T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 35 - Popcorn Show

As 6-year-old Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko slowly regained consciousness, their surroundings were hazy at first. Gradually, their vision cleared, and they became aware of their situation. They found themselves tied to chairs in what appeared to be a dimly lit room. The air was heavy with tension, and the room felt stifling.

Ran's head throbbed as her memory began to piece together the events leading up to this moment. She remembered searching Shinichi's hotel room, the taser baton, and then darkness. Confusion and fear swept over her as she realized they were now restrained and at the mercy of whoever had captured them.

Sonoko's groggy mind struggled to catch up with reality. She blinked her eyes, trying to focus on her surroundings. Her heart raced as she took in the unfamiliar room and the fact that she was tied up. Panic surged through her as she glanced around, her eyes finally falling on Ran, who was similarly bound.

"R-Ran! What's going on? Where are we?" Sonoko's voice trembled with fear and confusion.

Ran turned her head to meet Sonoko's gaze, her own expression a mixture of worry and determination. "I don't know, Sonoko. But we need to stay calm and figure out a way to get out of here."

As their senses fully returned, they noticed a figure emerging from the shadows. It was a young girl, around their age, with striking blue eyes and an air of authority. She approached them with a calm and composed demeanour, her gaze steady and unflinching.

"Who are you? Why have you tied us up?" Sonoko's voice quivered, her fear evident in her words.

The young girl stopped in front of them, her gaze piercing as she studied them while speaking in Japanese in a weird accent. "You are both here because of the actions you took against my friend, Kudo Ranran."

"Eh!? Who is that speaking Japanese!? Why is she speaking so funnily!?" Sonoko can't help but ask no one.

Ran's eyes widened in recognition at the name. "Ranran? You know Ranran?"

The little girl in a tied-up elegant ponytail's expression remained impassive as she nodded. "Yes, I do. And I know the pain and suffering she's endured because of the two of you."

"Wait, why did you look familiar.....?" Sonoko gave a good look at the girl that stood before them, then her memories flashed in her head.

"Remember to honour your word as said on the contract. Don't forget, every single child you saw Ranran with the other day...their parents had business with your father. Any stupid moves...tell your family to kiss your financial status goodbye. As well as Mouri Ran....she too will pay the price should she know."

"It's you!" Sonoko suddenly remembered, attempting to attack the girl. However, her efforts were in vain, as her restraints prevented any meaningful movement.

The girl calmly sidestepped Sonoko's attempt, her eyes never leaving their captives. "I suggest you save your energy. It appears that for you, with age, wisdom doesn't come with it for you."

Ran's mind raced as she tried to piece together the puzzle. "Who are you, kids!?"

It wasn't until she spotted the uniform the other girl was wearing, Ran's heart raced as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. During the events of 'The King of Rubies', when Ranran showed her photos of her extravagant birthday when she was around 3 on her smartphone, she was photographed in that uniform. This can only mean one thing for Mouri Ran.

"That uniform...Edgewood Academy school uniform, right?! That means...you are all Ranran's second family from her former school!? Am I wrong?!"

The young girl's expression remained inscrutable, neither confirming nor denying Ran's deduction. Instead, she maintained her calm composure, seemingly unperturbed by the situation.