T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 20 - Two Child Detectives in a Cafe

"Alright, I will see you there," 6-year-old Ranran whispered before silencing her smartphone.

Knowing that Shinichi is still out under the pouring rain in the middle of the night, Ranran had to shut down her computer and set aside her gaming for the moment. She quickly changed into more weather-appropriate attire, making sure she was warm and dry and grabbed an umbrella.

Her parents were away working overseas, leaving Ranran with the house to herself. Shinichi's neighbour, Professor Agasa, is also not around since he is working outstation, he won't be returning till late at night.

Ranran quietly exited her house, her small figure illuminated by the streetlights and the glow of the rain-soaked pavement. She opened her umbrella and stepped into the rain, her determination evident despite the late hour and the inclement weather.

With the umbrella shielding her from the rain, she began her journey toward the Kitsune Tails Artifact store. When she googled about the store, it was revealed to her as a little tavern shop with certain themes of a Kitsune. In Japanese folklore, kitsune are foxes that possess paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and wiser.

How ironic, when I am the child Tantei known as the anonymous 'Fox' to the press, I always donned a Fox mask. Of all the places Shinichi had to wander around, he had to end up at some tavern with themes of Kitsunes.

The rain continued to pour as Ranran walked through the quiet streets, her determination unwavering. She remembered Shinichi's words, the weariness in his voice, and she wondered what has happened to him earlier. 

The journey took longer than expected due to the rain, and by the time she arrived at the Kitsune Tails Artifact store, she was drenched from head to toe. But she paid it no mind; rather than worry about him, she is just more curious as to how did he end up sounding so disoriented. 

The quaint shop had an air of mystery about it, the kitsune theme evident in the decorations and artwork that adorned its walls. Fortunately, she didn't need to step into the shop, since Shinichi sat on a bench next to the entrance.

As she approached the bench where Shinichi sat, she noticed that he look absent-minded. 

She held the umbrella over both of them, shielding them from the rain. 

Shinichi looked up when he heard the soft rustling of the umbrella opening above him. His surprise was evident on his face when he saw Ranran standing there, drenched but determined, with the umbrella providing a small oasis of dryness amidst the rain.

"Ranran?" he said, his voice a mix of surprise and confusion. "What are you doing here? You should be at home."

"I could ask you the same thing," Ranran replied, her tone gentle but firm. "You're the one sitting out here in the rain, Shinichi. What happened earlier? Why are you here?"

Shinichi sighed, his gaze dropping to the wet ground. "Just... dealing with some stuff, as I said."

"That's not an answer, Shinichi," Ranran said, her voice filled with concern. "You've been acting different lately, and I can tell something is bothering you."

"Ranran-"

"Again, I am going to ask one more time. Is everything alright?"

Ranran's voice was most of the time cold and harsh. But underneath it all, there is some warmth.

The last three words she uttered. It takes just those words to get him to fall apart. The pained emotion return as the truth finally makes it out.

"I went to return the wallet Ran left on the taxi we were in earlier on our way back home." Shinichi finally said. It came out with almost no emotion. Almost. "I then saw....that bastard who ruined my life talking to her." He balled his fists over his eyes.