Chapter 42

Having had a topic brought to the surface of his mind while at work Dad, Matsuda, Misa, and I were sitting in the living room of my parents house. "I received a message today from someone with an unknown address. It didn't say much." He mentions as he leans back on the couch and crosses his arms. Feeling the weight rising with his thoughts I decide to speak.

"Do you think it was from that S guy?" With having forgotten to inform Misa about S from I myself having to come to terms with Kira's death. Misa gives a sound of shock as if to ask, What S guy?

"It is possible. To be honest all it said was two words. Criminals and internet. Which shouldn't surprise us in the least."

"Yeah, since the names and photos of criminals are no longer being broadcast on television it would be the only way for Kira to be able to continue killing." I say watching my dad closely.

"But still, there is no way for us to censor the internet and we haven't had any new leads in a while."

Matsuda sits up, raising his hands to chest level as he closes his eyes while he speaks. "But posting people's names and faces online, I'm sorry, but it's people like that who deserve to die."

"hmm." My dad gives a sound of agreement which probably egged Matsuda on for he continued.

"But.. I guess... That's never going to happen. Kira gets a lot of his information from the internet so he's not going to kill those people."

Misa leans forward with a giggle. "Oh Matsu you silly, you've got it all backward."

"Still, I can imagine how some people must feel. To them, the world has become a good place for people who don't commit any crimes or rather it's a good place for innocent people who lead good lives." Ryuk Laughs behind me.

"Look who's talking." He speaks freely. Yes, Rem is the only one the others can see besides Misa and I. But it's more than that, soon everyone in the world will think that way. My world will reign just like Kira had hoped for it to. I will achieve our goals.

Mom kneels around the table and begins pulling teacups from the tray she had been carrying. Setting the cups one by one in front of everyone. "Are you all still talking about that Kira case? Please, just give it a rest for one-afternoon dear. Light you too. We rarely ever get together anymore. Let us just enjoy each other's company in peace." She speaks just as the front door opens and Sayu walks in.

*Kira*

Having explained to Lucien how being cooped up for too long makes me restless I walk from Headquarters and tuck my hair behind my ear. Today I was wearing faded hip hugger jeans and a black spaghetti string tank top. From not really sleeping for over a week now I decided it would be less hassle to leave my hair down. Pulling my backpack close to me I trudge along through town towards the house Lucien had taken me to before. I had to admit, being outside did make me feel entirely better. Maybe, I had waited too long to do this. It's not like Lucien truly needs my help with watching videos. There are fourteen airports in Japan and I had reasoned with him that just because an airport is close doesn't mean I had sent Amane to it. Knowing me however I would have told her to take the farthest port or somewhere in the middle to be less apt to be tracked. For days now we have been reviewing and reviewing the same tapes over and over again. Making sure we don't miss anything before moving onto a new tape. It would probably take less time if we were to view more than one tape at a time since there are two of us but, Lucien believes if somehow one of us misses something then maybe the other will catch it. Two pairs of tired eyes are better than one.

There are times however that we pause the video and stop watching all together just to strike up a conversation. Mainly ones that include sweats of sorts. He really is just like a kid. I found myself giggling at the memory. We had gotten into an argument of which is better, strawberry shortcake or frosted white cake with strawberries on top. Which in the end resulted in me wasting my slice of strawberry shortcake because I had smeared it across his face. Though he did look funny with all that whip cream layering through his hair and for once covering his dark circles under his eyes. We even managed to get scolded by Watari because that was the first act of war in our eyes and we had literally emptied the entire cart of deserts. I thought I was never going to get frosting out of my hair.

It was a much-needed break though. We were able to finally go back to viewing tapes without our eyes trying to blur. Though Lucien walking back down from his shower nearly had my eyes rolling. He didn't even properly dry his hair so I had to. He truly is like a child. But I couldn't help but feel... Lucien is truly the first friend I've ever had. I have already gotten used to his creepy staring and now things were... Comfortable between us. I can't really figure out how on earth I was ever able to live staying at home like I used to. With no one to talk to or even see unless my parents decided to come home. I found myself sighing at that thought. No, the answer to that is simple. I wasn't living. I was merely existing. Just existing isn't even life, you are just there, taking up space. I wonder if I was still there. How long would it have taken me to go insane?

Reaching the door I pause with the key in hand. For some reason, I look down the street seeing a house similar to mine with cars parked out front. There were figures in the living room window I couldn't quite make out. Until one stands. Even from here, his light brown well-kept hair met my eyes. Light Yagami. I shouldn't be surprised. With all the data I had gone through I had found that his parents resided on the same street of this house. It seems though, neither Light nor Misa are home since they are both at the Yagami household. Nodding to myself I walk inside and make my way up to the computer room. "Third plank at the back." I repeated to myself walking towards the far wall and kneeling. I'm not quite sure what it meant by shooting my energy into the piece of wood but what if I do what I remember Aphrodite telling me? Closing my eyes I remember what I had initially passed off as a dream. Feeling the hum in my veins before guiding it to my fingertip.

It didn't take long before I heard a click as the wood pops out of place. Looking down I reach into the small cubby and retrieve my wallet, a few pieces of paper, a black case, and an envelope. Tilting my head I sift over the papers looking first at their fronts then turning them to glance at their backs. Nothing seemed off about them. As if they were normal pieces of notebook paper. Except one of them was compiled of a list containing 8 names. One of them being familiar to me. Ah! My eyes widen and I nearly drop the papers to the floor. That was the name listed under the file of when I had been attacked. -Ha! Ha! I am your executioner- I remember those words in my diary and I found myself dropping to my knees. "I.. really did kill him…" Then... If that is really true then what I have in my hands… are pieces of a Death Note.

*

I felt beaten sitting there on my computer room floor, wrapping my arms around my knees, hugging them close. Staring at the pieces of paper, which were now sitting on the floor next to my wallet, a black case, and the envelope, as if they were going to kill me. My left eye began watering some time ago. I had no idea how long I had been sitting there. My body felt heavy and numb. I couldn't even seem to recall the fighting spirit I had back at headquarters. "Do I even have the right to try and bring justice? I.. am a murderer." There was no doubt left anymore. Nothing I could do can ever change what I have found out. The undeniable proof was sitting on the floor in front of me. Notebook paper with my handwriting scrawling names. Closing my eyes I wonder if I should even live anymore. At least eight people died by my hands, maybe more. I am a serial killer, one who would be put to death under any normal circumstances.

"Wait!" I shout at myself abruptly standing. "I've said it before. With my diary, the note on my USB, this house, even the characteristics I've been told. It is as if it was a completely different person. I am a different person. I wasn't the one who killed. The me before now was. I.." Closing my eyes briefly before I pin the envelope that was resting next to the notebook paper with a glare. "I am S. I am not Kira Lake who is a mass murderer. I bring criminals to justice. I do not sentence them to death." Smiling to myself in satisfaction I bend over and retrieve what had been in my floorboard. Moving downstairs I stuff the notebook papers into my pocket. I shove the black case and my wallet into my bag, before setting on an armchair and opening the envelope. This may contain evidence that is needed to bring Kira to justice.

Kira,

If you have woken up from the condition I left you in. Then you have found out that I am gone. I returned home. I am supposed to be your second yet, I let you fall into such a state. I have failed you. I failed. So I am going to return to my training in hopes that in the future, I can correct my mistakes. Please, don't worry about me and keep yourself out of trouble. As you can tell there are papers folded up with this letter. I am returning them to you for I will no longer need them in order to help with your plans. Maybe you can make use of them. They may help you get out of tight spots to avoid this happening again. Continue your training. I gave you the first step, the rest is for you to figure out. Also, a little tip about your hiding spot. The energy insignia led me to it and you didn't refine your energy enough to make it so only yours can open it. Try to make it denser so only your energy will be accepted.

Your faithful cousin,

Aphrodite Damphire

P.S.

I will come back for you. I swear on all things powerful. I will return.

Looking at the pieces of paper with this letter I found myself heaving a sigh. There was more of a death note. Kira Lake must have made her cousin take up killing. Shaking my head I stand stuffing the new pieces of paper into my pocket and shoving the letter into my back pocket. Was there no limit to what Kira was willing to do? Glancing out the window I notice how late it has become. It seems I have wasted an entire day. Walking up to my room I pull the assortment of duffle bags out of my closet and begin filling them with everything I found that would prove Kira Lake had indeed lived here. After tonight. S will no longer return to a criminal's home. I'll send someone by at a later date to retrieve my computer though. Or... Maybe I should leave it. I can always get another one. Pulling my backpack high on my back with my duffle bags in hand, I walked out of that house for the last time. If I remember my information right. This house isn't even in Kira's name. So I'll just have the key to it sent to the one whose name is on it. It would be only right. Even if, they will soon be executed for their crimes. It was time to come up with not only a plan to bring Kira to justice but also, return this key. Maybe there is a way I can do both at the same time.

*Light*

Having been called to the precinct My dad, Matsuda, Mogi, Aizawa, and I were sitting in my dad's office waiting for the reason we had been brought here. It was already well into the night more nearing the early hours of the morning. What could be so important to drag us all here? "Chief, someone has arrived to see you." Hideki Ide's voice came in over the intercom. My dad just pressed a button and spoke.

"Right, let them in." He sounded tired but also worried about what this was all about. Not uncommon for my father. He has always worried more than he probably should. We were standing in the dark office. Silence among us as we all quietly tried to figure out why we were here. Hideki Ide was a member of the Kira Task Force who keeps himself here at the NPA so he can navigate any evidence to us. I had found that early on in the investigation he had willingly pulled himself from the Task Force because he didn't trust L like the rest of them did. It was understandable, it is hard to place trust and faith in someone you had never met before and even turned around investigating those who were supposed to be helping him. Once Higuchi had died Ide contacted us and placed his idea of remaining at the NPA to help with evidence and arrange the police when we need the help. It wasn't a bad offer. It was good to have someone willing to do that, working from a different direction as the Task Force but ultimately to aid the detectives.

When the office door opened, however, we were brought from our thoughts as we stood up straight. A young girl that looked no older than the age of eighteen walks in. Her sandy blond hair pulled up into a high ponytail. She was wearing a lightweight jean jacket, a baby blue shirt underneath, and hip-hugging blue jeans meeting with her high platform sandals. She was quiet as her green eyes scanned the room. She was pale, which from the breath she just sucked in proved it was from how nervous she was. Walking up to the desk she sets the blue jean bag she had been carrying down before digging into it. Ignoring My father's introduction and question as to why she was here. Pulling out a laptop she opened the lid and turned it so we all could see the screen. Showing a grey image with the old English font L.

"Greetings task force, it has been a long time." During his words, his filtered voice clearly softened. Everyone began to gasp. My father is the one who recovered first.

"Ryuz… I mean L. Is that really you?" He questions staring at the screen.

"Yes, it is me. I have left with Watari. After... What happened." He paused once he had said the word after. Before finally getting his emotions back under control. "First, I would like to send my regards to all of you for the loss."

"Thank you." Dad spoke looking down. The weight of shock in the room shifts to more of grief passing over everyone. Why is L contacting us now? With Kira gone does that mean he wants to... Take L away from me, away from the task force?

"I set up this meeting because I felt it was necessary. My friend here will give you items that are best in your care. First. Mr. Yagami." He pauses giving the girl enough time to dig back into her bag and retrieve a white box from it. Turning to my dad she holds it out for him. He hesitantly took it before opening the box and looking inside giving a gasp.

"What's wrong dad? What is it?" I ask him moving up next to him to look down. In his hands was the very picture frame he had given Kira for her birthday. Having been filled with a picture she had taken at her birthday party with the camera Sayu had given her. It was a picture of him at the table and her leaning over the back of his chair smiling. On the bottom of the picture itself, words in a blue glitter read. -My dad and I- I didn't know she had decided on a picture for the frame. Last I had known she was happily joking about us finding ways to create the perfect picture. Feeling my heart rise to my throat I look away from the picture to my dad seeing tears falling from his eyes as he silently cries.

"Next, Mr. Mogi." L says, his voice having lost its edge as the control he had found wavers. The girl then retrieves something from her bag again and hands it to him.

" you." He spoke taking it from her but preferring not to open the package he holds it in his hand at his side.

"Aizawa." L calls next and the girl retrieves yet another item handing it to him. "Matsuda." She pulls a small gift bag from within her own bag and takes it to him. Upon taking it, Matsuda reaches inside and pulls out a small little tiger plushie and an envelope. Opening it he unfolds the letter and reads it allowed for us all to hear.

"Matsu, I seen this tiger the other day when I was out shopping with my cousin. I immediately thought of you. I hope I got the date right and today is your birthday. Let this tiger remind you of the courage it took for you to sneak into Yotsuba. You may shy away like a little kitten, but your inner strength is a tiger. I hope you have an awesome birthday my tiger friend." His words began to break out as his tears escaped. Using the arm holding the plushy he fights to wipe away the painful tears.

"Now, Light." Ryuzaki states and the girl pulls out a single envelope and brings it to me.

"Thank you." I say even though my voice only comes out as a mere whisper. Taking the envelope I open the fold and look inside. Within was a set of keys that I could recognize immediately... The keys to the house we had gotten for her.

"I believe you will understand why the pendent you had gotten for her isn't in there. I thought, from her feelings towards you... It was best to not separate her from it." Ryuzaki explained bringing a nod from me.

"I'd have it no other way." I said dropping the envelope to my side as I look down at the darkened floor.

"Task Force, times are dark but we must believe in the light. Light, take good care of my name for me." He spoke before the call cut off abruptly. The girl however closed the laptop and bagged it back up before walking out of the office and leaving us all standing there in our own mourning.