Hey!
I'm back with another chapter. As I had promised, Will, Halt and all of the original Ranger's Apprentice characters will be introduced in this chapter.
Because I don't enjoy fanfictions without the book's respective characters.
Anyway, lets get to the next chapter: L's introduction.
Oh, and this takes place about two weeks after Windsor's death.
Chapter One:
L
"Hey Halt, take a look at this, would you?" Will asked his companion, whom was reading reports in his- well, now Will's favorite chair. He was visiting his former apprentice after a quick task of regulating the incoming tax shipping.
Receiving the document from Will, Halt read the document accordingly.
To all members of Araluen authority,
As you may know, there have been an increasing number of murders in the Araluen-Redmont area.
Halt frowned. Normally, a document was sent to a specific person of position, not to Araluen authority in general. He wondered who the person sending this might be. Squinting his eyes in genuine interest, he continued to read.
Judging by the time and place the murders occurred, I am quite certain that the killer is a member of Araluen government, particularly within the military. I am starting a special investigation group, for this purpose. You see, not only can this person kill within the country, he has somehow committed murders around the entire region, including Hibernia, Tosca, and even Skandia..
Halt raised an eyebrow. Even he didn't know that.
We need to catch this culprit or culprits before he targets those of greater importance. However, only those who can access the second document will be verified to join the investigation.
There was no finish to the document. The only way to discover who sent this was to access the second document. A good move on his behalf, Halt thought. Whoever this person was, he obviously did not want to throw his identity away. Halt had a pretty good idea of who this person might be now.
"Will, hand me the second document." Halt said mildly. With interest, Will unveiled the second paper from the parcel. This particular sheet of paper was blank. It had a different texture to it though. He handed it to Halt.
Examining the paper closely, Halt took in the fact that it had a more waxy feel to it. But with trained hands, ones who were not taught the difference could not tell. Of course, he had explained this to Will and Gilan during their apprenticeships. But it was easily forgotten to most people. The paper could only mean one thing.
Raising from his seat, Halt walked over to the kitchen area. Opening a drawer, he revealed a small jar of ink. Curiosity peaked, Will moved to where Halt was. He watched his friend closely as Halt also retrieved a pen from the same drawer. He dipped the pen in ink, and lightly shaded the perimeter of the paper. Noticing what Halt was doing, Will spoke.
"It's ink-stained paper."
"Thank you for stating the obvious, Will," Halt replied, and Will smiled.
With the ink settling into the paper, Will started to see letters appeared. They contrasted the ink that was spaced throughout the paper. Halt now picked up the paper and now read:
If you are reading this, then you have passed the test. You are now a part of the investigation group. Now, here's the important part. If the killer is somewhat smart, then he must have realized that there are people that are currently on to what has been going on. Therefore, I advise that you follow each and everyone of these instructions.
Halt noticed that by glancing at the instructions that they were in list form. This person obviously did not know how to write a document.
First, I want you to leave in the evening. That is usually the time where activity within the fief is usually peaked. Make sure you arrive between the hours of six and eleven.
Next, do not wear anything suspicious. If this killer is out, you do not want to raise his suspicions.
Once you arrive to Castle Araluen, ask the strange looking man sitting on the bench closest to the door for a game of dice. He will escort you to where I am currently set up. If you are stopped by the castle security, explain you situation. I have informed every guard here about my plans. Indirectly, of course.
If you cannot or do not want to be a part of this investigation. Once you enter the castle, explain that you are there to deliver something to King Duncan. I have informed the receptionist about this as well. Keep in mind that this killer needs to know about his targets in order to kill them. Even a term of position, such as Sir or Chancellor, is all he needs. Be careful; he will eliminate anyone that classifies as a threat to him.
I look forward to working with whoever is reading this.
L
Halt smiled inwardly. Just as he thought.
Will frowned. "L?"
"Yes, his name is L. He's managed to solve every major case that has been presented to him, therefore being on of the region's best detectives," Halt explained to his former student. "Only select people have ever seen what he looks like. Of course, they are not allowed to disclose any information regarding his appearance or whereabouts."
"Have you worked with him before?" Will asked.
"As a matter of fact, yes," Halt stated. "I've solved a case with him. A very intelligent man, he is."
Will suddenly liked the thought of this investigation. He figured he would work alongside his friends, as well as this L figure that seemed so mysterious to him. He could only wonder what he looked like. Figuring how much experience L has, Will concluded that he was rather elderly. Halt, seeming to read Will's mind, sent Will's absolute thoughts spiraling downward.
"You'd be surprised about his looks," Halt said, smiling a little. Will's curiosity once again got a hold of him.
"Aw, c'mon Halt! You really can't tell me?"
Halt smiled, this time more apparent. "Sorry, L's orders." Seeing the conversation becoming off-topic, Halt became serious again "We'll leave in a couple hours. Since it doesn't take long to get there, it won't do us any good to arrive too early. Take Ebony to Pauline; she takes better care of her then you do."
Ebony raised her chin at the sound of her name. Then realizing no significance, he returned to her nap.
Will laughed at Halt's friendly insult. "Okay," he said. "But what do you suggest I do until then?
"As far as I'm concerned, whatever you want. Just be prepared to leave in a couple hours." Halt decided to end this conversation for now.
"Oh and don't do anything stupid."
*+*+*+ *(Meanwhile)
Howard clutched the document in his trembling hands. "L, huh?" He asked to nobody in particular. He had forgotten to realize that this situation would most likely exceed those of a normal case. He shifted over to the second document that he had easily solved. He figured that he would not be able to take part in this investigation. He couldn't, for a fear that he might say something wrong. He had heard of this man who goes by the name of L.
Knowing that he was perhaps the smartest man in the entire region, Howard had to play safe for now. He wouldn't move forward for a couple of days. Sure, it would cost time. But it would preserve his safety for now. Suddenly he had remembered what he had thought when killing Windsor the other night. It had been in his thoughts all day.
He had recalled thinking, when every one his plans went by cleanly, that it had been like a god was watching over him. Then the idea struck him.
First, he would know everything he needed to know about his targets. Even if it cost him his life, He would eliminate these people one by one, with the help of his associates in Hibernia, Tosca, and Skandia. Soon, he would expand as far a Genovesa. His plan: to rid the world of these people; to make the world perfect. He smiled, followed by a laugh. A devilish, evil laugh. He knew what he would be. He had to be; no else would. Now laughing hysterically, he grasped his plan with all the acceptance that he could present.
"I've got it." he said, between fits of laughter. He goal was to be:
The God of this world.
Ah, the ending got a little weird. I didn't exactly know how to phrase it. So I just improvised as I so often do.
Anyway, please review. Or you'll die.
Just kidding, you won't die. But please review
Later!