Chapter 19: Tightening Noose
"A curse of the Death Note is a heavy burden. I see how easy it can be to simply write a person's name in the Note, but the hardest thing to do is to leave the Note completely blank. That is the heaviest of both burdens.
-Akane Yagami-
Insane laughter filled the room that was painted the color of blood with a blacken and golden throne at it's center. This throne held a man. His red gleaming eyes glared out over the city. His Shinigami Ryuk stared at him as he leaned against the wall a half eaten apple in his hand. He had a distasteful look on his face. He obviously despised him, but this human did provide interesting entertainment.
He's been laughing for three straight minutes. Damn psycho. What are you planning now? Ryuk thought to himself before taking a bit of his apple.
"So my dear little Akane has a boyfriend now. Interesting..." his voice spoke and it evidently had a wicked intent in it's notes. "I'll take care of that soon enough, but first it's time to isolate the Task Force. Once that is done... I'll use it's own members to investigate L for me while I sit back and watch the show. Maybe they'll even find out who Tenshi is as well. They think they have an edge, but in the end I will end up on top."
Ryuk didn't say a word. In fact he hadn't spoken much to the human in days. The human has been killing and scheming for days. He could barely understand what he was doing anymore, but he knew what the human wanted. He wanted the world in the palm in his hand and Akane on a leash as his wife or whatever she was suppose to be to him these days. Though he still didn't realize Akane had the same power he did and even more than that. Not like Ryuk would tell him. That would ruin the fun. He was curious what was going to happen in the following months.
….
L and Miguel sat together in a room. 'Tenshi' leaned against the wall watching them both with a stern gaze. They both agreed that L and herself would choose when Akane would show her true face to Miguel, who they still only knew as Neko. Well if you didn't include her power to see his name of course.
"Let me guess this weird looking guy is L," Miguel said his legs spread as he leaned back both comfortable and seemingly arrogant at the same time.
"Yes, he is," Akane told him. "If you want to join us he's the one you have to talk to."
"Not what I expected. I was thinking of someone like the Sherlock Homes movies, but whatever man," Miguel said pulling out his Death Note and tossing it to L. He pointed his thumb behind them, "This Grim Reaper looking guy is my Shinigami Thanatos and who's the brad?"
L opened his note and found it blank except for the rules and instructions on how to use it, Akane only showed a slip of paper. Not the whole thing like Neko is revealing to us. She seemed very protective of it or maybe it was that she didn't completely trust us then. She seems to feel like no one should have this amount of power. She would be right to think such a way, of course.
"My name is Shoko Maki and don't call me a brad," Naomi answered as she took her place near Akane.
"She is a valuable assist and one of the few who know who I am," Akane said in her disguised voice.
"I see and how does Akane Yagami fit in all of this?" Neko asked curiously. "It's obvious she's more than some informant."
"She is Kira's obsession," Akane informed him in a calm manner. "Kira has murdered countless innocents just to keep an eye on her and the task force. At first we though he was setting her up for his crimes, however, it was to apparent for her to be Kira. Now we have reasons to believe he wants her for reasons we've yet to learn."
"After meeting her it's hard not to be attracted to her. She has a nice ass, those strange eyes of hers, and she's completely gorgeous." Miguel said not knowing Akane was in the same room. "So it's not surprising someone would be into her or obsessed with her."
Akane was glaring through her sunglasses, but before she could speak L opened his mouth, "Thanatos I heard much about you," he said quickly changing the subject not wanting him to carry on about Akane in an almost protective manner, "and about your games."
"Yes, from Donovan I would imagine. He is working with you to help stop Kira after all. Quite surprising given his history, but they do say love has a way of changing a person. Seems to be true after all." the Shinigami replied in a sinister voice before he laughed. His cold unfeeling eyes looked over them sending a shiver down their spines at his predatory like gaze. He possessed the eyes of a murdering sociopath, who believed everyone around him were ants ready to be crushed by his all powerful being. Lesser men would run from such a despicable creature.
"What are your intentions?" L asked as he narrowed his eyes.
"My human is to assist you in finding Kira. My intention is to simply execute this Kira for his crime. Only my kind have the right to take life. Humans who believe themselves to be Gods are deluded and need to be put down like the mutts they are." Thanatos replied an evil smirk spreading across his face. "I'm very clear about what I want and it would be foolish to deny the help we offer. It is still up to you though."
"Tenshi, Miss Shoko, you opinions." L said.
"I don't like this, but we are low on man power," Naomi said.
"She's right about that. We do need the help. Another set of eyes would be wise to have." Akane said. "Though trusting is something I say we should be cautious on, but thing is Thanatos is being up front with his deal. What of his... handler? What do you get out of this?"
"Freedom," Miguel replied. "Once Kira is taken care of... I get my freedom from the Death Note."
"All you would have to do is relinquish ownership to be free of it," Akane stated. "What's so different about yours?"
"Oh, I don't know... this psycho maybe? Who will kill me if I did. I have no choice unlike the rest of you. I don't want this and he's the one who killed my old man, too." Miguel said pissed.
"Yet you don't seem to hate him," L replied.
"He was a prick lawyer. There was no love lost, but yeah he was still my father. I was angry with him, but in the end it's his own damn fault he's dead." Miguel told them.
"His father became to overly confident and penned the wrong man for the murder. The murderer was freed and killed again. He more than deserved his death." Thanatos told them. "His son found the real killer not even two days later. The killers death was not a swift one."
"So are we joining or not?" Miguel asked a bit impatient.
L sighed, "We don't have a choice, but we don't even know your name."
"Well if we're going to work together it'll be alright if you know my name. It's Miguel J. Warder." He responded.
"Warder? Your father was a that famous lawyer in New York was he not?" L questioned.
Miguel gave a sigh, "Yeah that was him, unfortunately."
….
Akane walked with her school books in hand and L walked right next to her. "Akane, do you think we should go out on another date? It has been over two weeks now."
She looked at him and nodded, "Yeah we should otherwise it would seem odd, but I want to choose where we go next. Well if you don't mind, of course."
"I do not," L replied. "Where would you like to go?"
"There is this fancy bakery place I really like. Most people haven't heard of it because it requires an invitation and I've got one back in my tennis days."
"Sounds interesting," L told her. Did she pick such a place that I would enjoy to make me comfortable? Why would she want to do something like that? Is she just being thoughtful?
"Wait you two are dating?" a voice said in surprise.
They quickly turned toward the voice, "What are you doing here?" Akane asked ignoring the Shinigami behind him. "Didn't you have your little meeting with the task force already?"
"Yeah, but I'm going to this school now. If Kira is after you, babe, I should stick around and protect you. I wouldn't want you to break a nail," Miguel told her a bit of sarcasm and flirtation in his voice and for a second Akane wonder how he pulled off such a tone, but in the end she wanted to punch him square in the nose.
"I never asked for your protection," Akane said as she glared, "and don't call me babe."
"Pity," Miguel replied. "However you still haven't answered my question."
"Yes, we are dating." L answered passively.
"Seriously? A girl like her with a guy like you? Woman, what is wrong with you?" Miguel asked.
"I don't know what you mean. He's cute, I like him, and he's only one with intelligence that match my own, but he maybe smarter than myself. I'll have to wait and see on that one. What do you want anyway?"
"I was going to ask you out..." Miguel began.
"My answer would have been a flat out no," Akane told him.
"It would have been worth the try." Miguel chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, "If you change your mind and want an... up grade let me know."
"As if and hands off, you creep!" Akane growled pushing him off her.
….
"My neck hurts... work is a pain and Miguel's flirting didn't help one bit," Akane said rubbing her neck before falling into her bed. "Last few weeks have been rather tiresome."
"True," Donovan said as he sat in her desk chair with a book called The Great Gatsby in his hand. "Are you sure you can handle so much stress?"
"Yeah, I've had worse and I work best under pressure." She replied. "You don't need to worry about me all the time, you know?"
"Just because my lady is strong in both body and mind does not mean I do not have to worry." Donovan replied before he ran his fingers through her hair in a comforting manner.
She sighed in content as a yawn rose, "Donovan, can you tell me more about Ciaran?"
He gave a soft sad smile, "He was one of the most honorable persons I have ever met. Ciaran never lost his temper and he never drew his sword without a reason. He did not speak often enough, in my opinion, and was always wise when he spoke. Ciaran was like a natural born leader the way he held himself and he was honest and true. He was also beautiful and strong. Everyone always seem to look his way and one could not hope for a better ally at one's side."
"You don't speak of him much. Why is that?" Akane asked.
"Because I miss him, my lady, like the sun misses the flower in the dead of winter," Donovan told her.
"The Knight's Tale? Really?" Akane giggled. "Your spending to much time watching TV."
"It doesn't make it any less true, my dear Akane," Donovan said as he gave a soft curt chuckle as he stroked her head with black clawed fingers. It was still surprising he could be so gentle. Her own parents didn't possess this sort of gentleness. If his hand weren't so cold she would think this was the warm touch of a dedicated parent and it made her feel completely safe.
"I'm sorry about Ciaran," She whispered understandingly as she looked up at him with tired eyes.
"Don't be, my fair lady. I am glad I've met you. I see why Ciaran cared so much for you. I am your friend and I enjoy my time with you. I have no regrets about coming into your service, my lady, and I never will."
Akane smiled, "I'm glad we're friend too, Donovan. I'm happy I got to met you too. I just wish I could of met Ciaran too. I would have been honored even if it was only once."
Donovan gave her a sad smile, "He would have been too. Now go to sleep, my dear girl."
….
The Task Force was together in the hotel as they usually were for work. Several of the members were looking through large documented stacks. L was typing away on a laptop, most likely talking to a contact. Naomi was keeping an eye on the news and Miguel was quietly talking with his Shinigami while staring at Tenshi before to Tenshi and asked, "When are we going to know who you are?" Miguel asked her.
"When I decide," Akane replied quickly as she looked up from a file. All she wanted to do was to work not talk about her identity.
"Well Mister Tenshi-" he began before his was interrupted by Matsuda.
"Miss," he said.
"What?" Miguel questioned.
"Tenshi is a woman," Matsuda told him.
"Seriously? This dude is a chick? Her mannerisms are completely like a guy's!" Miguel said in shock.
"That is because I take great measures to insure that one will learn my identity and that includes my gender. Now if you don't mind I have work to do." Akane told him.
Miguel was about to say something when L suddenly turned the value up on a TV. "We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you breaking new!" A woman's voice said urgently on the TV. "Kira is to present a message to the public and it's world leaders!"
Everyone in the room dropped what they where doing and then slowly turned toward the Television. The woman on screen had short brown hair and dark eyes. She seemed rather shaken up as she spoke, "Earlier a man with a gun can into our station and says if we try anything Kira would... kill us all. Speaking now... live is his representative Surota Onikuro."
"Thank you miss Yasuko Raichi," Said a young man. He was dress in a business suit much like the other news archers as the camera turned to him and had a stack of papers in his hand, but Akane instantly recognized the suit it was an exact copy of the one Lind L. Tailor wore the day he died and his hair was done the same way as well. She knew it was a direct taunt to L and her team, but it might be a bit of an insult as well to L's abilities. This guy was also the same guy that grabbed her on her date with L.
Akane and L exchange a knowing look for a long moment before turning back to the TV. "Like this channel and many others there are in this world that are now in his control if only briefly to deliver his word. They will be hearing the same message as you are hearing now. At exactly 8:30 PM I will die of a heart attack and so will the others. I do so willingly in the name of my God... Kira. I have committed many crimes in the name of the sins greed, pride, and lust. I've raped and murdered Jessica Harper a transfer student at To-oh University last year, I put several students in the hospital for looking at me the wrong way, and finally I bullied Nao Mamoru to the point he killed himself. I am a stain on this world, unworthy to live, and with my death my sins are cleansed. The stain I've placed on this world will be wiped clean."
"Look at his eyes," Miguel said. "There's no life in them. It's as if someone is controlling him."
"That is exactly what's wrong with him. This isn't just a message... this is a public execution! So he can show off his powers!" Akane said disgusted. "He'll likely kill everyone at the news stations if we stop this broadcast too and this message is being presented all over the world and here I thought Kira couldn't sink any lower!"
"Sounds like a childish prick to me," Miguel commented.
"Damn right," Aizawa agreed.
"L what do you have to say about this?" Chief Yagami asked. He had only been cleared for the hospital two days ago. Akane didn't agreed with him being there, but at least he had his color back and she had been making sure he took the medicine the doctor ordered him too.
"I agree with Tenshi," he responded. "All we can do is watch." L took out his cell phone and speed dialed Watari, "Are you getting this?"
"Yes, check your laptop. I'm sending you all the live feeds for other stations with the same scenario going on." He replied over the phone.
L checked his laptop and sure enough it was there. China, Japan, USA, Russia, United Kingdom, UAE, Germany, Canada, Australia Israel, France, Spain, Greece, Italy, South American, Canada, Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Seemed any country with world power where receiving the same feed, but with different people, backgrounds, and languages. The entire world was receiving this same message. L noticed something as well. All these people where wearing the exact same suit as Lind L. Tailor. It was all very strange and frighting to witness. What are you planning Kira? What do you have to gain from this besides growing peoples fear of you?
"Now Kira's message, Kira will no longer tolerate those that investigate him and their government supporters and further help toward those tasked with capturing Kira will be put to death without mercy." Surota said in a firm voice. "Kira will start with the world's heads then work his way down until the entire country is thrown into leaderless chaos. Of course the price is simple. Pay the price and things will be going smoothly for your country again. Further more you will now publicly release all criminal names and pictures. You will also release a public announcement that you will comply with Kira's demands. Any deception will be treated with Kira's wraith. Kira now holds the world in his glorious hands. He is merciful to only those that are innocent. Protecting criminals are an offense he will no longer tolerant. Please do choose wisely for the creation of a perfect world. Surota Onikuro... signing out."
They watched as he gasped and grabbed at his chest. His eyes were wide in fear. Akane had to turn away it was the same look her Satoru had when he was taken for her. A loud thud met her ears as his head landed on the table. He was dead and it was a death that was rubbed in her face again. Everyone in the room was quiet until Akane spoke, "He has isolated us from government support hasn't he, Ryuzaki?"
"Yes, soon we will be alone. It's what he was planning form the start." L told her.
EDITED!