Lightest of Nights: A Deck of Minds

Chapter 32

Mystery aboard the Cruiser: The Finale

His eyes sprung open at the sound of a passing truck's tune that seeped through the walls of his room. Motioning he rolled from his back onto his side, feeling the immediate soreness of last night's encounter throughout his entire body. Tick, the hand of the clock shifted. It was now eight a.m.

"Well, no point in lying around for any longer. I can already here the day calling to me. First operation of business.. a good ole morning shower."

Sitting up in bed he stretched all in the moment of hearing the sound of his phone that sat upon the dresser beside the bed.

"Hopefully this isn't another spam call from that air freshener company." Reaching for the phone he found that not to be the case. "Damian?" He opted to take the call.

"Sup buddy? How's Tokyo treating you?"

"Grayson, I need your help," Damian responded. "I have a situation."

This caught him by surprise. "What kind of situation?" asked Dick who slightly leaned forward in position.

"The kind involving a cruise ship, a missing woman, Bane, and.. oh, a hanging corpse of a man who has been dead for at least twenty four hours."

Concern arose. "Wait, did you just say Bane?"

"Unfortunately his presence is meshed in with a sophisticated mystery that has been presented," confirmed Damian.

"Mystery aboard the cruiser," Dick remarked. "Hit me from the beginning. What exactly is going on out there?"

"As you are aware I was sent to Japan to track the shipment of materials used to produce Scarecrow's toxin due to the outbreak in incidents involving its reported affects in not only Tokyo but numerous parts of Japan. To put it short the said shipment was being transported on this ship," Damian relayed. "Simple? Not so much. Things started getting interesting even before the ship departed."

"Now this is the part I want to hear."

"And that I shall, but first there is something I need to ask of you Grayson," Damian replied as he referred to a list held in hand.

"What is it?"

"I have the names of everyone aboard this cruise. I need you to run a search on a few of them I'm about to convey."

"For what purpose?"

"Cross reference. I need to know what recorded history any of these people may have with one another prior to boarding this ship. Then perhaps I'll have a better clarity for what could be going on beneath what the surface shows."

"Simple enough. So when do I get the details for this episode of yours? I can't stand the suspense!"

"One thing at a time. I give you the names, then the details."

"Loud and clear captain."

Aboard the Sunshine

Heiji was frozen in the moment of time. Everything learned to this moment played back in his mind. Reira who stood across held out a hand, patting him on the shoulder.

"Is.. is everything ok?"

Reeling his focus Heiji responded. "It's nothing, just thinking."

Reira nodded. "Anything else you want to ask?"

Should he inquire further on the matter? Perhaps she had information that could bring further light to what was going on? Then there was the question to consider, did she have any involvement with the hanging man that was discovered?

"The last time you saw Oehi was in the bathroom right?" asked Heiji wanting to clarify.

"Yes." Reira gave the confirming nod. "I left after our brief exchange. As I exited Konya-chan entered."

"Did you or your bodyguard notice anything unusual on your way back to this room?"

"I wouldn't say so, no."

"Your full cooperation has been most appreciated. Thank you for your time Jo-san." With that last line of speech Heiji was looking to make his next move. "I've spent enough time here, the answers I seek lie outside of this room."

Almost immediately Captain Aldor spotted Heiji walking toward the door. "Hattori-san, are you leaving us?"

"Gotta check a couple things out, rest assured I'll keep you updated on any made progress captain," Heiji promised. "Before I go there is something I'd like to ask of you."

"What is it Hattori-kun?"

"You got a master key on hand?"

"As a matter a fact I do. Why do you ask? Don't tell me you plan on checking every guest's room?"

"Not exactly," Heiji replied. "There's a certain room I need to check in particular, to draw a comparison of sorts."

Hearing the given Aldor pulled from his jacket a card key which he handed over to him. "I only ask that you figure out what is going on."

"I won't let you down. If anything comes up you'll be one of the first to know."

"I'll anxiously await your call."

"Speaking of which, I need to call both Yumin-san and Aellun-san. Given the latest information I have obtained we need to get Cheon-san back to this room. He is no doubt one of the center pieces to this whole ordeal."

While advancing onward Heiji raised the walkie-talkie in hand. "Yumin-san, Aellun-san.. it's top priority we get Cheon-san back to the cafeteria."

Of the two it was Aellun who responded. "Roger that, I'll reroute and pick him up. Want to tell me what's going on?"

"I'll get back to you on that, there's something I need to look into first, I'll be in touch."

"Of course detective."

Now back in the hall Heiji pulled out his flash light. "The bathroom located on this floor is in this direction. I'll begin my investigation there first."

Proceeding he flashed his lights ray a short distance ahead, looking out for any clues that he may have missed earlier. It took little time for him to reach the women's bathroom. Reaching across he flipped the light switch up to garner no result, this was expected.

"Let's see if there is anything in here that could help shed some light on this matter."

As Heiji was to proceed he was startled by a voice from behind.

"What could you possibly be hoping to find in here?"

"Damian-kun? No way Captain Aldor let you leave the cafeteria." Heiji faced him.

"Can't be a dispute if I wasn't seen," Damian noted.

Coming into the line of view as well was Mitsuhiko. "Yep, while you were talking to the captain we took that second to sneak by. Pretty cool huh?"

"You two really shouldn't be here, there is no telling what dangers may lurk on this ship." Taking a deep breath Heiji turned back to the other side with his flashlight as a guide to see. "But since the two of you are here perhaps you can help."

"Ya! Now that's what I'm talking about!" Mitsuhiko was ecstatic.

"And what is it we're doing here?" questioned Damian. "If you haven't already forgotten Oehi and Konya were attacked right outside of the cafeteria."

"The basics for any investigation is to cover all fields that are in play. This was the last place Jo-san saw Oehi-san, thus why I'm here. Let's search the room; there could be something to find."

"You can count on us," replied Mitsuhiko.

Heiji elected for the sink while Mitsuhiko strolled toward the stalls. Stepping up to the counter Heiji wasted no time in inspecting the small area.

"It's a little wet, there's also smalls pieces of yet to fully dry paper towel. Nothing here out of the ordinary."

Giving one final look Heiji opted to step away, as he did the walkie talkie attached to his side began to ring. "What's happening?"

"It's me Aellun. I returned to the recreation room in search of Cheon-san."

"And?"

"No sign of him."

"Wonderful."

"Listen, I'm going to look elsewhere. Wherever he has gone it can't be far. If I find him or any of the other missing I will let you know."

"Will do the same, later." Lowering the communication device to his side Heiji turned for the other side where he was joined by Damian.

"Who was that?"

"Aellun-san. He went back to the gym to look for Cheon-san, unfortunately by the time he got there Cheon-san had departed."

"Convenient."

Heiji shrugged. "What can we do?"

"So, find anything?" questioned Damian.

Heiji glanced back at the countertop. "Negative. How about you?"

"Trash was clear. Only a couple of paper towels."

"Nothing gold then huh?"

"Hey guys, I found something!" Mitsuhiko alerted from across the way.

The two walked over as Mitsuhiko stepped out from the first stall. "What did you find?" asked Heiji.

"Not sure if this holds any relevance." Mitsuhiko held out his hand to reveal a pen and a couple of loose coins. "I found these sitting on the outer edge."

"Someone must have dropped them," figured Heiji who took the collection into hand. Of all items it was the pen that caught his eye. "Hummm.."

"Something wrong?" asked Damian after noting his reaction.

"This pen.." Heiji brought it close to eye. It was as he thought. "This is one of Jo-san's special edition pens."

Damian didn't see a point. "So what if it is?"

"When I spoke with Jo-san back in the cafeteria she mentioned to me about giving one of these pens to Oehi-san when they spoke while in here."

"Maybe she dropped it," guessed Mitsuhiko.

"Maybe.." Heiji paused for several moments. "We've spent enough time here, what do you say we get a move on?"

"Where to next?" asked Mitsuhiko.

"Floor B," Heiji replied.

"What will we be doing there?"

"I'll tell you once we get there, come on," said Heiji waving the two on.

"Follow the leader," Mitsuhiko expressed following in his steps.

"Stay alert guys, there are still a few passengers who are unaccounted who could be roaming."

"You mean the masked man," noted Mitsuhiko knowing that was the threat of possibility in mind. "Let's hope we don't run into him."

Damian was unconcerned. "For his sake, he better hope he does not cross me."

Pool Room

Aellun marched in with a clear motive, retrieving Neour and returning to the cafeteria. It was quiet, the only sound coming from the steaming waves in the whirlpool. Aellun gradually paced forward.

"Hey Neour-san it's me, you in here?" No response came as something of interest came to eye. The main pool had a cover over it "Hmmm.. since when did someone place the pool cover on? I don't recall seeing that earlier."

Curious of this Aellun walked over to pool side, kneeling down he lifted the cover to make a discovery. "Looks like the pool water was emptied; and is now in the process of refilling. No doubt Yumin-san's doing. Speaking of which, I have not gotten an update from him in the last several minutes." Aellun reached for his walkie talkie. "Yumin-san, do you copy?"

He allowed a few moments to pass before attempting to call for a second time. "Yumin-san?" Like before no one responded. "Maybe he's just busy."

Standing back to his feet Aellun surveyed the room a final time. "It's clear no one is here. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the next room."

….

On another floor

The room door read '24B'.

"So… what are we doing here?" Mitsuhiko asked.

"I'm going to unlock the door using the master key given to me from the captain; once I do I want the two of you to go inside and search the room," Heiji instructed. "Be sure to take some photos so we can draw comparisons later."

This posed the obvious. "Why?" Mitsuhiko asked. "Whose room is this anyway?"

"It is not currently in use," Heiji replied.

"Why search a room that is not being occupied?" asked Damian.

"If you recall what Kuroba-kun said, he claimed to have heard noises in one of the rooms being next to his own, in the case being rooms 24B and 20B, both according to the guest list are empty of any customers. While the two of you search inside there I will do the same in room 20B," Heiji explained.

"Anything specific we should be looking for?" Mitsuhiko asked.

"Take note and collect as much imagery necessary," Heiji simply put.

"In other words not even he knows what we're searching for," Damian concluded internally. "Great."

Stepping in between the pair Heiji slid the card key, allowing the two entry to the room. "I'll see you both shortly."

"We'll do our best," promised Mitsuhiko who was the first to march in past the door.

Damian who kept step softly closed the door behind. Now in the surrounding of a dark room Mitsuhiko's initial instinct was to flip the light switch up. To his dismay the lights in the room did not turn on. "No way, the lights aren't working!"

"Nice discovery genius," Damian remarked before turning on his flashlight. "If you haven't forgotten the electrical panel on this ship has been tampered with."

Mitsuhiko felt silly. "Oh yah, almost forgot." Laughing he too turned on a flashlight of his own. "Now the investigation begins."

Directly across the way was screen door, the moons light faintly popping in from the partially open curtain. Wishing to explore further Mitsuhiko guided his light to the right. There it was a bed with a nightstand being no more than a foot away. On the other side of the room there was a TV mounted to the wall, right below it was a dresser.

"While you take of things in here I'll go and give the balcony a look," Damian conveyed.

"Sounds good to me." Mitsuhiko was all for it.

Now on his mind for the time being Mitsuhiko's mind drifted to something that had been bothering him since hearing his name for the first time. "Captain 'Aldor', I'm almost certain tonight is the first time we've met. It's.. I feel like I've heard of him before in regards to something important. I just can't remember what. Why am I forgetting?" Slowly exhaling Mitsuhiko shrugged. "It's probably nothing major."

Approaching the screen door Damian slid it aside to be greeted by the chirping of the calling sea below. He wasted no time in exploring the small area. "Let's see what we've got."

Two chairs, one on the left, the other on the right. While nothing seemed off or alarming Damian took a picture of the surrounding area for the chair on the left. "Now for the second." As he turned for the other side he could hear the crack of something under foot. "What is that?"

Electing to move a half step back Damian glanced down to spot a piece of broken glass. "Huhm.. just a piece of glass." Kicking it aside he went on to take his second picture. "Nothing out here really brings any alarm of concern."

Before Damian could make his way in his phone rang. Pulling it from his pocket he was pleased to see who it was. "Give it to me Grayson."

"Did a full search of all the names you sent my way."

"And the results?" asked Damian who slid the screen door completely shut.

"I was able to pull a file on everyone except three," Dick informed. "Anna Hamilton, her son Samuel, and Rosetta Dellmara."

"Alarming," noted Damian. "None of them were in my sight of suspects, perhaps I must reconsider."

"I'd wait on drawing any conclusions until I've given you everything I have come to gather."

"Delay it no further Grayson."

"Of the lot there are five who are tied together in one fashion or another," Dick began. "Yasu Oehi, Lukmar Xiene, Neour Cheon, Manabu Yoneda, and Reira Jo. For starters the five of them attended the same high school, Pinkelton High."

"You don't say.."

"Not only did they attend the same school, they all graduated on the same year seven years ago."

"Interesting."

"This is where things get juicy. I dug a little bit deeper, outside of their graduation seven years ago the five of them got tangled up in something that same year, seven days after their graduation."

"Seven seems to be the lucky number in all of this."

"There was a gathering, a party if you will at a beach front."

Damian huffed in preparation. "I know where this is going."

"Half Moon Light Dash."

"Half Moon Light Dash?"

"The title of that particular party and its overall theme."

"So you're telling me a bunch of people showed up dressed as a herd of moons?" Damian found himself mildly amused. "Sounds like an idea for an open house routine on Fridays for standup comedy at that spot in Midwest Gotham."

"Not quite, those who attended had to come with a partner, whether it be a friend or lover. One dressed in all black while the other.."

"All white," Damian figured. "So what happened at this moon gathering?"

"To put things into a broader perspective, there were a lot of ongoing activities everyone was able to partake in on that night, one option being to go on a thirty minute boat ride for a little sightseeing. The five in question all went on the said boat ride at the same time," Dick relayed. "In short an accident occurred, the boat ended up completely subsiding with everyone obviously falling overboard."

"Clearly everyone survived the accident, so where lay the stream for animosity?"

"You're forgetting someone. Not everyone survived, the captain," Dick informed. "Unlike the others, he wasn't so lucky."

This raised the obvious question. "Would my assumption that he drowned be correct?"

"That's right. What really was put into question was the circumstances that lead to the accident."

"What do you mean?"

"The story that was given to the police at the scene of the accident, it was said the captain was speeding and didn't take notice of another boat that was traveling along within the same vicinity. As you're probably suspecting there was a collision, all involved were sent flying from the boat, including the driver of the other boat," Dick informed. "Both boats as you could imagine were wrecked in the collision. The only good thing in all of what happened was that the shore was within distance."

"Everyone swam to safety?"

"Those who could anyway, unknown to everyone at the time when the collision occurred was that the captain's arm got broken."

"Meaning he wouldn't have been able to swim to shore even if he wanted," Damian found in conclusion. "What about the captain of the other ship?"

"Like everyone in your circle of persons of interest he too managed to make it to the safety of land. It wasn't until a short time after everyone arrived on shore that they realized someone was missing."

"The captain."

"The authorities were alerted a short time later. Unfortunately by the time they went out to search the crash site it was already too late."

"Given the captain was the only recorded fatality on that night I can only assume he is at the center of whatever is conspiring on this cruise?"

"Perhaps this bit of information will help," Dick continued. "The name of the man who was at the helm of that boat seven years ago, Tallod Inaba."

"Inaba.." Damian paused. It all clicked in a moment's time. "Don't tell me that-"

"That's right, Tallod was the father of Shou Inaba," Dick revealed. "The man who is also present on that ship of yours."

"It's all coming full circle. There's no doubt in my mind who is behind all of this." Damian now had a sharp look of assurance. "Inaba."

"Slow down there bud. Hate to pull the break on ya, but we still don't have any proof he is the one pulling the strings," Dick stated. "Sometimes even the glaring obvious might not wind up being the truth."

"I'll find my proof," declared Damian.

"Listen, don't reel in on only one possible outcome. There's still a lot unanswered, someone else could be behind it for all we know. All the information I gathered involving what we just discussed I will now send to you."

"Dually noted Grayson." Following his words the transmission between the two was cut. "A conclusion is now in arms reach."

Through the clashing sound of the oceans waves Damian heard the carrying of a voice from the right side.

"Yo! Find anything?!"

Shifting, Damian's sights fell on Heiji who stood out on the balcony two rooms over. "Nothing of note; and you?!"

"Can't say anything glaring at first sight, will review the collected photos after we finish up here." At that moment Heiji noticed a change in Damian's expression. It was one of sniper sharp focus. "You ok?!"

Damian raised a hand, pointing in the direction past Heiji. "Look!"

The teen detective was certainly curious, turning Heiji spotted what he assumed Damian had spotted. "Is.. is that a rope?" Investigating further his eyes drifted upward, the top of the rope was tied to the railing on the top deck with its end buried beneath the ocean's surface. "Clearly something is tied to the end of that rope.. what could it be?"

"I say we head to top side and pull up to see what's latched to the end of that rope," Damian suggested.

"Yahuh," Heiji replied who made a move for the door. "Let's go, I'll meet you guys in the hallway!"

Damian nodded, opting to do the same. Sliding the door open he waved, in doing so gaining Mitsuhiko's attention.

"You find something out there Damian-kun?"

"Let's go," replied Damian without a reason as to why.

"But I haven't even searched the bathroom yet," argued Mitsuhiko.

"We don't have time for that." Damian trotted to the other side of the room with nothing more to add.

"Why are we in such a rush all of a sudden?" That very thought circulated throughout Mitsuhiko's mind all the way out past the door.

As planned the pair met up with Heiji who was already waiting for them. "Good, you're both here. Before we travel up top I would like to take a look at the photos the two of you took to compare with my own."

"Here," Mitsuhiko said before holding out something for him to take.

There was a puzzled look to display across Heiji's face. "What's this?"

"My notepad," Mitsuhiko replied. "Don't forget my phones battery juiced out hours ago, and since I couldn't take pictures I took notes instead."

Heiji lifted the booklet to eye. "Oh kay, let's see here.."

The main room was what was described, from the position of the bed in relation to other items located throughout the room. Reading over the written Heiji then referred to his own taken photos. There was an expected resemblance between what was written on the notepad and the few pictures he had initially taken. "Damian-kun, show me what you have," Heiji said after giving back the notepad.

Before any further action could be taken Heiji's cellphone began vibrating. "Huh.. a message.." It was a number he did not recognize. "Someone sent me an attachment, but for what?"

"You'll want to have a look at that; it's a document of information detailing an incident that occurred seven years ago," Damian informed.

"Wait, you're the one who sent me this message?" asked Heiji who lowered his phone. "How did you even get my number?"

"That's not important right now, here," said Damian handing his phone over to Heiji. "Feel free to look over the photos I took."

"Of course."

Heiji eyes hovered over his collection of photos before directing focus to the ones Damian took. The stun on his face was almost instant. Damian noticed this in short time. "You find something?"

".. Maybe." Heiji handed the phone back. He stood in silence for a number of seconds before electing to speak again "Listen, I'll join you guys on the deck in a bit. There is something I gotta check out first."

"You found a lead off the pictures?" Mitsuhiko was hopeful.

"We'll call it a soft hunch," replied Heiji who turned for the other side. "Make sure you guys stick together, ok."

"Where are you going exactly?" Mitsuhiko asked.

"Goanna go check out the room right above the one you two were just in."

The two watched as he raced off. "So that's that," Mitsuhiko remarked.

"He seemed intent. I'd say we're dealing with more than just a mere hunch," said Damian. Mitsuhiko was inclined to agree. There was no time to waste. "Come on, let's hurry to the top."

"Sooo… why are we heading up there? You haven't exactly given me an explanation for why."

"While on the balcony I noticed something hanging from the railing from the top deck," Damian relayed. "It was a rope; one which hung down as far down as the ocean. It definitely wasn't there when I boarded."

"That must mean there is something attached to it," Mitsuhiko figured. "What do you think it could be?"

"Obviously that's what we're going to find out."

The two pressed on. Making their way up the staircase they had used earlier in the evening. Marching up the two crossed someone unexpected who was traveling in the opposite direction.

"Outta my way!" the young boy before them snapped in a demanding manner.

"Hey, aren't you that kid who was in the cafeteria?" Mitsuhiko questioned.

"The names Samuel," the boy stated.

"What are you doing here, and by yourself for that matter?" Damian asked.

"I must do as mother says," said Samuel who pushed in between the two as he continued downward

"Should we follow him?" Mitsuhiko asked.

"No way they would have let him leave the cafeteria alone, I'm sure his mother is close." Damian was against such a move. "Come, the sooner we get to top side the better."

Top deck was reached a short time later. Mitsuhiko instinctively looked from one side to the other.

"Do you remember where you spotted the rope hanging from?"

Damian motioned toward the left. "Given where the even numbered rooms are located it should be hanging from this side somewhere."

Mitsuhiko followed as they trailed to the ships edge. Stepping into place Damian looked overboard. It took little time for him to locate the hanging rope. "There it is, I see it!" Mitsuhiko pointed. The two continued until reaching the sought point. Damian made an immediate move to try and pull the rope up. "Well?"

"Whatever it is I won't be able to lift it alone. Mind giving a hand?" Damian asked.

"Of course!" Grabbing hold of the other side of the rope both Mitsuhiko and Damian pulled upward only to have minimal success. "It's no use, we're not strong enough to pull up whatever is down there."

"If only you were stronger," Damian remarked in light of their failure.

"Hey! The same could be said about you, you know," Mitsuhiko fired back in defense.

"Hey! What are you two doing over there?"

The pair turned to find a familiar face approaching from far across the way. "It's Aellun and the captain's son," Damian noted.

"Look Damian-kun, they've got Hepperway-sama with them."

"Huh, so she finally turned up. I wonder where she was for the past hour or so?" Damian thought internally.

"Where is Hattori-kun?" Eljan asked after stepping within feet of them.

"He's.. looking into something," Damian simply put.

"He assured us he would meet us up here after he is done," Mitsuhiko added.

"Which leads back to what I asked before, what are you guys doing up here?" Aellun asked for a second time.

"There's a rope tied to the railing over here," Mitsuhiko informed. "Damian-kun and I tried to pull it up, but whatever is attached to it is too heavy for us to lift."

Aellun curiously strolled over. "This rope.. I'm positive it wasn't here when the ship departed."

Damian's eyes were focused on Freya Hepperway who silently stood. In his mind there was a lot to question about her timely disappearance when the hanging man was first discovered. "Hepperway."

Hearing her name Freya faced him. "Yes?"

"Where did you take off to earlier?"

"I.. I panicked after discovering the body." Freya paused. "My instinct was to run.. it is not every day you walk into a room to find a deceased man hanging from the ceiling you know. My time alone helped calm my nerves."

Damian looked her over as if to analyze her. "And where did you go?"

"Hey, I could use a little help over here," conveyed Aellun who attempted to lift the rope himself.

"Here, I'll lend a hand," said Eljan who moved over to join him. Damian too returned to the side of the railing.

Aellun took a deep breath. "Alright in three, two, one." From there the three lifted.

"Great, you guys are doing it!" cheered Mitsuhiko who monitored their progress from the side. The face to express would soon drastically change after spotting what began to ascend from the depths of the ocean. "No way!"

Concern arose. "What's wrong?" Freya asked.

Fright filled Mitsuhiko's eyes as he pointed downward. "A.. it's a body!"

It didn't take long for the efforts of the three to reach the ropes end, pulling up what was in fact another body. One look was all it took for everyone to identify who it was.

"I can't believe it!" Aellun was at a loss for words. "It's Neour Cheon!"

Everyone stood, stunned by the latest discovery in this ongoing mystery. "Come, get him on the ground!" shouted Aellun.

The three carefully rested Neuor to the ground. "Is he breathing," Eljan asked.

Aellun reached to search for a pulse. In doing so he looked back to face the others, simply shaking his head. "He's gone."

Damian was not in the least bit surprised.

"What about CPR?" Freya suggested. "Perhaps we can revive him?"

"A futile attempt I'm afraid," Damian said. "I discovered the rope several minutes ago while a couple floors down, and who knows how long his body was hanging before even that."

"The one million dollar question, who is behind this?" Aellun questioned not expecting to get an answer.

"I have a feeling if we don't hurry and solve this we could be looking at a higher body count," Mitsuhiko spoke worriedly.

"If there is anyone who can figure out what's going on it is Hattori-sama." Eljan felt confident in the claimed.

Not wanting to see anymore Freya turned away. Mitsuhiko inched in a step closer. "So I'm going to go out on a limb and say he died from drowning?"

"That would be the assumption, yes," replied Aellun. "Of course we won't know for sure until an autopsy is performed." Now examining the body he slid Neour's eye lids upward to find the entirety of his eyes bloodshot. What was the cause of this? Certainly a detail he would keep in mind. A number of minutes would pass as he did a full on examination of the body.

"Yo, Hattori-sama is here!" Eljan alerted.

As per agreement Heiji had finally made his way to the deck.

"Apologies for the wait, had to make an unexpected visit to the room with the water control panel. Anyway, what's the condition of the body?" Heiji asked as a dumbfounded Aellun stood up.

"How did you know we found a body?!" Aellun exclaimed.

"Wow! He really is the world's greatest detective!" Eljan shrieked in a fan boy like matter.

Heiji chuckled. "Not exactly, I was listening in on everything that was being said through your walkie talkie."

Aellun laughed. "I must have sent transmission by accident; by any chance did you happen to cross Yumin-san on your travels?" Aellun was hopeful.

Heiji shook his head. "No such luck."

Eljan gulped. "Well.. a, that's definitely not a good sign."

Like Aellun before him Heiji looked over the body. His main thought of process was to note any possible wounds, or anything that would indicate if there was a struggle before the events leading to Neour ending up below sea. Heiji discovered no such evidence. This begged the question, was he not forced overboard? He then looked up at the railing where the rope was tied, reaching up he untied it to find a faint mark of the ropes print embedded on the railing.

A grin formed across Heiji's lips. "It is as I suspected."

Mitsuhiko noticed the sudden change in his demeanor. "Why is he smiling I wonder.. has he figured something out?"

"Hate to interrupt, but I must ask," Damian began. "Did you read over the article I sent to you?"

Heiji who wrapped up his examination faced him. "I did."

"And?"

"Given what happened seven years ago, coupled with everything we've learned up until this point I have figured out not only who the killer is, but the motive behind why tonight's events were set into motion."

Most everyone showcased a look of shock. "What, have you really uncovered who the killer is?" Aellun asked.

"It's the masked man, Manabu Yoneda right?!" Eljan was sure of it.

A smile sparked across Damian's lips. "So, he's figured it out as well."

"I'll explain everything soon, first we need to return to the cafeteria," Heiji said.

Aellun nodded. "I'll lead the way."

"Now we're singing my tune," Eljan commented.

Everyone pressed on, staying weary of their surroundings as they traveled. A few minutes was all it took for the five to arrive back to the cafeteria. Not wasting a moment the current circumstances was relayed to all in attendances.

"You've got to be kidding, someone else was killed?!" Reira Jo was at a loss for words.

"What about that missing girl?" Aoko questioned.

"Anyone of us could be next!" Anna fretted.

"You said you know who the killer is right? So go on and tell us!" Kiku who was growing impatient wanted answer's just like everyone else.

Heiji waved in attempt to calm everyone. "Listen up, I assure you all no one is currently in any immediate danger. After all, every attack that occurred to this point was planned from the very beginning."

There were clearly a number of questions raised after hearing the stated. "I beg your pardon?" Captain Aldor wished to know more.

Heiji elaborated. "What I'm saying is that the origin of tonight's horrors stems back to something that occurred seven years ago, at an event known as 'Half Moon Light Dash'." Frazzled, that was what was expressed on Reira Jo's face. Heiji took immediate notice of this. "Hm, you know where this is going don't you?"

"It can't be. Are you telling me this has something to do with what happened to that poor man all of those years ago?" Reira was stunned.

"It has everything to do with what occurred that night," stated Damian who inserted himself into the equation. "It isn't coincidence that the five of you who were involved in that crash ended up on this cruise all at once."

"What the hell happened seven years ago?! Tell us!" Anna yelled.

"Given the circumstances of this situation, I believe we're all entitled to know at least that much," Rosetta added.

Heiji would grant them just that. "I'll keep it short. Seven years ago not too far off from where we departed into the Osaka bay there was a party, one known as the Half Moon Light Dash."

After hearing it for a second time it snapped in Aoko's mind. "Ya.. I knew I heard of that."

Kaito turned to his friend. "What now?"

"The Half Moon Light Dash, if I'm not mistaking it is an event where people come dressed in either white or black, with their partner sporting the other," Aoko noted.

"That would be it," confirmed Damian who stood just a few feet away from the pair.

"Taro -san," Heiji spoke looking into his direction.

"..Yes?"

"Tell me, do you recall what the deceased man hanging in the armory was wearing?"

"Well," Taro said giving it a moment's thought. "He had on a suit, one which was spilt into two colors, white and.. oh, now I see!"

"That's right, the suit of black and white he had been placed in was to reference the Half Moon Light Dash. Furthermore, during the course of that gathering five of the guests decided to go on a little boat ride, a thirty minute cruise of the area if you will," Heiji continued. "The five in question; Lukmar Xiene, Yasu Oehi, Reira Jo, Neour Cheon, and Manabu Yoneda."

"Here comes the juicy part," Kaito thought to himself.

"After setting off it wouldn't be until past the halfway point of their trip that they would experience an.. accident, a collision with another boat," Heiji relayed. "All would survive, including the driver of the other boat, all except for one."

"Who?" Taro questioned.

"The captain," Reira revealed. "It wasn't until we all swam to the shore that we realized the captain was missing."

"Why didn't he swim to safety like the rest of you?" Eljan asked. "Did he not know how to?"

"It wasn't that, it was because.."

"He was unable to," Damian interjected. "Unfortunate as it may be he just happened to break his arm as a result of impact. After he fell overboard he would descend below the water before ultimately drowning."

A number of silent filled moments passed. "So the captain drowned.. but, but how does that tie into tonight's attacks?" Captain Aldor still didn't understand.

"Retribution.. revenge, that is the calling card," Damian gave in response.

"Revenge? Wasn't what happened an accident?"

"The killer clearly doesn't see it that way."

"Out with it already, who is the one to murder those people?!" Katsuo shouted.

"To know the first victim will in turn reveal the face of the killer," Damian explained. "The man who drowned seven years ago as a result of that accident.. Tallod Inaba."

Damian then looked to a certain man who now stood with his head down. "Inaba Shou, Tallod was your father.. wasn't he?"

Many gasped at the reveal.

"Wow, now that's what you call a spoiler alert," Kaito remarked under his breath.

Raising his head to face him Shou would respond. "Yes, that man was my father." There was animosity present within his voice.

Captain Aldor was stunned. "So he is the killer."

"When we spoke before you brought up the fact for the past several years that on this very date you ride on the Sunshine. Coincidence tonight's events fell in line with this day? I think not," Damian stated. "You blame everyone who was on that boat seven years ago for your father's death. Tonight has been nothing more than a revenge course."

Mitsuhiko's eyes popped. ".. The Sunshine."

Shou shook his head in denial. "No."

Damian didn't believe him in the least. "Yes. You sent out invitations, making sure that all who were involved that night showed up here. You made it seem for those to receive the tickets for tonight's cruise that they won them in some kind of raffle."

"I have nothing to do with this; I did not kill those people!" Shou denied once more

"The evidence strongly suggests otherwise," to which Damian responded.

Heiji would tune in once more. "And what evidence is that?"

Damian was caught off guard by the commented. "Were you not listening to everything I just said?"

Heiji nodded. "Every word of it, but nothing you presented was evidence against Inaba-san's innocence."

Damian turned to face him in full. "Are you suggesting he is not the killer?"

Heiji shifted his hat from where it had been turned backwards. "Suggesting? No, I am absolutely certain of Inaba-san's innocence."

Shock overtook all onlookers once more.

"This just keeps getting more and more interesting by the second," Kaito thought to himself.

That moment it all came back full swing. "I remember!" The connection had eluded Mitsuhiko until now. "Captain Aldor Hirata.. this ship titled the Sunshine. What officer Takagi said to Conan about him searching for a man by the name Aldor Sunshine.. the captain, this ship.. is it connected somehow?"

"So if not him, then who?" Kiku asked.

"To answer that is to look back on the events leading up to this moment," Heiji responded.

"What are you getting at?" Anna asked.

Heiji looked to a certain individual specifically. "Tsuburaya-kun.. Damian-kun."

Knocked from his inner thoughts Mitsuhiko responded. "What is it?"

"Your observations of everyone boarding this ship earlier coupled in with Kuroba's rundown of his experiences since boarding were very telling. What I learned happened seven years ago revealed the truth behind who is behind tonight's scheme above all else," said Heiji who looked into Aellun's direction. "As I mentioned, before meeting you all on top deck I made a call to a certain someone."

Aellun was interested to know who. "If you're bringing this up there must be some relevance, yes?"

"I made contact with the lead detective who worked the case that night, Baro-san," Heiji conveyed. "He told me everything he remembered from that night, testimonies, weather conditions, and even the severity of the wreckage."

"And what was so insightful about what he said that enlightened you?"

"You know, it's actually kind of funny," began Heiji who began walking in place. "It was actually something he said that wasn't directly linked to the case that drew my attention in the direction of the real culprit pulling the strings."

"And what was that?" Captain Aldor asked.

Upon taking another step Heiji stopped, giving eye to Shou Inaba once more. "Your father and mother, they had gotten a divorce two years before his death. You elected to stay with your mother when all was said and done. Given your resenting tone to Damian-kun bringing up the fact Tallod Inaba was your father told me there was no lost love between you."

Shou would not deny the spoken. "Perhaps."

"Detective Hattori, where are you going with this?" Aellun did not see the point.

"Inaba-san, why don't you tell everyone why your parents divorced," Heiji said.

Hesitant at first he would do just that. "Their marriage ended because that man found someone else," Shou revealed with a tune of sadness. "He abandoned us, he.. he abandoned me."

Captain Aldor rubbed the back of his head. "As saddening as that may be, I don't see how that plays into the situation we now face."

"Everything will make sense very soon. For you see, the woman whom Inaba-san was to marry next, Himenay," Heiji informed. "Konya Himenay."

"Konya?" Aellun's eyes widened. "You don't mean to tell us-"

"That's right, Konya Himenay was the mother of Konya Yuriko," Heiji revealed all while making eye contact with Yuriko.

There was one line that grabbed Damian's attention. "Hold on, did he just say 'was'? What happened to your mother?" His focus now locked on Yuriko.

"She.. my mother died a long time ago," Yuriko informed.

"How?" Aellun pressed for more.

When Yuriko didn't respond Heiji left it to himself to answer the questioned. "Four months after Tallod-san's death sadness took over Himenay, ultimately leading to her taking her own life."

Shock fell upon Chiasa's face. "Yuriko-chan, I.. I never knew."

"So what of it?!" Yuriko shouted. "Are you saying that I am the one responsible for the killings?"

All eyes fell on Heiji. "Is that true Hattori-kun?" Captain Aldor questioned. "What about that masked man? Surely he is involved in some capacity or another?"

"What can I say?" Heiji paused. "The true killer is one wrapped in three."

His words brought about confusion. "What are you saying? That there are three killers in all?" Rosetta asked.

"Not quite. What I'm saying is the culprit has three faces," Heiji explained.

"THREE FACES?!" Many expressed at once.

Damian stepped up to him. "Explain."

"Well of course." Heiji would do just that. "The truth of this got revealed to me from what you and Tsuburaya-kun described to me."

"And what was that exactly?"

"Your observations from when everyone was boarding the ship, the order of which everyone arrived specifically," Heiji continued. "And above all, the time in which the two separate loud splashes you heard in the ocean. The first splash you claimed came after Taro-san and his family boarded with the second occurring after Hepperway-san had made her way on, that right?"

Damian gave the confirming nod. "Yes, so?"

"Lukmar Xiene; his body was the one found hanging in the armory. Then there is Manabu Yoneda, the masked man," Heiji ran down. "The first, a victim.. the second, a suspect. What links them outside of that? The splash, or rather the two splashes that you heard."

"I don't understand," Captain Aldor voiced.

"What does the order of them boarding in relation to the splashes mean?" Aellun asked.

"Because the person posing as Lukmar Xiene jumped off of the ship, swam back to shore, then re-boarded as Manabu Yoneda before repeating the same steps as before.. and finally, boarding the ship carrying their true face. That person is you, Yuriko Konya!" Heiji stared her deep in the eyes.

"That is not true!" Yuriko angrily denied.

"Not only does evidence point to you, you're one of the few with motive, and the means to pull off the attempted scheme."

"No way!" shouted Chiasa who stepped forward. "She was with me pretty much all of the time. I would have known if-"

"But she wasn't with you the entire time, as noted in your own words when you were questioned earlier," Heiji reminded. "When you boarded for example you questioned Konya-san about how her hair had gotten wet, clearly you had been apart for a short time."

Mitsuhiko blinked an eye. "I remember that."

"You also were apart for a brief time when you arrived at the pool room before Konya-san. It was during that small window of time Waitto that your friend acted on her next step in plan, a diversion.. an illusion of the presence of another if you will," Heiji continued. "The masked man, Manabu Yoneda."

"Have you already forgotten?! She and Oehi-chan were attacked right outside this room," Aellun felt the need to remind.

"An act which Yuriko-san put on for everyone," Heiji responded. "She definitely wasn't attacked at the time we heard her scream."

"You saying she disguised herself as Yoneda-san not only at the time she boarded as him? But for a second time during this cruise?" Captain Aldor sought clarification.

"Yes, a plan which was to paint the picture of a suspect all while reeling away focus from the truth." Heiji would then bring focus to Kaito. "Kuroba-kun, you recall sighting Yoneda-san yourself right?"

Kaito gave the confirming nod. "It was after leaving my room to search for this girl," said Kaito who pointed back at his friend behind.

"I have a name," Aoko growled under breath.

"It was only for a moment's time, but I'm pretty sure of what I saw," Kaito stated. Heiji made a move toward him, a move which was unexpected. "What is it?"

"There's something I want you to take a look at." Heiji handed over his phone for Kaito to take a look at.

The picture in question showcased two chairs and a glass table. "This photo.. was it taken out on one of the balconies? Cus it looks similar to the balcony arrangement of my room."

"And it should, that photo was taken on the balcony of room 20B, one over from your own," Heiji confirmed.

Kaito shrugged. "Is there something special I should be seeing?" Through his eyes there didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary.

"Damian-kun," Heiji called waving him over. "Pull up that photo you took out on the balcony in room 24B."

While he was clueless for what this would lead to, Damian did just that as he marched over. "I don't see what is so ground breaking about this picture."

"Then take another look. For it is what you don't see which reveals the truth," Heiji said as he handed over his phone for Damian to draw comparisons.

"A glass table, there wasn't one out on the balcony of room 24B," Damian realized.

"Is that really the case?" Heiji then turned to Kaito. "In your statement to me earlier you claimed you were asleep for a brief time. What awoke you was a loud sound; one you compared to shattering glass that you believe came from outside on the balcony of your room."

Kaito nodded. "That's right."

"When in reality the sound you heard actually came from the balcony one room over, 24B."

Damian's eyes widened in realization. While he hadn't given it much thought at the time it was certainly now a detail of interest. "You don't say Hattori. I actually stepped on a piece of glass while I was out on the balcony of that room, I believed it to be an insignificant encounter but now.."

"But what does it all mean?" Mitsuhiko questioned.

"The rope," replied Heiji who looked back in Yuriko's direction. "The same rope that you attached to Neour Cheon is the same rope you used to swing down to room 24B from your actual room, 24A."

"You have no proof of such an act, that is an assumption on your part," Yuriko denied.

"Using the master key given to me I searched the balcony area of your room due to suspicion, one which sprung from Kuroba-kun sharing with me that you initially attempted to enter room 24B in mistaking it for your own. While it could have been an honest mistake, taking into account everything going on I had to consider there was more to it." Heiji explained. "Know what I found on the railing of your balcony? The print of a rope embedded in its arm, clearly caused by an operating weight from someone descending to a lower level. The created mark matched the same print made on the railing where Cheon-san's body hung from the deck's railing. I'm willing to bet any run test would confirm the same rope was used in each case."

Heiji began pacing once more. "Then there's the case with Yasu Oehi. When she and Reira Jo went to the bathroom you opted to go as well. I have no doubt Jo-san is on your target list as well, your goal was to neutralize them both at once.. two birds one stone," Heiji said. "Unfortunately for you Jo-san left the bathroom just as you arrived, leaving your opportunity down to one. In that bathroom was where Oehi was subdued, not in the hallway like we were all led to believe."

"Yuriko and Oehi-chan's booklet were found in the hall! They definitely were attacked there!" Chiasa argued. "There is no proof of your claim.. Yuriko is not a killer!"

Stopping with another taken step, Heiji reached into his pocket; holding up an item for all to see. "What is that?" Eljan questioned.

"It's a pen," responded Heiji who looked toward Reira Jo. "One I'm sure you would be familiar with." Heiji would go on to toss the object toward her.

Reira was surprised. "This is one of my special edition pens I gave to Yasu, she was so excited when I gave it to her. Where did you find it?"

"In the women's bathroom on the ground; Tsuburaya-kun was the one to discover it," Heiji relayed before looking back at Yuriko. "You engaged Oehi-san in the bathroom; in that time of scuffle she dropped it. While her body and year book were removed from the area of attack, you left behind one scent of evidence, her pen. No way she would have left that pen behind after just receiving it."

"Ok, I hear all that your saying but there is still one thing that doesn't really make sense," Aellun said. "How would Konya-san have subdued Cheon-san, she.. she's like half his size if even that. No way she could have taken him out and then lifted him over that railing by herself. In regards to Oehi-chan, let's say she did knock her out somehow. She wasn't gone that long, she wouldn't have had much time to dispose of the body and get into position in the short amount of time she was away from the cafeteria like you explained in your scenario."

"True, it would be almost nearly impossible for Konya-san to pull all of that off.. that is if she was working alone," Heiji said.

An outpour of shock arose. "What?! She wasn't working alone?! Who is her accomplice?" Rosetta enquired.

"It must be her friend!" Kiku pointed.

Chiasa swung her hands in denial. "I.. I had nothing to do with any of this!"

"No, Waitto-san had no idea about tonight's planned scheme," Heiji shot down before conveying yet another shocking reveal. "Konya-san's true accomplice is none other than her twin.. twin brother."

"Auhh.. TWIN BROTHER?!" Captain Aldor was completely speechless.

Nodding as he turned Heiji's eyes fell on a certain cook. "Nenjo-san, I knew early on that this entire scheme required an inside person. After calling the lead detective who worked that case seven years ago I learned of you and your sister in connection to Tallod Inaba who lost his life on that night. You were the one to cut the electricity when you went to go investigate the malfunctioning lights which I'm sure you played a hand in. I have no doubt you were the one to move both Cheon-san and Oehi-san's bodies after they were rendered unconscious. Given that you were aware Shou Inaba would be on this cruise today, it makes sense you would choose this day to act on your plan of vengeance."

Anger filled Captain Aldor. "Nenjo-kun, is what he says true?!"

At that moment the walkie talkie attached to Heiji's side began to ring. "Hey, I was hoping I'd hear from you soon. Did you find her?" A smile came to Heiji's face. "Good, go on and bring her in."

"Who was that Hattori-sama?" Eljan asked.

The door to the room would fly open before a response could be given, all looking on in surprise to discover Yumin who held an unconscious Yasu in his arms.

"Yu.. Yumin?!" Aellun said in surprise.

"And he's got that missing girl with him," Eljan added.

"I found her just where you said she would be Hattori-kun," said Yumin who closed in.

"How is she doing?" Heiji asked.

"Still breathing, but she'll be needing that antidote you mentioned," Yumin replied as he carefully placed her onto the ground.

"Yumin-san, where have you been?" Aellun asked in relief. "We couldn't get ahold of you. I was worried something happened to you."

"Never you worry my friend, it was all part of the plan," Yumin revealed.

Captain Alor raised a brow. "Part of the plan?"

"As I alluded to before I knew this entire scheme required an inside person, I wanted an extra set of eyes that was seemingly off the table to everyone else, including the killers. Early on I was able to eliminate Yumin-san from that possibility which is why I chose him," Heiji noted.

"What tipped you off?" Aellun asked out of curiosity.

"It was a comment made by Yumin-san when Lukmar Xiene's hanging body was first discovered. He suggested cutting Xiene-san down from where he hanged due to the probability that he could still be alive. If he had known Xiene-san was dead I don't believe he'd have said the same. That moment to me showed he too had laid eyes on the body for the first time and had no prior knowledge of the circumstances leading to that point," Heiji explained. "Of course there was always that small chance he was putting on an act, but it was a gamble I chose to take."

"Yumin-sama you said Oehi-san needs an antidote just a second ago," Eljan referred back to. "What did you mean by that?"

Heiji would opt to answer the inquired. "I mentioned before both Oehi-san and Cheon-san had been subdued before having their bodies moved. This wasn't entirely done through physical means," Heiji dispensed. "A poisonous toxin."

Damian's eyes narrowed after hearing the spoken. Was this a possible connection with Scarecrow's fear gas? It couldn't be.. could it? Shifting his eye of focus Heiji looked toward Mitsuhiko.

"Tsuburaya-kun, earlier today you came upon a suspicious person while walking the streets of Tokyo. Instinctively you followed them, eventually leading to you witnessing a meeting between the person of interest and a man you described wearing a business suit. Initially you believed you had merrily walked in on an honest sale, one which you described to me as a perfume exchange.. but that wasn't the case was it?" Heiji would not stop there. "Of the two perfume canisters, one named 'The Sweet Death of Quicksand', and the other 'Second Life'."

"This is my first time hearing of this," Yumin stated.

"It really happened," said Mitsuhiko.

"Tsuburaya-san, that suspicious person who you assumed to be a man was actually a woman, Yuriko Konya. You couldn't see their face nor did they ever speak. It all adds up." Heiji then looked toward Yuriko who was stoic in expression. "Konya-san when everyone was initially gathered to the cafeteria you sprayed a bottle of perfume, a move which you made when Cheon-san was in range of you. I believe the contents of that bottle contained the poison, a.k.a The Sweet Death of Quicksand. After his departure you sprayed yet another flavored perfume, the 'Second Life'; and also the antidote for any who inhaled the first. After all Cheon-san was your target, him leaving the room played right into your hands. All that remained was for the poison to do its work, and once he was out cold.. he was tied to a rope before being dropped into the ocean."

A realization popped into Aellun's mind "Now I see, that's why Cheon-san seemed so bent out of shape after I caught up to him in the recreation center. Clearly the poison was already taking affect."

"When in the bathroom I have no doubt you used the spray to aide in your neutralization of Oehi-san, of course that would follow with Nenjo-san coming and putting the body into position where she would have ultimately drowned had Yumin-san not arrived." Heiji looked to Nenjo then back to Yuriko. "Am I right? Though there is still one thing that has dodged my understanding, the why.. Why do you blame the death Tallod Inaba on the five to ride his boat that night? What happened was nothing more than an unfortunate accident."

As the confrontation reached its climax Damian's phone began to vibrate, noting who it was Damian took the call. "Not a good time Grayson."

"Trust me, this is something you need to hear," Dick urged in response. "Ok, you know how earlier I couldn't pull a file on Rosetta Dellmara, Anna Hamilton, and the kid? Well turns out none of them exist."

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like what I hear next?"

"Regarding Rosetta I have yet to dig up who she truly is, but in the case of Ms. Hamilton I was able to back track her steps for the past forty eight hours prior to boarding that ship."

"And?"

"Damian, she's one of ours.. it's Quinzel."

"Quinzel?" Damian was now completely drawn in. "You mean crazy circus clown Quinn?"

"Harley Quinn," Dick confirmed in full. "The crazy doesn't stop there."

"You don't say. Quinn disguised as a middle aged woman and spending her free time on a cruise with an underage kid, an act I'd deem well suspect."

"That's not what I mean. Listen, you need to get out of there. Something is incoming," Dick warned. "Alert the captain; everyone needs to get off of that ship pronto. Whatever you do don't take your eyes off of Harley, keep a lock on that Rosetta person as well until we know more."

"Incoming? Slow down," said Damian who sought an explanation. "What is going on?"

"There's no time to explain, you have to-"

One moment was its mark; a shattering sound erupted, one comparable to a collapsing cathedral. In its wake came an enormous shake of the surrounding area. Unable to maintain his footing Damian felt as his body soared across the room, making hard impact with the wall; the last thing to see before blacking out was the overlooking ceiling above.

To Be Continued