The Pendant

L. Just that simple letter set her off in an angry blow. To tell the truth, she had absolutely no idea how she felt. At first, anger, followed by sadness. Loneliness fell over her in a wave of anguish. As the pieces had slowly begun to form the big picture, she began to feel the weight of loss shroud over her, like a shadow.

She would kill L. That was all she knew for sure. Her fists clenched as a shadow passed over her face. Then she smiled a twisted smirk. She would avenge her father. Her family. Even if it would lead to her ultimate demise.

Riku seemed amused by her sudden change of attitude. "You still don't get it, do you? See, after your father had been killed, the Task Force had found the Note, along with his other belongings, and they immediately discarded them, leaving them to none other than his only daughter. Making the Death Note yours.

There it was. The game changer. The ultimate weapon. "Wait, so I have full ownership over the Note?" Misaki asked hurriedly.

"Yes. In fact, you've had access to the Death Note over since your father passed away."

"What? Then why? Why haven't I known about this?"

"Well, you see, you actually did know about this, its just you don't remember. After the death of your father, you were still really young, so your memory of it must be vague. When the Task Force came to drop off his belongings, your mother had been in another room while talking to one of the officers, while you were sitting in your bedroom.

"When you noticed it on the ground, you touched it, and then saw me. You must've considered it to be a nightmare, as you screamed, before crawling under the covers of the bed, and falling asleep.

"Your mother, fearing for your sanity, buried the book. She had hoped to keep you safe. Later, your mother had given you a pendant, I believe."

Misaki gasped. A pendant? The emerald one?

"Ah, so you do know of the pendant. You see, there are only a few of its kind out there. It serves only one purpose. It protects the owner from Shinigami."

Was this why… "Wait, if it was my mother who gave it to me, was she- was she part of this too?" Misaki's voice was hushed now.

"Indeed she was," The demon replied. "In fact, she'd known ever since your father had discovered the Note. She'd warned your father not to mess with the book. Ah, such a sweet woman your mother was. She was the only one I ever spoke to. The only one who could see me.

"Anyways, back on topic. The pendant was very special. It would prevent any Death Note from killing you. In addition to this, all Shinigami become invisible to your eyes. So as long as you stayed in close proximity with the pendant daily, you'd be safe, not even having to wear the thing. I'm guessing your mother wanted you to lead a normal life. Look how that turned out for you."

"Wait," Misaki was intrigued. "So when that person stole the pendant, I could see you again?"

"Look who figured it out! Yes, after the pendant was stolen, your vision resurfaced. As for who stole the necklace, I can't say."

She flushed in frustration. "Do you know where the Death Note is now?"

"If fact, yes, but it's a far distance from here. I could fly you there, if you wish. But just keep in mind that nobody would be able to see me except for you, so it would look as if you were floating."

"Who cares?" Misaki said excitedly. Its not as if I have anyone out there who knows who I am… "I really want to find this Death Note. And how do I know for certain that this 'Book of Death' really works?"

"Well, I'm here, so that must prove something." The Shinigami shot back.

"I guess. So what are we waiting for? We should get moving before dawn. Then I should have enough time to contemplate my options."

"Very well. Climb on then."

With a cautious step forward, she climbed onto its back, and with a swift rush of its feathers, Misaki and the Shinigami were swept up into the air. The feeling of being airborne was amazing. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been on an airplane before, but this was much better. She laughed. She hadn't felt this free in years.

She leaned over the side, and looked down onto the city. This was the place she'd called home her entire life. But looking at it now, it was a sad excuse for a civilisation. The buildings were run down, the streets crumbling and cracking. The air was covered with a sheet of fog. There was nothing friendly about the place.

The wind rushed through her hair. She felt just like a bird released from its cage. She was having so much fun, she was almost disappointed when they landed, even though she knew this was the moment she'd been waiting for.

She was in the middle of a forest. The trees seemed to stretch on forever, and the grass was so long it tickled her ankles as she hopped off, a bit disoriented. The air was so fresh, it almost surprized her. This new environment was almost… familiar.

Pang.

Thoughts and memories of her childhood resurfaced. She used to come here all the time with her mother and father when she was younger. They'd sit on the grass, having a picnic. Her dad would always tell funny stories of his childhood, and her mother would scold him for being a bad influence; even though she always did laugh at his comedic routines.

Tears sprung to her eyes. How could she have forgotten this place? She quickly wiped away a stray tear that had found its way halfway down her cheek. Now was not the time to think about that. What really mattered was if the book really was here. That would determine how things would play out.

A loud crunch behind her made her jump. It was Riku, who was slowly making his way over to an old oak, which was standing taller than any of the others. Was that where the Death Note was buried?

She hurried over, anticipation playing with her head. This was it. The Shinigami began to dig at the foot of the tree. With every piece of dirt scooped from the ground, the closer she got to the book. She could almost feel the power emanating from the ground.

With a solid thud, the demon threw the book onto the ground beside him. It was not what she had expected.

It looked like a regular old school notebook, thin and frail, lined paper and all. She turned it over in her hands. The cover was a pitch black, with the words 'Death Note' written on the front in white. She flipped open the book onto the first page.

On the opposite side of the cover was a list, written in white, which contrasted with the black. At the top, a title, reading 'Rules of the Death Note'.

She gulped, and continued reading.

#1- The human whose name is written in this note shall die.

#2- This note will not take effect unless the writer has the person's face in their mind when writing his/her name.

#3- If the cause of death is written within the next 40 seconds of writing the person's name, it will happen.

#4- If the cause of death is not specified, the person will simply die of a heart attack.

#5- After writing the cause of death, details of the death should be written in the next 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

That's as far as she got, before she heard a rustling sound behind her. She quickly shoved the book into her bag, before turning around hastily.

"Hello there, young girl. My name is Watari. How would you like to come to the Wammy House?"

And so it begins… Thanks you so much for reading the 4th chapter! It really means a lot. I (finally) finished all of the dialogue and explanation, so the story should start getting more on track as of next chapter. Anyways, as always, please leave a positive review, just 'cause I love the feedback! So thanks again!

Bubbles :3