So, I need ideas. I'm running low. Any suggestions are welcome, and will be considered. I give credit when it's needed, such as.

Also, an important announcement: I am putting this book on a temporary hold after this chapter. Don't hate me, but I think I should start over from the beginning. It'd make more sense that way. Once the 1st one is up, I'll make the 2nd, and so on. There's also a side book –I've decided it shall only be a few pages long- that has to do with Shika's best friend. Ch 1 of that is already up.

Sorry, and onwards~

L:

I did not accompany Watari to collect Shika Fauxe.

I will admit that it was partially due to my injured pride when I directed Watari to contact her, but I found the situation at Light's ceremony too orchestrated. She appeared after I had revealed my being L to Light Yagami, almost like she was mocking me.

And how did she and Light get acquainted? Surely, she did not suspect him of being Kira. The natural reaction would have been to avoid him, but not only did they talk prior to that point in time, but she had placed a bet with him. It was as if she knew every move we planned before we've made them.

This uncertainty is what forced me to arrange our meeting.

Shika:

I stepped out of the elevator, trying to control my temper. Shun usually liked to tease me, but he also did his best to make sure I'm looked after. I wouldn't be surprised if he was toying around with L's judgment so I could get where I wanted. It was still odd how much he tries to please me.

Checking each room number to the doors I passed, I spotted Room 632. I could hear muffled conversation in the suite across the hall. The temptation to ease-drop tugged in my gut, yet I resisted the urge to do so. Instead, I opened 632's door and stepped inside.

The interior was slightly different. There was no couch, TV, or kitchen. Two one-seat chairs sat opposite of each other, a circular table between them. Heavy drapes blocked the moon-light and the world beyond. The space was only 11 by 16 or so, not nearly as large as the rest were. The floors were blue carpet, the walls a creamy white, and the ceiling was the color of eggshells. A lone cup of water sat on the table.

I made my way over to the chair where the drink was, realizing that was where I was meant to sit. Reaching into my pocket, reality gave me a harsh slap in the face. My Blood Tablets were gone.

"God damn it, Shun!"

Taking a deep breath, I sank into the soft seat. A sigh escaped my lips as I understood what was going on. He wanted me to have blood so I'd leave. If he was going this far, then they must be closer than I thought.

Was it okay if I still felt like punching him in the face?

I rubbed my forehead. What was I going to do? Maybe I could get L to give me bagged blood? Probably not, unless Shun interferes. I'd hate to owe him more favors, but it might be the only way he'll agree to anything..

Ugh, why was L so.. L?

The door clicked as it closed. Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear.

Even though he entered, I stayed immersed in my contemplation. Too many things needed to be put together before I could be comfortable again. The Axlum were around somewhere, I had to get blood, Ryuzaki remained unpredictable –to an extent-, Light was his usual psychopathic self, I still required a probable back-story explaining everything about me without actually telling certain information; the list went on.

"Thank you for coming, Miss Fauxe," L's monotone voice cut in.

Pulled out of my mind, I blinked a few times to refocus my eyes. Sitting across from me in the once-empty chair was the ravenette who was clutching a cupcake in one hand. His orbs were trained on me, seemingly bored to be where he was. At least they weren't any crosses in the room.

"You have yet to drink you water, and it is still clear. That's different from our last meeting."

There was a certain look in his eyes; it could have been disappointment of some kind.

"I swear, if that's holy water," I pointed to the cup, "I'm outta here."

"One cannot blame me for discounting –or proving- the myths surrounding you species. How is it that you differentiated it from regular water? The scent? Or does it bother your senses?"

"No, it's just the way you pressed the matter. I would've drunk it if you didn't act so transparent. I'm not stupid, you know. Besides, holy water doesn't affect me. Neither do crosses, churches, or sunlight. Well, it does hurt my eyes after a few minutes. That's why I prefer to keep my sunglasses on."

He bit his thumb and nodded.

"Let's cut to the chase. You called me here for a reason."

"Yes. Tell me: How long have you known Light Yagami?"

"Uhm.. I dunno. Keeping track of time isn't something I'm good at anymore. A few days or a week after I got here, I believe."

"How did you meet?"

"At a coffee shop."

"Why did you approach him?"

"I spilt my drink, which gained his attention. I left shortly after that, but met him again later that day. He was walking home from school, and I was taking a walk when I realized I'd seen him before. We got to talking, then went our separate ways."

"When, exactly, was this?"

"Uhm…"

"You've forgotten?"

"Yeah.. Sorry."

"I see." He didn't blink for quite some time, assessing my story at length. "You asked to join the Kira investigation. What's you intent in that?"

"Look," I sighed, a little peeved. "All I'm trying to do is pass the time until I'm able to leave this place. I need food, shelter, and something to keep me busy for the time being. Since this is where I ended up, joining the case is the most interesting thing that provides all of those needs. If I hadn't run into Soichiro Yagami, I wouldn't even be here right now."

"And how did encountering the Police Chief determine this?"

"I knew he'd tell you about me. I just wasn't sure how'd you take to having another mystery handed to you. You could have ignored it, or tried to work it. When I followed Mr. Yagami, I did research on him as well as his family. His son, Light, has a high ranking IQ, and he assisted in several police cases, so I decided to observe him. Once he noticed me, however, I knew that if you were looking for me that he could have put two and two together."

"That's why you came to me first."

"Exactly."

"What is your opinion of Light Yagami?"

I bit my lip to try and think up a way to sound observant without giving away a lot or sounding ignorant.

"He's smart," I said slowly. "Brilliant, even, but.. I found it rather coincidental that Kira's killing schedule started off like that of a student, but then changed drastically. Plus, I saw someone tailing him. I assume that was your doing?"

"That was an FBI agent, the one who died at the train station, to be precise. Continue on with your evaluation."

"Right. While I watched him, he appeared to be normal, yet he was too perfect, for lack of a better word. He did nothing wrong, but Kira has been smart enough to evade notice so far. That's far more intelligent than your average student. Now, I'm no expert, but Light Yagami has all the qualities of someone like Kira possesses."

"Is that the real reason why you approached him?"

Grinning sheepishly, I held up my hands in a gesture that showed I knew I was caught. "Fine. Yes, I began talking to Light because I suspected him of being Kira. I also showed up to the Entrance Exam Ceremony just to show you I was in contact with your suspect to get you to call me back. With all I know about you, my being close to him would have given you cause to make sure I wasn't helping Kira."

"I thought as much," he informed, standing up. "I will require you to not leave the premises of this hotel until I have determined my next course of action. You will have to stay over-night. I hope this is not an inconvenience to you."

"Nah, it's cool."

"Very well. Watari will escort you to your suite shortly. Should you need anything, use the phone he gives you. His number will be on your speed-dial. Refrain from leaving your room. I would not want you to accidently run into the Task Force Members."

I got to my feet and stretched.

"Got it."

He left the room, so I sat back down to wait. It didn't take long for the old man to come in.

"Pleasant to be acquainted again, Miss Fauxe. Here is the Burn Phone." He passed me a small flip-phone. "Please, follow me to your room."

"Okay."

We walked down the hall away from the elevator, stopping at the last room on the right side. The door number was 646. Watari held the door open for me, so I went in first. This was a lot bigger than the last one, with a total of five separate areas: a living room, a kitchen, a master bedroom, a large bathroom with a walk-in shower, a huge tub, and a luxurious double-sink besides the toilet, and a walk-in closet that could fit a room and a half of Cross Academy's dorms. All were furnished and fully stocked.

"Is there anything you wish for me to bring?"

Closing my mouth, which was hung open in awe, I shook my head politely.

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Very well. Your door will remain locked from the outside. Goodnight." He bowed and left me to my own devices.