"The faint sound of a ticking clock…melts against the sound of rain. Is that the timbre of water splashing a ship in the night…or is it the sound of a wedge driven into the wheel of fate? Every time that vault's door closes…I search again for a reason to open it."
The next morning…
Yakou yawned as he walked into the common room. "*yawn*... Got some nice sleep-" he said before realizing that most of the Hero Alliance group was in the common room, going over notes and laptops. "Oh hey, you guys got here early! Most Master Detectives are rarely on time."
"We're not most Master Detectives." 9S said as he was looking at holographic screens he formed.
"We've been here a couple of hours." Double D informed the chief. "9S was most helpful in procuring details on some files related to…incidents closed by the Peacekeepers."
"Wait, when you say procuring…" Yakou asked waringly.
"He hacked into their database." Steven confirmed.
"Before you go off the deep end, we ran our attempt through ten different burner accounts, and all we did was copy the files." Penny said before Yakou could begin to chastise them. "Even if they do notice we were there, they'll never trace it back to us. Took us all night to set it up." she gulped down an energy drink she had on standby.
"Ugh…at least you were smart about it…" Yakou conceded before he regained his jovial attitude. "Though you should make sure to get enough sleep. Be more like me. My mind is crystal clear, although it doesn't get much use!" he laughed.
"Uh-huh…" Yuma said.
"To think that Master had to sleep on such a filthy sofa…" Shinigami said.
"We're just lucky that the Sub had enough quarters to fit us all. I was worried we'd have to check into a hotel. Currency on hand doesn't count for nothing here in Kanai Ward." Jesse said.
"Speaking of the other MDs, where are they?" Yang asked.
"Probably out getting breakfast at the hotel they always frequent." Yakou said. "You guys are curious about them aren't ya?"
"Well, we could tell they're unique… but they're all pretty capable. I think." Blake said.
"I do hope we can work well with all of them. Even though it's said most Master Detectives are Solitary, I appreciate a sense of Unity, especially since we have to uncover the secrets of this city." Perfuma said.
"David, you're pretty good at getting a read on people. Any opinions on those four?" Kokoro asked.
"Well, Halara seems to have this professional attitude around them. Takes crap from no one. I can respect that. Fubuki may be a bit on the ditzy side, but she at least seems like an earnest young lady. Vivia has this weird aura around him, like… He seems so emotionally detached from everything, but he seems like a good person deep down." David said. "The only one I think is gonna be a problem is Desuhiko."
"I agree, David." Tenko said. "He's self-centered and braggadocious. His only concern is becoming famous with his title. He's the kind of person I was conditioned to hate, I'm sure of it!"
"You're not wrong about that. I overheard him talking to himself after Number One's call-in." Marcy piped in.
Yesterday…
"Oh man, this is great! When the chief said he was bringing six more in, I was hoping for some bright, young cuties. Of course, they had to be all guys, but those five other than Yuma brought in a slew of girls with them, so I guess I can't complain too much." Desuhiko said. "Once they see my incredible, heroic feats, little by little, one of them will fall in love with me…it'll blossom into a secret interoffice romance… all nice and sexy."
Yuma sighed at Marcy retelling Desuhiko's monologue.
"Always gotta be one of those guys…" Peacock groaned.
"You shouldn't be too worried Peacock, I doubt he's interested in you." Connie said.
"He'd better not, or we'll need to put him on a watchlist!" Eddy said. "Er, no offense, Peacock."
"Nah, Cons' right. I mean c'mon, look at me!" Peacock said. "Who'd wanna make a pass at me? But I'm more worried about Desuhiko if he tries anything with the rest of you. Moment he tries something? WHAM!"
"WHAMS for naughty boys all around!" Ed agreed.
"Count me in on that." Tenko added.
"We'll worry about any flirty stuff later. Right now, we gotta jump on a big case that will give us a start on getting close to Kanai Wards Ultimate Secret like Number One wanted." Vector said. "Only problem is, this city has to be full of cases handled by Amaterasu. It's gonna be hard choosing at least one."
"We should target a Case Amaterasu has recently closed. That should suffice." Espio said.
"Recently closed, huh?" Mermista asked.
"I think I found what you're talking about, Espio. While looking through Amaterasu's databases, I found a case that they recently handled that garnered buzz for quite a while." 9S said. "The 'Nail Man' murders."
"I'm sorry, what?" Penny asked.
"Multiple reports in Kanai Ward depict several murders where victims were brutally killed and pinned to walls or floors by numerous nails." 042 said. "The perpetrator, dubbed the mysterious 'Nail Man' has not once been apprehended across all three of his confirmed kills."
"Sounds just like Genocide Jack." Chopper remarked.
"Huh?" Marcy asked.
"A serial killer who exists as an alternate personality inside an Ultimate, just like Shuichi and his team. Toko Fukawa, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy." Chopper explained.
"So, 042, has Amaterasu reported capture of whoever this Nail Man is?" Rantaro inquired.
"Negative. The identity of the Nail Man remains unknown." 042 said.
"Heh. If they haven't caught this guy, then this is the perfect chance." Mermista said. "We can track them down first and put a dent in Amaterasu's rep by solving the Mystery of the Nail Man Murders before them."
Eddy thought about what Mermista said and he clicked with it. "Hey, she's right! We solve this case before the Peacekeepers, and we'll get the public believin' in detectives! We gotta pick this up, and fast!"
"Impressive initiative to suggest that idea, Mermista." Espio said. "Though, you did promise to behave yourself."
"I'm not the kind of person to just sit back and watch while others do all the work." Mermista said.
"Just try not to go overboard. We're taking on these cases for the sake of the truth, not glory." David said.
"I know, I know…" Mermista said. "Believe me, I get how much that means."
"Yakou, we're heading out. Want us to do anything while we're in the city?" Kaito asked.
"Yeah. Think you can swing by the hotel the others are staying at and convince them to get over here?" Yakou asked.
"No promises." 9S said.
They headed out into the city as they made their way over to the hotel. As they did, David looked over at a certain store with a curious look. "Hey, Marce!"
"Yeah, what's up?" Marcy asked.
"I got a favor to ask. Think you could go in and get something for me?" David asked. "There was something I wanted to check out for a while now."
"Oh, no problem." she said going in that store as the others went into the hotel, being met by a hotel worker inside.
"Pardon me, but you're not from Kanai Ward, are you?" the man asked.
"Nope. You could call us tourists." Gohan said. "We're looking for a few friends of ours who're staying here."
"Ah, I see…would he happen to be one of them, sir?" the worker pointed out Vivia, reading a book and he laid under a nearby grand piano.
"Hard to believe, but yes." Leonora said.
"My, what a group we're a part of, we're the most normal ones…" Kokoro said.
Yuma approached Viva, kneeling down next to the piano. "Vivia, what are you doing there?" the boy asked.
"Oh, Yuma, and everyone else… good morning." Viva said.
"A good morning to you as well, Vivia, but I must repeat Yuma's question… what are you doing nestled under a grand piano?" Double D asked.
"Huh…? I'm reading a book." Vivia said.
"Ooh, what's it about?" Princess Twilight asked in curiosity. Despite her initial shock of Viva from yesterday, nothing could stop her from getting excited over a book.
"The story I'm reading… is about a boy building a sandcastle on a lake shore with a girl he just met." Vivia siad. "Many days pass, and the sandcastle still isn't complete… for some reason, it disappears the day after it's made… The protagonist believes there's a reason why that happens. He believes the girl has been secretly destroying the sandcastles at night. So he stays on lookout at night on the lake…. and just as he thought, the girl appears. As expected, she destroys the sandcastle and returns home…the protagonist wonders why she'd do such a thing. What do you all believe her motive is?"
"Well… if you want my opinion, even though it might be weird to you, I think its's probably because the girl likes him." Princess Twilight said.
"You actually think what he's reading is some kinda spin on a romance novel?" Vector asked.
"Think of it this way: if she's supposed to be the protagonist's love interest, then the act she's committing is a way for him to keep being together with her." Twilight said.
"I see…if she continues to destroy the sandcastle, the protagonist will return to rebuild it…and they can stay together…. As long as they continue to build the sandcastle. It's rather clumsy, but quite a laudable effort by the girl. She could just ask him to come tomorrow instead…you are correct in thinking it's a romantic solution… Princess Twilight Sparkle." Vivia said. "I shouldn't be surprised though, considering that's a point of view that would be perceived by one so close to Equestria's Princess of Love."
"Yes, exactly, I…wait, you know about Cadance?" Twilight asked in mild shock.
"This is starting to get creepy, even for me…" Pinkie Pie-2 said.
"Guys, Halara studied our histories, remember? Vivia might've just heard them talk about it in a meeting or something." Connie pointed out.
"Oh, I knew long before they did." Vivia corrected her. "I know a great many different things about you all."
"...Who the hell is this guy?" Jesse asked.
"He's an enigma, that's for sure. When Double D and I took the entrance exam, we did hear things about him." 9S said.
"Indeed. They call him the "Near-Death Detective"." Double D said.
"Hmm, yes, he does look like someone who has seen death many times." Jin said.
"In any case, do you mind if I borrow that book once you're done with it?" Twilight asked Vivia.
"Hm…I doubt you'd find the ending more enjoyable than yours…but you're welcome to see for yourself." Viva replied.
"On the topic of seeing things for yourself, Yakou asked us to point you and the others back to the…hangout." Eddy said after looking around. "Don't suppose you know where the rest of the gang is."
"Maybe the restaurant? They should still be eating breakfast right now." Vivia answered.
"Thanks, Vivia." Steven said. "You know, you might be a little creepy, but you're alright in our book."
Vivia chuckled. "Don't get too attached, Steven Universe. After all, I'm planning to die someday." he stated in such a way that the group couldn't tell if he was kidding or not.
"Uh…sure. But please don't hurt yourself." Double D said as the group headed into the restaurant.
"Okay, maybe he's more than a little creepy." Penny said.
"More like a LOT." Eddy replied as the group saw Desuhiko and Fubuki sitting at a table.
"Ah, Desuhiko, Fubuki, good morning, both of you." Double D said.
"Good morning everyone!" Fubuki smiled.
"What's up? You guys here for breakfast too?" Desuhiko said.
"Uh, no. Yakou actually sent us to come get you. You're late for an assembled meeting." 9S said.
"Huh? Are we late? Impossible. As if I would permit time to ever overtake me. My vision is quite sharp, you know. " Fubuki said.
"Uh, sure, whatever you say Fubuki, but that's no excuse for being late." Shuichi said.
"She's not making excuses. This is just how she is." Desuhiko said. "Listen, guys. I bet you're all here just because chief told you to find us. But you've all yet to realize one crucial fact! Think about it! Everyone besides you, Yuma and the Chief stay in this hotel. It'd be faster to bring the chief here, right?"
"Now that you mention it… Yes." Yuma said.
"Don't be convinced so easily!" Shinigami said.
"Anyway, you guys should bring the chief here." Desuhiko said.
"That logic is highly illogical." Perfuma said. "The Nocturnal Detective agency is Mr. Yakou's headquarters. It wouldn't make sense for him to hold meetings outside the agency."
"And with the presence of the Peacekeepers, it would be dangerous to conduct meetings outside. What if they overhear something important?" Petra asked.
"Petra's right. The Peacekeepers have a bit of a hate-boner for detectives. We have to hold it in secret so they wouldn't hear." David said.
"I agree with them!" Fubuki said.
"You, of all people, are saying that now?" Desuhiko asked. "Geez, fine. Tell the chief I'll be there after my post meal soda."
"I will also be there after breakfast. I have to chew well to promote good digestion, so this will take sometime." Fubuki added.
"As long as we know you're coming, that's fine." 9S said.
Looking at the table, the group felt someone was missing. "We're missing one." 2B Noted.
"Ah, you mean Halara? I doubt anyone in the world can hang out with that one." Desuhiko said.
"We don't need to 'hang' with them, we simply need to find them." Chrysalis said.
"Well, I'm sure Halara's around here somewhere. Probably hustling kids outta their money." Desuhiko said.
"Don't joke about that, they don't strike me as the type who would do that." Shuichi said.
"I don't know, man. Word around the organization is that their services don't come cheap." Desuhiko said. "Heard it's over a million just to get them to take a case."
"Geez, their rates are as tough as Nami's." Jesse said.
"Halara's professional. With Nami, she's just plain ol' greedy." Vector said.
"You're lucky she didn't hear you say that." Jiro said.
"I'm…fairly certain they are not shaking people down for money." Yuuto said. "Disregarding the moral dilemma, they wouldn't draw the Peacekeepers' attention to themself."
"Then I suppose we'll have to go find them." Double D sighed. "A detective's work is never done."
And so, the group departed to search for Halara. They could not be far in the city, so the group searched close together across districts close to the NDA.
"You know, despite what Desuhiko said, Halara seems like the most reliable if we need some help." Connie said. "I could tell when we all saw them yesterday. Halara was the best one of the four of them."
"Yeah, I could tell. Maybe their steep asking price is more than warranted if they really are that good." David said.
"What do you guys think Halara's Forensic Forte is?" Steven asked curiously.
"Oh…I bet they're a mind reader. Reads your mind and knows what you're thinking. Like how all of you are thinking…we should give Charmy lots of honey." Charmy said.
"I doubt a lot of us were actually thinking that." Kurochi said.
"And don't you think reading minds would make things too easy? That kinda power would put detectives out of a job." Kokoro said.
"Maybe it's one that allows them to visit other dimensions, they learn about similar events from those and try to apply them to our reality." Blaze said.
"That's a little too unrealistic. I mean, yeah, detectives are super smart, but nothing like that." Mayumi said. "Plus, don't that apply to something completely different?"
"It could be a time travel ability. They might be able to learn from the future or past." Silver said.
"Hmm…Maybe…" Perfuma said.
"Well, going by their last name, maybe Halara's Forte is related to dreams or the mind somehow." Penny joined the conversation. "Like…maybe they can touch a dead body and read their last thought or see the last thing they saw."
"Oh, that's a good one." Vector said.
"Hmm…" David pondered as he saw Marcy returning. "Hey, did you manage to get…"
"Yeah, I got it. Not sure why you wanted the whole series. You only showed up in the last episode." Marcy said.
"Whole series? What the hell are….Oh my…" Vector said looking over and seeing the word Danganronpa.
"Uh, Dave? Mind explaining this?" Jesse asked. "I mean, we all know how you felt about this when James put the thing on air."
"Why the heck would you get Marcy to pick up the complete series?" Yaoyorozu asked.
"To be honest, I needed it cause I wanted to look into a few of the seasons. The 53rd…and 35th specifically." David said.
"35th? Wait…that was the season that bailiff guy and the Phantom starred in, wasn't it?" Yang asked.
"That's right. Something about that whole scenario seemed a little bit off. I was thinking maybe if I took a look at the Killing Game itself, I might read between the lines and get the whole picture." David said.
"And you're willing to binge watch the whole series just to do that? Damn, you've got nerves of steel." Kaito said. "If you manage to keep your sanity intact after watching all 53 seasons, we'll do something special for you next time."
"I should be fine for the first 3. James said the real fiction didn't start until the 4th." David said.
"Still, Dave. Out of all the crazy stuff you have done, this might be the craziest thing yet." Ross said. "And since when were you all buddy-buddy with James?"
"Well, to be fair, he's not as bad since he became Uta's manager." Eddy pointed out. "Last I heard, he was still helpin' her recover from the shindig at Elegia and lookin' to take her next tour on the road to keep her outta WG's hands."
"I hate to agree, but better in his hands than those scum." Jin said.
"Plus, didn't I mention before that Theodore is the only Flux Family member that I genuinely hated?" David asked.
"You didn't have to. That was a well-established fact by this point." Mayumi said.
"Then wouldn't it have made more sense for you to fight him on the moon instead of Jexi?" Marcy asked.
"Uh…I was busy with…other things." David said. "Plus, I definitely would have killed him if that happened."
"I see. And you were his nemesis. It's strange cause, while I was his captive, he never mentioned you like…at all." Marcy said.
"Eh, he never thinks about anyone but himself. I'm honestly not that shocked." David said.
"So, what were you guys talking about?" Marcy asked.
"We were talking about Halara. They're somewhere in the city, and while we were looking for them, we were speculating about the Forensic Forte they have." 9S explained.
"Oh, I think I heard them thinking about looking into the Nail Man cases." Marcy said.
"Wait, Halara's thinking about the same case we wanna take on?" Charmy asked.
"Yeah, they-" Marcy then realized. "Oooh, I know where this is headed! Not one day in the city, and we're already doing a team-up! Though, it's weird to start with Halara first, you normally save the best of the best for last."
"Hey, we don't go out of our way to do that, it just sorta happens." Eddy said. "Lesson #1 for the Hero Alliance, Marcy: ninety percent of the time, we just go with the flow of things."
"Oh, just like you would for a DnD game. Got it." Marcy said.
"Bingo!" the boy used finger guns.
"I hope you haven't forgotten Eddy, but if we're to even attempt to have Halara collaborate with us on this Nail Man case, we still need to locate their whereabouts." Double D said. "Not to mention, if Desuhiko's claims are true, we must prepare to negotiate a proper fare exchange."
"I'm sure we'll find Halara. In the meantime, we should try to also gather information about the Nail Man."
"Wait, did you just say Nail Man?" Marcy asked.
"Yes we did Marcy, is something wrong?" Himiko asked.
"Well, it's just…while I was out getting the Danganronpa box set, I overheard some people talking. They said the Peacekeepers already had a suspect detained, and they're convinced they found the Nail Man." Marcy said.
"Seriously?!" the group exclaimed.
"Augh, right when we get started, those peace-keeping jerks just have to go and snap it up!" Eddy groaned.
"Then again…if all their members are like Swank…then perhaps they're simply putting the blame on a convenient target." Double D pointed out.
"Where did they apprehend their suspect?" David asked.
"At the clock tower in Ginma District." Marcy said.
"Then there's no time to waste! We gotta get there while the crime scene's still fresh!" Vector declared.
They hurried over to Ginma District just as the Peacekeepers were hauling off some random man.
"So that's the guy they're charging? Hmm…" Gohan said, looking at the man. "...He doesn't have the feel of a killer."
"I think he was just someone who was working on the clock." Marcy said.
"They must've assumed he was the Nail Man somehow." Blake said.
"Well, it's obvious that this case isn't too open and shut as they believe. We should continue investigating." Leonora said.
"Huh? You mean…we're still pursuing the case?" Yuma asked.
"Yuma, don't tell me just because the Peacekeepers caught somebody, you think it's over?" Kaito asked.
"Well, if the Peacekeepers already caught someone, there's no point in us getting involved." Yuma said.
"And you call yourself a detective?! A detective will always crave more info about the crime!" Shinigami protested. "It's a locked room mystery! You should be crapping your pants with excitement right now!"
"No, I shouldn't! Besides, I'm not even a proper detective." Yuma said out loud.
"Yuma, you helped us solve the mystery of the Amaterasu Express Massacre. You're a detective." Ross stated matter-of-factly.
"Besides, what else are you gonna do? Stay in our hangout all day and poison us again?" Eddy asked. "Poor Takeshi, may he rest in peace…"
"I'm right here, but yeah, he has a point." Takeshi spoke up.
"I know all that, it's just… why am I even trying to become a detective?" Yuma asked.
"We know you have amnesia, but that shouldn't stop you." Perfuma said. "How about this? As we go along solving cases, we'll make sure to help you find clues to your past. That way, we can figure out who you are."
"You'd really do that?" Yuma asked.
"Well, yeah. Helping people out is kinda our thing." Mermista said.
"Okay… fine, we'll start with the basics." Yuma said.
"First, we need to know how the Nail Man operates. What kind of killer is he?" Hermit asked.
"Well, he's not some run of the mill street slasher who picks his targets on a whim." Marcy said. "I think some people say he's meticulous, and picks his targets. Sorta like in that movie where that guy in the mask calls his victims to let them know he's coming… What was his name again?"
"Ghostface. A fictional serial killer whose true identity is shrouded in mystery." 042 said. "The main antagonist of the Scream franchise."
"Yeah, that's it!" Marcy snapped her fingers.
"042, do you have any information about how the Nail Man operates?" Gohan asked. "Their time frame is three murders in the past six months. There has to be some method as to how they go about committing their murders."
"Analysis: The Nail Man does not kill for himself. Reportedly, he kills for the sake of others." 042 said. "If there is someone a person hates to the point of wanting that to be done, they write down the name of their target, as well as a doll in their likeness. When those two items are pinned in the forest behind the church, the Nail Man will hunt down and kill that target."
"So, are they some kinda Vigilante or Anti-hero?" Peacock asked.
"No, Peacock. Murder is still murder. This Nail Man is no hero." Gohan said seriously. "I can see how someone could see them in that light, but…these are real people we're talking about. They have friends, families, hopes, and dreams…and this Nail Man rips it all away from them."
"Gohan's right. What this Nail Man is doing isn't true justice." Tsubaki said. "Even if they are hated, they are people who are innocent of any crimes. And they are killed and nailed to whatever surface is available."
"Plus there's an innocent man right now taking the wrap for this psycho's killing spree." Vector said. "He could be someone's husband or father. We can't leave a guy like that to hang."
"Either way, it seems we may need to visit all the other cases in order to get a clear story." Espio said. "Considering how long ago some of them were…we'll need to recruit Halara before investigating."
"Uh…that's nice and all…but we still need to like find them." Mermista said.
"They were sitting in the cafe as we walked all the way here." Espio said.
"Well…that's certainly convenient…" Double D said.
The group headed to the location Espio was talking about, the Golden Path Cafe. There they saw Halara sitting at one of the tables enjoying some coffee.
"It's you people…if you're here coming to me, then it must be for a reason." Halara said, noticing them. "Is it about the recent development on the Nail Man Murders?"
"Nothing slips by you it seems." 9S said. "Yes. we've decided to take up the case involving the legend of the Nail Man. We know the suspect the Peacekeepers arrested is innocent. We intend to find the real perpetrator behind the urban legend. However, given how spread out the murders are and the time in between the last three, we need assistance."
"You all know by now I don't work for free. The price will be….5 million." Halara said.
"And you know that we don't have that kind of money on us right now." Eddy pointed out.
"Maybe you could ask Nami if you can-?" Marcy started.
"NO!" everyone yelled in unison.
"Wh-what did I say?" Marcy asked.
"Marcy! You never ask Nami for money!" Eddy shook the older girl. "Zoro's still in debt to her after…how long has it been since Loguetown?"
"Over two years." Chopper said.
"Over two years!" Eddy finished. "He tries to pay it off whenever he can, but the interest rates…Oh Color Gods, the interest rates…!"
"Besides, 5 million? You gotta be as looney as me to ask Nami for that kinda dough!" Peacock said.
"And that's why my group worries and focuses on its own finances." Hermit said.
"Well I could always get the money by turning your friend there into that certain world's government." Halara said pointing to David.
"Wait, what?" David said as Halara held up his wanted poster.
"You're worth over a billion. More than enough to cover my cost." Halara said.
"Oh right… most of you guys are wanted." Marcy said.
"Halara, what you're implying is-" Tenko started.
"That does not matter to me." Halara said. "All you'd have to do is come up with 5 million before my time to collect is all."
"...Do you take IOUs?" Vector asked.
"As long as they're paid upon." Halara said.
"Fine." Vector said as he wrote out the IOU. "There. If we don't have 5 million by the time you come to collect, you can take someone from our group to cover the cost."
"Agreed. You have my service." Halara said as they handed them copied files.
"What's this?" Vector asked.
"Files on the other three Nail Man killing sites while I was waiting for you all to appear." Halara said.
"You put all this together in the time we…huh…" David said looking through the files. "Wait, wait…these cases…they're ALL Locked room mysteries!"
"That explains why the Nail Man couldn't be apprehended." 9S said.
"More than that, they all have the same cause of death." David said. "They were all strangled to death."
"So they were nailed down after?" Tsubaki asked.
"Bingo. In addition, the keys to each of the rooms were always found somewhere inside." David said.
"Hence the Locked Room Mystery titles." Halara remarked.
"This is quite a bit of info, Nightmare." Double D looked over the report. "I certainly appreciate your ability to plan ahead."
"A reckless sense of justice will only get one killed." Halara stated.
"Perhaps we should investigate the clocktower." Hermit said.
"The clocktower currently being closed off by Peacekeepers?" Chrysalis pointed out.
"In that case, we'll have to sneak our way in." Takeshi said. "There was an opening in the side of the outer wall that we might be able to slip in from."
"So you're going to investigate the most recent site the Nail Man hit first?" Halara asked. "I suppose that is logical. Their most recent kill is fresh there."
"Wait, he killed a fourth person? Since when?!" Marcy asked.
"Approximately half an hour ago." Halara said.
"Oh, right… That was where the Peacekeepers apprehended the suspect." Marcy said. "He was at the scene of the crime."
"We'll go investigate that scene first. Halara, once we're done, we'll check out the other ones with you. Could you tell us the other locations the Nail Man got his victims in?" Vector asked.
"Based on the files they gave me, it seems they were in different locations across the city. The Nail Man's first victim was killed in a secret club in the Kamisaki District, the second in a mansion, and the third in an art gallery." David said.
"A flair for theatrics, eh?" Double D said dryly. "These serial killers, always making a spectacle…"
"They'll go down all the same. Let's go." Yuuto said.
After a brisk walk, the group reached the clocktower, where they located a rusted gate they could use as a side entrance.
"Hey, sorry to sound so pessimistic, but…what happens if they see us?" Connie asked.
"That's where our stealth expert comes in!" Eddy said, pulling out a newspaper. "I picked up a paper to get a read on current events, and I think I found us a cover. Chrysalis, think you can turn into this guy?" he asked, flipping to the fifth page and holding the paper up for the queen to see.
"This one?" she asked, "Hmm…I won't be able to get the voice perfectly, but…I'm sure I can pull it off." she said before she concentrated and transformed into a man with red hair and grey eyes, dressed in a black suit, white cape with the Peacekeeper's logo on it, and a round hat.
"Uh… who is she supposed to be?" Steven asked.
"Glad you asked! Above Swank in the Peacekeepers is a director and vice director. And this guy? He's the director! At least I think he is…I'm not really sure, but he seems important." Eddy admitted.
"Not gonna lie, he looks quite unnerving…" David said.
"I can't say I disagree…" Chrysalis said in a voice that was a mix of her voice and the male voice. "I can't describe it, but transforming into this man just makes my skin crawl…"
"Yomi… Hellsmile? Even his name is concerning." Double D read from the paper.
"A name like that, leader of the Peacekeepers? I feel like we're in some kind of dystopian movie." Jesse said.
"Are you sure this disguise is going to work?" Penny asked.
"Well, it's worth a-" Eddy started.
"Hey, what's going on over there?" a voice demanded as a Peacekeeper rounded the corner. "This area's closed off, you can't-" he started before he caught sight of Chrysalis's disguise, letting out a strangled yelp. "D-Director Yomi!? I didn't mean to…I mean…! We weren't expecting you to…n-not that you aren't welcome here, I…uh…I-I'll just…!" he said, shaking as he laid down an important looking document. "I'll just…re-return to my post…sir…!" he said before making a hasty exit.
"Okay… I stand corrected." Penny said.
"What kind of employer is this man, that he'd get a reaction like that…?" Petra shuddered at the thought.
"We should get inside the clocktower, before he comes back." Yuma said.
"What's that thing he left on the ground?" Pinkie-2 asked.
Princess Twilight picked up the object, looking over it. "It's the case report for the clocktower murder. That Peacekeeper handed it over without Yomi even needing to ask…that's so irresponsible!"
"Geeze, and we're probably gonna have to meet the real deal soon…" Eddy said. "Permission to knock his lights out before we leave Kanai Ward?"
"I'd imagine that's a likely outcome…" Yuuto said as the group made their way into the clocktower.
As the group scaled the clocktower, Princess Twilight read over the report, using her magic to levitate it in front of her face
"Okay Twilight, what've we got?" Vector asked. "Who's the accused name and why do the Peacekeepers think he did it?"
"His name is Jiei Colan, age 48. According to the report, he claims he was fixing the clocktower when he was apprehended." Twilight read off. "It's a classic case of wrong place, wrong time. The Peacekeepers arrested him under the assumption that he killed a woman at the top floor of the tower. The scene was like the previous three Nail Man cases, so they pinned him as the Nail Man."
"That means…if we're going to clear his name…" Yuma shook.
"We're gonna have to see the body? Yes." Kokoro said.
"Hope you've got a strong stomach, Yuma." David said.
"That goes for you too, Marcy." Gohan said.
The group reached the third floor and found a door leading into the storage room. "Okay…switching the serious detective mode on." Vector said as he opened the door.
Inside they saw multiple dolls planted around the room with nails…and a body with nails piercing it, pink blood staining the floor and clothes of the victim.
"Um… Guys? That…is blood, isn't it?" David asked.
"I mean…the blood was pink in Danganronpa, so…" Charmy pointed out.
"But… Why is it pink here?" David asked.
"I'll take a sample to analyze for later." 9S said as he went and did so before noticing something on the victim's neck. "Guys, look at the victim's neck. A rope burn."
"Was she hanged?" Mermista asked.
"No, this is a locked room. There's no vantage point for a hanging. 042, confirm signs of strangulation."
"Signs of struggle are seen underneath the rope burn of the victim's neck." 042 said.
David took notice of the window. "This shutter closes automatically, right?"
"You can tell?" Connie asked. "I was wondering about that. Though…why are the dolls under the window set up like that?" she pointed out the dolls lined up together.
"Perhaps it's a sort of calling card?" Perfuma asked.
"A calling card… Wait a second… I heard about this before. 042, you mentioned how the Nail Man works, right?" David asked.
"Affirmative. The dolls are a Key method of the Nail Man's murders." 042 said.
"Writing down the name of the person and pinning a doll in their likeness up, right?" Kaede asked.
"Correct." 042 said.
"So these dolls more than likely served as support for the rope during the strangulation process." David said.
"Gasp! Killing dolls! More diabolical than killer dolls!" Ed stated.
"What really concerns me is this shutter door." Yuma said. "If this was a locked room murder, how could the Nail Man escape after killing their victim? We're so high up."
"I think he left through that window I saw earlier." David said. "He could've gone down using a rope or something."
"We'll have to get back to that later." Blake said. "Anything else we should note in here?"
"The lock on the door here is broken and the keyhole on the outer side is filled, that would mean it was locked from the inside." Hermit said.
"A locked room mystery! I get so excited every time I hear that!" Shinigami said as she began sniffing around.
"Uh…what are you doing?" Leonora asked
"I'm taking in the luscious locked-room atmosphere!" Shinigami answered.
"You really are a necrophile, aren't ya? I know you're a god of death but dial it back a bit." Vector said.
"Well…it looks like we have everything we can get here." Double D said. "Shall we go reconvene with Halara?"
"Good call. Chrysalis, get your disguise back up. We're gonna need it." Eddy said as the group headed out of the room, only for Yuma and Shinigami to notice a ladder at the end of the hall.
"That must lead up to the clock itself." Yuma noted. "Did that man fix it before he got arrested, or did he just get started? Hm…I'll think on it later." he noted as he went to catch up to the others.
Outside the clock tower, the group stealthily tried to exit the premises with Chrysalis using her Yomi disguise as best she could. Along the way, the group took notice of a man at the front gate. He looked rather sickly, dressed in a full hooded raincoat with green lines going down either side. He had black wavy hair and wore a monocle over his right eye, his other eye shaded by his hair. He was accompanied by a squad of peacekeepers, one of them holding a megaphone.
"Uh oh. Looks like that guy we spooked called in another bigshot." Peacock said.
"I read up on him while looking into Amaterasu. That's Seth Burroughs. He's Section Chief of the Peacekeepers Investigation Team." Penny said.
"He looks quite similar to one of Laura's Einherjar." Tsubaki said.
The Peacekeeper with the megaphone switched the device on and held it up to Seth's mouth, allowing his voice to be projected. "Listen well. It appears…there are fools in town who do not comprehend the majesty of the Peacekeepers. Many of them have been eliminated already…but I heard some outsiders have recently arrived. Go find witnesses and extract information on those who interfere with our investigations. The director himself is interested in this investigation…and I'm sure you all know the price of failing him. Capture anyone who seems even remotely suspicious Oh…and clean up the body at the crime scene. The rain will…purify it if we're not quick."
"Uh, why's he using a megaphone?" Mermista wondered.
"Apparently he's the soft-spoken sadist type." Peacock said.
"At least now we know who's heading up the investigation for Amaterasu. We need to meet up with Halara and stay one step ahead of him. I have a feeling if we get caught, the NDA'S gonna pay the price." Vector said.
"Right. We gotta get outta here…preferably without gettin' caught." Eddy said. "No offense, your majesty, but your disguise ain't gonna hold up under scrutiny."
"Twilight, I believe this situation now requires an Alicorn's touch." Double D said. "Can you perhaps use your magic to render us undetectable to the naked eye?"
"Easy enough. It'll tingle a bit, so try and keep calm." Princess Twilight said as she focused her magic and turned everyone invisible (except for Espio, who did so naturally). "Now we just need to mask any noise we'll make while moving so they don't hear us."
"Or we can just distract 'em. I got just the thing." Peacock said as she tossed out a visible George Bomb as it walked a fair distance before exploding on the other side of the clock tower.
"Hey! What was that?!" a Peacekeeper asked.
"Go investigate…" Seth ordered as the Peacekeepers took a look.
"Let's go!" Yang whispered as they hurried off while they were distracted, vacating the premises.
"Nice thinking with that misdirection, Peacock." Jiro said.
"Nothin' gets someone's attention like something gettin' blown up." Eddy said.
"Now then, where shall we go first?" Double D asked.
"I'd like to check out that church where the Nail Man postings are. It wouldn't hurt to do some questioning." 9S said.
"Yes. Good idea." Leonora said.
After picking up Halara, the group headed over to the church.
"So the Nail Man urban legend originated at this church." Yuma said.
"The forest behind it is where the requests are posted… perhaps they're connected in some way." 9S said. "It's too early to say if any of the church staff are the real culprit. Just some questioning is needed for now."
"Alright, let's see who we are dealing with." Leonora said.
"Will they even listen to us?" Yuma asked.
"They can't say no if we say we're on assignment for the Peacekeepers." Halara pointed out.
"Devious. I like it!" Eddy grinned.
"I-Is it really okay to lie like that?" Yuma stammered.
"As long as they don't know about us, it doesn't matter." Mayumi said.
"Besides, if they're convinced we're Peacekeepers, they might share vital info with us about the case." Leonora said. "I'm a bit nervous about sending my Einherjar to question them, though. Not sure how they'd react to seeing them."
"To be fair, no one's really commented on any of us since we got here!" Pinkie Pie said.
"Good point." Leonora said.
"You've got this, Nora. Work your magic." David said.
Leonora nods as she summons Sun Shang Xiang, Xing Cai, Abbachio, and Yu Jin.
"So…what is it you require of us?" Xing Cai asked.
"Info gathering. We need all we can learn about the Nail Man." Leonora said.
"Understood. We shall attain this information by questioning those here, yes?" Yu Jin asked.
"Yes, that's right." Leonora said.
"Right…we will begin." Sun Shang Xiang said as the four of them split up.
"So…cool. So you can summon those guys right out of your body?!" Marcy said.
"That's right. Such is the power of a Valkyrie." Leonora said.
"Wait…then why didn't you take in those detectives that died?" Marcy asked.
"Unfortunately, their souls already passed before I could." Leonora said.
"Well, we did get those mementos. At least we'll have something people can remember them by." Double D said, looking sad. "Many other Master Detectives didn't even get that…"
"Well chin up. We'll honor their sacrifice by cracking this great global mystery…whatever it might be!" Vector said.
"Truer words." Leonora said.
After a few minutes, the four spirits reconvened with the group. "What did you find?"
"The worshipper has given me the order in which the killings occurred." Yu Jin said. "In a secret club, a mansion, an art gallery and then the clocktower."
"From that servant…they found this evidence at the scene of one of the killings." Abbacchio said, showing a piece of string. "This was also found in the incinerator."
"The nun is innocent of these crimes. She recently broke her more dominant hand." Sun Shang Xiang said.
"As for the Priest, he views the Nail Man as a savior, making him the most suspicious of the four." Xing Cai said.
"Hmm….all very good information to go on." Espio said. "Like I said, we should visit each of these locations. But…hmm…those crime scenes are more than likely cleaned up by now."
"That won't be an issue." Halara said.
"What do you me-?" Eddy started before an idea struck. "Ah, course it won't. We got the famous Halara Nightmare with us!"
"...Flattery won't make my fee cheaper." The Master Detective stated.
"Eh, can't blame a guy for tryin." Eddy shrugged.
"Wait, what's going on?" Silver asked.
"My forte…with it…I can view crime scenes from when they were first discovered." Halara said. "It's called Postcognition."
"Oh, that's your Forte! We were wondering what it was." Steven said. "So all we have to do is get to the secret club and we'll be able to view the fresh crime scene."
"No wonder you come with a high price tag..." Charmy remarked.
"My Forte is only part of it. It alone doesn't get things done." Halara said. "I cannot see things from the perspective of the killer, or the victim, only a third-party. However, their memories and perceptions do not affect my Postcognition. I see things the way they truly were."
"Wait, so you're the only one that can see this stuff?" Vector said. "How are we suppose to understand it then?"
"Uh…I think I might have a way." Yuma said. "On the train, I was able to feel Aphex and Pucci's Fortes as if I could use them. I think I do have a power…one that lets me use the fortes of others. A sort of…Coalescence."
"Coalescence…Now there's a Forte name!" Eddy cheered the boy on. "See, we told ya you had the makings of a Master Detective!"
"So by using your power, you can see what Nightmare sees?" Yuuto inquired. "I suppose that means you'll need to take the lead whenever Postcognition is involved."
"Seems so." Yuma said. "But it must be done if we wanna acquit that poor man."
"Then there's not a moment to waste. To the secret club!" Momo said as the group hurried on.
The group made their way to the secret club in Kamasaki District, the site of the first Nail Man Killing. They went inside and found it to be a casino of sorts.
"So, it's a casino. Somehow I'm not surprised." Kaito said.
"The Peacekeepers may be sloppy, but even they wouldn't leave the crime scene completely untouched. The body was probably found around here. The victim's name is Suguma Iho. An old man who owned this place. His reputation left much to be desired. This place was an illegal casino operating at obscene rates. Even the cheating was rampart." Halara said.
"Yikes. Sounds like a patron down on their luck thought they got scammed." David said.
"The real interesting note is that this crime scene also had no way in or out. At the time of discovery, the door was locked from the inside." Halara said.
"What about that vent over by the wall?" Xin Xian Ying asked.
"Well, it could be used to escape, but… Would they have been able to fit through there?" Sun Shang Xiang asked. "Plus, it looks pretty high up."
"No windows, and the only door was locked from the inside… Locked! Room! Mystery! Kyahahaha!" Shinigami laughed.
"Is this enough for your Forte to work with, Halara?" Gohan asked.
"Yes, all the conditions have been met." Halara said. "Now…we can begin." they said covering one of their eyes as the uncovered one glowed, allowing them to see the victim when they were first killed.
Halara Nightmare
Forensic Forte: Postcognition
They can envision a crime scene according to how it was originally first discovered, no matter how long ago it was touched! All that's needed is the victim's face and name. Halara's range is limited though, they can only see the original crime scene up to 10 meters in the vicinity of the victim.
"Well, what can you see?" Cai Wenji asked.
"I'll explain everything in detail. Hopefully, you all can write it down." Halara said. "Firstly, when Suguma was first discovered, he was found nailed to the wall."
"When we investigated the most recent murder, the cause of death was strangulation. Was it true for this guy?" Yang asked.
"There are dolls nailed to the wall around the body. And yes, there is a mark around his neck, showing signs of strangulation." Yuma said, sharing in Halara's vision.
"What about the status of the vent?" 9S asked. "If someone could fit through, they'd have to be very skinny."
"The cover is in place, but it hasn't been screwed on." Yuma said.
"So it could be easily removed then." Hermit said.
"Also, the key to the door is sitting in a glass on the counter. And there are dolls nailed to the roulette table as well." Halara said.
"So the situation is pretty similar to how it went down at the clock tower." Silver said.
"Also, I should point out there was a nail just below the vent. A few of them. Bent downward. Odd." Yuma said.
"I see. Lady Shang Xiang said that the vent was high up, so no one would be able to reach it." Lu Xun said. "But… If the Nail Man were to use the nails on the wall as stepstools…"
"We still have more locked room mysteries to investigate. The mansion is next." Halara said.
"Right." Lu Xun said.
They stood outside the mansion before they headed in, Halara kicking the gate open.
"The incident here happened 3 months ago. The victim was Ali Hoan, the owner of this mansion. No family and lived alone. Hence it's now empty and dilapidated. The scene of this crime was in the study." Halara said.
"Also, you all should know. The Nail Man Killings had another common factor. The first person at the scene of the crime…was always the same person." Yu Jin said. "The worshipper."
"That is certainly suspicious." Tsubaki said.
"In a way, it makes sense. After all, he knew exactly where the murders were." Cai Wenji said. "And he's clearly obsessed with the Nail Man. Not a huge surprise."
"Let's proceed to the study and see if we can find more clues." 2B said.
The group moved towards the study, entering the room to find the place cleaned up, a chalk outline and the faint bloodstains the only evidence that a crime had taken place.
"The Peacekeepers sure were thorough with this place. Halara, can you still see a clear image?"
"Just like before, there are dolls pinned around the room, and the body is pinned with nails, along with a rope burn on his neck." Halara said.
"But on closer look… There's a mark left by a thin string on the back of his neck!" Yuma said.
"There are thin scrapes on one of the boards between the gaps of the vent above the door too." 9S said, having had 042 survey the area.
"Huh. Five gets ya ten they came from the same source." Eddy said. "Anything else that stands out?"
"There's a single doll on the wall with its eyes gouged out along with a mark on the edge of both of them." Yuma said.
"There's also a few things about the body. The nails are hammered differently. They penetrate the lower body and into the floor, but the ones in the upper body don't. Also, the blood is flowing differently between each half." Halara said.
"How peculiar." Jin said.
"Now….we should make haste. We have one more scene to check out." Halara said.
"Right. The art gallery." Kokoro said.
Sure enough the group was able to make it there.
"The murder occurred only about a month ago, but I'm certain the crime scene has been cleaned up like the others. Not that it matters to me." Halara said. "The crime scene is deep inside the art gallery. It's one of many storage rooms. Come, I won't allow time to be wasted." they said as they kicked the door open and went inside.
"Halara must be the bane of doormen everywhere." Yuuto remarked.
The group ventured into the gallery, following Halara until they reached the aforementioned storage room.
"As you would expect, the same worshiper was tailing the victim and arrived here. And of course, the door was locked and the key was found inside." Halara said.
"Third verse, same as the first." Penny summarized. "Let's see what we can find."
"Of course, there was a paint can knocked over. No telling if it was involved yet. Also, there are a few portraits that have been nailed up." Yuma said. "There's a small window but it doesn't look big enough for a person to get out through. One of the canvases is on the floor and a doll is nailed into it. And the key is on the nail on the doll."
"Whoa…wait, how the heck did they even lock the door?" Vector said.
"There must be a trick to it." Yaoyorozu said. "Now, the body…"
"Right. The corpse is a young woman." Yuma said.
"The victim's name is Iso Moe. She used her good looks to have relations with many men. The amount of suspects who could have written her name are very high." Halara said.
"Strangulation marks. But…there aren't any scratches from any sort of struggle. And there's a wound on the back of the head. It's deep too. More than likely the real cause of death." Yuma said.
"There was one where the cause of death wasn't strangulation? How odd… That doesn't make much sense." David said. "The Nail Man killed all of his victims the same way, by strangulation."
"Before you start making theories…we'll need to check the area outside this window." Halara said.
"On it!" Yuma said going out and around. "It's small. I can't even fit my arm in, only a few fingers but that's all."
"I thought so." Halara said.
"Hey! What are ya doing here?" a voice called out a man stood there.
"Crap!" some of the group said.
"What are you doing? I'll call the Peacekeepers!" he said.
"Wait….don't. See….uh….We're…uh…" Vector said.
"Special Investigators for Amaterasu Corporation!" 9S said quickly. "In the middle of a case. No civilian intervention."
"Oh…so sorry." the man said.
"Judging from your outfit, you are an employee here. Mind if we ask you a few questions?" 9S asked. "We'd like to speak with the staff member who found that body last month."
"Oh…uh…that would be me." the man said.
"So…what happened?" 9S asked.
"I was doing closing procedures when someone from the church appeared. He said he wanted to find someone and he knew they were inside the art gallery. We looked but found no one. There was a chance the Nail Man was after them." he said.
"How did you know something was off about the storage room?" Yaoyorozu asked.
"The lights were on when they were usually off. So I went to look. The door was locked so I used my key. I was too scared to look so I let the church person do it. I watched from behind. Then…there was the corpse. Neither of us touched anything inside but…the church goer knocked a paint can over while leaving." the man said.
"I see…we're finished." Halara said as the man ran off. "That brings all the information together."
"So what should we…." Espio said before noticing a bunch of peacekeepers starting to surround them on the streets.
"Uh…can we help you fellas?" Vector asked.
"Actually, yes…you can." a voice said as Seth emerged. "Apparently, there have been some surprising reports…about someone interfering at the clocktower. As well as someone impersonating a higher-up Peacekeeper. Also…someone looking into the Nailman case."
"Uh…that's us." Vector said.
"I see…if you drop the Nail Man case, we will end this all peacefully and let you all go." Seth said.
"...No! The case still needs to be solved. We'd rather die!" Mermista said.
"This woman does not speak for us!" Shuichi said. "That being said, she's right about the case not being solved."
"Doesn't matter. We were on the way back from your place anyway." Seth said as they showed Yakou held by a few Peacekeepers.
"What the heck did you idiots do?" Yakou said.
"Uh…our job?" Eddy replied.
"Wait, we investigated all the killings. We know the cause of deaths were from strangling." Gohan said.
"How…did you know that?" Seth said.
"So….the cause of death was kept under wraps." Yuma said. "This proves our investigation was legitimate."
"Well…I stand corrected. You all must be arrested as well." Seth said.
"Wait, what?" Perfuma said.
"You are suspected of espionage. I think interrogation is in order." Seth said.
"Damn it! Gathering up all that evidence, and now we're just gonna head to jail?" Yang asked.
"If we had a little more time, we could use it all to find the real culprit, but it doesn't look like Seth wants to give us the time." Princess Twilight said.
"What do we do…?" Yuma asked.
"C'mon, Master! You know exactly what to do!" Shinigami said.
Knowing what Shinigami was onto, Yuma hesitated. "N-No!"
"Wait, you have enough to do that?" Vector said as he saw the churchgoers starting to gather. "Do it! Do it now!"
"But…once we find the true culprit in there…" Yuma said.
"Forget what's gonna happen. We'll cross that bridge later. Right now, we need to solve this crisis!" Leonora said.
"...You're right. No other option." Yuma said.
"Shinigami, do the thing!" Vector said.
"Alrighty! One Mystery Labyrinth, coming right up!" Shinigami said, beginning to manifest the portal. "Are you and your friends mentally and physically prepared, master? Arise! Mystery Labyrinth!"
With that, Shinigami transformed into her true self, signaling the start of another Mystery Labyrinth. The others were not aware they had done it before… but it was going to happen again. Another trip to another world where Mysteries are made manifest.