"Ranran! Where are you!?"

As Shinichi was in the burning building, the 6-year-old boy was busy scouring the area, desperately searching for any sign of Ranran. His voice echoed through the chaos, calling out her name in a mixture of fear and urgency.

"Ranran! Where are you? Can you hear me?" Shinichi's voice trembled as he continued his search, his heart pounding in his chest. The smoke and flames made it difficult to see, and his throat burned from inhaling the acrid air.

He moved cautiously through the rooms, his eyes scanning every corner for any glimpse of his friend. The crackling of the fire and the crumbling of the structure reverberated around him, creating a symphony of danger.

According to Takuma earlier, he last saw her on the balcony of the second floor.

That meant Shinichi may need to go up there.

As Shinichi's search led him to the balcony on the second floor, he strained his eyes through the thick smoke, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ranran. The flames licked at the walls and ceiling, threatening to consume everything in their path.

"Ranran! Are you here?" Shinichi called out, his voice hoarse and filled with desperation. He moved cautiously, trying to navigate through the treacherous conditions while keeping a keen eye out for any sign of his mentor.

Ranran who is still laying on the floor couldn't help but be awoken by his voice, her eyes fluttered open, her vision hazy and obscured by the smoke. She could hear Shinichi's voice calling out to her, cutting through the chaos and providing a glimmer of hope in the midst of the danger.

She can't reach the door, the impact hurt her greatly. Even so, there is one last thing she could do.

Remembering this, her hand reached to take out from her skirt pocket a yo-yo. She needs to use this well to hit straight towards the door.

With a determined grip on the yo-yo, Ranran mustered the strength to swing it with all her might towards the door. The smoke and flames blurred her vision, but she focused on her target, guided by her unwavering determination to survive.

The yo-yo flew through the air, propelled by Ranran's forceful swing. It wasn't an ordinary Yo-yo, given that it was recently modified by Professor Agasa to create some damage. Before she knows it, the Yo-yo spun rapidly, creating a blur of motion as it soared towards the door. The sound of impact echoed through the chaos, followed by a resounding crack as the yo-yo hit its mark.

The impact of the yo-yo hitting the door created a loud noise that caught Shinichi's attention. His heart raced with hope as he followed the sound, his gaze fixed on the door through the thick smoke.

Through the haze, he could make out the faint figure of Ranran lying on the floor, her arm outstretched towards the door. Relief washed over him as he rushed towards her, overcoming the obstacles that stood in his path.

"Ranran! I'm here!" Shinichi called out, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and determination. He reached her side, carefully lifting her into his arms. "Are you alright?"

"S-S-Shinichi?" Ranran gave a faint groan, but that was all. "H-How did you get here?"

"Takuma brought Takashi over on the wheelchair and headed straight all the way to Peggy's mansion, I had Sergeant Genzo send his men out as soon as I can. By the way, how did you end up like that?"

"E-explosive," It was difficult for Ranran to speak, given that her head was pounding.

"Ex-what!?" Shinichi grew angry, "That Felix set up a bomb here?!"

"He knew we may see through his...plan," Ranran nodded weakly, her voice barely a whisper. "The... final act... set me up on fire... I... I tried to escape... but... I couldn't...tried to shoot me...."

Shinichi's anger burned within him as he processed Ranran's words. Felix's actions had crossed a line, endangering not only a 6-year-old child but everyone in the vicinity. The thought of Felix's malicious intent fueled Shinichi's determination to put an end to his reign of terror once and for all.

"We need to get out of here," Shinichi said, his voice filled with urgency. "The firefighters are on their way, but we can't wait for them. Can you walk? Lean on me if you need to." Ranran tried to summon her strength, her body aching and her head spinning. With Shinichi's support, she managed to stand, albeit unsteadily. "Screw it, hop on my back."

Originally Ranran didn't want to, but at the situation, they are both in right now, she didn't have much of an option. With Shinichi's help, she carefully climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck for support. She clung to him tightly, trusting him to guide them to safety.

Shinichi steadied himself, feeling the weight of Ranran on his back. With a determined focus, he manoeuvred through the burning mansion, carefully avoiding obstacles and navigating through the thick smoke. Earlier, he had considered using the lift outside that was attached to the balcony where Takuma last spotted her, but he knew better than to use the lift. 

Lifts normally stopped working in fires, and they would be an idiot to be trapped inside like chickens in an oven. If they were going to escape it had to be by the stairs.

Even so, the flames had reached the soles of her shoes and for a moment, Ranran even said, "Ditch me aside, only one can survive out of this."

Shinichi's grip tightened around Ranran, refusing to entertain the thought of leaving her behind. The two had this conversation many times before, after the events of 'Blood on the Campground' where they learn victim of the case, Miki, had to make a drastic decision of saving an expedition group at the snowy glacier by sacrificing one to save the majority of the survivors 12 years ago, they talked about one having to sacrifice for the other to survive among themselves.

"No, Ranran. I need you to be alive to bring that bastard Felix to jail, also, that would ultimately mean by apprenticeship would have to end." he insisted, his voice steady despite the danger that surrounded them. "Also, I wouldn't be any different than Felix."

"Shinichi...."

"I will get us out, whatever the cost," His voice was filled with determination as he pressed forward, the flames raging around them.

Seeing the stairs Shinichi had run up earlier now engulfed in flames was disheartening. Their escape route was blocked, leaving them with limited options. There are still on the second floor, the two never get down the stairs at this rate. The building would crumble before any of them would even make it halfway.

Shinichi's mind raced, searching for an alternative route to safety.  The heat is unbearable, and there were times Ranran almost lost grip, but he often yanked her away from the flames.

Then, without warning, he had the shock of his life when he and Ranran heard something collapse behind them.

The sound of a collapsing structure reverberated through the burning mansion, causing Shinichi's heart to skip a beat. He turned his head to look behind him, his eyes widening in horror as he took in the sight and so did Ranran, who he is carrying behind his back.

The door to the room where Ranran was earlier collapsed, the hinges in appearance look blown up, presumably thanks to Felix's bomb device having a place there not long ago. That gave Shinichi an idea. "Neh Ranran."

"Hmph?"

"Do you remember watching people sledging down the mountains on TV?"

Ranran's eyes widened as she comprehended Shinichi's plan. "You do know we never sledge down a mountain before, right?!"

Shinichi flashed a determined smile, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and resolve. "Well, there's a first time for everything, right? We have no other option at the moment. We're going to sledge our way to safety."

The idea seemed absurd and incredibly risky, but in their dire situation, it might be their only chance for escape.

"Are you sure about this, Shinichi?" Ranran asked, her voice wavering with a mix of fear and anticipation.

Shinichi nodded, his grip on Ranran tightening. "I am. Trust me, Ranran. We'll make it through this together."

With a newfound determination, Shinichi carefully made his way towards the collapsed door. Debris and burning embers littered the area, making it treacherous to navigate. But Shinichi remained focused, his mind set on their escape.

"If we use the door as a sledge, don't you think we may end up hitting against the wall?" Ranran who was left near the railing as he shifted the door from the top of the stairs.

Shinichi carefully assessed the situation, weighing the risks and potential outcomes in his mind. He realized that Ranran's concern was valid - using the door as a sledge could be unpredictable, and they might end up crashing into the wall instead of safely sliding down the stairs. "But you are not in a position to jump out of the window from the second floor either, Ranran."

Her body ached, and she knew that attempting to jump out of the window would only result in further injury. It seemed that using the door as a sledge was their best chance at this moment.

The apprentice carefully positioned the door, making sure it was stable and secure against the railing. He glanced at Ranran, giving her an encouraging nod. "Hold on tight, Ranran. We're going to sledge down the stairs together."

The flames were roaring now, eating into the roof above them. Timbers were crashing down, and neither of them had time to think. "When the teacher read this in our report, she is going to be stunned," Ranran commented.

"On to 3," Shinichi echoed, his voice filled with determination. He positioned himself at the top of the stairs, gripping the door tightly. Ranran held onto the railing, preparing herself for the risky descent. "1... 2... 3!"He shouted, pushing the door forward with all his strength.

The door slid down the stairs, picking up speed as it went. Shinichi and Ranran held on tightly, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration. The flames roared behind them, fueling their urgency to reach safety.

As the door hurtled down the stairs, they leaned to one side, shifting their weight to maintain balance.  The door – with two children on the top off down the stairs like a bobsleigh. The ride was rough and bumpy, but they managed to avoid crashing into the walls, narrowly dodging obstacles along the way.

Turning the corner was the difficult bit. While Shinichi heaved the door around the corner while Ranran left, the two children once more felt their hearts leap into their throats. The momentum of the door threatened to send them crashing into the wall, but with a coordinated effort, they managed to steer clear, narrowly avoiding disaster.

The descent continued, the wind rushing past their faces as they sped down the stairs. The flames grew distant, the chaos fading into the background as they focused on their path to safety.

........................................................................................

Meanwhile, Emiko and the others were still waiting anxiously outside the burning mansion, while Takuma can't help but asked, "Mouri Ran, you can't be serious, right?!"

"What!? What is wrong with me?"

"You are literally tying up handkerchiefs into those little ghost figures again to get the sky to rain, are you not?" Michio pointed out as the others watch Ran pulling out those tissue papers she was using earlier to cry, with hopes of getting it to rain.

Sergeant Genzo had earlier left them to their own devices while berating the fire brigade to hurry up the hills, while the other kids remained waiting outside the burning building. Takuma looked over at Ran, her eyes widening in realization. "Seriously!? Shinichi is still in that burning building trying to rescue Ranran, and this is all you can come up with!?"

"Hey! Don't underestimate these ghosts since they worked, you know?!" Ran blushed, her cheeks turning slightly pink as she bashfully replied, "Who was the one who stop the rain when we were stuck on that idiotic island with that loose serial killer that day!?"

This made Takuma dumbstruck while Junko chuckled, a mixture of disbelief and amusement in her voice. "I mean she ain't wrong, if it wasn't for those ghosts, you, Ran and the others wouldn't even make it this far here."

"Even so, doesn't it normally take a day for the ghosts to take effect?" Emiko suddenly remembered.

Emiko's question hung in the air, causing the group to pause and consider the timing of Ran's ghost-making ritual. The rain she hoped for typically took a day to materialize, so it seemed unlikely that it would have an immediate effect in this critical moment.

Ran's expression faltered as she realized the same thing. "You're right, it usually takes a day... I was just hoping for a miracle since neither of us has the guts to run into a burning building to save someone."

Takuma sighed, his frustration evident. "We need more than miracles right now. We need Shinichi and Ranran to come out of that burning building alive."

"It's a good thing the press who were here earlier to cover the murder of Peggy, Aurelia and Primrose isn't here," Emiko spoke in relief.

"Why?" All eyes are on the artist.

"Cause if you think about it, Tantei Association is now famous for solving major cases. Imagine if they got a tip that Ran is tying up ghosts to get the sky to rain to put out the fire with Ranran and Shinichi in the building, the first thing the headline would read is 'Tantei Association's Unconventional Firefighting Tactics: Using Ghosts and Rain'. It would be all over the news, and we'd never hear the end of it."

The group let out a collective sigh of relief, realizing the potential consequences if their unusual methods were made public. The last thing they needed was unwanted attention or mockery in the midst of their already challenging situation.

"Seriously, I can't help but understand why is it Shinraku Heights has no fire brigade and police station around the hills!? Ain't this a luxury neighbourhood around the hillside!?" Junko rants.

"I know right?" Emiko nodded in agreement, her voice filled with irritation. "You would think a place like this would prioritize safety and security. But here we are, relying on the fire brigade to arrive from a distant location. It's ridiculous."

"There isn't even a hospital in sight besides the clinic Miss Ohta was in earlier," Ran chimed in, her tone exasperated. "And don't even get me started on the response time. It will take 2 hours to reach the scene. Lives are at stake, and every second counts."

"I don't know if this is related, but...." Everyone's attention shifts to Michio as he explained, "I overheard Ranran speaking to some of the elderly ladies who went on a holiday around here, they were telling her that corruption scandal from the Metropolitan situation was so bad last year, that after the arrests were made, the budget for essential services like fire brigades and police stations in certain areas, including Shinraku Heights, was severely cut. It was a way for the government to recover some of the lost funds and restore stability."

The group listened in disbelief, realizing that their current predicament was a direct result of the corruption scandal. They couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and frustration at the authorities' negligence in prioritizing the safety of its citizens.

Ran who was listening to this remembered the news coverage about it last year. Back then, when her father got word about it, even though he left the police force months after that, he was very riled up. So was her mother, since a lot of the law officials in her law firm too were caught in the middle.

And then back then, there were also rumours of a certain little girl in a fox mask who orchestrated for all of this to be exposed in plain sight. That child is none other than the legendary child Tantei, 'The Fox'.

Thinking about 'The Fox' now brought back her present suspicions about Kudo Ranran, the outstanding founder of Tantei Associaton who had stolen Shinichi from Mouri Ran. Now that she thinks about it, whenever one of the members including herself brought up about informing Sergeant Genzo about their findings, Ranran always was against it.

And so was oddly Shinichi.

Before Shinichi severed ties with her and Sonoko, he always strongly yet naively believed that the laws will protect the innocent from evil and that his trust towards the police had been unshakable. But as time went on after he became Kudo Ranran's apprentice, he started to question the system and the flaws within it.

Ran's mind was filled with conflicting thoughts and suspicions. She couldn't help but wonder if her suspicions about Ranran being 'The Fox' was nothing but the truth.

Even that day during the events of the 'Blood on the Campground' case, when Ranran managed the safety of their classmates, it was evident that the 6-year-old either had tons of experience doing this as The Fox, or she is a super-talented genius that even surpassed Shinichi. Aside from that, the mannerism that the news reported about The Fox was that the child is an exceptionally cunning child, and Ran knew that Ranran is one.

The evidence, from Ranran's skills and instincts to her unwavering belief in taking matters into her own hands, all seemed to fit the profile of 'The Fox.'

Ran knew that she couldn't jump to conclusions based on mere speculation. If she wanted to find the truth, she needed concrete evidence. She needed to investigate further, gather more information, and observe Ranran's actions closely. If Ranran is genuinely The Fox, the object of Shinichi's hatred, that would mean Ran has a chance to get him back, right?

At least with this in mind, she could put a stop to this madness: Stopping Shinichi from getting involved in dangerous situations with Ranran.

..........................................................................

Back inside the mansion, both Ranran and Shinichi reached the ground floor, putting the door skidding to a stop. The two tumbled off the door, landing on the floor with a thud. They lay there for a moment, catching their breath and assessing their surroundings.

The flames crackled behind them, the intensity of the fire growing by the second. They needed to find an exit quickly before the building became engulfed completely.

Once more, Shinichi faced his back behind Ranran, telling her to get up. "Come on, Ranran!"

She nodded to Shinichi, accepting his offer for a piggyback ride. With his help, she managed to get back on her feet, her body still weak and sore from the impact and the ordeal they had just gone through.

Shinichi steadied himself, feeling the weight of Ranran on his back once again. He knew they couldn't afford to waste any time. The flames were closing in, and their window of opportunity was rapidly shrinking.

"Let's find the nearest exit," Shinichi said, his voice determined. "We need to get out of here before it's too late."

Together, they navigated through the smoke-filled mansion, their senses heightened in the face of danger. The crackling of the fire and the creaking of the structure added to the urgency of their mission.

As they made their way through the burning mansion, they spotted a dim light in the distance. It was the glow of the front door, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Shinichi quickened his pace, carefully avoiding debris and obstacles in their path. Ranran clung tightly to his back, her trust in him unwavering.

Finally, they reached the front door. The heat was intense, and the flames threatened to block their way. But Shinichi remained determined, unwilling to let the fire deter them.

With a burst of energy, he pushed open the door, revealing the outside world.

"Shinichi! Shinichi brought Ranran out!" 

All of the kids who were outside waiting for Shinichi and Ranran's safe return rushed towards them, their expressions a mix of relief and concern as they surrounded the two, while Michio asked Ranran, "Are you alright?!"

"We were so worried!" Ran exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. "Thank goodness you're both safe."

"What happened to you? You look badly bruised, Ranran!" Emiko was shocked to see the red lip founder's face bruised and battered. Her concern was evident in her voice.

Ranran weakly smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's nothing. Just some bruises from the impact thanks to Felix setting a bomb, with the....intention of burning, me alive like the Devil in Punch....and Judy."

"He did what!?" Junko's dual ponytail flared up in anger.

Takuma's fists clenched in anger. "That Felix is a monster! He'll pay for what he's done."

"But now that you mentioned Felix," A thought occurred to Michio, "He probably fled, didn't he? I mean since his intention to frame Takashi is exposed thanks to Ranran....there is no way he will be inheriting anything from his mother Peggy."

"Eh!?" Everyone froze in realization at that.

"That's true!" Ran grew horrified before growing more concerned than ever, "I wonder even after Shinichi told Genzo to block all of the routes on the hills, would he ever get caught?"

"Don't worry about it," Shinichi reassured them, with Ranran still on his back, "I took some precautions that Ranran instructed me in advance should anything like that happen."

"Precautions!?" Takuma and the others grew baffled at the apprentice's statement.

"Yes.....precautions," Ranran revealed, but before she could continue, she eventually passed out behind Shinichi's back.

Shinichi felt Ranran's weight shift on his back as she lost consciousness. "Ranran!? Ranran! Ranran! Wake up! Ooi!"

Shinichi's voice filled with panic as he tried to rouse Ranran from her unconscious state. The group gathered around, their expressions filled with concern.

Emiko quickly stepped forward, her medical knowledge kicking in. "Let me check her pulse and breathing." She knelt down beside Ranran, carefully assessing her vital signs. "She sounds alright, but it felt erratic in her pulse."

Takuma spoke up, his voice laced with urgency. "Ambulance should be here in around 2 minutes."

"Let's go, then. We don't have any time to waste." Shinichi nodded, his gaze fixed on Ranran's pale face.

As the sirens of the ambulance wailed in the distance, the group quickly gathered around Shinichi and Ranran. With careful coordination, they lifted Ranran off Shinichi's back and onto a stretcher, ensuring her safety and comfort.

The paramedics arrived swiftly, their experience and efficiency evident as they attended to Ranran's condition. They quickly assessed her vital signs, administered oxygen, and carefully examined her injuries.

"Alright, family members are only allowed to accompany the patient in the ambulance. Any one of them?" One of the medics announced.

"I am!" Shinichi spoke up, his voice steady despite the worry in his heart.

Which wasn't a complete lie. Shinichi and her didn't share the same surname for a reason.

Shinichi climbed into the ambulance, his eyes never leaving Ranran's unconscious form. He held her hand tightly, silently willing her to wake up and be okay.

As the ambulance doors closed and the vehicle started moving, Shinichi's mind raced with thoughts and emotions. He couldn't shake off the worry and fear that consumed him, but he also felt a glimmer of hope, knowing that they had reached safety and medical help was on its way.

While the other children watched the ambulance having just left them, flashing blue lights bounced off the walls, and several burly firemen appeared through the smoke.

"Finally, the fire brigade has arrived. What a relief." Michio deeply sighs.

"There is still one question that bothers me, though." Emiko rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"What's that?" Junko asked, her curiosity piqued.

Emiko glanced at the burning mansion and then back at the group. "What did Ranran and Shinichi mean when they took some precautions to make sure Felix can never leave here?"

The group exchanged puzzled glances, trying to make sense of Emiko's question. The mention of precautions taken by Ranran and Shinichi to ensure Felix couldn't escape had caught their attention.

Takuma furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "I remember Shinichi mentioning something about using an emergency plan Ranran had given him earlier. Maybe that plan includes measures to prevent Felix from leaving the area."

"But how?" Junko asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "What could they have possibly done?"

Emiko pondered for a moment before an idea struck her. "Remember when Shinichi told Sergeant Genzo to block all the roads around this hill? Maybe that's part of their plan. They wanted to limit Felix's escape routes."

"That's a possibility," Michio chimed in. "But it doesn't explain how they could ensure Felix wouldn't find a way out on foot."

Suddenly, Ran's eyes widened with realization. "Earlier before Ranran left, I saw her handed Shinichi something in the kitchen."

"What did she hand him?" Emiko asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"I'm not sure," Ran replied, her brows furrowed in thought. "It was a small object, maybe a key or something. She whispered something to him as well, but I couldn't hear what she said."

Takuma leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Do you think that object could be related to the precautions they mentioned?"

"Who knows....?" Michio and the others were left to wonder about the mysterious object and the precautions taken by Ranran and Shinichi.

They would eventually know within the following day what that said object was.

......................................................................

"Ugh...."Felix's vision was going blurry! What's happening to him?

Earlier, after locking up the red lip child detective girl in the room and denoting the bomb that is bound to burn that child to crips, he took his car to flee down the hill. However, as he sped away from the burning mansion, his vision started to blur, and a sharp pain coursed through his head. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, struggling to maintain control of the vehicle.

The pain intensified, causing Felix to lose focus. He could barely see the road ahead, and his movements became sluggish and uncoordinated. Panic set in as he realized something was seriously wrong.

Meanwhile, the cops' car was following closely behind Felix's car, their sirens blaring as they pursued him down the hill. They had received the call about the fire and the suspected arsonist fleeing the scene, and they were determined to apprehend him.

As the police car closed in, they noticed Felix's erratic driving and his struggle to maintain control. The officers realized something was amiss and radioed for backup and an ambulance, suspecting that Felix might be experiencing a medical emergency.

What Felix didn't know was what slipped through his eyes during the interrogation between Sergeant Genzo and Shinichi.

......................................................

Unbeknownst to Genzo, nor the cops around them, Shinichi had to do things in the kitchen earlier."Prepare a tray of glass water!?" The cops who listened to Shinichi's instructions made things all so baffling. "Why?"

Shinichi's instructions to prepare a tray of glass water left the police officers puzzled. They couldn't understand why Shinichi would ask for such a thing during a critical moment like this. However, they trusted his judgment and quickly followed his instructions.

As they prepared the tray, Shinichi left in a hurry to do some 'modifications' to the van parked outside the mansion. When he returned, the van started to make alarming noises. 

That is when Shinichi began to strike by slipping the drug Ranran had given him earlier.

As Shinichi slipped the drug into the glass of water, he knew that it would have a potent effect on anyone who consumed it. The drug was a powerful sedative, capable of causing dizziness, blurred vision, and disorientation.

Shinichi had anticipated that Felix would try to escape, and he had devised a plan to incapacitate him before he could get away. He knew that Felix would be in a vulnerable state after setting the bomb and fleeing the burning mansion, making him an easy target for the sedative.

This drug was the same drug Ranran previously used on serial killer 'Kichiro' in the previous major case, with a twist of pain and sleepiness. She had entrusted him with the drug, emphasizing the importance of using it responsibly and only in extreme circumstances.

Returning to the kitchen, Shinichi placed the drugged glass of water on a tray and carefully left it in a conspicuous spot. He knew that considering Felix is a calculative killer, he should be aware of the 'Water Trick' the police use to collect fingerprints while studying how he would behave on deciding to drink the water or not, and since he wants to ensure that he is 'innocent', he will touch the cup and drink the water.

Back in Felix's car, his vision continued to blur, and the pain in his head intensified. His hands trembled on the steering wheel as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. The sirens of the police car behind him seemed distant, drowned out by his own distress.

"What in the hell is going on with me?!" Felix yelled at no one but himself.

He then recalled a memory during the interrogation.

Shinichi leaned back in his chair, deciding he should try to let him relax a bit. He turned to Genzo to say, "Tell them to bring him water."

Genzo nodded and signalled for one of the officers to bring a glass of water for Felix. As the officer left to fulfil the request, the room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

..............................................................

"Don't tell me....that brat drugged me!?"

Felix's mind raced as he connected the dots. When his on-and-off lover, Primrose was alive before he murdered her, she told him stories as to how Ranran, the girl who ruined her beloved niece's life as a child actor, was allegedly behind causing a boy who is around the age of an elementary child, turned into a vegetable brain dead child for life thanks to her drugging talent.

Felix's mind raced as he connected the dots. The realization sent chills down his spine. In the beginning, he assumed that this child, Ranran, was merely a naughty child who had a bit of brain in her to seek out attention. But never could he have predicted that this child was able to orchestrate this elaborate plan to drug him. The darkness that lurked beneath her seemingly innocent facade sent shivers down his spine.

Fear and anger surged within Felix as he grappled with the effects of the drug. He knew he was at a severe disadvantage, unable to think clearly or control his body properly. It was a calculated move by Shinichi-no, probably by that Ranran girl, to incapacitate him and prevent his escape.

The realization fueled Felix's determination to resist the drug's effects. He gritted his teeth, trying to regain control of his faculties. With each passing moment, the sedative continued to take its toll, making his movements sluggish and his vision increasingly distorted.  He cursed himself for underestimating the young girl and falling into her trap. The drug Ranran had given Shinichi had taken hold of him, robbing him of his senses and leaving him at the mercy of his enemies.

The sirens of the police car behind him echoed in his ears, mocking him as he fought to stay conscious. The road seemed to twist and turn, morphing into a nightmarish maze. Felix's hands trembled on the steering wheel, his once-calm demeanour shattered by the effects of the powerful sedative.

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Felix refused to succumb without a fight. He was a resourceful and cunning individual, and he knew that he had to find a way to counteract the drug's effects if he had any hope of escaping the pursuing police.

Desperation filled Felix as he struggled to concentrate on the road ahead. He knew he couldn't afford to lose consciousness now, with the police closing in. With a surge of adrenaline, he mustered every ounce of strength and willpower he had left.

As the police car drew nearer, Felix made a split-second decision. He swerved the car sharply, attempting to lose the pursuing officers through a risky manoeuvre. The tires screeched, and the car veered off the road, crashing into a tree.

The impact jolted Felix, intensifying the pain in his head. The world spun around him as he fought to stay conscious. He knew he had to escape, but his body was betraying him, refusing to cooperate.

"Damn those children!" Felix cursed as the police car screeched to a halt nearby, the flashing lights casting an eerie glow over the wreckage. The officers approached with caution, their expressions a mix of concern and triumph. They had finally caught the man who had eluded them for far too long.

But damn it, he has to admit that she's good.

The moment his eyes blurred, he wondered who taught this child capable of such cruelty

As the paramedics arrived, Felix's consciousness wavered. He was a defeated man, broken and cornered. The consequences of his actions had caught up with him, and there was no escaping the darkness that engulfed his life.

Felix's journey had taken a dark turn, leading him down a path of destruction and despair. The choices he had made, driven by his twisted desires and thirst for unreasonable revenge, had brought him to this moment of reckoning. In the face of his own mortality, he had nowhere to run, no one to turn to.

........................................................................................................

The journey to the hospital seemed to stretch on forever, every passing second filled with anticipation and uncertainty. Shinichi held on to the hope that Ranran would wake up soon, her indomitable spirit shining through even in the face of danger and adversity.

Finally, they arrived at the hospital, and Ranran was swiftly taken into the emergency department. Shinichi followed closely behind, his steps quick and determined.

The medical staff sprang into action, attending to Ranran with urgency and expertise. They assessed her condition, conducted tests, and began the necessary treatments to stabilize her.

Shinichi stood by Ranran's side, his eyes never leaving her. He felt a mix of gratitude and helplessness, knowing that he had done everything he could to get her out of the burning mansion, but now it was up to the medical professionals to save her.

Hours passed, filled with anxiety and waiting. Soon, Shinichi was joined by the others in the hospital waiting area. They sat together, their faces filled with worry and exhaustion, their thoughts consumed by Ranran's well-being.

Soon, the doctor came out of the room.

"How is she?" Shinichi asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor looked at them with a serious expression, but there was a hint of relief in his eyes. "She's stable now. It was a close call, but we managed to treat her injuries and stabilize her condition. She's still unconscious, but we're hopeful that she will wake up soon."

A wave of relief washed over the group, their tension dissipating as they absorbed the doctor's words. They exchanged smiles and expressions of gratitude, knowing that Ranran was in good hands.

The doctor continued, "She will need some time to recover since she fractured her arm. We'll be moving her to a room shortly, and you can visit her once she's settled. But for now, I suggest you all take some rest and gather your strength."

Shinichi nodded, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, doctor. We'll make sure to take care of her and give her all the support she needs."

As Ranran was being moved to a room for her recovery, the group found a quiet corner in the hospital waiting area to rest. Ran and Michio stepped out to grab some food and drinks for everyone, ensuring they were nourished and hydrated.

Shinichi was the first to enter the patient room, seeing Ranran wide awake on her bed. The first thing that came out of her mouth was, "Is Felix caught?"

"Of course," Shinichi grins, "With the amount of drugs you gave me to sedate him, he won't stand a chance. According to Sergeant Genzo, he and his men were puzzled to see his car run against a tree for no reason."

Ranran's eyes sparkled with satisfaction, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I'm glad to hear that. It seems our precautions worked after all."

"And there is bad news...."

Ranran's smile faded slightly as she glanced at her bandaged arm before staring at Shinichi, "What?"

"Sergeant Genzo was so pissed off...." Shinichi scratched his head in distress, "He contacted our parents and told them what we have done."

Widening her eyes, Ranran dreaded to ask. "How did they react?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Well, about that...."Shinichi is reluctant about this, but their doom is on the way, "They bought the first tickets back home, they should arrive here by tomorrow."

She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the inevitable confrontation that awaited them. "We are screwed, aren't we?" she said, her voice tinged with resignation.

"Well, won't be the only ones getting scolded after that....."Shinichi tried to cheer her up about it, but knowing their temper.....things are about to get difficult for them.