Chess Piece
Chapter Seven
"Hold me now, I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking, maybe six feet ain't so far down"
Authors Note: I'm so sorry for the late update… I had it written but there was just something off about the way I had concluded this chapter. I was really busy and I hadn't gotten around to editing it for quite some time… I was brain storming one night when I was trying to go to sleep and I realized what the problem was… So now, without further ado, here is the next long-awaited chapter.
Sitting on my couch. I picked up a slice of stuffed crust pizza. My phone was ringing. Again. This seemed to be a regular occurrence now that Kira was killing people left and right. Blatantly showing no restraint since L pulled the little stunt he did yesterday, announcing his presence to Kira. My phone rang multiple times an hour. Everyone expected me to be the one to take a stand against Kira. Of course I was careful enough to not be caught, however at this rate I would have to disconnect my number. Ignoring the phone, I turned up the music I had playing and proceeded to pour sugar in my coffee.
There was a knock on my door.
"AYANO! OPEN THE DOOR!"
"I'm not taking any orders! Go away!"
It was my annoying contact. I wasn't going anywhere. It's not like I'm scared. I'm not. However I did not take jobs that I would not be able to complete.
"All of the people with high reputations are dying, everyone in the business wants YOU to take care of this, Ayano open the door!"
"I said No Jacob. I do not take jobs that I am not sure I could complete with 100% certainty."
"You have never not taken a job."
"That's because I knew I could complete every single one of those. Let the famous guy do his work."
"If it continues like this then you won't have a job."
"That's because everyone is an idiot who can't keep their identity a secret."
"I'm coming in!"
"If you come in while I am not dressed then I will have no choice but to kill you, I am not an idiot and I will not show you my true face."
"Fine, get dressed or I will keep bothering you until you do."
I grabbed a knife, he wasn't against the door I hope. Throwing it, the blade pierced the door.
"Real mature, you're the one that's going to have to pay for that."
"Can't a girl get some peace around here?"
"I believe that is the first time you have used that sentence."
"Shut up."
Leaving the room, I chose my outfit. A blonde wig that was in the style of a bob, longer in the front, shorter in the back. A white pantsuit with a red blouse underneath it. Green contacts again, and a half face mask. After contouring the half of my face that you could see to make it unrecognizable as my own. I grabbed my weapons. A knife was strapped to my wrist underneath the jacket sleeve, multiple shuriken adorned the inner pocket. Grabbing my cell phone, and keys, I left the room. Abruptly opening the door I turned to the annoyance that was awaiting me.
"You wanted me to come out, now let's go. Be sure to warn them that I am in no mood today and if they piss me off Kira will be the least of their problems. Do not assume that I am doing this for anyone. I am doing this because I would not be left alone."
The man nodded. I always found it odd how normal he looked. Most of the criminals I encountered looked like sleaze bags.
When we got to the meeting place, the main table that held twenty people was only half filled, there was a dry erase board set up at the head with a list of names. Since Kira had started killing criminals, they had begun to set up meetings as to how to deal with Kira, this was my first time attending. Previously I had refused. The first person to invite me had been my father. He told me that there was a place reserved at the table for me. Only the most "Important" criminals received a seat, why they considered me one I have no idea. I suppose my father had reserved a seat for me. However, because he barely knew me, it would be unlikely he would have been able to unless the others agreed.
"Kaiya, welcome."
I looked up, I knew none of these men. I chose a chair at the table and sat down.
"Why was I called here? I believe my intentions as to whether or not I should be here were shown quite clearly a few days ago."
"We realize this. However, we also realize that you are the undergrounds biggest asset. You have no name besides your Alias. You have no identity. Everyone at this table but you is at risk."
"False. Calling me to this table puts me at risk. Where is Akuma Fuzen?"
"…I believe you noticed the whiteboard?"
"That does not answer my question, but yes. It has a list of names. His included."
"Unfortunately, that list is a list of all of the members who have been lost to Kira, All of their names were well known and it was only a matter of time before they ceased to exist, Akuma requested that when this happened we handed you this letter. He has informed us of your connection. Miss Fuzen. Everything that was his is now yours."
Under my mask I was conflicted. What you could see of my face was blank. I did not bother to correct them on the name. Let them assume. A false name that seems true is just another layer of protection. There was a strange ache in my chest, probably heartburn from the pizza.
"He informed us that all of his accounts were transferred over to you, along with his property. Everyone else was told it was sold at auction and that you were the one to buy it."
I still said nothing. What was I supposed to do? I first moved to japan because of him. When I finally contacted him I realized I wanted nothing to do with him. Why am I here now?
"I am sorry for your loss."
I looked at the man across the table in front of me. Every single one of these men had performed heinous crimes.
"What loss?"
The room grew silent with surprise.
"Can we proceed with this meeting so I can return to my business?"
Half of the room broke out in whispers. A man standing not too far from me whispered along with them.
"What a heartless Bitch"
I pulled a shuriken from the inside portion of my jacket and let it loose into the man's forehead. The room grew silent again.
"I presume that you all have decided to not heed the warning that Jacob gave?"
"You do realize that you just killed one of the men who are on our side and that you are in a room full of people who were close acquaintances with that man?"
"You do realize that I am fully capable of killing every man in this room and that attacking me would not only put you at a setback but would also be signing your own death sentence? I am not one of the young girls and women that half of you have previously committed crimes against. I have a higher intellect than most people in this room. You claim to know of the relationship between Akuma Fuzen and I? Did you not all fear him to some degree? He is my biological father you know. I would be careful about how you spoke to me in the future."
With that, I left. There was no point in helping them. If I went against Kira it would be on my own terms. Those were the type of men I spent most of my time plotting against. When L sent out that broadcast confirming what I had already deduced about Kira I had secretly rooted for L. Now? I guess L had some competition.
Three days had gone by since I had stormed out of the meeting. I had been hanging around the police headquarters for two hours debating whether or not to go in. Shortly after my outburst, I had realized going after Kira alone was foolish. My only choice would be to join the investigation. The alias I was using at the moment was Kagome Saito, she had just finished college to become an investigator and was the top of her class at the best college there was in America after her transfer from To-oh. The papers had been forged of course, however if anyone looked into it all of the information was also in the colleges databases with the correct information. Even the high school that is listed has the correct information in place. The only reason I had hesitated to go in is because I needed to have a nervous appearance. It was supposed to be my first job, and on such a big case too. It was time to go in. I had already received a badge and identification card. I did not wear a wig. My black hair had been put up in a braided up-do with curled strands lining the edge of my face. My green contacts were in place.
Entering the building, I showed the receptionists my ID and badge and asked them where I was meant to go.
"What investigation are you participating in?"
"I am here for the Kira investigation, would you please direct me to the correct floor and room?"
"Uhm, Fifth floor… Second door on the right…"
Both of them looked skeptical, however, they had no right to question me. I took the stairs. When I got to the correct door I quietly opened it and slipped inside. A man was standing up and giving a report.
Up to this point we received 3,029 responses about the murders via telephone and email. Most of these have been curious citizens and prank calls, but there are 14 people that claim to have either known Kira or have seen him. All 14 accounts were carefully followed up on and documented. However, nobody could provide any information that wasn't already publicly available. And lastly, this week there were an additional 21 people who called claiming to be Kira.
I stood against the back wall and observed. No one had noticed me yet. There were approximately thirty people in the room. The person closest to me was a man in a black trench coat. The collar was pulled up to his ears and a hat was pulled down over his face to hide his identity. In front of him was a laptop facing the backs of the investigators.
We didn't want to rule anything out… so, we followed standard procedure and created files for all 21 of them.
Mhm, alright. Onto the victim reports.
Yes sir. Upon further investigation. We have confirmed that the information of the heart attack victims was in fact publically available in japan immediately prior to their deaths. Also, concerning L's request that we investigate the time of death for each victim, we found that all of them occurred between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. on weekday's local time and 68% of them occurred between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. Weekends and holidays appear to be the exception to this rule, as the times of death vary much more widely than during the week.
A voice then responded from the laptop. I could only assume that this was L.
That information is extremely relevant. It suggests that given the times of death… our suspect may very well be a student. Based on the fact that Kira is only killing criminals, I think it's safe to assume that he is driven by a very idealistic notion of justice. It's highly possible that he may even inspire to be some sort of god like figure and even that the individual has a very child-like presence of mind. Of course, this is mere speculation at this point, but still I recommend that you re-examine any information based as to whether or not our suspect could be a student. We must consider every possibility. I believe that is the shortest route to finding and arresting Kira. Please, continue with your report.
Yes… Right… Does anyone else have something they would like to add?
Uhm… yes sir.
What is it Matsuda?
Uhm… Well I'm not saying this to support Kira, or to condone the murders… But… In the last few days, throughout the world, quite especially here in Japan, We've observed a dramatic decrease in the number of violent crimes committed.
The entire committee groaned. Of course that would happen… However, I could tell that someone needed to say it.
Well, I suppose it makes sense. We suspected something like that might happen. Anything else?
…Well, that about sums it up for our report for today. L?
Thank you everyone, I feel we are one step closer to finding Kira. Before I go, I have one additional request to make. This is directed to the teams investigating the victims, T.V., News, and Internet. I would like you to go back and take a closer look at the exact way the victims' identities were published. In particular I want to know if photos of the victims were made available to the public.
"Excuse me for the interruption L, but you, at the back, what are you doing here?"
"Me?" I replied, faking innocence.
The entire room was watching me, the only person who had not turned around or moved was the guy in the coat.
"There is no one else standing at the back of the room Ma'am. This room is for investigators."
"Oh, I know. I am sorry I did not speak up sooner. My name is Saito, Kagome. I was recently assigned to this case and arrived to the meeting late. Again, my apologies."
I bowed while greeting them.
The voice spoke up again.
"Greetings, Kagome Saito, I am L, would you mind standing in front of the computer please."
"Not at all."
I said with a smile. Walking around the desks, I made my way to the front of the laptop.
There was a clatter heard through the microphone on the laptop.
"Uhm, hello? L? Are you alright? I heard a noise… Did you drop something?"
"My apologies, I am fine."
I didn't think it was possible for an electronic voice to sound strained, but it did.
"Alright… Well… Nice to meet you L, I am looking forward to working on this case with you and the task force."
I smiled at the screen and turned towards the rest of the task force. They all looked dumbfounded. I reached up and scratched the back of my head.
"Heh… I guess I'm the only girl here huh?"
Acting awkward, I forced a blush.
"uhm, well yes. When were you assigned this case?"
The man who spoke sat at the front of the room.
"Yesterday. I came here shortly after graduating a college in America."
"Are you sure that this is the case you should be working on?" he asked.
"Maybe this will help you to understand… My father was recently killed by Kira. He may have been a criminal, and I did not approve of his actions, but he was still my father. I did not know him well, and I only spoke to him twice in my life due to the fact that I am an illegitimate child. He should have been caught by the police and faced his crimes. His life ended too early. Kira should face his crimes as well. I am determined to help catch him!"
All of that was true, except for the fact that I was putting on the facade that I had wanted my father to repent and then maybe we could have learned more about each other. That was a lie.
"Well, Welcome to the team Miss Saito."
The rest of the task force nodded in agreement.
"That is all, meeting adjourned"
L's POV
After Watari disabled the connection through the portable computer. I contacted him through my cellular phone. It was urgent that I contact him before she left the building.
"Watari"
"Yes?"
"Keep an eye on Miss Saito if you would. She is not who she claims to be and is using an Alias. Do not let the investigation team know what you are doing. I don't want them to know of this."
"Alright"
I ended the phone call.
What is her motive? Why has she shown up after all of these years? Could she be Kira? She had kept her look as natural as possible to go along with her alias… was wearing contacts. Her overall appearance was clean and professional. She's the one person I haven't been able to track, of course, I never had a name; but for me I don't need one. It's as if she had never exist to begin with.
Lost in thought, I began to chew on the tip of my right pollex.
Entering my search Database, I typed in the name Saito, Kagome.
She was clever enough to make sure her Alias has all of the correct background requirements for the chosen field. Orphan, Attended To-Oh University, transferred to a small college in America for unknown reasons. High scores on the applicant test, everything seems to be in line. The forms are forged but seem to be almost authentic; even the death certificates for her "family" are accurate.
Whatever she had been doing over the years, she would not be an easy target. The wooden figurine pressed firmly against my leg through my pocket came to the forefront of my thoughts. What has she been doing?
Authors Note: Don't forget to leave a review.
