Chapter 17

"I have an announcement to make." Soichiro cleared his throat gravely before turning to face us. Mom placed the cake I baked onto the side of the table before sitting down with a concerned expression.

"Dear, are you alright?" she whispered and held dad's hands under the table. Soichiro patted his wife's palms before sighing in exhaustion. He was tired. Really tired. Soichiro's hand was clenched, veins twisted from the countless trials they faced as they almost resembled loose, skeletal versions of life-sucking critters.

"I thought that it would be best to tell my family since I am well aware of the risks that I will be taking in the future. I don't want you to be alarmed, but there is a Kira case, and I am currently in charge of it."

The table was silent as all three of us echoed the unknown words, 'it will be dangerous.'

"My condolences," I lowered my eyes onto the table, unable to meet his gaze. No one else spoke out as Dad sighed before breaking the silence.

"Twelve FBI agents who were sent here to help, all killed by Kira." He stated simply as mom's eyes started to tear up from fear and worry. Did the report lack the innocent deaths that I caused?

"No, Soichiro- you can't-"

"I will not be able to walk away knowing that I could have stopped evil!"

Dad's voice bellowed out harshly across the table, silencing her sobs.

Evil? But I would only call it reasonable self-defence.

"Dad," I called out, catching his sombre attention. "Wherever there is a chance, there is also risk."

He barely nodded before I continued.

"I will not stop you because this is what you believe in. I cannot help you because I am not able to do anything." I paused as I felt Light's gaze stiff up next to me. "However, all I can do is to advise you to be careful. If you need, your family will always be here to back you up emotionally."

Soichiro's eyes softened at my words before giving me a trembling smile.

"You have grown so much, Sayu. I had thought you would also be telling me to quit." His hand reached out to grasp mine, staring hard and strongly into my eyes.

"I will do my best." He promised.

"Please Soichiro, you can't do this! You have a family! Your children and I need you! Please don't do this to me, Soichiro! I beg you, you can't!" Mom's voice screeched out and broke, crying into dad's arms.

Dad squeezed his eyes before burying his mouth into her hair, rocking her back and forth before whispering desperate apologies over and over again. Light stayed quiet at everything unwrapping in front of him before he opened his mouth quietly.

"I think that is a very honourable decision, Dad." He began as I expected the next words from the anime to tumble out, something in the area of, 'Yo! Go and chase Kira! I will avenge you!'.

"And I agree with Sayu. Your job comes with high risk. Chasing Kira is even higher. I will respect your decisions, but if Kira hurts you in any way," he paused to take a breath. "I will hunt him down."

Huh?

I blinked blankly as I watched Light exit the kitchen before turning towards Dad who had tears in his eyes.

Wasn't he supposed to say something like, 'I am proud to be your son?'


A few days passed as Dad left the house, bringing many of his personal items with him. He hadn't come back in days after that last moment with us at the dinner table.

"Sayu, can you please bring this to your father? He needs a change of overnight clothes." She reached out and handed me a bag filled with fresh shirts and underwear. I raised my eyes hesitantly at the woman.

...Wasn't Light the one who was given this…? Or did something go wrong, because I seriously have no idea that this would be literally handed to me just like that? I thought I had to grab for it and compete for the spot on who gets to send the package of clothes to the headquarters.

"What? You don't want to?" Mom eyed me with a furrowed brow from my delayed response.

"Oh, of course not! I just thought that Dad already brought enough clothes since you packed most of his bag," I jumped up and headed towards the chair with my light pink coat on it.

"Sayu, I'm going that direction too, I'll walk you there." I heard Light's voice call up from upstairs before he descended the stairs like some kind of angel from hell.

What the heck, that easily? I thought I needed to persuade Light into coming with me or something. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at the guy.

Did he have something to do…?

"Sure," I shrugged innocently before slipping on my boots. "Did you have anything planned in that direction?"

"I was going to buy an extra textbook around that convenience store for my history class." Light shifted his coat onto his shoulders before saying goodbye to Mom.

"Near the Headquarters?" I raised my eyebrows as we stepped outside, walking in the direction of Dad's workplace.

"It's limited edition," he simply answered.

I snorted.

"Well, that's one surprising answer, considering that you actually use textbooks."

I felt Light's eyebrows knit together as the corner of his lips were pressed down into a slight frown.

"Face it Light, I told you I could read you better than anyone. Your excuse for tagging along is one of the worst ones that I've heard this year." I rolled my eyes and quickened my pace, forcing Light to match mine. His hands were shoved tightly into his pockets as we moved, not saying a single word to each other before I broke the silence.

"I thought it was reasonable self-defence."

Light's eyes snapped to my face before uttering out, "what?"

"I thought…" I bit my lip and paused. Oh, I hated repeating phrases. It made me feel stupid.

"-that it was self-defence." I grunted out louder, trying to avoid the chances of him asking to repeat myself.

"The Kira case?" His eyes narrowed towards mine, parting his lips to let the cold air turn into mist around him. At this point, it was better to try and comfort him since even our father was against his ways of dealing with the world.

"Yes," I replied, keeping my eyes solely towards the front. "Kira, whoever he is, was probably under pressure. I mean, if someone was outright trying to kill you, you would fight on instinct."

There was continuous silence between us before Light spoke.

"Do you know who he is?"

That is so not fair, Light. Can't you give me a chance to flatter you before you go all out and demand your identity reveal?!

I pursed my lips up in irritation.

"Yes," I said.

Silence again.

Although it was a bit comfortable, I knew that the longer I dragged this on, the more I would be risking my own life in his hands. Well, not that he could use the Death note on me, but he could always manipulate Misa to kill me without ordering her.

Dammit, I should have also added 'will not be able to manipulate people to harm her!'

I mentally soured my face.

"Will you tell Dad?" He asked again before I stopped my footsteps and rolled my eyes at Light who turned around to glaze over at my expression.

"I thought I had already made it quite clear on the dinner table that night," I shrugged before continuing to walk on in front of Light.

The conversation had completely died out afterwards. The good thing was that we had reached the Headquarters without any interruptions. Light tried calling Dad's cell phone a few times, yet Soichiro never picked up.

Well duh, L literally banned the usage of any unknown electrical device near him.

I shrugged before nodding towards the door of the NPA before we both stepped in, heading towards the receptionist.

"Please, I need to speak directly with someone from the special investigation task force. Is there any way you could contact them?"

The voice instantly snapped my neck towards it, laying my eyes on the black-haired woman. Light's eyes followed mine questioningly as we both listened in on the conversation that was happening right in front of us.

"I'm really sorry, Miss, but the special investigation force is quite strict with their contacts. We cannot reach them with our current means of contact." The man sighed with building irritation.

"Please, I really have important information that can possibly change the situation in the case, could you just please try?" The woman tried again, leaning forwards, desperate.

The receptionist creased his eyebrows at her attempt, looking as if he really couldn't take it anymore. I cut in.

"Mr. Kotoro?" I stepped up with a puzzled expression before his face lightened up a few whole levels as he stood up to greet me. "Can I help?"

"Miss Yagami! Long time no see! What are you doing here?" Kotoro exhaled in relief as I stepped up to the front desk,

"Dad needs a change of clothes. If you see him, can you give it to him?" I gave him a sympathetic smile before turning confidently towards the stranger.

"Sorry to cut in, but about the investigation task force, which one are you talking about?" I gave her a polite smile for a friendly gesture.

"You are…?" She looked at me hesitantly, especially when I was a few heads shorter than her.

"Sayu Yagami and Light Yagami, at your service." I bowed dramatically before lifting my face with a cute grin.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss and Mr. Yagami." She extended her hand to shake both of ours before returning to her cautious stare.

"Ah, so you're the famous son everyone is talking about!" Kotoro's eyes brightened as he reached out to shake my brother's hand.

"Exactly, he's so famous because his name literally stands for Light of the world." I snickered before Kotoro flicked my forehead.

"That's not what he was so famous for, Sayu." Kotoro smiled respectfully at Light before retracting his hand.

"I don't think I am especially famous for doing anything special?" Light chuckled before messing up my hair with his long fingers. I protested my glaring daggers at him and yanked my hair tie completely off to let the strands fall gracefully upon my shoulders.

Damn you, I spent fifteen minutes trying to get the perfect height of this ponytail!

"It might not be big for you, but it sure has built quite a reputation for you inside our building." He turned over to the woman before gesturing towards Light.

"This man helped solve the insurance fraud murder investigation. A talent indeed! However, his sister holds talent as well! No wonder their father was so proud of them." Kotoro beamed. "I believe the two of them can help you out."

"You flatter me too much Mr. Kotoro." Light's pleasant tone was pleased with the receptionist's introduction. Only that both the woman and Kotoro thought his pleased tone was one for modesty. "Sayu must have caused you much trouble from volunteering. I have to apologize for that."

I narrowed my eyes only slightly at his statement, not irked by how he assumed that I was causing trouble, but the fact that he was actively digging for my information.

"No trouble at all!" He laughed in response. "Your sister has quite the scary talent there. Last time it almost scared me half to death."

Light's eyes flashed with amusement before turning down to lock with my gaze, smirking with a full expression of curiosity.

"Oh? I never knew that you had a talent that could scare people?"

"It's not a talent," I shrugged. "Just practice."

"I believe you two siblings will make quite a devastating team for the criminals in the future." Kotoro grinned radiantly before adding, "one with a great mind, the other with exceptional observational skills!"

It took all my facial muscles to not pale at his statement. Team? Excuse me? Excuse moi? Are you insulting my firm revulsion for justice chasing slaves?

"Are you just here to flatter us, Mr. Kotoro? If so, it is not very appreciated." I grumbled before he cackled evilly at my pouting face.

"Anyhow, our father is Soichiro Yagami, currently the chief of one of the special task forces. Which one are you looking for?" I turned my gaze away from Kotoro who sat back down in his seat. Naomi's eyes widened as she stepped closer towards us, desperation lining onto her face.

"The Kira investigation force." She answered right away. "Is it possible for you to contact him?"

"Yes, our father is the one in charge of the investigation," Light's voice rang out almost too quickly. "I assume that you have information that you want to tell them directly?"

"Yes," Naomi nodded, "is it possible?"

"Well, currently the task force is under strict surveillance." I cut Light's mouth movement. "Because Kira's case is so special, considering his...power, L has been extra careful with who he works with. Please understand that it is not the NPA's fault that they cannot contact him."

"Oh," Naomi uttered before crossing a look of disbelief and understanding. "I understand."

"However, we have our dad's number." Light broke her frown and took the reins that I handed him with. "The fastest way to contact him would probably be from us."

Hope crossed the woman's face as Kotoro interrupted.

"I apologize for interrupting, but it's probably better to not be discussing the Kira case with her. No offence Miss, but that case is quite confidential."

"No worries Mr. Kotoro!" I chirped in. "I believe my brother's judgement, not to mention it never hurts to have more information about Kira."

"My dad did mention how much they are struggling with the case. It would really help them if what this lady said was true." I smiled tightly.

"Before we continue, should we take a walk? I'm sure my father will call me once he checks his messages, but that might be after some time." Light said as he gestured to the door. Naomi nodded as we bid farewell with Kotoro.

Outside, the cars passed with vigorous screeching.

Naomi took her right hand to brush a lock behind her ear, accidentally flashing a gold engagement ring.

"So, about the new information," I started as we all paced slowly on the street. "How are you so sure that L hasn't figured it out?"

"I...haven't," Naomi said as her eyes shifted side to side. "But I believe that I should tell him just in case."

I nodded as I glanced towards Light with a look of patience. Somehow, he understood my message and slightly tilted his head as a signal.

"Hmm...well, my brother has been quite interested in the Kira case lately. It's been a trending topic, but I think that maybe my brother would have more leads than L." I tilted my head innocently as Naomi's eyes widened at the information.

"More than L?"

"In fact, yes," I started, nodding my head as I saw Light's gears turn in his head quite impatiently. "You see, dad's always talking about the Kira case. Of course, he didn't reveal any findings because of his honour of a detective, but on how L is moving these days, it seems like Light has a better grasp on the case than him."

"What are your thoughts?" Naomi turned her focus gaze towards Light, herself initiating the information.

Hook, line, sinker!

Naomi is like, such an L fan, LOL.

If I just slightly compare L with my brother...She'll bite like the little obedient fish she is.

"Sayu is being rude, please excuse her actions." He smiled apologetically and eyed Naomi's strong and curious expression before continuing.

"I don't have enough evidence to prove it, but I believe that Kira is able to control his victim's actions before their deaths." Light hesitated, leaving room for Naomi to butt perfectly in.

"No, you're not wrong! That's exactly what I think! In fact, I think he can cause different ways of deaths, not just by a heart attack!"

What a…terrible spy. Honestly, who goes out blurting their speculations?

Light's eyes flashed darkly at her answer.

"I'm pretty sure that someone I know has even come in contact with Kira!" Naomi's eyes widened desperately. Why was she so desperate?

"Lady, do you have evidence?" I narrowed my eyes at her accusation. Naomi's face fell a bit.

Oh, so that's why...no one believed her.

"I barely have evidence," her voice came out just a bit too feeble, but Light and I both caught that fact, exchanging stares with each other. "I do know that my accusations seem a bit far-fetched for the police to believe..."

"No, it's fine. More information is better than none." I smiled sympathetically. "Um...by the way, your name is? I'm sorry, I was calling you 'lady' the whole time."

She needs to die.

Now.

My smile grew tighter on the spot, feeling the potential dangers she could bring if the plot was changed. Light could possibly die if I didn't end this now.

That was right, even at L's death, I don't remember that he fully found out that Light could control the actions before death.

"It's Shoko Maki." She nodded as Light took out a piece of his notepad to jolt it down.

"How do you spell it? I might need to introduce your name to my dad before he decides to meet you. Maybe L will recognize your name?"

"Uh, it's written with the characters for "shining". "Ko" as in "child" space and "ki" as in "tree"." She nodded stiffly before Light scribbled it down.

"She's lying," I hissed venomously before Light flinched at my sudden change in attitude.

"You are a repulsive liar," I snarled out before snatching Light's hand to drag him away from the lady. Light's expression remained guarded but his eyes were furious at me.

Bruh, hold up! Let me finish my sentence!

"Raye would never have a fiance like you." I shot at her as her lips practically quaked from choking out. It was intentional that I used Raye's first name, hinting to her at the fact that Raye had dropped the Japanese culture with me.

That I knew him on a personal level.

"Wait!"

By now Light's expression was horrifyingly twisted. I could see his shoulders tremble in fury and menace before he thrust it back down, plastering the tightest smile I've ever seen across his face.

"Yes, Miss Shoko?" His tone came out more mockingly than it was supposed to, but the situation that I created allowed him to release just a small percent of his actual emotions.

The grip on my hand tightened.

I squeezed back reassuringly, smiling at him with comfort.

His eyes softened only a tiny bit before they returned back into full-on calculation mode.

"You...do you know about Raye?" Naomi stumbled towards us in panic before I downturned my lips again, making a distasteful expression.

"I don't believe I have the permission to disclose someone's personal information, Miss Shoko." I brushed her off coldly before turning my back against her.

"No, wait, please, I'm sorry I lied about my name! It was just protection from Kira!"

I intentionally showed her my pursed-up lip, as if considering her apology.

"Fine," I grumbled. "I can understand why you're being so careful."

I stepped closer towards her before Light stepped in between us, shielding me away from her like I was some fragile glass while narrowing his eyes down at Naomi.

Whoot! Nice acting, Light!

With Light's actions, it gave off a clear message that we were wary of her, and did not trust her.

His actions made her panic.

And guilty.

"To be honest," I sighed with irritation seeping from my voice. I saw Naomi physically flinch from my acting as I ran my fingers through my long hair, letting them twirl in the cold air before turning my gaze to face her.

"When I said I trusted my brother's judgment, that was a lie." I deliberately slowed down my pace to make sure she was hearing them word by word. "When I saw that golden engagement ring on your hand, I was so sure that you were Raye's fiance."

I pointed to her ring.

"You were exactly how he described her. Tall, thin, black hair, and gorgeous black eyes." I rolled my eyes forwards before jutting out my hip.

"Right-handed, serious, and honest." I flashed her a slight smile. "He was a very nice man."

"How...how do you know him?" She gulped and took in a sharp breath.

"He was my saviour," I stated simply. Light's eyebrows lifted up before frowning even more.

"I was almost in a car crash, but thankfully he pulled me out of the way." I closed my eyes to search for the cringiest memory from the soap opera dramas.

"That time, I was honestly scared out of my life, hyperventilating and screaming. But he managed to calm me down." I emphasized his action, describing how heroic he was.

"It was at that time when he mentioned you." I stopped before snapping open my gaze. "Well, I'm not even sure if it's you. He said that you were honest, but in order to wiggle your way to contact our father, you lied straight out of your teeth."

I crossed my arms as Naomi lowered her gaze from mine.

"Anyhow, Raye left me with his last words to her. He told me that she would definitely try to entangle herself with the Kira case, so if I ever met her at HQ, I would tell her about his words."

Dying love notes, how romantic is that?

"I am his fiance! I swear!" Naomi started to pale as her fingers trembled.

"How do I know if you're the one?" I snarled and stepped back. Light shuffled with me, continuing to guard me.

"You wouldn't even tell us your name."

She was left in silence before I added, giving her the last push.

"Don't worry, I already know her name. I just don't want to reveal her identity and endanger her, after all, Raye did meet Kira according to you, so who knows, you might just be Kira herself."

"Naomi Misora," she blurted out.

"And how can we trust you?" I pitched up my voice in questioning. "You already lied to us once."

Naomi fumbled with her purse before pulling out a license.

Light peered at it with piercing eyes before acting his part.

"This is real. I will tell that to my father," Light scribbled down the name on his notepad before nodding with hidden delight. Silence passed between all of us before Naomi returned her card to her pouch.

"...Then about Raye's words?" Naomi looked anxiously at me before I nodded gravely.

"Well...He said…" I paused deliberately, counting the numbers in my mind. When the count had reached 20, I continued.

"To be honest, I was bullshitting the entire time." A grin finally spread sardonically across my face.

Naomi's face instantly paled as her moist eyes began to appear from her infrequent blinking.

"W-why?" Her voice almost shrieked before I leaned affectionately on my dear brother, hand intertwined with his.

It was Light's turn to smirk this time.

"Because I am Kira."


Author's notes:

HOLY that was a long dialogue chapter!

The pace was quite slow so I hope you guys stayed till the end!

Enjoy the rest of your day! You have no idea how happy the comments make me!

If I'm being cringy I'll add, "you, are my source of light. My fuel to inspiration! My imagination and my dedication! You everything that keeps me alive."

Anyhow,

Reviews are desperately needed!