C H A P T E R F O U R
Second Step
A few days upon Souichirou's hospitalisation, Light was called upon the special Japanese Kira Task Force as a volunteer in stead of his father. They were extremely understaffed and Light was promised a pay cheque as well as a position had he performed the task well. It was an opportunity for him to analyse his opponent's chess pieces in closer look— so, as a materialist, Light obviously took the chance.
It didn't occur to him that there would be a call from Kira...
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-!!!".
Everyone turned and see the detective who, just now were calm and collected, stumbled upon her chair and fell onto the ground. At once, he was on his feet and rushes over L, who is still cowering on the floor, eyes still fixated on the broadcast. She had a prominent look of fears in her eyes that, at this point, Light couldn't tell if it was fake or that she is actually and genuinely scared for her life,
The latter sounds like a delicious possibility...
"Shinigami...? Am I... am I just supposed to believe in the existence of such thing...?", she whispered, her eyes still locked at the TV screen. The elegant gothic font spelling out the name of KIRA stood vibrant, and L couldn't help but to feel those syllables are taunting her...
That couldn't be— Light-kun is right there!
Light let out a nervous chuckle, his hand somehow snaked onto L's shoulder, giving a firm squeeze. "I-I'm sure that they're just messing with you! I mean, come on now! Shinigamis doesn't exist!".
It took everything in Light's willpower to not laugh on sight.
L, on the other hand, is conflicted— it seems like there's another piece on board, a Queen, perhaps. The new opponent seems stronger than the original Kira, as it only took them faces to kill, but it seems like this Kira doesn't have any resolve of their own. They seem to not know of what to do with the power (or curse) bestowed upon them, and is now following Kira's path in being a vigilante. If L's guesses are anymore wrong, if these two joined forces, WWIII may be at stake.
L needs to do everything in her power to prevent that from happening.
"Gentlemen, we should wrap it up for tonight", she claims, standing up, "I will give you the summary of these recordings first thing tomorrow".
L left the room in haste, unknowingly of someone who has been favouring her expression.
Light decides that L would look so goddamn pretty if she cries.
A few days passed since then, and Misa Amane showed up at his doorstep.
The girl, when seen in flesh, is undoubtedly beautiful. Light doesn't doubt her career as a model, but he found her wearing gothic Lolita themed clothe in front of his house, on a chilly September night, is completely unnecessary (not to mention it'd give the wrong idea).
The introduced herself as a 'friend' whose only intention is to return a notebook she borrowed (that was a bit of a stretch. They do have business with notebooks, but she is not at all what he'd consider a friend). Light couldn't help but to be disgusted with her choice of attire, but he puts on a facade and lets her in.
"You're... you're Kira, right?", she spoke, as soon as Light had locked the door in order to ensure the risk of being walked on upon, "Gosh...! I-I always dreamt of meeting you!".
"Yeah, let's cut to the chase, should we?", Light sneered, "How the hell did you found me?".
Misa looked at him temporarily, before giggling a childish laugh. Light isn't sure if there's some sorts of trend with woman who favours in making themselves looked as childish as plausible, but Light doesn't find this endearing. It's like he's dealing with a child, and children are not amongst his favourite things to deal with on this world.
"I take it you didn't do the eye deal, then?", she asked, "I did. Rem said that it'll be a great help to expand your agenda, and I— oh hell, I think it's better if you see her for yourself ", she said, before handing Light a black book. It has the same exact exterior as his Death Note, sparring of the sound the spelled out 'Desu–Notto' in Katakana characters. The texture is just as the same as his— leathery. He goes and touched it.
That's when he sees it.
Rem.
"Greetings, Light Yagami", the white Shinigami spoke, barring her fangs, "I believe a meeting is due...".
L let out an insufferable sigh as she closed her desktop, reminiscing of what had happened earlier today. The ordeal was such a trigger memory; her mind couldn't help but to travel back in time and thought of a certain someone, all the way back during her childhood years...
"Don't you understand it, Ellie? This is a gift!".
While she's not one to simply let go a hypothesis or a theory until it was either proven false or otherwise, she had bluntly refused to believe Beyond Birthday right there and then. She loathes to say, but that boy scares her. The thought of being vulnerable and exposed to a certain someone is straight up unsettling, and she hates nothing more than vulnerability.
It didn't help that she also intended in keeping her actual name a secret...
"A... Alternative... was going to die anyway...", Beyond had refused to shed a tear on that day, but L could hear the tremor building up, "I've seen his numbers gone down. He was going to die today, one way or another..."
"Frankly, I don't think you should waste your tears on him...".
It's not that L doesn't grieve for A, or isn't sad when he died— trust her when she said that the feeling of failing someone is excruciating. L couldn't sleep for days on end because his death haunts her, but she couldn't cry. She genuinely could not shed a single tear, and that's not her fault. She genuinely didn't mean to not cry during his funeral.
'When did things got this bad...?', she ponders, leaning against her chair, exhausted. When the second Kira has confessed about this supposingly 'not existing' Shinigami, she didn't actually intend to have such a heavy reaction to it that she fell— but she saw a gleam of Light's face for a moment, ever so temporarily, before he rushes over her, probably wanting to be seen as a heroine...
It was anger.
Now, L isn't experienced is emotions herself, but she knows that is not the type of reactions you should be having when faced with a situation where someone is admitting something that practically defies every law to ever ceased to exist.
Light's face was so hate-filled and malicious, as if he's angry that the person is admitting of such existence more than shocked that he just found out. The way he simply brushed off the thought is suspicious, too— L believes that the only person who'd held onto this would probably be Matsuda, but she knows for certain that none of the Task Force members would be so willing to just let go of the statement...
It just... didn't add up.
Nothing makes sense.
Putting on a set of gloves, she carefully examined each tape— she has watched them for over 13 times, each two times in different ways. Backwards, fast forwards, etc. This may be the most crucial time of the case, and she's not going to let such a silly mistake gets past her.
Then, there was a knock on the door, follows by Watari's voice.
"Ma'am, is it okay if I enter?".
She sets down the tapes, "Yes. Please do, Watari".
The man enters, dressed in tailored tuxedo, walks in as he carries a tray of her preferred food, sweets. As he sets the tray down, he glances over her workspace where he frowns when spotted such big mess. L has a habit of getting a bit too hyper fixated on her work when she's alone that she had unintentionally ignores her surrounding, else such unpleasant mess would be simply unacceptable. Watari is yet to enforce a much healthier schedule onto her.
"May I suggest a cup of tea, dear?", he asked, pouring down a cup before she could respond, "and a few strawberries shortcake as well. I had run errand just this afternoon and thought of getting them".
"Thank you, Watari", L said, as she accepts the cup of tea and makes space for her cake. As she sipped on them, she glances over at the old man, asking, "What are your views on the case so far, Watari?".
"If you insist, ma'am— I think that both Kira's have the upper hand of the situation here", he claims, "I believe that these... Shinigami things are more serious than we initially thought, and that we mustn't take it too lightly, much less brush the possibility off", he paused momentarily, meeting her eyes, "I... also advised you to take yourself off the case if it's becoming too overwhelming. If the Shinigami theory is proven to he true, I'd prefer if you pull the plug and—".
"No".
"Pardon me?".
"I will not pull the plug on this case", said L, as she bit down onto her fork, "Not now, not ever. Especially since when it has progressed so much and the stakes are so high— I can't bring myself to do that. I don't even think I could live it down, having failed such a crucial case, much less forgiving myself for ever giving up...", she played with her strawberry, avoiding eye contact, "Did you remember when Ukita died...?".
"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but I seem to not understand where this is going—".
"Hirokazu Ukita", L cuts him off, fiddling with the fork at hands, "Age 26 years old, birth on November 9, 1980 and died over a few days ago, which is on April 18, 2007. He is a father of two, and was on the brink of broken marriage. He has a little sister that is still in High school, just inches away from graduating, planning to attend To-Oh. He also has a mother, but she's on hospital bed, seconds away from death".
She let out a heavy sigh, heart going heavy.
This was harder than she expected...
"Ukita-san was their only source of income— since his death, his mother's health has deteriorated rather exponentially and is estimated to die from premature death on March 1st 2009. His sister has no money left and is forced to quit her school club just so she could pay rent, working as a mere cashier at 7-11. His children, if his sister fails to pay the cost of custody and is proven to be a healthy guardian of the two, is going to be sent to an orphanage since their mother refused to have any ties to Ukita...".
"The news anchor was also killed, Kazuhiko Hibima, remember him...?", asked L meekly, "He has about three kids to support, and his wife has been unemployed since their marriage, now trying to look for a job just so she could have enough for her kids. The other one, Seiji Kumaizumi, died just because he insisted that Kira was evil, all in while had his father on his deathbed... ".
"Those 12 FBI agents died while simply doing what was instructed... Naomi Misora's body was never found— ".
She looked up at Watari, dead in the eyes.
"Unless I die, like hell I am not going to quit".
Seeing L on campus almost cost him a panic attack, but Light then remembers that she's technically also a student here, which gives her a decent reason to be present.
Light was walking with Kiyomi Takada, a person who's among the top 10 and has the same professor as his under the same lecture— they were talking about... dreams? He can't seem to recall, but if doesn't matter anyway— To him, it's more of listening to Kiyomi's ramble rather than actually participating on the conversation, so the topic is irrelevant on his part.
He almost visibly smiled as soon as he saw L.
"Yagami-kun!", L waved, "How's it going?".
'Better now that you're here', he thought. He glances over to Kiyomi, apologising, "I'm so sorry Takada-san, but I need to go now".
"Oh, it's okay", she said, smiling endearingly before looking over at L. Light could only guess that Kiyomi is silently judging, since she scrunched her nose before saying, "A friend of yours?", in the most disgusted tone she could muster. Light chuckles.
"A co-worker", he corrected, "I'm starting to work on the Kira case, remember? She's a fellow co-worker".
"Must be nice to be smart", she claims, completely ignoring the fact that Light is working on a case profiling himself. Even better, she just bluntly ignores the fact that there's two people working on the most confidential cases of all time. "Well. You two have fun. I guess I'll be catching up on you later?".
"Yes. See you soon!".
The two waved just as L walks over to Light, nibbling her thumb in curiosity.
"Does Yagami-kun thinks it's wise to just state the fact that both he and I are working on the Kira case?", she asked, "That news will certainly stir up some sort of commotion, and I hate the paparazzi most".
Light laughs, "No offense, Ryuga— but it's more likely they'll be interviewing me instead of you...", he looked at Kiyomi, who's now probably moping that Light left her for another girl, "And it's most likely she's too heartbroken to hear".
"I agree. Yagami-kun shouldn't make a habit of leaving a woman for another one", she claims, "It is rather unbecoming, not to mention distasteful for his part", she pauses, "But I guess at this point, nothing bad he could do to tarnish his reputation... it seems like almost everyone already has a soft spot for him the moment they laid eyes upon Light-kun".
Light simply chuckles, "It's not like that...", turning towards L, he then asked, "What about you, Ryuga? Do you have a soft spot for me?".
"... I barely have any space in me, let alone for a suspect".
"I guess that's true— ".
"LIGHTTT!!!".
Damnit.
Misa was aesthetic— she was overbearing with joy just as soon as she finds out that her photoshoot for ad campaign is going to be held near her dear Light's campus. They were prepping for a final shot when she decided to excuse herself, wanting to see her boyfriend under the disguise of a bathroom break.
"Misa-Misa is so happy to see you!", she claims, hugging him, "Misa-Misa miss you so much! I have a photoshoot around here, so I decided to pay you a visit!".
That's when she spots L.
"Oh— I, uh...", hastily, she turned towards Light, "A friend of yours?".
"Yes. Just a friend of mine", Light grumbles. He can't believe this! He specifically told her that neither of them is to meet each other until the suspicion that strained so heavy on his back is off! She's going to ignore her warnings just because she misses him? What the hell!
"This is Ryuga", Light spoke, "Hideki Ryuga".
"Huh?", Misa narrowed her eyebrows, looking over L's head where the woman's *actual* name is hovering, along with her lifespan. That's... that's not her name?
"I know right? She has the same exact name as that famous actor!", Light claims, trying to diffuse the situation. He could feel L's eyes on both of them. "It's so crazy! I was fooled too when I first heard about her. What a small world we live in, am I right?".
'Come on woman, take the bait!'.
"Y-yeah...", Misa spoke, making it seems like she's agreeing with Light.
"Hehehe...".
The both of them turn to L when they heard of her chuckling, frozen in place— she has a sinister look on her face that makes both of the shudders. Misa was more concern than she is worried, but Light is just in disbelief. L had only met the model within 5 minutes; had she discovers that she's the second Kira already? If so, based on what? Misa is stupid, but she's not wearing a sign that screams 'I'm the second Kira!' now, is she?
"Light-kun... I'm so envious of you...".
Eh?
"Misa-san... I'm... I'm a big fan of yours", she claims, eyes fluttering along with a few skittish and shy behaviour, "I've been a fan since your debut cover of Eighteen back in August. I've been envious of you ever since...".
Misa brightens, "Oh my! Light! Why didn't you tell me that she was a fan?".
"I didn't even know— ".
"Thank you so much for your support!", she exclaims, holding L's hands in hers, "Misa-Misa will do her best to give you the most awesome of presentation!", her smile softens, "I didn't know that you were a fan, so I just jumped into conclusions... Misa is so sorry about that! What can I do to make it up? Do you want a ticket to my next concert? How about a signature? A merchandise, perhaps?".
"Seeing you in person is enough of a gift, Misa-san", claimed L, smiling (in Light's opinions) dazzlingly. It wasn't until another student spotted Misa that stirs up a commotion, causing for many students who's either on their way to lecture or having a free time to come and surround them, Misa being the centre of attention per usual due to her career.
Light grimace. Such crowds are never his thing. He turned a deaf ear when they begin smothering Misa.
"What are you doing here, Misa-san?".
"You look so cute!".
"What skincare products do you use?".
While Misa is being hovered and poured with questions and compliments, it wasn't long until her manager comes along and spotted her, eyes flashing with anger and frustration for the young model.
"Misa!", she screamed, "What are you doing here? We're on schedule!", she claimed angrily, snatching Misa's hand before dragging her away. The crowd watches her as she goes, waving and smiling.
"I'll text you later, okay?".
Just as the two watches Misa being dragged fiercely, the crowd begins to subdued.
"I'm glad that's all over", Light laughs. And that was true. Another second spent on that situation would provoke him to make the eye deal and kill everyone on sight (well, maybe sparring L). L nibbles on her thumb, nodding, "Well, that is one of the few reasons I never goes publicly as L. I really don't want to deal with that".
He grins, "That's right".
The both of them stood nonchalantly before Light spoke, trying to break the silence. "Say... do you want to grab some coffee at the usual place? I heard they opened up a new section of menu, focusing on mainly sweets. I don't have anything for today now, so what do you say?".
L's eyes perked, "Well... if you don't mind...".
"Of course, I don't!", Light claims, almost too enthusiastically, "But why don't you go ahead first? I needed to go to the bathroom really quick. All of those commotions earlier have been making my stomach a bit queasy...", and it wasn't a lie. Light always feel the need to have a bathroom break after being smothered by people, even if the attention isn't directed to him. It just feels... uncomfortable.
L nodded, seemingly understanding. "Sure, I will book us a place".
Just as the two-part ways, Light grins maliciously. Despite of the number of people, Misa must've at least taken a glimpse of L, thus knowing her name. He doesn't want to necessarily kill her, at least not now, but he needs to be of possession of the name. He will score a checkmate, but L will be transferred on his side as his queen.
All he needed, is in a matter of a single button.
Ring~ ring~
"Hello?".
Son of a bitch.
L stares gleefully at the ringing phone presented before her, smiling almost eerily (Watari once said she has a nice smile. She never believed him). She could practically feel Light's glare, which is reasonable— she did, after all, ruined his plans in finding out her name.
All within her calculations.
"Hello?", she said, to which Light responds, "What do you mean hello?".
"Oh, is that you Light?", mocking has never been so fun, "I'm sorry. It seems like someone has dropped this from all of the commotions earlier!".
There was a distant grumble on the other side of the phone, which could indicate either anger or sheer annoyance. Either way, L is having a field day. She had her fair and share in teasing the criminals she pursues before, but one with the most ego has always been her favourite to pick on.
Such as Kira himself.
L waited at Light took a deep breathe, probably wanting to summon God (if there is) to somehow bestow patience upon him. He was a modest student, after all. The eye of society. Punching a woman would be straight up bizarre coming from him, even if she was an eyesore to the boot.
Barely containing himself, Light replied, "Yes. It's Misa's. Do you mind giving it back to me? It will be no problem for me to hand it back to her, as we both do plan to meet up afterwards...".
"Alright, fair enough".
She turned around and walked up towards him, reluctantly handing Misa's cell phone, muttering "Here you go". While she is a total inept when it comes to romantic relationship, she knows for sure one bonds could never be so strong that they missed each other the moment they part ways.
It just doesn't make sense; hence why both of their percentage are skyrocketing as of now.
"Thanks", Light responds, "I'll see you later, Ryuzaki".
"Likewise,".
As the two-part ways, Light pulls out his cell phone, dialling a different number yet was directed to the same person. L was smart, but does she really expect that Light has no other means of communication with Misa other than one lousy technology? He couldn't help but to feel offended! But it does prove beneficial on his part, as he has finally counterpart L's (perfect) movement.
Finding solace in his plan, Light begins to dial Misa's number and—
Ring~! Ring~!
He hasn't pressed anything yet!
Grumbling, he turned around to see L had already answering her call— 'Who the hell is calling her?', he ponders, eyes narrowed. His head were filled with intrusive thoughts. Was it her boyfriend? Significant other?
Husband, maybe?
Light wants to kill whoever that is.
L, on the other hand, is oblivious to the malicious intent revolving around her love life. Instead, she kept a casual conversation with whoever that's on the other side of the phone, giving half-assed responds. Once she was done, she tucked away her cell phone before turning around, meeting Light in the eyes.
"Light-kun... I don't know how to tell you this, but right now your girlfriend, Misa Amane, is being held custody by the police under the suspicion of being the second Kira".
Wait, what?
To say that Rem was shocked would be an understatement— she was downright mortified when she watched as a group of full-grown men (maybe twice the size of Misa and her manager) pulled up in a vehicle wearing black armour, covering their whole faces and body. If it was just a one or two people, Rem wouldn't waste another second and would've written their names, but now, it was a group of people.
Which means that whatever she does would've been considered futile.
She watched as the men throw the two humans inside of the vehicle quickly. Rem could only assume the cars they were using were branded as someone who was from a high authority, or else she doubted the bystanders here would've let these people get away kidnapping a huge model on a brought daylight.
That, or humans really are heartless.
'Don't worry, Gelus', Rem thought as she flew by the car, making sure that Misa is unharmed, 'I will protect the girl whom you fell in love with'.
Rem could only hope that Light Yagami has some sort of plan to bail out Misa up in his sleeves, as she helplessly followed to whatever destination they were intending to bring the girl to.
Rem grimaces.
Light Yagami will help her bailing Misa.
He has to. He has no say, nor choice in this matter.