Chapter XI

A Baskerville mystery 1

D/N

"Is this thing on? Oh. Hi everyone! I'm Patty! You're probably wondering where that lazy bum Dante is. Well, he drank too much last night in a drinking contest with Lady after she said she'd cancel all his debts if he won. He never learns, does he? (Sigh) Today's chapter will involve dogs. No, not cute, cuddly little puppies, but vicious hounds who obey their boss and attack anybody else. I wish I had a puppy, but that jerk Dante is too cheap to buy me one, and after everything I do for him! I swear, I feel like I'm his mom! I...Dante! What are you doing out of bed? You're hungover! You need rest and...oh damn it, Dante! I just mopped that floor! I...when did you eat spaghetti? Ugh. Just...enjoy the chapter, and drop a review!"

-Deus's dimension-

'' So far, Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Twelfth have died, leaving eight left. This means it's already game over for a third of you.''

It was Deus's voice which resounded in the vast chamber where the remaining 9 diary owners stood tall and composed each keeping their own thoughts to themselves. Although there was a sense of fear present in the air, nobody would admit that weakness, there was no place for fear in a death match, at least not one with these stakes.

Only two of the remaining diary holders knew exactly what happened to the others and how they died, which shouldn't be surprising given the fact that they were the executioners. Yukiteru and Yuno both shared a confident look before Tenth raised his hand to grab everyone's attention.

''Deus! I wish for you to give me an exemption.''

This indeed attracted the god's attention the bored look of others and of course the curiosity of Yukiteru.

'' I wish to transfer ownership of my diary to a third party.'' He ended his sentence with a questioning gaze, at first glance it wouldn't appear as much of a request, but for Karyuudo Tsukishima, it held significant importance fuelled with emotional value, whoever he would transfer it to must be dear to him.

Deus responded with a pair of eyes filled with interest, his voice matching the expression. ''There are no rules that would forbid this, I will grant this request but be aware, the diary's abilities will be transferred to your third party, however your life will depend on the diary's integrity, also if you happen to be eliminated, the diary will also vanish without affecting the other person.''

''Thank you, Deus, I couldn't have asked for more.''

''Then this meeting is adjourned, thread carefully diary holders for all your other competitors have been eliminated by one single opponent, and by the current developments he is already ahead in this game to becoming god.''

Several gasps could he heard along with amused laughs, whether they were laughs of fear or mock no one could tell, well, almost no one. Yukiteru remained indifferent to all the reactions and paid attention to the second raised hand that took the attention. It was Forth.

''Deus,before we leave, mind telling us who is this mysterious diary slayer?'' And despite the fact that no one paid any attention to him after the question, he offered an open smile towards the First diary holder, Yukiteru merely responded with a bored look to this unspoken challenge, he already anticipated this development and made counter plans preemptively. And his reaction was immediate.

''Yes, Deus to tell us the identity of this diary slayer so we can all target him at once and swiftly remove him from this game.''

Deus already knew the full implication of this statement and what hidden message it held, he was asking to reveal the identity of someone ignoring Deus's first rule of preserving everyone's identity, the last part only strengthened the initial assumption.

The almighty god smirked at his challenge and responded as expected. '' I preserve the identity of everyone here First, it would be unfair as you can all agree, But don't worry I have a strong feeling one of you will shortly find out everyone's identity and then all the mystery will be solved.''

''Until then, I hope you all offer me some degree of entertainment before you die.''

And with that everyone awoken in their own initial place, some of them fearing this new threat, some accepting it as a challenge to fight more serious, and one of them already seeing the ending.

-A little over a week after those events-

The recently named 'diary slayer' was walking amongst random peers to his new highschool, his former one being partially blown up by a terrorist. Alongside him, a pink haired girl clinging to his arm resting her head on his shoulder while radiating a expression of blissful happiness for everyone to see.

''One entire week alone with you in an isolated house, it was dream came true.''

'' Please, don't make it sound like we did something, I slept every night on the couch if you recall, the main reason I invited you was because your house is a small neighborhood and it's almost impossible for me to protect you there, while if were in the same house, our chances for safety improve greatly.''

''Still, we did had a romantic candle dinner every night and falling asleep in your arms while watching a romantic move was just nothing less that my dream for the past…1 year or so.'' With that she held his arm tighter.

'' Well… it would've been boring if we just stayed there, figured you should at least enjoy yourself.''

''Mmm, and that I did.''

They walked further on like this before Yuno remembered something from the past week that made her release her hold and just held his hand. Giving a worried look she asked her partner.

'' Yukki, almost every night I saw the lights downstairs on, you were sleeping very late and waking quite early, why was that?''

Noticing her concern he offered a reassuring smile and placed his right hand on her shoulder brining her closer, for anyone who would watch their relationship should be obvious.

'' Reading, training, solving cases, and if you could call 3 hours per night sleep then that was my full schedule.''

''Why do that?''

He averted her gaze to the side not knowing if he should concern her any further, but remembering her Yukiteru diary and how she could find out at any moment, the choice was obvious.

''Remember that nightmare I had over a few weeks ago?''

''The one were you're trapped in that house hunted by a demons, of course I do, why, did you had it again?''

'' Every time I actually get a real night rest, and the annoying part was that I've been seeing more details every time, people's expressions, their thoughts, the demon's figure and her threats, random numbers or cries for help scratched on the walls, and sometimes street names..''

He drew a deep breath combed a hand through his hair which by now was completely swept back from the habit, and tried to brush away those thoughts.

'' If I limit my sleep to under 3 hours that's just enough time for a dreamless sleep enough to give me the necessary energy for the day…mostly.''

''We have to do something about this, it isn't good for your health plus all the stress it's putting on you will eventually break your mental stability.'' She replied serious.

'' Yeah, like I'll let that happen, don't worry I plan to solve this thing once and for all, recently I noticed the name of a small town, and with a little luck it just might exist, perhaps going there will help me solve this matter once and for all. It shouldn't be hard considering all the details I begun to notice, so many details that sometime I believe it's not just a dream, dreams aren't that real, or at least that terrifying. And….'' He noticed her attention focused at his right side across the street.

''And you weren't listening to a word I've said…''

''Sorry, I was it's just that for the past 5 minutes this guy's been following us, and he seems to be keeping a close eye on you in particular, he might be dangerous.''

Moving his sight to where she signaled, he noticed a young teenager, similar in clothing as himself, white shirt and a light blue jacket. His height and weight seemed about average, 1.70 and 60 kg,, white hair messed up but offering some kind of style, however his most distinctive feature were his piercing red eyes, actual red eyes that seemed to be indeed focused at Yukiteru in particular. His smile was a mocking one at first glance, but for Yukiteru, he knew exactly what meant, for he knew the guy quite well in fact. He offered a matching smile.

''Interesting, so he's also at this highschool, well this will certainly turn out to be an entertaining experience.''

''Who is he?''

'' An old friend, I can tell you this much two of the only private detectives in this town were bound to meet up one day, as for his identity, don't worry, I'm sure he'll be making a dramatic entrance quite soon.''

He nodded a goodbye to the young teenager and he responded the same. After that he walked away.

'' A detective you say. Is he any good?''

''He's got his some defining skills, back when we worked together, I provided the strategic planning and case cracking deductions, while he covered the field work, we made an interesting team not meeting very often but solving some of this town's most impossible cases, why do you think there's a third prison being built as we speak?''

'' I hope you're right Yuki…''

''I'm always right, love'' And he bent down for a kiss on the cheek which made the pink haired girl giggle cutely.''

After some minutes of passing they were approaching their new highschool. And despite the past events, Yuno was quite excited on their new setting.

''So, what are your plans for this highschool?'' she asked with a bright expression.

'' You mean our plans, and I'm glad you asked, listen carefully.''

''Always am.''

''Right, first off, when we enter the campus act as if were strangers, do the same in your class, just for this day. I need to assess the place, figure if there are potential diary holders in our class, see whose skilled enough to plan an assassination, find out what makes them tik.''

'' All of that in one day?'' who could blame her surprise.

''Well, the teacher's going to help me with his 'So what's your plan for the future, and what are your hobbies', usually you can tell a person's life just from those questions. As for the diary holder, anyone whose heard of the deadly duo of diary slayers would be looking for a couple, acting like strangers should hide our identity, and don't worry as I sad it's just for this day.''

She took a few moments to acknowledge his logic and responded with the same happy expression and matching voice. ''Alright, just for this day, but remember Yuki, if I see you as much as flirting with another girl, you'll be hearing about her corpse the next day on the news, alrighty?''

The fact that she said all of that with so much ease was most disturbing, nevertheless Yukiteru knew she actually meant it, and there's was little to no way on stopping her.

''Got it, and I'll do the same for the guys who approach you.''

''No you won't...'' she responded with a teasing voice.

''Maybe, but I can still scare them off quite efficiently.''

''Of course you can!'' giving him a quick kiss she moved ahead.

-In the highschool-

Well, at least the architecture is similar my old highschool, matching light blue uniforms for boys, and short skirts for girls….skirts….the guy who designed that clothing must've been either an aroused teenager or a old man pedobear, because seriously you lose any innocent thoughts once you see even one of those girls…Moving on.

After looking up each door I finally found class 2-C, the one designated to be my playground for the future 3 years. Hand in my pocket while holding my backpack with one arm I entered the new setting and took a time to observe, obviously a few steps from the door.

It was a rectangular room, on my left there were several cabinets, along with a small hamster cage, two backboards on the opposite wall, matching desks made for 2 persons, and a hanger on my right wall.

As for the people, the most noticing element was a stinging perfume coming from a group of girls at the far end of the blackboard. They were in total 7 including Yuno, the source of the perfume came from a cute blonde little thing who seemed to be the leader of the group.

Already on the desks were several teenagers who seemed either introverted or just bored, in total 2 boys and 3 girls, a small group of 2 girls were a few feet away from me having an animated conversation.

And a few meters from the main group of girls were 4 boys gathered around a main leader, which to my amazement I recognized instantly.

Ace Daveon, 17 years old, 1.75, 65 kg. athletic figure and broad shoulders to match, in fact if he were to take his shirt off part of the girls would faint, other would have a nosebleed, and the rest would surely be all a vivid blush. Dark hair and a devilish expression offered by his arched eyebrows and serious light blue eyes. Always wearing a confident almost challenging smile. And to be honest, why wouldn't he? Mastering mixed martial arts and aikido this guy could take down guys 3 times his size. To say he's an adventurous daring spirit would not even cover his guts, this guy took down 6 thugs just because they made fun of his spiky hair oriented on his right side, oh yes and the discreet strand of hair he keeps on his medium sized forehead is his trademark look for getting most of the ladies.f

Ah, yes how would I know all of these in the first place? Well it shouldn't be hard considering that he's my sparring partner. Back when I started learning self-defense, we helped each other improve, each time one trying to surpass the other, impossible challenges were a daily occurrence back when were still learning from Chris. Oh yes, I may have forgot to mention he's Chris's son.

If I were to describe Ace in a simple expression, that would be alpha-male, and the type that stays proud to its definition, adding the fact I showed him just how much you can improve yourself from reading random books, he's pretty much the main voice in any group.

We acknowledged each other with a small nod, and I walked over to a desk close to the window to settle in.

Back in my old highschool we were in different classes, didn't had that much time meet up ever since I started up my career as a detective, but we kept in touch with weekly sparring matches. Of course you'll never hear us admitting the other one is better, but being a bit honest here in the past month he did had a few lucky matches….and damn that guy can pack a punch.

''Amano Yukiteru, you really got some nerves showing your face around here''

The voice sounded angry and it gained the attention of everyone present, it was coming from a guy who I honestly wasn't expecting to meet very soon. Ouji Kousaka, a guy about my age, we were in the same class before several unexpected circumstances lead us here.

Wearing his classic pale green trousers and t-shirt he was raised himself from his seat and walked slowly towards me, and at first glance he wasn't quite happy to see me.

''Because of you that terrorist destroyed our school, injured almost the entire student body and killed half of them in the process, and all of that because you were to stubborn to surrender yourself at the start, you just had to play the hero and get everyone killed.''

''That….certainly is a original way of putting it, by any chance aren't you overlooking some major facts here?'' Despite my calm voice, all these accusations made me want to shut his mouth for good, has he actually forgotten who also saved the entire student body, and even if I gave myself up at the beginning she was a terrorist and a few explosions were necessary to make her point.

''No, I'm not and as a matter of fact, why the hell are you here, what's stopping other terrorists from hunting you down again and killing us all in the process, is that why you came here to slaughter everyone like you did back then!''

There were whispering amongst the group of girls, most likely strengthening his arguments, amongst the guys they all seemed angry shooting me threatening looks. Basic point was, if I didn't made this misunderstanding cleared once and for all, I'd have to find myself a new learning environment fast.

And to add fuel to this fire I noticed Yuno making her way slowly towards Kousaka with a sharpened pen in her left hand, and I know for a fact that when her protective instincts kick in, anyone within 1 mile radius can already plan their famous last words. And if that wasn't enough, even Ace seemed angered by his accusations and was making his way towards Kousaka both fists clenched, and I know for a fact those were more deadly than any knife.

Part of me knew I had to stop this before chaos broke lose, but also a small part was curious to see how this situation unfolds, it could turn out to be quite amusing, in sadistic kind of way.

Luckily for hesitance, a particular interesting girl decided to intervene and calm the tensed spirits.

A loud smack resounded in the entire class, Kousaka was rubbing his head while a 17 year old tanned skinned girl with short brown hair arms folded while shooting towards him an irritated look.

'Will you stop it already? Before you open your mouth, get your facts straight!''

She drew everyone's attention with that statement and it didn't appear to bother or shake her resolve. ''This guy did everything he could, it was all over the news, everyone even the students agreed he was a hero. There was no way of stopping that terrorist because at first no one knew her intentions, and if you even bothered to research a little bit you'd know that the first explosion was aimed for Yukiteru, it was a miracle he even escaped.''

Yeah, the miracle likes to be called Yuno most of the time.

''How can you even assume he killed those students? I the police force couldn't stop her what did you expected from a normal 17 year old teenager?'' Adding a confident smirk she continued her statement.

''Luckily for all of us however he wasn't ordinary by any chance, and he proved that by saving all the remaining students and taking down the terrorist, it was even recorded live, and boy was that a show.''

Everyone seemed to calm down, most of them signaling their approval by either a nod or a short laugh.

'' So before you start accusing the guy who saved you, even though nothing forced him from just saving his own skin, you should first thank him you're alive in the first place.''

''Yeah, whatever'' was the best he could come up with after settling down in his seat, even Kousaka knew anymore arguments would only make him look like a fool.

And quickly enough, everyone returned to their previous occupation. The young girl made her way next to me, and by them I remarked her petite friend, a pretty little thing with light purple hair, a red dress and white shirt accompanied by an orange vest, quite classy to be honest.

''Well, I guess a thanks is in order for the earlier save.''

We shook hands and what made her stand out from other girls, was her a little short that usual purple t-shirt that revealed most of her toned abdomen, adding the long brown boots with her trousers offered the appearance of an outgoing girl.

''Eh it was nothing, it just felt unfair to let that moron slander a good guy's reputation. I'm Hinata by the way, and my friend here is Mao.''

''Hello there, Hinata's just a nosy girl by nature so don't confuse that with any sort of affection, alrighty? And seriously Hinata you shouldn't get involved with these kind of people, it's best to leave them alone.''

'' You can be pretty cold hearted sometimes you know that, Mao?''

''Oh don't worry by the end of this week we'll all get along like nothing happened.''

''Right…don't mind her she's just teasing, anyway Yukiteru how are you getting along so far with the new school.''

''Not much different from my old one.'' I replied bored, my mind was somewhere else as I finally figured out where that chocking sweet smell was coming from. The group of girls Yuno went to, they all emanated this pretentious scent that was a failed experiment in combining honey with maple. My lungs were having a really stressful day…

''Sorry I'm just having a hard time keeping focused with this…determined scent drowning the class.''

''Oh I get you, it's been over month since this new designer released his new -eau de toilet- , and now it's almost impossible not to meet one of those Barbie girls priding themselves with one of them, I heard it's called Christian Lacroix 4.

''And how about yourself? Not into the world of perfumes that much?'' I asked teasingly.

She shrugged and waved her hand. ''Nah, I'm old fashioned in that department, I prefer a daily shower and a good soap to get me through the day.''

''Shower huh, good call.'' and that was the part when a familiar figure decided to step in, a teasing and sharp voice introduced its presence in our small group.

''Stop imagining her in the shower Yukiteru.''

''Wha-I wasn't even-!''

''Eh?'' Hinata blushed a bright red while her petite friend Mao randomly pulled out a cellphone and captured the moment, the timing and reflex seemed way to precise, something told me this was a habit of hers.

''Well well, Amano Yukiteru it sure's been a while.'''

''Sure has, how's been life treating you?''

''As I want it, Hinata wasn't it?'' cute girls always were his weak point.

''Have to thank you for stepping in earlier for my friend here, he's a little timid when it comes to large groups, especially when it comes to lovely girls''

''Well if I didn't acted shy and all how would they notice you?''

''Cute, anyhow you girls familiar with the local area?''

I could already see where this was going, but as on cue the teacher arrived and we all took our seats. I took a seat near the window, Ace right next to me, and the two girls at our right. And as it was common, the teacher started with the introductions, made us present ourselves and our interests, and ended with this introductions rather quickly, and ten minutes after we were already learning the capitals of Europ. Everything was going smoothly before our teacher, didn't got his name, diverted a bit from the topic and made a short announcement.

''Also before I continue, I must advise you all to take great caution on the recent events that occurred.''

This should be interesting…

''A dangerous person is on the streets, and already there were victims, so I strongly advise all of you to go home and come to school in groups, if possible with colleagues that live in the same area, coordinating this way in as many people as you can.''

In the past week I didn't kept in touch with all the latest news, only getting what I considered important information from detective Kurusu, if this kind of information slipped him then I can be that much more sure the police will guarantee our safety. I bended my head a little to face Hinata, perhaps she knew some details.

''Any idea what's this all about?''

''Oh you don't know? A lot of people recently got killed in the city, they say it's the work of a serial killer.''

Another one? And I haven't heard of him?

''I heard the corpses look pretty bad, too.'' By now she was grinning as if preparing to tell a scary tale.

''I heard they were eaten. The corpses were always mutilated to the point where they couldn't identity the person anymore. And the bodies were covered in teeth marks.''

''If that's the case wouldn't the teeth marks provide a dental pattern of the killer?''

'' Hmm, good point, well if he's still on the lose I guess not.'' It was Mao's turn to add her thoughts:

'' From what I've heard, the police kept a lid on the information, maybe they don't know what they're up against yet, although…''

'' Perhaps Akise would know something of the criminal.''

I really wonder what kind of reputation the guy got around here.

''Akise?''

''Yeah, he usually sits in the last seat from the door, he's known to be the biggest weirdo in the class.'' Hinata's voice seemed pretty amused.

''He always skips school and plays around, pretending to be a detective.'' There was a pause in her thoughts before an idea brightened her figure.

''I know. Amano I just came up with something interesting, are you guys free today?''

''Well I…''

''Sure we are'' Ace stepped in.'' What's the plan?''

'' I'll tell you after school, but if you guys are just a bit adventurous I'll guarantee you'll have fun.''

''Already eager to start, right Yukiteru?''

''Why not.''

-4 hours after school was finished-

The group of four from earlier, Hinata, Mao, Ace and Yukiteru were walking along together, most of them holding their schoolbags with one hand resting on their back, only Mao kept it close to her chest. Hinata was waving joyfully to emphasize random comments with regards to our teachers, some amusing classmates or just how cheesy Ace could be, Mao was smiling eyes closed, Yukiteru seemed a bit bored and Ace was actually paying a little to much attention that required mostly her feminine sides. After she finished he took the word, and spoke relaxed.

''Just hit me, sorry for that perky remark earlier this morning, my mouth actually worked faster than my brain on that part.''

''Not to worry, I'll get you back sooner or later, so you both said you were free today right?''

''Sure you got me actually curious back then, what's your plan?''

A small grin appeared on her smooth figure. ''How about we visit the most recent crime scene, never been to on and I bet you guys didn't either, it should be fun.''

''Well, I'm sure in, as for my friend right here….'' And with that he was the center of attention, but truth be told he was planning on visiting that crime scene sooner or later, most of the time the police overlooked small insignificant evidence that usually proved the key to solving the cases.

''I'm in as well, just one question, is it alright to bring along a close friend?''

''Close friend, whose that?'' She asked curious.

''Okay everybody hold that thought and check the girl right up ahead 1 o'clock, if that ridiculously pink hair is natural I'm buying everyone a drink of their choice.'' He was referring to Yuno who was waiting patiently for her lover near the exist gate, waving cheerfully at someone in their group, they all seemed slightly shocked when Yukiteru actually walked ahead and greeted her.

He moved to her back wrapping his hands around her abdomen and placing a soft kiss on her cheek, this resulted in a blushing Yuno who looked slightly embarrassed but in the inside she was literally dancing on a rainbow.

''Yuki…there are people watching.''

''Oh they can watch for all I care.'' He kept holding her in the embrace while the others processed the situation.

Among several psychological reasons that will ensure the fact of Yuno not getting somehow jealous on the friendly Hinata, or feel left out in comparison with his long time friend Ace. Among the last but most vital reasons were that he was marking his territory against Ace, and this was the most clear method of saying-She's mine, so don't even think about it-, and from their delayed reaction, it worked perfectly.

'' Well guys, this pink haired cutie happens to be that close friend of mine, more exactly my girlfriend Yuno Gasai, we alright if she tags along?''

Ace was the first to react in a way I didn't expected, he moved closer to me, and tapped me manly on the shoulder while offering one of those figures only described by 'fatherly pride', he was really proud of something, and with a steady grave voice he said why.

''My boy….my boy finally became a man, I'm proud of you kid, congrats on finding your first and ridiculously cute girlfriend!''

To shed some light on what he meant, let's just say he tried for some months to get Yukiteru a girlfriend, but everytime he came up with either an excuse on his career or was busy with one of his cases, so finally seeing him with a girl made it seem like his efforts were rewarded.

''You're just a year older than me, why call me boy? And thanks, actually she found me, but that's a story for another day, so are we set?''

Hinata regained her composure and smiled brightly masking her inner sadness that Yukiteru was taken and prepared to lead the group on their adventure.

''Sure thing, the more the better it'll be a lot more fun. Let's go it's not far from here.''

They all followed her, Ace and Mao competing on who got closer to her, while the couple walking silently holding hands, all the time Yuno kept a discreet shade of red on her cheeks. They were a few feet behind the group so any conversation would go unheard, and after a few moments Yuno broke the silence.

''So did you found any potential diary holders in our class?''

He kept his eyes focused ahead while replying.'' Not exactly, for the most part all of our classmates are general highschool stereotypes, the Barbie girls, I mean fashion queens, gossip girls, usual bullies, introverted figures, and most of the guys seemed more interested in soccer, cars and ladies to be even considered a threat, only a few of them seemed rather unique.''

''And who were they?''

''Look right ahead'' he replied with a smile. She raised her eyebrows in surprise at the revelation.

''Ace, Hinata and Mao, how are they suspicious?''

''Well, Ace is a close friend of mine and I know in seconds if he's lying or hiding something, there's no room on doubt there, but to be sure it's best to keep him close until further developments, also if my theory is right and he's not a diary holder, with him as an ally we'll improve our chances greatly to with this game At first glance he might not look like much, but that guy can take down 8 people not even breaking a sweat, and his devotion for his real friend can only be matched by his courage in critical situations.''

She chuckled slightly at the notion.

''What?''

''Your courageous and devoted friend is getting turned down repeatedly by a way to friendly girl.''

''True…but you got to admire his persistence.'' She became serious again.

''And the other two?''

''Mao's relation with Hinata exceeds friendly boundaries, accepting any request Hinata would put out, and usually the silent ones are most threatening. As for Hinata…well…''

''Well?''

''Well she's just fun to be around, you don't meet than often girls eager to visit a crime scene with a guy she just meet.''

She forced a few forced coughs and started at Yukiteru with an annoyed expression, the message should've been clear.

''Except for you love, that should've been an understatement, don't worry no matter how friendly I get with them, you'll always be my first interest, I proved that earlier today didn't I?''

''Mmm yes you did, thank you for that Yuki.'' And she clinged closer to his right arm.

''I love you Yuki.''

''Right back at you pinky.''

Ace looked back to make sure we where still following and saw the touching scene, and replied with a teasing comment.

''Ugh, there's a hotel not to far from here if you're interested.''

''Then why don't you invite Hinata, things would go a lot quicker.''

''Touche…''

The mentioned girl blushed again at the creative comment, and Mao was quick enough to capture the moment with a flash.

-Location, at the far end of Sakurami City, near the open park, time 16:00-

The group of 5 were hiding in a brush pondering how to evade the tight security at the park. If it were only at the entrance no problem just jumping the fence, but the actual crime scene was guarded by two mean looking officers.

''Damn, and it really would've been fun to see an actual crime scene.'' Hinata remarked irritated by the situation.

''Well I guess we could try tomorrow'' Mao replied.

''Tomorrow the evidence won't be this fresh, it's only been two days since the incident, and according to the weather there's a storm coming this evening and that means nature's gonna erase any possible clues if we leave now.''

''So what do you propose?'' Hinata asked curious.

'' The two officers if distracted will attract the other guarding the evidence scene, that is if the said distraction is significant enough.''

There was a moment of silence, until Ace took the word with a commenting on a bored tone.

''And how much time do you need?''

'' About 25 minutes give or take, with 5 of us the needed time could reduced to 10.''

He raised himself up and spoke while looking at the entrance. '' 4, I'll give you exactly 20 minutes it's close to limit in a constant sprint, make sure make you make it worth my while.''

''Oh I will, what's your plan?''

''You said a distraction right? The serious the better, so just enjoy the show.''

He walked out of the brush approaching the officers with a mocking attitude both hands in his pockets. From our distance their chat was hushed and we had to listen carefully.

''Nice weather don't you think?''

''I suppose, this area is off limits to visitors for the time being kid.''

''Good to know, so then why can that thug with large knife move free in the park.'' And he nodded right behind them.

''What?!'' they both turned around, but no one was there, it only took two seconds for Ace to close the distance between them, reach for one the right one's hips open the strap and unholster his firearm black glock 17. Ace sprinted away, and both of the officers after him. The one whose gun was stolen requested for any reinforcements as the teenager was already ahead of them, and with that the park remained unguarded.

''He's good…''Hinata admitted.

'' Fast too, I really want to see them catch a guy who runs 5 miles for fun. Shall we?''

As we were moving towards the crime scene, Yuno tugged my right sleeve.

''What's going to prevent him from being gunned down?''

''Aside from the whole remorse and conscious struggle any human would have, ,he's visibly under the age of 18, if there's no clear immediate threat those cops could as well face prison for even raising a weapon at him.''

The incident took place right in the center of the park, several chalk circles indicated the place where the body has been found or where splashed of blood covered the area. There were 4 blood splashes in total varying in sizes, and body was found close to a swing.

''Awesome this place totally looks like a crime scene.'' Was Hinata's remark.

''And the chalk marks are still here.'' Added Mao.

While the two were studying the place with a childlike interest, Yuno moved closer to Yukiteru and asked in low voice.

''What are we looking for?''

He replied with the same tone. ''I'm sure the detectives found any visible evidence, that means were searching for anything almost unnoticeable, fingernails, a scrap of paper, foot prints perhaps, the smaller things.''

''Will a few strands of hair do?'' she asked amused while pointing at the swing. It took Yukiteru by surprise that she noticed that so quickly and easily, and indeed there were a few strands of hair tangled in the swing's chains.

He removed them from the swing, 8 dark brown colored 1.5 inch strand of fur rested in his palm. The fur was thicker and more ruffled for a human, also the texture seemed more rough, adding the scent of dirt the culprit was obvious: wild hounds.

Yukiteru looked at the swing, at the blood splashes, body's location and reconstructed the event.

''The women was running through the park being chased down by several dogs, probably 12 or 10, more couldn't be that organized. After moving through the location he was sitting on a dog leaped from the swing taking advantage of the momentum to reach at her throat. She bleed profoundly in all the 3 areas where the splashes seem fewer, and then collapsed from the shock of loosing so much blood that fast, all this happening in 5 seconds enough time for the other dogs to catch up and tear her body to shreds.''

''Something dosen't add up though.'' Yukiteru whispered to himself.

''What's that?''

''Dogs targeting people, reaching for the throat, eating the body, and moving fast enough to not be spotted, this was way to perfect to be done on animal instinct, someone trained them to do so….no that wouldn't work, to many variables to consider, the stage, the prey, the location, the exact attack kill and flee, someone was instructing them at that precise moment what to do and how to react, that's the only way wild animals can be so easily controlled.''

''Yuki, this might sound strange, but what if it was a diary holder?''

''It is a possibility, that would offer the ability to control the animals while staying at a close distance, but a diary that can instruct dogs?''

''Everyone uses their diary for personal interests, Thid for his killings, Ninth for her escape plans, Kurusu for his investigations, perhaps this one records his dogs activity and has the ability to control them as we control our future.'' Yuno rationalized carefully not to attract the two girl's attention.

''It is based on speculations, and the idea seems almost terrifying to considering how precise it was with my own thoughts. Since when did you became such an expert on deductions?''

''Oh I've always been insightful on these scenarios, but seeing how much fun you always have solving them I didn't want to ruin it.''

Yukiteru pondered for a second before replying. ''I knew I love you not just for your looks, and I appreciate the honesty.''

He continued. ''Help me with this one, objective analysis from a diary holder's perspective.''

''Killings occurred in the same time as the game, people getting eaten obviously not by a human but by animals, we've concluded they were hounds.''

She continued.'' As the game still goes on it's safe to assume any person's death could be correlated to a diary holder, therefore these killings involved a diary holder able to control hounds.''

He added. ''Now why would be he doing random killing on random people with no visible connection, and all the crime scenes took place in isolated areas?''

She responded. ''Well if I were in his place I'd probably want to test my diary first, test it's limits, see to what extent I can take advantage of it.''

And he ended with.'' Finally after he understood his diary it's safe to assume that his next prey will be other diary holders, and considering that all murderers took place at night, he didn't tested the diary for daytime therefore that's the only time were in danger.''

''And why did we need to confirm all of this to ourselves?''

''Analyzing a situation from a subjective and objective perspective and getting the same answer always means that your logic is correct, a little trick I learned from Holmes.''

''So what's our next move?''

''Simple, we wait for the enemy to make his move, prepare ahead knowing what his intention and plans is and thus taking down another diary holder. But in the meantime, let's just pretend were normal teenagers, and have some fun.''

''Alright then.'' She clinged to his arm again and they walked towards a Hinata who has been waving at them from afar for the past 3 minutes. They were reaching the 20 minutes mark, and to be sure they meet up with Ace they waited for him in the same brush.

On cue, the teenager arrived with haste at the entrance. He held the gun with his sleeve the entire time to leaving fingerprints. Placing the gun on the ground, he checked the area again and moved back to the brush where he left them.

''They should be back in 4 minutes or so, found anything useful?'' He didn't seem tired at all.

''Pretty much most of the case, I'll tell you the details on the way towards the nearest refreshments store, you got a bet to cash in remember?''

''And I really hoped you'd forgot about that'' he said scratching the back of his head.

''Of course you did.''

-A few streets away-

The two girls and two boys were holding a new green energizing drinks which read on the label 'not yet tested on animals', while Yuno was holding a mineral water.

''Hmm, can you guys hear that noise?'' Ace asked all of a sudden.

''What noise?'' Hinata asked back.

''It's the sound of my poor wallet crying….''

''Oh, poor thing, maybe he needs a hug, why don't you give it to me?'' she replied.

''Ok it's not crying that bad, enjoy your drinks guys.'' And with the exception of Yukiteru and Yuno, all of them drank their drinks, one by one starting with Hinata they all started coughing green soda out of their mouth, the taste was terrible, and the amount of acid made it almost impossible to even let it touch your tongue. Yukiteru understood the situation and decided to throw it away, but Ace took a serious stance and pointed an authoritative finger at him and spoke with a matching tone.

''Stop right there, are you a man or a coward, are you going to let yourself be beaten by a drink, let yourself be humiliated in front of your woman, live your life in shame of what you didn't had to guts to even try?''

''If you think I'll even consider tasting this drink you-''

''I dare you Amano Yukiteru, I dare you to be a coward for the rest of your life and not face this challenge!''

''Really Ace, who do you take me for?''

''I double dare you.''

''Man you're really not making this situation even-.''

''I triple dare you, kid.''

''Triple dare, and did you just called me a kid?''

''And what if I did?''

Those were the last words spoken before Yukiteru opened the energizing drink with echoing snap and squeezed the content of the can in mid air in his mouth. The whole process lasted for 5 seconds he drank it in one breath, after finishing, he held his mouth, collapsed on one knee and coughed wildly most of the drink on the ground, he was also breathing heavily.'

''If he's gonna die, at least he's gonna die like a man!''

Yuno was smilling, while the girls were close to dying from asfictiation from laughter.

Through the wild coughs Yukiteru uttered some words. ''You still haven't finished yours''

''Dammit….''

A/N

One more week and I'm a free man, as I did with the last series of chapters, the next one is due to arrive in maximum 48 hours. Take care!