PROLOGUE?
On a chilly, unsettling night, a lone figure stood outside the doorstep of an enormous mansion. The entire building was perched atop a secluded hill and was colored entirely in black. The trek up the remote Matsumoto mountains had taken time, as the road for cars to travel through had been blocked off. However, he had a purpose in visiting the owner of the mansion. So he had decided to climb them up , while he wasn't certain if he'd be welcomed in, he had no choice but to meet up with the man living there. Fortunately, he had heard of the place's unique structure, so he was prepared before embarking on his fact, he had even received an invitation for a gathering the year before. He wasn't able to attend back then, but today was different. With a firm resolve, he knocked on the door, uncertain of what might lay ahead and yet, eternally hopeful.
The door swung open. A woman donning a traditional maid's attire was now in front of him. It looked like she was the caretaker of the place.
"May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?" She asked, her tone polite yet her gaze scrutinizing the unfamiliar guest.
He offered the maid his name along with the reason for his requested him to wait outside for a moment while she relayed the information to the master of the house. He obliged without protest. After all, he had arrived spontaneously—without an invitation.
A few moments later, the door opened once again. This time, a man of evident stature emerged.
"Oh, what a surprise it is to see you," the man remarked, his voice brimming with intrigue. "When I heard you had declined my invitation for last year's gathering, I must admit I was a bit hurt."
His curiosity was visibly piqued by the unexpected visit from the stranger. The individual facing the mansion's owner was none other than the famed detective-turned-novelist he had hoped to meet one day. To get to know him, and engage in a long anticipated game of strategy to test his own intellect against that of the visitor. This confrontation of wits was one of the owner's favorite pastimes. He delighted in challenging individuals from various fields, inviting them to unravel the mansion's secrets and conquer his intricate puzzles. If only to see them fail miserably.
"Ah, yes. I'm afraid I was in America back then. But I do hope it's not too late for a meeting today." the figure replied, as he removed his hat to greet the man in front of him.
"No, not at all. I'm well aware that you are a busy man," the owner of the mansion responded. "And I've always harbored a desire to meet the world-famous novelist Kudo Yusaku!" His words conveyed a genuine sense of anticipation.
With a gracious nod, he invited the novelist into his home.
"I hope I can meet your expectations," Yusaku replied with a smile, shaking hands with him.
As the figures exchanged pleasantries, the maid elegantly approached the novelist. Her serene smile radiated warmth as she gracefully accepted his coat and hat. With utmost care, she hung them on the ornate coat rack thoughtfully positioned nearby.
The two figures strolled through the hallway. Yusaku observed the captivating details of his surroundings. The garden outside the mansion was certainly brilliant, but so was the mansion itself.
Elegant paintings adorned the walls, each a masterpiece in its own right. The architectural design showcased the refined taste of its owner…as well as the wealth behind him. Chandeliers hung gracefully from the ceiling, casting a warm and abundant light that added a sense of grandeur to the space. Soft carpets covered the marble flooring, muffling footsteps and contributing to the tranquil atmosphere that enveloped the mansion. Every detail reflected a commitment to luxury and sophistication, sparing no expense in creating an environment that oozed refinement. From the meticulously chosen furnishings to the carefully curated décor, each element spoke of the dedication poured into crafting this manor.
"You have a truly magnificent house," Yusaku complimented the owner.
"I'm pleased you think so," the man responded, a glint of pride in his eyes.
"Oh, it's actually my wife who has cultivated my appreciation for the fine arts," the novelist confessed. "She's always had a keen interest in various forms of artistic expression."
"I see. It's a pity you didn't bring her along; I'm certain she would've loved to marvel at this piece," he replied, gesturing toward a stunning 18th-century European painting.
"What can I say, we've both been quite busy these days." Yusaku responded, his voice bearing a hint of sadness. "It's not often we even meet each other now; she's been staying in Beika for the most part while I've been attending events abroad."
The two men walked towards the study, the room where the owner would meet his guests.
"I couldn't help but notice that there are only two individuals in this entire mansion. Is she responsible for overseeing everything?" Yusaku inquired, gesturing toward the maid.
The owner of the house burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Nothing truly escapes your keen eyes, does it?"
Regaining his composure, he responded, "No, usually we have a larger staff, but today has been unusually quiet. That was…until your visit." The two stared at each other for a split second, almost sizing up their potential opponent.
"But enough small talk, how about we engage in a little game first?" The owner of the mansion decided. He motioned towards the assortment of puzzles adorning the room.
From his collection, the man picked out a chess set, setting the stage for their upcoming match. The pieces, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship, seemed to have a life of their own. Their smooth surfaces and intricate details hinted at the dedication of the master craftsman. A soft scent of polished wood lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of a fireplace crackling nearby—to counter the cold breeze coming from outside the mansion.
"How about a game of chess?" He proposed to the novelist. "It presents a wonderful opportunity to pit our intellects against each other."
"Certainly," Yusaku agreed, to which the man inquired, "Would you like to play as White or Black?" extending the novelist the choice of side, since he had selected the game.
"I'd prefer to play Black if that's alright with you," Yusaku requested. "I'm not particularly fond of making the first move."
"Very well, then. It just so happens that I prefer to take initiative myself," the man remarked.
The two began meticulously arranging the pieces on the board.
"It shames me to admit it," Yusaku began with a wry smile, his tone carrying a hint of sheepishness, "but it's been quite some time since I last played chess. Remind me, does the Queen go on the right or the left?"
"You've placed it correctly," the man replied, his eyes fixated on the board instead of the man in front of him, a quiet focus emanating from him.
With the pieces aligned and their positions set, the two men embarked on their duel.
The initial moves reverberated through the room, each choice laden with unspoken strategy and calculated intent. The atmosphere grew palpably tense as they navigated the intricate battlefield of the chessboard. Until…
"Knight takes Queen's Rook," announced the man, securing the first elimination of the match.
Kudo Yusaku observed the captured piece, acknowledging the early advantage his opponent had gained. "A well-executed maneuver indeed," he replied calmly. "But early advantage doesn't always guarantee victory."
The man smirked confidently, "Time is quite the precious commodity. If a piece is left unguarded, consider it lost."
"Duly noted."
"Oh, but that reminds me," the man's tone shifted, his demeanor suddenly changing. He offered the novelist his condolences, "I'm sorry for your loss. The passing of your son had momentarily escaped my mind."
Yusaku remained composed. "Thank you for your kind words." He replied, managing a small, appreciative smile. "But we have yet to recover a body." His gaze held an unspoken determination to find the truth, "As his father, I hold onto the hope that he might still be alive somewhere out there."
"Well, here's to hoping that he's safe." He raised the rook he had captured, his fingers tracing the carved details of the piece as he contemplated its significance. With a decisive gesture, he placed it aside, off of the board.
The two continued their game with the black side having seemingly lost its most valuable asset. As the match progressed, the pieces moved with strategic precision, each player vying for the advantage.
"Oh, are you sure you should be doing that? You're placing your Bishop in danger," Yusaku questioned his opponent, sensing a potential weakness in the man's move.
The man leaned back, a sly smile dancing on his lips. "It's a bad Bishop. I don't have any patience for pieces that are useless to me," he said. "That Bishop seemed rather protective of the pawn in front of it. Even after getting rid of that pawn, it remains hindered in its movements." He gestured dismissively, as if the pieces had personalities of their own. "Feel free to take it."
"You know what," Yusaku considered the proposition, "if your bishop doesn't intend to help you, I don't see any reason to get rid of it so soon, either." He mused aloud, his fingers hovering over the chess piece in question. "But then again, capturing it seems useful as well."
The man had no comment as his opponent pondered over the dilemma. The game continued after the fate of the Bishop was decided.
"You've lost another one of your pawns. Seems like I have the lead now." Yusaku noted, thinking himself to be in the clear.
"It was just a pawn. I have plenty of them." The man replied, seemingly unfazed by the loss of a minor piece, while he focused on capturing his opponent's stronger units.
The match progressed with each player employing their strategies.
"Bishop to A6." Yusaku targeted the White's Queen who was threatening two of Black's major pieces, with his own Bishop.
The man moved one pawn to the square ahead of his Queen as protection.
The game proceeded.
"Knight to D4." With the pawn having been sacrificed after the earlier altercation, the White Queen was once again threatened as it loomed over the Black's Bishop, hoping to get rid of it first and then capturing the others.
"My Queen is quite capable, but that Knight of yours seems like he'd be trouble if left unchecked," he noted. The White Queen managing to withdraw herself from the standoff after a few more movements.
The man's brow furrowed as he contemplated his strategy to handle the Knight. After a thoughtful pause, he returned his focus to the game, having devised his plan.
"Bishop takes the Knight," the man announced, removing one of the Black's Knights from the board.
"Hmm, I had honestly forgotten about that 2nd Bishop of yours. I had hoped it would stop helping you as well." Yusaku sheepishly laughed at his misfortune.
His opponent brushed off Yusaku's comment. The game continued to unfold with Black having lost a couple of major pieces, and the White side having mostly lost their Pawns.
"Queen to A8" With no other pieces adjacent to the Black Queen besides the King, the man had placed the Black Queen under threat.
Recognizing the impending danger, Yusaku deemed it necessary to ensure her safety. Executing a well-timed maneuver, he orchestrated a castle, skillfully moving his King to a more sheltered position while simultaneously guarding the Queen with the Rook.
"I was wondering why you hadn't moved that Rook until now," remarked the man.
Yusaku chuckled, his amusement evident. "I must confess, the intricacies of castling have always eluded me. It's a peculiar play, yet it holds its popularity," he continued. "But in this particular instance, the rook seemed available, so it was the best move."
"Though it would've been better if I could have switched it with the Queen instead."
"Hmm. Quite unfortunate that such a move is impossible."
"Yes, not quite in chess." Yusaku expressed in a subdued voice."I have to admit, preparing multiple defenses is proving to be difficult with your aggressive plays. I should have planned out some plays in advance, but it's not like you always know what life throws at you. So maybe I'll try something different."
"Knight to B3." Yusaku pulled his remaining Knight back to defend the monarch line and as a diversion for White's Rook.
The man contemplated, trying to ascertain the positioning on the board as he played his next strategy.
A couple of moves later…
"Rook to B5."
This time, it was the other White Rook threatening the Black's queen.
"Oh, can't you give her a break? She's been through a lot." Yusaku pleaded for the Queen on his side.
"You may not be utilizing your Queen, but that doesn't make her any less dangerous."
While he hadn't predicted this move, astonishingly, Yusaku managed to protect the Queen as well as take out that Rook using his Bishop in a couple more turns.
The man raised an eyebrow, "Well, well, well. That was an unexpected turn of events. Your Bishop didn't appear to have much potential initially, especially since it allowed my Queen to escape before. Was there a hidden support for it?"
"Thanks to your advice, I made it a priority to ensure the safety and coordination of all my pieces," Yusaku responded.
"Well, it seems like I have no choice but to move my other Knight to the center of the board."
And as he did, the tide of the game swiftly shifted back in his favor.
"I must admit, your other Knight is quite a formidable piece. It appears to have disrupted the entire playing field," Yusaku commented, seeing his pieces in danger.
"Knights are known for their impatience; they can ignore and bypass any other piece in their way," the man retorted with confidence.
"Ah, maybe you should have introduced him into the game earlier then," the novelist quipped in a light-hearted manner.
"There wasn't a need for that until now. Harnessing a Knight's unpredictability effectively is what adds intrigue to this game," he replied, "And that's what makes them such a formidable foe."
As the novelist took a moment to consider his options, his opponent offered a piece of unsolicited advice. "You really should consider advancing with your Queen. You are aware she's the most powerful piece on the board, aren't you?"
"As a husband and a father, I must say that a Queen's value is not solely in her strength but in her significance," Yusaku responded calmly. "A King's role includes safeguarding his Queen."
Scoffing at the absurd reasoning coming from the novelist, the man pointed towards the timer, "Let's continue."
"Queen to C5. I'll take out that Bishop first then." The two pieces were once again at a standoff. The man wanted to get rid of that troublesome piece next.
"Hmm, I wonder how this battle will end now." Yusaku wondered.
"My Queen is stronger than your Bishop," was his only response.
"Maybe so, but you seem to have played her an awful lot. She may have lost her drive."
"You don't need to worry about my Queen. After all, you won't have any other pawns left after this confrontation either."
And that was true. The White's other Knight had managed to clear the board of all the black pawns, albeit at the cost of sacrificing White's remaining Rook.
"Is there a piece of yours that can challenge this Knight?" He taunted the novelist.
"Who's to say? Perhaps a stronger player could find a way out of this." He contemplated. "But speaking of Knights, here's my next move."
"Oh, threatening my Knight with your King. You're leaving your King exposed," he remarked, eyeing the positioning of the pieces. His other Knight had been driven to a corner by that point. And the King was in the perfect position to attack it next turn. But such a move was certainly a gamble.
"What can I say? My king seems to have a mind of his own. He has much to learn, but…it's not the worst move." Yusaku offered a subtle defense for his decision.
"Well, if my Knight is as weak as he is to lose to the King simply by being left unprotected, then good riddance," the man retorted dismissively, a hint of disdain towards his own piece.
But before the Black King could move to capture the Knight, it found itself under attack.
"Check and mate," declared the man, having been successful in isolating the King from all of his remaining allies one by one.
"I had expected a more impressive display from you," he remarked, his disappointment transparent in his tone and expression.
A hearty laugh escaped Yusaku. "Well, with how long it's been since I last played, I tend to lose track of what pieces are still on the board and which ones are on my side." His words carried a touch of self-deprecation.
"Not only that, you also seem to value your pawns too much. Victory often requires sacrificing a few pieces." His opponent critiqued his playstyle.
"You're right. But I tend to believe each piece has a distinct role to play, and I can't knowingly send them to their doom." Yusaku defended his approach.
"Any piece that can't take care of itself is better off being removed from the game." he scoffed as he ridiculed the absurd strategy. "That's why you lost. My pieces were strong enough to handle more than each one of yours." The man concluded, basking in his victory.
"That, and it's been quite a while since I last played. I have to say though, it was a good game. We should certainly play again. But I must take my leave now." Yusaku said as he gracefully put on his coat.
The owner of the mansion didn't really feel the need to respond, having successfully beaten his opponent.
Yusaku figured it was time he revealed the true reason for his visit, "To be honest, my goal was to inquire if you had any information about my son," Yusaku confessed, his voice failing to hide his vulnerability. "However, it appears that you hadn't come across any news concerning him. Nevertheless, I appreciate your time."
The man remained silent.
Yusaku paused for a moment, his gaze meeting the other man's before adding, "If by any chance you happen to hear anything about my son in the future, would you kindly let me know? Your resources seem to far extend my own, and any help would be invaluable."
"Of course." The man replied after taking his time. He had no intention of revealing the truth about the novelist's son, though. After all, the pill used to kill Kudo Shinichi was made to be undetectable. No one could prove that the high-school detective had died from a poison. And even if a body was found, it could never be traced back to him.
"I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you, Karasuma-san. I'll be eternally grateful to you." Yusaku called out the man by his name to thank him cordially.
The two men began walking towards the exit.
The paintings that the novelist had seen near the hallway hadn't changed, but the soft, muted lighting cast long shadows on their way back that seemed to stretch and fade, obfuscating the figures within those artworks.
He shifted his gaze to the painting the man had pointed out earlier; the very one he had mentioned his wife might have admired. In the corner, was a poignant scene: two figures standing over a solemn coffin—wailing in grief. The center of the painting, however, showcased the birth of a new life and people celebrating the event, overshadowing the sorrow from the corner. It certainly was a beautiful illustration, depicting life and death.
As Karasuma Renya escorted the father of that high-school detective—the same detective that one of his agents had silenced a few months ago—back to the exit, a sadistic smirk played upon his lips.
"This was the famed novelist, Yusaku Kudo?!" He couldn't help but feel almost underwhelmed by the man's demeanor. "That was quite pathetic," he mused to himself, watching Yusaku picking up his hat and coat. "I guess the loss of his son has driven him to madness. Perhaps my concerns were for naught."
The confidence in his voice grew as he continued, "With him reduced to this state, I dare say there's no one in the world who can defeat me now!" As he savored the moment, Karasuma reveled in his perceived triumph, confident that he held the upper hand in this sinister game of wits and deceit. Just as he had won the game of chess, he was certain that he had won the entire battle.
In the silence that followed, he observed the departing figure of the grief-stricken father without a hint of concern. Sending someone after him seemed entirely unnecessary, for in his mind, the broken man stood no chance against the looming shadows that would soon take over the world with a storm.
THE END?
A/N:
Well, I'm sure you're all aware that this chess game was unashamedly borrowed (copied) from the movie: Sherlock Holmes: A game of Shadows. But this was so hard to write! Props to the writers who actually come up with such intriguing scenarios.
Can you figure out who all the pieces are? I'll be honest, it got too complicated for me to keep track near the end as well, lol. Feel free to comment your thoughts and I hope you enjoy the upcoming story!
