Chapter 1
Disclaimer: The Maiden of Autumn owns nothing
"Sir, there's been another church sacking, two break-ins to your museums- the ashes should be arriving any day, and-"
"Enough."
Teru Mikami, Kira's Second in Command, Head of the Kira Security Team, and his most trusted follower, blinked behind his oblong glasses. Never before had Kira, or Light, been so short and curt.
Closing the file with the reports inside them, he straightened up and asked tentatively, "Sir, is there anything you would care to discuss?" Perhaps these actions by the damnable Task Force were wearing him down further than he'd thought.
"No, Mikami. You are dismissed." Taken aback by the coldness of Kira's voice, Teru simply nodded, tucked the folders under his arm, and exited the room quietly. Outside, a woman with short, dark brown hair and grey eyes was waiting patiently by the door. She looked up as soon as Teru exited, shutting the door behind him.
"How did it go, Teru?" She questioned the dark- haired man. In response, he ran a hand through his shoulder-length hair before sighing.
"These assaults and break- ins by the Task Force have been taking a bigger toll on Kira-sama than we thought, Takada," he replied.
The woman nodded, a troubled look in her eyes. "Indeed. He is becoming shorter with those he works with. I don't mind- running the world and keeping it such a peaceful place is sure to be a heavy burden on anyone, and there is no one else that could do such as Kira-sama has," Takada said reverently, before she became serious, casting a glance at the door that the man she admired was behind. "But, it shouldn't be so hard. After all he has done, he shouldn't have to deal with the criminals," she spat the word, "such as L and his followers."
Teru agreed whole heartedly. "I know. I just don't know what to do- every time they send a letter or tape, taunting us with the locations of their next attack, they always seem to slip through my fingers like dust! They're like ghosts- I can't catch them, and I'm sure that insufferable L is behind this!" It was L, no doubt. He was obviously in charge of the underground operation against Kira, the one who had been sending the tapes ever since the resistance had popped up.
And the man was a genius. Time after time, Teru and the rest of the Kira Security Team had lain in wait where the Task Force said they would hit next, on the exact day. And nothing would happen, but the next day, the museum, church, shrine, whatever would be defiled, torn apart with the contents scattered. The Task Force were like wraiths, and nothing Teru attempted was able to catch them.
Suddenly, Teru's handheld radio that he always held at his hip started crackling, a staticky voice coming through. "Sir, we've just received another tape from L. You might want to come down and listen to it." There was a strange tone in the Team member's voice, and it made Teru's brows furrow. Reaching down to unhook the radio from his belt, he switched it on. "I hear. I'll be down shortly," he spoke into it, and then flicked it off, looking back up at Takada.
Anger was burning in her grey eyes. "I wonder what that criminal is going to choose to defile this time?!" she spat.
Teru just rubbed his forehead, feeling the beginnings of a migraine coming on. He was sick and tired of dealing with L- it was too much. "I don't know, Takada. But I'll tell you as soon as I know."
Takada was the one in charge of all of Kira's press conferences and broadcasts, the one who took care of all public relations pertaining to Kira. All information he had that dealt with L he passed onto her, although he censored some of it. Not everything needed to be known to the public, and he was not naiive enough to think that everyone supported Kira- there was always some dissent with rulers, no matter how perfect or godlike they were, in Teru's opinion.
So with a heavy sigh, Teru said his goodbyes to Takada and made his way to the elevator that would lead down to the Security Team's floors.
Kira's home/workplace was divided into four levels: three aboveground, one underground. The underground level was where the Security Team operated, and where all their equipment, training gear, computers and work area was located. It could only be accessed by those with clearance, and the process of getting down there involved a handprint scan, retina scan, and insertion of a special key code into the system that changed every two hours, and was picked randomly. The new code was sent regularly to each member's personal work cell phones that they carried on them at all times, and was used solely for the purpose of communicating with other members, or in dire emergencies, Kira-sama himself.
The second floor was at ground level, and was where Kira met with the press, fans and visiting members of the government. It was like a giant living room/ office, furnished with plush carpet, comfortable chairs, and elegant tables.
The third floor was where Kira did all of his work. It was actually just a large room, with a long hallway leading to it from the elevator. It was fitted with giant computers along every wall with hundreds of tiny screens upon each one, monitored by workers, switching from random security cameras around the world. As soon as the workers saw a crime being committed, they would immediacy print out the face, location, crime, cross- reference it with the files of all registered people around the world, and send it to Kira, who would immediately send out an order to the various Security Teams station around the world. From there, they would arrest the suspect, and send him to Japan where Kira lived for immediate questioning and pending execution. Kira did have a sense of justice- there were no more big- time criminals, and so sometimes, it may have been a misunderstanding or mistake that lead to someone's arrest. Kira had a distaste for killing the innocent.
And the fourth top floor consisted of Kira's living quartets, where he slept, ate, and lived when not working.
So as Teru made his way down to the underground floor, he reflected over his meeting with Kira. Being the Head of the Team often meant that he was the bearer of bad news. And lately, with every new report of L's vandalism and crimes, Kira seemed to get more haggard, more worn down, which resulted in a decrease of patience and increase of curtness.
He clenched his fists as he stepped out of the elevator- something had to be done, but he was damned if he knew what to do. L obviously had many resources, and was smart, most likely on Kira's level of intelligence if the way he was able to elude him was anything to go by. In short, Teru was stumped as to what he could do, and unless there was some sort of miracle or slip- up on L's part, nothing could be done.
He pushed open the steel door leading to the computer room, and stepped inside, seeing the other technologists already huddled around the main computer. The door slammed shut, alerting the group of men to his presence. They snapped to attention. "Sir, the tape is ready to play. Would you care to hear it?"
"Of course." Teru dropped into a chair, finally letting his tiredness show. Not that he cared right now- his men respected him too much to judge him for it, and would not let the fact that the Head of the Team had just collapsed into a chair. They understood- they themselves were on the brink of exhaustion, working on trying to keep up with L, and maybe, maybe finally figure out where the damned headquarters were located. "Maybe this time, we'll be able to intercept him."
They all knew that would not likely happen, but no one said anything.
One of the men turned and pressed a button on the computer. Immediately, the electronically-disguised voice of L was heard.
"Gentlemen. Greetings to you all. As you all should know by now, this is L. The Kira Task Force's last raid was, of course, a success, or you would not be hearing this tape right now. As usual, you have failed to stop us- which, I admit, is extremely disappointing. I would have expected more from Kira, and the men he has chosen to work for him. And it makes me wonder- if you really are a 'God' as you claim, Kira, then shouldn't you be able to see where we're going to hit next? But then again, perhaps you are just a man, an ordinary man with an overblown ego and hero complex.
But enough of that. You most likely want to know where the next hit will be? Although, with your past performances, I don't think that telling you where we're planning to go will make any difference.
Yet, in hopes that you will actually be more effective this time around, I'll tell you. The New Kira Museum at 11:00, the Church of Kira at 11:20, and finally, the largest shrine to Kira at the edge of the city at 11:45, all tomorrow night. The next tape will be sent in the morning after, along with the usual package. I look forward to seeing you there, gentlemen- or perhaps not."
There was a click as the tape came to an end, and then silence.
Teru sighed, dropping his head into his hands. "That bastard," he groaned.
Meanwhile, the man known to the world as Kira, and to himself as Light, sat at his personal desk in his living quarters. He stared out the window, tapping his pen idly against the top of his desk, not really seeing out over the city. His mind was preoccupied with other things- namely, things starting with the letter L.
At the thought, he gripped the pen so hard it bent and almost broke in half.
The cocky bastard.
How he hated L, with his taunts and mocking ways- Light couldn't wait until the man was caught and he was the one finally in control. His new world would be complete as soon as L was captured, and made an example of to discourage any other criminal rebels.
He looked down at the Death Note that was lying open, discarded on his desk, and the files of the criminals that needed to be executed, grimacing. Thoughts of L even distracted him from his work, it would seem.
Closing the Death Note with a sigh, he pushed it away, standing up and stretching as he did so. Immediately, the sound of buttons clicking and the sound of a video game stopped in the background. Reaching out to the bowl of apples that sat on his desk, Light picked one up and tossed it over his shoulder.
The hulking black creature that accompanied Light everywhere, a shinigami tied to the Death Note, reached up and caught the apple in his claws. He sat munching on it happily as he sat on the bed next to his paused game. He was known as Ryuk, and was addicted to apples and watching the antics of humans finding them amusing. He found Light in particular extremely interesting, and was never far away.
Light picked up his coat that was draped over the back of his desk chair, shrugging it on. Ryuk perked up interestedly; he always loved to go out, as Light often bought him apples to eat on the way. "Hey Light-o, where are we going?"
"Out." Light walked to the door, Ryuuk quickly getting up from the chair to follow him out, hovering above his shoulder. "I need something to eat and time to think."
Ryuuk laughed as they made their way to the elevator. "This L is giving you a lot of trouble, huh?"
Light pressed the button to go down to the first floor, giving Ryuuk a sardonic look. "What do you think? The man is a menace- nothing we do to catch him works!"
Ryuuk just grinned in amusement. He had to hand it to L, evading the mastermind that Light was for the past few years took skill, planning, and a level of genius that was on, if not surpassing Light's own was worthy of respect. And the chase to catch the mysterious man was certainly entertaining.
The next night, at 10:57, Mikami and the rest of the men he had chosen to circle the three places L was going to strike were lying in wait. He had chosen the museum, as it was the most frequented place, and was hoping that perhaps there would be some sign that L would be there. Additionally, Mikami concluded that if he missed his chance at perhaps hopefully capturing L, he could make it to the church and then to the shrine before the next strike. So here they were, hiding in the bushes that separated the road from the lawn of the museum, the trees dotted along the border also providing cover. Suddenly, Mikami's radio started crackling, the voice of one of the head technologists back at Kira's mansion sounding excitedly.
"Sir, sir! We've managed to locate the feed L and his accomplices are using! They're communicating over a rarely-used, open frequency! It's 100.3!"
Hope flaring in Mikami's chest, yet still somewhat skeptic, he pulled out his radio and pressed the button. "This is Mikami. How can you be sure it's them?"
"Because we've managed to trace it to three separate places- all of which L said he would be striking!"
"I see. Thank you." With building excitement, Mikami quickly radioed in to the leaders of the other two teams lying in wait at the two other locations telling them of the technologist's findings, and instructing them to turn to the frequency that he was told. After informing them, he immediately turned the frequency of his own radio to 100.3, motioning his men closer and turning the volume up slightly.
The crackling of static was heard for a second as his radio attempted to locate the frequency, before finding it, and a distorted voice came through, then a few more. Excitement and anticipation built up inside his chest, making Mikami tremble- only L's followers used voice scramblers like that! It had to be the Task Force! This was it! This could be their big break, their miracle! He settled down to listen intently to the voices that were speaking.
+This is Cloud to Sherlock. Come in Sherlock.+
So, they were obviously using aliases. Not surprising, as everyone knew that Kira killed using faces and names.
+This is Sherlock, Cloud. Status?+
+Yellow and I have almost finished.+
+Yeah! Boom-shacka-lacka's all ready to go!+
There was a moment of silence, before Sherlock's voice came again.
+Perfect. Gamer? Your status?+
+Yo, this is Gamer. The boss is defeated; ready to advance to next level.+
At this, Mikami's brows furrowed. Were they talking in code?
+Ugh. You have got to stop with the stupid game analogies. You really need to cut back, Gamer.+
+That's the pot calling the fuckin' kettle black, isn't it? At least I don't get pissy like a teenage girl on her shark week like you do when you run out of chocolate, Yellow.+
Mikami blinked in surprise, wondering if perhaps, the technologist had been wrong. This sounded more like some sort of verbal argument between two teenage boys, if the language and context of the words were anything to go by. Or an exchange between two truckers.
+You, my dear Gamer, are simply jealous that you cannot eat as much chocolate as I can without losing your figure, while I can eat as much as I want and still look like a leather-covered sex-god.+
He heard a few men cough behind their hands in shock. This was… unexpected…
+Coughgoddesscough…+
+What the-! Goddess?! Are you calling me a goddamned girl?!+
+If the fucking shoe fits, darling.+
Darling? Weren't these two men? Their past words fit, as Gamer seemed male, and Yellow's indignation at the implication of being called a girl combined with being a 'god' implied that he was a man. Unless… could they be gay? Or just nettling each other?
+You can just take that cock-sucking shoe and shove it up your goddamned, motherfucking-+
Yellow also apparently had a dirty mouth, as well. Mikami made a mental note that if he ever captured the one known as Yellow, he would wash that mouth out with soap before presenting him to Kira.
+Yellow, Gamer, that is enough. This is an open frequency and currently being monitored. Do not air your dirty laundry in the open; deal with it behind closed doors.+
There was Sherlock's voice again. He seemed to be the leader. Could this Sherlock be L? And they knew that they were being listened to? How?! Mikami felt frustrated. If they knew this was an open frequency, there was no way that they were going to say anything incriminating!
+I second that opinion, Sherlock.+
+You're such a fucking suck-up, Cloud.+
+No, I'm merely saying that I agree with what Sherlock has said.+
A new voice suddenly came in over the radio.
+This is Hotshot, Sherlock. Come in Sherlock.+
There was a new person. Mikami quickly connected the dots. Sherlock and the other three seemed to be in different places, which made two teams. With this new 'Hotshot' showing up, it made three teams. Three places, three teams. Mikami felt a sense of satisfaction. So, L wasn't the sole mind behind the crimes committed against Kira, just as he had suspected.
+Copy, Hotshot. Status?+
+We're set to jet, Sherlock. Sunshine and I are just finishing up. Is Cloud still alive? I never did think it was a good idea to pair him with Yellow…+
+Ha. Ha. Very funny, Hotshot. Cloud's still alive and kicking. Unfortunately…+
+Unfortunately…? I must be getting crossed signals, Yellow. I mean, what with the racket I hear every night, I really think that you'd miss Cloud if you went into a homicidal rage and killed him.+
Silence. And then, a cough.
+Anyways, it's good to hear that you're almost done, Yellow. And that Cloud's still alive…. Sunshine, that done yet? ... Alright, we're good.+
Mikami heard the couple of pauses, and assumed there was another person with Hotshot. He quickly counted- there were currently six that he had heard speak.
+It seems that everything is going perfectly.+
+Hey, how's everything going on your end with Crazy?+
Crazy? Mikami quickly changed his people count to seven.
+You know I do not approve of that name for him, Yellow. And he's just- Wait! No! Dammit, not that button-!+
There was a pause, and then the ground trembled and rolled as the museum in front of Mikami blew up with a loud roar and fiery explosion. Sharp pieces of glass, steel, and various other debris came shooting out every way, Mikami having only seconds to give the command to get down before diving for the ground himself, shielding his head with his arms. Luckily, the trees and bushes he and his team were under provided cover from the larger chunks, but they still got pelted with the smaller chunks, most of them hot from the combustion.
A few minutes later, Mikami felt the debris rain stop and the ground cease trembling. Cautious, he lowered his arms, looking up, seeing his subordinates doing the same thing.
"Sound off, men!" Mikami barked, wanting to make sure everyone was alive and conscious. It took a few minutes, but in the end, it turned out there was no one dead- two unconscious, a few more injured, but overall, they were in pretty good shape.
"Sir, the two criminals that were most likely in the museum- do you think that they made it out alive?"
Mikami shook his head. "I don't know. It sounded like they were right at the blasting zone…" Mikami's radio suddenly crackled.
+…God…Dammit… Crimson…+ There was some heavy breathing, and the sound of something heavy being shifted. +I… told you… Never touch… the red button… until the green one's blinking!+
Mikami blinked. "Looks like they made it."
"Do you think they could be trapped in there, sir?"
"Not likely. If they survived that, they've most likely got a secret way in and out."
+Aw, Sherlock. Don't…. be mad. You're the one…. who put me in charge of the explosives… when you know I failed Hotshot's little… impromptu class on them. Besides, I just don't see… the green button. All I see is… the red. It's so pretty….+ There was a pained- sounding groan. +Goddamn it… Nailed me right in the back… Hey, I think my radio's working again...+
A new person with a radio? Mikami could only guess that this 'Crimson' was actually the Crazy the other person had been talking about. He certainly sounded… not right in the head.
+…I don't care, Crimson. I'm going to…Ah!...leave you behind if this-Ouch, fucker!- happens again...+
+Kyahehehe..+
+Stop laughing and…. Ungh!- get this off of me! This is… Grngh… your fault, you idiot!+
Sherlock sounded extremely angry.
+You have to admit, though. That marble statue fell on you just the right way. It's almost poetic justice…+
+Sherlock! Crimson! What happened! Are you alright?+
Yellow's voice filtered through, sounding panicked.
+Do not…. worry, Yellow. We're…goddamnit!... Fine. Or I would be, if Crimson…. Got his lazy ass over here to- gahnnngh!- get this marble piece of shit off me!+
+Marble piece of shit…? That's interesting.+
+Crimson! Get this…ouch!... off of me, or so…nnngh!- help me, I'll leave you… (scratching sounds)… behind next time!+
+Kya… fine. Don't get your knickers in a twist+
The sound of something heavy being shifted sounded over the radio.
+Whoa, Sherlock. You wear knickers? Whaddya think about that, Gamer?+
+Kinky. Definitely kinky.+
+You are all staying behind next time!- WATCH! Where you grabbing, Crimson!- And I don't wear knickers. It's simply a saying, an idiom- Ouch! You moron! Be careful!+
There were more scraping sounds, and a grunt of effort from the disguised voice of Crimson. A crash, and then some panting was heard.
+There, it's off, it's off…+
+Are you alright, Sherlock?+
+Hey, what about me, Cloud? I was hurt, too! And I had to move that huge-ass statue of fucking Kira off of him!+
+But you were obviously well enough to help Sherlock get a marble statue off of his body…+
+Wait, a marble statue of Kira landed on Sherlock?+
+Yeah.+
+Hey, why don't you smash the damn thing's head in for me? Do us all a favor and smash it to rubble?+
+What a wonderful idea… Hey, I wonder if I've got an extra stick of dynamite here…. I could light it up and stick it in between the motherfucker's legs if I did…+
+Good idea, Crimson. Hey, maybe you aren't a crazy homicidal asshole after all…+
+Thank you, you dickhead.+
Sherlock's voice suddenly buzzed in.
+Crimson, you cannot actually be serious about this… We're in too close of proximity to be doing that and- Wait, why are you doing reaching down there? I don't want to see you groping yourself- Crimson, what were you doing with that down there? ... No, I don't think it'll light; it's probably too sweaty… Okay, okay, I was wrong. It wasn't too sweaty …... Ah, how did you fit that dynamite down there?- NO, DON'T LIGHT IT!
+Oops, too late. Guess we better run? Hey, wait for me!+
Oh shit. Did they really…? The sacrilege of one of Kira's statues was momentarily forgotten as another boom shook the already burning museum, making all of the team duck down again.
Mikami cursed as the already demolished museum exploded once more, sending- for the second time- a rain of rubble down upon him and his men. After everything cleared, the radio crackled again.
+...What the hell was that, Crimson? Dynamite doesn't cause explosions like that!+
+…Well, you know, now that I think about it… I might have packed some C4 into a dynamite case. Just to save room, you know. I must've forgotten it was that case that had the higher explosive…. Heh. Tricky little bastard…+
+Crimson, if I didn't love you, I'd toss you out to the police that are waiting in the bushes even as we speak for pulling that little stunt…+
Mikami blinked. The two criminals knew they were out here? Which meant… they were in a position in which they were able to be seen.
They were outside the museum.
Realization dawned and Mikami quickly rushed into action.
He stood up, grabbing his bullhorn and switching it on. "You two! We know you're near the museum! Come out with your hands up!"
At Mikami's actions, the rest of his men stood up as well, cocking their guns, and stepping out of the bushes, training the lights on their police helmets onto the now demolished museum.
+Aw, damn it all… Looks like they got us…+
+Indeed, Crimson. What ever shall we do..?+
The two voices, heavily ladened with mocking tones, came over the radio. He ignored it, though, training his gaze onto the building, waiting. They couldn't escape-the building was surrounded, after all.
Not long after, two dark figures emerged from the museum, casually striding closer, stopping about 10 yards from where Mikami was standing. "Hands in the air," Mikami yelled, pulling out his own pistol and pointing it at the pair.
The one on the left shook his head. "No can do, Teru Mikami." The distorted voice held a mocking tone, and that combined with the calling of his real name made a shiver go down his spine. He had never given any indication as to his identity, and very few people knew who he actually was.
The figure that had spoken previously walked closer, black- clad arms crossing over his chest. From where the man was standing, Mikami could see that he was clad in a black bodysuit, with sturdy black shoes, black leather gloves, and a full mask, leaving only a hole large enough for his mouth and presumably eyes. The eyes, however, were covered by night vision goggles, and his mouth by a device that he supposed was the voice-scrambler.
The second man was dressed the same way, leaving both figures both faceless and unidentifiable. They really had covered their tracks well; he could pass these men on the street and have no clue as to who they were.
But his fear at the man knowing his real name must have shown on his face, because the first figure chuckled distortedly, coming even closer. The sound of many guns cocking caused Teru to jolt. They couldn't kill this man, at least not yet! He could have valuable information if they managed to subdue him! He looked over to where his second-in-command was standing tensely, gun cocked and a hardened expression on his face.
"Stand down!" Mikami barked, returning his gaze to the figure in front of him. Immediately, his well- trained men did as he ordered, although there was still a certain tenseness hovering in the air.
Another distorted chuckle came, and the first man reached up with one hand to pull off his goggles, holding his arm over the hole left for his eyes. "Ah, thank you. I was worried I might be shot in the heat of the moment."
That mocking tone made Mikami's teeth grind together. Arrogant asshole. He knew that Mikami wouldn't shoot him- he knew he was valuable due to his connections to the Kira Task Force. "Enough. Why choose to come out now, when before, you and your measly little members hid in the shadows, slinking around to do your dirty deeds?"
"Me and my group? Oh, you presume too much," the man said smugly. "I'm really not that important; actually my friend and I here wouldn't have even made an appearance tonight if it weren't for the fact that L has grown bored."
A collective shock ran over the police gathered at the mention of L's name. "What do you mean?" Teru questioned.
"Your continuous, pathetic, failed attempts at apprehending even one of our group has bored L. And I don't blame him- I mean, really. He gives you all the dates, times, and places we're going to hit, and you still can't catch us?" He shook his head. "Sad."
Mikami's temper flared at the condescending words, but he kept it in check. "What, exactly, are you here for then, other than to insult both myself and Kira-sama?"
"L sent us to give you a message- he wants the stakes raised a bit, and perhaps, give you more incentive to find us."
"What message did he send?" Mikami was getting tired of pussyfooting around the issue. Never taking his eyes off the man in front of him, he discreetly made a signal to the man to the right of him, knowing it would be seen and passed around.
The man in front of him reached up with his free hand to pull the device way from his mouth, showing off thin red lips pulled upwards in a smirk. He stepped closer, close enough for Mikami to be able to see his features clearly, if they had not been hidden from sight. And then, he leaned closer, almost in Mikami's face, and removed his arm from his eyes.
The eerie red eyes of the man before him bored into his own, and fear froze Mikami in shock.
He had once heard Kira-sama talking about such red eyes- Shinigami Eyes- that were able to see the true name and lifespan of any human on Earth. He had talked of those eyes with such longing- and Mikami understood. Kira would truly be God, then, if he was in possession of such eyes! Able to execute any criminal immediately, rather than going through the arduous process of having to make them crack and give them the names themselves, or search through the records!
But, the Eyes could only be gotten by one who possessed a Death Note and made the Eye Deal. This man, he was certain, did not possess a Death Note, otherwise he and many other Kira supporters would be long dead.
So how did this man have the eyes that Kira-sama coveted so greatly?
The red lips tugged upwards even more, becoming almost a full-fledged grin. "L wants you to tell Kira that he has a person with the Eyes- and to catch us if he can. Some incentive to spur Kira on, if you will."
Then, the man started backing off, replacing his night vision goggles and voice-scrambler back onto his face.
Mikami snapped out of his shock at the man's actions. Kira-sama needed those eyes! He couldn't let the man possessing the one thing that Kira wanted- well, besides L- get away! Bring up his gun, he aimed it at the man's shoulder. "He's got the Eyes!" Mikami yelled to his men, knowing they would understand. "Don't let him get away!"
Immediately, his men pulled themselves up, aiming their guns at them, spotlights illuminating the slender figures of the two black- clad men.
Saluting, the man dipped his head. "Sorry, but we're not gonna stick around to party."
Turning, he ran swiftly back to his waiting companion, both of them taking off back towards the demolished museum. Cursing, Mikami took off after them, signaling 3 of his men to follow him. "The rest of you, stay back in case they come out again!" Mikami yelled over his shoulder.
Turning his attention back to the museum, he squinted just in time to see the two figures jump tin over a large rock and disappearing into the hole in the museum's walls. He followed, directing two of the men to go left, while he and the other took the right.
The museum was dark, as the two explosions had broken the lightbulbs and severed the electrical cords keeping them lit. Mikami and his companion turned on their flashlights, guns held at the ready as they cautiously made their way into the dark, destroyed halls of the museum.
There was no sign of the two Kira Task Force members; in fact, the museum was silent, Mikami's other two men too far away to be heard. Still, there was the sense of being watched, and that alone made Mikami's whole body tense, his nerves and senses tingling.
"Sir," his companion spoke up, "I don't think we'll find them. There's a very good chance that they've already-ACK!" Mikami whirled around at the sound of his companion's words being cut off by a surprised exclamation.
He opened his mouth to ask if he was alright, when he was hit from behind, hard enough to send him sprawling onto the ground, face- down. Before he had a chance to recover, a single sharp weight pressing down onto the middle of his back and two on his shoulders held him in place.
"I see we meet again, Mikami Teru."
It was the man's-Sherlock's- voice! The bastard had ambushed him!
He tried struggling out from under Sherlock's weight, but even though the man didn't feel that heavy, he was exceptionally strong and had pinned him down expertly, pressing just a little bit on the pressure points located on his spine and shoulders. "You are a very persistent man, Mikami. I respect that. Unlike Kira, you seem to actually be making an effort to capture me."
Capture him? Why the hell would this crazy bastard think he was coming solely after him? He was chasing L- the Task Force had to know that! Everyone knew that he was trying to…capture…L…
He stilled his struggling as realization dawned.
L.
The man that was here tonight, that was pinning him down now….
Was L.
A distorted chuckle came from the criminal. But how could it be L? It was not the same voice that he used in his recordings. Although, he could have changed voice scramblers. "I see you've figured it out. You are extremely intelligent- something I also respect." There was a sound of rustling, and what sounded like paper crackling. "However, I find myself losing respect for Kira- not once has he attempted to apprehend me himself, and if the best he can do is send out his watchdogs, then he must not be as good as I hoped him to be."
What was this lunatic talking about? Did he want to get caught?
L seemed to pick up on his thought process. "To put aside any doubts, Mikami, I do not want to get caught, nor will I- I'm quite confident in my abilities. However, there is no challenge breaking into these places and destroying them- the security is shoddy, the effort it takes is almost nonexistent, and no matter how many papers from the Death Note we destroy, there always seems to be more being replaced. Kira is a genius- he should be able to do better than this. The fact that he has not is proof that he must think so little of us that he does not feel the need to bother. This is the reason why I've shown my face tonight- I'm upping the stakes."
The whole time L spoke, there was the sound of something being written on a piece of paper. When he finished talking, the sound ceased and L sighed. "To tell you the truth, this whole scheme has become boring- and not just to me. In fact, the only times that we truly care about enacting a scheme is when Kira captures someone with skills that could be put to use. Otherwise, this is just a form of entertainment. But I've talked long enough."
Suddenly the weight was lifted from his body, and Mikami immediately looked up, to find himself staring into the masked face of L. Very slowly, the detective reached up and pulled off his night vision goggles. The slight amount of light still emanating from the flashlight illuminated L's eyes, and Mikami found himself looking into large, seemingly endless pools of obsidian.
"Tell Kira what my associate told you tonight, Mikami, or something like this will happen again, although there will be casualties."
Mikami flinched as L's free hand suddenly flashed in front of his eyes, driving something deep into one of the cracks left behind in the marble tile, right next to his head. "A present, Mikami, for your leader. Until next time."
Wi th that, L stood up, fixed his goggles, and was gone, almost as if he had melded into the shadows.
Blinking, Mikami sat up, his eyes still fixed on what L had driven into the ground- it was a knife, serrated, long, and deadly- looking. He blanched- if L had had this on him the whole time, he could have been killed at any time. So why had he done this…?
His eyes traveled down the blade, narrowing suddenly behind his glasses as he saw a piece of paper attached to it. Mikami reached out and tugged the knife free, some dust from the tile scattering as he did so. Plucking the paper off of the end, Mikami grabbed the previously discarded flashlight and shone it on the paper- actually, two pieces of paper, one on top of the other.
He read what was written on it, eyes widening as the message sunk in. He had just finished when a groan from his knocked- out companion reminded him that he was here, and hurriedly stuffing the paper and knife into the pocket on his vest, he hurriedly got up and rushed over to the man's side, checking for injuries.
However, the whole time, the thought of what was written on the paper consumed his thoughts.
It was the stolen piece of Death Note, thankfully blank, with a note on a normal piece of paper attached. L had written a message on there:
Kira-
The Eyes are ours, as well as pages of the Death Note. You know what this means, Yagami Light. The stakes are raised- if you want the Eyes, you must work for them. If not, we see fit to start killing off your followers to give you more motivation, starting with your faithful lapdog.
Let the real games begin.
-L