Haha! Riyoko is finally back, with another DDSQ fanfic! Sorry, it took a while, you guys, itwas hard to plan out this murder. Yeah, that's right, a murder. HAHA! I am just too brilliant, aren't I? (JOKE!)

Let's see, some clarifications before I begin my story:

1. Some of the names you might find here might be a little familiar…well, that's because I kind of, erm, recycled them from some of the episodes of DSQ. I'm sorry! It's hard to think up Japanese names, and my "wonderful" classmate has neglected to give me the list of Japanese names that she promised me!

And by the way, I SUCK at making up Japanese names.

2. My OC, Shizuko, will be back in this fanfic, and she's still in Class Q. (If any of you don't know her, refer to my first fanfic, The Specter at Hashimoto Manor.)Uh, yeah. –grins sheepishly- And, uhm, well…some people might think that I'm trying to pair her up with Ryuu…and, ehm…(well, you COULD be right.) well, I still don't know whether I will be doing that. I do want her to, but then, some people like Meg/Ryuu…-gulps- I'm worried about people pelting me with hate mail for my stories…yeah, but well, it's MY fanfic! Does anyone have a problem with that? –death glares-

And in case anyone truly wants to know, well, I'm a Meg/Kyu person. Sorry, Meg/Ryuu fans. (I simply must delete the meg/ryuu pairing in my bio. But, well, maybe not. I'll try to keep an open mind.)

3. Expect some meg-kyu fights….and I'll try to squeeze in some sappiness between them, if you wish.

4. I DO NOT OWN DETECTIVE SCHOOL Q.

Oh, yeah, and sorry for the long intro.


The Kokuryo High Murders

By Rhapsodizing Riyoko (YEAH, that's me.)

Chapter 1: A High School Tragedy

It was bright and early at Dan Detective School. The old school building, on the far side of the grounds, looked peaceful and tranquil.

"KYUUUUU!"

Or not.

Don't let appearances fool you. Within its shabby walls, that old house was bustling with activity.

Of course, with Class Q staying there, what else did you expect? Anything that involved the "Qualified" class at DDS was bound to be interesting.

And today, that would be no exception.

"Really, Kyu, you can be such a pervert!"

"But Meg, I—"

"No 'buts', Kyu! I can't believe you did it again, you…"

In one corner, Kyu and Meg were having their usual argument, Meg having the upper hand. She was yelling about their past cases, and…underwear?

Oh, no.

Kazuma, being a computer programming genius, found it all ridiculous.

"Don't they ever stop bickering?" he muttered to himself as his fingers drummed out a steady rhythm on the laptop he carried everywhere with him.

"Well, those two lovebirds are meant for each other, all right," said Kinta, grinning.

Fortunately for him, Meg was too busy yelling at Kyu to pay attention to his comment. And even if she HAD heard it, well, Kinta would just try to avoid her blows at him, since he proclaimed himself to be a martial arts expert.

As for Ryuu, he was standing by the window in his customary gray sweatshirt, staring into space with a serious look on his face. As always, he looked quite detached from reality. However, behind that mask of quietness was a mind filled with thoughts that an ordinary fourteen-year-old could never fathom.

The newest member of Class Q, Shizuko, was sitting quietly at her desk in her usual gray slacks and black sleeveless shirt, reading a book. For some reason, she preferred to wear pants instead of the usual short skirt that most girls wore.

Little did she know that that was about to change.

Mr. Hongou's voice jolted them all back to earth.

"Class Q!" he barked. "Principal Dan wants to see you!"
At these words, Kyu and Meg stopped fighting, Kazuma closed his laptop, Kinta began straightening out his jacket, Ryuu snapped back to reality, and Shizuko immediately put down the book she had been engrossed in.

They all stood up respectfully as their principal, Dan Morihiko, wheeled himself into their classroom. Although he was confined to a wheelchair, his handicap did nothing to keep him from being one of the best private detectives in Japan.

He faced them. "Good morning, Class Q. We received a disturbing message today about a murder that happened recently at a high school."

Everyone exchanged glances. Kyu's eyes widened. "A murder?"

"Yes. I would like you all to come into my office for the rest of the details."
Class Q stood up. "Yes, sir!"


In his office, Principal Dan began showing them images on the large screen in his office.

A photograph of a pretty girl lit up the screen.

"This is Makoto, a high school student at Kokuryo High School."

The screen went blank for a second as the slide show progressed.

"Two days ago, she was found dead in her room at the girls dormitories."
The screen brightened again, this time showing a decidedly gruesome scene. A crime scene photograph of the same girl, with slashes all over her arms and chest. Her wrists were sliced open, and a pool of blackened blood had flowed from the gaping wounds.

Kyu cringed, and Meg shut her eyes to block out the sight. However, alas, her photographic memory would definitely make sure that she would remember this for the rest of her life.

Kazuma, on the other hand, put on a brave face, as Kinta made a face that could have been of either disgust or shock.

Ryuu, calm and collected as always, didn't react at all, while Shizuko winced at the sight. This was the first time she encountered a dead body.

Another photograph replaced the grisly scene, this time a photo of a computer screen.

"The killer left a message on the computer in her room," continued Principal Dan. "And this, in particular, made DDS concerned."

"This is just the beginning. It's about time that people like her got what they deserved. She struts around this school like she owns the place, having power to put us down. I've had enough. Now, who's next?" read Ryuu.

"Somebody with a grudge, perhaps?" suggested Shizuko.

"Well, it is obvious that this killer is not going to stop, and there are more people waiting in line. The police could not find any clues to the identity of the killer. Not a trace. This killer plans ahead. He's well-organized." Principal Dan turned to them.

"Class Q, I would like you to go undercover at this high school. Find out who's planning these killings. He or she must be stopped. Kyu, Meg, Ryuu, and...Shizuko. I want the four of you on this case."

"What about me?" asked Kinta.

"You're too old, Kinta," said Kazuma.

"That's right, but in the same way, you're too young to go undercover there, Kazuma," said Principal Dan.

Kazuma looked dejected, but replied, "I understand."
"Class Q, are you ready?"

"Yeah!" chorused Class Q.


"Stop fidgeting," said Kyu.

"I can't help it. I hate skirts like this," muttered Shizuko.

"You look okay," assured Meg.

"But I don't feel okay," said Shizuko with a pout.

"Shh," said Ryuu.

DDS had provided them with the Kokuryo High uniforms, so that (duh!) they could blend in with the rest of the students. However, the uniform featured an article of clothing that Shizuko disliked.

The short skirt.

What a nightmare.

Shizuko sighed heavily. I hate this uniform, she thought irritably. Unfortunately, I can't back out of this. In fact, I don't want to. I really want to investigate this case. No matter what.

Right now, they were in in the principal's office.

"So you're the transfer students, eh?" the principal said.

"Yes, sir," said Ryuu.

"Well, the two girls"—he indicated Meg and Shizuko—"have a music class together, while you boys"—he pointed at Ryuu and Kyu—" have a science class to attend, if I'm not mistaken. Here are your schedules, where you'll find your timetables, your classes, and their respective rooms, and your teachers. My secretary can take you to your first class and introduce you, but after that, you will have to get through the rest of the day on your own."

"Is everything clear? Good."

"Class, some new students have arrived. Please welcome Megumi and Shizuko."

The teacher turned to them, holding some files in her hand. Apparently, she had been given files on both of them, and she had finished skimming them.

"I'm Ms. Osigawa. You may sit down anywhere you prefer. There are several empty seats."
Shizuko nodded, and Meg smiled at the teacher.

As they chose their seats, Meg took in the atmosphere of the room. Some of them seem a bit unfriendly, she thought, taking a seat in the third row.

Shizuko, on the other hand, took a seat in the back. This way, I can see everything without being obvious, she decided.

Ms. Osigawa began her lesson, beginning with a lengthy discussion on the history of orchestra, the first musical performers, and some references to theater arts.

Time ticked by slowly as the lecture droned on.

When she reached the topic on instruments of orchestra, she pointed out the different instruments lined up around the room. Picking up each one, she demonstrated how it was played and a brief history of its origin.

Suddenly the teacher turned to Shizuko. "Shizuko, I understand from your file data that you're quite a violinist."

Shizuko's eyes widened. Oh, no. So much for not drawing attention to myself.

Ms. Osigawa held up the said instrument. "Please demonstrate to us firsthand how the violin is properly handled and played."

It was an order, not a request. I have no choice…

"Yes, ma'am," Shizuko replied, standing up. I can't believe that little tidbit was included in my file data.

As she passed the third row, she discreetly cast a worried glance at Meg. Meg gave her the smallest of shrugs.

Sighing, Shizuko too the violin from the teacher and carefully tucked it under her chin. Taking a deep breath, she began playing a dramatic and powerful tune.

Immediately, she was swept into the music, not caring about the eyes that were staring at her. She could hear the teacher making comments on her fingerings and the resonance of the soundwaves inside the sound box, but it seemed quite far away.

Meg was paying attention to the lesson, but at the same time, she was thinking. I've heard this piece before. It's The Evil Trembles. Ryuu, Kyu and I listened to Maestro Masaome play this. She doesn't play as powerfully, yeah, but she's good.

Shizuko's eyes were closed, and her brow was furrowed, obviously concentrating. Finishing the piece, she hastily—but carefully—put down the violin.

Everybody was quiet as Shizuko walked back to her seat.

The teacher continued her lesson, but it was obvious that everyone was a bit moved by the performance.

The bell suddenly rang, indicating that class was over. As Ms. Osigawa dismissed the class, they snapped their attention back to their things and began leaving the classroom.

Shizuko began gathering her things as well. As she did so, someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"What?" she muttered, turning around, expecting to see Meg.

Instead, she found herself staring into an unfamiliar face, framed by blond hair. Ice blue eyes peered out from beneath light-colored lashes.

Whoa, Shizuko thought to herself.

The blond boy held out his hand. "I'm Rei. Rei Takahashi. You're…Shizuko, am I right?"

She snapped back to reality and shook his hand. "Yes. What do you want?"

"Nothing, really. I merely wanted to compliment you on your violin playing. You're quite talented."

"Oh. Thank you," Shizuko replied.

Rei nodded, and then left the classroom withouot another word.

That caused Shizuko to raise an eyebrow. He's strange.

Meg came up to her. "Who was that?"

"His name is Rei, and apparently, he's a mystery man," said Shizuko carelessly.

"I think he likes you," teased Meg.

"Don't be ridiculous," said Shizuko. "What makes you think that?"

"He was staring at you during your violin performance."

"I doubt that he likes me. Staring at someone doesn't mean that that person likes that someone." Shizuko spoke as though that settled the matter.

"So why are you blushing?" asked Meg mischievously.

"I'm not blushing," Shizuko muttered as a tinge of pink blossomed on her pale cheeks.

Little did they know that their little conversation had taken them out all the way into the hall. They unexpectedly bumped into Ryuu and Kyu as the two boys were having their own little colloquy.

"Oh, sorry—Kyu! Ryuu!" exclaimed Meg.

"Hi, you guys," said Shizuko.

"Hi," answered Ryuu.

"Why are you blushing, Shizuko?" asked Kyu.

"I am NOT blushing, Kyu," insisted Shizuko. "What about you? Why do you have soot on your face?"

"Uh, well, that's, uhm…well, you see..."

"He made something explode in the science lab by adding the wrong chemical at the wrong time," explained Ryuu.

"Very nice, Kyu," said Meg sarcastically.

Now it was Kyu's turn to blush. "Well, anyone can make a mistake!"

"Okay, then. What class do you guys have next?" asked Shizuko.

"Mathematics," replied Ryuu.

"History," said Meg.

"I've got History too," said Kyu cheerfully.

"Math," mumbled Shizuko.

"It looks like we have class at the same time, then. Let's go," said Ryuu.

She nodded, relieved that her earlier blush had faded from her cheeks.

"I'll see you guys later, okay?" she told Meg and Kyu.

"Sure," said Kyu.

"Bye!" said Meg.


rants: yeah, my new fanfic is crappy, as usual...
i suck at writing.
chapter 2: Mathematics and Murders
PLEASE REVIEW!
tell me whether you like how i started it...is it interesting? and by the way, it will not end up Shizuko/Rei.