Lightest of Nights: A Deck of Minds
Chapter 23
What Next?
He gazed into her eyes. The red haired woman did the same in return. The others stood by in silence.
"Problem? What kind of problem?" Batman finally spoke.
Batgirl stepped forward as she spoke her stance. "Ghosts."
Flash lifted a brow. "Ghosts? Now that sounds like a predicament."
Batgirl faced him. "Not as thrilling or supernatural as it may sound, I'm merely referring to the Ghost Dragons," she clarified.
"Ghost Dragons? As in that street gang known as the Ghost Dragons?" Flash asked.
"That'd be the ones," confirmed Batgirl.
"And let me guess, our neighborhood friends have struck again?" Nightwing assumed.
"Burnside yesterday. West end of Gotham tonight, a local bank," Batgirl began. "They appeared during a burglary."
"It's not like them to show up on the grid so freely," Batman said.
"They weren't the only ones who were at that bank," Batgirl informed.
"A public gathering of bad guys, can't wait to hear this," remarked Nightwing.
"Who else was at that bank?" Batman asked.
"That I am unsure of. I'm still investigating," Batgirl replied.
"Was this other group collaborating with the Ghost Dragons?"
"Quite the opposite actually," replied Batgirl. "A fight broke out."
"And?"
"Our mystery group, all dead," Batgirl revealed. "A single slash wound, the same in each place for every single one of them."
"The neck?" Batman assumed.
Batgirl nodded. "Hit it right on the mark."
"And what of the Dragons?" Batman questioned.
"Not a trace."
"What about security camera's?" Flash questioned. "Certainly surveillance must have picked up something?"
"All cameras were disabled," Batgirl informed. "So the sequence for what entirely went down is still partially a mystery."
"Well if that's the case, then how can you be sure the Ghost Dragons were involved?" Nightwing put into question.
Batgirl raised her left hand, revealing a small device in hand.
Nightwing blinked an eye. "What's that?"
"I found it on one of the deceased," Batgirl replied. "It is a com-link, one which Black Mask's men used to communicate with one another."
"What's its significance?"
"Playback," answered Batgirl. "The man who wore this, his final words was recorded. Once you listen to this there is no doubt of the Ghost Dragons involvement."
Batman held out his hand. "May I?"
Batgirl handed the device over to him. "Of course."
"So, what happens now?" Nightwing questioned.
"We prepare," replied Batman who then went on to make way toward the super computer.
"Well, unless you guys have anything else, I better be getting back to Central City," Flash said. "I have another local case that I need to get back to."
"We appreciate you coming through," Nightwing said.
Flash gave him the salute. "If you guys need me, I'm just a ring away."
Nightwing gave him the thumbs up. "Dually noted."
In the blink of an eye the Flash was gone. "Well I guess that just leaves the three of.." Nightwing paused after hearing a beeping sound that came from a device strapped around Batgirl's wrist. "What's that?"
Raising her left arm Batgirl gave quick eye to the device before responding. "Car chase, police are in pursuit."
"Where?"
"Near the Riverfront Center in the old Gotham district," informed Batgirl. "There are eight fugitives in all, five vehicles between the pack."
"Sounds like our kind of party," Nightwing smilingly remarked.
"Does that mean you want to tag along?"
"If you don't mind," Nightwing replied. "I could use a little night out."
Batgirl turned away before proceeding to walk. "Try and keep up."
"Go on ahead, I'll catch up to you," Nightwing called. He then looked back into the direction of the super computer.
"Yes, that's it," Batman spoke out loud.
Nightwing who heard this was most curious to what it was he spoke of. "What's going on?" Nightwing stopped after stepping up to the right side of the computer chair.
"The materials to create Crane's fear toxin that was shipped to Tokyo, the batch that ended up in the storage room under the Skytale building," Batman began.
"What about it?"
"The tracer I placed on the package sent a signal, the materials are on the move." Batman faced him. "No doubt the package is en route to its final destination."
"For where the gas itself will be produced?"
"Exactly."
"Sounds like it's time for a little intervention."
Batman was in full agreement. "It's time to play our hand."
"So," Nightwing said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "What's the plan?"
…..
The hand struck another length, announcing the passing of another hour. The school bell rang within moments, carrying out through the halls of the school. Conan who had just taken his seat placed a pencil atop his desk as he proceeded to slouch back. His eyes carried into the distance, not particularly focused on anything. He was in the moment, but his mind was anywhere but the present.
"Kaitou Kid, the Elephant Revenant, the fear toxin from Gotham, Batman… it almost feels as if it all links together in some way. Question is, how?"
His chain of thought would be cut off by the sound of three claps which came from the front of the room. Conan leveled his head to find it was his teacher.
"Happy Friday everyone."
"Happy Friday!" To which the class responded.
Sumiko smiled brightly. "Given that it is Friday, do you know what that means?" She paused momentarily before continuing. "That's right, show and tell! I hope you all have something interesting to share with your peers today."
"I do!" one shouted from the far left.
"Me too!" another exclaimed from the back of the room.
"That's good to know," Sumiko said pleased to hear. "So, what do you say we get started?"
"Yahhh!" the majority of the children in the class chanted.
Sumiko then surveyed the room before locking in on a specific student. "Zeily Zandreu, as the newest member of this class, would you like to present first?"
All eyes swayed to the left side. There she was, seated in the back corner of the room. Her raven black bangs sat just above her eyes. She looked forward before giving a subtle nod.
"Okay," said Zeily who dropped down from her seat. Crossing her arms across her chest she slowly made her way to the front of the classroom.
Not once did she make eye contact with anyone on her way to the front. Damian who stood beside the exit door took notice of this.
Once Zeily reached the front of the class she nervously raised her head as she prepared to share what she had brought to show. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a hand sized object.
"What is that?" questioned Genta who sat in the front row.
"It looks like a wrist brace," another guessed.
Sumiko stepped over before tapping Zeily on her left shoulder. "Go on Zeily-chan, tell everyone what you have to share today."
Raising the object in hand Zeily did just that. "This is my special horseshoe," she finally revealed. "Papa made it for me at the old lab."
"It's a lovely horseshoe," Sumiko commented before turning focus back on the wider class. "Now class, why don't we all give Zeily-chan a round of applause?"
As Zeily made her way back to her seat all of her classmates clapped upon her presentations end.
"Alright, who would like to go next?"
"Me! I wanna share!" Ayumi volunteered with the wave of her hand.
"Very well," smiled in Sumiko. "The floor is now yours."
As Ayumi made her way to the front of the room Damian felt the vibration of his phone in his left pocket. He pulled out his phone to find there was an incoming call, one from his father. Why now of all times? It must be something important Damian figured. With that in mind he looked toward Sumiko.
"Ms. Kobayashi."
Sumiko faced him almost immediately. "What is it?"
"Would it be alright if I stepped out for a moment?" Damian asked. "I'll be no more than a minute."
Sumiko nodded. "Of course. That is fine by me."
With that Damian walked out of the room. Conan watched as the door closed on his way out. "I wonder what that's all about?" Conan then looked over at Ai who sat one seat away. She was seemingly struggling to keep her eyes open. "That's strange. It's not often Haibara doesn't get sufficient sleep."
Now on the outside Damian pulled out his phone, wasting no time in returning the missed call. It didn't take long for another voice to come from the other end.
"Damian, we have an update," informed Bruce.
This was promising. "For what?"
"The ingredients for Crane's fear gas, the product is on the move," Bruce relayed. "The tracer I placed on the crate indicates this."
"It was only a matter of time. So, where's our important package now?"
"That's why I've called. Here's the plan, so listen up."
….
Another street block was passed as he tracked on in the dark empty streets. No matter how far, no matter how hard he ran, he did not tire. How long had he been running for? Above all else, what was he running from? This was something of an uncertainty. There was only one thing that was to feel inside, a fear, a fear of stopping.
He pushed himself further, picking up with each stride. Unexpectedly it felt as if he was getting slower, as if time was freezing right before his eyes. This was followed by an immense pressure that ravaged throughout his entire body.
"I can barely move, barely.. breath. What's happening? Where am I?"
Upon questioning this a hiss was heard, one followed by a loud growl. It felt as if his heart skipped a beat. "What was that?!" Once again he tried to run, an attempt that would prove fruitless, he was unable to move. "Why.. why can't I move?"
What came in the wake of what he assumed to be a warning growl was a terrifying roar. Fretting, he glanced over his left shoulder to spot what he believed to be a giant bat which was soaring down at him from above. A sharpening fear erupted from within.
"I've found you now Kaitou Kid! There is no escaping!" The creature flashed its readied fangs.
He looked into its eyes, watching as it soared in ever so closely. "No, it can't end, not like…"
…..
"Not like THIS!"
The running, the dark city, the bat.. they were all gone. "A dream," Kaito realized. He looked to find he was in his own room, now sitting up in bed. He breathed out in relief. "It was just a dream."
Kaito raised a hand to wipe the sweat that streamed down the left side of his face. He then looked to the clock sitting atop the dresser beside his bed. "I over slept by almost two hours!" After realizing this Kaito jumped out of bed. "I can't believe I forgot to set the alarm last night. Well, considering what went down.."
He sighed before making his way toward the door. "I've already missed one entire period of class, I'm not looking to make it two." He stopped about halfway across the room after spotting his phone sitting on his desk. Grabbing hold of it he found several calls had been missed, all of which coming from one person. "Aoko."
Kaito placed the phone back onto the desk. "No doubt she was calling about that cruise she wants me to join her on tomorrow night." He paused at the thought of it. "Not so sure I have the room in my schedule right now. There's far too much on my plate as is."
With that Kaito reached the door, turning the knob as the previous night's encounters poured to the forefront. "The Royal Flush Gang, the Batman.. just what will it all lead to?"
The thought of it alone excited him. The uncertainty, the thrill of a chase he knew was to come. The question was, what would be at roads end?
…
The final bell of the day rang. One by one everyone poured out of the classrooms, relieved the weekend was now upon them. Conan was no exception to this. He anxiously made his way down the hallway, there was only one thing on his mind, getting to the hospital to check on Ran.
"Hey Conan, wait up!"
"Genta," said Conan who turned around to spot his friend.
He wasn't alone. Traveling at his side was the rest of his friends. "We're going to come with you," Mitsuhiko said.
"Ya! We want to see Ran-chan too," added Ayumi.
"You don't mind if we come too do you?" Genta asked.
Conan smiled. "Of course not."
"Then to the hospital we go!" declared Genta.
As they began to walk Haibara faded to Conan's right side as the others took the lead. "I'm curious."
Conan looked at her, he then faced forward. "About?"
"Do you plan on asking her?" Haibara began. "I mean, about what happened leading up to her being taken captive?"
"I'd rather not," Conan replied to her surprise. "Besides, I'm certain the authorities will blitz her for any information they can obtain in regards to her kidnapping. Whatever they learn, I'll know as well."
In little time they found themselves on the outside of the school. Several moments more passed before Haibara spoke again. "Who's to say they'll ask the right questions?"
Conan was unsure of what was meant by this. He looked to her once more. "What are you trying to say?"
After another taken step Haibara stopped. She placed a hand upon her forehead as if to check her temperature. Conan stopped as well. "You ok?"
Her hand dropped back to her side. "I'm fine," assured Haibara. "Just a little light headed."
"Hey, look guys," Mitsuhiko pointed. "What do you think is going on over there?"
Conan looked into the pointed direction. There were a total number of two police vehicles on the opposite side of the street. Two officers stood in sight, talking with someone who looked to be a civilian. He didn't recognize either of the officials. Looking further right he spotted someone of familiarity.
"Officer Takagi is over there," Conan pointed.
"I see him!" Mitsuhiko acknowledged. "I wonder what he's doing here?"
"Only one way to find out," Genta said in response.
Nothing more was said. The five wasted little time in marching across the road. From his position beside one of the cars Wataru noticed the group as they approached from the other side. "It's Conan-kun and his friends." This was an opportune moment in his mind.
"Takagi, what are you doing outside of our school?" Genta asked being the first to speak.
Wataru answered. "Safety precaution. After what happened with Eilji Amou it was decided that extra measures were to be taken. That is why two officers are stationed here."
"That makes sense," Haibara said in light of this.
Wataru then looked directly at Conan. "Sato-san mentioned she ran into you last night while at the Fun Entertainment Inc building."
"I did," confirmed Conan.
"What was Officer Sato doing there?" Ayumi asked.
"Well, she.. I mean, we were searching for someone." Wataru paused. "Well, at least we thought we were."
"You were with her?" Mitsuhiko asked.
"I was."
Conan's interest had been sparked. "You said you were searching for someone?"
"Oh, yes. A man by the name of, Aldor Sunshine," Wataru revealed. "According to an online profile it was said he worked at the Fun Entertainment building located here in Tokyo. We visited that very facility last night. Unfortunately we learned that no one by the name of Aldor Sunshine was employed there or at any other Fun Entertainment Inc building for that matter. Here or overseas."
Wataru then looked to the sky. "Furthermore there is a house, one registered to an Aldor Sunshine no more than a couple miles from here. When we visited the house in question there was no one to find." Wataru's sights dropped back down to ground level. "It's almost like this Aldor person is a ghost."
"Ghost?!" Genta, Ayumi, and Mitsuhiko all gulped at the thought of it.
"What's so important about this Sunshine-san anyway?" Conan asked. There had to be a good reason for why they were so driven in finding this individual.
"Well.." Wataru brought a hand to his chin. "I don't know if I can say. This isn't probably something I should be discussing with all of-"
"Please!" Conan pleaded. This was tacked on with a look of innocence. "I really want to know. Plus, I could pass everything you tell me to Oji-san on your behalf."
Wataru gave it a moment's thought. "Well, you see," Wataru said figuring how to put it in simple terms. "This Aldor Sunshine was part of a list."
"What list?" Haibara asked.
"A list of suspects," continued Wataru.
This drew him in even more. "A suspect for what?" asked Conan.
Wataru looked to the boy in glasses once more. "Well to put it simply. The names on this list in question are people who have been traveling in and out of Tokyo at a high rate. We believe one of these people is involved with the shipment of the toxin that Eilji Amou and many others were affected by."
Conan was completely drawn in. "Now we're making progress."
"What about the house registered to Aldor-san?" asked Mitsuhiko. "Have you gone back after your first visit to see if someone is there?"
"Well, we.. I think we've discussed this enough," said Wataru looking to change the subject. "What about all of you? Where were you off to before you encountered me?"
"We're going to the hospital," Ayumi informed.
This was not what he was expecting to hear. "The hospital? What business do any of you have there?"
"We have to go see Ran-chan," Ayumi replied.
Wataru smiled in that instance, one that brought a surprise to each and every one of them.
"What's so funny?" Mitsuhiko asked.
Wataru shook his head. "No, not funny. But rather good news I have to share," he clarified. "For starters, Ran-san is doing fine. I got a chance to speak with her just before I came here."
The Detective Boys cheered in happiness. Conan sighed in relief.
"She is currently at the police station," Wataru informed. "So if you wish to see her, that's where she is. No doubt she will be released soon. There is no need for any of you to visit the hospital."
"Thanks for letting us know Detective Takagi," thanked Conan who bowed his head. No sooner after that did it take for him to take off running.
"Come on guys, let's follow him," Genta said being the first to follow after him. Ayumi and Mitsuhiko were next to take off.
"Wait, hold on!" Wataru called.
The four of them came to an immediate stop. Conan looked back at him. "What is it?"
"No need to run," said Wataru. "I'd be more than willing to give you a ride. That is.. if you don't mind?"
"But don't you have to stay here and stand guard?" Mitsuhiko questioned.
"I'm not the one assigned to this post," Wataru clarafied. He then looked in the direction of the two other officers who stood a short distance away. "They're the ones who are stationed to keep a look out in this area. I only dropped by to check in with them, and shortly after that is when-"
"We came into the picture," Haibara figured.
"Pretty much," Wataru confirmed. "But enough about that, who's ready to go to the police station?"
"Yaah!" Genta, Ayumi, and Mitsuhiko all chanted together.
Wataru then went on to unlock the doors to his vehicle. Haibara found way to the front passenger seat while Conan and the others piled into the back. Wataru waved to the other officers before stepping into the vehicle himself.
"Alright everyone, remember to put your seatbelts on," Wataru reminded. Once he was strapped in himself he turned the key in the ignition.
And just like that, they were on their way. Conan sat in silence as his friends carried on with conversation. What was discussed between them did not register. The only thing on his mind was Ran. How was she feeling? What was he to say to her? That and much more surfed through his mind the entire trip.
In no time they arrived at the police station. "Alright everyone," Wataru said as he brought the vehicle to a complete stop. "We're here."
His words were immediately followed by Conan unbuttoning his seatbelt and exiting the vehicle.
"Hey, wait for us!" Ayumi yelled as she, Genta, and Mitsuhiko hurried after him.
Wataru sighed. He then looked to find Haibara still sitting beside him a few feet away. She showed no sign of taking off as the others had. "You ok? You look a little out of it," the detective observed.
"I'm fine," Haibara assured.
"Will you be joining your friends?"
"Of course," to which Haibara replied as she turned into the direction they had gone. "I just don't feel the need to run."
Wataru nodded. "I understand."
Unbuckling her belt, Ai too exited the car. "Thanks for the ride."
"Um, yah. Anytime."
As Haibara advanced toward the building distress in someone's voice was heard, the voice of a woman. Stopping she looked to the right. A short distance away two police officials were speaking with a woman. Who was she? Given the large floppy straw hat atop her head and the scarf tied around her neck it was hard to make out any distinctive features.
"What's going on over there?" Haibara wondered. She couldn't help but stick around to find out just that.
"I'm sorry Hepperway-sama," apologized one of the two officers. "But it is as I said, we have no new information regarding the disappearance of the girls."
"What about the jeep? Has there been any word on if it has been found or not?"
The other officer shook his head as a saddened look fell upon his face. "That would be a no on that account as well. I'm sorry Hepperway-sama."
"I see.." The woman said no more. She turned as she made a move to walk away. "Off to Osaka it is."
"Will that be all?" One of the policemen asked.
Still trailing away the opposite direction she responded. "No, that will be all."
From the little that she gathered there was only one thing to conclude. "A kidnapping." From the sound of it, two young girls were the subject of the woman's distress. Why hadn't she heard about this situation in the local news within the past couple days? Surely something like that would have high coverage?
"Aren't you going to join your friends inside?" someone spoke from behind.
Startled, Haibara leaped back as she turned around to find who had approached. Her eyes narrowed upon seeing him. "Damian-san."
"Don't look so surprised," replied Damian who stepped around her as he proceeded to make his way down the sidewalk.
Haibara watched as he departed. There was one thing to question. What was Damian doing at the police station? What could have warranted his visit?
She was certainly curious, if not a little suspicious of the unknown circumstances that brought Damian to the police station at the same time as them. What exactly had prompted his appearance here? Either way, that would have to wait.
"I better head in before the others become worr.." As Haibara turned in the direction of the entrance she stopped. Her light headedness had reached its breaking point. "All of a sudden I don't feel so..."
In that moment it felt as if all control had become lost to her. It started with her legs, how weakened they became. Her vision blurred soon after. As she attempted to take another step she stumbled forward, landing on the grass surface below.
…
There was nothing to hear, nor anything to feel. Everything was blank. It felt like that of an empty void. Then suddenly it hit; a sense of reality. Awareness had finally kicked in. The question now became, where was she? The uncertainty brought a raise in one emotion, fear. There was a raise in heartbeat, an irregularity in breathing. Before she knew it, she was shaking from top to bottom. A voice of familiarity soon came, piercing through the empty void which raised her from a state of unknown.
"Haibara, Haibara!"
Her eyes sprung open as she shot up from where she laid. Vision was still that of a blur. A shower of sweat was felt, a wet stream that slid down her face. "Where am I?" While she wasn't able to see she was able to hear. There was a sound. "What is that?"
No matter how subtle it was in voice she knew what it was. "A river.." Within seconds her vision gradually restored, bringing clarity of sorts. She came to discover she was in what appeared to be her school homeroom classroom. The moons light peered in from window side. There was no one there but her. "Why am I here?"
She checked her phone in hopes of learning the time. To her dismay the battery was dead. "Well of course," Haibara remarked. "How the hell did I end up here anyway?" her memory was somewhat of a blur. A subtle sound then came to ear, one from beneath.
"What was that?" It sounded like a stream, the carrying of a river. The sound only got louder with every second that passed. This freighted her. "I need to get out of here."
Standing to her feet brought the sound of a crack from below. Looking down Haibara came to find the very floor she stood upon was beginning to break apart, similar to that of a deteriorating surface of ice. Instinct took over. Without a seconds thought Haibara raced toward the door, she only made it halfway across the room before the floor caved in on her.
She screamed in fear as she fell into a dark pool of water, one that captured her like a whirlpool. Try as she may, there was no escape. All seemed lost as she sank deeper into the cold stream of nothingness. When all seemed lost she heard the call of her name through the fog of it all, then for a second time. It was only then that her eyes truly opened.
….
"Look, I think she's finally coming through."
"It appears you're right Shinichi."
"Haibara, say something."
Her eyes slowly opened. She looked from one to the other. "Please tell me this isn't another dream."
Hiroshi smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired.. a little woozy," Haibara answered. "Where am I?"
"Back at the house," Hiroshi informed.
"Haibara, what happened?" Conan asked.
Haibara looked into his eyes as if to show a surprise. "I was hoping to ask the same."
Conan and Hiroshi briefly glanced at one another before tracking their eyes back on her. "Ok, we'll take it a step back," Hiroshi began. "What's the last thing you remember before waking up here?"
"..I, we were at-" the sound of the phone ringing brought an interruption.
"I'll be right back," said Hiroshi who made his way over.
"So what was it? What do you remember last?" Conan asked.
"Well." Haibara slowly sat up. Moments passed as she rehashed everything in mind "School. We had just finished our last period of the school day."
"And after that? Do you remember where we went after that?"
"I.. we, that's right." It was all now coming back to her. "We were on our way to the hospital to visit Ran. That's when we came across officer Takagi. We were informed that Ran was at the police station, he offered to give us a ride there."
"That's right. Do you remember anything else?"
A long pause followed. After some thought Haibara shook head. "I don't." she no longer wished to be kept in the dark. "Tell me, what happened? And how did I end up here?"
"When I entered the police station along with the others I found it strange that you didn't join us after a minute or so passed," Conan conveyed. "So I went back outside."
"And?"
"That's where I found you, lying face down in the front lawn of the station," Conan informed. "Thankfully I found you before anyone else did, the last thing we needed was an audience. No doubt you would have been investigated, background check and all. That's the last thing we need to deal with right now."
"So, that's what happened.."
"And you really don't remember any of what happened leading to whatever caused you to pass out?"
Haibara shook her head. "Sorry."
"Well, if you start to remember anything."
"I'll be sure to let you know."
Not a second later Hiroshi rejoined the two. "So, what did she say?"
"She doesn't completely remember," Conan replied.
"I feared that much," said Hiroshi who wasn't surprised.
"What about the others," Haibara asked. "Are they aware of what happened?"
Conan shook his head. "Fortunately they were all still inside waiting for Ran to finish with the questioning process. After I found you, I took you to the side of the building before calling Dr. Agasa. He arrived within a two minute frame."
"I just happened to be passing through the area," Hiroshi noted.
"I see.." Haibara sat in silence for seconds to come.
"While you were out I took a sample of your blood," Hiroshi informed. "I'm awaiting the results of the test now. Hopefully we'll have answers for what caused you to lose consciousness."
"How long was I out?" Haibara asked.
"Three hours, give or take," answered Conan.
"Ai-kun, would you like something?" Hiroshi asked. "Perhaps something to drink?"
"I'm fine, thank you," said Haibara.
"Very well," nodded Hiroshi who then turned his sights to the computer across the room. "I'll be back momentarily. I'm going to go check the status of the scan regarding the blood sample I extracted from you."
The two watched as Hiroshi made his way to the computer. Turning, Haibara looked toward Conan. Noticing, Conan did the same.
"So, how is she?" inquired Haibara.
"Huh?" It was evident by the look on Conan's face he was uncertain for what it was she was referring to.
"Ran," Haibara clarified. "How is she coping?"
"Oh, yah. She's fine, considering," Conan replied.
"What did she say about the Riddler?" Haibara asked. "Did she relay anything insightful about the whole ordeal?"
Conan shook his head. "Unfortunately she didn't recall much."
"That's probably for the better."
"All she can remember is when Edward-san asked her for help in finding a location. Shortly after that she claimed everything went blank," Conan informed. "It's pretty clear once Ran was taken out Edward-san kept her under the entire time everything went down."
"I see.. I guess that puts us at square one regarding the whereabouts of your riddle playmate," Haibara smilingly remarked.
"He's not my playmate," Conan shot down.
"You can certainly keep telling yourself that."
"Now that you bring up the Riddler, it's all kind of strange though," said Conan.
"What are you talking about?"
"The words between the Riddler and the man I was linked with electronically during Riddler's challenge."
"What was so strange about what was said?"
"He had something to hide, something big."
"Who?"
"The Knight."
"The Knight?" Haibara questioned. "Am I supposed to know who that is?"
"Oh, sorry," Conan apologized. "That was the title Riddler gave to the man who I was paired with. Outside of him, Kaitou Kid was simply the Magician, and Oji-san the Investigator."
"I see," Haibara realized. "Who was it that had something to hide? Nigma-san?"
"Not him, the Knight," Conan clarified. "At least that's what the Riddler seemed to be implying at the time."
"This supposed secret.. what relevance does it have pertaining the whereabouts of the Riddler?" asked Haibara.
"A connection," Conan replied. "I believe whatever the secret is something that connects the Riddler and the Knight in some way."
"And let me guess." Haibara leaned forward. "You believe if you're able to find out this secret it'll get you one step closer to finding the Riddler?"
"Maybe.."
"Any clue as to what the secret may be?"
"There is little to go off of right now. I think our best bet is to investigate Edward Nigma further," Conan said. "The more we learn about him, the better prepared we'll be for when and how he makes his next move."
"And if we're lucky perhaps we'll intercept whatever he has planned before he can act."
"That's the plan. Even with all that's happened there's still one thing I'm struggling to understand." Conan stepped away from the sofa. There was now a focused look to be found on his face. "What was the point of it all? What was the Riddler hoping to accomplish with his challenge? Why broadcast it?"
"Isn't it obvious?" questioned Haibara. "His entire goal was to prove to himself and everyone else he was superior to his selected subjects."
"Was that really his objective though?"
There was now an enquiring expression to be found on Haibara's face. "What are you implying?"
"Think about it," said Conan who was looking at it from another perspective. "From the moment Edward Nigma stepped in past the doors to the agency, there was one theme that stood above all else, deception."
Haibara was beginning to get an understanding for where he was going with his train of thought. "So, you believe the spectacle put on was nothing more than a distraction for what he truly has planned?"
"Not so much a distraction, but rather a hint." Conan crossed his arms across his chest. He thought long and hard on the matter. "Last night was just a hint to something else, something bigger. A prologue if you will. Whatever Riddler has planned, I don't think it is as simple as a test. He was reaching for something more.. but what? I'll figure it out, no matter what."
"You seem rather certain of yourself," pointed out Haibara.
Conan smiled. "I didn't say it was going to be easy. Besides, I like a good challenge once in a while."
"Don't forget the other matter we have to investigate. That fear toxin that originated from Gotham City," Haibara reminded.
"About that, I think we can gain some ground on that front," Conan replied. "All we need to do is obtain all of the information that Detective Takagi has concerning the case."
"I'd ask how you plan on doing gaining the information, but I think I have an idea for what you have in mind."
A couple seconds later Hiroshi rejoined the pair. "The diagnosis on the blood results came back positive," Hiroshi revealed.
"Positive?" Conan questioned.
Haibara showed a look of concern. "For what?"
Neither of them could have been prepared for what came next. "Found in your blood was a two percent dosage of the very toxin that has plagued the very streets of all of Japan."
Conan's eyes leveled wide. "What, that's impossible! How?"
To Be Continued
