The Case Book of Arne Episode 11: Birds of a Feather Flock Together

The episode opens with the charmingly chaotic antics of Ame, the sheep-like creature, attempting to peddle various antique items to an unimpressed Arune and Rin. Their lighthearted exchange soon shifts as Arune, in his vampire form, reveals a serious deduction: a common thread of disturbing paintings links several recent incidents. He suspects a specific painter is behind them, one whose work twists the souls of those who view it. This initial investigation sets a darkly intriguing tone for the unfolding mystery, showing Arune's sharp mind at work.

Arune's suspicions lead the group to an old, imposing mansion. The journey itself is fraught with a dark humor, particularly when Arune casually suggests throwing Nahtzeller (currently inhabiting Amy the pig-bat) through a window, a suggestion that Rin and Amy loudly protest. Upon entering, they are confronted by Luis Hartmann, a figure Arune explicitly states should be dead. Luis, now a child, greets them with unsettling warmth, deepening the mystery surrounding his reappearance.

The appearance of Luis Hartmann throws Rin and Arune into disarray, as they recall Luis's tragic demise. The young Luis, however, calmly recounts his awakening and the horrified reactions of police officers, who branded him a 'zombie.' Despite his grim tale, Luis maintains a disarmingly friendly demeanor, explaining his newfound identity as a painter. He then eagerly offers to show Arune and Rin his latest works, an invitation Arune sternly accepts, sensing something profoundly amiss.

As Arune, Rin, and Amy venture into Luis's gallery, the atmosphere shifts to one of palpable unease. The paintings, though artistically rendered, possess a disturbing quality that immediately distresses Rin. Arune quickly intervenes, warning them not to look directly at the canvases, revealing that Luis's art amplifies the viewers' darkest thoughts and desires. The gruesome depiction of a monster pulsating with malevolence confirms Arune's chilling assessment, leaving Rin visibly terrified.

Overwhelmed by the paintings' insidious influence, Rin confronts Luis, accusing him of destroying her family through his art and declaring he is not the true Luis Hartmann. Her anguish intensifies as she recounts a devastating flashback of her father's corruption and the subsequent fire. Luis, initially calm, slowly gives way to a sinister transformation, disintegrating into a cloud of bats before re-forming as Vlad III, a flamboyant and ancient vampire king. The revelation shocks Rin, who recognizes him as Vlad Tepes, the Impaler Lord.

Vlad III, amused by Rin's knowledge, confirms his identity, much to Amy's (or rather, Nahtzeller's) indignant surprise. Vlad then drops a bombshell, revealing Arune's own status as an Inquisitor, and uses the corrupting power of his painting to compel Rin to attack Arune. As Rin lunges with red, glowing eyes, Arune in his nun form embraces her, protecting her, while the vampire Arune is trapped by red spikes from the floor. Vlad taunts Arune, but Arune asserts his defiance, prompting Vlad to trap him within a coffin, asserting that vampires are killers, not the killed. Arune (nun form) and Rin make a desperate escape, with Rin vowing to return.

Arune (nun form) and a distraught Rin flee into the dense forest, leaving Amy exhausted and limp. With Arune trapped, Rin, however, refuses to yield to despair. Her determination solidifies into a resolve to confront Vlad III at his own castle. The two, along with Amy, then embark on a journey by biplane, providing a brief moment of quiet contemplation before they approach the ominous gothic stronghold, bathed in the light of a full moon. Rin finds solace and rest, comforted by Arune's gentle words.

Meanwhile, the mysterious phantom thief, Kaito Akazukin, makes an acrobatic and confident entrance into Vlad's castle. She intends to scout ahead of Leia and her team, moving with graceful stealth until she is ambushed by unseen forces. Trapped and surprised, Kaito calls upon Leia, who appears as a worried reflection in a mirror, transforming into a fierce werewolf. Together, they dispatch the castle's armored guardians with impressive power and agility, before making their own elegant escape.

Back inside the castle, Rin and Amy find themselves amidst a chaotic magical battle. Amy, despite her earlier exhaustion, transforms into a glowing spirit to protect Rin from the armored figures, displaying surprising power. As the fight rages, Arune's vampire form finally emerges from the coffin, weak but resolute. He sheds his 'secret trick' facade, revealing his true identity as the Demon Lord, his eyes blazing with power. With a powerful lunge, Arune overpowers Vlad III, sending him crashing through the castle wall and into the night.

Victorious but drained, Arune collapses, returning to his human form. Rin and Amy rush to his side. The real Luis Hartmann reappears, now free from Vlad's influence, and accepts Rin's apology. He decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery, leaving the group with a sense of peace. Yet, despite the apparent victory and Rin's excitement for new adventures, Arune's expression remains thoughtful. He gazes at the empty spot where Vlad's painting once hung, pondering why that particular piece of art seemed different, a subtle hint that not all is resolved.