So it had come to pass, most of the Police Force behind the Kira case dropped like flies, Yoki was finally viable among the others that remained. The strangest part of it all though, is that L actually agreed to be seen by the others, but the more she thought about it the more it made sense. Those most loyal to the case would be the most dedicated, as Yoki had been since the beginning.
Now the only trouble, was finding a way to make sure that they all didn't get tracked on the way there. The person she had to talk too was Watari, a man of many words, no? A soft chuckle escaped, she fiddled with her car keys and broke away from the others, they didn't know that she was friends with L..or what she considered friends. So as she slipped back inside and looked over to the older man who was packing up the laptop, she shut the door and cleared her throat.
"Watari-sama, I was thinking we split the others up into two groups, you take one and I'll take the other to the hotel."
She kept her eyes to the ground, rubbing the back of her head shyly as nervous giggles escaped. "If you don't mind, that is."
Her weeks in the cast were up at long last, the annoying block of white was removed, her leg had healed itself over correctly and she could exercise once more. Which was exactly what she was doing right now, lifting herself up into a full pull up before slowly bringing herself down. She had started to get more involved with the case again, keeping her contacts updated regularly on what she needed. The female genius dropped back to the floor and walked over to the monitors, flickering through channels after retrieving the remote to note of a few more killings.
"Hn.."
S wondered how much longer it would take before L and Yoki came back, a small snort escaped her lips as she sat down and started taking notes again. Least she could also update L on her status with the case..as long as he did the same.
He always remained covered. Sure, his fedora didn't mask his entire face, however it was enough shadow that to get a good look, they'd need to be three inches from his whiskers. "Hm?" Looking up after sliding the flat computer into it's bag, Watari grinned behind the folds of his coat.
"Ah, nice to see you again dear." Her idea was valid, and he nodded. "That is a very intelligent idea. Very well. Then perhaps you shall take Chief Yagami and Matsuda. Oida as well. I shall take the others." Was she aware of which hotel that L stayed in? Probably not.
Handing her a small slip of paper, he readjusted his hat and began to depart. "That will change every few days. And I shall be around to speak to, if needed." It was an extremely subtle way of offering his ear. L had notified him of Yoki's strange yoyo behaviour of a few weeks previous.
"I shall see you there then." With that, he made his way to his car.
Now, he could chew freely on his left thumbnail without the worry of ingesting plaster. Staring out the wall high panes of the hotel windows, L wondered. If there ever was a case serious enough, that he revealed himself to a group larger than two.
The answer was no. Kira was a blight upon the world, it was his job by birth, to bring Justice. His sable orbs narrowed, and his teeth clamped firmly around the short length of keratin. Not even Birthday was this difficult.
Turning swiftly, he heard a knock on the wooden hotel door. "It's unlocked, you can come in..." His tone was that of boredom. This revealing of his face was a necessary evil he supposed.
The last time that Yoki and Watari met, it seemed like Watari acted like a grandfather or even father figure toward her. She actually enjoyed it, made her feel like she was a bit special among the others in the police force. So when he called her dear, she had looked up and smiled brightly. "And the same to you, Watari-sama."
She nodded toward the arrangements of who would be taking whom, giving a bow when Watari left, she had a small need to ask him a question but found the words were unable to roll off her tongue. So, silently, she followed behind and told of the arrangements being made.
It hadn't taken long after L had invited them in for Yoki to open the door and step inside. She glanced around only momentarily before retreating to L's side, glancing back at the others who walked in cautiously, as if they would be shot if they made the wrong move. It brought her a bit of amusement thinking like that, but she pushed it aside quickly.
"Would you like for me to get you anything?" She was directly the question toward L, which was pointedly made as she stared at him, it also seemed that Yoki had visibly calmed in L's presence. It was as if him being in the same room as her made her comfortable, knowing that he would protect her in some way. In her eyes, he was the top authority in the room, not her boss Chief Yagami as it should've been, but instead the detective with vast knowledge.
One by one they revealed their names and badges. He noticed a new looking one was looking at Yoki with an almost blank, yet clearly 'what the fuck' expression. Lifting his finger to imitate a gun, L 'shot'.
"Bang."
They were confused. The Chief was the first to speak. "What was that?"
L lowered his hand, and scratched his ankle with his toes. "I...am L. However. If I was Kira, you'd all be dead." Glancing sideways at Yoki, L nodded. "Coffee." Turning his attention back to the group of policemen, he spoke again.
"Kira kills with a name and face. Be careful how, and to who you reveal yourselves." His tone was more monotonous than what Yoki was used to. Much more reserved.
Matsuda raised his hand. "Uh...L..."
"Call me Ryuuzaki from now on..."
"Uh..right. Ryuuzaki, you know her already?" His face carried an adorable expression of being almost lost, but having a fingertip grasp on the map.
"Of course, extra sugar and a little cream, right?" It was almost like she had never left, the skip in her step returned and an adorable giggle escaped at Matsuda's lost expression. After retrieving the coffee and returning back to the room that the others occupied, she had heard Matsuda's question and decided to answer for herself.
"I've been helping Ryuuzaki on this investigation since the beginning, although I mainly retrieve drinks and food, I'm very proud to say I'm apart of this team."
She let another smile cross her features, then tapped her lower lip in a rather adorable manner. "And I think it's best if you call me Naoko from now on, Ryuuzaki is right." Holding her hands in front of her, a tiny smirk came to her lips, she was almost cocky about this whole thing. Well, within reason at least, but even still it was a bit out of character for Yoki.
"Of course. Thank you." It wasn't noticeable until then how...deprived he had been without Yoki to /hand/ him his sweets. He blinked. It seemed he had turned lazy.
Turning to amble to a soft armchair, he sat before taking the small cup from 'Naoko'. "You are all here because I have deemed it necessary to reveal myself. This case will need our utmost focus...so no getting distracted."
The statement was pointed at Matsuda, as the man had began to crane his head to try and find where the kitchen was. It was just a hotel room, right?
Said officer gave a start and blushed lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Y-yes. Of course."
L stared at the man in a painfully deadpan manner before sipping the sweetened black liquid. Looking down, he quirked his lips before adding several more sugar cubes.
"And yes. Naoko has been with me for some time..." It sounded like his words weren't the main focus of his thoughts. "She actually introduced the theory I have based this investigation upon." If asked what theory, he'd let her explain.
The entire squad seemed to have a brief moment of emotion come to their features, many were different but she enjoyed the flicker of surprise. As she attempted to quell the smirk that wanted to peek through, Chief Yagami spoke up.
"What theory is that?"
Yoki glanced down to L, then nodded, she understood he wanted her to explain to them. It sounded very strange for the first time hearing it, so naturally the person who came up with the theory should have to explain it out fully.
"We all believe this to be a supernatural situation."
She let that sink in for a moment, and just when Chief Yagami was about to call bullshit, Yoki closed her eyes and explained.
"There is no report on the bodies found being drugged, or suffering any sort of attachment to a heart attack. Young men with no history of such a thing, older men with a healthy diet." A shrug, "There's no plausible explanation, all of it is timed to perfectly together, so unless anyone else has any ideas on what this could be, we're going with this."
Her purple eyes narrowed slightly, she was daring them to challenge her knowing full and well they wouldn't be able too. Watching their conflicted expressions, she glanced down to L. "You may continue, Ryuuzaki."
All the while Yoki explained, L was stirring his coffee. Going over the case with a mental comb, he seemed to zone out. At least, that is what it looked like to Matsuda. When the pale detective spoke up abruptly, the officer gave a small start that made Oida look at him funny.
"I have contacts in many places. So you will find no need to obtain your own." A sip. Yes. The drink was now perfect. "Consider all outside interaction to be unsafe. You will all have new ID's."
Watari came up silently from behind Yoki and L. He was in a tux, and he held a small briefcase much like a butler would a platter. His soft yet firm aged tone floated over them all. "At Ryuuzaki's request, I have created new IDs for all of you. As well as obtained these."
Beside the false badges were plain, ordinary looking belts. "We'd appreciate if you would wear them at all times." He gave Yoki a small lip quirk.
Matsuda thought all this neat, and was going on about how 'spylike' it all was. L had the thought he may have found a new source of amusement.
Yoki looked back forward when Watari passed by her, her purple eyes widening considerably as soon as she recognized him. Her face flushed a bit pink out of embarrassment, she should've realized that Watari was in fact Mr. Whammy. But wait, didn't that mean..?
She looked down to L, then back to Watari. So, that explained a lot more then, as Watari quirked his lip, a full blown smile came to Yoki's. She quietly went over to the older man and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a hug. "Ahn, Ojiisan, I've missed you." The words were spoken quietly, so no one else would hear. The brew of emotions that rampaged through her suddenly became quiet and calm.
He was basically her rock when she met him; someone she could go to and have a good time. It was exciting knowing that he was apart of the case and could give her some pointers. Releasing Watari, or rather Mr. Whammy, from her hug, she giggled softly and stepped away out of politeness.
So that is why Watari insisted that Yoki be used in some way. L rose a brow, but said nothing on the girl's mutter. If she was fully aware of who Watari was, as it seemed, she would most likely figure out L's association to the old man. Biting his thumb, L became all too aware of the discomforting feeling of being exposed.
Watari let his quirk widen into a soft grin. "My apologies for being so absent my dear." He had his left arm wrapped around her. His right held the suitcase aloft. It was so nice to finally let her know he was there. And that he was who he was.
Matsuda was still going on about the belt, and soon enough the Chief told him to shut up and focus, thus deflating the young officer's happy balloon.
Oida let out a breath of relief at the new silence and glanced to the embracing pair. Don't get emotionally involved huh? Next time he was home, he was burning that handbook.
L allowed them all to get adjusted and then dove into his suspicions and thoughts. "As you are now aware, we suspect this to be the work of the supernatural. I also believe it to be the work of a college student."
At some point unknown to the group, various sweets had been set out in front of L. Grabbing a fork, the pale detective stabbed a strawberry. "The timelines of the killings are evidence to this. Between the times of twelve am and eight am, there have been none.
Naoko is already scouting potential suspects. Though a colleague of mine already seems to be sure of who..." S had sent him information and reports on Light Yagami. Glancing up, L spoke this time to Watari.
"Could you get me the laptop?"
After Watari left to retrieve the laptop, Yoki returned to L's side gracefully, she knew that S would be having contact with the team separately. She wondered how S felt about that, but brushed it aside, more important things were at hand.
S waited patiently for the signal to fully connect, leaned back in L's chair with some marshmallows placed in front of her. As soon as the beep sounded three times, S sat up fully and sighed before pressing the white button in front of her. On the other side, her voice would sound almost robotic and bored.
"Hello, Task Force."
She could plainly see the discomfort on the task force's features, quirking her lip up. She was using L's basic means of communication now, the Calligraphy S standing proudly against a stark white background. S immediately noted of one man in particular, Chief Yagami, a small yet quite cruel grin crossed her features. He was one of the officers at the Tsung investigation.
"You may address me as Crystal, and I am sure Ryuuzaki and Naoko have filled you in on the more bizarre parts of the investigation we are conducting. Now let's get back to something you all will know of, and please no questions until I am finished."
This had been directed at Matsuda as well, she knew quite a bit about that young man since Yoki rejoined the Police Force.
"As L had pointed out previously, the schedule of the killings is set to a College Student, Yoki has been studying at the largest college in Kanto and her investigation has brought up several suspects."
By this point, she had pulled up a graph L had formatted to her, where she cross referenced to the college student schedules Yoki had drew up and a bit more. The main suspects popped onto the screen, lining up side by side. S glanced over them, nodding in approval before continuing.
"These are our main suspects, named below with their schedule, as you can see, some of them don't particularly fit but we kept them up anyways just as a hypothesis."
One of them had pointed out Light Yagami, Chief Yagami's features darkening considerably. "How can we trust you, you won't even show your face."
S's smirk turned into a full blown smile, "You can't trust me, all you have is Ryuuzaki's word, Chief Yagami."
It was as if she were mocking him, the amusement even peeking through the robotic voice over. "Ryuuzaki, my latest findings are in this projection, you may share it with the rest of the team if you desire so, otherwise contact me later on any updates you might have for me. I have enjoyed my time with your new team, and Naoko darling? Make sure to send me some more food, thank you~"
The S disappeared, returning back to its normal screen, Yoki on the other hand had to keep from giggling. No one had shoved something like that in Chief Yagami's face before, she almost felt bad for him.
"So, should I get anything for anyone?"
"Suffice to say, that we have every reason to believe that Kira...is related to someone in the police force." The entire time that S had been verbally jousting, L had been stacking sugar cubes on a spoon, a soft pink square in the center of white. Jerking the utensil up, L kept a hawk-like gaze on the pink cube, snatching it out of the air as the other, more bland white ones fell onto the table.
It almost appeared that he didn't care about what she was saying. Of course, this was one of the many quirks he intentionally blew out of proportion to get a reaction. Mainly from the group of men. Turning the laptop to face him with his healed left hand, L gave a deadpan stare into the camera.
"Imitation is the sincerest form of Flattery, Crystal."
Giving her no time to retort, he shut down the feed, and got to the aforementioned projection. His thumbnail found his teeth, and he went silent for a time.
Matsuda was having a hard time believing that they could suspect /Light Yagami/ of all people. The Chief's son?! He was subconsciously shaking his head.
"I'm sorry...I-I know you are the greatest Detective...but Mr. Yagami's son?" Also was he having a difficult time trying to decipher if Ryuuzaki's statement was a tease...or a warning...or...
His brain hurt.
L glanced up the youngest officer's question. His fingertips were skipping over the keyboard, not needing a visual to do work. "That is all the more reason for suspicion, Matsui." It was spoken as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.
A few more keys, and L closed the laptop. "This is why, I am going to have both Chief Yagami's family, and the Department Head's family tailed." Slim digits reached for a mini pastry. Popping it in his mouth, he spoke again. Oida had the passing thought of 'How gross...'
"The FBI will be arriving in a few days' time. We will also be planting cameras in these two homes."
Surprisingly, Oida could make out every word. Matsuda had the wondering trail of 'How does he do that?' running through his ears.
It seems he whispered this out loud, as he was promptly smacked by Oida and glared at.
Well, L had done it again, S was so furiously embarrassed her entire face went red. She knew exactly what he was getting at, and that annoyed her to no levels he wanted to get on. Immediately she started plotting, fiddling with the cameras as she checked every room available. Oh yes, L would regret that one..and it'd probably get herself damn near killed. A smirk couldn't help but peek through as the fleeting thought crossed her mind.
'Game on, L.'
As L went back to his laptop, Yoki decided to observe until someone ask for something. She mainly kept her eyes on L, studying his behavior a bit more closely. He definitely seemed different around a larger crowd then two young women. His tone had even changed, and it was then she realized that L was scared of crowds. An interesting thought to process, her gaze lifted over to Watari, a fond smile coming to her lips.
She wasn't bothering looking toward Chief Yagami, slightly fearful of any hateful glares sent her way. She figured she'd get knocked off the case faster than she can apologize at this point.
He was certain that he would see retaliation in some form, in some way, relatively soon. He would be severely disappointed if there wasn't. Perhaps he should tell her she is an amazing source of amusement? No. He'd let her stew, and see what ingenuity she came up with.
Thumb pressing against his upper lip to reveal his front teeth, L scanned over the files that S had sent. Of all the suspects, L was zeroing on Light Yagami the most. The boy was almost /too/ perfect. Nail digging in between his teeth, L let out a pondering 'Hnnn.'
Glancing up, he observed Matsuda falling asleep on Aizawa's shoulder, and Oida was zoning out. They had all shouted at the suggestion of cameras, but L had ignored their protests. "...I suggest we retire for the night...it has been an eventful day. We can continue in the morning."
Matsuda, if he had been awake, would have been relieved. Oida blinked and gave a blank nod, and Aizawa stood abruptly, letting the aforementioned Matsuda plop sideways on the couch, and flail at the sudden absence of his pillow.
Watari was already at the door, acting much like a butler. It wasn't often that he got to see firsthand L's thought processes and progress, despite the fact he was in constant contact. "It will be beneficial if you all arrive early. Seize the day?" He chuckled.
Unlike the rest of the team, Yoki was actually use to L's strange sleeping patterns. So while the others fell asleep and such, Yoki spoke quietly to Watari, sipping tea and giggling as she explained what had happened in the gap between their last meeting till now. Of course she skipped some parts she was sure Watari had known about, like her fathers arrest and her mother's location. Eventually she heard L speak up again about the rest of the team leaving to sleep. She watched them file out one by one, once they were all gone Yoki stood up and walked over to L, plopping beside him on the couch.
For a moment, she didn't speak, as if trying to find the words to bring out the old L she grew to love. Gnawing at her lower lip for another few seconds, she eventually sighed.
"Ryuuzaki, are you okay?"
Yeah, lame way to get him to talk to her, but it was all she could think of. She looked up to him, purple eyes studying his facial features and eyes for even the slightly flicker of emotion. Yes, now Yoki knew the darkest part of L's history, and for only one reason.
"..Y'know..my Mom use to work there.." She glanced down, fiddling with her thumbs, "I use to play there a lot too, every day after school while I was about six or seven..Can't really remember much about it." Well, except the haunting sound of the church bells nearby. She was one of the lucky ones though, while most children just remembered the crying, screaming, and sorrow of the place by the other orphans, Yoki remembered the flowers and helping her Mom.
"I won't say anything, you can trust me on that...hey I haven't failed you yet, have I?" It was a weak attempt to get some humor involved, Yoki was trying real hard at least, it was obvious.
Tuning out the quiet conversation of Watari and Yoki, L continued to build a mental case against Light Yagami. The boy had a police chief as father, was absolute top of his class in high school, and held the highest score in the college entrance exam.
His nail slipped, and dug into his gum. Giving a small start of irritation. L finally pulled out of his mentality to watch Yoki plop onto the couch.
"Oh yes, I jab myself all the time."
He knew that wasn't what she was asking. And to ask as to where her mother worked would have insulted BOTH of their intelligences. So he remained quiet, seeming to actually ignore her as he kept building a theory for the younger Yagami.
It was several minutes after her last semi-humorous question that he spoke up. "I suppose that isn't a bad thing." He was actually speak of her inability to remember. However, as it was phrased, he could have been talking about her mother's position there.
He was dodging her questions, even when he knew what she was speaking about. Purple eyes flickered between irritation and sorrow, would he continue acting like this throughout the rest of the case? Yoki had already come to accept that after the case was done, L would disappear again and she probably wouldn't hear from him again. It sucked, but L was a very private person like S was..
She closed her eyes and sighed, gnawing at her lower lip for a few more tense minutes. Yoki could almost feel the tension between them, and with a grumble she finally spoke up again.
"My Mom was the Nurse there for a long time, she took care of so many kids I've lost count. So, I guess remembering only the good parts of that place is best, but I still don't like the gaps in my memory."
Looking over to him, she put on the best serious face she could at that moment. "I hope this doesn't change anything between us Ryuuzaki."
Leaving the entire building to a genius was never a good idea when you've poked at her. She currently was multitasking, phone in one hand while she clicked keys on the monitor, pulling up multiple windows ranging from the Kira case, to her own personal case. She listened to the scientist on the other end fumble over his words, boredly noting some mistakes in his work. "This formula must have some sort of design to it, it can't just be gibberish to you, Doctor." Her voice was smooth, she was quite good at manipulating the dumber population of men.
It was just that one man that she couldn't..shaking her head from such thoughts, she was brought back to the picture on a separate monitor. It was a young girl, probably about seventeen, eighteen years old. She was another victim, she was quite beautiful, black hair and the trademark of the victims from the Tsung case. Silver eyes, brightly glittering as she stared into the camera.
"Figure it out Doctor, we don't have much time."
Not enough time, at all..
Watari observed the way L's back arch almost locked. His breathing, because of his stiffness, looked to be rigid. "Ryuzaki...why do you not wish to share with her?" It was a chance for the man to perhaps make a true ally. Maybe even a friend.
However L didn't share Watari's imaginings of a friend. It always seemed that any who got close enough to be called such, either had to be eliminated for reasons best left unmentioned, or they themselves betrayed him. "Watari...you of all people know why. You insult yourself by asking."
His tone was flat. No real inflection. Looking to the laying form of Yoki, he twisted his lips. "...The human mind remembers what will not break it." Keeping her at a distance was difficult. She was easy to speak with, despite the fact her intelligence wasn't atop the Eiffel Tower.
Grabbing another mini pastry, he stod and left the room, not answering her last statement. Leaving a saddened and disappointed Watari to explain.
"I...apologize." The old man rubbed his whiskers and sat where L had been. "...He was the one most...rigorously 'trained'. Twenty years ago..." He wasn't sure if he should continue. Yoki was like a grand-daughter. To corrupt her memory, or rather correct it, would put her through pain.
A sigh. "I suggest not speaking to him about it further. He will become aggravated... and the cocoa incident comes nowhere near close." He smiled a bit. "He does have...a temper. It is never seen. But if it is, I suggest to go elsewhere."
Yoki watched as L left, feeling the pit of her heart suddenly twist in several different directions. She actually felt a bit guilty, and wasn't happy about the outcome of this. As Watari spoke up, she glanced back to him before nodding softly.
"I understand..most of the children Mom took care of were very..strange, some were outgoing and others were almost exactly like L.."
Scary like L.
"I guess I can't do anything then, huh? Well..you want something to drink or eat Ojiisan?" She stood up, trying to push the feeling of guilt and sorrow away by attending to others. It was a distraction, and one that she felt she needed pretty badly.
