Chapter Fifteen - Second
Ready for manipulation,
Innocent like a lamb.
Pretty face,
Naive personality.
Complete devotion,
Imagined obligation.
Second to the original.
"Regarding Naomi Misora's disappearance, shouldn't we open an investigation into this matter?" Ukita asks.
This moment had been long awaited. I am positive that Naomi was murdered by Kira. There is no doubt in my mind. We had been looking over a list of possible victims, unconfirmed but suspected, and had come across this matter. The members of the task force remembered that name pop up months ago when the FBI agents had been killed. I, however, had not been present. I heard of her when I spoke to Ryuzaki with K and D. That in turn had instigated the surveillance of the Yagami household.
I'm sure that if I were somehow able to find her body or some evidence that she had been killed by Kira – which would mean that she would have to come into contact with him – we would be one step closer to catching the bastard.
"If we do, it should be coordinated separately from the Kira Case. Also, we'll have to use police sketches instead of actual photos," L replies steadily. He's working on autopilot, as his eyes are glazed over. He must be deep inside his own head.
"We're talking about someone who's been missing for four months already. Chances are she's already dead," Aizawa answers morbidly. I sit next to the man with the 'fro, while Matsuda and Ukita sit across from us and L sits in his own chair. Mr. Yagami is still in recovery while Mogi could not attend the meeting. The light of day is just fading; I believe it's nearly 6:00 PM.
"If you're right about that, I find it odd that we haven't found her body yet," L says, attention returning to the present.
"If she was killed, the body would be in a place where almost no one could find it – somewhere secluded and secret. Kira can control his victims before death, why not have her go somewhere and kill herself?" I say, aware that I probably interrupted him.
"Yes, but if we managed to find the body, it would provide some much needed evidence," L says, translation: If we found the body, Kira would be as good as captured.
I tell him what I want to do now, "I would like to work on the 'mini-case', as Kaen would put it." Silence spreads through the room, and I can practically see the gears turning in L's mind.
"That can be arranged. You are not under my command … Yes, I think you would be able to accomplish it," L nods to me, and I can feel a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
This is when Watari finds it convenient to enter the room, "Ryuzaki, something seems to be happening on Sakura TV."
Our shock only lasts a moment.
It doesn't take long before the TV has been switched on, the blinds drawn to make the room dark and we're all huddled around L's armchair to watch whatever the hell is going on.
"-In other words, all of the reporter's and staff here are Kira's hostages. Aside from that, we have a professional obligation to share this message with you. I assure you that this is not a hoax and that Sakura TV is not airing this tape for the purposes of sensationalism.-"
There are murmurs of unease from Matsuda, Ukita and Aizawa. They don't seem too pleased with the newscasters. I don't blame them – Sakura TV doesn't exactly have the best reputation.
"-Four days ago our program director here at Sakura TV received four tapes. After thorough examination, there can be no doubt that they are from Kira himself.-"
What does Light want to accomplish with this anyway? Is this his next move?
"-The first tape we received contained a prediction, regarding the time of death of two suspected criminals who'd recently been arrested. And as predicted, at the exact time that Kira had specified, both men died suddenly of heart attacks yesterday.-"
I look to my right, and sure enough L's frowning ever so slightly at the television screen. His eyes have narrowed, his brow scrunched up a little bit. He's practically gnawing on his thumb now.
"-Kira has instructed us to air the second tape at exactly 5:59 PM. And we do intend to comply with his demands. This tape should offer proof of his powers by predicting yet another death. Beyond that, we understand that it contains a message to all the people of the world from Kira."
Surprise from the other people in the room, and I pull of an almighty scowl that could scare the Shinigami behind me. The time on the side of the screen turns 5:59 PM. "And now the video."
The screen changes to white, with the word KIRA spelled out in gothic text. There's a short coughing noise in the background before the voice speaks in an unnaturally low synthetic tone.
"I am Kira. If this video is being aired on April 18th at exactly 5:59 PM, as I requested, then the time is now 5:59, 46, 47, 48, 49 … please change the channel or dial your TV. The news anchor [something incomprehensible] will die of a heart attack at exactly 6 o'clock."
"What?"
Everyone gasps in surprise, grim expressions replacing curious ones.
My heart stops in my chest for a moment.
Dear lord, this isn't Kira.
"Change it," L demands, and Watari quickly switches the channel to an unnervingly pink set with a picture of a puppy in the corner. The only thing out of place is the man in a suit with his head rolled back, obviously deceased. His name and lifespan have disappeared entirely. People rush forward and there is lots of yelling.
"No way," Matsuda breathes.
"How could he!" Ukita exclaims.
"Change the channel back," L says, "And I need you to bring us another TV Watari. No, make it two." Watari obliges.
I can see a look in L's eyes that says 'I really don't like this, and if this turns out the wrong way I'm going to be pissed'. I feel the same way.
Another killing, and L's tone becomes sad.
"Now that you have seen proof of my powers, you should have no trouble believing that I am Kira."
"Stop this broadcast!" L shouts suddenly, and I full-heartedly agree with him. "We can't let him finish!"
Matsuda runs for the phone, "Get Sakura TV on the line!" Aizawa takes out his phone and punches through his contacts.
"It's no good. I'm trying, but none of my contacts at the station have their phones on," he growls.
"And no one's picking up at reception either!" Matsuda adds.
Ukita makes a run for the door. "Dammit! I'll stop this broadcast myself if that's what it takes."
"Ukita, I don't think it-" Slam. "-will be that simple …" I curse under my breath and turn back to the TV.
"People of the world, please listen to me. The last thing I want to do is kill the innocent. I hate evil, and love justice. I've always thought of the police as allies, not as enemies."
L looks ready to bust a vein or something. He's biting his thumb like there's no tomorrow. I myself am nearly in a state of hyperventilation. The sheer magnitude of the situation slams into me.
This is not Kira.
This person has a Death Note.
"I intend to create a new world. A world that is free from evil. If you agree to join me in my mission, I know that we can make it happen. And as long as no one tries to capture me, I promise that the innocent will not die. Even if you do not believe me, all I ask is that you not publicize your views in the media. If you can do that, you will be spared. All you have to do now-" I tune out the rest of this self-imposing, self-righteous, narcissistic bullshit of a speech before I explode. Rage bubbles up and I find myself trembling.
Tong!
"Aizawa, look!" Matsuda yells, breaking me out of my stupor. I look at one of the smaller screens (supplied by Watari, of course), and to my utmost horror-
There is a lifeless body slumped right in front of the Sakura TV building.
It's Ukita.
Fuck this.
"Ukita … Dammit, Kira did this," Aizawa growls in shock, and heads for the door. I turn to follow, but a hand clamps down on my wrist and prevents me from moving any closer to the exit.
"Mr. Aizawa! … Where are you going?" L says, more like a statement than a question. His grip is like iron on my wrist, and I can't pry it off. I need to get down there! You don't realize what this means, L!
"Where do you think?!"Aizawa hisses, pausing just before the door. "I've got to go there!"
"You can't. Please think about this rationally."
"Rationally!? A man's just been killed!" I shout.
"If this really is the work of Kira, you will meet the same fate if you go there."
Don't you understand? This isn't Kira, but he wants to be like him.
This person is far more dangerous.
More importantly, they have Shinigami eyes.
Aizawa rounds on L, "You told us that Kira couldn't kill without a name. So how could this happen!"
"The aliases and fake ID's were worthless. What are we going to do L?" Matsuda asks desperately, dropping all subtly. "You don't think Kira already has all our names, do you?"
"That's a definite possibility," L says back. "However, if that's the case you would think it would be easier to kill off the entire task force before making a move. Initially I deduced that Kira needed both a name and a face to kill, but from what we've just seen, I'd say that it's not entirely impossible that Kira can kill with only a face."
This is a notebook owner that sympathizes with Kira, and has the fucking Shinigami eyes! They could kill us all! I pale drastically and redouble my efforts to get out of the detective's grip. Damn, he's strong!
"All I know for sure is that Kira is either in that TV station or he's somewhere close by in a place where he can watch anyone who enters the building."
"All the more reason to go down there!" I shout. Just let me do something! Anything!
"For all we know, he could have placed surveillance cameras in the area. If we rush down there unprepared, all of us will be killed."
Prepared?
I hope that you're making the right decision, L.
Aizawa stalks up to him and grabs the skinny detective by the shoulder. This throws off his grip on me, and I rub my now sore wrist and glare at him. "Wasn't it you who said we'd have to risk our lives to catch Kira!?"
"I meant what I said, but, risking my life to catch Kira and doing something I know will cost me my life are two entirely different things," L murmurs, voice filled with something … more. It's hopelessness.
"Oh yeah?"
Only now I notice that L is clutching his legs tightly to hide the fact that he's also shaking in suppressed rage. "Please control yourself. We've lost Ukita. I understand that you want to go there, but if something were to happen to you as well …" L leaves the sentence unfinished, and the rest of us stare at him. Both Aizawa and I calm down, and let out a breath that we didn't know we were holding.
"I now await the response from the police. They must decide whether or not they'll help me create a better world for all of us. Please announce your decision on the 6 o'clock news in four days. I've prepared two videos, one to be aired if the answer is yes, and another if the answer is no."
The fake Kira finishes their speech.
"As much as I hate to admit this, you're right," I sigh, still rubbing my wrist.
Just as I thought our night couldn't get any more exciting …
"A vehicle has just driven through the front doors of the station," the TV from in front of the Sakura TV building blurts after a loud crash.
"Well, that's one way to get into the building without being seen by Kira …"
"But who would?" The question goes unanswered.
"We're still outside Sakura TV and as you can see a police car has just arrived." And sure enough, there is.
"So we're not alone … there are still other officers out there that are willing to stand up to Kira," Matsuda whispers.
"Mr. Aizawa," L says, drawing attention from him, "You know Deputy Director Kitamura's cell phone number right?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Call him, and give the phone to me," Aizawa takes out his phone and quickly dials it, then hands the phone to L.
I can faintly hear Kitamura speak though the silence, "Aizawa, I told you not to call me on this phone," he grumbles.
"This is L," Le gasp, "There's something I need you to do for me. There may be police officers that may see this broadcast and feel moved to take action in the name of justice. If we don't take control of the situation quickly there will be a disaster."
"But- technically, we're not supposed to be involved in this case."
Shut up and do as he says!
We watch as the two officers that came from the police car collapse on the road.
"I understand, L. I see your point now. Tell me what I should do."
And he did, in great detail actually. Behind us, Watari's phone rings, and he opens it up. "Detective Superintendent Yagami."
"Call him back immediately and give me the phone," L orders and holds out his hand. Watari hands him the phone.
"I need to speak to Ryuzaki," I hear Mr. Yagami's voice through the speaker.
"Yes, it's me. So, you're the one driving the police van."
"That's right. I couldn't just sit and watch. I've confiscated all of the tapes. I'm bringing them to you."
"But what about your condition, are you alright?"
"I'm feeling just fine. To be honest with you, I don't think I've ever felt more alive."
I understand this feeling. In the face of danger, you realize what a gift life is. At this moment we've all blazed into life. Emotion and drive pushes us towards an inevitable, yet unknown destination.
I've found new respect for my colleagues.
"So what do you think I should do now?" Mr. Yagami asks, "I'd say going out the front would be too dangerous, but I can always use the police van again."
"Please hold the line for a second," L says, then lowers that phone and raises the other phone to his other ear. The sight would be quite amusing if the situation wasn't so dire. "Deputy Director Kitamura, it was Chief Yagami who just drove into the building. Are your preparations complete?
"It's done, as you requested."
L switches phones, "Mr. Yagami, listen carefully. In exactly five minutes I want you to come out the front entrance."
"You want me to exit through the front entrance?!"
"There you have it; the police refuse to cooperate with Kira. Instead they are preparing to fight. And, as much as I fear for my own life in saying so, this is right. And it must be done! Kira has become a threat to our very constitution. And as citizens, we must fight back!"
This was another failure, I think. I hadn't even considered this possibility. The chances were so slim that it wasn't worth the attention. I mean, Vile's been here a while, from what he's said, and Kuru came to earth to watch my Shinigami when the bear found out about the recent Kira killings (or so he mentioned).
I couldn't do a damn thing. This is just like last time. I makes me angry, and irrational, and I really have to stop this. I admire L's self-control.
The door clicks closed, and in comes a very tired looking Mr. Yagami being supported by Watari.
"Mr. Yagami!" Matsuda exclaims.
"Welcome back chief," Aizawa greets.
"Ryuzaki, I apologize for taking matters into my own hands. I have to admit I got a little bit carried away."
A little bit?!
The four of us head over to greet him, L and I the last two because we were all the way across the room.
"Here, these are all the tapes and an envelope. All the things Kira sent to the station are in here," Mr. Yagami holds up a paper bag (like the kinds you drag around your shopping crap in) and presents it to L.
"I can't thank you enough," Ryuzaki takes the bag from him.
"Ugh … Think I better rest for a minute," Mr. Yagami grumbles, and is lead over to a vacant chair.
L takes out one of the tapes from the bag and examines it before handing it to me, followed by the other three. He then examines the postmark on the envelope. It's probably useless though. This new Kira probably sent it from a random location. Although it could have DNA somewhere on it.
"Mr. Aizawa, can you please take this to the Crime Lab right away," Ryuzaki says, handing him the bag with the envelope in it.
"I still have a couple of friends down there. I'll make sure they go over every inch of this."
"That's good, please do so. While you're doing that Niiro and I will watch these tapes to see if they can reveal anything."
"No sleep for me tonight," I mumble under my breath.
Great.
A/N: This is pretty much a repeat of the episode, just like last time, but I cleaned it up a bit again.
I'm pretty sure that Sakura TV is like Death Note's version of a Japanese Fox News. I don't watch them, but my social class likes to bash them. XD
I've been writing the finale. Oh, I love it to pieces. So much better this time.
- DW