By the time the sunlight finally filtered in through the blinds the next day, Layna had gotten no more than four hours of sleep, because of nightmares and slight insomnia. Dark circles were starting to develop underneath her eyes, not unlike the majority of the orphans at Wammy's.

It was a Sunday, so classes were cancelled, for the few religious students at the orphanage. School was usually held on Saturdays for the truly dedicated, but that weekend very few had showed up, and Layna assumed it was because of the comment L made a few days prior.

"They study, even though they have no real interest in academics."

Layna swung her legs off the bed and rubbed her eyes, having little desire to do anything that day. Sadly, even at that hour, the weather outside proved to be great, and some of the younger kids appreciated having her around outside. And Layna, having a soft spot for the orphans under the age of ten, never could bring herself to declining their invitation. Thus, in the week or so she'd spent at Wammy's, a lot of the orphans saw her as a motherly figure, the same way they'd already seen L as a father, even though his absence was painfully obvious to some.

After showering and getting dressed, Layna headed down the main staircase to the cafeteria, where the rest of the other late risers would be eating leftovers from those who got up earlier. "The early bird gets the worm" truly applied at the Wammy's House, as well as "He who strikes first wins." But just as Layna was pushing open the door of the dining area, she heard someone call.

"Chari, may I see you for a moment?"

It was Ruvie, standing at the door of the headmaster's office. Layna sighed reluctantly, and, stomach growling, made her way to the office.

Inside, Ruvie had his laptop on his desk, facing away from his chair. The screen was white, with a single black, calligraphic 'W' on the screen.

"It's good to see you again, Chari," Watari said. "How has your stay been?"

Layna was almost confused, and slightly annoyed, by Watari's attempt at small talk. "Well, for the one week I've been here, I'd say it's been fairly decent, Mr. Watari. It appears you have quite the school built up here in England," Layna answered, trying to appear painstakingly polite.

"Glad to hear so. However, I did not contact Ruvie to find out if you were getting along alright. What would you say if I asked you to leave the school for about six months, and stay with me in Japan?"

That caught Layna off guard. There had to be some reason Watari would suddenly ask her what she had been hoping to hear ever since she set foot in England. What could've brought Watari to asking her that? Linda had made it quite clear that Layna had completely screwed any chance of L taking an interest in her, because of how she appeared when he contacted the House. But then again, what if L had been looking for someone who wasn't like everyone else?

Watari went on. "After reviewing your high school transcript from America, and the way Ruvie reported you had handled yourself in the week you've lived at my orphanage, L has decided to request you to become an addition to the Kira investigation team, because while he believes your problem-solving skills are slightly lacking, it is plain to everyone that you have a gift when it comes to forensics, which could be of some use to us. Also," Watari sounded a bit annoyed at what would come next. "Government-wise, as your caretaker I should probably be within five thousand miles of you."

Layna was dumbstruck, and she hoped it wasn't too plain on her face. No doubt Watari could see her, so she fought to keep a calm expression.

"Do not take this offer lightly, Chari," Watari said, his tone of voice slightly darkening. "I realize this was the same investigation your parents were working on when they were killed. I hope you do not take this as an opportunity to seek revenge, and not think it through as well as you should, but I also don't want you to shy away from it at the thought of losing your life. I will be honest, Chari, and tell you that everyone currently on the Kira investigation team is risking their lives as we speak to catch this killer."

Layna fought to keep a smirk off her face at the last bit. It was as though Watari was challenging her, teasing her, saying she couldn't handle it, or would be scared to. On the contrary, Layna already knew what her answer was going to be, and didn't think she could get to Japan fast enough. Watari had seen right through her, and she was slightly impressed, though it must've been painfully obvious to anyone around what Layna's true motive was.

"I would be glad to assist you, Mr. Watari. It would be an honor to work alongside you and L in this case, and I promise to do the best I can on it." Layna hoped it sounded like she meant the last part. In truth, she couldn't care less. Yes, L's intellect was beyond superior, and he would be a valuable asset to Layna, but she would not be the first to jump at an opportunity to work with someone she hardly knew, unless they could give her something she wanted.

Listen to yourself, Layna! she thought. You're treating this like it's your own investigation that you're in charge of.

"Excellent," Watari said. "I shall give Ruvie the instructions for your departure, and see you in Japan in two days."

The laptop screen went black, and Layna couldn't help but feel as though things were finally looking up… for once.

One the other end of the conversation, Watari stood up and looked at the young man beside him. "Ryuzaki, do you still believe this was a good idea? To bring someone as young and inexperienced as Chari into the investigation?"

The young man, with pale skin and unkempt black hair, said nothing at first, thumb pressed lightly against his lips. "We are considering to enlist in the help of Light Yagami, are we not, Watari? If her record you gave me is correct, Chari is fairly intelligent, when compared with only Matt."

His companion shook his head. "It's much different for her. You must've known her parents were here in Japan before they were killed by Kira, only a little less than a month ago. It gives her a fairly good reason for why she would jump at the chance to come here, and help in any way possible. Doesn't that give her a bit of an impulsive edge, maybe wanting to do anything and everything in her power to catch Kira? Do not overlook the fact that Chari is even younger than Light, if you wish to look at age."

Ryuzaki waited patiently while Watari finished his defense. "Watari, you said yourself Chari was worthy to become my successor. I already know about Mello and Near, they will be fine, and my conversation with the orphans a few days ago only proves that. Chari, however…" Ryuzaki paused, trying to remember what her face had looked like on the screen. "I have yet to observe the way she handles things. It appeared as those she did not trust me, which already leads me to believe she is cautious and wary, two qualities I was looking for." Ryuzaki thought a moment longer. "Besides, it is already an established fact that Kira originated from the Kanto region of Japan, and based on what information you have relayed to me, Chari is an American, currently residing in your care. Chances of her having even the smallest amount of contact with Kira are just ever so slightly under two percent. So, it is extremely doubtful she can kill like Kira."

The old man sighed. "I guess there is no changing it now. I hope you have an idea in mind where we will be able to keep her during her stay in Japan."

Ryuzaki got to his feet, the hunch in his back becoming more noticeable when he stood. "I'd like to have her stay with the Yagamis, to do an extra bit of surveillance on Light, but that is near impossible. It seems as though she will have to stay with you and me as we switch from hotel to hotel, but I would like to spend as little time with her as possible, as I am not entirely certain she can be trusted quite yet."

He made his way to the door, picking up a black case leaned against the wall. "Now, if you'll excuse me Watari, Light Yagami has invited me to play tennis."


Author's Note: Haven't updated in awhile. So sorry. I believe we have hit 10,000 words, so I'm feeling proud.

L has made his appearance, and we make our way through the actual Death Note plot! Which I still claim no rights to!

*Totally Pointless* Finally decided on Layna's pairing, after considering Mello, Near, Rester, Gevanni, Matsuda (don't ask), and Matt. =3 LaynaxGevanni/Stephen Loud.