I stood at the head of the class giving everyone a small but sincere smile as the teacher introduced me.
"Class this is Jail. She just arrived from America last night. Jail tell us, have you found any friends as of late?" I looked at Matt, he smiled at me, then to Mello, who just nodded, and Near sat staring into oblivion while twirling his hair. So I nodded.
"Yes, just last night I made a few new friends." The teacher smiled.
"Oh jolly good! I'm Professor Hale, by the way, and you can take a seat right next to..." He searched the room with squinted eyes. "Near. Do you need him to raise his hand?"
"That won't be neccessary thank you." I strode to the vacant seat next to Near and sat down when Mello raised his hand but didn't wait to be called on.
"But professor, I wanted Jail to sit next to me." Professor Hale rolled his eyes, obviously disliking the smirk Mello held on his face.
"Mello it's not always about you and sooner or later you'll find out that you're not the boss of this orphanage."
"I just said I wanted her to sit next to me." He complained with his hands lifted by his head. Wow, he was such a dork. I'd have to tell him after class but for now I was going to learn about L and whether or not I would be fighting for his title as his successor.
"If you want to sit next to her that bad there's a seat behind Near you can take." Mello grunted but got up to take the seat behind Near, and I heard the little twerp snicker!
Mello just snickered to himself! Jeez, psychotic much? Then Matt took the desk behind me, thankfully no cackling, laughing, or anything to that affect. Honestly, Matt seemed to be the only down to Earth guy I've met so far, maybe he is gay.
"Jail, I trust Roger told you about L?" I snapped out of my thoughts immediately.
"Hm? Oh yes but he didn't get into the details."
"Good. Well as I'm certain you know by now, L is the very example of brilliance and we're going to make an attempt to teach all the students here new methods of thinking, make them see from different angles, and go through every possible fact they have down for their case. Along the lines we must find what it is that makes our students improve concentration. Mello, for instance, eats chocolate bars constantly. Sugar and chewing allow his deduction skills to increase by seventeen percent. Matt plays video games whenever given the chance, he's able to learn multiple strategies for different situations by doing so. Near constructs with building blocks and averts his attention else where in order to envisage a completely different situation and some how he's able to think of the correct conclusion."
I tried not to stare in shock at the albino before me. I grabbed a pen from within the desk and turned my hand upside down. On each finger I wrote a letter with blue ink. I read it over to make sure it wasn't messy and poked Near's side as the professor kept rambling about the other students' choice of focus. When he looked, my attention was turned to the window but I know he looked at my hand when I opened it. It read "nice" with a smiley face on the bottom of my middle finger and I could've sworn I heard him chuckle lightly. It was very faint but I think I heard him laugh.
The professor looked back at me and smiled. "Any questions?"
"No, I think I've got everything down. Though there is one thing, how am I giong to find out what helps my deduction skills?"
"We observe you and your thinking styles, social life, and so on then we make conclusions. Simple enough right?" I nodded and smiled, not really caring.
"Totally." The rest of the class continued with Professor Hale talking about L. Then at one point I wondered, was this guy's name really L? I mean I wouldn't name my kid with one letter, a syllable maybe but certainly not just a letter. Then it was time for gym. Figures the guys were with me there too, but Near was excused and instead he was given an advanced test on the pulminary system. No doubt he'd ace it there. But today we were going to play volley ball, my favorite sport, aside from tennis.
Mello and I were on the same team, and I'm sorry to say that Matt got totally creamed. We won eight to nothing so believe me when I tell you no matter how good you are at sports let Mello win. That boy's a little too aggressive but how could he be Mello if he wasn't? Every other class was too boring to describe but I somehow managed to pay attention. Told you, my brain's like a sponge. The same routine was followed for about two months and one day me and Near sat inside.
He stayed quiet, something I know I'd have to get used to since Matt and Mello weren't always gonna be around, so I tried to start up a conversation.
"Hey Near, how's it goin?" At least I tried to start one up. Eh heh.
"I'm fine. Did you enjoy your first day here?" Yay! I got him talking!
"Oh of course! How could I not? Everyone's so nice, excluding Mello. Well he's not really mean, just a bit paranoid."
"He gets like that." I laughed, sometimes Near was just funny even when he had absolutely no intent in it, which was like all the time. "You seem to take particular interest in volley ball. Have you played it before?"
"No. Well not like on a team or anything like that. I used to play it with my mom and in gym. Why don't you play sports?"
"I've never seen the point of them."
"Really? People play sports for fun and exercise."
"I know that but I've never seen the point in doing them. Especially on a team when you have to set every little detail in place." Odd, he seemed as though he had a grudge against sports and the people who played them. He did kinda remind me of the little boy Toshio in "The Grudge" movie. We heard a knock on the door and of course in pops Mello and Matt. Mello was filthy and his hair was ruffled. He looked slightly annoyed, but then again when wasn't he? Matt's face was completely red and he had a small bruise under his eye.
"What happened to you two?" Mello grunted and looked away.
"He got killed in football." Matt answered.
"I didn't get killed! Caution took the ball outta my hands when I was about to pass it to you and then Linda thought it would be so cool if she tackled me to the ground and rub her muddy shoe on my head." Matt rolled his eyes behind those orange goggles. I was begining to get suspicious if he had actually glued them to his head but it seemed far too childish on Matt's behalf, maybe Mello did it.
"Maybe you should take a shower." I suggested. "It might make you feel better." Mello huffed and walked to our bathroom, shut the door, and seconds later we were greeted with the sound of running water. I got up with aggravation in my steps and knocked on the door. "Mello, you have your own shower! Get out!"
"But Jess if I get out now you'll see me naked and I know how badly you want to see that." I slapped the door and scolded him.
"Shut up! And my name's not Jess anymore, it's Jail." As soon as I said that, I went blank. My name wasn't Jess, so that must mean that I wasn't Jess. A new name meant a new identity afterall, didn't it? Matt must've noticed because he put his arm around my shoulder and put me to the side. He pressed his ear against the door then twisted the knob. Checking to see if the door was locked, he smiled and nodded at me opening it. I walked in and saw Mello's silhouette behind the curtain and grinned wickedly as my eyes traveled to the toilet.
I had to make sure that he wouldn't notice me, or else the whole prank was ruined. So I walked slowly, steadily, and silently, three things that would get me far here in Wammy's. Glancing over my shoulder to make sure he wasn't looking my way, I turned my head to Matt and covered my eyes with my right hand as my left hand was on the silver handle. He held in a laugh, and I guess he told Near to do the same because I heard him whispering and then come back to his place in the door frame.
Surpressing my own laughter that was practically begging to be let loose, I ignored it and pushed the handle down. The water pressure against the tub's floor got harder and we heard Mello scream and he leapt out of the shower. He turned to me, not expecting that I was in there, so I just smirked and handed him a towel.
"Cover yourself up. There are children in this place." His face turned red and he took the towel angered. Mello shut off the water and went back into my room. I followed suit and sat on my bed, only to have Mello lay on it too, soaking it. "Hey get off! You're ruining the sheets!"
"Aw chill, it'll dry out."
"Would it really kill you to just sit on the floor?" He shrugged.
"I dunno."
"Let's find out." I pushed him off and watched him tumble to the ground with a noticable thump. Matt laughed at him and Near smirked. I laughed with Matt as Mello growled.
"See? That wasn't so bad now was it?" I asked him with sarcasim obvious in my tone. My smile quickly vanished when he grabbed my upper arm with both hands. His blue eyes looked totally evil and I'm sure there wasn't a doubt that he had revenge on his mind.
"Why don't you gimme your opnion?"
Then he tugged me to the ground. Of course I collapsed on top of him and we stared wide eyed at each other. I leaned over to his ear and whispered. "Pervert." Then got off of him. "Now put some clothes on for the sake of our health." I thought I saw a slint hint of red on his cheeks, but knowing Mello he could either be blushing or totally pissed off. Fifty percent chance of either happening. So he just tugged on a pair of jeans and the same black shirt he was wearing yesterday.
Then my cell went off and I answered it. "Hello?" It was Rodger.
"Jessica, I need you to come down to the office. Alright?" I nodded, even though he couldn't see it.
"Yes, sir. I'll be there shortly." I hung up and looked up, everyone was looking at me. "What? Have you never seen a cell phone before?" Mello answered.
"Whatcha do? Break a window? Shove bugs in some kid's underwear, maybe even burn down a small fraction of the school building?" I looked at him blankly then checked my hair and looked in my pants. "What are you doing?" He asked.
"Making sure I'm not you. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go see Rodger." I walked out of the room and ran to the office. There was an old man with white hair and a white mustache opening the door and walking in. I was curious but ceased running. I ran a hand through my hair and tried to breath evenly, trying to make myself seem calm as most students here were.
When I got to the door I pulled it open to walk in. I sat down in front of Rodger's desk, which was empty. I waited a minute or two before Rodger and the man from before came in. He looked surprised to see me here.
"Oh, Jessica I didn't expect to see you here so soon." I cleared my throat.
"I didn't screw up on the test, or get in trouble did I?"
"Of course not. I'd like you to meet the man who created Wammy's House, this is Mr. Wammy." The older man I assumed to be Wammy bowed a bit to shake my hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet another brilliant student, but please, call me Watari." I blushed, I'd never been called brilliant before.
"Thank you, sir. It's nice to meet you too." Rodger explained to me the reason for Wammy's visit.
"Jessica, the reason Watari is here is because he has some wonderful news for you." I looked from Rodger to Watari with curiousity, I know, I know, I'm no better then that damned monkey but I can't help it.
"It's true. Ms. Jessica, I've read over your recent testings over time and I must say I am very pleased with your skills." I hid my shock, I'd seen too many movies, read too many books, I knew what was going to happen next. "I'd like you to be in line for the title of L's successor." Then it got really hot, and really quiet. My eyes darted from left to right, looking at each man's shoes.
"Really?" I asked looking him in the eye. He nodded and smiled. "But I've only been here for two months. How can you want me to be in line that quickly? I mean, I don't even know what L looks like or how he acts, what's his personality and stuff like that. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't think I can succeed a person I don't know this fast." Rodger laughed.
"You'll meet L in time. You just need to keep up the good work in your testings and we'll prepare you for everything." I held my breath.
"But what about Near and Mello? They've been here longer and they know who they're going against. It's obvious they're the better choices." Watari had to of known what was going on because he gave me this strange look.
"Do you not want to be his successor?" He asked.
"Of course not! I mean yes, I mean...ugh. This is just really fast that's all. I mean first I lose my parents, then I find out I'm bunking with the school's top student, then Mello hits on me, Matt's possibly gay, Mello sucks at football, and now I'm a possible succesor." Watari knelt down by me.
"Jessica, I know it's a lot to take in, but you'll be able to pull through. You have that kind of spark, and a fierce determination. Over the years your parents have been sending us your work and your intelligence is beyond that of Near and Mello combined. You just have to want it." I nodded, like my mom used to say, "If you want something, you have to commit to it."
This could be my chance to make something better of myself, I mean I could be the new L, the world's greatest detective for crying out loud! I mean I didn't want him to die but it did seem pretty freakin cool to me to at least have some kind of relation with him. So, I nodded.
"Alright, I'll give it a shot. But Watari, won't Mello and Near be angry with me?" He laughed lightly, I could tell he was a kind man and had been so his entire life.
"If there are any problems you can come straight to me. If I don't happen to be around you can remember that Rodger is always here in the school. I have a feeling that they'll just have a quick mind jolt and toss it aside."
I looked at my feet with a small smile. This had to be some kind of dream because it was to good to be true, not worthy of reality. "Thank you Watari, this really means a lot. I just, oh wow. I can't believe this is actually happening. So when do I get to meet this L?" I asked excited.
"When you've been properly trained, you will meet L. By the way, what is your new name?" Watari asked me.
"It's Jail. Near came up with it, he's pretty cool." He smiled and nodded at me.
"Very well then, Jail, I'll give you one year of training and then I will bring L to you. Fair deal?" I could feel myself glowing as I smiled widely.
"Completely!"
"Good, I bid you farewell for now. I'm sure you'd like to get back to your friends." I got up from my seat and bowed to him.
"Yes, thank you, sir." I departed from Roger's office still smiling, to think, I would meet L, the L. It was too incredible to even think about. How would I tell Near and Mello? What will Matt think? Will he think I'm gonna get caught up in Mello and Near's little competition and wind up like them? Will I? Jeez I need to just chill. By the time I got back in the room Mello was yelling at Near, who was facing away from him playing with his legos.
"You have nothing in common! She's normal, you're not. She has a life, you don't. Deal with it and be a man about the situation will you?" I gave a confused expression to the three boys. Only Matt noticed me, and he cleared his throat to notify the other two. Mello looked over his shoulder to me, and I think Near was staring at me through the mirror next to him.
"Hey Jess, how'd your trip to the office go?" I snapped out of my trance and remembered why I was worried about talking to Mello and Near.
"It went well." I said, trying to act as though nothing had happened and plopping on the bed. Mello balled his hands into fists and put them on his hips while leaning forward at me. "What?" I wasn't acting annoyed, I never had to as long as Mello was there.
"You're such a liar. Spill it now." I sighed, my shoulders slumping.
"I was chosen to be um..." I couldn't bring myself to finish. I didn't want to face Mello's competitive hatred.
"Well? Spit it out, Jail, now."
"I got accepted to compete for the title of L's successor." I clenched my eyes shut and blurted it out to the world's sensitive ears. I peaked out from one eye and saw Mello's confused expression, as he broke out into a fit of laughter. "What's so funny?"
"You...as L's successor? You couldn't even remember the name of the last book you read! You think you can solve the greatest cases in the world pretending to be the world's greatest detective?" He had tears in his eyes, and I didn't know if they were from laughter, anger, or sadness.
"I didn't decide that I wanted to be L's successor it was Watari's!" I shouted at him, my own hands in tight fists. Everyone's eyes were turned to me, even Near. In the room was complete silence. The three boys' eyes were widened as far as they could get.
"Watari suggested that you succeed L?" Mello asked.
"Jail, that's really incredible. You know who Watari is right?" Matt exclaimed. I shrugged.
"Yeah he's the founder of Wammy's House." Mello shook his head in aggravation.
"He's not only the man who founded Wammy's he's the man who found L. He's the most famous inventor in the world and everyone in it has heard about him." Matt continued Mello's rant.
"But no one knows who he is. He's always kept his face hidden from the media, he's always kept the idea of L alive, ever since he started inventing useful objects he's always had the thought of L. Watari stays in hiding as he lifted his hopes of finding the perfect genius." Near went on after Matt.
"Eventually he was able to find L as a child and raised him like a son from then on out. L is undoubtedly the most brilliant and magnificent mind on the planet complete with a photographic memory and ability to recall lessons over a long period of time." I could've sworn I heard a hint of jealousy in Near's voice but passed it off as puberty.
"You guys have the whole biography of L hidden somewhere don't you?" There's just no way they could learn that much about one guy without stalking him or reading about him. Like how I would read biographies of Johnny Depp and Stephen King, both changing the world with uncountable fans. There was a knock at the door and I answered it with haste, they sounded more like fanboys rather then successors. I was greeted by a tall hooded man with shaggy black hair poking through the white hood to shade his face.
"Can I help you?" I asked him. He seemed familiar, as though I knew him. Maybe he just had one of those faces but I couldn't even see his face. Talk about freakish chances. "Do I know you from somewhere?" He shook his head.
"I need to speak with you alone." Mello's eyes were narrowed into slits.
"I wouldn't go with him Jail, you don't even know the guy." I looked back at Mello then to the Mr. Hood.
"He does have a point, sir. Maybe if you would just introduce yourself-"
"I will do no damage to any one of you nor will I cause chaos, I merely wish to speak with...Jail." Jail, the sound of my new name rolling off his tongue sent chills down my spine. I nodded and followed. Mello grabbed my arm.
"What are you thinking?! You don't know this guy and neither do I. Why are you going with him?"
"We're in an orphanage with teachers and other adult authorities. I'll be fine, besides, it's not like I'd have anything to lose." I wriggled my arm out of his hold and followed close behind the man with the white hoodie. "So who exactly are you?" He looked at me with a blankness I couldn't recall and answered.
"Call me Ryuzaki."