That night around 8 pm, the members of Tantei Association finally reached Professor Shibuya Jirou's house ahead of the others as they travelled by taxi since it was too far to travel using their motorbike sidecar, bike and skateboard in combination.

"Why are we not using the roller skates Takuma used the other day during our sixth major case, 'The Last Laugh'? I thought it can travel long distances since Shinichi's neighbour, Professor Agasa, made good modifications to it?" Michio, who shared the second cab with Junko and Ran, was sitting in the front passenger seat as he turned to them.

"It did, but shortly after he was done, the shoe overheated and short circuit. Had Takuma not taken it out after rescuing Mr Takashi that day, it could've almost burned his feet." Junko pointed out.

"Oh, right. I remember now," Michio replied with a nod. "Well, I guess it's a good thing we didn't risk using it tonight then."

While Michio went on to converse with the taxi driver, Junko noted that to her right, Mouri Ran was looking rather down, leaning her head against the door window.

"Hey, Ran, you alright?" Junko asked, concerned for her friend.

Ran looked up, forcing a smile on her face. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit tired, I guess."

Ever since Mouri Ran joined Tantei Association, there was never a day she never shed a tear behind the scenes, aside from the disturbing nature of the crimes she had to witness as a 6-year-old, she also had to deal with the cold treatment from her former friend, Shinichi, as well as his mentor, Ranran.

Junko gave Ran a sympathetic look, ensuring Michio isn't looking at the two girls, she whispered to Ran, "Neh Mouri, have you not thought of quitting the association?"

"Eh?" This made Ran startled.

"I mean...it's clear that Ranran and Shinichi are giving you a hard time, no?"

Ran's eyes widened in surprise at Junko's bold question. "Well, yeah, but... I can't just quit because of 'personal feelings', nah?"

"But at what cost, Ran?" Junko frowned, not fully satisfied with Ran's answer. "You are clearly hurting with Shinichi ignoring you, while Ranran constantly lashing out at you. Besides, you clearly don't like Tantei work."

As much as Mouri Ran wants to deny this, Junko was not completely in the wrong.

The main reason Mouri Ran joined Tantei Association at that time was to salvage Suzuki Sonoko's reputation. At that time, when Sonoko broke into the Kudo's mansion to verify what was the true nature of the relationship as the family was having an important gathering party to get investors, Ranran and Shinichi mistake her for a suspect in one of the cases they were working on, so they naturally defended their humble abode by whacking her with a bat black and blue.

When the truth was revealed, Mouri Ran demanded Ranran restore Sonoko's reputation, but Ranran refused since she deemed it would be unreasonable and Shinichi sided with her. Plus, they only had 4 members at that time to solve their first-ever major case, so in haste, Mouri Ran willingly volunteer on aiding this case, in exchange for Sonoko's reputation being restored.

And now, although Ranran had kept her word and restored Sonoko's reputation, Ran had still remained in the HQ regardless and refused to leave, which is the cause of the friction between the three of them. Mouri Ran's motive was to get Shinichi back, away from Ranran who is manipulative and cunning. Also, the fact that Mouri had a crush on Shinichi is one of the main reasons.

"But it ain't like I am the only one," Ran sighed, her emotions conflicted as she too pointed out, "You too don't like Tantei work, but you chase Michio all the way here because he is avoiding you."

Junko blushed, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "Well, that's different. Michio avoids me lately because he can't handle the truth that he had feelings for me, which is why he let the other kids open Tantei Association next to his mom's shop as a shield, and I want him to be upfront about it. Shinichi on the other hand...I don't think he had feelings for you."

Ran looked away, trying to hide the hurt that Junko's words brought. "Yeah, you're right. It's just wishful thinking on my part, I guess."

"No, you ain't wrong, I really believed that too because of the things I noticed lately."

"Eh?"

It was then, Mouri Ran began to pour out the things she had noticed throughout her time in Tantei Association.

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

The first hint Mouri Ran noticed was the pair of Mary Jane shoes.

The shoes were small and delicate, obviously meant for a little girl. Ran found them while cleaning up the headquarters one day, and she couldn't help but wonder who they belonged to. She asked Junko and Emiko, but no one claimed them, and she eventually forgot about it.

That was until after the events of 'Illegitimate Extra', this happened.

The card that was attached to the box, 'To my mentor', made it all so evident who was it meant for.

"Thanks for the shoes, Shinichi," Ranran smiled at him, seemingly flexing the black polished mary jane shoes, "I kinda forgot these pair of shoes back in my hometown. I miss them so much."Ranran said silently, "I was surprised that you got me this. I would've thought you would've given this to Ran or something."

Shinichi chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Well, you know, Ran likes her sneakers, and I thought these shoes would suit you better. Especially since you are elegant, unlike her. She can never wear those shoes like you do."

Ran observed the exchange, her heart sinking a little. The thought of Shinichi picking out shoes specifically for Ranran stung a little, but she brushed it off as her overthinking things.

"It's funny," Ranran is still in awe with the shoes, "I would've assumed you bought one pair for Ran once."

"Why would I do that for Ran, she couldn't even walk with such shoes."

Ran knew she should've said something, anything, to shut his bloody insensitive mouth, but she stayed silent. He was right, why would he buy Ran such shoes, especially of all people in his life to begin with? She is his childhood friend, nothing more nothing less. Also, if he did, he would've checked out Ran's feet size in the first place. Plus, Ranran is the no.1 girl in his life now, not her.

"I guess you have a point," Ranran nodded in silence, "It isn't like Ran would talk to you about your opinion about the clothes she wear, to the shoes she wore. You probably wouldn't have any interest in listening to such trivia things anyway."

"You on the other hand happen to be the same rank as me in the Tantei association, if we are going to look good for our agency business, we have to look the part. And I doubt Ran be able to keep up the way that you do."

Ran felt like the words Shinichi said to Ranran about her sting; he sounded genuine but harsh.

She observed the exchange, her heart sinking a little. The thought of Shinichi picking out shoes specifically for Ranran stung a little, but she brushed it off as her overthinking things.

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

However, more little things started to add up.

"Neh Ranran, here, movie tickets to watch." Shinichi handed the tickets to her out of the blue in class one day, as Ran observed from afar.

Ranran's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the movie tickets from Shinichi. "What for?"

"Your mother said you have been spending too long in front of the computer all day, so I had to drag you out somewhere."

"Hah!?" Ranran's face fell as if it was the worst day in the world, "No way!"

Shinichi grinned playfully. "Come on, it'll be fun! Besides, we both know you could use a break from all the detective work."

"Hell no!" Ranran groaned as Mouri Ran observed the interaction, "I planned to play GTA V for 14 hours speed run!"

Other kids watching this couldn't help but chuckle at Ranran's reaction. It was clear that she was not thrilled about being dragged away from her computer gaming marathon. Meanwhile, Shinichi was trying his best to persuade her to go out with him.

"Come on, it's just for a few hours," Shinichi cajoled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You can always play GTA V later."

Ranran crossed her arms, pouting like a stubborn child. "Fine, but you owe me big time for this, Kudo."

Shinichi chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Deal. Now, let's go before you change your mind."

As the two of them left the classroom, Mouri Ran couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She wished she could be the one going out with Shinichi, having fun and spending time together.

As Ranran and Shinichi walked off, laughing and joking, Mouri Ran couldn't help but feel a bit upset at this. Before they parted ways as friends, he never once offered to take her to see the movies, it was always Ran who initiated it.

The thought that Shinichi is the one who did it willingly and spontaneously with Ranran made Mouri Ran feel it ever so heartbreaking. She wanted that kind of fun and carefree interaction with him too.

But every time they were together alone, it felt like there was an invisible wall blocking her from reaching out to Shinichi. And he would always gave her the cold glance.

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

The last straw was when Ran sees Shinichi and Ranran huddled close together under an umbrella during a sudden downpour outside their school.

Ranran forgot to bring her own umbrella, it was unexpectedly raining heavily, and Ranran decided she was going to use her rondesu bag as her own umbrella to shelter herself. The problem was, this was 5 days after the events of 'The Last Laugh' case.

During that period, Ranran fractured her arm when Felix the killer set up an abandoned mansion to explode, with the intention of killing her. Despite her injury, Ranran decided to use her bag as an umbrella to shield herself from the rain. Even though Takuma, her good friend suggest sharing the umbrella with him, she refused, since Reina, who also offered to sacrifice her spot with Takuma in sharing an umbrella, forgot to bring hers as well.

"Since you are Takuma's girlfriend, you should not simply give that spot of sharing an umbrella with Takuma."

"Ranran, don't be stubborn, the three of us have been friends, just share the damn umbrella with Takuma." Reina who is also her best friend glaringly pointed at her bandage arm, "How are you in a position to hold a bag?!"

"I will manage it," Ranran shrugs.

Takuma sighed, shaking his head at Ranran's stubbornness. "You're impossible, Ranran. Just let me share the umbrella with you."

But Ranran refused, insisting on using her bag as an umbrella, despite the obvious discomfort it caused her.

As Mouri Ran watched this from afar, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She could tell her friends were worried about Ranran's arm and couldn't understand why she was being so stubborn about it.

But what hurt the most was the sight of Shinichi standing close to Ranran as he offered, "Guys, I will offer her the umbrella, so no need to worry about her, alright? Come on, Ranran."

As Ranran huddled close to Shinichi under the umbrella, Mouri Ran felt a twinge of jealousy and sadness. She had hoped that Shinichi would offer her the umbrella, be concerned for her well-being, and protect her from the rain just like he was doing for Ranran.

But it seemed like he was always there for Ranran, taking care of her and looking out for her, while Mouri Ran was left standing in the background, feeling invisible.

As the rain poured down, Mouri Ran couldn't help but feel like she was being washed away by her own emotions. She had tried so hard to win Shinichi back. But it felt like no matter what she did, she was always on the outside looking in.

It was as if Shinichi and Ranran had their own little world, and Mouri Ran was just a passerby, a background character in their story.

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

After hearing Ran's narration of her story, the first thing Junko said was, "That sucks."

"Yeah, it really does," Ran sighed, feeling a mix of relief and sadness after finally pouring out her feelings to Junko.

"I can't believe he was that oblivious to how you felt," Junko shook her head in disbelief. "What about Ranran, does she know?"

"She definitely knows, she blackmailed me the other day when I confronted her about framing Sonoko as a thief when she broke into their house, almost told Shinichi had I not kneeled then and begged her not to." Ran scoffed.

"Seriously? That's messed up," Junko replied, clearly appalled by Ranran's actions. "It sounds like she's intentionally trying to keep you away from Shinichi."

"I think so too. It's like she's always one step ahead, making sure I can never get close to him." Ran nodded, her expression serious.

Junko frowned, contemplating the situation. "Why don't you just tell Shinichi about your feelings upfront, that way, she can't blackmail you with this anymore."

"I had intentions to initially, but then....after that video between Mamiko and Sonoko came up about discouraging Shinichi to quit his Tantei dream just to marry me came up...there is no possibility anymore." Ran hesitated, her heart pounding at the thought of revealing her feelings to Shinichi. "You saw the look he gave me and Sonoko, he hates me, Sonoko. A lot."

"Look, Ran, you can't let fear hold you back," Junko said firmly. "If you truly care about Shinichi, you need to be honest with him. You never know, he might surprise you with his response."

Ran sighed, knowing deep down that Junko was right. She had to face her fears and be honest with Shinichi about her feelings, no matter how daunting it seemed.

"But what about Ranran?" Ran asked, feeling conflicted. "If I do anything wrong, he will not forgive me and accuse me of hurting Ranran again!"

"He can't be that blind to believe in Ranran forever, Mouri," Junko pointed out, "In those romance dramas we watch, schemers won't win forever."

As Ran thought about Junko's words, she realized that she couldn't let fear and insecurity hold her back any longer. She had to be true to herself and express her feelings to Shinichi, no matter the consequences.

"I guess you're right," Ran finally admitted, feeling a sense of determination building inside her. "I can't keep running away from this. I need to talk to Shinichi and let him know how I feel."

"That's the spirit!" Junko grinned, giving Ran a supportive pat on the back. "You've got this."

Feeling encouraged by her friend's support, Ran took a deep breath and decided to face Shinichi head-on. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she couldn't let fear dictate her actions any longer.

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

At the other cab consisting of Ranran, Shinichi, Takuma and Emiko, the first thing Takuma wondered was, "Guys, what do you think Michio, Junko and Ran are talking about?"

Shinichi glanced out of the window, his mind preoccupied with the recent events and the mystery they were about to unravel at Professor Shibuya Jirou's house. "I don't know, Takuma. Probably girl stuff, you know, Ran and Junko gossiping about who knows what. Which is the only thing they are good at."

Emiko chuckled from the backseat. "Yeah, probably talking about crushes and romantic stuff. You know how girls can be."

"Not really, Ranran here is proof that girls who don't act like morons exist," Shinichi proudly beams at Ranran.

"I don't know what is so nice about gossiping such trivial things" Ranran rolled her eyes.

"Hey, then are you implying I am into that?" Emiko had her hands on her hips. "I have a boyfriend you know?"

Unlike the rest of the children within the association, only 6-year-old Takuma and 9-year-old Emiko were the only two members who are in a relationship outside the HQ. Emiko met him during the events of 'The Red Drongos' Deception', a 10-year-old drummer by the name of Nagano Shinobu Shiro, who is famous back in the United States.

"Your relationship is different," Takuma pointed out, "You both don't go about going all so mushy whenever you and him talked on the tablet or smartphone."

"Yeah, Emiko and Shiro are more about talking about doing ASMR channels and artwork, which is so boring!" Ranran scoffed.

As the cab ride continued, the topic shifted to their upcoming mission at Professor Shibuya Jirou's house.

"Hey, Ranran, do you think we'll find anything interesting at Professor Shibuya's place?" Emiko asked, excitement evident in her voice.

Ranran shrugged nonchalantly. "Who knows? We might stumble upon something intriguing. After all, we're detectives; mysteries are our thing."

"I hope we find some cool birds there," Takuma chimed in, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Though I wonder if Junko would be alright? I mean she did mention that she had a phobia of birds." Shinichi rubbed his chin.

"Yeah, but you know Junko, she's tough. She'll handle it," Ranran replied confidently. "Besides, we've faced scarier things."

"You mean like that time we had a gun aimed at us back at the mine?" Takuma brought this up.

"Or that time The Snake's enemies kidnapped her during our first major case?" Shinichi reminded Ranran.

"Or that other time when Junko almost drown at some quarry to save you and Shinichi from drowning when the kidnappers kidnapped the both of you?" Emiko added.

"Ah yes, the fun times," Ranran grinned, reminiscing about their past adventures.

"It ain't fun when you all almost died." Emiko crossed her arms.

"And yet, we live to tell the tale!" Takuma said proudly, pumping his fist in the air.

As they continued to talk and laugh, the cab finally arrived at their destination.

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

Walking into Choha-shi, one would expect to see birds. Instead, it was a row of beautiful mansions minus the birds.

The entire neighbourhood was filled with opulent mansions that exuded an air of grandeur and sophistication. Their elegant facades were adorned with intricate carvings, glistening stained glass windows, and sprawling balconies that offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Lush gardens stretched out in front of each mansion, meticulously landscaped and featuring exotic flowers in vibrant hues.

Chōha-shi had become renowned for its architectural marvels and the luxurious lifestyle of its inhabitants. The wealthy and influential from all corners of the world sought to make Chōha-shi their home, drawn in by the allure of opulence and the promise of a life filled with extravagance.

"Let's see...Mr Shibuya's house should be....this one."

Emblazoned on the old concrete gateposts in rusted brass letters, it reads "Tori no Rakuen" (鳥の楽園). "Tori" means "bird" in Japanese, and "Rakuen" means "wonderland" or "paradise." Together, "Tori no Rakuen" represents "Bird Wonderland" or "Bird Paradise" in English. One would've guessed upon reading it, it would be well-kept and tidy. Especially for someone looking after a total of 150 birds.

Yet, what was beyond them was a scene of desolation.

Huge palms lined the winding gravel path. The moon illuminated the rambling garden of bushes and flowers growing wild. Once it must have been a magnificent landscape, but years of neglect had turned it into a tangled wilderness that sprawled down the hillside.

Crouched in dense shrubbery at the top of the drive, the old Spanish-style house was also a picture of disrepair: some parts looked to have been boarded up and missing tiles left mysterious gaps in the roof Ivy clung to the walls of the mansion, climbing unchecked over its facade. In fact, Birdwak would have seemed empty and abandoned were it not for several lights shining in its upstairs windows.

Ran gripped Shinichi's hand. "I don't want to go up there," she whispered. "It looks like something out of a spooky movie."

"If you are that terrified about it, then why do you keep on inviting Shinichi to watch some horror movies in the first place? Just say if you are not mentally strong, don't force yourself." Ranran gave her an odd stare.

"Ranran is right," Shinichi pushed Ran's hand away from him.

Sometimes deep down, Ran has resentment towards Ranran. This is one of them.

When Ran and Shinichi used to be friends, Mouri Ran used to invite Shinichi to go watch horror movies in the cinemas, in exchange for him having to put up with her watching romance movies. Truthfully, it was merely an excuse to be with Shinichi, such whenever she is terrified, she can hug him for comfort and stuff.

Unfortunately, Ranran who is at times blunt is seemingly unaware of this and making it as if she is calling out Mouri's lies of that sort.

Ran clenched her fists, trying to suppress her frustration. "It's not like that, Ranran! I just don't like spooky places, that's all."

Ranran raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. "Sure, sure, whatever you say."

"I can't believe someone who can afford 150 exotic birds, the place reminds me of a ghost mansion." Shinichi ain't aware of Ran's fuming anger towards Ranran, nor Ranran since she could not be bothered, "Is this even suitable for birds to live?"

Ranran shrugged, seemingly uninterested in the topic. "Who knows? Maybe the birds are having a party up there. But seriously, it's strange that someone with so many birds would let their house fall into such disrepair."

"Well, we're here to investigate, not critique the owner's taste in home maintenance," Michio said, trying to focus on the task at hand. "Let's stick together and be cautious. We don't know what we might find inside."

The mansion, which was the only word Shinichi could think of to describe it, stood on a small hill overlooking the city It was easily the largest house in this neighborhood of large houses, he thought. It was also the most derelict house compared to the others the children had come across.

When the seven of them reached the gate, Junko took one look up the drive and shuddered, "So this is where Professor Shibuya lives," she remarked. "What a mess."

Beside her, Takuma fiddled with his cap. "I don't blame the eagle for leaving," he gritted his teeth at the sight of the house, "Even if it is dead, I would rather flee than live there."

Junko ain't going to disagree over Takuma's opinion in this so to speak.

While the children walk to the house, Emiko couldn't help but notice Ran seemed a little down.

It's too late to mend things the way things were, right?

Ran swallows, wanting to find some sort of reason Shinichi would remain so cold towards her.

Unlike the soap opera dramas Ran was forced to watch whenever her mom watches, Ranran wasn't like those villains girls who didn't openly do those so-called 'evil' things to make sure Mouri Ran gets kicked out of the Tantei association. Sure, she did call her a 'hypocrite', but that was the only harsh thing she ever said or even do to Ran now she thinks back. Even if Ranran did scold her, it only has something to do with how Ran organized the club files and nothing more. Then again, this is Kudo Ranran she is dealing with. An exceptionally cunning girl. She can get away with anything.

Then again, Ranran is also very upfront in terms of her own feelings. She is the one who told Shinichi off about his 'naive views' on justice, she is the one who openly spoke badly about Hikari Takuma on certain things, even after they became friends. She is also the same girl who would put personal angst feelings aside just because she tries to run the Tantei association like a professional, something Ran is aware that Shinichi admires at times.

Ran bites her lip. Sonoko did mention they are still kids, he and Ranran will probably not last long. But what if it last?

Why? Why did it have to be Ranran of all the little girls their age he could've eyed on, it had to be no one but her?!

Seeing him just buy her the shoes without Ranran even telling him to do so, which he did on his free will while Ran couldn't even get him to do so, ached so hard and she refused to believe she lost to her.

"What is wrong Ran?"

"Nothing Emiko, "She sighs, "Nothing much."

"It's Ranran again, isn't it?" Emiko pointed out, Ran hesitated for a moment before nodding. "You didn't do anything to them lately, so what is there to worry about?"Emiko's eyes looked towards Ranran as she leads them up to the steep drive.

Suddenly, thinking about the little girl in the fox mask, Ran decided, "I think Ranran is The Fox."

"Hah?"Emiko became confused.

"What happened was...."Then Ran explained to Emiko everything her suspicions about Ranran, "When I joined Tantei Association, I was...expecting Ranran to be ruthless, cutthroat and evil. And...I had suspicions of her being the infamous child detective who vanished from the spotlight."

"Yet.....?"

"After getting to know her...I don't know what to think anymore."

"Ah, I see where this is heading,"Emiko nodded, "On one hand, since Shinichi never looks back at you anymore thanks to Ranran, you deemed her as evil. But on the other hand....she surprises you at times, right?"

Ran nodded, "Sometimes I fear that...if this Ranran had always been her real self all along....then she had good reasons to hate me because I am jealous of her relationship with Shinichi, Emiko," Ran admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to be right that I am the unreasonable villainess in those dramas I watched. I want to be right for once, and that she would be in the wrong."

Emiko listened attentively to her before stating, "But if that is the case if she really was in the wrong....then what is the point of trying to get Shinichi back?"

"Eh?"

"Mouri, if Ranran is in the wrong, would you want back a former friend who believes in a corrupt friend?"

Ran's heart sank as Emiko's words hit her hard. She had never thought of it from that perspective before. If Ranran was indeed in the wrong if she was the one with a corrupt heart, then why would Ran want to win Shinichi back? A friend who believes in someone who is corrupt?

"But..." Ran stammered, feeling torn and conflicted.

"I mean think about it, you wish for Ranran to be in the wrong, right? But we all know Shinichi is a smart little boy. If he chooses to trust someone corrupt like her, then is he worth your friendship?"

Ran's mind was spinning with Emiko's words. She never considered this angle before – that if Ranran truly had ill intentions or was corrupt, then Shinichi's trust in her would be questionable. If he couldn't see through her manipulations or recognize her true nature, did she even want him back as a friend?

Emiko noticed Ran's internal struggle and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Just think hard about this."

Emiko left Ran to walk along with the others, while she thought hard about what the 3rd grader had said. As Ran pondered Emiko's words,  she couldn't shake off the internal turmoil.

As much as Ran wished for Ranran to be in the wrong, she couldn't ignore the fact that Shinichi trusted her. It made her question her own feelings and motives. Was she just jealous and possessive, trying to win Shinichi back for her own satisfaction? Was she being selfish and refusing to acknowledge that maybe Shinichi genuinely valued his friendship with Ranran?

"Ran, are you coming?" Junko's voice brought her back to the present.

Ran forced a smile and nodded, joining the group as they approached the old mansion. She decided to set aside her internal struggle for now and focus on the task at hand – investigating Professor Shibuya Jirou's mysterious house.

Suddenly, without warning, a harsh sound suddenly shattered the peaceful night. Someone had gunned an engine into life. Moments later, a black shape came round the side of the house.

"Down!" yelled Ranran as the motorbike sped toward them.

They dived into the shadowy bushes behind the palms as the black bike roared down the drive, spraying gravel to either side. A figure was dressed entirely in black hunched over the machine. A black helmet and visor concealed the rider's face. The bike's lights were switched off.

It hurled past and swung out into the street, leaving a cloud of exhaust fumes drifting in the night air

They clambered out from cover and looked at one another

"Somethings happened!" Michio cried.

The sound of the motorbike had startled everyone, and they exchanged worried glances. Ran tried to catch her breath, her heart still pounding from the sudden danger.

"Did you see who that was?" Junko asked, her eyes wide.

"I couldn't see the rider's face," Ranran replied, her voice tense. "They were all dressed in black with a helmet on."

"Whoever it was, they were in a hurry," Takuma said, his brows furrowed in concern.

Emiko bit her lip, looking worried. "Do you think they have something to do with Professor Shibuya?"

"It's hard to say," Shinichi mused. "But it's suspicious that they appeared right after we arrived."

"Neh guys, do you think Professor Shibuya is alive back in the mansion?" Ran suddenly remembered.

The group exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what to make of the mysterious motorbike rider and its possible connection to Professor Shibuya. Ran's question hung in the air, adding to the tension that already enveloped them.

"We are getting up there right now!" And Ranran raced up the drive followed by the other children.

"Do you think the professor's okay?"Takuma panted, pulling his cap down tightly over his head.

"I hope so, "Emiko puffed.

Junko kept pace beside them. The truth was, Junko, could run even faster than she could swim. She was after all number one runner, but she didn't want to outrun Michio and Takuma and make them lose face.

"I wonder if this has got something to do with the missing eagle?" she tossed her question to Michio.  "I knew something was odd as to why the professor didn't want call to the police!"

"We'll find out soon enough," Ranran said grimly as she reached the front door.

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

The huge wooden door yawned open and Ranran's radar was instantly on the alert. She stepped into a gloomy hallway. Her nose twitched. The damp, musty air was thick with the smell of neglect.

Even Shinichi's senses were on high alert as they stepped into the gloomy hallway. The musty air filled his nostrils, and he couldn't help but wrinkle his nose at the overwhelming smell of neglect that permeated the old mansion. "I really hope he didn't look after those 150 birds here! Cause I would fly away if I do!"

"I agree," Takuma coughed a bit at Shinichi's remark, trying to lighten the mood in the tense situation. "It's more like a haunted mansion than a bird paradise."

As they cautiously explored the mansion's interior, they came across various rooms filled with dust-covered furniture and old artefacts. The walls were adorned with faded paintings, and the floors creaked with every step they took.

"This place gives me the creeps," Junko admitted, keeping close to Michio.

"It's not exactly my idea of a fun outing either," Michio replied, scanning the surroundings. "But we need to be thorough in our search."

They continued their investigation, checking every room and corridor for any signs of Professor Shibuya's whereabouts or any clues that might explain the strange occurrences they had witnessed.

"Neh guys, I know this isn't case related. But I have to bring this up." Emiko said.

"What?" Everyone turned to the rebellious artist.

"For someone who can afford to look after 150 birds, Professor Shibuya could really use a maid to clean this place up."

"I agree!" Mouri Ran coughed a bit at the dust, "I hate it when a place becomes dusty as this."

As they moved deeper into the mansion, they noticed a broad staircase leading to the upper floor. It was then Shinichi pointed to a broad staircase that wound up to the top floor "That's where all the lights are on," he whispered.

Ranran raised an eyebrow. "Should we go up there?"

Shinichi considered it for a moment. "We might find something important up there. Let's check it out, but stay alert."

They ascended the creaky stairs, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the empty hallways. On the upper floor, the air felt even heavier, and a chill ran down their spines.

He and Ranran crept softly up the stairs. The others followed closely behind. Ranran and Shinichi are in front of them, quietly telling them, "You all, bring up your paintball guns, now."

The group reached the top of the stairs and found themselves in a dimly lit corridor. The flickering lights cast eerie shadows on the walls, adding to the foreboding atmosphere.

"Keep your guard up," Shinichi warned, holding his paintball gun at the ready.

The house was still, a place of shadows and silence. Their heartbeats were the only sounds they could hear.

At the top of the stairs, they faced another corridor. All the doors were shut, although squares of light shone beneath some of them. Both Shinichi and Ranran exchanged a quick glance and moved to the first door.

Ranran pressed her ear against the door, trying to listen for any signs of movement inside. She motioned for the others to be quiet as they waited for any sound. So far, the sounds of moans could be heard.

With Ranran orders Shinichi quietly to stand behind her while armed with a paintball gun along with the other children, she goes, "On three," Ranran whispered to the others, counting down silently with her fingers. "One... Two... Three!"

At the signal, they burst through the door, paintball guns raised, ready to face whatever lay inside. To their surprise, the moment Ranran opened it, they stared into a huge bedroom and hugely messy bedroom, with clothes strewn all over the floor.

"Wow, this place is a mess," Junko commented, looking around in disbelief.

"I guess when you're so focused on birds, you forget about everything else," Michio remarked.

"Actually, I am going to retract my statement," Emiko crossed her arms at that sight, "Professor Shibuya is going to need 20 maids to be exact."

The room was indeed in a state of chaos. The mattress had been torn from the bed and sliced open. Feathers fluttered all over the floor. The wardrobe doors hung open and clothes had been tossed out everywhere. The dressing table and the bedside cupboard had also been ransacked.

"I am sensing there was a burglary that took place here," Shinichi noted.

"Why? The eagle is stolen, is it not?" Emiko grew confused at that thought. 

"Then if it ain't the case," Takuma stuck his head around the corner, gaping at the chaos. "That meant someone else must be looking for the eagle," he said. "But why would anyone keep a stuffed bird in his bedroom?"

Ranran moved down the hall to the next door. It was completely empty except for the remains of some cushions that had been torn into pieces.

As the group continued to explore the upper floor, they encountered more signs of a thorough search taking place. Rooms were ransacked, furniture was overturned, and personal belongings were scattered everywhere.

"Looks like they were searching for something valuable," Shinichi remarked, studying the mess of papers and books.

"Or they were looking for information," Ranran added, her eyes narrowing in thought. 

The third door opened into a study. Books had been pulled down from the shelves and scattered all over the place. A large desk by the window had been thoroughly searched. Its drawers were smashed, and its contents emptied out onto the carpet in messy heaps or strewn around the room.

Ranran examined the study carefully, looking for any clues amidst the chaos. It was clear that whoever had been searching the room was looking for something specific, but it was hard to determine what that might be. Ranran's mind raced with possibilities. She knew they were getting closer to unravelling the mystery, but the pieces didn't quite fit together yet.

Then suddenly, Shinichi seized Ranran's arm and pointed toward the thick curtains that had been ripped down from the window. "Ranran, look!"

Ranran caught her breath, and so did the other children.

From beneath the tangled folds of the curtains, something was poking out into the room. With a sickening lurch of his stomach, they all could tell there is a foot of an adult sticking out.

Ranran and Shinichi stared in horror as the other children crowded into the room behind them.

The sight sent shivers down everyone's spine, and they knew they had stumbled upon something serious. The children's expressions turned grim as they realized the gravity of the situation.

"Is that... a corpse?" Ran whispered, her voice trembling.

"I'm afraid it looks that way," Shinichi replied, his detective instincts kicking in.

"Someone's murdered the professor" gasped Junko, clutching Michio's arm.