Everyone froze, including Mello, and you all gazed up towards the ceiling of the cage. A head then popped out, over the edge, and beamed a smile down. "I don't know how you think you are going to escape without permission, but by all means, go ahead and try."

Mello didn't make another movement, and just paused in the presence of the dark figure. "Who the hell are you?" The perpetrator, still wearing his amused expression, then hopped off the top of cage, and stumbled slightly as he hit the ground with his bare feet.

O.o (Y)

That's not creepy at all…(Z)

How can he stand to have his bare feet on the floor; it's freezing! (Y)

^ Yes, because that's what we should be focusing on right now. *rolls eyes* (X)

... (Z)

Heh, he almost fell. (W)

The young man didn't answer the frustrated blonde, and instead began to scan across the almost empty room in wonderment. Once something seemed to catch his eyes' interest, he slowly approached the wall farthest away from your vision.

You noticed how atrocious his posture was; his back arched as if he had never stood straight in his entire life. "Ah, here we are," he spoke in monotone. The crow like man then flipped what you assumed to be a light switch - since the lights flickered on and illuminated the dank room soon after.

What is this guy's deal? (X)

If this really is B, then I take back being sorry for him in the last chapter. (W)

^ I agree, he's just strange now. (Z)

How curious. (Z)

I still can't get over the fact that he had been on top of the cage the entire time -_- (Y)

Linda winced at the sudden lighting change, while others seemed to draw back even more at the sight of the kidnapper. He had natural jet black hair, dark lines under his eyes that resembled eyeliner, and his onyx eyes looked dilated - and never seemed to blink. Though you couldn't understand why this worried some of the children, since several others in the past generations mimicked the same appearance trying to be copies of L - so why would this teenager be any different?

Maybe because he kidnapped us? Just a thought. (W)

I don't know, if I saw a someone leap from atop a cage and then turned out to look like that, I'd be pretty freaked out. (Y)

I don't know about you guys, but he seems pretty cool to me. (X)

*looks closer at eyes* Wait, that is eyeliner! xD (Y)

^ Well, it takes a true man to put on makeup. (Z)

Is he really wearing eyeliner, really? -_- (W)

He leisurely strolled back over towards the cage, faced your small group, and then crouched down sitting with his hands over his jeans' knees, head slightly tilted to the side, and biting his thumbnail. His hair slightly fell over the shoulder of his crisp white tee as he spoke, "You seemed to have already figured out who I am, based on the question you asked earlier, Hart. Though, I go by Beyond Birthday now." You fought the urge to back up as he addressed you personally.

What a strange name to choose for yourself...(Z)

Oh, so I was right? Yay, score one for me! ^.^ (Y)

^ Please do not forget you're still locked up. (W)

* Tries to kick him through the bars so he'll fall over* *He scoots back, out of reach, not changing his expression*(X)

*Crawls to the farthest side of the cage from him* He still freaks me out, so forget fighting that urge. (Y)

Oh, I know. I'm smart like that. (W)

You certainly like the letter B, don't cha'? (X)

You and the others kept silent for a bit as his eyes swept over the expressions you each had. You thought you saw a glimmer of guilt hidden in his void eyes, but decided it was just the faulty lighting playing tricks.

After sitting in utter silence for a few more minutes, he smiled, shook his head in amusement, got up, and walked over to a large metal door - the only exit out of the room from what you could see. He took one last glance at you, then at Harley, and finally left through the screeching door, firmly shutting it behind him.

Hey, I'm not done with you! Come back so I can kick your butt! *shoves arms through bars while thrashing them around violently* (X)

*Glances at Harley, then back into space* Well that was rather odd…(Z)

Harley? Are you ok? (W)

La~! La~! La~! *Totally in a daze from trauma* (Y)

This B - he is amused by our terror? (Z)

^ It seems so; I rather not give him any satisfaction. (X)

^ Hey, I'm just happy he hasn't done anything truly harmful to us yet! (Y)

^ Aaand we're jinxed. (W)

After Beyond shut the steel door behind him, he felt a grin creep onto his face. He couldn't help but give a dark chuckle that could only be rivaled by that of a shinigami. "Harley just makes this too interesting," he cooed then slowly dragged his feet through the halls of his underground domain of concrete.

Once at his bedroom door, he kicked it open, not wanting to have to waste the effort of using his hand to turn the knob, and took a seat on the hard floor - beginning to survey yet more computer monitors. Several different camera shots flashed onto one of the screens as he jiggled the mouse to shift the computer off sleep mode. All of the footage being shown was of Wammy House. Children ran about shrieking and crying about how you and the others had been kidnapped in the dead of night, but they weren't necessarily caring about you guys; they were just concerned for their own safety. Nothing had ever happened at Wammy House quite like this - sure there were several times that the MI5 - or even the curious Americans of the FBI - tried to pry information of the ever so alluding L from the children, but they had never once entered the actual structure. It seemed like beautiful chaos to B.

Oh that's nice, not only do you laugh at OUR misery, but you watch screaming children for fun? (W)

That's just sick. (X)

Eh, I hate children anyway - especially the stuck up brats at Wammy's. (X)

Wait, so they don't even really CARE that I'm gone? That's it, I'm leaving that place as soon as I get out of this cage. (W)

^ If you get out of this cage. (Z)

Beyond's sense of humor is quite twisted...yet interesting. (Z)

^ O.o (Y)

Did anyone else just have the words stalker or creeper run through their minds? (Y)

Before he had run away, he made sure that he stationed miniature video cameras all over the orphanage, making sure that no corner was left undetected. He had only switched them on a month before he played his current game with the children, and thought back on the scenes he had witnessed using these devices. After using one finger at a time, he began to type on his keyboard and another video window opened up. It was a series of clips strung together by B showing both you and Harley: how you interacted with others, how prominent your abilities were, and even just what you were typically like. Beyond had a plan to antagonize L - and you two were the main focus.

He had profiled each kid at Wammys individually, trying to deduce which child would be the best target - who would be the new W for the towering L. B didn't bother trying to find out who the next L was, because quite frankly he didn't care. They were not currently L, and therefore of no use to him. And if he did find them, and kill them, B's efforts would be in vain since the child would only be replaced with another. That's how the institute that was Wammy House worked after all. He understood the next Watari would be Roger, if Quilish ever fell, but then who? Roger would soon die and there would be no one left to replace him, for none of the children fit the right physical profile of the two aged men.

I guess it would make sense to not target the next L if he was going to be replaced anyway…(W)

You have to wonder if B actually knew who the next L was and ignored it, or if he just kept true to his word and focused on W. (Z)

Wait, why would it matter if no one fit Watari's profile? (Y)

^ I think the ICPO would notice that Watari had changed physically, which would imply that something bad happened to the original and could lead to mistrust in the abilities of the L organization…(Z)

Roger's to stupid in my opinion to be the next Watari (X)

^ I KNOW! WATARI IS WAY TOO EPIC FOR ROGER TO PLAY! (Y)

He concluded that a new letter would be considered - a new letter that would be of some "help" to L; H. To make sure his deduction was sound, which it usually was, he studied the two H candidates: Harley and Hart. He concluded that both you children were exceptionally brilliant and had your own way of doing things. Your talents specifically included:

(Me: Choose three.)

Technology hacking (Z)

Infiltrating undetected (Y)

Keeping a level head (Z)

Research/information gathering (Z)

Blending in with crowds (Y)

Conning people (W)

No wasted efforts (X)

Martial arts/ self-defense (X)

Pick pocketing (W)

You also, understood that you would never be as great as the world famous L, and therefore never participated in anything as trivial as the tests at Wammy House. You knew your place - and would always be around to support L. B recognized you as a definite possibility; someone like you wouldn't compete against L or his/her orders.

Beyond next studied Harley on the adjacent monitor; his talents included:

(Me: Basically choose what you didn't use to describe for yourself.)

Technology hacking (W)

Infiltrating undetected (Z)

Keeping a level head (X)

Research/information gathering (W)

Blending in with crowds (Z)

Conning people (Y)

No wasted efforts (X)

Martial arts/ self-defense (Z)

Pick pocketing (Y)

Harley sucks; he shouldn't have any talents. (X)

He understood his role as well - that he would never be great - but he often tried to defy this knowledge. He took everything so seriously and never bothered with those below him in test scores. If you were lower than him, than you did not "earn" his respect or time. B recognized that he initiated no unnecessary moves when it came to being the best. And that, unlike you, he thought for himself. If L gave him orders, Harley would most likely alter them into hasty generalizations.

HEY I CAN SPEAK FOR MYSELF (W)

^ We can see that *covers ears from loud answer above* (Z)

I could see where Harley might cause some issues for L then...if he were to serve under him that is. (X)

^ I don't know, L does ask for opinions rather often. (Y)

^ Only if they're intelligent enough to answer correctly. (W)

^ Thats why he NEVER asks Matsuda XD (X)

^ Poor Matsuda... (Y)

...

Beyond decided that both candidates were exceptional, but that you would be the obvious choice. L didn't need a second voice or opinion if he really was so effective. Rather, he required another physical being to attend places he couldn't. Though, just to be sure, B checked the jostling scarlet numbers above Harley's head once more, using the video camera he had placed in the room you and the other children were secured in. He used the same equation he had so many times before, then smiled sinisterly. It was little "Harrison Parker's" day to die. B gave a dark chuckle - that rivaled only that of a shinigami's - and got to work.

O.o That's a bit of an odd laugh you got there B. (Z)

What's up with the shinigami references, why can B see numbers above Harley's head, and who's Harrison Parker, and- (Y)

^ If she's supposed to be part of my personality, I might just kill myself so no one would have to deal with me. (W)

^ Ditto. (Z)

^ Heh, I like the word ditto. (X)

^ It reminds me of Pokemon. (Y)

^ Nerd. (X)

^^^^^ What does this have to do with the story? Everyone else: it fills up space. (Z)

^ ... you're all idiots. (W)

Meanwhile, you watched as Mello paced back and forth across the cage floor and then beat both his fists against the iron bars. "Damn it, how the are we supposed to get out of here, I bet that weirdo Beyond is watching us right now!"

"Most likely," Pierce spoke for the first time since waking up, "Though, we should worry less about that-"

"And more on why we are here in the first place," Forte spoke solemnly. Linda just nodded with her head resting on the floor.

Yeah, that would seem like the best move in this instance. (X)

^ Maybe it could lead us to a clue. (Z)

^ For what? We already know who kidnapped us! (W)

Rather than figuring out something as stupid as that, I think we should bust out - then worry about that stuff. (X)

^ All brons, no brains. (Z)

Linda's still stupid, she can't think for herself. (W)

Hey, look! Other people are finally interacting! 8D (Y)

You peered up towards the cage ceiling and began to think once more. Whenever B had done a project at Wammy's, he would use what seemed to be random methods - then turn it into something that made sense only when all the pieces were put together, much like a puzzle. You gazed over at the others, wondering what could possibly connect them besides their home. All of your appearances were completely different, so it couldn't have been something as simple as that. If B had broken into Wammy's, and he had all those monitors, you also assumed that he probably had information from Wammy's to go on them. It had to be something below the surface - but just barely.

That doesn't even make sense. (X)

^ Yeah, but that's exactly what Naomi Misora thought in the LABB Murder Cases. (Z)

^ So, based on that, we're heading in the right direction after all? (W)

I'm soooo confused…(Y)

So something below appearances, but not totally stripped from the child…(Z)

So it can't be a name...or at least a real name since Wammy children only share alias. (W)

^ Maybe something to do with those then? (X)

Urgh, can someone just solve this thing so we can get to the wwyff things?! (Y)

You began to speak the alias of everyone in the cage aloud," Hart, H, Pierce, P, Forte, F, Mello, M, Linda, L...that's it!"

Mello jumped backwards at your sudden outburst. "What's it exactly?"

"M and L!"

"And?" he asked annoyed.

"M and L, what numbers are they in the alphabet?"

"Thirteen and twelve? So?"

"So, B is obsessed with the number 13!"

His eyebrow raised. "Alright, but what about L?"

You sat back for a moment. "Linda has a junior alias of L, and a senior L exists now. If you add one L to her twelve, you get thirteen!"

That's sooo confusing . (Y)

That's all great and everything, but what does that have to do with the other letters? (X)

How could someone normal come to that conclusion? (W)

^ Wammy Kids AREN'T normal. (Z)

^ L looks like a creeper, Near has a social disorder, Mello has anger issues, Matt's too lazy to do anything, and B is doing this. (Z)

^ Yet I still love them all . (Y)

Mello leaned against the bars, still having a skeptical attitude. "What about the other letters then?"

Pierce piped up again, "Those would equal to eight, six, and sixteen - not any form of thirteen."

You mentally stepped back for a bit, and searched the ceiling as if it held all the answers. "True, alone, but what if we used a little math like we did with L, except playing off the other letters?" Knowing you couldn't do any mental math, Harley handed you a pen and piece of paper he always kept on him for cases like this. You nodded your thanks and then began to work out problem after problem using the numbers, but no matter what operation you used with them - they didn't provide any clues.

Grr, I HATE numbers! Stupid math! (X)

I can do mental math thank you! *begins to count using fingers* Let's see...8+6=14 1+4= 5 (W)

No…(Z)

Oi, I thought I had something going there for a second, but I just have no clue now. (X)

Can't anyone else think for a bit? My brain is getting tired XP (Y)

^ Lazy. (Z)

The blonde boy studied each equation and then snatched the pen from you. "What if 6, was actually a 9 upside down?"

Something clicked in your mind and you stole the pen right back; continuing to process your jumbled thoughts, you wrote down one final problem and spoke it aloud, "Eight times nine is seventy-two. Meanwhile seventy-two plus sixteen equals eighty eight."

Linda's eyes instantly lit up and she grabbed the ripped piece of paper, "Which looks like BB, for Beyond Birthday!" You gave a sad laugh; it was great that you had solved why you and the others had been specifically kidnapped - or at least that seemed like the reason - but that didn't help the fact that you were.

Ha, I get it! 13 and 13 are BB and so is 88 (X)

That was way more complicated than I think it needed to be. (W)

^ Especially since we know that Harley and I were kidnapped for another reason entirely. (Z)

^ It's sad to think that the others were kidnapped just to hide that fact…(Y)

I have to wonder if Beyond figured that much out or if it was totally a coincidence. (W)

^ Wouldn't that mean we did that for nothing? =_= (X)

As Linda began to jump around the cage excitedly, not quite understanding the seriousness of the situation anymore, the screech of the metal door opening sounded. The strawberry haired girl paused, her eyes becoming wide, as you all turned to see B strolling in.

"Hello children, I believe our time together has ended, and you should probably be getting back home," he spoke in an even tone as if what he said was completely normal and opened the door to the jail. He held his a surprised expression when nobody said or did anything in response. "What? Do I have leftover jam on my face?" He began to use his fingers to trace over his facial features, searching for excess strawberry food products.

Um, exactly how psycho and messed up in the head is this dude? (W)

We get to go home, just like that? (X)

Really Mister Birthday? Yipee! C'mon guys, let's *smacks head against bars when trying to walk out of cage* (Y)

Thanks for having us...? I guess…(Z)

You had strawberry jam? I love strawberry jam! ^.^ (Y)

What the h*** is wrong with this guy? (X)

...*doesn't move because you feel it's just a trap* (Z)

FREEDOM (Y)

You all slowly rose to your feet, giving each other questioning glances as to who would move first. Linda spoke with a nervous smile, " R-Really, Mister Birthday? J-Just like that? We get to go home?" You felt as if she had jinxed you for what was about to happen next.

"Well, not exactly." He shifted from foot to foot as is trying to figure out which stance was most comfortable.

"W-What?"

Beyond's eyes slinked to look at the shriveling Linda; he slowly raised a pistol using his right hand - which had not been visible before now. He seemed affixed his jet eyes right on her - and fired. The little girl gave a banshee scream - more piercing than any horror movie you had ever seen.

O.O holy s*** (X)

Oh my Jeevas O.o (Y)

...(Z)

Linda! DX (Y)

Eh, she needed to die anyway.(W)

Better her than me. (W)

I knew it was too good to be true...why did she have to say something?(X)

Heh, it rhymed. (Z)

Continued in Chp. 3!

Results:

(W) Harley:

Harley was part of the reason why you were confined - not only because of the W and H situation either. Harley had gotten fed up with Wammy House's operation, so he had decided to run away like so many others had before him. Right after he had hopped over the wrought iron fence that surrounds the orphanage's grounds, he had spotted a lean figure. The assumed man was sporting a gray hoodie, with his hood up, with jet black hair, and no shoes. For a second, Harley had thought that this man was L, the renowned L, but it clearly wasn't since Watari was not accompanying him. He approached the hooded figure. "Who are you? Why are you here? Are you another spy?!" The man glanced at the boy beside him, his expression unreadable.

"What if I was?"

Harley blinked several times. "Huh?"

"What if I was?" the man repeated in a cooing voice, "What if I was a spy? You couldn't do anything, you're all alone." The word "alone" seemed to echo in the boy's head. The man cracked a smile, "Or, am I wrong?" Harley didn't say anything, but his brunette hair fell in front of his face when lowering his head, shielding his squinted, saddening eyes. The man tilted his head and began to pout, "Though I am also quite alone, so I guess I am a hypocrite. That is what Wammy's does to you, after all."

Harley instantly peered back up at the man in shock. "This man is a Wammy child?" he thought, flabbergasted. Ever since then, Harley had been played like an instrument by B. The older teen had him turn on the video cameras that had already been set, made sure no one found them, and even drugged the children who were locked up in the cage. Harley never questioned B, just simply followed his orders. Harley just wished to defy Wammy's, the institution that had done him wrong and made him so twisted. The only thing that Harley didn't agree to was being locked up along with you guys. That was why he wanted you all to solve the puzzle that Beyond had laid out for you. He could fight against one last thing that had done him you would probably never know that.

(X) Mello:

Keep in mind that the LABB Murder Cases haven't taken place yet, and therefore this is B's first appearance since he left Wammy House; as such, Mello had no idea who Beyond Birthday was until now. The only things he knew for certain were these: you knew who B was, B knew who you were, B had kidnapped you guys, and you were now at his mercy. Mello applauded your enthusiasm for solving why you had been kidnapped specifically, but he knew that even with that fact, it didn't make a difference. If Beyond hadn't wanted you to figure that out, he wouldn't have let you. If Beyond hadn't wanted you all to play off each others fear and encouragement, he wouldn't have let you. He was a Wammy child after all, and you were all just dancing in the palm of his hand...though sometimes, that's how you have to play - so dance on.

(Y) Linda:

We don't know exactly what has happened to Linda, so let's look back before the gun, shall we? Well, it's safe to say that she was freaked out by Beyond when she first saw his head pop over the edge of the cage. I mean really, who wouldn't find that a bit odd? Don't raise your hand.

Once Beyond turned on the lights, Linda was ready to scream right then and there - why, she didn't know. Several previous times, the great L had been asked questions through a computer screen when the children were at Wammy House, one being what he looked like; although he didn't explain physical features that would give away his identity, those he listed showed up in B's appearance - which, in retrospect, is only natural since B was meant for nothing more than a copy. Knowing these things, that may be why Linda held back her first screaming urges..

(Z) Pierce and Forte:

Basically, these two were depressed throughout most of the adventure. Pierce had been up late at night, studying his little heart out, and Forte had just woken up from an ominous nightmare - when someone burst into their room and drugged them. Both had put up a struggle against the older perpetrator, but were unable to fend him off. The two boys had known that Harley was the one who made this all possible, but kept quiet so as not to cause yet more trouble in the already cramped space.

They weren't siblings, but they relied on each other to survive. Forte needed Pierce so he could cheer up and enjoy life, forgetting how cruel Wammy's could be, while Pierce needed Forte so he could stay grounded in a situation and not go wandering off to places he shouldn't. Of course this kind of friendship was frowned upon at home, but it was the only way they could make it through day after day.

Pierce's Obsession: Pocky

Pierce's Talents: Thinking outside the box with unorthodox methods of information gathering.

Pierce's Average Skill Test Rank: 12th

Forte's Obsession: Gummy Bears.

Forte's Talents: Reading in between the lines and decoding encryptions.

Forte's Average Skill Test Rank: 7th