Detective Conan Fanfiction
Kiss of Death
Chapter 20
"Deadly Nighshade"
A/N: Sorry for the late update. I had a lot of brainstorming for this one.
(The day before)
"I am begging you, please include me. I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation. But I would want to protect everyone," Cedric said, bowing slightly to the bespectacled detective. Yet, Conan stared at him coldly, adamant in his rejection of including a mere 15 year old student.
Shaking his head, he stated, "I'm sorry, but I'd have to say no to this even if you would kneel. It's too dangerous, this might be ironic for me to say, but... You're only 15. I don't wish to risk your life for this." The golden boy said nothing but looked over to the bookshelves.
He took out a small chessboard and looked back at the detective, he explained, "I'm sure you're familiar with the Hounds of Baskervilles. There's this line: 'The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.' - as a fan of Holmes, you should know this." He tossed the black-and-white squared chessboard on the table.
He continued, "I never really knew what this meant. Countless of books and crime documentaries I've read, and only when that blonde-haired woman you call "Belmot" threatened me with gun, that I realised what has been before me," he opened the chessboard and revealed a few pieces, "life has always been a war. No matter how much we deny it, there's a hierarchy in all life forms. In wildlife, it is known as Darwin's theory of Evolution- if you'd like. The ones with the most favourable traits will survive while the weak ones die out. While humans are known to exist without a natural predator and are top of the food pyramid, it's still undeniable that there is a power struggle."
The golden boy held up a pawn chesspiece, "there's people who are unfortunately born with circumstances- be it poverty or disability, they would need to have the laborious trip to the edge of the board to get promoted to a chess piece of a higher value. That is, if they can survive," he paused for a moment, having to arrange all the chess pieces into their respective starting points, "would you mind if you will begin first?"
The boy with faint golden hair sat down with a solemn face. Conan made no objections and moved the pawn to E4. Observing it, Cedric maneuvered his pawn to D6. He rambled on, while Conan set out his next move, "on the other hand, there's the Kings - they only move one square per turn and yet, its life is essential as losing it would mean the game. That's a cruel system we'll have to accept, don't you think? Someone has to be of a lower class to sweep the streets to keep the road clean."
White pawn to D4.
Black knight to F6.
White knight to E3.
Black pawn to G6.
The detective stared at the chess piece for a moment, the Black knight was threatening one of the white pawns. Conan decided to move the white bishop to E3 to prevent this. After that, he spoke, "and so? I would have to admit that I've underestimated your maturity, but that is not a ticket to risk your life."
The blond boy mirrored his movements and the black bishop was now in G7. He replied, "it's not a risk if we take calculated precautions. Besides, only a fool will risk something without calculating it. We're both small 15 year old boys, but physical appearance is a mere deception. Child geniuses do exist in this world. Has anyone actually told you what convinced Jim Cisson that Violette's case was a murder? It was me. I met in America, and he flew here. He didn't believe me though, because of my age. He mentioned going to a famous Japanese detective from Osaka to solve it and confirm that it was indeed a murder -oh? You've moved your queen to D2 so quickly? I'll just place the pawn to C6. I won't let you prepare a king's side of attack so quickly!"
They played chess for 15 minutes.
"So, what do you think of my suggestion?" Cedric asked him.
Conan halted for a moment. He was getting driven to the corner here. No comrades left, just his King piece. His sweat droplets were visible on his forehead. "It's fine, but what bothers me is... Tyler said you were transferred, but the question is, where were you before that?" He reluctantly made the only option he could think of.
"Have you heard of Ravensbrück Orphanage?" the golden boy answered, "I was from there. It's not really a normal school, say, I wouldn't be surprised if you were from there. They raise children who are higher than average in intelligence. I really wanted to help Jim Cisson, but I guess he didn't trust a kid to solve the case, and the newspaper say that he's dead. I would like to help him rest in his death at least. And look, checkmate."
The boy in the glasses had to blink. Twice, exactly. There was in no way he could move the white King. It was in the corner, with the black Queen nearby, but if he were to overtake the black Queen, the black Rook or the black King would have gotten him.
He sighed in defeat. It's not like detective have to be good in chess, though Conan's ego flattened.
"I guess it's only possible with you in it, but our lives might be in danger. Are you willing to throw away your life?" he questioned the golden boy.
"I would like to mirror the question back to you. Then, your answer is my answer."
"Very well-"
"I'm nervous, Cedric, singing in front of the audience..." Phoebe sighed. She had an eye out on the golden boy for a while.
Sure it was fun to mess around with Tyler for a little bit, but there was... something mysterious about the blond boy ever since he got transferred. She didn't get the chance to talk to him because Ayumi seemed latched on the boy -this is her only chance!
He smiled warmly at her, "do you need comfort?" At this, she moved dangerously close to him, their noses touching. Brown irises met with emerald ones. He stroked her wavy chestnut hair, and asked, "won't your boyfriend be mad at you?"
Her face darkened. "Truthfully, it was only to keep an eye out for Tyler. Such a joke- to actually fancy a boy of low class. It still annoyed me how he was remotely interested in that girl named "Ai Haibara". But, everything else is a secret - I can't tell you everything, sweetheart," she casually whispered into his ear.
"Secretive girls are charming," he said softly, "here-" Cedric then handed out her wrist, enclosing a bracelet with a Deadly Nightshade flower on it. As she was distracted by the gift, he took the opportunity to slip his hand onto her inner thigh, earning a startle from her.
She withdrew a little, flustered by the sudden intrusion of his touch. She looked at the bracelet and asked, "why a Deadly Nightshade?"
He smiled again.
"You'll know soon enough-"
Heiji looked over to Conan.
This better work Kudo, although the spiked drink that the half-British "girlfriend" of his consumed will take a while to have its effects. Man, look at him, waltzing around with her. That wasn't part of the plan. That lover boy better not flunk what we're trying to lure out here.
The Detective of the West shifted his eyes, there were guards surrounding the perimeters.
Kaito Kid should arrive by now, according to Kudo, KID acts as divergence and my job should be done by apprehending Amora since the evidences are stacked up against her. The only thing that bugs me is that Kaito KID's message, of the "30 dead wolves". Oh, and there it is- the effects of the sleeping drug began to work on her. This might be harsh on her, but I guess Kudo didn't want her unnecessarily trying to bargain with the Black Organisation again. She will be placed under Jodie Starling and the Professor Agasa's care, to a safe place. Show's about to start.
Suddenly, smoke started to rise. Heiji smirked - the phantom thief would make his appearance soon enough. As Inspector Nakamori and his men hurriedly scrambled to catch him, Heiji and Takagi approached Amora calmly. "You've made your speech already as requested. Please cooperatively leave with us. We'll have to take you in for questioning," Inspector Megure said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
The woman simply nodded, mumbling, "Fine then, it's better than working under that monster anyways."
As they left, sure enough, the phantom thief was before the audience in a flash. The whiteness of his costume blinded them for a while, looking at him in shock and awe -like a white rabbit had been pulled out of the hat by magic. Then, with a swing of his cape, he vanished, yet the chessboard was still there. Of course, Heiji could see KID's mere tricks -he simply camouflaged within the crowd.
"The silver King piece! He stole the silver King piece!" Inspector Nakamori shouted, "find him!"
You idiots - Kaito KID grinned to himself as he made his way to his escape route, which was underground. Heiji ensured that the police force Nakamori that was dedicated to catching KID will not be an obstacle. In order for this plan to work, they had to let Kaito KID escape -much to his chagrin.
Kaito KID ran as quick as he could, for the one after him may have carried a weapon, but not too quickly as he ensured that the shadow was following him closely. Once he reached the rooftop, he tried to open his triangular glider, but it seemed jammed.
"Don't bother, I saw through your disguise. I made it sure it wouldn't work," a feminine voice called out.
"Aye, Miss. I guess you caught me, but... aren't you a little bit too young for me? People would misunderstand," Kaito KID likely joked, "a pretty rose for you, nonetheless. That Deadly Nightshade bracelet won't do." A scarlet rose appeared on his gloved hand, handing it out to the girl in front of him.
"Why, how nice of you, even with a pistol on my hand, you still bothered to give me a gift," she smirked at the thief.
"Miss, ever know what a Deadly Nightshade means?"
"We expect you to talk," Inspector Megure said briefly towards Amora.
"If I did, would you guarantee my safety?" she countered.
Heiji answered, "but of course-"
"Alright, then. I guess there's no way out - all the evidences surely pointed out that I killed Jim and Violette Cisson, just as you deduced. I did not intend to work for the syndicate -I was merely driven out of jealousy and thirst for revenge against my father-in-law. I hated Violette as well -that bastard child of my late husband. I couldn't have cared if Julias, my husband, was killed. All those hatred I've buried, because I actually thought my late husband loved me, but he cheated on me - and also treated my father-in-law as my own father. Yet, I couldn't murder them -I didn't have the courage. That was when a syndicate member under the code name "Whiskey" gave me a tempting offer. You see, Violette Cisson was under the code name "Marsala" in the syndicate. She was trying to uncover the death of Julias. They gave me an offer..." she reluctantly explained.
"What is that offer?!" Inspector Megure yelled, his impatience was rising above him.
"You see, I am the principal of that school. The syndicate member said that I can be guaranteed revenge against Violette Cisson if I agreed to become the principal of this school -as I do have teaching experience. That school, Moriarty Academy, was established years ago, which was owned by Whiskey. He owned it, because it was essential to build new employees of the syndicate. You see, 5 years ago, when that Violette leaked the information to the intelligence, that Black Organisation was in shambles, correct? " she continued.
It was true. That day when everyone thought that the syndicate was destroyed and the important members like Gin were captured, 5 years ago.
"No wonder, Kudo mentioned to me back then that Gin was mumbling about a 'Marsala' who did a lot of damage. Then, combined by the efforts of FBI, CIA and National Police Security, the Black Organisation was destroyed," Heiji interrupted.
"But that's what you think. True that the Anakota and the members were captured, but you didn't capture two of the essential ones -the woman named "Belmot" and Whiskey. They entrusted me to run the school smoothly, to act as the pretense while concealing something more sinister. While they were running around building up the organisation by hiring crooks from already-broken-down syndicates, they were also trying to raise "perfect killing machines". And do you know how they did it?" she paused. The shame was evident on her.
Gritting her teeth, she answered, "human experimentation."
"And you allowed such atrocity?!" Heiji yelled, shock was written all over him. There was an extreme amount of wrath engulfing his head.
"I did not know this at first. I should have known because asking me to run a school was eerily a normal request. They handled things by night and the weekend. The school population is made up by a large proportion of students who are selected into these special trainings, but there are also students who are enrolled normally to camouflage the system. I didn't have control on that part nor know which students are in the programme. Once I found out about it, it seemed to late. Who knows when the programme was already running and the students are probably psychologically damaged by now. They had undergone serious psychological torture and drugging after all. If only I knew earlier..." she mumbled again, feeling sulky for the whole revelation, "so don't mix me up with those syndicate members! I would never want to hurt these children!"
"But you did nothing about it. In your limited power, you wouldn't even fight for them," Heiji interrupted angrily, "you've let them get hurt. Who is Whiskey anyways?"
"Whiskey... I'm sorry- I don't know what he or she looks like. But one thing's for sure... Someone who is able to take advantage of children like bio-weapons and even take over the syndicate," she shivered then paused, "...is definitely a monster," she admitted fearfully.
"Before transporting you to a prison, is there anything else you'd want to let us know?" Inspector Megure inquired, jotting down some pointers on his notepad.
She shook her head. She said, "just kill that monster."
"Deadly Nightshade implies..." Kaito KID paused.
"It means: I believe you to be false," Conan appeared, as confident as ever. This gave Phoebe a shock.
"Why are you here?! That electrocuted shock would have made sure you got knocked out cold for a few moments! Belmot should've shot you by then!" she yelled, panic was creeping up on her skin.
Conan smirked, making her more intimidated. "Do you really think it was me?" It wasn't a question that needed to be answered, but it perplexed her more.
"Man, that was such a shock of my life. But probably you had the greatest shock for now," a boy with the same appearance as Conan emerged, he was scratching his head.
"Doppelganger?!" her blood turned cold.
The second boy took a step closer, "think again," he removed a layer of contact lens from his left eye. It revealed a mint hue while the contact lens were azure in colour. "Conan and I are roughly the same age and built. His mother helped me dress up as him. While you were busy chasing me, Conan was misleading Belmot and anticipating you by this rooftop. After you knocked me out by the stun gun, Belmot was already being misled and chased by Rei. I could've been the one misleading Belmot, but I really didn't want to meet that frightening woman again after pointing a gun at my head the other night," Cedric explained. Phoebe reacted with a small vein on her forehead. She immediately pulled a gun that was hidden on her inner thigh and pointed it at him. She tried to pull the trigger but it did not work. When it failed, Kaito KID fired a lightning-sped ace of spade card towards her gun, disarming her.
"That won't do, sweetheart," Cedric calmly stated, "before you sang in order to be up on stage for a better view to locate Haibara and Conan, I activated the safety on the gun."
Her memory jolted back to the moment Cedric touched her inner thigh flirtatiously. It was actually to mess up with her weapon.
"You bastard..." she muttered.
"I really didn't want to touch a lady there, but that's the only area you would hide a weapon. That Deadly Nightshade bracelet also had a tracking device, using the glasses Professor Agasa made," he added. He pressed the button of the no-degree spectacles he was wearing
"I knew you always have this odd thing about playing detective, Cedric. But I didn't know you're such a nosy-poker! They will get you for this!" she screamed at him hysterically, "oh yes, he'll get you guys good. I hated that boss, I'm glad that I don't need to deal with him. Yet, I still wish he gets you all in a fucking miserable state!"
"Are you done? And the inevitable result," Conan intercepted, "is to smoke out the mole who was after us!" He pointed at her, releasing a soccer ball from his belt and activating his power-enhancing shoe. Sure enough, he kicked the ball and it landed square on her face, knocking her out cold. One of the unnamed female FBI officers placed handcuffs on the unconscious girl and carried her to the police car, where she will be sent to the custody of authorities for further questioning.
Chianti stood at a building, anticipating for a certain police car. "That's the signal from Boss!" she inhaled excitedly and aimed at the moving police car.
The vehicle exploded from its hood, causing it to flung a few metres from the ground. Chianti laughed with joy at the sound of the screeching tires of the surrounding vehicles desperately avoiding to be part of the collateral damage. The ear-splitting screams of horrified bystanders joined in the symphony of chaos, seeing the sight of the unfortunate police car stashed upside-down at the side of the road. It emitted a foul stench of gasoline while the thick, black smoke filled the atmosphere.
Fortunately, one man had the quickness to dial the emergency number required and an ambulance rushed to the scene in the nick of time. The paramedics hurriedly pulled out its inhabitants. There were 3 people in the damaged vehicle: an old man whose mortally wounded, a younger man that sustained only minor cuts, yet considerably a large number of cuts and a woman, who was in handcuffs, pronounced dead. The paramedics placed the two heavily injured men in the stretchers, so that they could be sent to the hospital for immediate medical care.
The stretchers carried Hattori Heiji, while the other was Inspector Megure.
Meanwhile, Amora lay on the ground, lifeless as the white sheet covers her whole body.
The two boys stood from the police car that will take away Phoebe. Cedric was still disguised as Conan, although they could be distinguished as Cedric removed his blue contact lenses.
"I got an e-mail from Hattori two hours ago about Amora's questioning. Apparently, the students who were being trained to be syndicate members and still failed, will be given a final chance to prove their worth. Should they fail, they are sent to other businesses of the underworld. The young boys will be sent as human test subjects for various pharmaceutical drugs that the mafia community has been developing, while the young girls will be forced into brothels," Conan explained, "funny though, I tried to call Hattori and he's not picking up."
"So in other words, Phoebe might have been one of those failures in the programme. I guess she's better off here than to be placed in prostitution against her will. Miss, I need to get to a hotel nearby. Is it okay if I hitch a ride?" Cedric asked the female police officer.
"Alright, but sit on the front seat. The back seat is for the girl," she said coldly as she placed the unconscious Phoebe at the back seat.
"Kaito KID has run off with the silver king piece this time. The silver king piece was the one that contained the data of the real project of the APTX 4869, the work of the late Julias Cisson. His daughter, Violette, bought that chess set and inserted the data inside it. Which is why, it is slightly heavier than the other pieces. In truth, when Amora committed the murder years ago, she misinterpreted Violette's dying message," Conan explained.
"The dying message was: to whoever found my body, i would be gone by now, i will be joining father because the Grim Reaper took him away. please tell grandfather that he'll always be the King in the Alternate Universe, because he won't be the Other one. we will meet someday. for now enjoy a cheap wine like Sherry, or eat Dry Nuts and cuisines soaked in Sweet Sauce. farewell, for now." Cedric recited Violette's supposedly dying message.
Conan continued, "the 'King in the Alternate Universe' translates to the Gold King piece, but the 'he won't be the Other one' refers to the Silver King piece. Marsala is Violette's codename, which is similar to the wine Sherry. Sherry is made from dried nuts that are soaked in sweet sauce. Violette probably knew that there was a traitor of the organisation that has the codename "Sherry", so she used that to imply that she would betray the syndicate too. Well, that's a wrap for today, it seems to be falling into place. Now I just need to inform Hattori about this, but I seem to can't reach him for the moment."
"I guess there's more work to do!" Cedric chirped, "thanks for today, it wouldn't have work if both of us made errors."
"I could say the credit goes to you. Given that you came up with that idea and perhaps you're the only one whose built is about the same as I am. No one would be able to disguise as me except for you," Conan smiled.
Cedric returned the smile and placed his fist in front of him for a bro fist, "It was really dangerous, but I get the thrill of it. Honestly I've never had this much fun in years. Let's play chess some other time, okay? I'd like to see you try and beat me."
"Don't get too arrogant," Conan huffed, "I might just beat you, idiot."
"See you for now-" the car sped off.
(20 minutes later)
The female police officer from earlier stood over the devastated police car. Beside it was Phoebe, bloodied from the head. Her cause of death was due to a puncture on her skull from a bullet the female police officer fired. Beside her lay a young boy motionlessly, somewhere near Phoebe's age. His head was wrapped around a yarn sack.
The woman standing over them smirked devilishly at her art, "man, the Boss is really fired up. He's on the murderous rampage right now." She took off her brunette wig, revealing the tresses of her light golden locks and her trademark smile.
"Let's see if you can ever play chess with Silver Bullet again," Vermouth chuckled, before setting the yarn of sack that covered the boy's head with fire.
She took the Deadly Nightshade off of the dead girl's wrist and wore it.
A.N: Alright, don't shit on me, but I highly believe that some deaths and injuries needs to be on the roll (still more to come soon). One of the biggest criticisms I have for Detective Conan is that there are barely any reappearing major character deaths (those minor characters don't count), when it is very possible for characters in the police force, FBI, CIA etc. to face life-and-death situations.
Of course, not all the characters mentioned that were injured above are dead. I will kill off one, and I'll reveal who is it in the following chapters.