All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

- William Shakespeare

The Murder Game

Chapter ONE

(Based loosely on the movies: Jumanji)

Written by Dalantis

It was like any other day in the small city of Ekoda, except for the rain and the threat of a tornado and also, just maybe, the dead body lying spread eagle in the street. However if you were any of the four teens now standing around said body, it was an average day at the office per their usual dose of chaos.

"So… you guys weren't lying," Kaito sighed, "you really attract the dead no matter where you go."

"I did warn you," Kudo shrugged in a casual manner.

Hattori knelt beside the body, his eyes taking in the position, as Hakuba stood just over him, taking in the man's fine dress and well-kept appearance.

"This wasn't suicide," they both voiced at the same time, each glaring at one another for the echoed response.

"I dare you to do that again," Kuroba laughed as he pranced around the scene of the crime, trying very hard not to look too closely at the body before him.

Shinichi on the other hand just nodded in agreement as he stepped forward and raked his eyes over the scene.

"Murder."

"But…" Heiji stood up, his expression unsure, "where did he come from?"

The four teens stared into the sky. They weren't near any large buildings, so it was unlikely his fall would have caused sudden death and yet, there was evidence of a rather fierce impact upon his collision with the earth.

"But not enough damage to have come from an airplane," Shinichi mumbled, also a bit stumped.

"Perhaps he was in a helicopter?" Hakuba offered.

"We would have heard it," Hattori refuted.

"Maybe he was out for a quick flight through the city on his hang glider," Kaito grinned and the others groaned, ignoring him.

In all honesty, though Kaito would rather die than admit it, he was also a bit curious about this case that had literally just landed at their feet. The guy had to have come from high up and yet, as the detectives had stated so plainly, there was nothing around. There had been no sound, no large overhead shadow, just a sudden fall without explanation or reason. Not that he would ever say that. The last thing he wanted on his Saturday off was to solve a murder case with three workaholic detectives who just happened to be his former rivals turned best friends.

The sudden crash of thunder overhead had each of them squinting up at the sky as a light rain shower began. Shinichi pulled his coat around himself a bit tighter, while Hattori pulled his ball cap out of his backpack and placed over his head. Hakuba casually drew out his umbrella and the thief, taking advantage of this brilliant motion, joined him.

"Police should arrive any minute," Shinichi replied, standing up. "With this rain, I doubt we will find much now."

"I could… take a look around?" the thief suggested, knowing the risk of doing such a thing during the day and especially during a storm, but he also knew his friends, and he was certain they would likely be stressing their pretty little minds out in order to solve this case if they left without any definite answers.

"I don't know Kuroba," Hakuba hesitated. He did want answers, but the risk…

"He's right, that could be dangerous with police around," Hattori reluctantly agreed.

"Especially in this weather," Shinichi added, placing a comforting hand on the thief's shoulder. "But thanks, for the offer."

Kaito shrugged, smiling. "I would chance the risk, if you three needed me to."

"We know," they replied, grateful.

As the four walked together after turning the crime scene and what little facts they had over to the police who arrived on scene, they noticed the sky had darkened fairly fast. Faster than they expected.

"I know you guys were going to head home soon, but this storm looks pretty bad. Why not wait it out at my house?" Kuroba offered, "Just until it lets up at least. Of course, you're more than welcome to spend the night as well."

The three shared a glance before shrugging.

"Let me run home and I will join you," Hakuba told them quickly. He lived on his own and the idea of staying with his friends on a day like this rather than in his overly large manor was a welcome change.

"I'm game," Hattori nodded.

"Sounds interesting. I wonder what to expect from the home of Kaitou Kid," Kudo smirked.

Kaito chuckled. "Nothing extreme, I assure you."

As the three walked to the Kuroba household, a sudden unease settled upon them.

"Someone is watching us," Kaito whispered.

"Act natural," Shinichi responded.

It was easy for them to act normal, having experienced being hunted for the past several years in various situations, but for Hattori, he was stiff and his eyes searching as he followed them.

"Heiji relax, you can't let them see you're suspicious," Kudo smiled, trying to act like he wasn't warning his friend about a possible danger.

"You guys just make it look easy," he snapped, closing his eyes to take a breath.

Kaito sent him a sympathetic smile.

It had been a hard year for the four, having taken down the Black Organization. It was a time of constant paranoia, secrets, and though it was finally over, it was still hard to let the fear go.

"We shouldn't lead them to your house," Shinichi argued as they approached the Kuroba household, "it could put your family in danger."

Kaito shrugged, his expression light but his eyes masked as he spoke. "There isn't anyone to put in danger, Shin-chan, only me, and I can take care of myself easily enough."

Kudo was silent. He didn't miss the slight pain the other barely let slip through his hardened façade, but he knew better than to comment on it.

Hattori however, seemed oblivious.

"You live alone?" he asked stunned, "Aren't you younger than us?"

Kaito frowned.

It had been a surprise to all three detectives when they found out KID was only sixteen, a year or two younger than the detectives who had been chasing him for the past fourteen months.

Kuroba just shrugged as he turned into the yard of the next house and pulled out his key. "You do what you have to."

Without another word, he opened the door and spread out his arm in welcome. "Enter if you dare," he sneered at them, the two sending him suspicious looks as he grinned.

They both expected something to explode upon entering the darkened room, but it was silent as Kaito shut the door and hung up his jacket, flipping on the overhead light.

"It's…" Kudo started.

"Normal," Hattori interrupted, "I kind of imagined the bat cave, not going to lie."

The thief chuckled and collapsed onto the couch as he watched the two look around in obvious curiosity. 'Detectives', he thought, smirking. Shaking his head, he jumped to his feet. "Anyone want the grand tour?!"

As the three boys wandered the house, a figure watched them from the nearby window. The timing was right and now, to commence his plan. This was his last chance to be free and if these four couldn't do it, if they weren't the ones that could finally win, then he knew without a shadow of a doubt, all would be lost.

TMG

Hakuba walked up to the Kuroba household with a change of clothes for the following morning, as well his sleeping bag and pillow. As he moved to knock on the door, the sight of a package sitting to the side drew his attention. Picking it up, he noticed it didn't have a return address, nor a specific recipient. A little on edge, he peered out into the rain as he waited for someone to let him as he knocked on the front door of his friend's house. He didn't see anyone, but that didn't mean he was alone. He could feel it… someone was watching.

Kaito hurried down the stairs and opened the door, allowing Hakuba to enter out of the rain. As the blonde took off his coat, the thief eyed the odd package he carried in his hands.

"This was sitting in front of the door."

Kaito carefully took it, also noting the lack of postal information. Curious and yet cautious, he took it to the kitchen table and gently laid it down. The other two detectives came down the stairs, greeting the blonde before looking towards the thief.

"What is it?" Hattori asked.

"Don't know," Kuroba muttered, eyeing it as though he could see inside.

"It didn't have a sender, nor a recipient," Hakuba explained.

Shinichi frowned and moved closer.

"You think it could be from them?" he asked, his voice suddenly dropping in tone.

Kaito wasn't sure what to think. "Only one way to find out." Moving his hands, he started to tear off the paper when he stopped. "Uh, maybe you guys should move back… just in case."

"If you're not, I'm not," Hakuba stated firmly.

Hattori crossed his arms in affirmation and Shinichi stared at the thief as though daring him to argue. Sighing, but partly grateful, the thief turned his attention back on the package before them. Slowly, he began to reveal the inside and what they found, to their confusion, was a board game.

"I don't… understand," Kaito finally replied, his eyes never leaving the game. "Why…"

"Maybe it's from your mom?" Hakuba suggested.

"Mom?! I thought you said…" Hattori started, but Shinichi interrupted, sending a pointed look at his friend to shut up. "Maybe it's a prank?"

"I don't know," Kuroba shrugged, "you… want to try it?"

"You mean play it?" Hattori asked.

"Well yeah, it's either that or pitch it here and now and if it is from my mom, then…" he hesitated.

"If it is just a board game, then we shouldn't have anything to worry about," Hakuba shrugged, "Why not. Go ahead."

Kuroba nodded and lifted the lid. A sudden light exploded and the four collapsed, their ears ringing as they groaned, conscious but disoriented.

"What the…" Heiji scowled.

"Kuroba?" Hakuba muttered.

Shinichi got to his feet, noticing the thief now held a rather worn looking paper in his hands.

"What is that?" he asked, drawing closer.

The thief glanced at his friends and the three were startled by his expression. He was angry.

"What is it?" Hakuba asked stepping forward, "What did you find?"

The thief scowled and handed the paper to him. Hakuba hesitated only a moment before taking it and began to read out loud.

"Thank you for accepting my gift, the last gift you will ever receive during this life time. This game is your own Pandora's Box and you who have opened it, are now Pandora."

Everyone glanced at Kaito. The thief's own relevant history with the jewel of Pandora came to mind, but they weren't sure if this was connected or not. Hakuba continued.

"Those who beheld its enchanting light are now players in this never ending game of life and death. No matter what happens, the game remains going until the final player has reached the end and cast their final hand. Now, for the rules.

Rule number one: The game must start with a roll of the dice. Whoever gets the highest number, goes first.

Rule number two: Each player must follow the instructions of the cards. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or possibly even death.

Rule number three: Should a player die, the game will continue with those who remain until the last remaining player casts his final hand.

Rule number four: For each successfully completed challenge, a reward card may be drawn. Possible awards differ, but the rarest and most valuable award is a life token. A life token can be used to bring someone back to life, heal an injury, or even skip a challenge. Should the person with a life token die, they will immediately be brought back to life using their token automatically, but it must be their choice if the player is only injured. However, be warned, there are only so many life tokens in this game. Therefore, you only have so many chances. Other rewards can be used either throughout the game or for a single round, depending on the reward card instructions. Should a reward be temporary, it will vanish after the given time or set restriction.

Rule number five: Once the game begins (which it already has) there is no stopping until the game has been completed.

Rule number six: No one from the outside can assist you; only the players within the game may help another player. Be warned, some challenges require you to assist and others to conspire against.

Rule number seven: If the final player wins the game, a reward will be offered. Your options will vary, so choose wisely. If all players die, the game will end with no chance of revival.

Rule number eight: Once you play this game and win, you can never play again.

Rule number nine: Should you choose not to play upon opening the box, you will wish you had begun the moment you finished reading these rules.

Rule number ten: after each challenge is completed correctly, you will be given a reward. With each award, possible future tasks are made easier. Should you successfully complete four tasks per person, the game will end. Sixteen tasks must be complete in all to end the game.

Rule number eleven: Should you fail a challenge or break the rules given to you within the game, punishment will be swift and only the most profound might possibly escape.

Rule number twelve: Anything is possible.

Final Rule: Start by choosing an instruction card at the beginning of each hand. Should you win that hand, choose a reward card.

Good luck. The game starts now."

TMG

"So… who wants to go first?" Hattori chuckled nervously.

"How do we even know it's telling the truth?" Hakuba questioned, unsure.

"Pandora…" Kaito whispered with disdain, "I'm tired of that term."

Shinichi hesitated before picking up the dice. "And on the off chance it's telling the truth, I get the feeling we would only be able to resist so long. If it isn't, then it's just a board game, right?"

The others shared an uncertain glance, but eventually they sat down around the table and rolled the given dice.

"Eight," Shinichi replied, handing them to Hakuba.

"Two," he sighed in relief.

Hattori took them next. "N-Nine."

Kaito stared at the dice before tossing them into the lid of the box. They rolled to a stop. "Twelve."

Everyone hesitated, uncertain as the thief took a breath and slowly drew his first silver instructional card.

"Roll the dice and do it twice, then chose the color you… wear at your heist."

Everyone stared, startled.

"How…" started Hakuba.

Kaito frowned and rolled his dice two times. The first time it was four and the second time, seven. Then he drew a white card from the different colored piles.

"The thief leapt four to the left and seven back. A sniper's aim might still connect. Dodge it once, dodge it twice, and look moonward in hope you play this right."

Everyone was silent, wondering what that meant when the sound of a familiar click had the thief dodging to the left as a snipers bullet shot right where he had been sitting. Remembering the rules, he quickly jumped back as another shot followed. Looking up towards the ceiling where the moon had been positioned during his heist, he barely dodged the final attack as a large, heavy, black case dropped right where he had been kneeling.

"Kaito! Are you okay?!" the three hurried to his side.

The thief breathed out a shaky laugh as he nodded and stood, eyeing the case with a hint of unease. The insignia was familiar, the small logo looking like that of a snake curled up in preparation to strike. The logo of Snake, his arch nemesis and the murderer of his father.

"So the game didn't lie…" Hakuba whispered, "this is… real."
The four stared at the small, unassuming box.

"My turn," Hattori hesitated, stepping closer.

"W-Wait, surely we can just close the lid and be done," Hakuba argued.

"I don't think so," Shinichi replied, "this game… it's not normal."

"Those bullets came out of nowhere, literally, and this case…" Kaito knelt beside it and opened it, shocked and a bit angry to see it was truly the sniper rifle or at least a perfect imitation, of Snake's own.

"You need to draw your reward card," Kudo reminded the thief.

Kaito nodded and picked up a golden card. "Well done you thief, you white moon colored dove, your senses are sharp and your anger is from love. You have earned the Assassin's rifle. Reward usage restriction: can be used until it runs out of ammo. Reward player restriction: This reward can only be used by the player who received it."

Kaito crushed the card in his hand, tossing it to the side where it vanished mysteriously before hitting the ground.

"Like I would ever use this weapon," he spat.

The others were silent, understanding his anger as they looked back at the sinister board game sitting before them.

"Your turn Heiji," Shinichi sighed, "let's try and get this over with as soon as possible."

Hattori nodded and drew his first silver instructional card.

"Roll the cube and see this through; the task given will require a pair of two, but it must be you that has to choose and I believe the color is blue."

Hattori looked at the other three who stared back in silence. "It… it says I have to choose. I don't think I can…"

"Heiji," Shinichi interrupted, "we have all been through too much to doubt each other now. We can and will support you, all of us, so just pick one. It really doesn't matter who."

"He's right," Hakuba agreed.

"Your choice," Kaito grinned.

Hattori hesitated but looked at Kudo, his best friend.

"Shinichi?"

Kudo nodded and smiled, stepping forward. Hesitantly, Heiji drew a blue card from the various colored piles as Hakuba and Kuroba stood by, both just as equally curious and uncertain as the two teens before them.

"Choose a hand and lock it tight, keep him by your side tonight."

A pair of handcuffs landed between them and they both looked up, startled.

"Guess this is for us," Kudo sighed, picking up the set and snapping one over his wrist as he locked the other over Hattori's hand, effectively binding them together. Heiji sighed and went back to the instructions he held in his free hand.

"As the clock begins to turn, you will learn a secret word. Choose to act or sound it out, whatever you choose best make it count. He shall guess one, two, three, four; speak the word, watch him hit the floor. Should others guess against the rules, they will discover they may be fools. Draw another blue card."

Hurryingly grabbing up another blue card, he read it aloud.

"The clock starts now for your friend Shin, watch it start at a minute ten."

He stopped, knowing this wasn't for them to hear. 'The word is GIN.'

Hattori stared at the word and Shinichi frowned, confused. Both were cautious considering the instructions mentioned him hitting the floor if the word was spoken out loud, but they only had so much time and only so many guesses.

"Heiji?"

"Uh…" he paused before hurrying to act it out. Opening an invisible bottle of something, he poured it in a cup and tipped it back.

Shinichi stared at him. "Drink?"

Heiji tried to say no, but was shocked when he found his voice wouldn't work. Confused and scared, he quickly shook his head no. Frustrated, he tried a different route.

Hakuba and Kaito watched the scene before them with open concern and frustration on their friend's behalf. It was obviously a difficult challenge and with the rules stating they couldn't help unless they wanted something bad to happen to them should they try and help, it left this completely up to Shinichi and Hattori.

Heiji ducked down and tried to look as creepy as possible as he counted down the time limit in his head. Forty seconds. He took a cigarette and smoked it as he narrowed his gaze on Shinichi and raised his fake invisible gun to 'fire'. Shinichi watched, uncertain as his friend then raised his hands in a show of surrender and then took another fake drink of something.

Kudo stared.

"Stalker? Someone is stalking me?"

Hattori hurriedly nodded as he pointed at Shinichi and then pushed his hand down to Conan's size. He acted like he was putting on glasses and a bow tie before redoing the other two acts. Shinichi narrowed his gaze.

"The Black Organization…"

Hattori nodded again, desperate. One more guess left and only fifteen seconds!

He quickly acted like he was lowering his gaze and then fake yelling at those 'invisible people' around him as he lifted his gun, eyes narrowed on Shinichi.

Kudo hesitated, knowing this guess was it.

Five seconds! Heiji stared desperately at his friend.

"Gin?"

"YES!" he shouted just as the countdown hit zero.

"Oh my gosh," Hattori collapsed to his knees, "I thought for sure…"

Kudo chuckled a bit nervously in agreement. "Yeah… good work Heiji."

"Yeah, well done," Kaito praised him, staring at the game as he said it. Though most wouldn't have been able to tell it, these three knew him best and could see the smoldering fury behind hardened indigo eyes.

"Get the reward card Heiji."

"R-Right," he nodded, still breathing in relief as he reached down and snatched up a gold card from the piles.

"Congrats to you two, your friendship is true! Here is the key, this on me! Once you're unlocked, please take off your sock. You have gained your reward and another clue, you're an okay actor you funny gumshoe!"

Heiji growled and threw the card down and just like Kuroba's, the card vanished mysteriously.

"What kind of joke is this?! This game, it's almost like it's alive!"

"Do you think it's possible?" Hakuba asked out loud.

"Well, we have heard of stranger things," Kaito frowned. "I would consider calling Akako and asking her, but… it mentioned not allowing outsiders to help and I would rather not take the chance."

Kudo nodded as he stared down at the multi-colored sets of cards and cubed dice. For such a simple looking game, it was an entirely new sort of danger.

The snap of a lock had him blinking as he looked down and saw the handcuffs were unlocked. Rubbing his wrist, he watched with mild amusement as Hattori grudgingly pulled off his shoe and then his sock. Strangely enough, as soon as he did, the sock became weighted. Confused, he reached inside and withdrew a unique coin shaped token. One side was completely black with a white shiny heart in the center and the other side was completely white with black scale engraved in the middle.

"I bet that's a life token," Kudo commented, looking it over from beside his friend, "see the heart and scale? The game said in the rules it could be used to bring back a life or heal an injury, whatever that means or it could be used to skip a challenge, most likely a weighty decision, hence the scale, since it could cost your life or the life of a friend in the next challenge."

"Huh, still, we can't end the game with this thing as the reward." Heiji sighed, slipping his sock and shoe back on before dropping the coin into his pocket. "Who's next?"

TMG

Outside the Kuroba house, the figure continued to watch. The wind howled and the storm progressed with a furious rage, but he ignored it all in favor of the game playing out before him. So far so good, but it was after the first round things would become tricky for them. Still, two players were left before they reached that crossroads. He wished them luck as he silently cheered them on from afar.

TMG

Kudo reached for his first silver instructional card.

"The great detective of the east, but far from the least. You hunt and you run, you hide from that gun. Now it is time to stand up and go, you mustn't be at all too slow. If you wish to show the world the truth, I suggest you come and take a look. Stand up and fight and you may just lean right. Draw a red card."

Shinichi placed the card down and then carefully drew a red card from the piles.

"A shadow has formed and your life he will take, should you leave this first fight and run like a fake. Dodge where you will and dive in a curl, but this isn't a game, it's still the real world. Make your move but don't be too slow, the longer you go, the more you shall woe. Hit him hard, make a dash, and be sure your fast, because should you slip up, this will be your very last."

Kudo frowned just as Kaito shouted a warning. "Shin-chan, look out!"

He dodged just as a shadowed… creature, swung at him. He didn't know what else to call it, but at a distance, the creature suddenly formed into a familiar enemy and a familiar gun. Running to dodge the bullets as they flew all around him, he mentally recited the words the card had said. Suddenly, he knew exactly what he had to do. Backtracking, the enemy aimed and Shinichi leaned to the right in a fake sidestep as the shadows gun fired and missed. With all the speed and strength he could muster, Kudo slammed his fist into the shadow and he watched it vanish in an explosion of darkness.

"That… that was interesting," Kaito whispered.

"That was easy!" Hattori growled, "why was mine so much harder?!"

Hakuba sent the other teen a pointed glare as he walked up to where Kudo knelt, breathing.

"You alright, Kudo-kun?"

Shinichi nodded as he stood. "Yeah, just the adrenaline rush."

Stepping towards the game, he reached out and snagged his reward card.

"Modern Holmes the world will say, but first you must survive this day. Take this trap to use and attack, it will stop them cold what courage they lack. You have earned the red room. Reward usage restriction: One time. Reward player restriction: only the player who received it may use it."

Startled when the card suddenly vanished, Shinichi barely caught a small square red block that appeared in its stead. It didn't have any words on it, nor did it have any markings, but something about it made the little box feel dangerous. Carefully, he placed it on the table.

"Guess it's me now," Hakuba laughed nervously as he reached out and grabbed his first silver instructional card.

"You're different and golden, your dreams nearly woven. This challenge is timed and completely refined, your fears we will learn, but first you must shine. You smirk and you talk, you walk the good walk. Inside however you're hurt and your shy, you have lived out a lie before this moment in time. Choose one person to walk by your side, someone who may just help your own pride. Draw a green card."

Hakuba frowned. He wasn't certain what 'help your own pride' meant, but he knew who he trusted the most.

"Kuroba… would you…"

Kaito smiled and bowed with a slight manic grin. "Of course Tantei-san, shall we begin?"

Hakuba rolled his eyes and turned to the game board. Slowly, he picked up a green card.

"Dark and light, a knight black and white. Who is who, is not up to you. Two sides of a coin, but never the same view. Time is ticking, look around who is missing? Someone dear to you both is she, I will give you a timed minute of three. I have seen her before, she is one of the few that could be so much more. Find her soon and you shall see, the truth behind this mystery. Fail to discover and you will suffer, but this is only the beginning, it gets that much tougher."

The two stared at each other.

"You don't think it could be…"

"There's no way…"

"Who?" Hattori questioned.

"Aoko," they replied at the same time.

Flying towards the front door, both were stunned when the door remained closed, almost like it was sealed. The windows wouldn't open and wouldn't even break when Kaito tried. Desperate, the two turned back to the house.

"It said look around, which means we have to be missing something," Kaito stated, his eyes taking in the house around them.

"We only have three minutes," Hakuba argued, "what if she's not here?"

Neither had a response to that inquisition. Quickly, they took off through the house, searching. Kaito even checked his sanctum as Kid, but nothing, no sign. One minute down, two minutes to go.

Please Review! This story will have three parts!