Chapter Four – News of Artemis
That night, after killing two more criminals in the same manner, I traveled back to Japan, preparing to return the next morning to make it seem like I had never left in the first place. It cost money, but that was something I had large quantities of.
Raito and L were waiting for me at the airport. It looked as if they were fighting, somehow, because Rain was a bit beat up, with a few bruises on his neck. He wore a long sleeved collared shirt under his suit. L wore his uniform shirt and jeans.
Rain stood up to greet me, giving me a warm embrace. L merely stood aside, watching our every move.
"How was it? The case, I mean?"
"I—"
"—found it very easy?" L finished. Obviously he was convinced that I was as intelligent as they were. I need to break him of that. Soon, too, or else I'm screwed.
I didn't lose my cool, of course. I can probably school my features as well as Rain, if not better. I smiled pleasantly, if a little awkwardly, seeming embarrassed about my upcoming confession. "Actually, I wasn't sure if I could finish it by the week deadline I'd told you about."
Obviously not listening, L was scanning the room when his eyes settled on a newspaper stand. Something about it caught his eye, for he strolled over to pick it up. The headline read as follows:
Nighttime Murderer Strikes Criminals
Last night, two serial rapists and a murderer, all of whom have been warned several times about their crimes, were killed last night. Witnesses claim they saw a woman with clipped hair, ancient Greek clothing, and a set of a silver bow and arrows. The criminals were shot with one arrow to the heart, killing them almost instantly. They also say that the murderer, now branded by the witnesses as the reincarnation of Artemis, the moon goddess and goddess of the hunt, was a young woman about the age of twenty.
The article then proceeded to explain the accounts of the witnesses, all of whom claimed that Artemis was a godlike being. Though this made me feel special, I knew that it was incorrect, for a god wouldn't take the lives of any. Although, the Greek gods were known for their humanity and their ability to make mistakes, so I guess they were an exception.
I reread the article, taking care to reserve this into my memory. L put down the newspaper gently after receiving it from Rain, who also read it several times. L dragged Rain into the bathroom, saying that they were to use the buddy system as to avoid becoming lost (Rain had pouted and said that this was ruining his dignity). When we were safely in the car with Watari driving, L broke the silence that had hung over us like fog since we read the headline of the article.
"I think we have found our next case," L said simply.
Rain nodded. "Yeah. But it makes me wonder: why would a woman do this kind of job? It's like the Kira case all over."
I intervened, wanting to get my opinion in. "I think it's quite different," I said. To the questioning looks I received, I continued. "Well, Kira killed using some sort of notebook, right? That means he didn't have to have contact with the victim. But this girl… Artemis, they called her? She uses arrows, correct? In doing so, she becomes a completely different person. Who says that she will always kill criminals or people in her way, like Kira? Her objectives could be different, and she could be working with someone. Kira was originally alone, but the Death Note was passed on to different people. This Artemis could actually be a group of people."
"I win," L said to Rain. "She caught it."
Confused? Good, I am too. At least we're not alone.
Sighing, Raito handed him several bills. "I didn't even bet against her! Why do I have to pay?"
"You agreed, Rain, thus you—"
"Yes, I know, Ryuuzaki, it was a rhetorical question."
Rain looked at me and smiled. "L dragged me into the restroom to bet that you would catch that Artemis is different from Kira in the way that Artemis could be more than just one person, and that she could stray from her Kira legalization and kill regular citizens."
I blinked. L? Betting on me?
…
What stupidity. I thought L was smarter than that.
I shook my head lightly and stared out the window. We were in California, at my request. I have a fetish for oceans, which is quite contrary to my pseudonym, which, translated correctly, means "Sky Dragon." (A/N: Correct me if I'm wrong about that translation please) Although I do love flying, I'd rather be on a parasail than an airplane. I also like beaches, so I thought it would be fine if I asked this.
"Hey, L, Rain, I'm moving out," I said. "I had this planned and the house bought before the Artemis incident occurred, but I bought a house by the beach. I'd like to commute, if you'd please."
L paused, considering his options. "I suppose so," he said finally. "But you must be at the building every morning by four A.M."
I sighed deeply. This was going to be a long time before my goal is achieved.
Waking up every morning at 3 to go work with an insomniac was going to make it seem longer.
But I'll be fine.
After all, Rain will be there. Like his name, he'll wash away all my worries.
He always does.
Yeah. L suspects Soryu, Soryu loves Raito... who has not taken a good part yet (except the sort of main cause of the plot and a bit of comedy relief at times). I will try to fix that; I really want him to have another part... and he's a bit OOC in some parts, which SUCKS because not only does he have a tiny part, but it's also OOC! GAAAH! -throws up papers in anguish and stubs toe while flailing around- Ow... Yeah.
Anyway, for those of you who celebrate, happy St. Patrick's Day! It's the day where some dude went and drove snakes out of... some... where... I don't know. Apparently (kept spelling that word wrong :S), that's the legend behind the Irish holiday. So yeah. ... Got any potatoes:D
Sora :
