*Appears cautiously, looking around hesitantly*

Hanyou Kyo: Kon'nichiwa! I know, I know I'm really late. But you don't need to punish me, L saw to that.

*Genius detective holds author by a lead (or leash) pointing a flame thrower at her*

L: Neglecting your work results in punishment.

*Glares at cruel detective*

Hanyou Kyo: Gomen, readers. But its here now so please enjoy! ^_^


Time until Ryoko's predicted death: 1 week and five days.

Ryoko

Cold.

I was cold. And sore. My eyes flickered open, immediately protesting against the bright sunlight. Why was I outside? A frown furrowed my brow as I gazed around, taking in the scene before me. I was on some sort of street, propped up against a lamppost. The houses around me were neat and pleasant looking, the very definition of the whole white picket fence situation. Now, that was very nice and all (although a little too cliché for my liking) but I did have a small problem. I didn't have a clue where I was.

I tried to move, in order to get a better view of my surroundings, but instantly regretted the action. My whole body was stiff, particularly my back and neck. I must have spent the night curled up like this. I groaned, why was I here again? My thoughts were a jumbled mess, cluttered with vague bits of memory. The rush of air, the beat of my heart, my lungs screaming with pain, and the cutting slice of glass.

Wait, glass?

I glanced down, and flinched. My feet had been striped of their shoes, leaving only my plain, white socks to protect my feet. Only now they weren't so white. Glass protruded from the soft cotton, now stained with spots of scarlet blood. The reflective edges glinted with malicious intent, showering my face with a ray of rainbow light. I reached down and touched a jagged edge, big mistake.

Pain shot like arrows through my foot, pulsing and pulsing. It flared like a fire, quickly spreading up my leg and throughout my limbs and torso. I hissed in agony. Tears pricked my eyes as the pain quickly dulled into a low, throbbing sensation. I bit my lip to suppress a whimper, and felt the coppery taste of blood explode on my tongue. Perversely, the metallic tang helped calm me down. Getting worked up wasn't going to help, crying wasn't going to stop the pain. What would help, is figuring out what happened last night.

Alright, focus. I was at the TV station, the plain man was killed, I was panicked, and then I let Setsuko take over…

Oh… that was the answer. I should have known better, letting her run wild without Kurai to watch over her had been a mistake. Setsuko wasn't the most practical of people, just look at last night as an example. What sort of idiot would run around in a city with no shoes on? That was just asking for trouble, especially with all of the drunks around. I sighed heavily, staring up at the sky.

I didn't know who the bigger idiot was. Setsuko, for putting me in this painful situation. Or me, for giving Setsuko so much control in the first place. Maybe we're both idiots.

I shook my head, that wasn't important. I had to focus on the present situation. I needed to get to a hospital. But to do that, I had to have some idea of where I was. I glanced down at my foot… this wasn't going to be pretty.

With a grimace I clambered onto my knees, relying heavily on the lamppost for support. My foot throbbed like hell. I then preformed the tricky task of getting onto my foot, and again I was extremely grateful for the lamppost. These things are so underrated. Panting hard in pain, I leaned my head against the metal post. The smooth surface was a god sent against my clammy forehead, instantly cooling my skin.

As I steadied my breathing, I finally realized the amount of pain my foot was actually in. It felt as though hundreds of tiny devils were prodding it with red hot pokers, laughing evilly at my pain. I tried to ignore it as much as possible, instead focusing on the cracks in the pavement.

I allowed myself a few minutes of rest, and then looked up. Determination bubbled up my throat as I glared at the pavement, I was going to do this. Clenching my fists, I hopped around the corner. But instead of meeting another part of the street as I had expected, I came face to face with a petite woman carrying a shopping bag. I almost fell on top of her, but didn't. Instead I staggered backwards, almost loosing my balance completely.

I gave her a once over. She was small and slender, almost mousey looking. Her hair was brown and neat, ending at a respectable chin length, and her clothes were plain and practical. The perfect housewife for the perfect neighborhood, how much more cliché could you get?

"Oh excuse me, I didn't see you th…" she ceased her apology, staring at my injured foot.

I shied away from her, hiding behind my hair. I had to avoid her. "It's alright, don't worry about it." I mumbled, trying to hop past her.

Yes hop. How the mighty do fall, eh? But before I could make my great (bunny like) escape, the woman grabbed my arm. Her grip wasn't particularly tight, but it had a firmness about it that instantly reminded me of Dianne. I would bet fifty quid this woman was a mother.

"Hold on one minute, you can't go around like that. Let me call you an ambulance." She said, staring hard at me.

My skin paled instantly. I felt sweat bead on my forehead, sticky, fear induced sweat. I could still here the ambulance, an endless siren in my head. The blue lights flickered behind my eyes, Dianne's sobs and screams rang in my ears. Paramedics crouched beside me, trying to calm me down. I was rocking with my hands covering my ears, trying to block everything out. Daddy, daddy, daddy.

I grimaced, pulling myself back to reality with a snap. I realized I was now gripping the woman's arm, tight. I loosened my grip, looked at the woman from under my hair, and pulled my lips into a tight smile. I don't think my little mask fooled her.

"No, please. Don't call an ambulance." I said, trying and failing to keep my voice calm.

The woman must have heard my panic, or must have saw it on my face, because she softened somewhat.

"At least let me take you to a hospital dear, I'm on my way there now anyway." She said.

It was obvious she wasn't going to give up, and I did need to get to a hospital. But something told me not to. Some weird… instinct was screaming in protest. It was telling me this woman meant trouble, that I should recognize her. I shook my head, it was probably just paranoia.

"Thank you, that would be very kind." I mumbled, looking down at the ground.

The woman smiled kindly, shifting her shopping bags into one hand. She gave a brief bow, and then offered me her hand. "My name is Sachiko Yagami, it's nice to meet you."


Light

I sat, crossed legged outside of dad's room. His little stunt hadn't done his health any good, and hadn't done me any good either. The investigation team now had the tapes, tapes that could be traced back to the sender. And if that person were to be caught, and give up the details of the death note, then I was in deep water. The secret of how Kira kills was my greatest weapon, so if L were to learn of it, I would loose the advantage.

So, my best bet is to gather information on the second Kira. And what better way is there to do that, then to join the investigation team? It would also offer an opportunity to gather information on L. If anything this was the perfect scenario for me.

A nurse existed dad's room, carrying a clipboard against her chest. She looked at me with a polite smile, one I easily returned. She was a pretty girl, with honey blonde hair, and grey eyes. Her uniform was neat, and worn with a certain pride. The good, honest citizen Kira was working for. It was people like these who needed my protection.

"Your father is resting now, he should recover soon." She said.

I stood with a relived sigh. "That's good to hear, thank you for your help." I replied.

Her smile brightened, and I didn't miss the blush on her cheeks. "Y…Yes, well I better get going. No rest for the wicked, eh?" she stuttered.

I laughed. "No, I'm afraid not."

She did a quick bow, and then turned to leave. Her steps were reluctant as she left me behind, and sure enough she turned back to me just once before leaving. I smiled, though it was bordering on a smirk. Ryuk cackled.

"You sure are popular with the ladies Light." he chuckled.

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. "I've told you, its all about appearance."

A cleaner walked down the hall at that moment, an elderly man. I don't think he heard my comment, and even if he did it wouldn't mean anything. People talk to themselves all the time. Still, I should probably avoid talking to Ryuk while I was here. I glanced down at my watch. Mum should have turned up by now, had she got caught in traffic? I'd better check the entrance.

I twisted through the clinical maze of corridors, passing patients and employees. Room numbers streamed past me in a blur, descending one after the other. Ryuk bobbed behind me, looking up and around.

"There's a lot of death around ere." he commented.

My eyes flicked to him, becoming slightly narrow. Of course there was a lot of death here, it was a hospital after all. But no matter how much death occurred, there was always a chance of a longer, happier life. I smiled idly. All of the doctors and nurses work hard to ensure our good health, and they deserved to be protected, to feel safe. Kira was their saviour, their god. This was what I was meant for.

I reached the elevator, joining a crowd of waiting people. Some were workers, others patients, and the rest were visitors. The looks of worry and dread were more then enough evidence to distinguish the visitors from the crowd, and the hospitals robes and uniforms served to separate the doctors and patients. I myself was here as a visitor.

The elevator pinged open, releasing a rush of people. We all obligingly stepped to the side, allowing the newly arrived rabble to pass. And then we entered the tightly packed box. Ryuk looked from me to the elevator, a look of disbelief written across his face.

"You've gotta be kiddin me. I hate this thing." he grumbled.

I suppressed a snort as the tall Shinigami crammed himself into the elevator, bending his arms and legs into weird angles. Ryuk was going to have an uncomfortable journey. It took no more than five, ten minutes to reach ground level, and by then most of the crowd had left.

The steel doors slid open, allowing a rush of air to enter the metal square. I stepped outside. The reception was buzzing with movement and noise, just like a honey hive. I looked around, and pinpointed a head of brown hair.

"Mum!" I called.

She turned from the receptionist, and smiled at me. She waved, said something to the man behind the counter, and then weaved through the crowd toward me.

"Oh Light, there you are. How's your father?" she asked, grasping my arms.

"He's going to be just fine, the nurse said he'll recover quickly." I replied, squeezing her upper arm in a gesture of comfort.

She sighed in relief. "That's good to hear. But I swear if he even thinks about getting out of bed again, I'll handcuff him to it," She huffed, frowning slightly. Then she softened. "He needs rest." She added, quietly.

I laughed, nodding my agreement. "You're right," a thought hit me. "By the way, you're a little later then usual, did something happen?"

Mum blinked, putting her hand to her mouth as though recalling something. "Oh that's right, I should probably give Midoriko her ribbon back." She said, pulling out a purple ribbon from her pocket.

A puzzled expression crossed my face. "Who's Midoriko?" I asked.

"She was the reason I was late. I ran into a girl on the street, poor thing had trodden on some glass. I ran her to the hospital, but she dropped this in the car." She held up the ribbon. "Light, would you be a dear and take this to her?" she asked.

I smiled. "Sure thing, what room number?"

"Thirteen."


Ryoko

"There we go, all done now. You should be fine to go home, but try to stay off your foot as much as possible. And remember to wear shoes from now on." Doctor Takahashi said.

I refused to look at her. "Alright." I mumbled, not wanting to converse.

I wasn't in the mood, and I mean that with a vengeance. I don't know what they put on my foot, but it had stung like a bee on steroids. I nearly punched the nurse as he applied it, just out of reaction. He hadn't been very happy with me needless to say.

"Well, the nurse should be here with your crutches in a bit, so just relax for now." she said.

I shifted uncomfortably. "Thank you." I murmured.

Doctor Takahashi smiled sadly at me, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. Her rimless glasses enlarged light green eyes, and her lab coat was spotlessly white. Just like her skin. If I had had the equipment I would probably have had a crack at drawing her.

"Well, take care Jones-san." She bid me farewell, and turned to the door.

"Same to you, Doctor Takahashi." I murmured, as quietly as I could.

She opened the door with a click, and then blinked in surprise. Someone was in the doorway.

"Oh excuse me, I'm here to see a patient in here. Midoriko." Said a voice.

I froze. I reorganised that voice.

"I'm sorry, I think you have the wrong room. There isn't a Mid…" I cut her off.

"It's okay Doctor, I know him." I said, wearily. It looks like the fake name had done nothing to prevent Mr. Yagami learning of my presence here. Oh well, what's done is done.

"Oh, okay. Well, I'll see you Jones-san." Doctor Takahashi said, and then left in a whirl of lab coat.

Mr. Yagami looked at me, I looked back.

"Ryoko-san, what are you doing here?" he asked, moving to stand beside my bed.

I glared at him, shifting away slightly. I really wasn't in the mood for his games. "Your mum brought me here. I used a fake name. Is there a reason you're here?" I stated.

He blinked in surprise, and then reached into his pocket. My ribbon was wound between his fingers when his hand reappeared. Perfect, this was exactly what I needed.

"I came to return this." He said, with a polite smile.

I snatched it from his grasp, and wound it around my hair. I didn't even think, didn't even care. I knew letting Setsuko loose was probably a mistake, but right then and there I just wanted to escape. The scent of lavender filled my nose, and my lips tipped into a smile.

Then it took over.


Light

She changed. I saw it. In a flash her whole being shifted. Her position, her confidence, everything about Ryoko changed.

"How kind of you, Kira." She hissed.

My blood ran cold, but I repressed it. I kept my smile plastered against my lips.

"Ryoko-san, are you still thinking like that? Well, even if you are, I'd prefer it if you didn't call me that in public, people might panic." I replied calmly.

She smirked, crawling closer to me. She looked up at me through her fringe, little wisps of loose hair floating about her narrow face. Chocolate brown eyes gazed up at me, cutting and harsh.

"Why so shy Light-kun, don't you want the world to know of your great power? Oh god of mine." She chuckled.

Irritation crawled beneath my skin, itching like ants. "Ryoko-san, you've got it all wrong." I sighed, feigning weariness.

"Heh." She reached up and began twirling a piece of hair, smirking slyly. "Actually, I've got it all right. You're the one with it wrong, although you are half way there."

She sat up on her knees, leaning in to whisper in my ear. "It's good your killing criminals, but they're only half the problem. This world is evil, rotten."

I stiffened, remembering the same words whizzing through my own head. Did that mean Ryoko…?

"To get rid of a weed, you have to kill the roots. So Light-kun, you must kill all of humanity to get rid of the problem." She whispered.

I drew back and stared at her, trying to detect any signs of mocking. There was none, she was serious. Ryoko agreed with me… partly. Does that mean I could use her, could I get her death note before her death? She may prove useful before her set date. But should I admit to the identity of Kira, is that what she wanted? I had to test her.

"Ryoko-san, do you really think like that? Surely there are some pure people in this world, they just need a guide." I said, cautiously.

She made a face then, sticking out her lip in a slight pout. "Stop calling me Ryoko, I already told you, it's Setsuko."

I blinked. She had said that during our first meeting. But I knew her identity now, so why pursue a fake name? She stared at me hard, meeting my eyes with fierce intent. That was different, she usually avoided my eyes. I didn't like this Ryoko, she was bolder, more dangerous. A factor I couldn't control. A bush fire that needed putting out.

I opened my mouth to say something, but Ryoko suddenly got up, balancing on her good leg. She stared vacantly at the wall, as though recalling a memory from long ago.

"You're right Light-kun, there are pure humans in the world. Children. But you know what they say about children," she turned to me, a smile, cold as ice occupying her mouth. "They're easily led astray."

Did she have a bad childhood perhaps? I could use that to my advantage, play the perfect mother or father figure she never had. If I could just wrap her around my finger, then the remaining twelve days could prove more prosperous. I had to play my cards right though, scaring her off could prove fatal.

"Ryo…" she cut me off with a growl, moving her face close to mine. "I told you it's Setsuko." She snarled.

I narrowed my eyes, refusing to be the one to retreat. "But Ryoko's such a pretty name."

The temperature dropped forty degrees in the room. Ryoko's eyes burned with malicious thoughts, scorching me with fury. I returned her gaze unflinchingly, only adding to her frustration.

"I've got them, two crutches to go!" a voice rang.

We both turned to the newcomer, a male nurse in the doorway. He had short brown hair and was very well built, probably a body builder. He smiled at me, and held out the crutches to Ryoko. He looked hasty as he did so.

"You can just pack up and go home now, Jones-san." He said, bluntly.

Ryoko looked down at the crutches. "I'll let you be the one to suffer." She murmured, pulling the ribbon free from her hair.

Instantly Ryoko's previous mannerisms returned. Her shoulders slumped, her gaze went to the floor, and her new found confidence disappeared.

"Thanks nurse-san." She muttered.

Then she hobbled towards the door, cursing quietly at the stupidity of crutches. I stood, slightly baffled for a moment. My mind was racing through scenarios and possibilities, trying to work out the problem I had been presented with. Eventually I remembered myself, and flashed my best smile. Time to try a little experiment.

"Goodbye, Setsuko-san." I called.

She stiffened instantly, turning to glare at me through her hair. "It's Ryoko."


Matsuda

I gripped the sleek handle tighter, wrapping my fingers around the cold metal. The weight felt familiar in my hands, a sensation I had grown used to during training. I had been the best shot in that class, top marks. Dad had been really proud. I wonder what he'd think now, now that I was a part of the Kira investigation. Speaking of which…

I glanced around the corner again, searching for any sign of the target.

None.

Unable to contain myself any longer, I put my hand to the small radio in my ear.

"Ryuzaki, are you sure she's in the hospital?" I asked.

His voice was low in my ear, patient. Not that I minded much, I was pretty much used to it by now.

"Yes, Matsuda-san. I am sure." He answered.

Impatience made my fingers twitch. "Then why don't we go into the hospital?"

I was sure I heard a sigh. "Because we do not wish to draw attention to our investigation, and therefore put Kira on his guard. Now, please follow your previous orders and remain patient." He said, slurping a sip of coffee.

I slumped somewhat, and then felt my resolve solidify once more. "Alright, I won't let you down Ryuzaki!" I said.

There was pause. Then, "Matsuda-san."

"Er yeah?"

"If we do not wish to attract attention, then it is only logical to conceal your gun." He said.

I blushed a deep shade of scarlet, and then slipped my gun into its holster.

"Sorry." I squeaked.


Ryoko

I struggled down the stone stairs, juggling with my newly acquired crutches. I hadn't realized until now how much we relied on our feet. I'd take better care of mine in the future, get one of those pedicure things or something. I snorted, knowing I would do no such thing. I'd much rather drive a nail through my toe then have some stranger messing with my feet, expecting a conversation with me. The thought of it made me shiver.

I carefully placed the iron grey sticks in front of each other, feeling the plastic loops rub against my upper arms. I'd never had crutches before, never broken any bones as a kid. I was never one to go outdoors, much to Dianne's displeasure. She loved stuff like that, even tried to take me camping once. It hadn't ended well.

At long last I reached the bottom step, and let out a sigh of relief. Hard concrete solidified under my good foot, taking most of the strain off my injured one. It was still difficult to walk, but at least now I wouldn't fall down a flight of stairs, just onto my face. I sighed, getting back to my flat was going to be tricky. It was a good thing Kurai wasn't with me, he'd probably start laughing at my useless attempts. Speaking of which, where was the chocolate loving Shinigami? I'd have thought he'd find me by now. Oh well, I'd catch up with him sooner or later.

I began walking down the street, making a steady rhythm of tap, thump, tap, thump as I plodded along. The city was alive with life, people streaming along the pavements, and cars whizzing along the road. Groups of office workers clustered at shops and cafes, enjoying their lunch break. I was rather hungry myself, I hadn't eaten anything since this morning. I turned into an alleyway, wanting a quick escape home.

Then it happened.

Quick as a flash hands engulfed me, covering my eyes and mouth. A squeal of protest bubbled to my lips, and instinctively I fought against my attackers. Strong arms bound my hands behind my back, and I heard the clink of handcuffs as they slipped metal around my wrists. A blindfold was secured around my eyes, clouding my vision in darkness. A strong smell filled my nose, perfume or cologne. I resisted the urge to gag.

Panic filled my nose, clogging my breathing and speeding up my heartbeat. I tried to scream as a cloth was wrapped around my mouth, but it was muffled and weak. I struggled and flapped wildly, trying desperately to escape my captors. I was held firmly in place.

"Ryoko Jones, you are hereby under arrest on suspicion of being involved in the Kira case." Said a strong, masculine voice.

Confusion wrapped around like wings. I was being… arrested? But I hadn't done anything! Not yet at least.

I struggled harder, withering like a caged animal. But it was no good, in a normal situation I was no match for a man, let alone in this condition. My foot still throbbed and my crutches had disappeared. Right now, I was no better than a caught trout lying in the sun.

"Don't struggle, it'll only makes thing worse." Said the voice, almost pleaded.

Don't struggle! I get jumped in an alleyway, arrested for no reason and they expect me to welcome them with open arms? What world were they living in? Must be happy one, all rainbows and sunshine. I fought even harder, able to ignore the pain now I had adrenaline pumping through my veins. I heard a sigh.

"Just give her this." Said another voice, lower and harsher.

A clothe was suddenly shoved over my nose, reeking of strong chemicals. My eyes watered, the darkness seemed to shift, and dizziness raced up my nose. It was a drug, a sleeping drug I was sure. My arms went limp. I fought the impending waves of sleepiness, trying to lull me into oblivion. But it was no use. My head lolled, and the darkness engulfed me.


I groaned, pain raking through my body. My foot burned with fire, and my wrists screamed in agony. They were bound behind my back, secured with metal cuffs. I was lying on my front, my face squished against a hard mattress. Again I groaned, deeper and with more feeling this time. My mind was still foggy with what ever my captors had smothered my nose in, but I knew one thing for sure.

I was under arrest.

On suspicion of being Kira.

Who was the head of the Kira case? It didn't take a genius to figure it out. L had warranted my arrest.

Painfully, cautiously, I sat up. It was a tricky business, with my hands bound and all, but I managed it. First curling up onto my knees, and then straightening my back. I looked around dazedly.

I was in a room, a plain, square room. A toilet and sink were stationed against one wall, but apart from that (and the bed I was sat on) the room was bare. Three walls were made of grey, smooth stone, and the forth wall was a row of metal bars. I was in a cell. Flicking the hair from my eyes, I swung my legs around to the floor. My feet were bare, save the bandage wrapped around my left.

I gazed around the room again, going over every crack and chip in the walls.

Then I saw it.

A small, red light above the metal bars, glaring out at me like an evil eye. It didn't flicker, didn't waver, just kept staring at me constantly. It seemed to see right through me, goading me. I can see you, I can see you. Suddenly I was irritated, and wanted noting more than to smother that light out. It was irrational, but so are most human emotions.

"Good evening Jones-san, it is good to see you awake."

I jolted at the voice, immediately jerking my head up to its source.

The little light.

The voice was synthetic, muffled and thickened with machine induced layers. It was obviously designed to hide its speaker's true identity. But I recognised it, the whole world would. It was L.

I stared at the red dot, unable to look away. It was as if I were in some sort of trance, not knowing how to respond or act.

"I hope your injured foot is not giving you trouble." L said.

That made me snap. "My foot's fine, my wrists have been in better condition though." I muttered angrily, gesturing with my hands..

"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do about that."

My eyebrow twitched. His real words, though disguised, were clear enough. 'I won't do anything about that, so live with it.'

I sighed, wanting to pinch the bridge of my nose. How had the day turned out like this?

"So, want to explain a few things?" I asked.

"It depends on what you wish explained." Was the swift reply.

I narrowed my eyes, feeling irritation flicker beneath my skin. "Why am I here?" I ventured, wearily.

There was a pause. "Was that not explained? You are under arrest on suspicion of being involved in the Kira case."

I digested that tid bit, remembering the same words being uttered as handcuffs were slipped over my wrists in the alleyway. "Why do you think I'm involved?" I asked, cautiously.

A slurp filled the cell, almost vibrating against the walls. "That, it classified information. Now, since I kindly answered one of your questions you can answer one of mine."

My jaw smacked shut with an audible click. I lowered my head to hide behind my fringe, affectively hiding a scowl. That had been an unfair trick.

"Jones-san, do you know of Sakura TV?"

I said nothing. L wasn't fazed in the slightest.

"If so I wonder if you might have watched the tapes aired on last nights show. Tapes sent from Kira."

Again I said nothing.

"Why were your fingerprints found on the packaging used to send those tapes, Jones-san?"

I blinked. I hadn't expected that. What was he talking about, what tapes? I had nothing to do with any tapes. Had L fit me up, planted evidence? Could he do that? He was the most powerful detective in the world after all.

L took my silence as an admission. "Jones-san, can I perceive your silence as an admission to such an act?"

I jerked my head up, displaying my best glare. "I don't have a clue what your on about!" I caught myself, and turned to stare at the wall. "I didn't send any tapes." I muttered.

"But your prints were found on the packaging Jones-san, the evidence is not in your favour."

"Why would I send tapes to Sakura TV?" I asked, aspirated.

"That is precisely what I am trying to find out."

I curled my hands into fists, digging my nails into my flesh. He wasn't going to believe me, that much was certain. Maybe it was best to just ignore him, I was tired anyway. I curled onto my side, trying to get as comfy as possible in my restraints.

"If you will not cooperate willingly Jones-san, there are other methods of interrogation."

I kept my silence, stubbornly.

"Very well, maybe you will be in a more talkative mood tomorrow morning. Goodnight, Jones-san."

Silence filled the cell.


L

I sipped my sugared coffee, watching Ryoko's breathing figure. She did not move, made no more sound, she was determined to ignore me. I fought back a smile, it appeared I had yet another challenge to crack. If worse came to worse, I could send Watari in. Although, I did not wish to have to resort to such drastic measures, but if necessary I had no qualms with it.

"That Jones sure is a piece of work." Aizawa said, rubbing his arm unconsciously.

Ryoko had landed an elbow in that spot earlier during her arrest, and had made sure to drive the blow home. Matsuda nodded.

"She was hard work alright, like a cat struggling against a bath." He said.

"Resisting arrest in any situation is completely normal Matsuda-san, it is human nature." I stated, unwrapping a hardboiled sweet with my fingers.

His face fell. "Oh, I suppose your right."

Yagami-san moved forward, glancing down at the screen, I didn't even spare him a glance. Instead I placed the sugary, cherry flavored sweet onto my tongue.

"Are such measures really needed to interrogate her Ryuzaki?" he asked.

I resisted the urge to sigh. "Yes, I see them as necessary."

Matsuda joined us. "What if she doesn't talk?" he asked.

The sweet snapped between my teeth. "She will, I'll make sure of that."


Hanyou Kyo: Arigatō Kuro, Rainbow27Stardust, AbyssQueen, Your Reader, snow869, LightningStar 0.o, Moka-girl, freakyvampirecatgirl, ShardsOfTheCrystalHeart, Seiho-Tora-Byakko, monsterousmaiden646, and SasoLOVE111. You Guys rock!

*Detective lights flamethrower*

L: Keep working!

Hanyou Kyo: EEEP Hai!