Episode 23: Black Grasp (Resolution)

{Episode 23}

Opening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7URqQICTN7w

Vodka: Last time, on Detective Conan...

Vodka: I rolled out of bed late. I didn't really have anything to do in particular today.

Vodka: I stopped by the shooting range, saw Korn practicing. I think he's self-conscious about Chianti's skill.

Vodka: Notice Aniki and Vermouth are gone today. Wonder where they are.

Gin: Also, I was putting my plan into action...

Gin: It seems I caught that tantei in my web. He couldn't have escaped, though Vermouth thinks otherwise.

Gin: Even now I zero my scope in on Sherry.

Gin: Time to finish the job.

Gin: Find out how I achieve my ultimate victory, this time, on Detective Conan.

Gin: {Cue Title}

{Black Grasp (Resolution)}

[3…

[2…

[1…

Gin: {Cue Scene}

{Outside the now-burning building}

* Gin zeroes his scope.

* Gin looks through.

* HaibaraAi stares at the burning building, unaware of what's about to happen.

* Vermouth starts walking fast, heading to the building

* Gin blinks and pulls back the gun.

Gin: What...?

* Gin breaks back into a huge grin.

Gin: It all makes sense now...

* Gin puts his eye back up to his scope.

Gin: I won't make the same mistake I made last time, Sherry.

* Vermouth stares at Gin for a second, and keeps walking. \I won’t let our silver bullet die!\

{Meanwhile: Inside the burning building}

* Building is on fire.

* EdogawaConan is stuck under fallen walls, which fortunately protected him from the blast, but are now trapping him in the burning building.

EdogawaConan: \Kuso....these are heavy!\

EdogawaConan: *starts trying to push the wall-pieces off of himself* \They didn't have her....at least not here....is she OK?\

* Building grumbles softly as the fire continues to rage. The wall pieces budge somewhat, but your leverage is poor. You should be able to squeeze out if you can keep it up...

EdogawaConan: \Kuso...this is going to take too long....where's the badge?\ *pulls out the badge and pushes the call button* \C'mon, someone pick up....Haibara? Ayumi-chan?\

* Building blocks out most of the reception. It only gets through to Haibara, and even then it's crackly.

* HaibaraAi suddenly hears static through her badge

HaibaraAi: \Could it be?\

HaibaraAi: Kudou-kun?!

EdogawaConan: *badge* Haibara? Ayumi-chan? Hakase?

EdogawaConan: *badge* Haibara! Can you hear me?

* Gin remarks coldly, without looking up from his scope, "You'd better not leave this rooftop, Vermouth. I know what you're planning. That's cheating."

EdogawaConan: *badge* I got stuck...

HaibaraAi: *suddenly calms down* Kudou-kun! You're alive? Where are you?

* ProfessorAgasa leans down to listen.

ProfessorAgasa: Shinichi-kun, where are you?

Gin: Damn. He's blocking Sherry...

EdogawaConan: *badge* Second floor of the building...toward the back. One spot didn't explode, but the walls fell on top of me....

Vermouth: Cheating, huh? *walks to Gin*

EdogawaConan: *badge* I might be able to get out...but the rest of the building is on fire, and it'll take too long to get out on my own....

* HaibaraAi only heard second floor and wall from static

Vermouth: I just wanted to see that traitor's dead face... From here, I won’t be able to enjoy it... *with a seductive voice*

HaibaraAi: We have to help him...

ProfessorAgasa: Shinichi-kun, the fire department is on its way. Can you make it out on your own?

Gin: Do you think I would be any use at all to Anokata if I fell for your little games, Vermouth? You should be happy. Or do you not believe in the success of our organization?

EdogawaConan: *badge* The walls fell on top of me, and there aren't any windows near me...

* EdogawaConan is still trying to push at the walls as he talks over the badge.

ProfessorAgasa: *to Ai* Do you think we should go try to find him?

EdogawaConan: *badge* The walls are heavy!

Vermouth: *laughs, lighting up a cigarette* You're such an unpredictable man... \No, Gin... Silver bullet will put an end to our organization.\

EdogawaConan: *badge* And even when I do get out, I'm still stuck on the second floor!

* HaibaraAi sees more fire come out of the windows.

HaibaraAi: I don't think he'll make it out on his own in time…

HaibaraAi: Hakase, wait for the fire trucks...

ProfessorAgasa: Alright, but wait...

* HaibaraAi starts to run up to the building

* Gin traces her path.

ProfessorAgasa: Ai-kun!

* EdogawaConan continues pushing at the walls, cursing mentally. Finally, they give enough for him to crawl out.

HaibaraAi: \I can't let them win...even if I die, Kudou-kun has to stay alive to bring them down...\

* HaibaraAi runs into the building, narrowly missing falling debris.

* Gin aims just above Sherry, planning to shoot her as she enters.

* Gin pulls the trigger, firing off a shot. The glass causes the bullet to change trajectory and velocity slightly, missing Ai by inches as fire and debris falls around her.

Gin: Damn!

* Gin pulls back from the ledge.

* EdogawaConan is now free of the walls that protected him from the blast, and carefully working his way through the second floor, trying to find a safe path out.

Vermouth: Gin... From the beginning, you knew this was going to end like this... *stares at him with a serious look* A sniper job.

EdogawaConan: *badge* Haibara? I'm out of the walls....

* Gin grits his teeth and stares at Vermouth.

Vermouth: I think you know what I'm talking about. Why you, Gin...?

Vermouth: Chianti, Korn...?

HaibaraAi: *badge* Where are you? I'm in the building...

Gin: You're right, for once, Vermouth.

EdogawaConan: *badge* WHAT??? WHY??? GET OUT!!

Gin: I'm intelligent enough to know when I've erred. I should have brought Chianti to take the shot.

EdogawaConan: *badge* What kind of an idiot runs into a building that just exploded without any sort of protective gear???

EdogawaConan: *badge* Call Ayumi again, see if she's found Ran!!

HaibaraAi: *badge* I'm not leaving you here!

HaibaraAi: I didn't get a chance to tell you before

Gin: They're trapped in the fire. The fire department won't come. They're done for.

HaibaraAi: But They're here!

Vermouth: *sighs* But you want to do the job by yourself...

HaibaraAi: The Black Organization. I sensed them, and I know this was meant to kill you!

Gin: I see what you're getting at.

HaibaraAi: They planned this for you and only you, so you're going to need help

Gin: You're perceptive as always. Perhaps you're right. I always planned to be the one to end her, just like I always wanted to be the one to kill that traitorous Rye. I loathe traitors.

EdogawaConan: *badge* No....They were planning to trap you as well.

EdogawaConan: *badge* That's why they used a chemistry-based code....

* HaibaraAi gives a small smile to the badge even though she knows he can't see it.

Vermouth: But right now, your personal issues with traitors just... made you miss. Chianti would have killed her by now. *smiles*

EdogawaConan: *badge* Haibara? Where's Ran? Is she OK?

* Gin growls at Vermouth.

HaibaraAi: I know...which is why I came, to make sure that at least you'll get out.

Gin: Fine. If you're so doubtful of my abilities, I'll take care of it right now. I'll make sure this ends.

* Gin tosses the rifle at Vermouth.

Gin: Don't lose that.

HaibaraAi: Don't worry about her, she's fine...for now. You need to get back to her, ne?

Vermouth: *laughs* You get mad so easily.

* Gin lights a cigarette and bites it.

Gin: I'm dedicated to my job. Unlike others I could name.

* Gin heads for the stairs.

* Vermouth smiles and stares at the rifle

* HaibaraAi hears more debris about to fall.

* Vermouth looks through the scope

EdogawaConan: *badge* Where is she? What about Ayumi?...Kuso, stupid...*climbing over a bit of wall in his path*

HaibaraAi: *to badge* So get moving! *puts the badge in her pocket*

* HaibaraAi starts making her way through the lobby and up the stairs, making sure there's a way out from there.

* EdogawaConan continues cursing under his breath as he makes his way through the ruins of the maze-room.

* Gin kicks open the lobby door, cocking his pistol at the same time. He appears unphased by the falling ash, smoke, and fire.

* HaibaraAi finally gets to the second floor hallway and starts glancing through the rooms, shouting Kudou's name.

* Gin calmly works his way up the stairs, putting deliberate force behind each step.

* HaibaraAi slowly starts to calm down, remembering panicking won't solve anything, it's not like her...

* HaibaraAi is too distracted to sense Gin coming up the stairs.

* Gin reaches the top of the stairs.

* EdogawaConan manages to make it out of the maze-mess room and back to the hall, which isn't nearly as badly damaged.

Gin: Well, well, well. It looks like everyone's here.

* Gin chuckles.

* EdogawaConan's eyes go wide as he spots Gin.

EdogawaConan: \Kuso.....not again....now what?\

* Gin has smoke, shadows, and flame bellowing up behind him.

Gin: I really should thank you, Kudou Shinichi-kun.

* Gin advances a few feet forward.

* EdogawaConan panics and looks for a way out.

Gin: Without your help, how would I have ever found Sherry?

EdogawaConan: So the trap was meant for her.

EdogawaConan: And you never had anyone else at all, did you?

* EdogawaConan looks for a hiding place.

* Gin offers a hollow cackle.

Gin: It was unnecessary.

Gin: Well, Sherry. I guess it's clear how you escaped your death sentence.

Gin: I won't make the same mistake.

* HaibaraAi is terrified as she feels Gin behind her.

* Building rumbles.

HaibaraAi: Yeah? *trying to keep a strong front, surely Kudou-kun has a plan.* \It's safer to run, Kudou-kun!\

EdogawaConan: \At least Ran's safe....\ *still looking for a way out*

Gin: You're too late to escape, tantei. The other four doors are locked, and the authorities aren't coming.

Gin: I'm going to enjoy this.

* Gin levels his gun with Haibara.

HaibaraAi: Kudou-kun, just go already. It's me he wants anyway. *sad smile* At least this can stop...

EdogawaConan: \Yeah right.....\ *grabs her arm and pulls her with him into another room, darting toward the blown-out windows*

* Gin fires off two shots, missing both times.

Vermouth: W-- what?! *zeroes her scope*

* HaibaraAi is shocked by Kudou's move.

HaibaraAi: He'll just shoot us anyway!

* Gin steps around to the door, noting that the desks are a mess and blocking the way to the window. There is also a wall of fire preventing exit in that direction.

Vermouth: Two shots---

* Gin aims at Conan.

HaibaraAi: Leave him out of this! *stands in front of Kudou* It's me you want, right? *glares*

EdogawaConan: \Kuso....\ *ducks around one of the desks, still pulling Haibara with him*

* Gin fires off another shot, clipping Ai.

Gin: I can enjoy a game of hide and seek.

HaibaraAi: Un! *she grips her arm.*

* Gin gives a mad laugh.

* EdogawaConan tugs Haibara along behind more desks, trying to find a way out

Gin: The wonderful thing about desks...

Gin: Is that they aren't bulletproof.

* Gin starts firing through desks.

* Building groans.

* Building rumbles deeply, sending down a new storm of fire, debris, and dust.

HaibaraAi: Just get out of here by yourself. I don't matter…

* Gin loads a new clip.

* EdogawaConan is trying to find a weak spot in the floor....

EdogawaConan: I'm not going to just leave you behind, Haibara....*distractedly, still looking for a way out and dragging her along*

EdogawaConan: Like the bus.

HaibaraAi: Right, I can't run away. But you still have someone to go back to. I don't have anyone. They are all dead.

HaibaraAi: Parents, siblings... and you have someone you love. My life is meaningless at this point.

* Building fires another shot through the desk, this time, right between them.

* HaibaraAi jolts back.

* EdogawaConan curses and yanks Haibara along farther, still looking for a weak point in the floor.

EdogawaConan: What about Ayumi-chan? Mitsuhiko-kun? Hakase?

* HaibaraAi looks down and her bangs cover her eyes.

HaibaraAi: Yeah, Yoshida-san would be quite sad, wouldn't she?

EdogawaConan: They all would be...You might not have blood family anymore...

* EdogawaConan locates a place near where one of the bombs exploded that seems weaker.

EdogawaConan: Here. We'll get down this way. *whispered to Haibara*

* HaibaraAi nods

* EdogawaConan uses his shoes to kick at the weak spot, making a hole in the floor just big enough for them to fall through.

* Building rumbles and collapses far more than they expected, causing a whole section of the floor to fall out.

* Building covers their descent with smoke, dust, and ash.

HaibaraAi: Uwa! *falls and tries to land correctly*

Gin: Damn!

* Gin charges to the ledge and fires rapidly into the smoking crater.

* Gin squints, but hears sirens in the distance.

EdogawaConan: *falls, manages to roll as he lands, and stands up coughing, just outside of the fallen part of the floor*

EdogawaConan: Haibara?

HaibaraAi: *coughs* Right here, Kudou-kun. *feels for him*

* Building rumbles heavily as the smoke begins to clear.

EdogawaConan: Let's go...*grabs her arm again and pulls her with him toward the door*

* Gin points his gun directly at Haibara's head and fires.

* Gin is out of ammo.

Gin: Damn!

* Gin offers another glare before turning and heading for the back alley exit.

* EdogawaConan starts yelling for Hakase as they clear the door.

EdogawaConan: Hakase!

EdogawaConan: *cough cough* Hakase!

HaibaraAi: Hakase...

ProfessorAgasa: Shinichi-kun! Ai-kun! You're safe!

HaibaraAi: Barely. *takes deep breaths looking up at the building*

* Vermouth looks through the scope

HaibaraAi: We should get out of here, there's no way he came alone.

EdogawaConan: And something like that mess probably won't stop him either.

EdogawaConan: And Haibara needs medical attention.

* EdogawaConan indicates Haibara's injured arm.

HaibaraAi: Oh, this...*she looks at her arm, forgetting she got shot*

* ProfessorAgasa nods.

EdogawaConan: Yes, that....you're bleeding all over! *moves to put pressure on it in an attempt to stop the bleeding*

ProfessorAgasa: We go to the hospital immediately then.

EdogawaConan: Good idea...

* ProfessorAgasa points to the car.

* HaibaraAi slightly winces

* EdogawaConan drags Haibara back toward the car.

ProfessorAgasa: Hurry. If the police see us, they'll want to stop us for questioning.

HaibaraAi: \I'm foolish, aren't I?\

HaibaraAi: Yeah...

EdogawaConan: Did Ayumi-chan ever call back?

Vermouth: ... Damn... Move, Cool Guy!

EdogawaConan: They didn't really have Ran...

* Vermouth zeroes her scope

Vermouth: If I shoot and I miss, they'll escape...

* EdogawaConan hurries into the car, shoving Haibara ahead of himself.

Vermouth: bye bye~ Sherry~ *shoots, but misses*

Vermouth: What?!---

* HaibaraAi hears the gunshot.

* ProfessorAgasa hits the gas, back window of his window now shattered.

HaibaraAi: ...

HaibaraAi: Step on it, Hakase!

* Vermouth bites her lower lip

Vermouth: Damn!

* EdogawaConan pulls out his phone with one hand, the other keeping pressure on Haibara's wound.

HaibaraAi: I haven't spoken to Yoshida-san since she went to check on Ran-san...

* Vermouth grabs her cell phone and calls Gin. \I have to escape... Cool Guy will certainly know where I am hiding because I shot... And he'll tell the police about a sniper.\

* HaibaraAi glances over her shoulder looking for anymore danger

* EdogawaConan curses softly, realizing the soaked phone won't work.

EdogawaConan: Call her again...

EdogawaConan: I have to be sure that Ran's safe....

HaibaraAi: Of course. *she smirks dialing Ayumi's cell*

Ayumi: *answering cell phone* Ayumi desu! *^_^*

Ayumi: *to background* Sorry, Ran-oneesan....

HaibaraAi: Yoshida-san. I was checking on things.

Ayumi: *to phone* Ran-oneesan is fine! *quietly, trying not to be heard by anyone near her*

* HaibaraAi she gives a nod to Conan

* MouriRan smiles at Ayumi and gets into the kitchen, leaving her alone

Ayumi: *phone* Ayumi had to come up with an excuse for showing up suddenly when nothing had happened over here...so Ran-oneesan is teaching Ayumi to make cookies! *^_^*

HaibaraAi: Good. Kudou-kun is very happy to hear that

Ayumi: *phone* We'll bring some over to Hakase's when we're done....are you and Oniisan OK? What happened?

Ayumi: *phone* Wait....tell me later....probably better if Ran-oneesan doesn't hear...~_~*

* EdogawaConan sighs with relief.

MouriRan: Is something wrong, Ayumi-chan?

EdogawaConan: \Thank heavens...\

HaibaraAi: Right. See ya.

* HaibaraAi hangs up phone

Ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDN_9V71reQ

Episode 22: Black Grasp (Confrontation)

{Episode 22}

Opening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7URqQICTN7w

Gin: Last time, on Detective Conan...

Gin: The bumbling staff and director were unable to make any progress in the story, and then took the next night off.

Gin: This has delayed my plans, but they are still in action!

[TsuburayaMitsuhiko]: That's not very nice, Gin!

Gin: I laid a trap for that tantei: I gave him chemistry riddles to lure out Sherry. It seems he took the bait, as he was picked up and is now speeding toward the location I gave.

Gin: Quiet you. The adults are busy.

Vermouth: Can I kill the annoying brat? Can I, can I, can I?

Gin: Yeah, go ahead and string him up until I'm done.

[TsuburayaMitsuhiko]: No! *hides*

HattoriHeiji: Hey, waddya two clowns stop it and get started?!

Gin: Anyway, it seems that Vermouth hasn't realized that this was all just a distraction for my primary goals. When that tantei is trapped with no hope of escape, it will just be icing on the cake.

Gin: How? I suppose you can find out this time, on Detective Conan!

* Gin cackles madly.

Gin: {Cue Title}

{Black Grasp (Confrontation)}

[3…

[2…

[1…

Gin: {Cue scene}

{In the car, enroute to 35-45 Minato-ku, where the puzzle told us we'd find Ran.}

* EdogawaConan is still beating himself up over having not realized that it was really Vermouth on the phone.

* EdogawaConan is also still trying to dry off a bit with the towel, but it is no longer as effective...

* HaibaraAi glances over to him.

* EdogawaConan doesn't notice because he has the towel over his face, trying to get his hair dry.

HaibaraAi: You can't blame yourself for this...

EdogawaConan: No? Why not?

HaibaraAi: They would've found a way to draw you out somehow. You can't always protect them before the fact.

EdogawaConan: *sigh* Yeah....

EdogawaConan: Still....*thinks of something* Kuso....Ayumi-chan was trying to protect Ran...what if they grabbed her too??

* HaibaraAi looks down

* EdogawaConan starts beating himself up worse for that...

HaibaraAi: We won't know until we get there.

ProfessorAgasa: Is there a certain time we're supposed to be at that address?

EdogawaConan: Before the timer hits zero...we have....*checks* 17 minutes and 6 seconds....

EdogawaConan: Hopefully..... Hopefully if they did get Ayumi-chan they figure she's just a kid and not anyone dangerous...

ProfessorAgasa: We should hurry, but I think we'll be able to make it with plenty of time left...

ProfessorAgasa: Still, the sooner the better.

EdogawaConan: Yeah....

* HaibaraAi doesn't remark that it wouldn't have mattered if she were a kid

EdogawaConan: *something breaks through the panic in his mind* Haibara? Can you call Ayumi-chan? Just to make sure she's not involved?

HaibaraAi: Eh? Sure *gets out her cell phone*

* ProfessorAgasa turns a corner.

ProfessorAgasa: Make the call quick, Ai-kun, we'll be there in about a minute.

* HaibaraAi calls Ayumi

Ayumi: *picks up phone* Ayumi desu! *^_^*

HaibaraAi: Yoshida-san?

HaibaraAi: Where are you?

Ayumi: Ayumi is at home...*sounding confused* Why? What happened?

Ayumi: Ai-chan, where are you? Is something wrong?

HaibaraAi: I don't have time to explain, as long as you're alright *nods to Conan with the silent message* Have you checked on Ran-san?

Ayumi: Not today.....Ayumi can go do that now, though....

Ayumi: Why? Is something wrong?

Ayumi: What happened?

Ayumi: Where are you?

Ayumi: *over her shoulder* Mom! Ayumi is going out!

* EdogawaConan sighs with relief at the news that at least Ayumi is safe.

Ayumi: Ai-chan? Are you OK?

Ayumi: Is Oniisan OK?

Ayumi: Did something happen?

* ProfessorAgasa pulls to a stop.

ProfessorAgasa: We're here!

* ProfessorAgasa gets out.

ProfessorAgasa: We don't have time to waste. How much time is left?

EdogawaConan: Haibara, stay here....*hops out*

HaibaraAi: Eh?

EdogawaConan: Call me on the badge if you hear anything else from Ayumi....

* EdogawaConan checks the clock

HaibaraAi: *to phone* I don't think it will matter to check on her now.

Ayumi: Won't matter?? What happened? Ayumi will go anyway to make sure....but....what happened? Is Oniisan OK?

Ayumi: Are you OK?

HaibaraAi: But go ahead, just promise me to stay out of trouble.

EdogawaConan: 9 minutes, 54 seconds....let's move.

* EdogawaConan heads into the building, trying not to be too obvious, but also trying not to look out of place.

HaibaraAi: He's fine, we're fine. It'll be alright *Gives a sad smile*

* ProfessorAgasa nods and walks up to the building: It appears to be a two-floor office building, but it's unclear how far back it goes.

Ayumi: Ayumi will do her best to stay out of trouble, and to keep Ran-oneesan out of trouble too....

* ProfessorAgasa follows after Conan, noting the unlocked door.

HaibaraAi: I can't tell you where we are, and I need to get off now, but don't worry.

Ayumi: Ai-chan, you help Oniisan keep out of trouble, OK? Ayumi will call when she checks on Ran-oneesan.

Ayumi: Bye!

HaibaraAi: Bye...

* HaibaraAi hangs up and sighs

* ProfessorAgasa glances around the reception area, still dark. He notes on the left side of the room a hallway that recedes into darkness. On the right is a staircase, which similarly climbs into a tenebrous unknown.

* HaibaraAi glances out the window, waiting to see what happens

* EdogawaConan flicks on his watch light and looks around.

EdogawaConan: \The puzzle didn't give me any other clues....do they even really have her?\

ProfessorAgasa: Which way do we go, Shinichi?

ProfessorAgasa: Up or in?

EdogawaConan: No idea....

EdogawaConan: There weren't any other clues in the puzzle...

EdogawaConan: Just the address....

EdogawaConan: I'm starting to wonder if they actually have her, or if the whole thing is a ruse...bait for a trap...

ProfessorAgasa: I don't think it would be wise to split up...

EdogawaConan: No....better yet....go back to the car....

* ProfessorAgasa shrugs.

* EdogawaConan prepares to head up the stairs.

ProfessorAgasa: Even if they have her, it's a trap, isn't it?

EdogawaConan: Yes...but I'm not sure this trap is meant to catch me.

EdogawaConan: The puzzle was all chemistry.

ProfessorAgasa: Last time that was their modus operandi, Shinichi-kun.

EdogawaConan: Hakase.....please go make sure Haibara doesn't leave the car....*starts to head up the stairs*

* ProfessorAgasa nods and heads back out.

* Gin leans against the edge of a building across the street.

HaibaraAi: \What's taking them?\

* Gin grips his rifle by the midsection and tosses it up, catching it mid flight, and leveling it with the roof of the car, all without drawing his eye to the scope.

* HaibaraAi suddenly feels her 6th sense

Vermouth: You're such an interesting man... *smokes, smiling at Gin*

* Gin pulls the gun up to his eye as he returns, "Why is that?"

Vermouth: Humans are predictable. But there's a lot of things about you I can’t understand.

Vermouth: You saw the man and the kid entering to the building with that eye *points at the scope* of yours...-

Vermouth: Why didn't you shoot?

* Gin chuckles.

Gin: I thought you would have realized by now, Vermouth, or perhaps you're just playing dumb to humor me...

HaibaraAi: \They're here...I know it...\

Gin: The target I'm after has yet to get out of the car.

* Gin smiles, cheek still pressed to the gun.

Vermouth: T-- The chemistry puzzle...

* Vermouth grins

Vermouth: You're after Sherry. Why I didn’t notice before...? *hits herself softly in the forehead* Silly me.

Gin: The detective was never really a serious threat to our organization.

* Vermouth smiles at him, and nods /You're wrong, Gin. You're terribly, terribly wrong. He's a silver bullet./

* ProfessorAgasa walks out to the car.

Gin: There's the fat, old professor...

* HaibaraAi barely notices him

* HaibaraAi is shivering like crazy

* ProfessorAgasa opens the car door.

HaibaraAi: \I have to warn Kudou-kun\

ProfessorAgasa: Are you alright, Ai-kun?

Vermouth: Do you think the little detective noticed your plan and sent the old man to make her stay in the car?

* HaibaraAi looks up at him with fear in her eyes

* Gin flicks out a cigarette and bites it.

Gin: It's possible.

Gin: I have a contingency.

HaibaraAi: Hakase, They're here...Kudou-kun...

HaibaraAi: Did he find her?

ProfessorAgasa: I don't know. He told me to come back.

ProfessorAgasa: He wanted me to tell you to stay in the car...

* HaibaraAi stares for moment, then looks down and gives a dry chuckle

HaibaraAi: Perhaps he's not the only target here...

{Inside the building}

Timer: Tick, tick, tick.

* EdogawaConan darts up the stairs as soon as Hakase leaves, moving to check the upper floor, but still being quiet in case one of Them is hiding here.

* Building splits off in three directions. To the left and right are doors. They have locks, but it's not clear if they're locked or not if you don't test them. The hallway is similarly dark. With illumination, it is revealed to go on for over fifty feet, with two more sets of doors.

* Building betrays muffled cries from somewhere in its depths.

* EdogawaConan starts trying doors as he walks quickly down the hallway.

Timer: Tick, tick, tick.

* EdogawaConan is trying to follow the cries.

* Building yields nothing to the first two doors: both are locked. The cries are coming from an indeterminate location, but you're confident it's on this floor.

Timer: 7:25

* Building arriving at the next set of doors, the sound seems to split in two directions. It seems as if the muffled cries are coming from both doors.

* EdogawaConan tries the door on the right first.

* Building yields a spacious office room. There are eight rows of desks, each with the light multicolored glow of idle computers.

* Building is filled with the resonant tones of the muffled cries. It is likely that the echoes are being caused by all of the exposed metal on the room, such as the row guards on the rows of desks, and heavy ventilation meant to cool the computers.

* Building has drawn shades at the far end. This room probably faces out to the street.

* EdogawaConan glances through the room, but not seeing anything immediately, decides to check the left room first before venturing in.

* Building opens to reveal a second room. This one is completely different from the other. It's full of a maze formed out of cubicles. They are tall, and made of metal, causing the same resonant effect. They are far too tall for a grade schooler to boost over to see.

* EdogawaConan curses and decides to try the right room first, quickly darting in to check down the rows of desks.

Timer: Tick, tick, tick

* Building has a higher cumulative volume as you travel to the end of the room. It's clear that the sound is coming somewhere from the left side of the room (which is the side not open to entry).

* EdogawaConan goes down the pathway, shining his light down each row as he passes it, trying to trace the source of the noise.

* Building has noise projected from beneath the desks, so investigation at the end of each row is necessary. Further inspection shows that only about half of the rows (irregular intervals) are projecting the full volume.

* EdogawaConan checks each of the rows that have full-volume noise.

* Building has, at the end of the first row you investigate, a small, one-way radio tapped to the bottom of the desk.

* EdogawaConan flicks it off, cursing, and goes to quickly check the other rows.

EdogawaConan: \Think I picked the wrong room....\

* Building each of the other rows have more of the same.

Timer: Tick, tick, tick.

Timer: 4:47

* EdogawaConan flicks off all the switches, cussing.

EdogawaConan: \Other room.....and fast!\

* EdogawaConan goes to check the other room, again following the sounds.

* Building is harder to navigate, now that it's a maze-like format. The darkness causes you to bump into dead-ends. The cubicles are only faintly lit by more monitors, which allow you to find your way.

* EdogawaConan is cursing under his breath as he seeks out the source of the sound. The cursing gets stronger every time he hits a dead-end.

EdogawaConan: \Stupid maze.....\

* Building now only gives off the slightest sound. Conan's trek through the maze seems to have resulted in each radio being turned off but one, in a distant corner.

Timer: Tick, tick, tick.

* EdogawaConan curses more, realizing that there's nothing in here as he tracks down the last radio.

* Building doesn't seem to be able to reach the last place where the noise is coming from. Closer examination reveals that walls enclose the back right corner on all sides.

Timer: Tick, tick, tick.

* Building magnifies the ever-growing sound from that corner, as the cries grow more desperate.

* EdogawaConan taps on the wall, looking for a way to get through.

Timer: 0:30

* Building has cubicle walls that do not yield to the typical tap.

Timer: 0:25

Timer: 0:20

Timer: 0:15

* EdogawaConan curses and powers up the shoes to kick a ball from his belt through the wall.

* Building has one of its cubicle walls crumple off to the side, revealing a huddled over figure, shaking slightly, covered in a black bag with a rope tied around that. It is the source of the sounds.

Timer: 0:10

* EdogawaConan hurries to untie the rope and free the figure.

* Figure comes uncovered to reveal a mannequin, rigged with a radio and a digital timer, and some mechanics to make it twitch.

Timer: 0:05

Timer: 0:03

Timer: 0:01

Timer: 0:00

* Building detonates all the radios that were turned off.

EdogawaConan: \They didn’t really have her....\

{Outside the building}

* ProfessorAgasa turns around in shock, seeing explosions burst out of the second floor windows.

* HaibaraAi gasps at the sight above

HaibaraAi: \Kudou-kun...!\

Vermouth: \... Cool Guy...! \

* Gin smiles.

Gin: I told you that I always have a plan, Vermouth.

Vermouth: He came here...

Vermouth: Just-- You--!

* Vermouth touches her forehead softly, trying to think

Gin: It was a fair game, Vermouth. It seems I won.

Vermouth: You think Sherry will leave the car with the explosions.

Gin: Indeed.

Gin: Even if she doesn't, I've already won half way.

* Vermouth smiles

Vermouth: It won’t be that easy, Gin.

Gin: Fair enough. I don't underestimate my prey. I have more important things to do.

Vermouth: \Come on... You're our Silver Bullet... \

* ProfessorAgasa stares at the flames erupting from the building.

HaibaraAi: He was still in there, wasn't he?

ProfessorAgasa: He was...

ProfessorAgasa: That doesn't mean it got him!

HaibaraAi: He would've found a way out...

ProfessorAgasa: The office would have automatically triggered emergency sprinklers, and called the fire department, however...

ProfessorAgasa: We're blocking the way for their trucks.

ProfessorAgasa: If we want to find him, we should move the car, first.

* ProfessorAgasa gets into the car.

* HaibaraAi can't stop staring at the flames

* Vermouth starts walking, leaving Gin alone

* Gin whispers, "This is what you should have done a long time ago, Vermouth."

* ProfessorAgasa pulls the car forward fifty feet before stopping and getting out to watch the smoke bellowing out of the offices.

Vermouth: \I won’t let Cool Guy die. He has an Angel to protect.\

* HaibaraAi gets out as well, not thinking straight

* Gin begins to zero his scope.

Ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDN_9V71reQ

Episode 21: Black Grasp (Puzzle)

{Episode 21}

Opening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7URqQICTN7w&feature=related

Gin: Last time, on Detective Conan...

Gin: I kidnapped that kid detective, springing my trap into action.

Gin: I would have just finished him the easy way, but Vermouth is a tricky one.

Gin: I'm confident that my plan will ultimately prove beneficial to me in the long run, though. And there is little chance that it will fail.

Gin: That foolish tantei will do anything for his girlfriend. I'll use that against him.

Gin: Find out how... This time on Detective Conan.

EdogawaConan: [Cue title]

{Black Grasp (Puzzle)}

[3...

[2...

[1...

EdogawaConan: [Cue scene]

{At the end of a pier, Conan is sitting by himself, hidden, still soaking wet from his dip in the sea.}

* Packet opens to reveal two objects.

* Packet contains a timer with 57 minutes, 28 seconds on it. It's counting down.

* EdogawaConan jolts, realizing he has less than an hour to find her.

* Packet contains a sheet of paper with a series of statements on it, listed sequentially.

* EdogawaConan reads the sheet of paper.

* PuzzleSheet contains blanks and lines of text.

PuzzleSheet: ___ = 2% crust; drop latter.

PuzzleSheet: ___ = photography halide

PuzzleSheet: ___ = 78% atmosphere

PuzzleSheet: ___ = rarest natural

PuzzleSheet: ___ = bane of spacecraft

* PuzzleSheet has one line at the bottom, separated from the others.

PuzzleSheet: %2.2 mass Cl

EdogawaConan: Chemicals....

EdogawaConan: Do I need to take the atomic symbols and make a word out of them?

* EdogawaConan grabs the badge and flicks it on to call Ai.

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Haibara?

* HaibaraAi hears the static of the badge and Conan's voice

HaibaraAi: Kudou-kun? How's shopping?

EdogawaConan: *to badge* It was a trap. I need your help with a puzzle. They have Ran.

HaibaraAi: Eh?

HaibaraAi: What kind of puzzle?

EdogawaConan:*to badge* Chemistry stuff...

* EdogawaConan reads the paper aloud to Haibara over the badge

HaibaraAi: I see...

* HaibaraAi thinks over puzzle

EdogawaConan: I think the atomic symbols will make a word....but I'm just guessing....

HaibaraAi: Well, 78% of the atmosphere would be nitrogen...

* EdogawaConan nods and checks his pockets for a pen or pencil.

HaibaraAi: 2% crust is most likely magnesium, it's the 8th most abundant chemical in the Earth's crust

* HaibaraAi still thinking

HaibaraAi: And the medical halide in photography is Iodine...

HaibaraAi: I'm not sure about those last two, though.

HaibaraAi: How exactly will that information going to help you?

EdogawaConan: *to badge* I'm not sure just yet...

EdogawaConan: If I take the atomic symbols and write them....*scribbling in his notebook as he thinks aloud*

EdogawaConan: Mg....I....N.....

EdogawaConan: I think I need the other two for that....

EdogawaConan: Maybe it's the numbers? No...still not making much sense....

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Haibara?

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Could you ask Hakase if he knows the last two?

HaibaraAi: Sure

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Thanks....*distractedly, still working on the puzzle*

* HaibaraAi walks over to where Hakase is

* ProfessorAgasa is working feverishly.

HaibaraAi: Hakase?

* ProfessorAgasa glances up and sets down his device.

ProfessorAgasa: Eh? What is it, Ai-kun?

HaibaraAi: It seems that whole shopping trip for Kudou-kun was a trap. *very serious*

* ProfessorAgasa looks at her gravely.

ProfessorAgasa: He contacted you?

HaibaraAi: Yes, and they left him a code. I've helped him with some of it, but there're some parts which I don't have much knowledge of

* ProfessorAgasa sighs in relief.

ProfessorAgasa: What do you need help with?

HaibaraAi: You wouldn't happen to know what element is the "bane of a spacecraft", would you?

ProfessorAgasa: The bane of a spacecraft?

ProfessorAgasa: Ho ho! That's an old aerospace term, Ai-kun.

ProfessorAgasa: It refers to Oxygen, because it erodes the paneling on spacecraft.

ProfessorAgasa: How will that help, though?

HaibaraAi: Not sure yet...*calls back on the badge*

HaibaraAi: *to badge* Kudou-kun?

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Yeah?

HaibaraAi: *to badge* It's oxygen, the bane of a spacecraft is oxygen, atomic number: 8

* EdogawaConan writes it down

ProfessorAgasa: Should we go pick him up?

* EdogawaConan is busily trying to work out the puzzle.

HaibaraAi: Well, it doesn't look like he'll have a ride back.

HaibaraAi: *to badge* Where are you? Hakase will pick you up...

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Hah? *wasn't paying attention* Oh...um...on a pier...*sneeze* And...could you maybe bring a towel or something?

HaibaraAi: *to badge* Ee, do you know which pier?

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Um....not exactly sure which pier...can you trace my badge signal with the spare glasses?

EdogawaConan: *to badge* And what's "rarest natural"?

HaibaraAi: *to badge* Oh right, *to Agasa* Do you know "rarest natural"? It's the last piece of the puzzle

ProfessorAgasa: That sounds like the rarest naturally occurring chemical, if I understand the puzzle.

ProfessorAgasa: It would certainly be radioactive...

ProfessorAgasa: Francium, Astatine, or Radium, I would say.

ProfessorAgasa: Fr, At, and Ra are the symbols.

* HaibaraAi had held up the badge to Agasa so Conan could hear

* EdogawaConan scribbles them down and starts working on it.

HaibaraAi:*to badge* Alright then, we'll be there soon

EdogawaConan: At....Minato!

EdogawaConan: Minato-ku!

HaibaraAi: Hakase, please get the car started *goes off to get a towel and the spare tracking glasses*

* ProfessorAgasa heads to the car and starts it.

EdogawaConan: So the %2.2 mass Cl is the specific address in Minato-ku....

EdogawaConan: *muttering to himself*

* HaibaraAi heads to the car with the glasses on

* ProfessorAgasa ushers Ai in the car and pulls out, following her directions.

EdogawaConan: *to badge* Haibara?

HaibaraAi: *to badge* We're almost there

HaibaraAi: *to badge* Have you figured it out?

EdogawaConan: *to badge* What's the atomic mass of Chlorine?

HaibaraAi: *to badge* Atomic mass? 35.45...

EdogawaConan: *to badge* That's where we need to go....Minato-ku 35-45....

* ProfessorAgasa pulls up at the end of the pier.

ProfessorAgasa: Shinichi-kun!

EdogawaConan: Hakase....

EdogawaConan: We have to hurry!

ProfessorAgasa: Get in!

* EdogawaConan hops in, accepting the towel from Ai.

* ProfessorAgasa hits the gas, headed for their destination.

EdogawaConan: *drying himself off a little while he talks* Ran is at 34-45 Minato-ku....

ProfessorAgasa: Don't worry, Shinichi-kun, we'll be there soon.

* HaibaraAi is silent for a moment, but then has to ask

HaibaraAi: How did they get you there anyway?

EdogawaConan: Remember when Ran called earlier?

EdogawaConan: It wasn't Ran, it was Vermouth disguised as Ran, and if I hadn't still been sleepy I would have known that....

* Gin is watching from a distance through binoculars, from atop a building.

Gin: Sherry didn't get out of her car. Oh well. She will eventually.

Gin: It seems that Kudou Shinichi fell straight into my ploy to draw out my little chemist.

Gin: We made no deals about Sherry, Vermouth.

* Gin chuckles madly.

Ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLbes6bidDU

Episode 19: Black Grasp (Hunted)

{Episode 19}


Opening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7URqQICTN7w&feature=related
Gin: Last time... on Detective Conan.
Gin: I broke into the house where that kid detective was staying and injected him with a powerful drug to make him talk.
Gin: Ultimately I gleaned little information, other than the fact that Sherry is local. Heh...
Gin: Unfortunately, it seems that Vermouth has caught on to my little plan, which has complicated things. Well... I'll have to insure I get the upper hand when it comes to "Anokata's Favorite".
Gin: Will our glorious organization prevail? Well, that was never a question.
* Gin smirks.
Gin: Find out how, this episode, on Detective Conan.
Gin: [Cue Title]
{Black Grasp (Hunted)}

[3...
[2...
[1...
[Cue Scene]
{First level of a parking garage somewhere, Gin and Vermouth are discussing events.}
* Gin glances at the ramp down to the parking structure before addressing the woman before him once more, this time with a darkened brow.
Gin: It seems we are at a stalemate, Vermouth.
Gin: Perhaps I can offer us a fair out, if you're interested.
Vermouth: That would depend on what it is *still glaring*
Gin: Heh.
Gin: You're not one to agree to something without knowing what it is.
Gin: Alright, the bottom line is this: Kudou Shinichi-tantei is not the Organization's largest priority right now. He's an affordance, at best, really.
* Gin takes another puff on his cigarette.
* Vermouth mentally sighs in relief
Gin: I'm willing to make a gamble with you.
Vermouth: Oh? And what do you believe is our main priority?
Gin: Heh. Our main priority is dealing with threats to the Organization proper. We have a leak, I'm sure you know.
Gin: Kudou Shinichi does not know enough to be a threat.
Gin: However, I'd rather eliminate him now while that remains true.
* Gin grits his teeth, twisting his face into a smile.
Gin: Help me set a little trap for "meitantei Kudou". If he makes it out, then he's not worth the trouble it would take to cover up the death.
Vermouth: I doubt eliminating him now or later would make much of a difference. You seem to imply he at least knows something, so why hasn't he told anyone yet?
* Gin glares at Vermouth in annoyance.
Gin: We can't say he hasn't. There are already two others I suspect he has informed.
Gin: Hence the reason for tonight's visit.
Gin: I like to make sure all loose ends are... taken care of.
Gin: So what do you say, Vermouth?
* Vermouth considers his proposal
* Gin taps his foot slowly, petulantly.
Vermouth: Alright then, I do enjoy games every now and then.
* Gin grins.
Gin: Very well. We'll give them the day to rest up. We do have the advantage after all.
Gin: \Heh... as if I would ever make a gamble on a target's life. With Vermouth not interfering, he's done.\
Gin: If we don't return soon, I imagine the others will start to ask questions.
* Gin pops open his door.
Gin: We'll reconvene tomorrow, here.
* Vermouth heads back to her motorcycle
* Gin slides in and shuts the door firmly before shooting Vermouth a glance and pulling away.
* Vermouth stares off as the car leaves
Vermouth: \Could this really be the end for you, our silver bullet...?\
{Time skip... Morning, the next day. Scene: Agasa's house. Camera is on Conan as he awakens.}
* EdogawaConan wakes slowly, mind fuzzy...
EdogawaConan: \Ow....why is my head killing me? Bright....\
* EdogawaConan covers his eyes with his hand.
HaibaraAi: So, you're finally awake?
EdogawaConan: \Wait...this isn't the couch....how did I get up here?\
EdogawaConan: Yeah....don't shout, OK?
* HaibaraAi is sitting in the chair next to the bed
EdogawaConan: I thought I fell asleep on the couch?
ProfessorAgasa: Ai-kun, I finished breakfast.
EdogawaConan: \Ow...why do I feel like I have a hangover?\ What happened?
* HaibaraAi gives him a wary look
EdogawaConan: Why am I up here?
HaibaraAi: Do you remember anything? From last night?
EdogawaConan: I thought I fell asleep on the couch....
* ProfessorAgasa struggles, trying to balance glasses on plates.
ProfessorAgasa: Oh, Shinichi-kun, you're up! Are you alright?
* HaibaraAi doesn't really believe he'll remember anything
EdogawaConan: My head is killing me...like that time with the Paikaru...but other than that...
EdogawaConan: Hakase, can I have some water? Please?
ProfessorAgasa: Ah, sure, you can have my drink, though it's milk.
EdogawaConan: Yeah, thanks....
* ProfessorAgasa works his way over carefully and lowers one of the plates bearing a glass on it.
* EdogawaConan takes the glass of milk and downs it quickly.
* HaibaraAi waits silently, impatient
* ProfessorAgasa passes Ai a plate and drink.
EdogawaConan: Haibara? Why are you glaring at me like that?
HaibaraAi: You...you can't remember, can you?
ProfessorAgasa: Ai-kun, don't press it. I told you that it was likely it would induce this kind of effect...
EdogawaConan: Remember what?
EdogawaConan: *suddenly dead-serious, more than usual* Haibara? What happened last night?
* HaibaraAi looks away
EdogawaConan: Hakase?
EdogawaConan: What happened?
HaibaraAi: *whispered* He needs to remember, even if he might hate himself for it...
EdogawaConan: *at the edge of panic* What happened? What don't I remember?
* HaibaraAi looks back at him, completely serious
EdogawaConan: Was I...drugged?
EdogawaConan: That would explain why I feel like I have a hangover....
HaibaraAi: I sensed Them...last night
EdogawaConan: Who drugged me? With what? Why? What happened?
HaibaraAi: They were close, much too close
EdogawaConan: Them??
* EdogawaConan's eyes go wide.
HaibaraAi: I was in the lab and went to go check, I didn't see anyone, but you weren't on the couch anymore
HaibaraAi: I found you in this room, you were indeed drugged
EdogawaConan: Who drugged me, though? And with what?
ProfessorAgasa: Based on the symptoms, it was a compound used to temporarily hurt your inhibition, similar to alcohol or sodium pentathol, but it was much stronger and more concentrated than either of those chemicals.
EdogawaConan: Truth serum....
* EdogawaConan slumps down, looking somewhat defeated.
HaibaraAi: You said some things, some things that you may have revealed…
* EdogawaConan is silent, trying to figure out how on earth he's going to get out of this one.
HaibaraAi: You never actually said who it was though, but it might not be hard to guess...
EdogawaConan: Gin or Vodka. They saw me in Fukuoka.
EdogawaConan: Vermouth....but I don't think she would. She promised to leave you alone after that time on the docks with Jodie-sensei....
* HaibaraAi gulps before saying her next sentence
HaibaraAi: You had said it was a man...and that he had called you Kudou-kun, just as I had...
EdogawaConan: Gin or Vodka then. And they must've figured it out from Fukuoka....
* EdogawaConan slumps down, banging his head against the pillow behind him.
EdogawaConan: Now everyone's in danger and it's all my fault....Ran.....Ayumi.....Mitsuhiko....Hattori...
HaibaraAi: You also mentioned that you told him that Yoshida-san and Ran-san didn't know anything, but I honestly doubt that will stop them.
EdogawaConan: Of course that won't help....they won't care....kuso!
HaibaraAi: Kudou-kun, we need to think of something, who knows when they will strike next, but I can guarantee it will be soon!
ProfessorAgasa: If they know you're here, they also likely know about your lodgings with Mouri-kun.
* EdogawaConan continues swearing under his breath.
EdogawaConan: We need backup...someone to at least help protect Ran...
EdogawaConan: And Ayumi-chan, who doesn't actually know much of anything....
HaibaraAi: Maybe for the moment we can at least make sure they're alright, right now…
EdogawaConan: Yeah....that's probably a good start....
EdogawaConan: Can you...call them?
EdogawaConan: Make sure they're OK?
* HaibaraAi nods
EdogawaConan: Thanks.
* HaibaraAi started to walk out of the room, looks back at him, and leaves
* ProfessorAgasa sighs.
EdogawaConan: They need more protection than we can give them...
ProfessorAgasa: I've never even seen one of 'Them' before that trip...
ProfessorAgasa: And they broke into my house...
EdogawaConan: Maybe...should we call the FBI?
ProfessorAgasa: I don't think we could make things much worse, at this point.
ProfessorAgasa: Do you have their number?
* ProfessorAgasa speaks wearily, "I just don't know..."
EdogawaConan: Yeah, I can call Jodie-sensei....

{With Haibara}
* HaibaraAi goes to the phone and dials Ayumi's number, suddenly anxious
phone: ring
phone: ring
phone: ring
* Yoshida-san picks up the phone.
Yoshida-san: Hello?
HaibaraAi: Hello? This is Haibara Ai, may I please speak to Yoshida-san?
HaibaraAi: Or rather, Ayumi-san? *trying to keep her voice under control*
Yoshida-san: Ah, just a moment....*covers mouthpiece* Ayumi-chan! Telephone!
Yoshida-san: Ayumi: *muffled* Coming! Who is it?
Yoshida-san: *muffled* One of your friends. *louder* Here she is.
Yoshida-san: *phone changes hands*
Ayumi: Hello?
* HaibaraAi sighs with relief at hearing her voice
HaibaraAi: Ah, Yoshida-san? It's me...
Ayumi: Ai-chan! Good morning!
HaibaraAi: \I wish\
Ayumi: Did you need something? It's still kinda early....
HaibaraAi: Yes, well no, I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You haven't noticed anything suspicious, have you?
Ayumi: Suspicious? No....do we have another case?
Ayumi: Where should we meet up?
HaibaraAi: NO! *quickly calms down* It's not a case, more like a warning, please be careful.
* Ayumi realizes this is serious, and her voice drops to a lower tone so her mother can't hear.
HaibaraAi: And I need you to follow through with your promise.
Ayumi: What happened? Is Oniisan OK?
HaibaraAi: He's fine, for now...
HaibaraAi: Can you go check on Ran-san for me?
Ayumi: Sure...
Ayumi: And you can't tell Ayumi what happened, but it must've been bad for Ai-chan to be so upset...
Ayumi: Ayumi will go protect Ran-oneesan.
* HaibaraAi gives a sad smile to the phone
HaibaraAi: Thank you
Ayumi: No problem. You stay safe too, OK?
Ayumi: And see if you can keep Oniisan from doing anything stupid.
Ayumi: You have Ayumi's new phone number, right?
HaibaraAi: Yes, I do.
Ayumi: Good! If you need Ayumi for anything else.... just call. OK?
HaibaraAi: Right, I'll keep in contact. *silently wonders if that's a lie or not*
HaibaraAi: If anything happens, you call as well
Ayumi: Of course!
Ayumi: Take care, OK? And tell Oniisan to take care too...
Ayumi: Ayumi will help any way she can. Promise.
HaibaraAi: Un.
HaibaraAi: Bye
Ayumi: See you later!
* HaibaraAi hangs up
* Ayumi hangs up.
Ayumi: *at Ayumi's place* Mom! Ayumi is going to visit Ran-oneesan! Be back later!
* Ayumi takes off for Ran's place, making sure she has her badge and phone.

{Back with Conan and Hakase}
* HaibaraAi sighs and walks back to the other room
HaibaraAi: Yoshida-san is fine, I asked her to check on Ran-san for us
EdogawaConan: *sighs with relief* Well, that's at least something....
EdogawaConan: Ayumi-chan isn't much protection, though....
HaibaraAi: True, but then again, nothing is much protection in the end...
EdogawaConan: I'll call Jodie-sensei; see if the FBI will help protect them....
ProfessorAgasa: You should also contact Ran-kun, too.
EdogawaConan: Who should, though? *wry smile* Conan or Shinichi?
Ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDN_9V71reQ

Episode 18: Black Grasp (Beginning)

{Episode 18}


Opening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t5Nc0VVmjU&feature=related
Gin: [Cue Title]
{Black Grasp (Beginning)}

3...
2...
1...
Gin: [Cue Scene]
{Nighttime at Hakase's. Conan is sleeping over tonight. It's about 2am or so right now.}
* EdogawaConan is asleep on the couch.
HaibaraAi: She silently sneaks up on Conan. "Kudou-kun." She harshly whispers. "Just why are you here tonight? There is usually something going on, but you haven't said a thing." She looks at him.
* HaibaraAi pulls the pillow from underneath his head.
* EdogawaConan wakes with a start.
EdogawaConan: Oi, Haibara, what was that for? *sleepily*
HaibaraAi: "Answer my question. You'd never come over here if there wasn't a good reason for it." She narrowed her eyes.
EdogawaConan: Occhan's drunk off his ass again, and Ran's away on a school trip.
EdogawaConan: I can't sleep at my house 'cause Okiya-san is there, so I came here instead.
EdogawaConan: That a good enough answer?
HaibaraAi: "Hmm." She smirked. "That's fine then." She shrugged her shoulders. "You just better not be hiding something from me. Letting that man live in your house is bad enough." She made her way back to the lab
EdogawaConan: Can I have my pillow back?
HaibaraAi: "Ah." She threw the pillow over her shoulder, not paying attention where it was aimed.
* EdogawaConan gets the pillow in his face.
EdogawaConan: Thanks.....*grumpily*
* EdogawaConan puts the pillow back in the right spot and curls up to sleep again.
* HaibaraAi lets out a small yawn and goes to her lab.
HaibaraAi: \Idiot...\
* Gin steps out of the shadows as the door to the lab closes, advancing on the seven year old, turned away from the door in his slumber.
* Gin cracks a silent grin, glancing at the door before arriving momentously over his target.
* Gin mutters to himself, "Our Organization has made do without some of our more talented chemists, but perhaps you can help me find the one I'm looking for. You're not new to being a guinea pig for drugs, so I'm sure you won't mind."
* EdogawaConan is actually awake, but faking sleep while he tries to figure out a way to escape from this mess.
* Gin pulls out a syringe. He closely observes the measurement of the liquid inside, squirting the slightest bit out the end. A single drop cascades onto Conan's cheek.
* EdogawaConan suppresses the reflex to twitch in response to the drop on his cheek.
Gin: Far more aggressive than sodium pentothal, with retrograde effects of Scopolamine. We'll see how willing you are to talk.
* Gin casts a dark hand over Conan's mouth, pulling it tight before jamming the syringe into his arm, injecting it.
* EdogawaConan jerks in response to being injected and attempts to pull away.
* Gin grips his struggling corpse as his target's reactions begin to slow, mind becoming foggy by way of the drug.
Gin: Let's go somewhere quiet, shall we?
* Gin grins darkly before carrying the body upstairs.
* Gin walks into a bedroom and closes the door behind him, before setting the child up against a bed.
* Gin takes his hand lightly off the child's mouth, raising his chin to face him with the barrel of his gun.
Gin: I trust you're awake now, tantei-san?
EdogawaConan: Sorta...
Gin: Good. You've been busy in the last few months, from what I understand, isn't that right, Kudou Shinichi-kun?
* Gin cracks a smile.
EdogawaConan: Busy? Busy chasing the kids around....
EdogawaConan: The other kids....in my class...
Gin: You've got a secret you don't tell them, though, don't you?
Gin: You're not Edogawa Conan at all. You're just pretending, aren't you?
EdogawaConan: I pretend lots of things....
Gin: So I hear.
EdogawaConan: I suppose you hear a lot of things, don't you? There are a lot of things to hear...
EdogawaConan: Where do you hear things from?
EdogawaConan: The kids talk a lot...but not much of anything useful...nothing interesting...
Gin: I'm sure. But let's talk about something interesting.
EdogawaConan: I want to go home...
Gin: Fine.
Gin: I'll make you a deal.
Gin: Tell me who else knows about who you really are, and I'll let you go home.
EdogawaConan: I want to go back to sleep.
EdogawaConan: And occhan's snoring makes it really hard to sleep...
* Gin presses the gun against his Adam's apple.
Gin: I'm going to make it hard to sleep if you don't answer me.
EdogawaConan: Answer what?
EdogawaConan: That's cold....
Gin: Who else knows about who you really are, Kudou Shinichi?
EdogawaConan: Sometimes I don't even know who I really am...
EdogawaConan: Why would anyone else know?
Gin: Fine. If you're not going to cooperate, there's no reason to let you live.
EdogawaConan: You were gonna kill me anyway.
EdogawaConan: You were gonna kill her too...Sherry....
Gin: Where is Sherry, anyway?
EdogawaConan: Dunno....she stole my pillow....
EdogawaConan: She threw it in my face when she left, so I didn't really see where she went...
* Gin narrows his eyes.
* HaibaraAi is in the lab on her computer.
Gin: What about the girl?
Gin: The one you came to save?
Gin: Does she know about your little identity crisis?
EdogawaConan: The little girl? She's a kid, what would she know?
EdogawaConan: She's never even met Kudou Shinichi....
* Gin facepalms with his other hand.
Gin: The other girl! The one we chained up.
EdogawaConan: Ran?
EdogawaConan: No....
EdogawaConan: *sadly* Ran doesn't know anything....
EdogawaConan: *mumbling* vanished on her....mad at me....
* EdogawaConan continues mumbling about how he's always vanishing.
Gin: That's good enough for now. If I give you any more juice you'll be useless to me.
EdogawaConan: Can I have some apple juice?
EdogawaConan: My mouth feels funny...
* Gin stares at him for a moment.
EdogawaConan: And it tastes weird...
* Gin throws him onto the bed.
EdogawaConan: Please?
* Gin storms out of the room.
EdogawaConan: Oof! Ow, hey that hurt...
EdogawaConan: Hey, that wasn't nice!
EdogawaConan: What'd you do that for?
EdogawaConan: Mmm, comfy....
Gin: Don't worry, you'll be out soon.
* HaibaraAi hears faint sounds upstairs.
* EdogawaConan curls up on the bed and falls asleep again.
Gin: Sherry took his pillow, hm?
HaibaraAi: \What... was that sound...\
* Gin's phone buzzes softly.
* Gin reads a short message.
* Gin makes his way for the door he entered from.
HaibaraAi: \Burglar?\ She grabs her stun watch and quietly up the stairs and puts her ear to the door.
Gin: Anokata calls. I'll be back for you, Sherry.
* Gin walks to his car.
* HaibaraAi gets shivers up her spine. \No...\
* Gin gets in and takes a long glance at the house, but hits the gas once his phone buzzes again.
Gin: Never giving me time for the finer pleasures in life, are you, Anokata?
* Gin drives away.
* HaibaraAi slowly opens the door seeing Conan isn't on the couch and notices the blanket got knocked off. Her eyes widen.
HaibaraAi: \Kudou-kun!\ She listens for anything else and slowly creeps around. "Kudou-kun!" She shouts. "Where are you?!" She goes up the stairs and enters the room Conan is in. "KUDOU-KUN!" She screams seeing him sleeping, but thinking he is dead. She hops on the bed and shakes him. "Kudou-kun!"
* HaibaraAi breathes heavily and sees he's just sleeping. "You really are an idiot... Then if they were here..." She looks out a window. "Then...” She narrows her eyes already having an idea what they did
* EdogawaConan wakes a little at being shaken...
EdogawaConan: Huh? Wassa matta?
EdogawaConan: Where's my blanket? It's cold....
EdogawaConan: I wanna sleep...
HaibaraAi: \Damn it!\ "You were injected with truth serum, weren't you?"
HaibaraAi: "Kudou-kun..."
EdogawaConan: With something...
HaibaraAi: ! "What exactly did you tell them?!"
EdogawaConan: My mouth feels funny...
EdogawaConan: Tell who?
EdogawaConan: You stole my pillow...
EdogawaConan: An' then you threw it at me...
EdogawaConan: An' I didn't see where you went.
EdogawaConan: Did you steal my blanket too?
EdogawaConan: It's cold...
* HaibaraAi eyes widen realizing that he just told Gin that he knew her. Which meant they were in danger.
EdogawaConan: I dunno who I am.....why would anyone else know....?
EdogawaConan: Little girl doesn't know anything...never even met Kudou Shinichi....
HaibaraAi: "You idiot...” She gritted her teeth. How the heck were they supposed to get out of this...? “At this very moment people could be dying." Starts imagining people being shot.
EdogawaConan: Vanished....*mumbling incoherently now*
EdogawaConan: Idiot? Yeah...idiot....stupid Conan...
HaibaraAi: Lets go of Conan's shirt and lets him fall to the bed. "Kudou-kun... What are we supposed to do...?”
EdogawaConan: Do with what?
EdogawaConan: Why do you call me that? He called me that too....
HaibaraAi: "They know now...” She grabbed his shirt again. "You IDIOT now they know your identity and mine and are going to kill everyone around us!" She screamed in his face.
EdogawaConan: Told him they don't know....
HaibaraAi: "Yoshida-san and Tsuburaya-san were seen by those two... They are in just as much danger...”
EdogawaConan: Told him Ayumi doesn't know anything....told him Ran doesn't know anything...
EdogawaConan: Didn't mention the others...he didn't ask...
* ProfessorAgasa breathlessly charges in the door.
ProfessorAgasa: What's wrong?
HaibaraAi: "It doesn't matter. Yoshida-san and Ran-san were in that warehouse. It doesn't matter if Ran-san doesn't remember what happened. They will kill our friends because of that! The fact they were there! It doesn't matter."
HaibaraAi: She gets off the bed.
* ProfessorAgasa relaxes and releases a yawn.
ProfessorAgasa: Are you still arguing about the warehouse?
HaibaraAi: "They were here, Hakase. They drugged Kudou-kun and he unknowingly told them."
* ProfessorAgasa stares.
ProfessorAgasa: WHAT?!
ProfessorAgasa: THEY WERE HERE?!
EdogawaConan: Head hurts enough....no more yelling, OK?
* ProfessorAgasa speaks barely above a whisper, "They know where we are..."
EdogawaConan: Can I have some apple juice?
EdogawaConan: My mouth feels weird...
HaibaraAi: "Yes... And he's too drugged to see the severity of this situation...”
* ProfessorAgasa stares at Conan.
ProfessorAgasa: He'll need to sleep it off. If the mind is continually strained, it won't help the situation at all.
ProfessorAgasa: We need to discuss this elsewhere. He needs to get to sleep.
EdogawaConan: Sleep sounds good...
EdogawaConan: He stole my blanket...
HaibaraAi: "Fine...” She clenches her fists.
EdogawaConan: It's cold....I want my blanket back...
* HaibaraAi storms out of the room
ProfessorAgasa: We'll come up with a plan. We'll check on him in the morning.
* ProfessorAgasa closes the door.
* EdogawaConan falls over and is back asleep by the time his head hits the pillow.
ProfessorAgasa: Ai-kun... why didn't They kill him, or us? Why would they just leave?
HaibaraAi: "Something must have stopped Them for now... Planning for a bigger murder that wouldn't seem so suspicious. With so many to kill…"
ProfessorAgasa: Has that stopped Them before? They usually just burn it all down...
HaibaraAi: "Three high school detectives dying in a short span would definitely look suspicious. They are just waiting for the chance now...”
HaibaraAi: "They would just burn it down. There are more ways than one... "
HaibaraAi: "But what I don't get is how they made the connection. How did They- No. He wouldn't have in the warehouse, right? Revealed his identity...” Her eyes narrowed more and more
ProfessorAgasa: That only begs the question... how much do They know? Do they know about your condition? Do they know how Kudou-kun became Conan?
HaibaraAi: "Probably. Since I betrayed Them, there's no doubt They'd look back at my files."
ProfessorAgasa: If that's the case... We have the night at the very least.
HaibaraAi: "Yeah...” \If we are lucky...\
ProfessorAgasa: We can make some sort of escape plan by morning. There's no reason they would come back after all this to finish the job.
ProfessorAgasa: Get some sleep. I'm sure we'll have more options by morning.
* HaibaraAi walked back to her lab silently. There was no hope after all of this.
* ProfessorAgasa goes to his bed.

{Meanwhile...}
* Gin stands against his car, smoking, on level 1 of a parking garage.
* Vermouth parks next to Gin, and gets off her motorcycle, with an angry but confident look
Vermouth: Gin...
Gin: You have something talk to me about, Vermouth?
Gin: Or is it that I've had something to talk to you about for a long time... and now you finally want to chat.
* Vermouth raises an eyebrow
Vermouth: Explain yourself... But hurry up. I have something important to tell you.
* Gin grinds the cigarette in his mouth.
Gin: What have you got to tell me?
Soundtrack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSXpY4WSoAU&feature=related
Vermouth: ... Beika district?
Vermouth: You're chasing someone.
Gin: I know what I'm doing, Vermouth. Certainly you have something better to tell me than that.
Vermouth: Where's Vodka, Gin?
Gin: Clearly he's not here.
Vermouth: And that's weird. You're into a mission. And he's not with you. You don't have a partner. So, you don't want him to know about what you're doing.
Gin: That's very suspicious of you, considering you've never had a partner.
Gin: Doesn't being Anokata's favorite require more of you than stalking trusted members of the Organization?
Gin: If you absolutely must know...
Gin: I'm taking care of something you should have done yourself.
* Gin tosses his cigarette onto the ground.
* Gin grinds it into the cement with his shoe.
Vermouth: Stalking? Suspicious?
Vermouth: What are you doing in Beika district?
Gin: Picking up your slack.
* Gin narrows his eyes.
Vermouth: My slack? So... The bodies...?
* Vermouth forces her voice to sound less worried about cool kid and Angel.
* Gin searches for a new cigarette.
Gin: No bodies tonight.
Gin: Reconnaissance.
Vermouth: ... Reconnaissance *raises an eyebrow*
Gin: The latest drug from our wonderful organization.
* Gin lights his cigarette and puts it in his mouth.
Vermouth: What? *stares at him in surprise* 'Cool guy... Damn!'
Vermouth: T-- The drug, what about the drug?
Gin: You didn't think our labs were finished when we lost Sherry, did you?
Gin: It's a truth serum. Ten times as powerful as Sodium Pentathol, has the retrograde amnesia effects of Scopolamine.
Gin: I found some very interesting information with it this evening, Vermouth.
Vermouth: Sodium pentath--- Ah... *glares at him* Truth serum. And... Who was your victim?
Gin: That's information sensitive to our organization. That said, I presume you already know who.
Gin: Am I wrong?
Vermouth: I think I can picture it...
Vermouth: Does Anokata know about this? And you know I'll ask him... *walks, getting closer to Gin*
Gin: What Anokata doesn't know won't hurt him. I have the best interests of our Organization in mind. Unlike some of us.
* Gin returns the glare.
Vermouth: *grabs his hand and puts his finger in her head, as a gun* I know you dream about killing me. But I'm in a better position, Gin. Anokata will know about this.
Gin: I don't think so.
* Gin cracks a smile.
Gin: Maybe you're in a better position with Anokata... but you want something from me. Otherwise you wouldn't have come here.
Vermouth: Bingo~
Gin: If you tell Anokata, you lose that leverage.
Vermouth: *winks and smiles*
Gin: You won't tell him.
Gin: What are you after, then?
Vermouth: I'll expose myself if I tell him
Vermouth: I want to... protect something...
Vermouth: *lights up a cigarette*
Gin: Spit it out, and I'll consider it.
Vermouth: *laughs* No, you won’t. I don't trust you.
Gin: Then why even ask?
Vermouth: But... That something is happy when certain someone is around.
Vermouth: And that certain someone is the only one who can protect her.
Vermouth: That kid. Edogawa Conan.
Gin: He's a liability.
* Gin takes a puff.
Gin: Mark my words, Vermouth.
Gin: One way or another, even if you won't let me act immediately...
Gin: Edogawa Conan will die.
Ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDN_9V71reQ

{And there we have it, the beginning of a new Black Org arc! Expect a lot of high action and higher suspense through the next few episodes! Join us again on Sunday at 23:00EST (11pm Eastern/10pm Central/9pm Mountain/8pm Pacific) for the next exciting episode! As always, all episodes will be posted the next day.}