from above, streaking against the rock and condensing to form a thin layer of sheen against the walls. Moss and lichen grew here, in this moist, earthy place. He was deep underground, in a dug-out hole. And he was trapped. Koharu Matsumoto had drugged him and placed him here.

The question, though—was why?

A second wave of nausea hit him, and he leaned against the wall. Reaching into his pockets, he searched for his detective badge. For now, he put aside the thought of getting an ear shelling from the shrunken scientist.

As expected, his pockets were empty. He cursed. The detective badge was gone. Koharu must have taken it.

Well, on the bright side...he still had his watch. Switching it on, he adjusted the strap. The torch from his watch illuminated the hole he was in. It was deep. He was able to give them that and—

In shock, he recoils from where he stands and recalls the woman lying still, surrounded by medical machines, beeping softly. Red spider lilies encircled her, and she emerged from them like a living corpse. He reached out, hands running against the rock face, only to stop as his fingers crossed—a human skull.

Numerous holes were drilled into the rock wall. And in each of those spaces…

Shinichi shines a torch all around him. The revelation sent his heart racing. There were skulls with a few bones inserted in each hole. In total, Shinichi found 25 holes, each carved into the wall. The skeletons displayed, like trophies, surrounding—

The torch lands on the statue in the middle of a hole. It was stained a brownish-red color. As if it were rusting iron. Shinichi tentatively touched it. Running a finger down, he found it to be a powder-like substance. The material was neither metal nor rusted; it was marble. The headpiece had a familiar shape. Dragon-like, but also—

"A snake," he whispered.

An odd angle formed an "S" in the neck. Carved into it were the indecipherable pyramid symbols running down its back.

Suddenly realizing what the brownish-red substance on the statue was, he backed away.

An intruder in Eri's office. An orphanage in Hakone. Runaways. Children who were adopted but were unable to be tracked. The Matsumoto Family. A woman in the bed. Koharu Matsumoto. Symbols on the wall. A case was lodged. A dead son—Ren and…

A complex puzzle, twisted and interlocked, rests on the cusp. The pieces clicked into place, and Shinichi placed a hand against the rock wall to collect himself. It was not a good sign. The situation was not going to end well for any of them.

He had to escape this hole. But…how?

The thoughts vanished. An ear-piercing crack echoed through the heavy mist. Shinichi gasped, recognizing that firecracker noise anywhere. He presses himself against the wall and hears it again. The shot splintered against the tree bark.

Who was shooting?

He grimaced, his hands clenched.

Shiho.

He had to get back.

Of all places, she finds herself in a shed. Her drenched coat removed, Shiho shivered. Sneezing slightly as the breeze blew through the crack in the wooden walls. Having searched in vain, Shiho stares at the phone in her hand once more.

He was not answering. Even if he wanted to. There was no signal. Again, her worry festers like a million worms digging into her psyche. A deep breath is taken as she bites down on her lips and takes stock of her surroundings.

If her suspicions were correct, Shinichi was in danger and—

All was not as it was.

She had an order of tasks to complete, and like other cases she'd been thrown into, one required evidence. In the absence of an exact motive, digging it up would be challenging. With failing reception, using the internet or calling for help was impossible. It'll be alright. The incident wasn't the first of its kind.

There was the castle incident, where Shinichi and the professor disappeared. Or the bomb incident in which he disappeared for two days only to reappear later without any memory of what transpired. And the others—

Shiho scowled. When he comes back…

She was going to strangle him herself.

Aware of the furniture lying around, Shiho scans her surroundings. The shack was well-maintained despite being run-down and located just a few meters from the river. Its location was odd, and that is what attracted Shiho to it in the first place. Plants hung from the rafters, and a double bed stood beside them. An old European-style cabinet held clothes, and a makeshift fireplace was flanked by two stools, almost like a sanctuary.

What was the purpose of the small home beside the main compound? Did it serve as a guesthouse? A store room? A family getaway of sorts? Shiho could not tell.

Finding nothing unusual, Shiho was about to make a move when she noticed it. There is a small picture frame dangling precariously from the dressing table. Shiho caught it before it fell off. A young woman, probably in her 20s, greeted her. With a bright smile and glowing eyes, Koharu-san had her arms around a man's neck. A young man in his 20s with short black hair and a missing ear wore a slight smile. His eyes were filled with happiness as he pressed his lips against Koharu's cheeks. The man was—

Ren Matsumoto.

She sets the frame down on the table with a frown. The mystery surrounding the out-of-place shack is unraveling. A bitter smirk appears as she gathers her thoughts.

"Do foster brothers," she grabs her coat, hoping that Eisuke had at least listened and managed to escape this place, "Usually kiss their sisters?"

"Eisuke, Eisuke-kun!" Ran slaps the boy's hand away, perplexed by his sudden behavior change.

Appearing earlier, wet and drenched. He smiled at Shizuo-san when he asked if he needed a change of clothing. Eisuke simply refused assistance and announced loudly that he needed to go to the bathroom. Standing erect for a moment, he looked at her parents and Shizuo-san, who were still combing the compound for Shinichi. "But I'm afraid to go alone, so can I take Ran?" he laughed nervously.

His weird behavior not only earned an ear shelling from her dad. But also a disapproving frown from her mother. It was not the best impression, and Ran was somewhat confused by what he did next. Excusing himself again, he grabbed her and left the room. Instead of going to the bathroom, he rushed her to the front doors and then, for some unknown reason, toward the compound's entrance.

They passed through vegetable fields and then a wooded path. In the dense fog, the only light was provided by the familiar "B" shape device he carried that illuminated the muddy ground they were walking on. Ran's shoes sink deep into the soil, making sludgy noises.

"What is happening?" she demanded as he halted. Despite the cold, the boy sweated. His expression was obscured by the swirling mist surrounding them. Reaching out again, his hands were trembling a little. Once again, he gently grabs her hand. As the heat rose through her cheeks, she paused. "We are in danger," he pulls her along. "We must get to the police as soon as possible."

"What do you mean? Hakase and the Inspectors are already being led by Asahi-san. And why do you have Ai-chan's badge?"

"We found a well," he explains, and eventually, they reached the entrance. He opens it quickly before dragging her out. They were greeted by the cobbled path of Tokaido Pass. In the mist, pine trees etched themselves into the scene. Like phantom spirits, thick swirls of murky white entwined around them. Overgrown leaves and branches created an ominous atmosphere.

His words made her pause and forced him to stop. Her first reaction was horror. The probability of something like that happening in the orphanage seemed like a far cry. To be honest, it sounded like a fantasy.

Ai-chan was still back there, and Shinichi was missing.

"We left them behind," Ran struggled against Eisuke's hold. "Wait, we have to warn them. Somebody has to—"

The tips of their noses almost touched as he neared her. Brown chestnut eyes were filled with purpose.

"Ei…Eisuke-kun?"

Losing his gentle, nervous persona, Eisuke continued through the fog, tugging her along. "Ai-chan knows she assigned me a task, and this is the only way we can succeed if our theories hold true."

"But…but everyone, back there…they aren't safe, I—"

Ran winced as his grip tightened. Eisuke was strong, far stronger than she anticipated, and Ran could not free herself from his grasp.

"I know," his gaze was intense, "I would like to find Kudou-kun, and I am determined to save your family from this predicament, but…"

He hesitates for a moment but then continues. "I need your help contacting the various agencies, and," his hold on Ran tightened to a painful squeeze. "If you are in danger, I will not be able to concentrate."

The implications of his words were not lost on her. Her cheeks burned as she recalled the moments spent interacting and hanging out with the charming yet clumsy boy. She finds herself lost for words and relents, allowing him to lead her through the path.

"They're going to be safe, right?" she asked, and he grinned.

"Of course, don't worry," he continued, "It's a mission I don't plan to fail."

"Ai-chan, there you are!" Eri Kisaki's neatly tied hair was in a mess. She rushed towards Shiho, grabbing her by the shoulder before frowning at her soaked clothing.

"Where were you? We already have one lost child; we do not need two," she chided.

Worry lines formed along her eyebrows. While folding her arms, the lawyer taps her fingers against her arms, looking wearily at the foyer. Having failed to locate Shinichi, Shiho returned to the main compound. She had wanted to gather her wits and seek refuge, but it wasn't the best idea.

When Shizuo appeared behind her, her body tensed.

"Ah, there you are. It is best to stay here while the fog worsens. We can't have you wandering into the river by accident. I understand your desire to find the boy, but it's dangerous," he advised. Eri agreed but hesitated when the man turned around and took off his boots.

Despite his friendly demeanor, there was something off about him. Shiho couldn't shake off the feeling, and it would seem—

Neither could the woman beside her. The lawyer regards the man with a furrowed brow.

"Where could the kid be!" Kogoro Mouri sneezed loudly after arriving a few minutes later. "Honestly..." he faced Eri, Shizuo, and Shiho with a scowl. "Where's Ran? And that clumsy chibisuke?"

"Didn't they head to the bathroom?" Eri was anxious. The two adults turned towards the entrance, about to head out again, when Shizuo stopped them.

"Wait, this is a bad idea if you aren't used to this area," he advised. "Sometimes this weather plays tricks on you, and you might end up lost or worse..."

"I do not care. My daughter is missing. I have a child that has vanished. We can't waste any more time!" Kogoro Mouri, who usually regarded them with surly indifference, could be quite a caring man. Although he wasn't honest most of the time, Shiho could tell he was anxious, almost desperate.

He was poised to push past Shizuo Matsumoto, and Shiho knew she had to take action.

"I'm scared," she whined in a childish tone. Pretending to sob, she placed her hands against her dry eyes. "I'm scared Edogawa-kun has gone missing. Ran-nee-chan and Eisuke-nii-chan too...Hakase isn't here. I don't want anyone else to vanish!"

It worked. Eri was immediately by her side, trying to console her.

"What's up, kid? You're usually not that emotional?" Kogoro quipped.

Shiho frowns, taking back the praise she had for the man.

This stupid oaf.

"She's ten, for god sake!" Eri coming to her rescue.

And Kogoro Mouri stood by the door with a guilty and sheepish expression before squatting in front of her.

"Don't cry, kid," he rested a hand on her shoulder. "Nobody else is going to go missing."

"Yes, you're right," Shizuo Matsumoto holds up the torch in his hand again. "You guys stay here. Since I know the area, I'll check around again. And as soon as the weather clears, I'll call the locals and the police if we still can't locate your friends."

"Really?" Shiho asked, in the highest pitch she could muster. The man smiled and patted her head. His hands were rough and calloused, covered in blisters. Shiho flinched slightly as he approached her. A dubious smile sent prickling needles up her neck.

He—was the same.

"Yes," Shizuo replied, "I'll look for them. Don't worry, little girl."

"Are you sure? You don't need any help?" Eri holds Shiho close. Shizuo nods. "I know this place like the back of my hand. Traveling alone will be easier and faster. Besides, I'm used to this," he smiled, "there have been multiple incidents of runaways coming back, so don't worry. You must be exhausted. Take a break. It will give you some time to gather your strength if we need to search again later."

"Well," Kogoro hesitated, looking at Eri before turning to Shiho. "Fine, but if you don't return within half an hour..."

"Yes, I'll get Koharu to get the locals for help."

"That would be appreciated."

Shizuo donned his coat and boots again. Keeping hold of the torch, the burly man headed out again into the foggy mist.

Kogoro paced up and down in frustration, ramming his fist against the walls. "This isn't right," Kogoro muttered. "First, the kid goes missing, then Ran and that Chibisuke. The Inspectors and Hakase are taking too long. What in heaven's name is going on!"

While he reached for his cigar, Eri stopped him.

Still staring at the door, the woman looked wearily at it.

"I agree with you," Eri murmured, and Kogoro dropped the cigar in stunned silence.

"What?"

"You've never agreed with me before. What brought this on? Are you possessed or something?"

Keeping her irritation under control, Eri folds her arms again. "I'm not sure if I should mention this...but it's about Ren Matsumoto."

"Shizuo Matsumoto's dead son? What about him?"

"As you all know, the case was lodged by an Itsuki Endo," she bites her lower lip nervously. "Well, there is no point in hiding it any longer. But I think Ren Matsumoto and Itsuki Endo are the same people."

"What?"

"He came to my office a few weeks ago. Although his hair and eye color were different, it was probably a disguise. It's obvious..." Eri gestures towards her left ear. "That missing ear."

"Then…" Kogoro realized it too. "Why didn't you tell us about this sooner?"

At this point, the man was frantic and was already wearing his shoes to confront Shizuo-san.

"I wasn't sure," Eri protested. "The children in the orphanage seemed so happy, and the Matsumotos seemed like a well-adjusted family."

"Anyone can put on an act!" Kogoro snapped.

"Yes," Shiho lost her childish demur. Eri's revelation was sufficient. She now had all the evidence she needed. Everything added up, and theories fueled by speculations returned along with worry and anger. Clenching her fists, she glared at the adults. "This is an act. Everything about this orphanage is a lie."

"Ai-chan?" Eri asked tentatively.

Her sudden change in character shocked the woman and man. Marching to the traditional paper door that leads to the kitchen, Shiho slides it open.

And there she stood. A pair of ash-gray eyes gazed at them, revealing her hiding spot. As expected—

The woman had been eavesdropping.

"Koharu Matsumoto," Shiho demanded as the woman resigned herself, "What have you done to Edogawa-kun?"

I want to invent a time machine, so I can fast-forward time. I want to see movie 26 so badly. XD (Did you know that time travels faster the farther you are from the Earth's surface) So, maybe all I have to do is launch myself into space and come back down in probably 5 months' time. Hmm...

Again, thank you for the reviews and feedback. I hope you have a good week ahead, and see you in the next one :)