"All students please report to the auditorium for an important announcement from your headmaster. This is the final assembly for all seniors before the year's break. That is all senior students please report to the auditorium for an important message."
The intercom of the Wammy Institution went off with a sharp click!I abruptly looked up from my notes and stared at Montana, my best friend. We both smiled at each other excitedly. Today was the day. It was a day in which each senior of Wammy's House had the opportunity to be chosen to spend one year with the legendary "L" in order to observe his work ethics and learn from him to become diligent in a higher profession. An opportunity like this only hardly happened, this time being the second time in five years. I myself was a senior at the institution, but you couldn't simply assume that because of my age or anything.
You see, the classes were divided up not by age level, but by intelligence level. It took me about three years to become part of the senior class here. Montana had been a senior for the past two years, this being my first year. One may think that it is not good to be part of the same class level for more than a year, but you see, this school is very different from other schools. Wammy's House is not only an orphanage, but it is also an institution for the intellectually gifted. The senior class may be the highest level to get into, but the learning possibilities are almost endless. Almost. There is always an opening for exceeding, but when one does that, that is when you acclaim the title of "L". Of course, though, it would have to be after the real thing dies, or resigns… Besides, it doesn't matter anyways, because it is really hard for anyone to do that, and only two children have succeeding L in their sights…
Anyways, my name is Antoinette Campbell. I am eighteen years old, and am a year one senior at Wammy's Private Institution for the Intellectually Gifted. Or Wammy's Pig, which is what we all like to call it. Many of the students here have special talents they major in, in addition to their academic excellence. Montana majors in her abilities with foreign languages. It may not sound like much, but she is actually fluent in thirty-seven different ones…In any case, it sure is not something that I can put my mind to. I'm fine with knowing just three… Even if one is a dead language (Latin) and another my native tongue (English). Well I guess that just leaves me with knowing Japanese then.
To get back on topic, my interests besides detective work are music. If you place any piece of music in front of my ears or eyes to hear or read, I will be able to tell you which culture it originates from, and play it without having to practice first. I can play any instrument… except the baritone. For some reason that instrument does not get along with me. However, despite all of that, something always hinders me from actually composing my own music. Nevertheless, nothing will ever stop me from playing, and nothing (not even deafness) will stop me from listening. If I am not in the library studying, one will always be able to find me in the music hall practicing with the symphony. I suppose my favorite musical instruments are the violin and cello.
But anyways, I'll save you the rather boring and detailed exposition, and just let you figure me out along the way, yeah?
"Are you ready for this, Antoinette?" Montana asked with a broad smile on her pretty chocolate brown face.
A loud crashing sound interrupted my intended reply, causing us both to turn to see who was responsible for such a disturbance. Mello and Near, L's rumored successors, were fighting over whether or not Mello's knocking down Near's dice tower was an accident or not.
"You annoying little brat! You think that you are so important and that you are the center of everything," Mello shouted, his gloved fists clenching as he spoke.
"I do not see what that has to do with the fact that you knocked down my dice tower, Mello." Near replied in a very calm voice, but I was sure there was a hint of aggravation in it.
"Why you!... You get on my nerves, punk! Do you want your teeth to be punched out?" Mello threatened.
Sighing, Near just ignored him, and began to build his tower again. "What an insufferable person. Causing such a disturbance when we were all having a nice time minding our own businesses."
"I'mthe one causing the disturbance? What the hell are you doing building a fricken' dice tower in the middle of study hall for? You weird little punk!"
Matt, third in line for the title of "L", got up from his chair, placed his Game boy on the table, and walked over to Mello. "Oi, Mello, stop being a nuisance. Let's go grab a coffee down at the café, yeah?"
Mello didn't turn around. "I'm not done talking with this little brat!"
Near looked up at Matt, twirling a piece of his hair in his fingers. "Yes, could you please take your dog and put him on a leash, Matthew? That would be most helpful in putting a stop to this unnecessary noise…"
"That's it…" Mello lunged for Near, but was held back by Matt, who threw him onto a lounge sofa, and pinned him down.
"Mello…" Matt growled, leaning down closer to Mello's face. "You do not need to waste all of that energy on something trivial. You are supposed to save all that energy for me. So rude…"
Mello's face turned crimson as Montana and I chuckled. "M-matt," he stuttered. "What are you talking about?"
Sighing, Matt dismounted the blond, and stood over him. "Nevermind that. Let's just head to the auditorium, kay? We need to find those seats in the back where no one can see us," he whispered, taking an index finger and stroking Mello's chin with it.
Before Mello could respond, he was pulled away by his partner, and drug out of the library stuttering like an idiot. After a moment, Montana and I just burst out with laughter. Those three were really entertaining if anything. Wiping the tears away from my eyes, I stood. "Well, let's go see who gets picked. Good luck, yeah?"
Montana smiled, and nodded. "Zhù nǐ hǎoyùn, ne?"
I simply smiled at her, having no idea what she said to me at all, really. As we walked through the halls towards the auditorium, my stomach had a sinking feeling. What were the odds, really, that I would be chosen to study with L for an entire year? Some people said that it was just a random drawing, but secretly we all knew that L chose for himself who he wanted to spend a year with. Which… actually makes sense. But why in the world would he choose me? After all, he probably would choose Mello, considering he chose Near five years ago. Mello was his second successor, so wouldn't it be obvious for him to choose that person?
"Really," I said aloud. "Thinking that I would be picked is a stupid thing…" I suppose I just had that thought because of his musical expertise as well. A lot of the pieces and movements and such that the symphony performed were all written and composed by L himself. After every case he solved no matter how small or large, he would write pieces that Quillish delivered as they were completed for us to perform if we wanted to. It was pretty much tradition for us to play nine out of ten of his pieces when performing a concert. He was that amazing. Ever since five years ago when it was announced his one year training plans were to happen, I was driven to become part of the senior class, and musically to get all of the solos for violin or piano. I needed to meet him. To see him with my own eyes, and look at the personification of musical genius in its own… Okay, maybe I sound a little obsessed, but hey. I am. I just needed to hear him play in person. Never before has anyone (not even Quillish) ever heard him play, but if I were to be lucky enough to be chosen, maybe I could also be lucky enough to hear him for myself. To hear the differences between his perfected emotions in his playing and my fabricated emotions trying to convey his own… But I wouldn't know for sure just by reading the music, although I must say his intentions can either be plain as day, or as elaborate as Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling painting.
It was rumored that just a week ago, L himself was in the building and watched the symphony perform among other things. Just a week ago, I was the solo part for a piece he'd done after he came back from solving a case in Poland about a World War II criminal. My palms turned sweaty as I thought about it. I had done my very best on that one in particular, as that subject was a very serious one, and I wanted to serve the piece justice… But was he impressed? Perhaps… I could only hope.
ONE WEEK EARLIER
A feeling of nostalgia overwhelmed the detective as he was secretly led into a private booth in the auditorium of Wammy's House. He remembered the old dusty smells and muted tones on the walls of the aged building.
Lawliet looked up at the elaborate chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and remembered wondering as a kid, how much electricity it used to be lit so brightly. It was requested by Quillish that he come to the institution again to see how it had changed, and also to observe the senior students as they worked to choose who was going to live with him this year.
When the idea of a yearlong training plan was proposed to L five years prior, he immediately rejected the idea. How could he just select a person to spend an entire year with him to observe them and learn… what exactly? The thought was too unappealing to him. But then one day the twenty year old detective got an opportunity to answer questions the young children attending the school had through a computer chat. He was able to see and hear their voices and faces, but they only saw his title, and heard the robotic voice the computer gave him.
Most of the children had a lot of questions for him, except one little white-haired boy who simply sat playing with dice. It was then that L wanted the child to spend a year with him.
It started off awkwardly, of course. Lawliet had practically no idea what he was supposed to do with the child, and in return, neither did the child know what to do. So, all L did was observe the boy called Near, and Near the man called L. Quite an interesting time it had been for them both, though not once did the two speak to each other after introductions. Straight from the start, Lawliet noticed Near didn't talk often. He just watched. So L immediately fell into silent mode, only observing, something he did anyways.
Although it was intended to last a year, Near only stayed for four months, which actually, to L's surprise went by rather quickly. The detective was called away to Prague to work on a particularly interesting case, and he just simply could not have a ten year old child to take care of as well. The boy was sworn not to speak of his experience with L to anyone. Not even the child knew where he was, as he was blindfolded entering and leaving the place in which L resided. And, considering the two of them never really said a word to each other, there wasn't much to report.
And so, five years later, after solving perhaps the hardest and most draining case of his career so far, L decided to take a break and do another year long term. This time limiting it to the senior class only.
"I think you'll much enjoy this performance, Master L," Quillish Wammy said, a smile on his face.
"Hmm?" said L distractedly, slowly lowering his eyes from the chandelier. "Is that so? And why is that?" He lifted his thumb to his mouth and observed with lazy eyes the symphony get set up onstage.
"Because," replied the old man. "It is from your Poland case. And you said so yourself that was one of your favorite cases, correct?"
"Mm…"
The lights dimmed, hushing the students in the audience to let them know the concert was about to begin. L looked up at the monitor inside the boot that had a better view of the stage. The conductor walked on. Applause soon followed. A young woman in a black concert dress with light, curly brown hair stood and bowed to the conductor before playing the tuning note on her violin for the others to join.
L looked closer at the screen, nibbling lightly on his thumb. "Who is playing the solo?" he asked.
Quillish looked up from the window. "Oh, that young lady there. Her name is Antoinette Campbell. Very musically gifted, she is."
"I see…" Replied the detective, getting in a seat in front of the screen with his legs up and his knees to his chest. His eyes never left the girl even after she sat down to begin. And once she did, a small shiver went up Lawliet's spine, causing him to bite his thumb even harder.
As he listened to her play, he couldn't help but get lost in her precision. The detective was proactive to everything he heard and could tell this attractive woman… wait…
Attractive? He thought, startled. She had nice features, buthe wasn't attracted to her…
Well, he could tell she really tried to understand his piece. And he wanted her.
L took in a deep breath suddenly. He… wanted her toplay more. With that much dedication, she might be interesting enough to observe for a year.
"Wata-" L stopped himself, and sighed. "Quillish, is this young woman in the senior class?"
The older man nodded his head, looking closely at L. "She is."
"I see. And how old is she? And what is her real name? Do you know?" He bit his thumb harder.
"She's eighteen. Nineteen on December ninth. Her real name can be looked up for you, if you'd like. All the students' information is locked away in a vault that only I have access to."
"Really? How interesting… so thisis actually her last year here. I know the classes themselves weren't divided by age, but the age limit was still twenty one, correct?"
"Yes, that is right."
As the piece neared its end, and the young woman neared the end of her solo, a hint of a smile caressed L's lips. "I've chosen, Watari. Quillish. I have chosen her."
"Already? Are you sure, L?"
The applause came when the last note was sounded. The tension in Lawliet's body released, and his wide eyes lessened a bit. He felt a dull headache coming on. "Yes. I am sure. I am always sure. If you like, I will still observe all of the students. However, there is a ninety five percent chance that I will not choose anyone else. Hopefully, she has something interesting to offer, and this won't end up as a complete waste of time. Those chances are undetermined."
The old man sighed. "You need a year of rest, Lawliet. Do it for me anyways. You have taken a lot of risks. The Kira case is finally over, and we managed to convince the Shinigami not to bring their death notes on Earth ever again. All those who worked with you are safe, and you need time to rest and observe someone else for a change. Also, it is really a great experience for the students. Near has advanced even more since his four months with you years ago. That was how he got into the senior class as the youngest, you know. You really do help. And Antoinette is a lovely lady. She's very bright. Very smart. I could even see her working with you in the future, if ever needed. When I'm gone…"
"Watari." L interrupted. "Quill, do not speak of unnecessary things. I am going to need you to pull up that girl's files for me to have a look at, please. And make sure her birth name is available. Other information I wish to find out on my own."
Nodding, the old man left the booth. L leaned in closer to watch the next piece.
As I settled into my seat, with Montana to my right, and Jeff, my other friend to my left, I could practically feel my heart beating through my chest. I decided that it was best for me to stay calm. I was not going to be picked, so what was the point of worrying about it?
"Who do you think is going to be chosen?" Jeff whispered.
"I don't know, Mello maybe? After all, he is the second successor."
"Yeah," Montana said. "But his attitude can be smelled miles away… It is not a good smell either. I couldn't live with him for a year. I can barely live with him here…"
Jeff and I nodded in agreement. "Matt maybe? Naw… I just can't see him getting serious about it. What kind of person do you suppose L is anyways?"
I shrugged. "Near won't tell anyone. He just says that he is different. But I do not know how different. Perhaps he is a very deep guy both intellectually and emotionally. Which is why he writes such wonderful pieces."
Jeff groaned at my "blind love" for the detective. "What if the guy is a freak? What if he eats kittens for breakfast? Would you be so in love with him then?"
I frowned. "That is dramatically unnecessary. I'm not in love with him. I just admire his work. C'mon, if I didn't then that would be rude. The man has accomplished a lot." I paused. "How old do you think he is?"
Montana pursed her lips. "He's probably forty something… with all the cases he's solved."
"Yeah," I said. "But he did it in such short a time. He didn't even finish Wammy's House out before he started as the world's greatest detective… Which has to mean that he wasn't twenty one, he was younger than that. I'm going to say eighteen… and so he must be in his late twenties or something. Right?"
"But what year was he eighteen? Sure he did all that stuff at a fast rate, but who's to say that he actually isn't middle-aged? What if the idea of him being younger is all a lie?" Jeff added.
I frowned. They made good points. "But Quillish says he's known L since he was a little kid. The man may be old, but if L were to be in his forties, then don't you think Quillish should be gone by now?"
The audience was shushed as the lights dimmed and the projector screen was lowered on the stage. There was a moment of silence before the screen flickered on and the title "L" appeared as a singular black letter with a white background. Quillish Wammy rolled a camera onto the stage facing the podium that was attached to a tripod, and walked off the stage. The camera head turned and focused on the audience. Further silence ensued. The tension made my palms sweat with nervousness.
"Good Afternoon," came the mechanical voice from the speakers. "I am L, and will speak to you through this microphone and watch you with a remote-controlled camera as this goes on. As you all have probably heard, last week I visited the school to observe each and every one of you secretly and without anyone knowing where I was in the building. First, I find it appropriate to applaud all of you on your hard work. I know you all must feel many feelings right now and I must say that this really is the first full length year long term that I am willing to do. This will probably be the last one as well, but it all depends on how it turns out in the end. For the safety of the person chosen, Quillish, and myself, there will be no information given about the location in which we will be staying. Also, the time and date of the selected student's departure will not be shared with anyone. That being said, the situation need not be taken lightly, for both the student and I are making the decision to reside together for learning experiences that will indeed benefit us both. Not only will the selected person and I be training together for a year, there is a high possibility- an eighty-five percent chance- that if all things go well, future business together would soon follow.
"This may be odd news for you to know that I have decided to change the way I have been operating for so many years. I am sure none of you were in the dark about the Kira case that was recently solved. The circumstances of that case forced me to work with the Japanese police, and few of them actually worked with me in person. I have realized that it would be wise to have a partner that will help me and the future L's as Quillish has done for me, so the significance of this decision must be apparent. This person has to be willing to change their identity completely, even the names that you all adopted before enrolling as a student here. Although I had only a couple of days to observe you all for myself, I not only looked at excellence in academics, logic, and your overall records, but I also inquired about your interests besides those. Interests such as fine arts, sciences, and so on. For you all know that a relationship must be built. I will find out everything about you and there will be no secrets for… trust is the one thing that needs to be established. This will not be easy. I have only ever trusted one person in my entire life and for me to trust another will be a very difficult process for both parties.
"These are just a few need-to-know circumstances that are not stated in the contract the student will sign. When the student arrives, I will sign the contract also. All of that being said, I will not announce who has been selected in front of you all. Safety is a priority, and I am changing up the rules. I called you all here to deter the findings of who will be chosen. Under your seats there is a slip of paper. If the slip of paper has a carrot on it, you have not been selected. If the paper has a strawberry, congratulations. No one is to disclose the information on their slips, so please do so with caution. The chosen person must return to their dorm and go over the contract waiting for them immediately. Thank you. Quillish, please take over."
My heart thudded in my chest to the point of pain as we waited for Quillish to take his place at the stand. What if…
Clearing his throat, Quillish Wammy began. "The person chosen by L himself was chosen for very good reasons. This person has shown diligence and determination time and time again, and has really accomplished and overcome several obstacles. This person is very deserving of this opportunity. At this time, I would like you to look underneath your seats for your slips. Upon looking at your slips, you will exit the theatre and return to your daily activities."
I felt my brows furrow. My heart pounded through my ears as I reached down underneath my seat. I felt the smooth slip brush my fingers. Holding my breath, I picked up the slip.
"Welp," Montana chuckled. "He didn't choose me."
I blinked, and turned to her. "You're not supposed to talk about what's on your slip." She laughed. "Right, right, okay."
"Are you going to look at yours, Antoinette?" asked Jeff, who was grinning and holding up his carrot slip.
I bit my lip and opened my paper. My heart sank to my feet. It was a carrot. "Well, looks like I can join club Carrot." Jeff patted me on the back.
"I'ts alright," he said. "Maybe this just wasn't for you."
I laughed nervously, and walked down the aisle to exit the auditorium. Everyone was filing out already, murmuring in disappointment over their many carrot slips. So much for secrecy of disclosure. No matter, I tried to occupy my mind on the homework I had piled up in my dorm to distract myself from disappointment.