Halloween Special: A Musical Halloween Murder Part 2
Still in the Sonata House residence, the I.M.P Crew are in the backyard thinking about the situation. Not only has someone been killing their targets before they could, but it seems that someone has a revenge plan of their own to kill the two targets and it appears to be connected to Hijiri's death.
"Okay, let's go over the situation this far. Someone has been going through a lot of trouble to kill Mayor Kogaro and Dongwa Chang. We can only suspect that this was planned beforehand, and someone seems to know this place well," Amara says.
Blitz yawns and says, "And that someone is totally messing around with our business."
"But who would want revenge on them anyway?" Millie asks.
"It could be anyone. Any close friends or family that could have done it. We could cross out Sonoko, Seji, and Makoto. They seem too innocent," Moxxie says.
"And I also have Tadashi too. I doubt they'll commit a crime to risk Tadashi being involved," Amara says.
"You don't know that," Loona says, rolling her eyes.
"Either way, I think we also have another situation," Amara says.
"And that would be?" Blitz asks.
"Well, if someone is going through the trouble of killing the mayor and Chang, then it's possible they'll try to kill the other two who were involved," Amara says.
"How do you know that?" Roy asks.
"The code made it clear. It said that 'The two shadows are gone, the other two shall go before daybreak. You both know you're next' It's a clue that there will be two more killings by the killer. And I have a feeling that the two targets we were assigned might be next," Amara explains.
"Then we will have to find them before someone off them first," Blitz says.
Amara says, "Not so fast, Blitz. I think we need to learn more about what happened ten years ago. Even though Hiriji didn't want to talk about it, it's clear that there is more to the job than it appears," Amara says.
"I have to agree with Amara. Remembr, Hiriji did say there are some things in his past that he was reluctant to talk about. Maybe we should investigate," Moxxie says.
"That's actually not a bad idea. I like to find these bitches and off them," Blitz says.
"Sounds fine. You, Moxie, and Millie can find Mikuru Aso and Hiro Suzamiya. Don't kill them just yet and keep an eye on them. Loona, Roy, and I will try to learn what we can about the incident from ten years ago," Amara explains.
"Sounds fair, but since when you're in charge. In case you forgot, I'm the boss and CEO of the company," Blitz says.
Amara calmly says, "Right."
With that, Blitz, Moxxie, and Millie head off to one direction to find the two targets, while Amara, Loona, and Roy decide to talk to Seji, Makoto, and Sonoko about Hīragi Fujikawa.
"Really? You want to learn about my brother?" Sonoko asks.
"Yeah. I know it's a difficult subject to talk about, but I like to know a bit about him," Amara says.
"I'm also curious about what happened," Loona says.
"Of course. Well, Hiragi is my older brother, well he's fifteen years older than me. My parents died in a car accident when I was three and my brother raised me himself while growing up. So you can say that I know my brother better than anyone."
"Sounds like you two are close?" Roy asks.
"Very close," Sonoko sadly says.
Roy hugs Amara and says, "My sister and I are close too."
"I can tell. It's very sweet," Makoto says.
"Yeah. A lot like how my brother and I are," Sonoko says.
Sonoko looks to see Amara having Roy in her lap as he hugs her. She ends up visioning herself as a child sitting on her older brother's shoulder.
Sonoko says, "I think I'm going to go out for a walk."
"Okay. Stay safe," Seji says.
Sonoko smiles with a nod and leaves the room. She walks out of the house and begins her walk.
Amara sadly says, "I guess Sonoko has taken the incident with her brother rather hard."
"Yeah. It was devastating for her. Like us, and the other relatives, she refuses to believe that her brother took his own life along with his family. However, there are rumors saying that he did."
"Why did they think that?" Loona asks, confused.
"Well it's because there were witnesses who said that he did," Seji says.
"Who were the witnesses?" Amara asks.
Makoto says, "There was Mayor Kogoro, the second victim. There's his assistant Hiro Suzamiya who is a pianist himself. Dongwa Chang, who runs a music store in the neighborhood, and finally Mikuru Aso who was his agent, and now runs a small pub."
"Really now?" Amara says, curious.
Then asks, "Where is his music store?"
"It's in the middle of town, it has a window display of instruments. You can't miss it," Tadashi says.
"Cool," Roy says.
"So what's Sonoko like? She seems very nice," Amara asks.
"She is. She actually plans on becoming an artist and already graduated with an art major degree. Of course, when she was in high school and college, Sonoko actually did wrestling as a hobby, and was champion at her school," Makoto says.
"No way. Sonoko wrestles?" Loona asks, shocked.
"Yeah. She's really good, but mainly does it for a hobby and not a career," Seji says.
"She must be very strong huh," Roy says.
"Yeah. She actually beat the champion from another school who is older and larger than she is. She's very good," Seji says.
Amara then asks, "Out of curiosity, do you have any idea who could have killed the mayor and Mr. Chang."
"Hmm, could be anyone. Yet, the mayor seems like a kind man, it would be hard to believe anyone could hold a grudge against him. However, Dongwa Chang is a different story," Makoto says, and grows a bit bitter.
"You mean about the rumor of the illegal drugs he was doing?" Amara asks.
"That's right. Dongwa helps repair Hiragi's piano and the other instruments in town and sells many of them out of town and overseas," Makoto says.
Curious, Roy asks, "Was his piano destroyed in the fire?"
"Actually, my dad's piano is in the shed close to our house. It's a miracle that it survived the fire. You guys wanna see it?" Tadashi says.
"Sure," Roy says.
Meanwhile, Blitz, Moxxie, and Millie find themselves at a pub and look through one of the windows to see Mikuru Aso inside talking to some of the customers.
"That's gotta be here huh. You sure we can't off her or something?" Blitz says.
"Amara said that it's best we keep an eye on her in case someone is trying to off her before we do," Moxxie says.
"Fine, we'll go into stealth mode for this one," Blitz says.
Millie then suggests, "Now that we know she's here, we still need to find the other guy."
"That's true. Moxie, you stay and keep an eye on the bitch in the pub while Millie and I search for the other guy," Blitz says.
"Yes sir," Moxxie answers.
Moxie remains behind to watch the woman in the pub as Blitz and Millie begin to look for their other target. Blitz and Millie begin to look around town for any signs of the other target, Hiro Suzamiya. Millie and Blitz keep their weapons hidden to avoid any suspicions. Blitz and Millie look around, but can't seem to find him.
"Huh, now how do you look for someone with all these people?" Blitz questions.
"So far, there hasn't been any sign of him," Millie says.
"Let's try the woods," Blitz says.
"Right," Millie says.
Back at the Sonata residence, Seji, Makoto, and Tadashi walk towards the large shed a short distance from their home. Seji unlocks the door and opens it. Everyone takes a peek inside to see a large black grand piano that is surprisingly clean and maintenance.
"Wow. So this is Sonoko's brother's piano," Amara says.
"It's huge," Roy says as he runs to the piano with curiosity.
"Yeah. It is. Sonoko really loves that piano. Hiragi used to play it for her a lot when she was young," Makoto says.
Amara asks, "So how long have you known Hiragi and Sonoko?"
"Well, Hiragi and I are actually cousins and I was more than happy to be in charge of Tadashi's illness in the hospital. When he died I kind of decided to take care of Tadashi, Makoto happily agreed. And in a way, Tadashi has been a blessing to us," Seji says.
"I see," Amara says, turning to see the young boys looking at the piano.
Roy kneels down to take a look from under the piano with curiosity, but then, he notices something off.
"Hey Amara, what's that thing under the piano?" Roy asks.
Amara and Loona walk over and kneel down to see what's under the piano. What they see is one of the wood of the piano looks out of place.
"What is that?" Loona wonders.
She then presses on it and it actually moves, allowing Loona to push it.
"It's a secret panel under the piano," Amara says.
Tadashi looks at it, "Wow. I never knew that was there."
"Let's see what's inside," Loona says, and reaches her hand inside.
Just then, Amara looks down to notice some white dust on the ground. She slides her finger on it to pick up the dust. Then brings it to her face and sniffs it.
Stunned, Amara says in her thoughts, "Drugs… I wonder…"
"Hey guys, look what I found," Loona says, and brings out a small stack of music sheets.
Amara looks at it to see music notes on it and reads, "To my beloved son, Tadashi, and my precious sister, Sonoko."
Curious, Amara asks, "Can I take a look?"
"Sure," Loona says, giving amara the sheets.
Amara then begins to read the music sheets and translate it in her thoughts one by one.
Meanwhile, Blitz and Millie are looking around the woods for any signs of Hiro Suzamiya, but so far, nothing.
"Where the fuck could one man disappeared to?" Blitz asks himself in frustration.
"Well, he has to be here somewhere, I mean, where else can he be…" Millie says, but suddenly falls down.
"You okay Mills?" Blitz asks.
"I'm fine, I just tripped on something," Millie answers.
Blitz brings out his hellphone and turns on the light. To his shock, what Millie tripped on is a leg that has been cut off.
"Shit!" Blitz exclaims.
Millie turns her head to see a little better and says in shock, "There's an arm here too!"
Then Millie looks at the arm, "And from the looks of it, the cut seems fresh."
Blitz then looks around with the flashlight on his phone soon, to his and Millie's shock, they find a body of a man that has been chopped into pieces, all arms and legs have been cut off, and his head has been cut off. They see the shocked expression on the body's face, and recognize it to be Hiro Suzamiya.
"Fuck! We're too late again!" Blitz says, shocked.
"Yeesh, someone chopped like he's meat," Millie says.
Blitz then picks up the paper, "And look, another music sheet like the others. I'll take a picture and send it to Amara."
Blitz then takes a picture of the music sheet.
"Hey Blitz, look what I found in the victim's hand," Millie says, holding a small piece of paper.
"What does it say?" Blitz asks.
Millie unfolds the paper and says, "If you don't want the truth of Hiragi Fujikawa, come to the woods for a negotiation."
"Well, at least we know why he was here. The note was sent to the killer and he got here first," Millie says.
"You're tight. I wouldn't be surprised that the killer did the same to the other two," Blitz says.
Blitz then takes a picture of the note, "I'll send these to the others and she can translate the music sheet."
Meanwhile, Amara is able to find the music shop that Dongwa Chang owns. She uses her claws to make a hole on the glass of the door, unlocks it, and opens the door. She walks inside and begins to search around.
"Now if I were looking for a place to hide drugs, where would it be," Amara says to herself.
Amara then begins to search around for any suspicious or out of the ordinary. Soon enough, she looks down to notice the bookshelf at the other side of the store is slightly pushed away from the wall.
She looks behind the bookshelf to notice a secret door, "What's this?"
Amara then tries to open the door, but it doesn't open. Amara uses her small dagger to pick the lock and it opens. She opens the door and walks inside. Amara becomes shocked to see multiple boxes full of different bottles and multiple white powder in bags.
"These are drugs… so the rumors are true. But still, who could have known that?" Amara thinks.
Suddenly, she hears her phone vibrating and looks at her phone to see three photos of the message. Amara becomes shocked to see the first picture is Hiro whose body has been chopped to pieces and his head cut off. Then looks through her message to see another message that shows the music sheet, like the other two victims. Finally, she sees the note that has been left to Hiro in his hand.
"So now these people have been killed. Who could have done all of this, and why?" Amara thinks.
Amara reads the music sheet and translates it, "Three have gone, and one remains. The grudge of Hellfire is almost complete. Mikuru Aso, you are the next and last one to fall into the fire of Satan. This will be your last Halloween Night."
"That is really harsh," Amara says.
Then see the other picture that has the note, "Hmm, looks like someone is very serious about what happened ten years ago."
"Still, who could have been able to do all of this and without that many people noticing," Amara says.
Amara begins to think about the case, the three victims, the way they've been killed they would have to be strong, and is able to get away without anyone noticing. There are also the music sheets with the killer's message, the note that Hiro has, and also remembers the music sheet on the music sheets she has found in the piano, not to mention the dust that are drugs and the drugs hidden in Hiro's shop. Suddenly, Amara's mind clicks into place, and realizes the shocking truth.
She says in thought, "Is that what it is? But… if that's true. Then the killer has to be that person… and I think I know why…"
Amar quickly calls Blitz and says, "Hey Blitz, where are you right now?"
"As of now we're hiding in the trees when the police come. I'm calling Moxxie because he's keeping an eye on the last target to see how things are doing," Blitz says, on the phone.
But Moxxie says on the phone, "Sorry sir, but I lost her. She left in a hurry and I tried to follow her, but I lost her."
"What?! Moxxie, you're supposed to keep an eye on her. She's the last target we need to kill since the third one is dead!" Blitz angrily scolds.
"Sorry sir, but I managed to find a piece of paper that she dropped. I'll send you a picture right now," Moxxie says.
Moxie soon sends the message to the group's phones. Amara looks at the photo of the message.
She reads, "Come to the shed outside of the Sonata residence, I want to discuss with you about what happened ten years ago."
"The shed? Why did someone want them to go there?" Millie asks.
With a serious tone, Amara says, "Guys, we need to get to the Sonata residence asap! I know who did it… and I think I know why."
Amara quickly runs out of the store and hurries towards the Sonata residence.
Meanwhile, Mikuru walks into the shed and looks around.
Mikuru calls out, "Hello! Is anyone there? Hello!"
Mikuru looks around the shed as she tries to find someone in the shed. Unknown to Mikuru, someone is holding a rope from behind and clutches it with anger. She quietly approaches Mikuru from behind and plans to use the rope on her.
Outside of the Sonata residence, Amara hurries as fast as her human form legs can carry her. Soon, she rushes towards the door of the shed, and opens it with full force. There, she sees Mikurur has dropped to the floor with the rope around her neck, but it appears she is still alive since she is opening her eyes and is still breathing. Amara looks to see Sonoko is looking at Amara with a shocked expression on her face.
"Sonoko, I thought it might have been you. You're the murderer aren't you?" Amara says.
Sonoko calmly says, "I have no clue what you're talking about. I found her here and was going to check up on her."
But Amara says, "Actually, you were trying to kill her when I arrived. Either way, I already know it was you from the beginning. The murder would have to be someone who knows how to write the code in the music sheets. Since your brother was studying piano in school, you must have known how to write the code from him as well. The note that was found at the crime scene definitely shows that it's someone connected to the incident with your brother and his family. I was told that you were a wrestling champion in both high school and college, so it was easy for you to kill the victims. You were able to knock out Dongwa and lift him up in the tree with ease. You were able to stab the mayor in the heart with full force. And in the recent situation with Hiro, you might have been strong enough to chop his body up and leave him in the woods. Since you were close with your brother, you must have already known who the four are, and you were able to lure them with the notes to get them alone, and then you killed them. Then you have placed the music sheet you've made in advance and placed them where the bodies are, sending a message to the other victims and possibly to everyone else."
Sonoko is a little surprised, but calmly smiles and asks, "Wow. You're actually very good. But still, what motive would I have to murdering those four?"
"That one bothered me as well. I may not know fully the content of the note, but I had a feeling it had to do with your brother that believed to have committed a murder suicide his family, but in truth, he and his family were murdered by your victims," Amara explains.
Sonoko becomes shocked and calms Amara, and unknown that Mikuru regains herself and is looking very bitter.
"How did you know about that?" Sonoko asks, stunned.
Amara says, "Well, we kind of have our sources, but after a little investigating, Blitz and I found a secret room behind a bookshelf of Chang's store and there a few pianos and instruments that have compartments that have white dust. That white dust was drugs. All four of them were using your brother's concerts in other countries to buy and sell illegal drugs. But he told them that he will no longer help with their secret business due to wanting to be close to his family and help Tadashi who was very sick. They feared that he would expose their little drug deals, so they locked him and his family in their home, and burned it to the ground." She then takes out multiple music sheets.
"The entire confession explains it in the music sheets that were spared from the flames in the secret compartment under your brother's piano. It's a confession to you and Tadashi that he kept safe for you. It expalisn everything, the drugs, the concert, his connections with the victims, and yes, even the murder they've done," Amara adds.
Sonoko gasps and softly says, "Hiragi… did he really?"
Unknown to the two girls, Mikuru is able to regain herself and grits her teeth in anger. Then is able to grab a knife that she has packed in her bag in advance.
"He did. I can understand why you did it. You and your older brother are close… very very close… You must have been devastated about what happened, and somehow learned the truth of what really happened to him." Amara says.
Suddenly, Amara notices Mikuru is standing behind Sonoko with the knife in her hand.
Amara panics, "Look out!"
Sonoko quickly turns to see Mikuru lets out a battle cry and tries to stab her, but Amara intervenes and grabs the wrist that has the knife. Amara then kicks Mikuru to the ground, making her drop the knife. She then brings out a gun and fires at them. Amara quickly grabs Sonoko by her wrist and they run from the woman firing like an insane woman. However, she ends up firing at a gasoline tank and it begins to cause a fire around the inside of the shed. Amara and Sonoko notice the fire begins to spread around the shed.
"Oh no, the shed is on fire!" Sonoko panics.
"We need to get out of here!" Amara says.
Amara quickly grabs a small box and throws it toward the window, shattering it and gives them an opening.
"We can escape through the window!" Amara says.
Amara rushes to the window with Sonoko, she notices Mikuru angrily cries out as she charges towards them. Acting fast, Sonoko quickly gets in front of them, allowing Mikuru to stab her in the stomach. Amara quickly turns around to see Sonoko has fallen and Mikuru holding a gun is going to shoot Sonoko. Amara acts fast and shoots Mikuru on the forehead, killing her instantly. Then the body collapses to the ground, and now the woman is dead.
Amara quickly kneels to Sonoko, "Sonoko, are you alright?!"
"I'm fine," Sonoko answers, and pulls the knife out of her stomach.
"Come on, we need to get out of here," Amara says.
"No. You should leave me. I'm sorry you got dragged into this," Sonoko says, weakly.
Amara then says, "But there's still time. Your brother wrote in the message that he wants you to have a good life and hope you and the family will look after Tadashi."
"Hmm, maybe if I would have read it, I wouldn't have to go through this plan of murder," Sonoko says.
Confused Amara asks, "You mean you never saw these before? Then how did you find out about what happened to your brother?"
"Well, you remember how many of us never believed the statement of Hiragi's death. I came here a year ago to help Makoto and Seji move into their home. I wanted to keep the fact that Tadashi is his son. One day I met the mayor and well, I couldn't hold the secret and decided to explain Tadashi's identity. When he walked into the his office believing I was leaving, I heard him shouting in anger and he confessed to everything, the drugs, the fire, the codes, the murder, everything. After that, I've decided to put my plan to avenge my brother into motion. It was the perfect plan," Sonoko explains, then coughs due to the smoke and his wound.
Amara picks up Sonoko, "Come on, we need to get you out of here."
Sonoko shakes her head slowly and says, "I'm sorry, but it's too late for me. My hands have been covered just like them… Blood."
Amara can see the remorse in her eyes, and understands. This is the trouble with the sins humans commit. Once they commit a murder, it's not easy for them to turn back from it.
Sonoko then asks, "Can you get me to my brother's piano? Then, you must get out of here."
Amara sadly sighs and places Sonoko, sitting on the chair where the piano is.
"Are you sure about this?" Amara asks.
"Yes. I'm sure. Tell everyone, I'm sorry," Sonoko says.
"I will," Amara sadly says.
Amara quickly jumps out through the broken window and rolls to the ground as Blitz and the others hurry to see her.
"Amara! Are you okay?" Millie asks.
Amara sits up and answers, "I'm okay, just a little sore. I landed on my arm."
"What about Sonoko? Where is she?!" Makoto asks, distressed.
"Well…" Amara sadly says.
Suddenly, they begin to hear piano music coming from the burning shed. Everyone looks in sadness to hear someone is playing in the shed right now.
"Is Sonoko… in there?" Moxxie asks.
"Sadly yes. She's playing in the flames, just like her older brother did before he died," Amara sadly says.
Hearing the music, Amara understands that it's a message, the message says, "Thank you, Amara. You are a good detective."
Through the burning shed, Amara explains to her colleagues and Sonoko's family about everything that has happened. Blitz and the others backed her up about what the four victims have done along with the drugs, and such. It is a big shock that Sonoko murdered the four and what they've done to Hiragi. Yet, they can understand, Sonoko and Hiragi are very close and it must have been devastating when she learned the truth.
Time later, Amara is looking out the window on the chair in the I.M.P meeting room. She has been feeling a little down ever since the incident. The others walk inside to see Amara is looking a little depressed.
Roy turns to the others and asks, "Is Amara going to be okay?"
"I actually hope she does. She feels a little upset about the incident," Blitz says.
Then Millie happily brings out a letter, "But I'm sure this will cheer her up."
"Can I give it to her?" Roy asks.
"Sure," Millie says and gives the letter to Roy.
Roy walks to Amara and presents the letter to Amara.
"What's this?" Amara asks.
"It's a letter for you," Roy says.
"Okay," Amara says, and takes the letter.
She then brings out her dagger and uses it to cut the top of the envelope and opens it. She takes out the letter and a photo attached to it. She sees Hiriji, along with a girl who looks a lot like him, but it's female, she has fiery hair that is in a ponytail, and is wearing a long sleeve blouse with an apron on it.
"Sonoko?" Amara says confused.
Then reads the letter, "Hello Amara,
"I want to thank you for telling my family and letting everyone know the truth about my brother. And sorry for the trouble my plan caused. My brother and I were able to reunite together and we are living together. We wanted to thank you and your friends to help us out and to get the truth out at last. I hope we can talk soon.
From,
Sonoko."
Amara calmly smiles and says, "Well, at least Sonoko is able to go well."
Roy looks at the letter and says, "There's something else?"
Amara says, "P.S. We also sent you a package."
Moxxie then brings it over, "I think she means this." and brings Amara something wrapped in wrapping paper in a box.
Amara takes the box as she places it down. She opens it to reveal two things. A big notebook that has some music sheets for her to write in. Another one is a book that says 'Swan Lake' on the cover. She opens it to see that the book is a music book that has a guitar version of the Swank Lake ballet.
"Thanks Sonoko. I hope you and your brother will be alright," Amara says to herself.
Amara turns her head to the window and looks at the red sky of hell. In a way, she and the others end up helping Sonoko, even though she ended up doing their work for them. She brings out her guitar and opens the book and begins to play the music from the book.