Case Closed Fan Fiction ❯ The Detective Prince ❯ Experimental Lab ( Chapter 35 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

The Detective Prince
Chapter 35
Experimental Lab

It sprung free with the turn of the knob, splashing down to the back. Tim reached across his body while pouring the jell to his hand, trailing it along his hair to further spread it. He washed up for another few minutes, shutting it off once satisfied. He stepped from the shower drying up.  

"What an evening, hadn't done something like that in a long time."

He sat to the end of the bed after getting into his night clothes, looking to the clock which read thirty after ten. He sat for another minute before deciding to shut out the lights. As he fell back to the pillow his phone began to vibrate to the desk, he reached over answering the call.

"Tim it's me."

"Sonoko," Tim questioned. "What are you still doing up?"

"I tried calling Ran when I got home, but she didn't answer," Sonoko stated. "Is she with you?"

"No, she's not," Tim replied while sitting up. "How long ago did you call her?"

"About two hours ago," Sonoko replied. "I've tried calling several times afterward."

"Maybe her phones just dead."

"I called the house too, Kogoro doesn't know where they are either." Sonoko informed.

"They," Tim questioned. "Are you saying Conan and the others are missing to?"

"None of them arrived home," Sonoko confirmed. "I'm so worried, do you think something may have happened to them?"

He didn't reply at first, so many scenarios running through his mind.

"Try and get some sleep," Tim advised. "I'll see if I can get a hold of them, I'll call you if I do."

"Ok, but you better make it fast."

"Of course," Tim spoke. "I'll call you as soon as I hear or find out anything."

The two finally hung up, leaving him to the silence of the room. He started off with the most obvious move, trying to call Conan. He wasn't surprised when he got no response.

"And here I was hoping for a good nights rest," Tim thought while standing from the bed. "Don't have any leads, but I better get started right away."

He walked over to the closet door, sliding it open. He then reached into the far back corner, pulling the large steel box into view.

"Time to go hunting."

Tim unlocked the box with the turn of the key, taking it into his hands. He was suited within the minute, heading back to the place they might have been seen last. He stood to a building overlooking the outside of the amusement park, watching as cars drove below.

"There's got to be something here," Red Robin said turning to another direction. "Someone had to have seen something, there were six of them after all."

He dropped to a lower roof, noticing something sitting to a wall in an alley.

"What's that?"

Red Robin glided into the dark, touching down a few feet away from the item which had caught his sight. He walked over, looking down to find a two sandwich bags with both containing three phones. There was also a paper bag next to them. He kneeled down, immediately recognizing one of the phones.

"That's Shinichi's," Red Robin thought lifting up the bag to the left. "Along with the rest of theirs."

He strapped all three bags to his belt while swooping back to the roofs.

"Looks like they may have been abducted, which means time is now a factor," Red Robin said. "Whoever left their phones behind didn't want to be tracked, but why?"

It was becoming more complex by the minute. Foul play had occurred, but where had they been taken to. There were no witnesses or leads, and time was of the essence. At this point he knew it'd be best to seek assistance, there was no telling what could be going on.

"I hate to bother him at a time like this with all that's been going on, but if I don't someone could get hurt....or worse."

Red Robin arrived to the spot after minutes of swinging, using his zooming system to get a visual.

"Can't move in just yet," Red Robin said leaning to the ledge. "Kogoro's in there with him, no doubt regarding the whereabouts of his daughter."

He waited for a few minutes to pass, watching as Kogoro exited the room. That was his cue, extending his arm out with the release of the grappler. Red Robin hanged from outside of the window, sliding it up while dropping to the ground. He looked away from his desk, not surprised to see him one bit.

"I had a feeling you'd come," Juzo said turning in his seat. "I take it you've heard the news?"

"I found this near the theme park they spent their evening at," Red Robin said removing two of the bags from his belt. "They were left behind in an alley."

"That sure does put a twist in this case," Juzo said. "How'd you know they spent their night there anyway?"

"I have my ways of finding out these things inspector," Red Robin replied. "Those bags were sealed, I didn't bother opening any of them."

"So, you want me to give them a look?"

"Chances are you won't find anything, especially being the fact their abductors left them behind," Red Robin stated. "But it doesn't hurt to try."

"Besides any unknown finger prints what else should I be looking for?" Juzo asked.

"Anything out of the ordinary," Red Robin replied. "Try and make it fast, who knows what they could be in as of now."

"What about you," Juzo asked. "How do you plan on going about this?"

"I'm still contemplating that," Red Robin answered. "But with time being a concern, I may have to do something I'd prefer not to."

"Try not to do anything that will further put you in the spot light." Juzo advised.

"Don't worry Megure," Red Robin assured. "I don't plan on it."

Someone approaching from the hallway can be heard, causing Inspector Megure to turn back in his seat. The foot steps stopped, a light knock coming to the door.

"I guess you better get," Juzo began only to see he was already gone. "Going..."

He pushed up from his chair at a second knock, walking over and opening the door.

"Miwako, what are you still doing here?"

"I was just going over a few notes on the latest case," Sato replied. "I thought I heard voices, is there someone in there with you?"

Juzo took a step back, allowing for her to come in.

"There's no one in here but me," Juzo said. "You probably overheard me talking with Mouri a few minutes ago."

"What was he doing here so late?" Sato asked out of curiosity.

"Ran along with Conan and his friends are missing," Juzo informed. "No one has seen or heard from them since they left the Trex amusement park."

"I'll get right on it." Sato said

"Good, but first you'll need a few details."

Time continued to pass, the clock ticking past eleven. He sat on top of the tower, coming to a decision on the matter at hand. It didn't take long, realizing what he had to do.

It went to the answering machine for a fifth time, becoming more and more concerned with every minute that passed. He stood up from the computer chair, pacing to the living room floor.

"Maybe I should try calling Shinichi again, if he's up he'll answer."

Disappointingly he gained the same results, sitting down to the couch. He found himself in this position for awhile longer, hoping to get any kind of response. No such thing happened. He began dialing once more, tension spiking to its peak.

"Don't bother Doctor, she's not going to answer."

He popped up from the sofa with the phone dropping from his hand.

"Who's there?!" Hiroshi questioned with a turn.

Then he saw him, standing atop the railing to the upper floor.

"I think you know the answer to that, Agasa."

"You're, you're that Red Robin aren't you?"

He dropped down from the railing, landing with a thump.

"I don't understand," Hiroshi said. "Why are you here?"

"This may sound a little strange, but." Red Robin began with a slight pause. "I need your help."

"My help," Hiroshi asked in surprise. "What is it you need with me?"

"I think this will makes things a lot clearer."

He stepped further into the light while reaching to the top of his head, sliding the cowl back.

"Tim, you're Red Robin?!"

"I don't usually let people in on my secret that easily, but I need your trust," Red Robin stated. "I told Shinichi not to tell you, or anyone else for that matter."

"So he's known all along?"

He nodded in response.

"But he's in trouble, along with the rest of the Detective Boys."

"That would explain why I can't get ahold of them," Hiroshi said. "Do you know what happened to them?"

"They were abducted and whoever took them left their phones in an alley," Red Robin informed. "That's why you weren't able to contact either of them."

"So why come to me," Hiroshi asked. "If you weren't able to find them, then what makes you think I can?"

"Simple," Red Robin replied. "You're the one who created their detective badges if I'm not mistaken, if that's correct you should be able to pin point a location."

Dr. Agasa turned for the computer with the snap of his finger.

"You're right," Hiroshi said. "We'll know of their whereabouts in no time."

He followed him over to the computer, both waiting for it to load up. It didn't take long for it to do so, siting a location in the minute that followed.

"Look at that, it's only five miles from here." Hiroshi said.

"Good for us, it won't take very long to get there."

Hiroshi reached over to the side of the mouse, grabbing a small device with a grid to it.

"Take this with you," Hiroshi said handing it to him. "It will take you directly to them."

"Thanks, I won't be long."

"We don't know what the circumstances may be," Hiroshi said. "Do you think we should let the police in on this."

"Trust me," Tim assured. "I can handle this."

"What about Ai," Hiroshi asked. "Do you plan on telling her?"

"I'd rather not, the least people that know the better," Red Robin replied. "I'm sure you have several questions, ones we'll have to put on hold for the time being."

"I understand."

Red Robin turned away, ready to head to the site where they were being held. He watched him walk, one last question lingering to his mind.

"You said you wanted my trust," Hiroshi spoke causing him to look back once more. "What made you believe you could trust me?"

He smiled, sliding the cowl into place.

"Kudo trusts you with his life," Red Robin acknowledged. "That speaks a lot in my book."

Those were the final words spoken, taking off through one of the opened windows to the upper floor.

"Good Luck." Hiroshi whispered standing to the center of the room.

The vibration carried through the walls, making its way to the ground in the seconds that followed. His finger tapping to the ground was the first movement he had made in the past hour, opening his eyes. All was painted white, from wall to wall, ceiling to ground.

"Where are we," Conan asked pushing up to see his friends standing over him. "How'd we get here?"

"We don't know," Mitsuhiko replied. "We woke up here just like you."

"Where's Ran?" Conan asked noticing she was missing from the group.

"Whoever brought us here must have put her in another room." Genta said.

He walked over to have a seat to the wall, trying to remember all that had happened leading up to this very point. Ai joined him.

"When we were back there, why did you take off running?" Ai asked.

"I saw him again, the man who had the briefcase," Conan replied. "When I turned the corner he was nowhere to be seen, that's when I was hit from behind."

"I see."

"What about the rest of you," Conan asked. "How'd you all end up in this situation?"

"We went running after you, only to come across some kind of smoke," Ai replied. "All I remember from there is falling to the ground."  

"Any idea on how we're going to get out of here?" Mitsuhiko asked walking over.

Using the wall as leverage Conan got back to his feet, giving the layout of the room a further look. The door to the right was locked shut, no handle to the inside. That became out of the question as a means of escape. He then looked to the back wall, noticing a small vent a few feet from the ground.

"There," Conan pointed. "If we can get that vent opened we might be able to escape."

"Great find Conan." Genta said heading that way.

The dizziness from earlier returned, placing his hand to the wall to keep balance.

"Conan are you feeling ok?" Ayumi asked.

"I'll be fine," Conan replied. "It's probably just from the hit I took."

They watched as Genta gave Mitsuhiko a boost up, waiting to see if he could get the vent open.

"It's to tight," Mitsuhiko stated. "Any ideas on how we're going to get it open?"

"Step aside." Conan instructed.

Genta brought him back to the ground, the two quickly running behind him.

"What do you plan on doing?" Mitsuhiko asked.

He pressed down to his belt, letting one of the inflatable balls fall free. The clicking of his enhanced shoes finished it off, plowing the vent inward. Conan fell down to a knee, finding it difficult to breath.

"It looks like you're suffering from more than just a hit to the head." Ai stated.

"Maybe he's just sick." Ayumi said.

"Don't worry about me," Conan said quickly recovering. "I'm fine."

"So which one of us is going to crawl through that vent?" Genta questioned.

"I will," Conan volunteered. "I'll go around and unlock the door once out."

"You don't look like you're in any condition to do so," Ai disagreed. "I'll go instead, you stay here and rest."

"Be careful Haibara," Conan warned. "There's no telling who may be lurking around out there."

"And I'm fully aware of that," Ai said walking for the vent. "I won't be long."

Mitsuhiko and Genta helped her up, watching as she crawled away. They waited for minutes to come, not a word spoken in the time that passed. Conan looked to his watch, trying not to become worried. A slight crack could be heard, the four turning to the door. It slowly pushed open to reveal Ai in the entry way, signaling for them to hurry. They did as instructed, the door closing quietly behind them.

"Where are we?" Ayumi questioned looking up and down the hall.

"Looks like some kind of hospital." Mitsuhiko said.

"Haibara did you see anyone walking around?" Conan asked.

"Just up that way," Ai confirmed. "They went into a room, locking the door behind them."

"What were they wearing," Conan asked. "That may give us an idea on what this place is."

"They had on these full body suits, helmets and all," Ai replied. "I'd say whatever is going on here is something they don't want others knowing about."

"You said you saw them walk that way, that means we'll go right." Conan said.

"What if they see us?" Ayumi asked.

"Let's not think about that," Conan replied. "We'll adjust to whatever comes our way."

They stayed close to the wall as they walked. Conan peaked around the corner after making it to the other end, looking back to the others with a nod. They slowly stepped around the corner, tension rising at the sound of someone coming from one of the rooms.

"Quick, in there." Conan instructed.

They took to an empty room, hiding right behind the opened door. Someone casually walked past, all of them sighing out in relief.

"That was close." Ayumi said.

"A little to close." Mitsuhiko added.

"Come on, we have to keep moving." Conan said pushing up.

"How do you know where the exit is?" Genta asked.

"We don't." Ai replied stepping around him.

They continued to move cautiously, knowing if they made even one wrong moves they could be spotted. Conan took another right with the others doing the same, heading down a pair of steps. Once reaching the bottom they couldn't help but be filled with joy, looking up to the red sign which read 'Exit'.

"We found it!" Ayumi said jumping up and down.

"Shh, we don't know what could be beyond this door," Conan whispered. "For all we know they could be out there."

"Sorry." Ayumi apologized.  

Conan looked back to the exit, slowly nudging the door open. He breathed out, thankful to see no one was there.

"We're clear." Conan informed.

The five of them walked out, letting the door close behind them.

"Is that a parking lot over there?" Genta pointed.

"It sure is,"  Mitsuhiko said looking around. "But I don't recognize this place one bit, where are we?"

"We don't have time to discuss," Conan said. "I want you all to hide to the bushes over there."

"What about you?" Ayumi asked.

"I'm going to go and find Ran," Conan replied. "She's still in their somewhere."

"Are you sure that's a good idea," Ai questioned. "You seem to be running on a half tank."

"I'll be fine," Conan assured. "Just make sure you guys aren't seen."

"Yes sir." Mitsuhiko said with a salute.

They did as he said, heading over and hiding amongst the bushes. Conan waited for them to be securely hidden, closing the door tightly behind. He made his way back up the stairs, staying close to walls like he previously had.

"Where," Conan thought to himself. "Where could they be keeping her?"

It was faint but he could still feel it, the same vibration before soaring right past where he stood. Conan continued his advancement into the unknown, finding his eyes to become rather sore. His legs began to give out, putting a hand to the wall for a quick breather.

"I've never felt like this before," Conan thought. "So cold inside, hands numbing up."

He brought a hand to his forehead, wiping the cool sweat away. His throat became dry in that instant, coughing out in return.

"My muscles, feels like they're pushing inward.... so much pressure."

His heart rate continued to increase by the second, tumbling down to the ground. He laid there, feeling the pain surging through his lungs.

"What's happening to me?"

Several minutes had passed as they waited, becoming impatient of the unknown.

"I can't stand the suspense," Mitsuhiko said. "How long does he plan to keep us waiting?"

"Conan said not to worry," Ayumi reminded. "He probably hasn't found her yet."

"Lets hope it doesn't take to long," Genta said. "I can't wait to get as far away from here as I can."

Ai hadn't said a word since Conan had taken off. She was not only worried about Ran but Shinichi as well. His eyes... there was something wrong.

"He hasn't come back yet, and it's been over five minutes."

She closed her eyes in the moments that followed. Birds could be heard chirping to the trees behind, reopening them to face the others.

"I think we've waited long enough," Ai said pushing up from the grass. "I'm going in to check on Conan, no matter what happens stay put."

"But what if they already got him," Ayumi questioned. "If you go back in they could get you too."

"I don't plan on that happening," Ai replied. "But time is running short, the sooner we leave the better."

"Are you sure you want to go alone," Mitsuhiko asked. "Someone could watch from behind."

"It's better this way," Ai answered. "I won't be but a few minutes, so stay right here."

With that she walked around the bushes, heading back to the door from where they had come. She opened it once more, looking back to make sure the others were out of sight. Once clear she stepped in, gently closing the door.

"Now to find Shinichi."

Ai trotted back up the stairs, following the same trail he had taken. The sound of foot steps and laughter sprang clear to her direction,quickly taking to an empty closet to the right. She hid there for a few moments, listening as the two men walked past.

"That was close."

She slid the closet door open, continuing on her path. She arrived to the end of the hall, finding herself with a decision to make. Left or right? Ai looked to the right, seeing a dead end to the far end of the hall. She then turned to the left, a very darkened path with very few lights to guide the way. Through the side of her eye she caught sight of something, taking a step forward.

"Is that what I think it is?"

She was hesitant at first but moved further into the dark, quietly inching in to what grabbed her attention. She kneeled down once reaching it, confirming what she had believed.   

"These are his clothes, but why would he take them off?"

A slight sound came from behind, startling her with a turn. She then saw him, emerging from one of the many dark empty rooms.

"Shinichi you're....you've reverted back," Ai said in surprise. "What happened?"

"I don't know, but I was lucky to find a pair of clothes to that room," Shinichi replied. "It was so different this time."

"What do you mean?"

"The transformation, the symptoms even." Shinichi answered back.

"So tell me," Ai said pushing up from her knees. "How do you feel?"

"Still light headed," Shinichi stated. "Feels like I haven't slept in days."

He brought a hand to his neck, feeling his temp had lowered slightly.

"Do you feel good enough to help locate Ran?" Ai asked.

"I'm not one hundred percent," Shinichi admitted. "But this will have to do, don't want you going alone."

She smiled while turning away from him.

"Then let's go, who knows what kind of situation she's in."

"We'll continue down this hall," Shinichi said coming to her side. "I overheard a woman talking on the phone as she walked by, stated she was heading for holding cells C."

"Then that's our best bet," Ai agreed. "Lets hurry, who knows how long the others are willing to stay put."

Shinichi nodded, both continuing down the dark hall.

They had remained quiet for the most part, observing the night sky through the trees that surround them. Mitsuhiko continuously looked to his watch, Ayumi nervously tapping her feet to the ground.

"We've waited for minutes now," Genta finally spoke. "If she doesn't want us to go in we could at least contact her through our detective badges."    

"Good idea." Ayumi said looking over.

"I'd have to disagree with that," Mitsuhiko said. "We don't know what's going on in there, we could jeopardize her location for all we know."

"I guess you're right." Genta said bummed out.

They sat in silence once more. The sound blasted clear past, gun fire going off to the other side of the facility. Which was quickly followed up by screams.

"What's going on?" Ayumi questioned.

"Sounds like someone is shooting," Genta said in a trembling voice. "What if Conan and the others are over there?!"

"We can't just sit here and do nothing." Ayumi said.

"You're right," Mitsuhiko said standing straight. "We'll head that way but lets stick to the bushes, that way it keeps us hidden."

"Good plan." Genta seconded.

There was no turning back, they had their minds set on finding out what was taking place.

They knew it was coming, crossroads, a choice to be made. Shinichi looked from one way to the other, then down to Ai.

"Haibara, which way are you thinking?"

"I think it would be best if we split," Ai replied. "We can cover more ground."

"It's to risky." Shinichi said in disagreement.

"Do you want to find her or not?"

It took him a few moments to come to accept her plan.

"If anything happens you contact me right away, ok." Shinichi stated.

"Don't be so naive," Ai said turning for the left. "You're the one less than half yourself."

He watched as she walked, heading in the opposite direction after a few seconds.

"She has a point."

He could feel the soreness to his legs as he walked, having the urge to fall over with every step. He didn't allow himself to do so, he had to find her, that blocked out anything he felt. The sound of something breaking to a room he approached caused him to stop.

"What was that," Shinichi thought. "Sounds like someone dropped a glass jar."

What he heard next left him motionless. The release and swinging of swords, the cries it received in return. This didn't last long. Within seconds the automatic doors to the room slid open, a gas of some kind flowing straight toward him. He took down to a knee, immediately coughing out. It filled into his lungs, his eyes burning as a result.

"What is this stuff?"

He looked up through the clearing gas to see two figures head from the room, wearing black uniforms which resembled that of ninjas with gas masks to their mouths.

"There shall be no survivors," One shouted pulling a sword from behind. "He's mine!"

He lunged forward with the blade tight in hand, a voice taking over any action he was to take.

"Stop," A third man instructed stepping from the room. "This ones not to be touched."

Shinichi looked over, watching as he removed the gas mask from his mouth. He wasn't like the others, taller, no ninja attire of any kind. He slowly walked over, looking down to Shinichi who struggled to keep his eyes straight. He smiled in the seconds that followed.

"Why kill the others, but not this one?"

"Look at him... very carefully," He stated. "This is that boy who's been parading around with Red Robin for the past few weeks."

Shinichi froze at this, feeling his right hand touch to the ground.

"Are you sure," The other questioned. "From what I heard he was supposed to be in the body of a child."

"Indeed, but this is him alright," He said more than positive. "I've seen his face enough to know."

"Is he a pupil of the great detective as well?"

"No," The large man replied. "But the Demon's Head wants him alive for his agenda, and we'll see to that."

"As you command Ubu." One of them said.

"Besides we have what we came for," Ubu said holding up a small bag filled with a green liquid. "We go, now."

Shinichi watched as they walked away, more confused than he had been before. Ubu stopped in his tracks, looking back to Kudo one last time.

"The woman you seek is just around that corner," Ubu informed. "First door to the right, hope to see you soon..... detective."

With that he and his two accomplices disappeared into the darkness of the halls. He leaned to the wall for support, taking back to his feet.

"Who were those guys," Shinichi thought to himself. "And more importantly, what could they possibly want with me?"

Shinichi made his way past the first door, catching sight of four dead men to the ground. He looked away, continuing to where he was told she'd be held. Just as said, he opened the first door to the right.

"Ran!"

She lay close to the back wall, not responding to his call. With the energy he had left he made his way over, kneeling to her side.

"Come on, we have to get out of here," Shinichi said shaking her. "Ran, wake up."

He gave her another shake, pleased to see her eyes slide open.

"Shinichi is that you?"

He reached for her hands, helping her to her knees.

"Am I dreaming?" Ran questioned with the rub of her eyes.

"You're dreaming not," Shinichi assured. "How do you feel?"

"Tired," Ran replied. "Where are we anyway, did you bring me here?"

"It's a long story," Shinichi said slightly pushing up. "We really need to get out of here, can you walk?"

She attempted to sit up, finding it very difficult to do so.

"Great, she must have inhaled whatever I did."

"It's no use, I'm to weak," Ran said. "Can you please tell me what's going on?"

"Trust me when I say I don't have time to explain," Shinichi answered reaching for her hands once more. "Here, let me try and help you up."

She nodded, gathering what strength she had left to stand. Half way up she stumbled forward, Shinichi catching her in his arms while landing back to his knees.

"Are you ok?" Shinichi asked.

"Sorry, my legs just gave out on me." Ran replied bringing her head from his right shoulder.

"To weak to carry her, now what?"

He looked to her, feeling deep down she was expecting him to be the one to find a solution to this, that sparkle in her eyes captivating him. Ran did the same in return, keeping her eyes leveled with his. The tension spiked, both their heart rates taking to another level.

"Shinichi...."

"Ran...."

Without realizing, they found themselves leaning toward the other, their eyes closing within inches.

They'd finally made their way around the building, keeping to the bushes as planned. The gun fire continued, the three of them peaking out to see a group of about five armored men shooting away.

"What are they aiming at?" Ayumi whispered.

"I have no idea." Mitsuhiko replied.

"There," Genta pointed as something darted through the air. "They're shooting at whoever that is."

Both Ayumi and Mitsuhiko looked as well.

"It's a man," Mitsuhiko said getting a clear view. "But how is he moving around like that?"

They watched as he quickly went through all five men, dashing from one side to the other, snapping each and every one of their necks. He stood to the center of where the bodies lay, looking to the sky. He wore a pair of ripped dress pants with a long white jacket to his upper body. Beneath that was a black under shit, a name tag pinned to the left side of his jacket.

"By the way he looks you'd think he's some kind of doctor." Genta said.

"But why did he kill those men?" Ayumi asked.

He began to sniff the air, as if he was searching for something. This frightened them just a little. His head sprung their way, all three of them looking directly to his eyes.

"What's wrong with him,"  Mitsuhiko questioned. "His eyes have taken on the form of some kind of lizard."

He darted their way, causing the three of them to scream out. They turned to run in the opposite direction only to have him jump over and block their path. He licked his lips, revealing his sharp edgy teeth.

"Let's go the other way!" Genta yelled as they took off.

"If we can somehow manage to get inside we might be safe." Mitsuhiko said as they continued to run.

"He's gaining on us!" Ayumi said looking back.

He jumped forward, knocking the three of them to the ground. Genta rolled to the side of the building, knocking over one of the trash cans. He looked up to see the man leap down toward him. Thinking quickly Genta grabbed the trash can top, holding it out to shield himself. He landed over him, scratching at the trash top.

"Guys, a little help!"

"What are we supposed to do?!" Ayumi cried out.

"Look," Mitsuhiko pointed. "Up there!"

Ayumi looked up to see him swinging down, launching himself from the grappler with a punishing kick to the back of the head which sent him flying.

"Red Robin!" Both Mitsuhiko and Ayumi yelled together.

"Get behind me." Red Robin instructed down to Genta who still lay to his back.

He did as told, joining back to Ayumi and Mitsuhiko who watched on with high anticipation.

"Is that really him?" Genta asked.

"In the flesh." Mitsuhiko confirmed.

He pushed up from where he lay, flashing his teeth over to him. Red Robin ignored this, running over and exchanging a few blows with him. He jumped back, keeping his ground.

"Who is this guy..... a meta perhaps?"

He charged over, Red Robin taking his stance.

"Gotta end this quick," Tim thought. "Can't mess around to much, especially not with the children present."

Red Robin stomped his back foot to the ground in preparation, the man jumping at him with high force.

"Got him."

As he flew in Red Robin flipped over with the swing of his staff, catching him to the back of the neck. Ayumi was the first to begin clapping, ecstatic to see the creature fall to the ground.

"Did you finish him?" Mitsuhiko asked.

"I got him in a sensitive spot," Red Robin replied. "He's not moving for at least a week, and that's even pushing it."

Genta was still to stunned, not sure what to say. Using his foot he rolled the man to his back, reading the name tag which was clipped to his jacket.

"Doctor Feltonn huh," Red Robin thought. "Looks like an experiment might have gone completely south, that or there's more going on at this place than I know."  

He then turned back to the others, walking over to the three.

"I want you guys to stay right here," Red Robin stated. "I'm going to go in and get the rest of your friends."

"How did you know we were here?" Ayumi asked.

"I.... I sensed you kids were in trouble." He quickly came up with. "It's one of my many super powers."

"Wow, that's so cool." Genta said.

"Remember what I said, stay right here."

Just as he turned to head in the door pushed open, the four of them looking over to see Ai walk out.

"Did you find Conan?" Ayumi asked.

"We were worried about you." Mitsuhiko added in.

Red Robin put a hand up, signaling for them to keep quiet. There was something wrong, he could see it in her eyes. She advanced a few steps further before she fell blank,toppling to the ground.

"Stay put, I'm going to go check on her."

He picked her up once reaching the body, checking her breath rate.

"Shallow, what could have caused this?"

He brought a thumb to her eye lid, forcing it up to check her eyes.

"There's defiantly something in her system."

He took her back over to where the others sat, placing her down to the sleek grass.

"Is she ok?" Genta asked in concern.

"Do you know why she fainted like that?" Ayumi asked.

"I'm not sure," Red Robin replied. "She may need medical attention, but that'll have to wait."

"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you?" Mitsuhiko questioned.

"To much risk," Red Robin stated. "The best thing any of you can do is watch your friend, I'll be back before you know it."

They had finally given in, watching as he headed for the door, from which she had come. Once in he coughed out, taking in the fumes that roamed the air. He reached for his belt, bringing a mini gas mask to his mouth.

"Looks like I have an answer to what happened to Haibara," Red Robin thought to himself. "Didn't recognize the scent, but toxic none the less."

He reached to his side pulling the tracker into view, sighting a location.

"Kudo's not far from here," Red Robin thought. "Better hurry, who knows how much of this stuff he's inhaled."

Red Robin hustled down the halls, getting closer and closer to where the detective badge wait. He came to a stop once reaching the door, swinging it to the side.

"Great, there's Ran and......"

Tim slowly made his way over to see the two a few feet apart, lying unconscious.

"So.... this is Shinichi Kudo."

Ran suddenly moved, peaking up at him before slowly falling back under. He reached down to pick them up, placing each of them to one of his shoulders.

"Now to get out of here."

They were surprised when he had arrived back so soon, holding Ran over his shoulder.

"I told you I wouldn't be long."

"Where's Conan?" Genta asked.

"He took the back door out," Red Robin replied. "Said he was going to contact the police."

"Why didn't he just come with you?" Ayumi asked.

"The signals better on the other side," Red Robin made up. "I have somewhere to be, the police will be here shortly so stay put."

"We will." Ayumi said.

He turned away, heading back for the building. Once inside he picked up Shinichi from where he laid him, clicking down to his ear piece.

"Agasa, this is Red Robin," He radioed. "Call the police, I'm done here."

"Right away."

The night had came and gone, the mission a complete success. Through it all he had gained much more insight than expected.

He sat back, looking to the screen. Every move was calculated, pre determined. Within the minute he had won the third match in a row, receiving a phone call in response. He picked it up, a smirk to his face.

"I guess online chess just isn't your thing."

"Nonsense, we both know you rigged the thing with your little antics."

"What a way to down play my skills," Tim said in response. "Don't be such a sore loser Bart, I've had your number for the past eight times we've played."

"I know you have your tricks," Bart stated. "We'll just have Conner watch next time, no way you're fooling the two of us at the same time."

"And he'll see just how bad you really are." Tim jokingly said.

"Betting it's the other way around, on another note," Bart began. "When are you coming back, it's been pretty dull around here without having someone ordering us around."

"Thanks Bart," Tim said in acceptance of his humor. "Not sure to tell you the truth, but I'll let you know whenever that may be."

"Cool, gotta go," Bart said. "Don't forget, my rematch clause is in full affect."

He hung up before he could say another word, Tim placing his phone back to the desk with the shake of his head. He removed the game from the screen, looking back to the results he had gained through running the tests. He could hear him slightly move, turning back to see his eyes open.

"I see you're finally awake." Tim said.

Shinichi looked down, finding he was laid out to a steel table.

"Where's Ran," Shinichi asked. "Is she ok?"

"She's fine," Tim stated. "Last time I checked she was still asleep, nicely tucked in under her own sheets."

"How long was I out?"

"About eighteen hours," Tim replied. "I must say, I was a little shocked when I first saw you."

"Any idea on how I reverted back?" Shinichi asked.

Tim pulled the drawer to his side open, placing the Yin/Yang box to the desk.

"Like I said earlier, their were radioactive components found in this box," Tim said. "Whatever little was left must have slowly affected you over time."

"So are we any closer to finding out what?"

"Thanks to your little transformation I was able to diagnose one little small detail," Tim replied while looking back to the computer. "Taipan venom, very monstrous stuff."

"Taipan venom?"

"Belongs to that of one of the most poisonous snakes, those guys are dangerous," Tim answered. "I found small traces of it in your system, the way it's regulating through your body is already amazing in itself."   

"Should I be concerned that you seem to be more excited about this venom stuff than actually saving my life," Shinichi questioned. "I swear you're such a geek at times."

"Relax, I've already dished up a little something to remove it from your system," Tim said grabbing the syringe with the connect of the needle. "It will clean out all you breathed in, you'll feel better in no time."

"And he just proved my point."

"Ran and Ai had traces of it in their systems as well," Tim informed. "That Yin-Yang box must relate to that place some how."

"Do we know who runs business there?"

"The guys hosting a public meeting tommarrow, already made reservations to be there," Tim said. "So tell me, what happened?"

Shinichi took a deep breath, explaining everything that had happened leading up to their abduction.

"You should have told me you saw something going down." Tim said crossing his arms.

"I'm sorry, it just didn't quite register to me at the time."

"It's ok," Tim said. "One of the affects of that toxin was slowing of the brain, hallucination also being a possibility."

"Did you breath in any of the gas?" Shinichi asked.

"Just a little, but I've already taken the antidote," Tim replied. "Besides that, what happened in there?"

His mind was that of a blur, trying to trace back all what had happened. It came back to him piece by piece.

"There were these guy," Shinichi recalled. "Two of them were wearing ninja outfits, lead by this big guy, bald, well over six foot."

"Did any of them work there?"

Shinichi shook his head from left to right.

"They only came for something, killing a few men in the process," Shinichi said. "They knew who I was, even mentioning you."

Tim was taken back by this.

"Did they happen to say their names?"

He couldn't remember, shaking his head once more.

"But they did mention a..... Demon Eye," Shinichi said. "I think that's the guy they work for."

"Demon Eye.... never heard that one before."

"That's strange, those guys seemed sure they knew you."

Things fell silent to the room, Tim bringing the syringe to his hand.

"I saw you two laying close together," Tim said. "So tell me, anything happen between you and Ran?"

He froze, looking down to the ground.

"Come on, I promise I won't say anything."

"She was to weak to stand, so I tried to help her up," Shinichi began. "Me being drained myself couldn't stop us from falling back down."

"This is getting good," Tim remarked. "Please continue."

"She.... she said she was sorry for falling over," Shinichi stated. "Then we looked to one another."

"Then what happened?"

"We got closer, so close..... couldn't breath," Shinichi said. "I knew it was wrong, trying to pull away."

"Enough with the circles, could you get straight to what happened already?"

"I..... I... blacked out."

"What?" Tim asked lifting a brow.

"I said I blacked out."

"Huh, should have known." Tim said rolling up Kudo's sleeve with a grin.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Shinichi asked.

"Isn't it obvious," Tim answered. "It confirms you're nothing but a prude."

"What, that not true." Shinichi denied.

"Stop moving so much," Tim instructed. "Don't want to mess up the injection."

Shinichi rolled his eyes, feeling the cool needle penetrate the skin.

"There," Tim said taking a step back. "You'll be better in no time."

"Will I still be me?" Shinichi asked.

"Afraid not," Tim informed. "Unfortunately the antidote will wipe clean all the components which reverted you back in the first place."

"Guess that was wishful thinking on my part."

"We still have a lot of work ahead," Tim said. "With the samples we've gained, I should have a full rundown of what was in that box come the end of the week."

"Great, at least we accomplished something out of this whole ordeal."

"Now lay back and get your rest," Tim stated. "Your body needs it more than you may think."

Shinichi did as instructed knowing he'd be back to square one when he awoke. Tim took back to the computer chair, sitting back in thought.

"Kudo and Haibara split when they were in that place, could she have seen something of importance," Tim thought. "The toxins she took shouldn't have affected her to that extent, looks like we'll have to have a word with her when she awakes."

To Be Continued  











  




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