Welcome to the Wammy House

You know that feeling where a stranger just walks up to you and starts talking, totally oblivious to the fact that you've never seen them before? Well, ok, maybe you've never experienced this before; but just pretend you were caught up in this scenario. What would you feel?

Fear? Confusion? Maybe just utter bemusement. Either way, you'd panic. So when an old man dressed in a suit walked up to her casually, and asked her to come to a place called the Wammy House, you could probably guess the thoughts running through Misaki's head.

'How much had he seen? He can't see the Shinigami, right? What's the Wammy House? Who is he?' Before Misaki could recover, the man began to speak.

"Sorry, let me introduce myself. As you know, my name is Watari. I own the Wammy House, which is an orphanage of some sort for the gifted. I've been extremely close with your father, so I've heard all about you."

"You knew my father?" Misaki asked in surprize.

"Oh yes, he was an old acquaintance of mine. We even worked together at some point too. A strong man he was. I was so sad to hear of his passing."

Misaki dropped her head. He probably didn't know the real reason why her father died. But then again, he had said that he worked with him in the past. She couldn't rule out that fact. He could have been in on his murder. But he seemed so friendly. Still…

Watari smiled. "You seem lost in thought. Fully digesting the situation, I see. That's just what we need in the Wammy House. See, we've been closely examining you for quite some time now. You've been living out on the streets for… how long has it been, about 3 years?"

Misaki's fists clenched. "So it was you who was spying on me that day. What did you do with my pendant?"

"Oh, that. Well, on that particular day, we sent out one of our rookies. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. Anyways, he seemed to have been caught off guard that day and took off, not realizing he had still been holding your necklace. Deepest apologies."

"So where is it?"

"Its currently being held in the House. If you would kindly join me on the way back, I'd gladly return it."

Misaki was still confused. "Wait, so what it this Wammy House of yours exactly?"

"Ah right, I forgot to tell you that part. Well, for many years now, I've been pulling children off the streets they live on. Not normal children, mind you. There are other places for them to go. No, this is a special place for people with intelligence far above an average person's comprehension. We specialize in enhancing these children's abilities, using them to their fullest extent. And you've fallen into that category."

"Why me? I haven't done anything spectacular."

"Well, just the fact that you've been so curious proves this. Also, being as young as you are, the success rate of your crimes have soared up so effortlessly."

Misaki sneered "I don't think of them as crimes. Just my way of surviving, that's all." 'What was this guy talking about? From the things he knows… How long has he had his eye on me? Since I left home? Before that, maybe?'

"There you go again! Proving my point. You really are perceptive."

Misaki let out her breath, not realizing that she'd been holding it this long. She was being too predictable. She couldn't hide her thoughts from this man. Who was he? Before she had a chance to reply, he continued.

"So? Would you like to join me? I'm sure you'll make lots of friends. Some of them are just like you."

Misaki thought about his offer. He did have her pendant with him. But could she trust him? 'And I also have a Shinigami with me. One slip up, and someone would be able to see Riku. Then it would be game over for me.' But this also seemed like a way to get closer to the government. If she could do that, track down L…

Misaki nodded. This was her chance. If she played this right, she could avenge her father. Maybe even continue his legacy.

"Well then, follow me." Watari led her down a long winding path through the never-ending trees. The anticipation in the air was rising. What would this place look like? Would she fit in? Never mind that. The real things I have to think about are how I would find L. They probably kept files somewhere in there. I would just have to sneak around until I found something useful. I haven't had trouble with sneaking around in the past, so this shouldn't be any different.

Misaki's train of thought disappeared as the House came into view. No, it wasn't just a house. It was a mansion. She'd never gotten close to one before, much less see one from the inside. Looting places like that were out of the question for her.

There was a huge gate, permitting entry to only those who held tickets and ID. Behind the gates towered a huge building, around 4 stories high. There were great white pillars, stretching from the ground to the roof, which rose higher than the clouds. There were windows and balconies everywhere. She could only guess how many rooms the place had. And all this was only from the front.

As Misaki stood there gawking in amazement, Watari had began climbing the great stone steps up to the door. She nimbly followed behind. Then the doors pushed open, and the sight hit her so hard she almost tripped over her own two feet.

A spiral staircase. The floor made of marble. The people, some younger, some older than her, bustling around in groups, full of energy. A great fountain in the center, with a dove spewing water from its beak. A great, crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It was all too much to take in at one time.

The moment she took a step in, everyone around her simultaneously froze. They were all looking at her. Whispers filled the hall. She could easily tell they were all talking about her. She shivered inwardly. She had never felt so uncomfortable before. And considering the bed she slept in every night, that was a bold thing to say.

Before she could listen in onto what they were saying, Watari quickly interrupted.

"Everyone, I'd like you to welcome Miss Misaki Iki. She is new here, so I expect you to treat her as you would treat your closest friend. That is all."

Everyone went back to their business, although people occasionally glanced her way, or pointed while whispering into someone's ear. It didn't get any worse than this.

Watari pushed something into her hands. "This is a map of this building, as well as a paper of where you will be staying. Your room number is room 6a on the second floor. I hope you make it there in one piece." He winked. "Oh yes, I almost forgot. You have a roommate. I can't guarantee the gender, but you should be fine.

With that, he left her standing there, rushing over to talk to some adult who waved him down. She was alone. She glanced around. People were still avoiding her, and talking amongst themselves. Except now she could hear what they were saying.

Criminal... Haven't you heard… Pickpocket… Going to ruin this facility… Stay away…

She took a deep breath, and began to walk through the crowd on the way to her room. At least she could relax there, and gather her thoughts. Someone stuck their foot out, an she collapsed onto the ground. She heard a giggle or two as she rose to her feet, but the one responsible was well hidden in the crowd. She needed to leave this area.

After many twists and turns, she finally found herself at the foot of a door, labeled 6a. She gulped. With a deep breath, she turned the knob. When she stepped inside, she was greeted by pitch darkness. Well, except for the glow of a computer screen at the far end of the room.

Sitting on a chair, balanced in his toes, body hunched over his knees, was a mysterious-looking, dark-haired boy, about her age. He wore a white t-shirt, and jeans. He casually glanced over to her, looking her up and down, as if examining her. She noticed heavy black bags under his eyes, probably due to lack of sleep. They stood out to her, as the rest of his face was a pale white.

"Guess you're my roommate, huh." He looked up at her. "You must be Misaki. My name's L."

Thank you so much for reading chapter 5. I'll try to update soon, but I'll be taking a bit of a break. Sorry to leave you hanging. Anyways, hope you enjoy, and please leave a positive review. :)

Bubbles :3