A/N: Thanks for the feedback and the name info! Really appreciate it! Ok, things are getting more interesting! Please review!
Chapter 3: Investigation
Miya had gotten out of her class early and was walking across campus toward the cafeteria. It was a bright day, the sun shining down from the cloudless blue sky, and Miya was just enjoying the atmosphere as she thought about her last class. It had been health, and they had been doing more bonding exercises with fellow classmates. Ever since Ryuga had stopped coming to class, she'd been forced to work with this jerk of a guy who only wanted to talk about sports. Miya never thought she would miss someone as bizarre as Ryuga, but she found these days that she did. At least they had intelligent conversations when they had been partners.
Now that Miya was thinking about it, she hadn't seen Ryuga in a while. Not just in health class, but at all, and he certainly didn't seem like the type to drop out. She'd seen Light Yagami wandering around a few times, but Ryuga was never with him. Therefore it was quite surprising to see him sitting on a bench in the middle of campus. He waved casually at her as she drew nearer.
"Funny seeing you here Miss Yamaguchi," Ryuga said when she stopped in front of him.
"I go to school here," she pointed out. "And I thought you did too but you've been a no show for the past few weeks. What's up with that?"
"How is Noah?" Ryuga asked, ignoring her question as he switched to a new subject. Miya sighed and sat down beside him, realizing he wasn't going to tell her anything.
"He's good," she replied. "But how have you been?"
"Fine," Ryuga answered. "Work has been very tiring lately but then again, I hardly sleep anyway." Miya could have guessed that from his eyes, which were still underlined with the dark circles that she now associated with a panda.
"Yeah, work can suck," Miya replied. "But anyway, have you been keeping up with the Kira investigation?" Even though she knew she shouldn't, she was hoping to get some type of answer from this guy. Ever since she'd heard his conversation over coffee with Light Yagami, she was way too curious over why the names "L" and "Kira" had been thrown around so much.
"I follow it," Ryuga answered simply. "What are your thoughts on the Kira announcement? Surely you heard it." Miya nodded.
"Yeah everyone's heard that. But…no, never mind."
"Something you wanted to say?" Ryuga wondered. Miya sighed before continuing.
"Well you'll probably think I'm crazy, but even before the announcement I was thinking it was probably a second Kira."
"Why would you say that?" Ryuga pressed. He seemed really interested in her answer, and Miya suddenly felt unsure of herself.
"Well it was just that, the new Kira killed differently than the other one. The original Kira seemed to have a sense of justice, I guess you could say, and only killed the worse of the worst criminals. The new one was killing innocent people for the sake of example. It just seemed like a totally different killer." She looked at Ryuga and saw that he was giving her that unblinking stare again. "Then when the real Kira made the announcement on TV to the second one, it proved that I was right." Miya twirled a strand of light brown hair between her fingers in thought. "Then I started thinking about the night in front of the Sakura TV station. Before, the real Kira needed a name and a face to kill but now it seems that the second Kira only needs a face, which is how the man and the police officers died so suddenly, which leads me to believe… we're in trouble now." Ryuga didn't say anything at first making Miya believe she sounded completely ridiculous. "I've never told anyone that theory and I kinda wish I hadn't now. You must think I'm stupid."
"No, actually I'm quite impressed," Ryuga answered, much to her surprise. "I've been thinking the same thing. You figured that out just by following the stories on the news?"
"Yeah," Miya answered with a smile, quite pleased with herself. "I told you I wanted to be a detective."
"Yes you did mention that, and it does appear that your deductive reasoning skills are sharp. Perhaps then, you would be interested in this…"
"What are you doing?" Miya asked when he picked up one of the notebooks she'd been carrying from off the bench and scribbled something down on one of the blank pages.
"Meet me at this hotel tonight, say around six?" Ryuga said, ripping out the page and handing it to her. "I think it will be worth your while." Miya glanced at the page and saw the name of a hotel and a room number, and she suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
"Um, Ryuga we really don't know each other that well…" she said slowly. "I feel like that would be inappropriate."
"I assure you Miss Yamaguchi this is strictly business," Ryuga said casually as he picked up her other book off the bench, flipping through it casually. It was her small, brown, leather bound planner, but Miya was too wrapped in thoughts to care that he was looking at it. There wasn't anything secretive written in it anyway.
Business? Well it was a relief, at least, to know that he wasn't so turned on by her detective skills that he was inviting her to a room, but what business could he possibly have to discuss with her? Miya started to get excited, thinking maybe it had something to do with L, but then quickly calmed down, realizing that was probably far from the truth. Her thoughts were interrupted, however, when she heard Ryuga speaking.
"Hey Light. How's it going?" Miya snapped out of her thoughts quickly and focused her attention on where Ryuga was looking. Indeed, there was Light Yagami, talking to a girl Miya had seen around campus. Kyomi, she thought her name was.
"Well I'd better get going for lunch then," Miya said quickly, standing up as Light approached.
"Will I see you tonight then?" Ryuga asked, locking eyes with her. Miya glanced down quickly at the notebook in her hand before meeting his gaze again.
"I guess," she said before turning away and continuing down the path. She was just too curious and she had to see what was going on. Hopefully it would even answer some of her questions.
"Hope she's not upset," Miya heard Ryuga say to Light, probably about Kyomi, before she had walked out of earshot. She was almost to the cafeteria when she suddenly had that feeling that she was missing something. She looked down at the things in her hand to check, and sure enough, the planner Ryuga had been looking at was not in her hand. The only thing she had was the notebook that now held the hotel information.
"Great…" Miya grumbled as she turned back around. Thankfully Ryuga was still there when she reached the bench, chatting away with Light about something.
"Well, something like that," Light was saying when she reached the bench. They both turned to look at her when she stopped.
"I um…forgot my planner," she said awkwardly. Light looked to Hideki, who nodded and handed over the brown book.
"Yes here you are," he said as he stood up and looked at Light. "Hey uh, do you wanna have some shortcake with me in the cafeteria?"
"Yeah sure," Light replied. "I have a break now anyway."
"Mm that's perfect," Ryuga continued. "I'm kinda craving shortcake right now."
"Well, let's hope they have it," Light said, though it looked to Miya like he was thinking about other things. She felt really awkward walking right in front of them as they talked, so she decided to join the conversation.
"I think they have shortcake today," she said casually, slowing her pace some until she was even with Ryuga. "Which means strawberries."
"Ah yes my favorite," he said, looking pleased. The three continued to walk in silence for a few seconds before a high girl's voice cut through the air.
"Light, there you are!" the girl said, giggling as she ran up towards the tall and for some reason annoyed looking boy. "I had a photo shoot nearby, so I thought I'd come by to see you!" A photo shoot? Was this girl a model? "Oh this must be a friend of yours," she continued as she approached Ryuga. "He looks so different. Unique."
'That's one way of putting it…' Miya thought to herself as the girl continued.
"Hi there! I'm Light's girlfriend, Misa Amane. Nice to meet you!" It then clicked in Miya's brain that this girl was a model in a number of magazines. Hmm, Miya couldn't help but wonder if she knew about all the other girls Light was always hanging around with.
"I'm Hideki Ryuga…" the Panda-eyed man answered, sounding slightly stunned for a reason Miya couldn't pinpoint. Misa looked quite stunned as well, and was staring over his head with a confused expression.
"Huh? Hideki Ryu…" she trailed off, still puzzled. Light then took the opportunity to jump in.
"Yeah he has the exact same first and last name as the famous idol. Pretty bizarre huh?"
"Oh…" Misa said, turning to Miya. "And you are?"
"Miya Yamaguchi," Miya answered, feeling suddenly very self conscious. If she didn't know she was a model, it wouldn't have been hard to guess. She was really pretty, with blonde hair that hung straight, aside from the two pigtails that hung off her head. She had big blue eyes, and was wearing a short little black dress with ruffles. Miya was looking down at her plain jeans and blouse bitterly when the strangest laughter interrupted her thoughts. Everyone turned to see Ryuga, staring at Misa with his finger to his mouth, something he often did. What was weirder though, was the fact that he was chuckling uncontrollably. Though everyone had just been off in their own worlds, it was clear that they were all thinking the same thing now. Why the hell was he laughing like that?
"Light…" Ryuga said finally, putting his hand back down to his side. "You're a lucky guy."
"Huh?" Light barely uttered as Ryuga looked to the petite blonde. "I have been a huge fan of yours ever since the August issue of Eighteen." Oh so he was just laughing because Misa was pretty? That was the conclusion Miya came to, and all it did was add to the weird definition that Ryuga was already building up for himself.
"What? Really?" Misa gushed. "That's so sweet of you!" Miya was about to suggest that they continue to the cafeteria, when a number of passing students started gathering around, all chatting excitedly about Misa Misa. Miya still had her attention fixed on Ryuga, trying to figure out what was wrong with him. It was then that she saw his hand reach out toward Misa.
'No…' Miya thought to herself. 'I know he is not about to…'
"No way!" Misa yelled. "Somebody just touched my butt!" She whipped her head around to see Ryuga standing there, his hand in the air. He looked completely caught off guard and also totally stupid.
'What a pervert…' Miya thought to herself as Ryuga lamely attempted to cover his tracks.
"Uh…this is an outrage!" he cried, scuttling around Misa to look her straight on. "Uh, taking advantage of this situation is unforgivable. I will find whoever is responsible for this!" Yeah, nice cover…
"Oh Ryuga," Misa giggled. "You're so funny." Ryuga rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as a tall woman with long dark hair and glasses approached, wearing a professional looking green dress suit.
"Misa, it's time!" she snapped, uncaring of the bystanders as she grabbed the blonde's hand. "Or were you planning to be late again?"
"N-no. I'm sorry Yoshi," Misa stuttered, obviously scared by the woman. Miya was suddenly very glad she was not a model.
"Let's go," the manager said, dragging her off in the direction she had come from.
"O-okay," Misa mumbled before turning around and waving enthusiastically at Light. "Bye Light! I'll see you after I'm done work. Miss you already!" Miya turned back toward Light and Ryuga, and was suddenly aware of the fact that no one was around anymore. Apparently the three of them just weren't interesting enough.
"Now then," Ryuga continued as if nothing had happened. "Perhaps we should get going?"
"Yeah I'm starving!" Miya agreed, taking a step forward. Light was hesitant however.
"Yeah…actually could you go on ahead? I need to use the restroom." Miya couldn't say she minded. For some odd reason Light creeped her out more than Ryuga. He was just too perfect or something.
"Oh okay then. I'll see you there," Ryuga replied before heading off alongside Miya.
"Alright shortcake is waiting on us I believe," he said with a slight smile as they walked. They'd barely made it five steps however when Ryuga's phone rang.
"Um…are you going to answer it?" Miya answered after he pulled it out. He was just staring at it, holding the string in that weird way that he held things.
"Yes?" he said the phone. "…Hello?"
"What do you mean 'hello'?" Miya heard a familiar voice say. It occurred to her that she was not hearing the phone and turned around to see Light standing just a few yards away, holding his phone to his ear. Were they talking to each other?
"Oh, is that you Light?" Ryuga said casually. "I guess someone must have dropped this phone in all the commotion earlier on." After a pause, he spoke again. "Uh hello?"
"Yeah that, that's Misa's cell phone you have. I can give it back to her," he finished sharply, stepping up behind Hideki with his hand extended. Miya did not understand why they were both still talking on their phones, but either way Ryuga continued as if Light were three miles away.
"No I see," he said into the phone. "Sure that makes sense." Finally, and reluctantly, it seemed to Miya, Ryuga hung the phone up and turned around, handing it to Light, who took it before they both turned and continued walking. Miya stayed put for a moment, thinking about how strange that was, before jogging to catch up with Ryuga.
"You took Misa's phone," she accused. "Why?" She guessed that meant he wasn't a pervert…though he still touched her butt. Ryuga looked like he was going to speak when another phone rang.
"Oh…oh this time it's actually my cell phone," he said as he pulled it out, clearing his throat before he spoke. "Yes? Yes I see. So it's done then? I understand." He then hung up and slid his phone back into his pocket.
"Who was that?" Miya asked curiously, and perhaps rudely seeing as it was really none of her business. He didn't answer her however and instead turned to face Light, who was still nearby.
"I'm not actually sure how you'll take this but regarding Misa Amane there's something you should know. We've taken her into custody under suspicion of being the second Kira." Miya gasped involuntarily. She just couldn't help it. Misa as the second Kira? That just couldn't be. And if Ryuga had the power to take her into custody, did that mean he really was L? "We gathered physical evidence from the envelopes that were sent by the second Kira," Ryuga continued. "In particular, we found hairs and fibers from the masking tape used to seal them. They matched what we found in Misa's room. There would be a public uproar if it gets out that she's been apprehended as the second Kira, so officially we've charged her manager with drug possession and she's a voluntary witness. But I doubt any of this will get out." Miya just stood there in shock as Ryuga spoke. Should she really be hearing this? But she had the sudden feeling that he wanted her to hear it. Did that mean this is what he had called her to the hotel to talk about? Miya glanced over to Light, who looked shocked, and defeated. He was silent for a long time, and finally he looked up, his face more confident.
"Yes well, if that's what has to be done," Light said simply before turning and continuing to where he'd been heading. The bathroom, apparently. Ryuga turned back around to face Miya, who was frozen in shock.
"Misa is…the second Kira?"
"Well officially innocent until proven guilty," Ryuga shrugged. "But all evidence points to her." Obviously he'd come to this conclusion a long time ago, as he was completely calm. Miya worked to pull her shock back together as Ryuga continued.
"Well, sorry to leave you hanging like this but I'm afraid I have to go."
"Yeah of…of course," Miya said, finally able to put thoughts together. "Does this topic have anything to do with what I'll be finding out tonight?"
Ryuga sighed, defeated. "I really wanted shortcake too," He then turned to Miya. "See you soon Miss Yamaguchi." At that Ryuga walked off, leaving Miya full, if possible, of more questions than she'd had the other day.
"Okay yeah I'll…see you…" Miya trailed off. He certainly was a mystery. How could he possibly be more upset about missing shortcake than the possibility of Misa Misa being the second Kira? Whatever. All Miya knew what that she was thinking a lot, and her head was starting to hurt. Maybe she needed some sugary brain food.
"Well damn, now I want shortcake…" she mumbled to herself as she walked off toward the cafeteria. One thing was certain; she was definitely going to the hotel tonight to find out what was going on.
Miya literally spent the rest of the day on autopilot. She was there; at school, with her family, but she couldn't tell you a thing that happened. Every thought that crossed her mind was about the mysterious Hideki Ryuga and Kira. So, needless to say she was literally running down the street toward the hotel, knocking aside various people before bursting through the doors to the address she'd been given.
"Um…can I help you?" an alarmed looking clerk at the check-in counter asked. Miya realized how stupid she must have looked charging in like that, and quickly shook her head.
"No sorry. It…looked like rain so I ran…'cause…I'm just going to go to my room."
"Please," the clerk said flatly, looking back down at the magazine she'd been flipping through. Miya walked over to the elevator and stepped inside, concentrating on slowing her breath as it rose a couple of floors, letting her off at the top level. She pulled out the notebook paper and eyed the door numbers, pausing in front of the one at the end of the hallway.
"This is it…" she muttered, hesitating a moment. Finally she knocked on the door and waited.
"Who is it?" Ryuga's familiar voice said from the other side.
"It's Miya Yamaguchi," she said, looking around.
"Password," his voice said.
"Um…" Miya hesitated, checking the paper, which was sadly without password. Suddenly the door opened, and Ryuga ushered her inside.
"There's no password by the way," he shrugged, heading over to a cushioned chair that had a couch and few other seats around it. "Though I suppose investing in one wouldn't be bad for security purposes. And another thing, you shouldn't give your name away so easily. Kira only needs a name and a face. He could have easily killed you if he was in this room. Now, please, sit." He said, motioning toward the couch. Miya sat down slowly and took a look at her surroundings as Ryuga perched himself atop his chair. Off to the far end of the room was a television, with a chair a few feet in front of it. A number of important looking men stood around. Detectives, maybe?
"So…what did you call me here for?" Miya asked nervously after Ryuga took his time pouring himself coffee and adding the insane amount of sugar.
"Well you're deductive reasoning skills seem to be above average," Ryuga began, stirring the drink and taking a sip. Somehow he managed to hold the teacup in the air the way he held everything else, and Miya had an offhand thought about how she'd probably spill it on herself if she tried that. "You're the only one who logically came to the second Kira conclusion, aside from myself and Light Yagami, and I'm thinking you could be an asset to this investigation. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?"
"Um…I guess…but…who are you?" she asked, skipping to the point.
"Who do you believe me to be?" Ryuga replied, probably attempting to test her again.
"Well you claim to be Hideki Ryuga at school but…I'm almost seventy-seven percent positive that you're L. A confirmation of that from you or someone else might be nice." She decided it might be fun to mock him a little, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Very well," he replied. "I am L." Miya wasn't expecting it to be that simple and she laughed.
"Something funny?" he asked curiously.
"No it's just…okay you just admit you're L so easily? And you expect me to believe it?"
"Well regardless of whether or not you believe the fact, it is true." Miya had no reason to doubt him, and for some reason she was believing everything now.
"But isn't it dangerous for you to be giving away who you are to random people? I could be Kira for all you know!" L took a sip of his tea before responding.
"Well Miss Yamaguchi I find that highly unlikely. And in the event that you are Kira, coming here was not a smart move on your part. See, you are now one of two outside of this investigative team that knows me as L, so in the event of my death you would automatically be a main suspect." Miya gasped a little and quickly tried to backtrack.
"I'm not Kira though," she sputtered. "Please don't start suspecting me! I was just pointing out…"
"Relax Miss Yamaguchi, that is not why I've invited you here." Miya felt a little relief rise in her and she took a deep breath before continuing.
"Okay so…?"
"So I want you to become a part of this investigative team," L explained. "This case is one of the more difficult I've faced, and we could use bright minds, such as yourself, on the inside."
"But…my job, and Noah. I really don't think I can commit to something like this."
"I assure you you'd be well rewarded for your work, much more than that restaurant I'm sure. And as for Noah we can find accommodations for him on the days in which he's with you. Matsuda is excellent with children, isn't that right Matsuda?"
"Um…I guess so sir…" a dark haired detective said, caught off guard.
"However it would be rather dangerous so I recommend you leave him at home if possible," L continued.
"Um, L," Miya began.
"Ryuzaki here please," L replied.
"Okay um, Ryuzaki…" Miya said. "I really don't know if I can accept this…"
"Take this job and I can assure you that you will always have a career in the detective field, whether it be under me or another person. You'd be given a fake name and all the necessary precautions would be taken to ensure you and your family's safety. What do you say?" Miya thought for a moment. She did want to be a detective, and extra money would be really good for Noah's sake. It was becoming an offer she couldn't refuse, and Ryuzaki's stare was adding to the pressure.
"Alright," she sighed. "I'll help."
"Excellent," Ryuzaki said, placing his teacup down. "But you understand that still, despite all precautions, you'll be risking your life by taking part in this."
"I understand," Miya sighed.
"Alright," Ryuzaki said. "In that case let's get started."