Just in case 'yall didn't know, the Florence Nightingale effect (also known as Florence Nightingale Syndrome) is when a doctor or nurse falls for their patient. That's what Weston refers to here.

We get some answers about Mikami in this chapter. Buckle up, fair readers.

And PLEASE review, it keeps me motivated to continue the story.

Ellie Lawliet's P.O.V.

"Please? Even just across the room?"

"No. Stop asking."

"L, Yori is being a jerk."

"And I will continue being a jerk until you're better, so stop whining like a little kid."

L dropped a strawberry into his mouth, "Why don't you just get a wheelchair?"

"That's a great idea! Yori, think you can swing that?"

He moved his stethoscope to another spot, "I guess, but you'd need to be pushed around, or at least escorted by someone at all times. Besides, it's not like there's anything interesting in the tower to see. And with Kira on the loose, it's not a smart idea to go outside, especially since your name and life span aren't visible. You'd look too suspicious; you could get attacked again. We don't know how many people Kira has out there."

I'll be the judge of that. I glared at him, "Get me a freaking wheelchair, I'm sick of this room. If I die having this baby, I will not have spent my last few months staring at these walls."

"Whatever you say your highness." He took off his stethoscope and wrote something on his clipboard. "Everything looks good. Except, you know, the things that don't."

"Well, look at you being all specific," Weston appeared, strutting through the door. "Hiya handsome," He brushed his hand flirtatiously across Kaneko's cheek. Kaneko smacked his hand away.

"If you're here," Yori quipped, "who's running Hell?"

"My, my, our little Florence Nightingale is feeling feisty today."

"Don't insult me. Florence Nightingale was a nurse; I'm a doctor."

He winked, "That's not quite what I was referring to." They looked like they were having a secret conversation, speaking in some sort of code.

Whatever Weston had meant seemed to tick Yori off to the point he looked almost humiliated. He stormed out of the room without another word, slamming the door behind him. I hated that my two closest friends fought so often. It made me sad.

"What was that all about," I asked, probing for answers.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that cute ass of his; it's a little too tight for his own good. He can't take a joke."

"I don't know," I said, "He's taken plenty of jokes coming from me. You seem to have genuinely upset him. What did you do?"

"Now this is a twist, the patient is worried about the well-being of her doctor," he dodged the question.

"Weston," I warned.

"Yeah, sweetie? What is it?" He feigned innocence.

"Be nice to him." I ordered, using my no-nonsense voice. "You're acting like a bully."

He gasped dramatically, pressing his hand to his chest, "Me? Never!"

I love Weston, but he could be incredibly frustrating at times.

A few hours later, Yori came in with a shiny new wheelchair for me. I had spent that time convincing L to let me go outside.

"We still haven't gone to visit Mikami in his cell," I said, "we need to know how he got here, when he arrived, and where he popped up. We also don't know how much he knows about Kira's current situation. I think it would be beneficial to go see him."

L took another bit of cake, "I suppose you're right. Although you coming along can't be too helpful."

"Yes it can," I said, grabbing a handful of gummy bears from L's vast pile of goodies, "I'm the one he attacked after all. He wants to know why he can't see my name or lifespan. We say that we'll tell him what we know if he tells us what he knows."

He finished his slice of cake and grabbed another one, "That sounds like a deception; we don't know why your name and lifespan aren't visible. I think I may be a bad influence on you," He took a huge bite, "fine, you can go, but Yagami and Kaneko are going with you. I will be staying here, ready to intervene with the police at my back if anything goes south."

"Where are we going?" Yori rolled my newly-acquired chair through the door.

"You and Yagami will be accompanying Ellie to Tokyo Prison to interrogate Teru Mikami."

"Yeah, because that's not a recipe for disaster," he said.

"While you are out, you are to refer to her only as Gabrielle, is that clear?"

"Clear as mud." He adjusted his glasses, "Do I get an alias too? "I want something discreet like Balfadon The Destroyer."

I was not expecting to laugh, so I ended up choking on my gummy bears. Yori almost had to give me the Heimlich. Luckily, I managed to survive… For now.

His sarcasm might actually kill me. Maybe I'll be Balfadon The Destroyer's first victim.

"God, Ellie, chew your food," Yori got me a glass of water.

L chimed in, "Yes, being strangled to death by bears does not sound like a pleasant way to end one's life." He took another bit of cake.

"Ah, but what a grand tale it would be," I said, grabbing the cup and guzzling it down. When I'd recovered, I tried to climb into my chair. My muscles were still bruised and weak, but I was determined.

"Whoa, hold on," Yori rushed forward, gabbing my shoulders, "You can't get in and out of bed on your own."

I tried to push him away, but he was too sturdy, "I'm fine," I insisted. I didn't want to have to rely on other people for everything. I wasn't completely helpless. L watched our exchange with minimal interest.

"No, you're not, stop being stubborn and listen to your damn doctor."

I pouted, but gave up and let him lift me into the chair bridal style. I tried pushing myself by the wheels, but my arms were still too sore, so I reluctantly let my doctor take control.

"Where to, your highness?"

"Top floor. I need to have a bath and get something decent on before heading out."

I had L help me get cleaned up while Yori disappeared to do whatever it is he does in his spare time. I put on a comfortable pink dress and put my hair up. I didn't bother with shoes. L slouched like normal as he pushed my wheelchair around wherever I asked.

I hadn't been this clean and tidy in months. It felt good. I sat up a bit straighter. Looking in the mirror, I looked like a fine, well-to-do lady. I offered myself a little wink. I'm gorgeous and I know it.

L noticed, muttering, "Pink is a becoming color on you." I may or may not have blushed a little bit. Or a lot. Either way, I was flattered. L was more of a sweetheart than he got credit for.

We went to the first floor to meet Yagami and Kaneko. They were waiting for us outside the elevator. For once, Yori wasn't in his lab coat. Yagami, however, looked the same as ever.

Yori stared at me, looking dazed. Did I have something on my face?

"Are you alright, Doctor?" L mumbled, chewing on his thumb, "your face is going red."

He was right. Yori looked like he was getting a fever or something. He pretended to cough and turned away, adjusting his glasses, "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's get on with it, shall we? I haven't seen the sun in forever." He started toward the door.

"Hold it, Kaneko, aren't you forgetting something?" L held out three identical masks, "Let's value our lives."

We put on our masks and I gave L a kiss goodbye. It occurred to me that this would be the first time since my kidnapping that we would be apart. Maybe I'd get some good gossip time in with Yori. From the hints Weston has been dropping I knew he had some cute girl on his mind; I was hoping to ask him about it. I bet I could convince L to let him out of the tower for a day so he could take her on a date.

"You look nice today," Yagami commented politely.

"Thanks, I haven't worn decent clothes in far too long. It's a nice change," I smiled as Yori helped me into the car. Once we were protected by the tinted windows we took off our masks. We wouldn't need them until we went outside.

Watari would be waiting outside the prison for us in the limousine. Once we were finished talking to Mikami, we'd go straight back to the tower. I briefly wondered how I could draw it out. I needed fresh air.

As fate would have it, while we were driving, we got stuck in traffic. Normally I'd have been annoyed, but this was the perfect opportunity to bug my second-best friend.

"Hey, Yori," I whispered quietly in his ear when I was sure Mr. Yagami wasn't paying attention, "word on the street is you've been pining for some girl. What's her name?"

He looked stunned, "Where did you hear that?"

"Oh… Around. So, who is she? A nurse at the hospital you used to work at, maybe?"

"I shouldn't discuss these things with a patient."

I rolled my eyes, "Since when do you care about etiquette? Spill it, what's she like?"

He was visibly uncomfortable. "Um…"

"Would you rather I hear about it from Weston? Because he will find out and he will tell me. Whether or not he tells me the truth is another matter. Best save yourself the grief of his crazy stories and tell me yourself." Normally I wasn't this pushy but I had been starved for girl-talk.

He sighed, shifting in his seat, "Fine. But I refuse to tell you her name, or how I know her," took his glasses off and polished them on his shirt, "what can I say to get you to shut up about this?"

Yes, victory! "Well, start with a description. What's she like?"

He looked at the floor of the limousine sheepishly, "She's… beautiful. The most stunning eyes you'll ever see. And spunky. She makes me laugh. I can be myself around her."

"She sounds wonderful," I grinned, "have you asked her out?"

"Excuse me?"

"Have you taken her on a date?"

"Let me get you a ladder so you can climb out of my business."

I smacked his arm, "Oh shut it, you're not getting out of it that easily. I haven't had a personal conversation with anyone other than my husband since I got to Japan. So," I rested my chin in one of my hands, "tell me more about her. Where did you two meet?"

"I already said I won't tell you how I know her. Why do you have to be so damn nosy?" He crossed his arms defensively.

"Fine. Does she love you back?"

His face fell, "No. She doesn't."

I frowned, "Why not? You're a catch." Weston had pointed that out far too many times.

He put his glasses back on, "Because. She just doesn't."

"You're not very good at this whole two-way conversation thing."

"This feels pretty one-sided to me. I don't have anything on you that would bug you this much. It's completely unfair."

Oh, so he wants to play give and take. Fine, I can play along. "Alright, in that case, you tell me about this mystery girl, and I'll answer any question you ask me. Deal? One for one." I held out my hand for him to shake.

He looked at my hand as if it may bite him. "One for one?"

I nodded, "Yep. So, do we have a deal or not?"

Hesitantly, he took my hand and shook it, being careful not to touch the bandages, "Okay, but if I choose to opt out of a question you can't push me on it."

That sounded fair, so I agreed.

"You first," he said, "tell me, what's with the funny dress?"

Now he was just making fun of me. "I thought it looked good," I straitened the hem self-consciously.

He laughed, "Oh, my apologies, your highness. You do look nice though. You should put on real clothes more often instead of those baggy t-shirts and pajama pants you always wear," he teased.

I ignored his jab. I wore those baggy t-shirts so he could change my bandages easier, he should appreciate it. "Your turn," I said, "How do you know this girl doesn't love you back? Have you actually asked her?"

"Don't need to. I'm certain of it."

"That's not an answer."

"And your point is?"

We went on like that the rest of the drive. He was not very forthcoming. I'd ask him a question, he'd dodge it, then he'd ask me something ridiculous. I was beyond frustrated by the time we got to the prison.

"We're here. Everyone, put your masks on," Yagami ordered.

We got out of the car – not without difficulty – and Yagami led the way. A guard escorted us to Mikami's cell and left us to talk to him. He was being held in a solitary cell away from the other prisoners. L had gone out of his way to make him as miserable as possible.

Mikami had drawn a giant cross on one of the walls and was on his knees, praying to it. Soichiro cleared his throat, getting the prisoner's attention. Mikami stopped muttering and glanced over to us.

"Who are you?" He asked.

I checked for cameras. There were three, all of which were behind us, facing our backs, so only the people present would be able to see me. I took off my mask, revealing my face to the maniac in front of me. "Hello, Teru Mikami," I glowered.

He glared menacingly, "You."

I leaned forward, "So you do recognize me. Good."

"What are you? Why can't I see your name?"

"We'll be the one asking questions," Yagami warned. "And you will answer them, or else."

Mikami walked forward, grabbing the bars. "It appears I am at a disadvantage."

"Yes," I said, "You are." I sat back in my chair, "So, tell us, how did you get to this world?"

He tilted his head toward the ceiling, "It was an act of God."

"Describe it," I demanded.

"I died," His grip tightened on the bars, "I died for God. And he rewarded me by giving me new life. I was guided by one of his angels of death to this place. He tasked me with assisting him in the creation of the new world."

"You spoke to Kira?" Yagami asked.

He didn't answer.

"You're pathetic," Yori growled, "How could you torture her like you did? What could you possibly have to gain?" The amount of hate and anger dripping from his tone was frightening. He looked ready to punch Mikami out.

"Settle down," Yagami said, "We're not here for that."

"How about a trade," I suggested, "You tell us what you know, and in return we'll tell you what we know."

He narrowed his eyes, but eventually nodded, "Fine. We have an agreement." He stuck his arm between the bars to shake my hand.

I ignored his outstretched hand. I had no intention of telling him anything. Once we got what we wanted, we'd leave him here to rot. I felt no pity for this man after what he did to me.

Yori decided to take his hand though… and use it to dislocate his arm. Mikami yelped in pain, leaping back from the bars. "God will delete you," he snarled.

"Start talking," I commanded, "how long have you been in this world?"

He nursed his limp arm, "I came here about a year before I saw you and your perversion. I have the eyes, but cannot see your name or life span. Why? Are you not human?"

Of course I was human, but I didn't need to tell him that. "No. I'm not," I lied more smoothly than I thought I could. I didn't like lies, so why did they come so easily? Maybe I was turning into L. (It was kind of fun, not gonna lie.)

That got a reaction. "Then what are you!?" he shouted desperately.

"If Kira is God," I smiled menacingly, "then I am Lucifer."

His eyes widened in horror.

"So," I continued, "tell us what we want to know, or we'll drag you down to the seventh circle of hell right now. After all," I showed the bandages on my arm and hand, "You've earned it."

That frightened him even more than I thought it would. This plan was going perfectly. "Please, no… I'll tell you whatever you want, just don't take me!"

I smirked, "Good. You'd better. You don't want to know what will happen if I am not satisfied with your answers." I played with my bottom lip, pretending to think, "So, where to begin?"

Mr. Yagami spoke up, "what do you know about the Kira in this world?"

Mikami cowered in the corner, but answered nonetheless, "Light Yagami brought me here. He said he wanted my eyes. He told me I would be his prophet and his hand. When I was stolen from his sight and thrown in here, he ceased blessing me with his guidance."

"Did you tell him about me?" I asked calmly.

He hesitated, but nodded fearfully, "Yes. He said you are not the only one of your kind. There was a man and an old woman who also had no names or life spans. The man stole his notebook; he had to get a new one. God has been searching for this man ever since so that he can be deleted."

I fought to keep a straight face, and fortunately didn't break. It was hard not to laugh. Kira still thought my red-head disguise was a real person. "When was the last time you spoke to him?"

He looked broken, "When I was captured, he appeared to me one last time, saying I had failed and he wouldn't need me anymore. But, he offered me redemption… if-" He cut himself off.

"If what?" Yori asked.

He hid behind his hair, but I could see a slow grin spread across his face, "If I got out of here and killed you once and for all."

Yori grabbed the bars, looking ready to tear them out of the wall and pound Mikami to a pulp, "If you even touch her again I will hunt you down and kill you myself!"

Mikami shied away, but was still smiling his creepy-murderer grin.

I raised my chin, "Where were you when you first arrived here?" We already knew he hadn't come from my closet.

He spat at my feet.

I heard L's vocal scrambler in my ear, "I believe that is all the information we will be able to extract from him. Please return to the tower at once."

I put my mask back on and let Yori push my wheelchair toward the exit, Yagami following closely behind. At some point Mikami had started cackling maniacally. We ignored him, leaving the prison and climbing into the limo out front. Watari drove us back to the tower while I kept an eye out for shinigami.

We weren't followed.