Matt: Wow. I'm actually in the story before any other Wammys.
TCLA: Yep. I like you. Probably because I've created a whole personality around you that is most likely totally inaccurate.
Matt: Well, what can you do? So Alex here doesn't own DN, just her own OCs and a handful of original scenes.
Chapter 30 Planning
Blood pooled around my fingers, paint dripping from an artist's brush. If I had been clawing at the lid of a coffin, I doubt any more damage could be done. I shrank away from the thought of being trapped beneath the ground, still alive.
The beds of my nails flared red, bared to the elements. It hurt of course. And after the third nail, my screams had been reduced to animalistic wails; primal and raw.
And now I was…what?
Minagawa had left, along with the camera. But that didn't account for the distant floating feeling.
Pain loosely held me tethered to consciousness, the throbbing and stinging reminding me I was in fact alive.
Trauma. Something about trauma. I recalled that much. My mind was trying to cope by retreating in my consciousness. I tried to shake my head to clear my thoughts, I needed to be awake. Everything felt murky. I needed…
"Rei? Are you alright?"
Who was that? It was…
"Rei, I need you to listen to me."
He sounded urgent. Desperate.
Pressure against my fingers accompanied by more stinging.
"Come on Rei. You can't give in now. What about your family? Your father! You have a brother right? Light?"
Light.
That was important. Light was important. My brother. My twin. My thoughts came together, using Light as a focusing point.
"Yes! And you have a sister! And a mother! And Matsuda!" All of this was whispered very enthusiastically. "And the investigation team! L!"
L.
L!
My eyes opened. Kinoshita was kneeling in front on me, swabbing the indents where my nails used to be with rubbing alcohol. That would account for the stinging. He smiled weakly, relief evident on his face.
"Thought I'd lost you for a moment."
"I'm alright." My tongue felt heavy in my mouth.
"Good." He started wrapping a bandage over my nail bed. "Because I'm going to get you out." This took a moment to register. His face was shining with excitement.
"What?" I hissed. If he helped me and it somehow went wrong…dead. He was dead.
"W-well," he stammered, thrown off by response. "Technically it will be L getting you out." I attempted to understand, but the pulsing in my head stopped me.
"Explain," I whispered flinching at the pain in my fingers.
"Tomorrow Minagawa-sama is going to attempt to use drugs to get you to confess," he paused seeing the panic on my face. "I don't know how bad they are, or what the side effects are, but I'm sure it won't cause any lasting damage." He waited until I nodded. "After that...well, Minagawa-sama isn't exactly patient…" Kinoshita swallowed heavily. "The day after he's going to start threatening you, and he's going to give you six hours to reconsider your answer, then well…"
"What is he threatening me with?" Kinoshita hesitated.
"…a nail gun." I momentarily stopped breathing. I could imagine the feeling of the nail piercing my skin… "But before he gives you the six hour deadline, he's going to arrange that you speak with L."
"I'm going to speak with L?" I asked elation obvious in my voice.
"Not in person obviously, but over the computer. And after that…I'm going to send him the address. That gives him a good couple of hours to prepare without risking your safety." I could hear the pride in Kinoshita's voice.
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," he answered. "I'll probably try to distract Minagawa-sama."
Panic broke out across my face. I shook my head. "No, he'll kill you. The second you get the message to L, you're gone. Out of here, Tokyo, Japan… I don't care where. But far away." Kinoshita slumped.
"I'm always running away. I wanted to be brave…" he sounded so much like Matsuda.
"You are being brave, but if you stay, Minagawa might try to use you as a hostage or even a decoy for L."
"…California." I blinked. He smiled to himself. "I've always wanted to go to California." I smiled back.
"I'll look you up there when all this shit is over," I promised.
"Deal."
~L's POV~
L-
Hey, I got your message. I've got just the thing you need. It's already downloading on your side ;) I had fun breaking my own security. You better make another "visit" soon. Mells is going nuts with boredom. Which is bad news for N. And me. He's already trashed three of my games. I expect to be reimbursed since Roger shut down my business ;) You better solve all this Kira crap soon.
-M2
I couldn't help but smile at the note my third in line sent me. Very little was dedicated to the actual purpose I had contacted him; but that was Matt's personality. He was far more laidback then the leading two contenders for the position, Mello and Near.
He preferred working behind the scenes, if working at all, versus the well known title of L. which of course led to his "business" which dealt with creating computer programs for anyone willing to pay. Matt had a "don't ask don't tell" policy with his customers. Of course I had discovered it merely days after its founding, but allowed it to continue, curious how long Matt could hide it from Roger. After seven months, I let Roger in on it and Matt's "business" was shut down.
Despite the fact I had never met any of my current successors, excluding Mello, we had an understanding; while they were training to later inherit my position, I would not chastise them for acts that were detrimental to the mind set needed for the job. Namely, I often looked the other way when they preformed questionable acts because I felt that their abilities to hide such acts was crucial to becoming L. This of course made me unpopular with the staff of the Wammy house, but I ignored their opinions. They were of little value to me.
"Light, my contact responded. He has already installed the necessary programs." Light still slightly irritated with our earlier disagreement merely shot me a look before checking the monitor. The irritation melted away and was replaced with an expression of awe.
"Ryuzaki, this is amazing! I never would have thought…" I watched as Light chattered about the makeup of the program, highlighting how impressive it was.
"Can you work it, Light?" I asked cutting him off.
"Of course…but it's all automatic. All I have to do is insert the resulting data," Light answered.
"So I would be correct in assuming that Rei's location will be narrowed down in correlation with the arrival of the next transmission?"
"Exactly." I nodded, satisfied with that for the moment.
I was aware I was avoiding my own personal feelings on Rei's disappearance. My small outburst at Matsuda had only hinted at the guilt and feeling of responsibility I had toward the matter. I was left with a feeling of helplessness and the inability to act; emotions I purposefully avoided in order to maintain my own sanity. For L to feel guilt at any of his decisions was suicide.
I frowned, dropping sugar cubes into my tea, already long cold. I couldn't afford to show weakness in front of Light. Despite his reminder of being on the same side, he was still a suspect, and he, at the very least, had been at one point Kira. But he was also Rei's brother and the closets intellectual equal I'd come across since leaving the Wammy House.
"Ryuzaki," Light scolded, grabbing my wrist. I blinked peering at the sugar overflowing from my cup. I rubbed the bridge of my nose. I was distracted; this would have to end soon.
"Ryuzaki, we have another incoming transmission," Watari informed. Light immediately began typing rapidly, activating what would be our best chance at locating Rei.
Wakey wakey Kira…
Let's begin shall we?
Are you Kira?
No.
Are you Kira?
No.
Are you Kira?
Rei hesitated, knowing some form of punishment was awaiting.
No.
Wrong answer Kira.
Rei's muffled cry, echoed throughout the room. She stared in horror at the nail that had been formerly attached to her finger. The process repeated itself, but this time she couldn't stop the scream that exploded from her throat.
My mind went blank.
"Ryuzaki! Ryuzaki stop!"
I frowned. Light's voice sounded quiet, though he was wasn't whispering. There was wind, I realized, stealing his volume and chilling me. We were on the roof. I frowned and turned towards auburn haired teen, his face becoming relieved when he saw me respond.
"Finally, I thou-"
"Why did you bring me up here, Light?" I asked, rare anger flowing through my voice. Light blinked momentarily confused before returning my angry tone.
"You brought us up here! You freaked out after seeing…" Light trailed off, his gaze drifting to the floor. "After seeing Rei."
I sighed, closing my eyes.
"A childish habit," I muttered.
"A habit?"
I nodded briefly, my thumb coming to rest on my lips.
"Merely a reaction I developed as a child. It was originally a way to cope and reflect, though I suppose…it later became a way to mourn."
My thoughts briefly flickered towards A and B. I always retreated to the roof after I failed.
"Mourn?"
A small sad smile tugged at my lips.
"I've had to mourn many, Light."
Light didn't answer.
I stared out at the skyline. Tall pillars of gray pierced the bright blue of the sky, seeming to puncture it. For a moment I allowed myself to wonder if it would rain when the sky finally did tear.
"You really care about her, don't you?" Light said softly.
"…"
"You don't have to answer. It was fairly apparent from your reaction… It's just surprising, that Rei would like someone like you, when we so obviously butt heads. So, I'm going to make an effort. To get along," Light clarified.
"Then I will do the same," I responded, surprising Light. "I am not oblivious to the bond you two share and I have no desire to belittle it." Light smiled.
"You should meet our family."
"I am already acquainted with your family." Light rolled his eyes.
"I mean, you should actually meet them in person rather than performing some complex background check on them. Sayu would love you."
I carefully observed him, looking for some hint of ill will, but I could find none.
"…perhaps, Light."
~Rei's POV~
I sat in anticipation of what I knew what was to come. The drugs. I repressed a shudder. I didn't deal well with drugs, even the simplest of pain killers often had me nauseous. I had concluded that it had all been mental and not actual symptoms, but without fail, I always felt ready to vomit.
I was even worse with injected serums. The needle made my skin crawl, and my veins literally burned with the introduction of the foreign substance. And I had little confidence in whatever Minagawa had managed to obtain.
One more day. One more day and L would come. Kinoshita would be safe, and Minagawa would be in custody.
"I can do this," I murmured to myself.
"Oh, I don't believe that Kira."
I froze, hearing Minagawa approach.
"Don't you know the first sign insanity is taking to yourself?"
"And I suppose kidnapping young girls under the delusion they are the world's most wanted serial killer is the second?"
Minagawa's hand wrapped around my throat, cutting off just enough air to prevent speech, but still keep me conscious.
"You better watch yourself girly." His fingers tightened. "I could return to you to L missing several vital body parts. Or maybe I'll just drive you crazy, eh?" He let go and air rushed back into my lungs.
He moved behind me and I felt a needle slide into my veins. I winced, biting at my already raw lip. He yanked it out. Not carrying about the unnecessary tug on my skin or the droplets of blood that oozed out. He stepped back, revealing the immense side of the needle as well as how much of the drug that was now running through my system. The slow burn began.
"Smile for the camera Kira."
"Go to hell," I spit out. Cringing at the feeling of fire moving through my veins. If I could I would have been clawing at my wrist, trying to alleviate the pain.
"Not very nice are we? Don't worry. This ought to mellow you out." My eyes slid out of focus as a sluggish feeling took over. "Works fast doesn't it?"
The sluggish feeling morphed into slap happy and I found myself struggling to hold back giggles.
I had something important to do…right? Things I couldn't say or talk about…what things? I honestly couldn't remember. I laughed. It was funny how I forgot.
"Are you Kira?"
"Kira? Pft ahahaha! No of course not silly! But I know who Kira is!"
"Who?"
"Well first it was Lighto, but then he got better, so we thought it was a little blonde model whose name sounds like…Lisa or something. But then she went all, 'MR. STALKER!' And then Ryuzaki and I were confused. But you know what?" I said seriously.
"What?" he asked eagerly. I giggled.
"Ryuzaki is gonna kick your ass! And he kicks hard!" I broke out laughing again.
"Are you Kira?" I blinked, confused.
"Who's Kira?"
"You!"
"Nu-uh. I'm Rei. But maybe the police station knows where Kira is. They're good at finding people." My head lolled to the side. "Your face still looks angry sideways. You should eat cake. Ryuzaki likes cake, but I think that's why he looks like a panda." I blinked an idea occurring to me. "But you don't want to be a panda do you?"
There was cracking sound as he struck me across the face. I laughed again.
"You little bitch!"
I frowned. "That's not nice. Ryuzaki and Light are gonna beat you up…" I trailed off, trying to focus my gaze. Euphoria blazed through my system and nonsense continued to escape my lips.
"Shit," I muttered as I registered the ache in my jaw. Clarity was slowly returning.
"I was told it would wear off fast," Minagawa commented. "Which means the side effects should begin soon." My mouth went dry.
Side effects. That sobered me quickly. Often it was the side effects that proved more dangerous than the drug.
Minagawa grinned as he saw the fear in my eyes.
"I hope you enjoy hallucinations, Kira."
He hadn't quite left the room when I started screaming.
I could attempt to describe what I saw, but I don't believe I could do it justice. Needless to say, I'll try.
My worst fears came to life in front of my eyes, all blending together to create the perfect form of fear.
Familiar faces came and went, taunting, screaming, grinning, with eyes red and teeth gleaming.
I saw Light and Kira, both as separate entities and as one. Easily changing like Jekyll to Hyde. Soft pleas changed to demands of surrender. Brown eyes becoming red and feral.
People I loved dying before my eyes only to be resurrected to befall the same fate. They begged me to save them, but I couldn't do anything.
None of it was real, that didn't cease to make it any less terrifying. Knowing that only served to make it worse. What would happen to me if any of it was true?
When the last images finally faded away like blood in water, I was shaking and embraced unconsciousness, whimpering as I did so.
~Author's Note~
So now there is a plan! YAY! L's gonna come save Rei. Took him long enough… And he and Light don't hate each other's guts, which is good. Matty makes a brief letter appearance and we get some fun time torture in.
Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's day. And if you were single, you can be my Valentine!
I'd also like to thank the first person I don't know, who like the Survivor Facebook page. You ROCK! I would say your name…but I don't want people to stalk you ^_^ If anyone wants to like it, it's Survivor: A Death Note Fanfiction. Woot for self promotion, right? And my author persona is Tcla San. I will friend you no matter what. Unless you start creeping on anyone else.
Thanks for the reviews! A lot of first time readers this round!
LiLa:OMG. You have the same name as the girl from Hey Arnold! O.O And thanks for the review ;) Unless it's pronounced Lee La. Then I suck.
Gwen: AWWWWWWWW. I love you. I know I ramble ridiculously in these, but I do. So much. *huggles* I love how you reviewed twice and tried to bribe me :D
SweetHearts4L: Lol tingly nails. I would make the chapters longer, but I like to separate the action a bit. I'll try to beef them up a little though. Zombies rule btw.
AlbinoButterfly: L and light need to step it up, neh? Don't worry. It's all building up o a heroic rescue scene :D
Rabid Cream Puff: Never watched/and or read Higurashi. What's it about? Mind glomps are excellent bribes :D woot for insomniac reading!
K: Yes I am a terrible insomniac. *high five*