Hey guys! I'm updating early to to homework and going out of town on Friday! So in this chapter, I know people were expecting this huge fight and confrontation, but unfortunately, that's not happening until next chapter. I'm sorry! I know you guys really wanted to see Conan spill his guts here, but it just worked better for the next chapter! Remember, Case Closed is all about build up, so when the truth finally does come out, it's epic; then One Piece, pretty much everything's revealed very close to the end. Again! I'm sorry that you guys have to wait another chapter, but I promise Conan WILL spill his guts, and an epic confrontation WILL happen. On the final note, Vermouth, Gin, and Vodka are still in the lead, if you don't like it, cast a vote!
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece or Case Closed
Aokiji looked at the ancient chapel in slight dismay; so this was where the Void and king and queen got married. And it was going to be desecrated by a forced shot-gun wedding, and a full front-assault on an underwater kingdom. He nor did anyone in the Navy have anything against Neptune or his family, it was just another necessary sacrifice; just like the boy, just like Whitebeard…just like Olivia. Like Olivia, Ryugu kingdom had dangerous connections too, this was the only safe route.
The admiral felt uneasy, the Shichibukai left him in to go to Ryugu Palace to 'secure it', when it was plainly obvious he just didn't want to confront the detective boy yet. It was obvious Strawhat and the boy would be no match whether Donflamingo was with him or not, but what bothered him was that the Shichibukai was actually confident that both would win. Aokiji fully admitted that he underestimated the detective boy last time, but he wasn't going to make the same mistake again.
At Ryugu Palace
Jinbe took his aggressive fishman karate stance, and watched the lanky man's every move. Donflamingo hadn't done anything yet, but from what Jinbe had seen of him before, fighting wasn't necessary for this man. "So what is all this? Was this whole situation your doing, Donflamingo?"
"Which part? The boy? The plan? Or the hostile take over?" He laughed.
"Any of it!" Jinbe snapped.
"Well, I can't take any of the credit for the planning; the World Government set up something fun so I just took advantage of it. I haven't had this mch fun in such a long time Jinbe, I don't plan on ending it anytime soon." He explained.
"Then explain why you're here! What was the purpose of putting Edogawa-kun through all this!" The fishman demanded.
"Interesting, you don't know the boy's story?" Donflamingo laughed.
"He gave me as honest of an answer as he could; he has good intentions, the king gave him his blessings, and he has my trust. I don't know what the exact contents are in this conflict, but until I have reason to believe otherwise, I'll fight on Edogawa-kun's side." Jinbe explained.
"I see." Donflamingo chuckled. "Relax, I don't plan on doing anything here; it'd be boring if people started dying now, besidies…I want to see if that boy can beat the odds and survive."
"What are you talking about?" The fishman demanded.
"I have some time to kill I suppose, let me tell yah a little story Jinbe; a story of something called the Black Organization, and the rise and fall of the great detective, Jimmy Kudo." The man did his normal sitting pose, and with a manic tale, told the insane story.
Meanwhile- Marguerite's Group
After revealing where the King's Diary was, Shyarly insisted upon going with the group; it was too dangerous alone, and they needed the large mermaid to tell them where to look. Marguerite had to admit, that the woman's navigation assistance was appreciated, but she was sure with her Amazonian skill and strength, she could easily retrieve the diary herself. For you see, the King's Diary was located under one of the most sacred spots in Fishman Island- Sunlight Tree Eve. To retrieve the diary would be a delicate procedure, and none of them wanted to be held responsible for damaging the roots.
Regardless, they were stuck with the job of retrieving it. Shyarly apparently was one of the main caretakers of the tree, and had insisted on supervising the removal of the book. Within no time, they grabbed some shovels and headed for the spot.
"This is humiliating." She groaned; these were terrible shovels. The ones at Amazon Lilly were much bigger, sturdier, and were built to make larger streaks in the ground. These shovels were essentially purchased out of a thrift shop.
"It can't be helped; this is where the diary is located." Shyarly sighed. "Let's go. Your friends need us to hurry, correct?"
"Yes ma'm!" Keimi and Hatchan saluted and started digging. Marguriete sighed and stared herself, glaring at how Shyarly and Pappug were making them do all the work.
"I just can't believe it, under the Sunlight Tree Eve! Who would've thought?" Keimi asked no one particular.
"I can't say many of them would." Marguriete responded, although when the blonde thought about it, it made sense for the diary to be buried under the tree. A ruler was supposed to cast light upon his subjects, and that's exactly what the book was doing. Distracted, Marguerite dug a little to hard and deep, and hit a crack of some kind. Frowning, she stabbed the spot several times with the shovel, until…CRACK!
"What was that?" Hatchan asked.
"I don't know. Margie-chan, do you here anything?" Keimi asked.
"Uh-oh." Was the only theing the blonde said, before the entire ground started cracking before the three occupants. "Get ready to land!"
"Wha- AAAAAAUUUUGGGH!" They fell through.
"Keimi-chan! Hachi-kun!" Shyalry and Pappug dove into the hole after them.
With Conan and Luffy
Conan sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror; since this was a wedding, people were being forced to dress up. It looked like a ratty, old, vintage, pirate outfit; maroon red coat, poofy sleeves, black pants, and old boots. Apparently this was formal-wear to the insane fish-man, and had no choice but to go along with it. Shirahoshi was in her own dressing room, getting ready, he briefly wondered if he could sneak over and talk over some plans he had with her. Speaking of which, his belt was still on him, but he had no idea where Luffy was. They were in some kind of underground sea cavern, surrounded by beautiful coral and crystals; there were building structures and some plant life, so it was obvious people had lived down here in the past. Conan idly wondered what this place had been used for.
"Are you ready?" Conan jumped and turned to a rather nervous Decken. He was holding a bouquet of flowers, was pushing his index fingers together nervously, and held a slight blush. Conan blinked, wondering what he wanted.
"You're nervous?" Conan asked. It was more of a statement than a question.
"Eh. I'm nervous I'll trip as I walk down the aisle or something! I'm not sure what to say! I suspect!" Decken admitted.
"And…what do you want me to do about it?" The detective asked.
"I was…hoping you could walk Shirahoshi down the aisle." The detective fell over; he was not expecting that! "You see, the whole thing feels rushed, and I feel like if someone walked Shirahsoi down the aisle, then it would give a more natural feeling, and I wouldn't feel as nervous. I suspect!"
"Uh…sure." Was all the detective could say. "You…do know it's normally the father that walks the bride down the aisle, right?"
"I know! But, her father isn't invited because he doesn't approve of us!" He yelled.
"I see…hey Decken-san, why do you have such an obsession with Shirahoshi-san?" The boy asked.
"Ah! It all started ten years ago! At the time of Otohime-sama's assassination…" He trailed off.
With Luffy
The strawhat captain sighed as he hid behind the mirror in the giant room, giving the mermaid the privacy she needed to change; although she didn't have much clothing anyways, so what was different about being naked. That question her earned him a giant scream and an almost-blown cover; Conan had told him not make himself known until the ceremony. He didn't know why he had to hide; being undercover was sooo boring! "Ne, you done yet Shirahoshi?"
"A-Almost L-Luffy-sama! Please don't come out yet!" The tearful mermaid pleaded.
"Well hurry up! I'm getting bored here!" Luffy complained.
"Hai!" After a few seconds, Shirahoshi called again. "Hai! I'm dressed now, Luffy-sama!"
"Finally, geez…you take longer to get ready than Nami and Robin do." The rubber boy complained.
"G-Gomenasai." She apologized. "It's been awhile since I've worn something like this, does it look bad?"
"Hm?" Luffy tilted his head. Shirahoshi was dressed a very fancy, beaded, white top; had a veil over her face, and several bracelets on her tail. "You're wearing a shirt, I don't see the big deal." Luffy single-handedly insulted every woman who tries their hardest to look their best every morning.
With Decken and Conan
Conan stared at the ecstatic man, not sure if he was psychotic or stupid; so Shirahoshi had the ability to summon sea kings, huh? Apparently, one of the most aggressive sea monsters of this world; funny how Neptune forgot to mention that in the story. The detective frowned, that explained why he was after the large mermaid; not only was he a pedophile and a stalker, but he was also a power-hungry moron. Either way, it presented them a unique advantage, and if he was walking Shirahoshi down the aisle, that meant he could enact it if he needed to. "How'd you manage to keep her ability under control while she was with you, Decken-san?"
"Ah! That shichbukai gave us a sedative that puts people to sleep if they get too excited! It works wonders, I suspect!" He replied.
'Damn, that means if I try to get Shirahoshi to use it, she'll pass out; and Luffy and I can't carry her.' Though Conan. "Do you know how long it lasts? Maybe you need to give her another shot?"
"Actually!" Decken danced. "They only gave me onshot for some reason! Said I'd only need one! Which they're right! I suspect!"
'That means with luck, Shirahoshi 's sedative will be wearing off…!' Conan realizes something. When Shirahoshi saw him and Luffy, she was extremely upset and had a crying fit, but didn't pass out. The serum had to have worn off! Smirking, Conan put on the most sincere smile he could, and bowed. "I'd be honored to walk Shirahoshi-san down the aisle, Decken-san."
Meanwhile-Ryugu Palace
"So what you think, Jinbe?" Donflaminog laughed at the horrified expression on Jinbe's face. "The World Government and the Gorosei collaborated with a terrorist organization in different universe, only to try to take over it, and to get the stupid youth serum. All it would take would be one human sacrifice; sadly, the boy didn't go along with the role and broke Fire-Fist out of jail."
"Which is what Garp had planned the whole time." Jinbe clenched his fists.
"Yep! Boy was the old hag pissed about that! She doesn't hate Fire-Fist or anything, but that was what set-off the whole chain of events; now the detective boy's not just a human sacrifice, he's the world's sacrifice. A statement that says the deal's off to the Black Organization, and will put the world's nerves at ease. The revolution everyone predicted will happen, just in a much more spectacular way!" The flamboyant man spun around.
"What is your part in this Donflamingo? Just how in the hell are you benefiting in all this?" Jinbe demanded.
"He he…Garp called me actually, he was the one who initiated the idea of the boy being a the war's sacrifice; he's been feeding me information behind the old hag Tsuru's back the whole time! She doesn't even know it! However, the more I got involved…the more Garp's plan bored me." He grinned manically.
"So you set the boy down the most chaotic route as possible; gathering all the secrets and information the Gorosei was so desperate to bury. What was the point of that? Do you plan on stealing that information?" Jinbe demanded.
"Hm…the truth is, Jinbe-kun….I already knew." The fishman stared at the tall man in shock. "Recently, a Tenryuubito died, and I was able to have one of my subordinates dissect the corpse. When they discovered that it had been a walking corpse already, everything else was easy to figure out. It was just fun to watch that little salmon swim up against the stream, past the bears, and past the fisherman. This benefits me because it's fun, Jinbe!"
"You…put that boy through hell, set all of us help…for fun?" Jinbe trembled.
"Yep! I haven't seen this good of a show since Fisher Tiger!" He dodged a punch that was thrown at him; the furniture behind the tall human crumbled. "So what do you think of the good detective kid now, Jinbe? What will you do?"
"Hmph! I intend to help that boy with every ounce of strength I have." The fishman proudly stated.
Surprisingly, Donflamingo frowned. "Why? Aren't you angry that he lied to you?"
"The only reason why that boy lied to me and everyone else is because his situation is beyond comprehension; he most likely endured all this alone because no one would believe him in this world. But in his own world; to suffer silent battles and to gain your freedom back in such a way…that is no one to distrust. That is a warrior fighting for their cause, and as far as I'm concerned…Edogawa-kun may be going through all this to get to his home universe, but he's fighting like hell to save ours as well!" Jinbe got into an aggressive stance. "I'll be of assistance to him until he is home, I swear on my life as a Fishman."
"Well that's too bad, Jinbe." Donflamingo raised his fingers, and curled one of them back.
"GAH!" Jinbe fell to his knees, coughing up blood profusely.
Donflamingo stood up straight, walked over to Jinbe, and kicked him on his side. "I wanted to see if that mouse could find his way out of an impossible maze on this island, but it appears that won't happen. This is the most fun I've had in ages, I don't plan on letting it end any time soon." His eyes glowered at the passed out fishman; how dare these brats try to ruin his fun?
Meanwhile- Marguerite's Group
Marguerite groaned as she struggled to get up. She glanced around her surroundings, trying to gather her bearings; looking behind her, she saw Keimi on top of Hatchan, both had swirls in their eyes. From their position, Marguerite knew that the octopus-man had used himself as cushion for the young mermaid, a…gentleman-like thing to do, according to Nyon. Whatever the hell that meant.
"Oh good, you're awake." Marguerite spun around to see Madam Shyarly smoking her pipe-thing, Pappug was doing the same thing.
"Glad to see you made an effort to catch us." Marguerite growled, she stood up and dusted herself off. "What is this place?"
"We explored while you were unconscious; this seems to be a burial ground of some kind, however…from what we can tell, none of this is Fishman originated. The style, writing, portraits, it's definitely humans, also…there's something you might find interesting Marguerite-chan." The Amazonian growled, but followed the woman anyways. After a few moments, Marguerite took in her surroundings. It was indeed a burial ground; almost no plant-life, dark, dreary but was strangely devoid of water or the smell of salt water. How was that possible on this island? Coming to a stop, Marguerite's eyes widened as she recognized the familiar steps and Shinto shrine setup at the top of the stairs. She dashed up, not bothering to explain herself, and saw the same thing as she did at Amazon Lilly. The circle with the four islands, and small circle in the middle. "It's in there, correct?"
"Ah. It is." Marguerite stepped forward to open the chasm to retrieve it, but was stop by Shyarly. "What is it? I'm in a hurry."
"That diary is an important part of history, you'll know to give it to his majesty Neptune when you're done with it, correct?" The older mermaid asked.
"Sure; I have no use for it anyways. Conan-kun's the one who needs it, not me." Marguerite responded.
"I saw through my crystal ball about him, who he is and what he wants; he's a good boy who means no harm; however…if he does not complete his journey in 48hrs he will die, and this journey will be for not." Shyarly spoke regretfully.
Marguerite stiffened, but continued forward anyways. "Tell me on the way to the Sea Forest; if what you say is true, then we don't have time to waste talking." With almost no effort, the Amazonian pried open the chasm and pulled the book out. She blew the dust off, and smiled in satisfaction; it was an exact replica of the book Conan had. "Tell me about it on the way out."
"Oh…" Keimi and Hatchan came up the stairs with Pappug leading them. Hatchan blinked at the serious looks of the two women. "What'd we miss?"
Meanwhile- Luffy and Conan
Conan sighed and waited outside Shirahoshi's changing room, idly wondering if the ceremony room would be large enough for to wiggle down. "Conan!" Luffy came out of the dressing room.
"Luffy-san? Is Shirahoshi-san ready?" He asked.
"Yeah, but she refuses to come out!" He complained. "She thinks that if she stys in there, she'll get out of it! What are crybaby!"
"I see." Conan raised a brow at Luffy's attitude towards the princess but didn't say anything. He knocked on the mermaid's door. "Shirahoshi-san, can it's Conan. Can I come in?"
"Hai. Please do." With that, Conan opened the door and ushered Luffy in too. Conan took in Shirahoshi's appearance, a formal, white, jeweled tank-top, several white veils over her hair and head, and had some type of dress decorations on her tail. "You look nice."
"I don't want to hear that!" Shirahoshi exclaimed. "I-I don't want to look nice for this!"
"O-Okay, calm down! You look hideous then!" Conan tried desperately to remember how Rachel calmed Serena down when a pair of large jeans fit perfectly. Not entirely the same situation, but same reaction.
"WAAH!" She cried.
"Why's she crying? She doesn't look any different than normal." Luffy asked in confusion.
"WAAAAH!" She wailed louder.
"WOULD YOU BOTH SHUT UP!" Conan finally exclaimed. Luffy and Shirahoshi clammed up and looked to the boy. "We don't have much time before the ceremony, and there's a pissed-off admiral waiting for us at the end of the aisle! I came here to tell you guys the plan!"
"UGH! Conan! Planning's boring! I just want to go in and beat these guys!" Luffy groaned. The detective guessed that planned actions almost never happened with this guy.
"It's not just Decken and the admiral! There's his crew, and we're sounded by water. If a huge fight breaks out here, the walls may cave in and we'd drown." The detective explained. "Careful planning has to be put into this."
"Hmph! Fine! But I get to kick serious ass when I get to!" Luffy pounded his fists together.
"Of course." The detective sweat-dropped and turned to Shirahoshi. "Shirahoshi-san, do you remember when you summoned Sea Kings when you were six?"
"Ah? You know about that? I didn't think I had that power, I-I thought it was a coincidence." She replied.
"You can't hold abilities like that back, if you summon them, they'll provide us a way out as well as another resource to use. Now, do you know how you summoned them, exactly?" Conan asked.
"Uh…I don't know, all I remember is that, I was really upset…and my brothers were trying to calm me down. They were singing and dancing to keep me cheered up…when our mother was assassinated." She explained hesitantly.
Conan frowned at her words, feeling immensely guilty for bringing this up. Her brothers were forced to put on the biggest show for the sake of their kingdom, right as their mother died in front of them. That's when a thought struck Conan. "You've been locked away in that tower to insure that you can't get upset, haven't you?"
"What…?" Shirahoshi asked.
"While it was obviously for your own protection as well, but the main component is: Neptune-san and your family knew what triggered your power, they just didn't know how upset you had to be to trigger it. That was another purpose of the tower: a controlled environment." Conan said with clenched fists.
"Conan, what are you talking about? She can't have powers, she's too weak!" Luffy complained.
"She can't fight at all, however…she possesses something that could be just as useful. Shirahoshi-san…I hate to ask you of this, but I need you to think of your mother's death, and remember just how scared you were, sad you were, and how much hatred you have for the killer." The detective asked, feeling even more guilt.
"B-But I don't hate my mother's killer." Conan and Luffy blinked. "My mother wanted me to not hate her killer, so I-I don't."
"…Shirahoshi-san you sound like you know who your mother's killer was." Conan said.
"Eh. Megalo told me. He's not here on the island right now according to Megalo, but…he's the one who framed-"
"So what you're telling me is, your queen, your mother, completely disregarded her own people's safety and family's welfare to chase a pipe-dream, and you hereby supported her stupidity by letting her killer go free. Killing an innocent bystander who just happened to be there at the time?" Conan slammed his fit against the wall, he was beyond pissed. Now that he thought about it, comparing Neptune and Decken's story, he was starting to feel way less sympathy and respect for Otohime.
"E-Edogawa-kun…" He was getting scarier than Luffy.
"Conan?" Luffy frowned at the hostility.
"You know what Shirahoshi-san, you're as stupid as Decken-san is insane; you two freakin' deserve each other. Luffy-san, if you still want to fight the admiral and Decken we need to plan, but it's obvious this useless giant will slow us down." Conan turned around and began to walk out of the room. "Be ready in ten minutes Shirahoshi-san, because that's when I walk you down the aisle." With that, the detective stormed out of the room, and ran down the corridor a few feet, before falling to his face. Conan's eyes widened, he was having a violent coughing attack, and from hat he could tell, it was more than blood he was coughing up. Reaching into his belt, he shakily popped the prescribed medicine into his mouth, hoping VegaPunk would keep to his word. Taking a few slow breaths, the coughing fit and pain subsided, and Conan's breathing became regular once again, and he slid down th wall to sit.
"You were pretty mean to Shirahoshi." Conan turned to the Strawhat Captain, who bore a frown. "Why'd you get so mad at her anyways? Conan? Are you…crying?" The detective blinked, realizing that he was crying, he didn't know why, but that girl's stupidity was the last straw. He didn't know why what she and her mother did infuriated him so much, but it just did! Suddenly, he felt someone pull him down onto a shoulder. He looked at the Strawhat Captain, who bore a comforting smile and reassuring look. "It's okay! You're small, but you never cry, so I like you!" Conan just stared at in bewilderment. "I promise I'll beat those guys and rescue you and Shirahoshi!"
The detective couldn't help himself. "What makes you so sure Luffy-san? They outnumber us in strength and numbers, and with me and Shirahoshi-san to protect, how can you possibly….?"
"Because I have to win." Luffy didn't let him finish. "I don't know why, but what that crybaby said upset you, but…I don't let any of my nakama cry! Brand new or not!"
"Luffy-san…" The detective wiped his tears away; if Luffy was being strong for him, he had to do the same. Taking a breath, his brain finally calmed down to form a plan. "I have a plan that'll take care admiral."
"That guy's mine." Luffy said.
"…If you're sure." Conan wasn't sure how rubber would fare against ice, but they had no choice. Conan stood up. "Get into your hiding place behind the alter, I'll go take care of Decken's crew. Make sure Shirahoshi's ready though."
"That's my nakama! You got it!" Luffy beamed.
Meanwhile- Marguerite's Group
The Amazonian hated to admit it, but they were beyond lost. After traveling several miles in the underground cave, they had as much of an idea of where they were as a drowning earthworm in a bucket of water. The only thing they had to go on for direction was this mysterious stream that was running one direction. Deciding they had no choice but to follow it, they came across something very surprising: a pod of whales.
"So cute!" Keimi cheered.
"This doesn't help us at all!" That's when Marguerite noticed something. "Oi! Isn't that Megalo-san, and…is it me or does that whale of scars?"
Meanwhile- Luffy and Conan
Conan smirked as he saw the plastered crewmates, ensuring that they wouldn't be attending the wedding or the fight. Spiking someone's drink with advanced knock-out drops was an old trick, but it worked. HE checked his belt to see how many bombs he had, and what kinds they were. Sentomaru had armed him with several sedatives and paralysis drugs, so if he had to, he could use them, but he was sure he'd need to electrocute Decken or at least soccer-ball him. Shaking his thoughts, Conan looked to his left, to see a very scared and sad Shirahoshi. She obviously thought they abandoned her, which frankly served her right.
"Look alive." Conan ordered as the music started playing. Conan frowned as he looked down the aisle, there was Decken dressed in a ratty tux, and there he was…Admiral Aokiji. Walking forward, both were soon upon the groom and 'priest'. "An honor to see you again Admiral."
"Likewise, detective." Aokiji glared, this would be the coldest wedding in history.
Yeah, I suck, I know. Sorry if Conan seemed a bit out-of-character towards the end with Shirahoshi, I just know that one of Conan's biggest pet-peeves is retained information that could've been used to save someone's life. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, review or pm me!