What is the meaning of this? Light thought this when he heard about the factory Akumetsu incident. Its been the third case this week. What is their reach? Also, the results of the autopsy continued to perplex me. The more thought about it, the only reasonable answer that could fit would be that they were all clones. This information cannot be made public or else there would be a mass panic. How can I stay one step ahead of this questionable group?

Buzz!

I got a call from Kiyomi, "Hey Light, can we meet sometime today and go out somewhere nice."

I didn't think I should be taking a break from work today, but something told me that I needed to clear my mind before tackling this case full-fledged. So I answered "Sure thing. What do you have planned?"

"I don't know. I was thinking that we could maybe do something like: walking in the city, eating at a café, then another stroll in a park."

"Sounds good. I'll be free after three today we can meet after that."

…

Its unusual for Light to take time off from work just for me. Especially with the responsibility of his post he's been pretty cold to me in general. I know that he still has feelings for me but he isn't too public about that. I'm actually fairly excited for this day trip. I went to the spot we promised to meet outside of the JSDF building.

I was sitting on a bench waiting when Light walked up casually with his coat across his shoulder. He called out to me without a smile, "Hi, Kiyomi."

"Hey, Light. I already planned out the day. We can walk in the financial district for a while then have a lunch outside this art gallery I've been wanting to check out. There's an exhibit of a young genius painter/ sculptor that I've been wanting to see. Finally to round off the day: a stroll through the hanging garden. What d'ya think, Light?"

"Hahha, ok, ok we'll do all of that,"

"I liked your enthusiasm on that one, huff," I said playfully.

"It's good we can go and watch the big corporate guys from the streets right; it's your pet peeve isn't it?"

"Hahha, sure is!"

We took a cab to the district which took about twenty minutes. As we got off we noticed not many people were out on the streets.

"Hmm, it looks like people are so scared of Akumetsu that they won't walk out in broad daylight. How times have changed."

"Well, it keeps the fat cats and their minions at bay. Not that I'm condoning their actions. I'm looking to bring this group under justice as much as much as any other terrorist group."

"Now they have to do their scheming carefully," I quipped in.

"The other major case has to do with the Finnish and an underground movement to bring Japan to its knees. These are my two top priorities at the moment."

"That's true… you are so busy right now. Why did you decide to take the afternoon off?"

"I just wanted some fresh air, and I'm not talking about the weather," he looked at me with a coy glare.

I felt a chill run down my spine, but at the same time a warmth from the fact that he needed me.

We spent about half an hour just small talking while keeping alert for any suspicious activity in the financial district. It was as he said: there were very few people outside with frightened looks on their faces. Akumetsu has fundamentally changed this city.

Next on the agenda: Lunch.

I had a place in mind that my colleagues at work recommended for the two of us. Pantasia: Its specialty was its breads and its somewhat-of-a mascot man with an unseemly afro. I was excited for this. We took another cab to the downtown area.

"Ah stop here," I directed to the driver. To Light: "Here we are: Pantasia!"

"Hahha, you seem so excited about this," Light answered.

"Breads that are from all of the world and original Japanese breads, what's not to like?"

"We'll see sure enough."

A half hour later, with our stomachs filled with delicatessen bread, I led Light toward a little known garden called: Pian Nimbus's Hanging Garden. We could hear someone singing within the mass of willow trees.

Was there some event occurring?

…

Singing.

After a bit Kiyomi spoke, "I wish there was something more I could do to help you, Light. I feel that that when you need me most all I can do is reporting on the usual scumbags and nothing about the real terrors.

"Please don't be concerned so much about me. There may be a time when I'd have to distance you for your own protection."

Again with that singing...

I continued, "It'd be temporary at most...

A girl in a gothic lolita outfit interrupted us by running across the park nearly colliding with me.

Was she crying?

...

We walked further, "Are you worried, Light. Aren't these cases getting more and more dangerous?"

"That's one of the reasons I took a half day at work. I just needed to clear my mind," he answered back.

Just then we ran into a child and his babysitter. The young boy looked us over quickly then said, "Hey, Aren't you that reporter lady who goes after the corporate crime rings?"

"Look your fans come from all age groups, aren't you happy dear," I noted.

"Well, kid, if you want I can give you my signature if you'd like it."

We were interrupted.

Buzz!

I picked up the bluetooth receiver, "This is Falcon. Over!"

"Hear you loud and clear. Over."

"We have suspicious activity around the Nerv Quantum Computing Center. There are people entering the lower levels wearing cloaks. Check it out. Over."

"Aff. Over," I Turned to Kiyomi now, "Kiyomi..."

She cut me off, "I know, I know... Just be careful."