Chapter 2: A Visit

Professor Agasa jogged home from his dinner at Colombo, slowing when he saw two figures standing outside his gate. Recognizing the taller of the pair, he called out to her. "Ran-kun! What are you doing out here in the rain?"

Ran turned to him. "Thank goodness you're here, Professor. I was thinking that you'd gone to a science convention or something. We-"

Shinichi butted in. "Professor Agasa!"

"Eh? Who- Shinichi?" He knelt to look the child in the eyes.

"Who else would it be?" The boy huffed.

The professor looked at Ran. "Am I correct in assuming you wanted to see me about this?"

"Yes."

He stood up and took out his keys. "Come inside. You two should dry off, have something warm to drink, and then we'll talk."

Once they were situated in Agasa's living room with cups of tea, Ran told the inventor what had happened at Tropical Land. "So Shinichi has somehow been turned into a child, and he doesn't seem to remember anything past when we were in first grade."

Agasa sat in thought for a couple minutes before he spoke again. "I know you came to me for help, Ran-kun, but this is out of my field of knowledge. I don't know how this could have happened within the rules I know.

"I do think I know of someone who can help, though. She's a distant cousin of a colleague, named Akako Koizumi. I've heard that she considers herself to be quite good at magic. I'll see if I can contact her. It might take a while, being as late as it is.

"Ran-kun, call your father, tell him you'll be staying over here for the night. Then, go over to Shinichi's house and find him some clothes that fit. I think his mother mentioned keeping some old outfits."

With that, Agasa stood up and went to contact his fellow professor and their magical cousin. Ran turned to Shinichi. He had sat quietly through the story, puzzlement in his eyes. "Let's go, Shinichi."

"Ran?"

"Yes?"

"I still don't get any of this."

"I know. That's what we're trying to fix."

They headed next door while Agasa made his calls.