Eyes of Truth

By: Kayani Neko

Chapter Two

When the hotel came into sight, Mizuki gasped. "Wow…! I've never seen such an extravagant hotel before! You must be working really hard. "Mizuki turned to Misa worried. "Are you sure you're not overworking yourself?"

Misa laughed. "No need to worry! Misa's tough!" Misa hugged Raito's arm. The corner of Mizuki's lip twitched.

"It seems kind of silly though…" Mizuki mumbled looking at the hotel critically, trying to redirect her annoyance.

"What's so silly?" Ryuuzaki almost sounded defensive. Mizuki made a face.

"Why would anyone need so much room? I'd much rather live in my small apartment. Maybe a small cottage in the country outside London…" Mizuki trailed off, in full fantasy mode.

"Ayama-san?" Mizuki smiled dully, in another world. "Ayama-san." Ryuuzaki tugged at her sleeve. Nothing. "AYAMA-SAN." He pulled on her arm.

"Huh?!" Mizuki jumped up slightly. "Wh-what is it?" Mizuki flushed from being surprised.

"I was going to ask if you want to move there because Sherlock Holmes was set there." He looked curious.

Mizuki blushed. "A little." Mizuki admitted. "I also think London's a great city as well." Which she did, she loved the British accents. They sounded cool and made her think of Sherlock Holmes. He's so cool.

"I had a feeling that was part of it." Mizuki could tell he knew just how ridiculously large of a part that was. She was glad he didn't make a scene about it.

When they went in, they had to go through all sorts of security measures. "Well, at least I know you're safe when you're home?" Mizuki had trouble calling this any sort of home.

"Not necessarily." Ryuuzaki stated. Mizuki turned to him, wondering what he had meant. "Kira is on the loose."

Mizuki nodded knowingly. This had been the main topic of everyone's conversation for a while now. "I heard he's killing people who commit business crimes now."

Ryuuzaki turned to her shocked. "How did you know that?" Mizuki blinked in surprise.

"I have two jobs, one of which is around a bunch of gossipy old ladies. I hear a lot of things." Ryuuzaki eyed her suspiciously.

"Oh, come one Ryuuzaki! You can't honestly-" Raito covered Misa's mouth. Mizuki glared at him.

"Get your hands off of her." She spat icily. Raito nodded, looking at Misa critically. Misa seemed to get the secret message.

"Anyway, here's Misa's apartment!" Misa skipped over to the door and opened it. Everyone filed in, Ryuuzaki last. The door closed and Misa went over to a huge television and DVD player. She popped in the movie and got two blankets. She tossed one to Mizuki, and then turned off the lights. She grabbed Raito and snuggled up next to him under the blanket.

Mizuki sat next to Ryuuzaki, the only open spot. She snuggled up under the blanket. She looked over at Ryuuzaki and saw him staring at her. She offered him a part of the blanket, seeing as he was the only one without someone to share with. Mizuki was getting disappointed that Misa always treated poor Ryuuzaki so badly. Ryuuzaki looked at the blanket, contemplating. After a moment he took it. He still watched Mizuki carefully, as if she were about to jump up and stab him.

The movie started, some movie about a girl who worked as a nurse. It was only three minutes in and Mizuki could tell she was going to end up with the patient. Her eyelids slowly slipped closed, and she was out. Her head fell to one side, bonking into Ryuuzaki's shoulder. He stiffened, then looked down to see her completely asleep. "Is she asleep already?!" Misa giggled. "Mizu-chan has no tolerance for things she finds uninteresting!" Misa snuggled up closer to Raito. She seemed to not take notice to that fact her best friend was sawing logs on Ryuuzaki's shoulder.

Mizuki slowly opened her eyes. She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes a little to clear her vision. "You're awake now?" Ryuuzaki's voice made Mizuki jump. She looked to her side and saw him sitting beside her. They were still on the couch. Misa was still sitting next to Raito, but it looked like the movie just ended.

"Yeah, looks like…" She yawned. "I woke up just in time…" She stretched. Then a thought hit her. "Oh, crud. Did I fall asleep on you…?"

"Yeah." Mizuki banged the back of her head against the back wall. "It's alright, it didn't bother me."

Mizuki blushed, really embarrassed. "Are you sure…?" Ryuuzaki nodded. Mizuki bowed her head, ashamed. "Sorry…" She put her hand to her face. "I'm getting worse…" She shook her head.

"What's getting worse?" Ryuuzaki pried.

"All of my quirks!" She semi-squeaked, trying to stay fairly quiet. "At first, I'd just kind of space out, now I'm falling asleep on people? GAH." She smacked her forehead. "That's not all either, before, when I read, I'd just get really into it, but once someone talked to me I'd snap out of it. Now I practically have to be beat back to Earth!" She flailed her arms around frustrated. "Why can't I just be… Like Misa?" Mizuki pouted, then she realized what she had just done. "S-sorry to rant like that…" She scratched her cheek embarrassed.

"That's fine. But, if you haven't noticed, everyone has their quirks." He shrugged. Mizuki blushed a little at that.

"Yeah… I guess you're right. I just wish I had cooler quirks." She laughed a little at that. Ryuuzaki may have actually smiled a little at that.

"Okay! Time for the sleepover to start!" Misa cheered, standing up. She hopped over and grabbed Mizuki's hand, dragging her to the kitchen.

The boys didn't move. "Misa, why aren't the boys…?" Mizuki looked at her friend confused.

Misa flashed a sly smile. "It's alright if the boys stay… Right?" Mizuki's jaw dropped.

"N-no! Absolutely not!" Mizuki even made an X with her arms to clarify.

"Why not?" Misa whined. "Besides, it's not like you have parents to worry about yelling at you." That stung. Badly. Misa didn't notice. "Come on, let me have a little fun! There's not going to be anything bad that happens anyway!" Misa pouted.

Mizuki sighed, giving in. "Alright, fine." She went back and plopped on the couch, pouting her heart out.

"What's with you?" Raito looked at her like she was stupid.

"Misa's saying you guys are… Staying." Mizuki made a face and shivered.

"What's the big deal?" Raito teased. "It's not like you've never slept in the same room as a guy before."

"Falling asleep while watching a movie doesn't count. And anyway, why do you even want to stay?" Mizuki teased right back. She wouldn't back down to the likes of him.

"It's actually me who wants to stay." Ryuuzaki suddenly spoke up. "I'm the dorm manager here; I need to make sure everyone stays safe."

Mizuki frowned. "I may not look it, but I'm twenty-five. I'm perfectly capable of watching Misa." Mizuki looked annoyed at the reactions of the boys. Raito's face fell, like he had thought she was younger then him, and Ryuuzaki's eyes popped open in surprise. Mizuki growled. "Yeah, I know. I have a chubby baby face. I still look like I should be in high school…" Mizuki sighed.

"You can't possibly be older then me." Raito bluntly put. Mizuki twitched. She would have thrown a pillow at him, but Misa came back with chips and soda. Tea and cakes especially for Mizuki. Mizuki loved sweet things, especially served with tea. She reached for the cup, and her hand bumped into Ryuuzaki's. "Eh?" She looked at him. "Oh, did you want some too?" Ryuuzaki nodded.

Misa made a face, so Mizuki got up and went to the kitchen to get another cup. Mizuki searched all the drawers and cupboard she could reach. There were none to be found. Mizuki gulped, then climbed on top of the counter. Mizuki stood on her knees, and opened the first cupboard. It was there. She grabbed a teacup with a rose pattern and set it on the counter. She saw the teabags that Misa had forgotten to grab. It was too high to reach just standing on her knees. Mizuki slowly stood unsteadily on the small counter. She reached up and barely got the teabags. "Ayama-san?" It was Ryuuzaki.

Mizuki turned to see Ryuuzaki(Raito standing nearby), and slipped on a dishtowel that had been left on the counter. Mizuki squeaked in surprise and fell backwards. She closed her eyes, and crashed to the ground. She should have hit her head, but she didn't. Mizuki opened her eyes to see she had her back against Ryuuzaki. He had acted as a shield. He didn't grab her, or anything you'd see in some romantic book, he just, shielded her.

"Ah! S-sorry Ryuuzaki-san!" She turned around and saw a little blood on the back of his neck. Mizuki's voice cracked, and she ran over and grabbed a dishtowel, wetting it. She ran back over and put her arm around his neck, wiping the blood off. Though it was only a little, it was her fault. "I'm so sorry!" She kept repeating it over and over, then she grabbed his hand and led him to the bathroom, she opened what appeared to be the medicine cabinet and found a bandage. She sat him on the counter. He stayed quiet. She ran back and looked for some medicine to prevent infection. She found it and rubbed it on his neck. She put the bandage on, and sighed. "Are you alright now?" She looked guilty.

He stayed quiet for a moment. "I remembered where I recognized your name from."

Mizuki's face fell for a second. "Well, seems you're fine!" She said in a quick panicky voice. "Let's not leave Misa-chan all on her own!" She spun around, almost dancing out of the room.

Ryuuzaki spoke up before she could leave. "Mizuki Ayama, number one interrogator in Tokyo. Quit after an incident that wasn't fully reported on. Rumors suggest an attack from a small-time gang." Mizuki gulped. "I also know your parents were into criminal investigation and prosecution."

Mizuki sighed. "Yes. My father was a detective, and my mother was a interrogator." Mizuki dropped her gaze. "It doesn't matter anymore though. They're dead."

"Why exactly did you quit, Miss Ayama?" Ryuuzaki's gaze was penetrating.

Mizuki turned around. "I don't believe that's any of your business, Ryuuzaki-san." She walked calmly back to the kitchen and picked up the teacup and teabags. Mizuki sighed. She shouldn't say such mean things after he saved her. She went back and handed him his cup. "Sorry, alright?" She mumbled stubbornly. She went back to the couch where Misa sat waiting.

"What's the matter Mizu-chan?" Misa looked worriedly at her friend. Mizuki thought for a moment.

"I nearly crushed Ryuuzaki-san!" Mizuki cried out animatedly. It wasn't a lie, she did. That's just not what was upsetting her… Well, it did, of course, but not what had upset her the most.

"What?!" Misa exclaimed. "How?" She looked so bewildered, as if she had thought Ryuuzaki getting injured was impossible.

"I fell off the counter and landed on him." Mizuki smacked her forehead for effect. "Sometimes having my luck really bites."

Misa laughed. "Yeah, I can imagine. Misa gets all the luck!" Just then Ryuuzaki and Raito came back. "See? Raito proves that!" Misa went over and clung to his arm. "Mizu-chan, you need a boyfriend!"

"What? Why?" Mizuki looked confused.

"You're older then me and you've never even been kissed! It's crazy!" Misa yelled out, smacking her hand to her forehead.

"So what? I don't need a guy to be happy. I'm happy with my books and with you." Mizuki stubbornly refused to move on this subject.

Misa gave Mizuki a sly look. "You're just sore that Sherlock Holmes isn't real." Mizuki went quiet. "What? I'm right?! I was joking!"

"Shut up." Mizuki flopped down on the couch, pouting. Misa shook her head in disbelief.

"Honestly, you need to find yourself a guy." Mizuki snorted. "Why are you being so stubborn about it anyway?"

Mizuki sat for a moment. "I want someone… Like Sherlock Holmes. He's the only type of man I could ever picture being with." Mizuki blushed. "Not that it matters, no one like that even exists."

Misa's face fell slightly. She made a face, but suggested, "What about that one famous detective? L or something like that…?"

"L? Ha, no way." Mizuki smiled. "I doubt I'd ever get to meet someone so great." Everyone went quiet, but Misa giggled. "What?"

Ryuuzaki looked thoughtful, he stared at Mizuki. "Miss Ayama, I work with L on the Kira case. Misa and Raito are involved to some level as well."

Mizuki's mouth hung open slightly. "Why… Would you tell me something like that?" Mizuki had a feeling she knew why, but she hoped she was wrong.

"I'd like it if you joined the investigation. Your parents were amazing, and I've heard nothing but great things about your work." Mizuki sighed.

"You suspect me of maybe being Kira don't you?" Ryuuzaki nodded. "And this is the only way to keep me under close watch." Ryuuzaki nodded again. Mizuki shook her head. "I guess I have no choice then…" Misa leapt into the air.

"Yay! It'll be like camping with everyone here!" Misa cheered. Mizuki shook her head in disbelief of her situation.

Mizuki turned her gaze towards Ryuuzaki. "You're actually L, aren't you?" Everyone turned to her shocked. Ryuuzaki was the only one who seemed unsurprised.

"The rumors about your talents are true then." Mizuki nodded. "How did you know this time?"

"Only L would have the power to make a spot-decision like that without fear of getting in trouble. Plus the way you look at things. It's like you're constantly analyzing everything. Like Father used to do. You have the eyes of a detective one might say."

Ryuuzaki nodded. "Even if you aren't a Kira, I think you'll make a useful asset to the team. You have fantastic interrogation abilities, as well as a keen sense."

Mizuki just shrugged. "I was raised most of my life to be a detective. It was only after the accident it was decided that I was to instead train as an interrogator."

Ryuuzaki's eyes widened. "It was decided for you?"

Mizuki nodded. "My whole family, well, save my uncle, is into criminal investigation and prosecution. We have a job analyst come to decide where we will be fated to work. He didn't even sit when he told me I had my mother's eyes. I was destined to be an interrogator."

"Then why quit?" Ryuuzaki pushed.

Mizuki sighed. "There's no way you'll let this go will you?" Ryuuzaki shook his head. "Very well… What you were told was true, I was attacked. I had interrogated a suspected gang member, and forced the names of every member he knew from him. A few got away, of course, he was only a low member. I was attacked by five out of eight that had gotten away. A sort of revenge I guess." Mizuki stretched. "It wasn't that I was afraid of being killed. I don't care about that. We all die someday right?" Mizuki chuckled. "But I'm greedy. Misa's one of the only people I have left. What if my job got her hurt? I… Couldn't bear that thought." Mizuki smiled sadly. "Even if it means I'm betraying my parents, and cutting ties with my family, isn't it the living that matter the most?" Mizuki laughed. "Gee, that sounds callus!" Misa was crying. "Ah! I'm sorry Misa-chan! Please don't cry!" Mizuki was flipping out, running around her. "I didn't mean to make you cry!"

"I-it's okay… I was just sad that you gave up your job… F-for me…" Misa sniffed. "You loved that job…"

Mizuki smiled sadly, wiping tears from Misa's face. "I don't mind. That job was nothing compared to how important you are. If I was fired I'd just go out and get a new job. If you died…" Mizuki shivered. "I might die as well." Misa launched forward, tackling Mizuki to the couch.

Mizuki squeaked in surprise. "Don't ever say that Mizu-chan!" Misa hugged her close. "I love you Mizu-chan."

"I love you too Misa-chan." Mizuki smiled. "Imotou-chan, you're the sweetest person I've ever met." Mizuki changed her expression to serious. "And you know how I love sweet things."

Misa laughed out loud. "Oh, so now I'm a thing?!" She threw a pillow at her face. "Ha!" She threw it right back, and soon they were both in a full out battle.