*Checks calendar* Oh, um, hey guys. WoW summer is… *sniffles* it's going to be missed. Sorry for the long wait everyone, just been much busier than usual. But don't worry, soon I'll be getting back into a schedule. For now it's binge watching on Netflix all day...

Here is le next chapter, guest starring two intriguing characters (sorry to those who don't know them).

P.S: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING EXCEPT MY OCs! ~ ~

"That's a new record Ryuzaki," I commented unnecessarily as the detective turned the mini key, unlocking the handcuff around my wrist. It was a huge relief as the metal cuff released my hand, like I was free once again. "How long did these actually stay on?"

Misa pouted as the chain fell to the floor of the new HQ. "Aw Yuki! This means we can't have sleepovers anymore!" The blonde seemed genuinely upset, and I could understand why.

We had actually started to become friends, sharing secrets and having violent pillow fights. I had to, reluctantly, admit that she was my new friend. Sadly, our forced adjoinment was coming to an end.

We had only been in the new HQ for a couple weeks when L announced that Misa's 24/7 surveillance would be cut short due to the need of Misa Misa's appearance in public. It was important for no one to infer that she was up to anything suspicious, and having me chained to her wouldn't be beneficial to that.

Now I was finally free, able to shower and sleep by my own will without having to drag a hyperactive model around with me. Though I hate to confess, I would miss the frequent sleepovers we shared with Akari.

The redhead didn't look the least bit upset. "Bon voyage Misa!" she called from the couch during an intense Mario Kart battle with Beyond on her DS. "Oh how I will miss you so."

Even an idiot could sense her sarcasm. "Hey! I'm not going on a permanent vacation! We're only doing this so I won't look weird in public! I'll still stick around you know!" She pursed her lips, hands on her hips sassily.

"I know," was Akari's sad reply.

As the blonde slithered over to interrupt the two couple, L and Light approached me, but only L had the motive to talk to me. "Now that you are not bound to Misa Amane, you are at will to come and go as you please."

His stone cold, blank face said one thing, but his dimmed eyes and tone of voice said another. I gave him a solid look of reassurance, soft smile on my face. "I'm not leaving permanently until this case is solved." But that doesn't mean I can't venture out for a little while…

Trudging down the stairs, two messy haired men arrived on the main floor. "Morning Dad," Light spoke up, noticing his father's presence, along with a round-eyed Matsuda. All of us were fully awake and ready to take on the day.

Well, all except Mr. Yagami. Rubbing his weary eyes, he was barely able to make eye contact as he plodded over to his seat. "Good morning Sayu…"

Light blinked once, then twice, before responding slowly. "Dad… I'm Light."

With a swig of his fresh coffee, the Chief was quickly able to compose himself. "Ah, yes, sorry son. It seems that I'm not fully awake yet." Last night a storm had passed through the town, violent and somewhat frightening. If I were to guess, no one really got any sleep.

It was the middle of August now, but nevertheless, Kira was relentless. The killings were still occurring and the team was on a slow point in the case. We watch people die every week, lives taken one after another by the infamous killer.

Although Light assures us that it's just a matter of time before we find an important clue, I'm not holding my breath. I can already predict how this will turn out: we'll most likely be sitting in HQ for a couple more months before we catch onto something. Time is the only element in this plot.

When Aizawa finally arrived, the Task Force members got to work with whatever loose lead they had come up with. L and Light sat at the end of the table, L observing Light as he went through information on the computer. And the killer couple were still lounging on the couches, Misa eagerly watching Akari over her shoulder.

I could tell it would be one of those days- no, I could tell it would be one of those weeks where we would be crammed in this tedious building, going over research after research just to come up with nothing.

As much as I wanted to catch Kira, I couldn't possibly do it in here. My mind needed to roam free in a different environment to be able to work better. That's just how I was. I honestly don't know how Ryuzaki could just sit behind a screen everyday.

Without a word, I slowly backed up, taking silence steps toward the door in the back of the room. Luckily everyone else was too preoccupied to notice me slip out the door. Well, I'm sure Watari noticed, but I doubt he'd speak up.

Fresh air hit my face the second I was outside, relieving me of the close confinement of HQ. It felt amazing to wander the streets without a famous model chained to my wrist. Now I fully understood the definition of free.

As a gentle breeze of chill wind blew, I tugged on my tan cardigan in hopes of warming up. Strolling down the busy streets of Tokyo, I admired the scenery around me. After awhile I actually forgot what I was supposed to be doing.

Still roaming aimlessly, I managed to direct myself to a small cafe/restaurant called "Cozy Corner" that sold sweets and an assortment of delicious baked goods. Eyeing all the delectable sweets in the display case that I hadn't laid my hands on yet, I felt for my wallet in my jean pocket.

Joining the end of the short line, I waited patiently behind a father and his daughter, or something like that. The man had on a white lab coat, and the little black haired girl behind him was grasping his big hand tightly.

I smiled inwardly as she rambled on about trying the new custard cream waffle that her friends had told her about. Since both their backs were towards me I couldn't see their faces, but I knew that the man was smiling.

As the line finally decreased, the two ahead of me hurried up to the counter. While the little girl held protectively onto the man's lab coat and stared shyly at the young male worker, the man ordered for the both of them. "We would like two of your new custard cream waffles, please."

Giving a brief nod, the worker typed it into the cash register before replying. "That'll be 1000 yen."

Reaching into his pocket, the man went for his wallet, but when his hands started moving drastically around his body, I knew something was up. Flashing open his lab coat he searched frantically inside until he sighed in frustration. "I left my wallet on the table," he mumbled regretfully.

Suddenly the little girl gasped and I could hear the tears in her voice. "Daddy… "

Gulping, I pulled out my own wallet and stepped up to the counter. Not wanting this scene to gather more attention (and out of the kindness of my heart of course) I paid for both mine and their order. The worker took my 1,500 yen (500 per waffle) and handed me a receipt.

While he was getting our orders, I turned around to face the two strangers, glancing quickly above the father's head first, then his daughter's. Kimihiko Nikaido. Maki Nikaido.

Mr. Nikaido seemed overly thankful, his face reflecting a great deal of relief and- well, mostly relief. His daughter, Maki, had the widest, most grateful smile on her round face. Giggling, she ran up to me and wrapped her arms around my legs. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

Slightly taken back, I didn't say anything at first, but when she removed herself from me, I smiled gently down at her. "It was my pleasure." When the worker returned with the waffles, I handed Nikaido and his daughter each one before taking mine.

Assuming this was all over, I turned to head down the street when someone from behind tugged at my cardigan. Maki stared up at me with wide eyes, clutching her pastry. "Do you wanna come eat it with us? Daddy's taking me to the park!"

Not really I thought. I don't even know you people! Glancing over at her father, I received his acceptance nod so I didn't even bother fighting. I mean, she was like, 10 years old.

"I-uh, sure!" Without letting me get in another word, she snatched my wrist and dragged me behind her as she skipped ahead in that direction. After a bit she let go and we dialed it down to walking to let her father catch up.

As Maki hummed and strolled ahead of us, her father chuckled. "I'm very sorry if this is an inconvenience to you," he apologized, unsure of how I felt about being randomly dragged to a park with two strangers. "She has a mind of her own sometimes."

I laughed, gazing at the carefree little girl. "It's alright. I probably need the walk anyway."

Nikaido reached out his hand to me so I shook it as he spoke. "I'm Kimihiko Nikaido, but feel free to call me Professor Nikaido. The girl in front of us is my daughter Maki."

"I'm-" I froze, clamping my mouth shut. I don't know this man; he's a stranger. Even though he's got a little girl with him doesn't mean he's not a threat! I glanced at them both. Then again, he isn't lying about his name… "I'm Yuki Miyoshi."

"Well Ms. Miyoshi," he began, his kind eyes twinkling, "thank you for accompanying us on this excursion. I hope we don't waste all of your day."

"Don't worry," I replied. "I've pretty much got an open schedule." Which is completely true since I didn't plan on going back to HQ anytime soon. I decided to call this a mini vacation from the case, a day all to myself. At least, I hope it goes that way.

When we finally arrived at the park, Maki eagerly led us to a picnic table where she sat down to begin eating her treat. Her father sat next to her and I sat opposite, carefully tearing open the wrapper, letting the sweet scent of the pastry fill my nose.

While the three of us started silently eating, I gazed around at scenery. The season was on the verge of changing, leaves tinging with a new color for the transforming weather. The days were getting colder already, and soon it would be winter. For now I'm content with it being fall, my favorite time of the year.

Suddenly, the firecracker popped. "What's your name again?" Maki questioned briskly, staring curiously at me from across the bench.

"Yuki," I replied with a gentle smile. It was absolutely adorable the way her eyes lit up and her emotions played out on her face like a movie. Always scooting about with antsiness, she couldn't keep still for a second.

"I love your hair Yuki!" she exclaimed, round eyes flashing with admiration at my braided silver locks. "It's so pretty! Daddy says that when my hair gets longer then I can braid it!"

Professor Nikaido chuckled while taking a bite of his waffle. Grinning down at her lovingly, I knew they had a close bond. The scene may of reminded me of the relationship with my father, but I wasn't merely as bold and expressive to strangers as Maki was.

"So…" I began, unsure of what to say. Then I glanced at Maki's father with wonder. "It's Professor Nikaido, right? Are you a…?"

"Scientist," he took over when I couldn't find the right word. Ruffling his daughter's hair while she ate, he watched her while he spoke. "I work as a scientist and researcher for the Infectious Disease Center of Asia." Whoa I thought. Impressive! Crumpling up the plastic wrapper in his aged hands, his gaze finally met mine. "What is your occupation, Ms. Miyoshi?"

Maki snapped her head toward me as if the conversation suddenly interested her. I bit my lip, thinking for a moment. L would kill me- no, Mr. Yagami would kill me if I said anything about working on the Kira case. Better just stick to the obvious truth. "I'm a college student at To-Oh University. Someday I plan on becoming a detective."

"Wow," Maki murmured in awe, "that sounds fascinating! I bet you'll solve as many cases as L someday!" I blinked back my slight surprise. Well that was slightly convenient for my part.

"Speaking of L," I instantly directed the conversation to where I wanted it to go, "what's your opinion on him? On this whole situation?"

Professor Nikaido's eyes lowered with an unnoticeable depression. "Ah, yes. Kira. Not the most enlightening conversation topics, is it? I would assume, though, for a girl your age to be interested in this."

Maki sighed, finishing off the rest of her waffle slowly. "Kira is a bad person. I may be ten years old, but I know he's killed lots of people."

I glanced at her father's solemn, thoughtful face. So I guess not even a little girl can escape the knowledge of the mass murderer. He's gotten into so many homes already, destroying the hopes of the nation, and we don't even know what he looks like.

"Though I would prefer my daughter not to worry about this," Professor Nikaido explained quietly while Maki went to the nearest trashcan to throw away our wrappers, "it is vital that she knows the difference between good and evil. Right and wrong."

"Justice and injustice," I added quickly, gaining a nod from him as he continued.

"I've been creating L into a heroic image for her, someone to look up to." Professor Nikaido glanced at his daughter as she skipped back toward us, eyes softening. "She believes that L is protecting the innocent people of this world and will eventually catch Kira. Of course, all that is true, but-"

"But you want L to be a huge focus of hope for her," I finished just before Maki returned. Nikaido relaxed his shoulders, glad that I understood him. Maki needed to believe that there was a superhero fighting against the villains, and that was okay.

In an impulsive act to comfort/excite Maki, I leaned forward slightly and asked her, "Do you wanna know something cool?" When she nodded eagerly, I motioned her to lean closer.

Scooting forward quickly, the girl giggled and her eyes grew hungry with curiosity. "What is it?"

Like I said, completely impulsive, but at the time I thought there was no harm to it. "I work with L."

Her eyes and face lit up like a match-no, more like a firework- as she bounced in her seat. "What?! Really?!" Shushing her, I nodded as she gaped in awe. "Daddy did you hear that?" she whispered to her father, who nodded slowly in return. He gave her a quick smile before raising an eyebrow at me.

Putting my fingers to my lips, I grinned. "But Maki, you have to promise that you can't tell anyone, okay?" Professor Nikaido quickly assumed that I was doing it after what he told me, probably thinking it was all for Maki's benefit.

The little girl twisted her fingers together in a way of suppressing her excitement. "I promise I won't tell!" After a heartfelt salute, she leaned in again. "So what's he like? Is he a prince? A superhero? Is he like Sherlock?"

Taking a moment to think, I hummed. Is he? Catching her father's amused eyes, I moved closer to them and looked around to make sure no one was close enough to hear. Then I turned to Maki. "He's all that and more."

Never before I had seen so much hope and admiration in a person's eyes until then. Maki seemed overly enthralled by this image of L, picturing a hero that was doing everything in his power to save the world. "And you talk to him?!"

Now I had to hold back a laugh. Yeah, we talk… and I kissed him twice on the cheek already. And practically confessed my feelings to him. "Yep, he considers me his assistant. I help him with the Kira case everyday!"

"Is he really what you say he is?" she questioned, gathering the answers just to make sure. "A prince? A superhero? The smartest detective ever?"

"Like I said, he's so much more than that." My eyes shifted to the rustling trees, but I wasn't looking at them really. I was thinking of that lovable panda. "He's intelligent, kindhearted, clever. His sense of justice is stronger than any other. But he's also adorable, and loveable, and-" Blinking, I realized I was getting a little bit carried away. "He truly cares for you, Maki. He cares for every innocent person in the world. That's why he's gonna catch Kira and save us."

Professor Nikaido grinned as his daughter was reassured of the famous detective. This picture of L is to protect her so she's not afraid of living in the open. So she's not afraid of Kira.

Little does he know, I actually meant what I said.

During our entire conversation, no one questioned why I was here. We didn't really care that we were strangers because now we acted like friends, chatting the rest of the afternoon away. In our last half hour together we around the pond and watched the geese.

Then I decided I should head back to HQ, so I bid my farewells to Maki and Professor Nikaido. In private, Maki's father thanked me for the encouragement and offered to pay for my waffle, but I refused and thanked him for the great time.

Waving goodbye to the little girl and her father, I spun around and began back the way I came, the conversation of the day still floating in my mind.

I arrived at HQ to find it had erupted in chaos. Misa was chasing frantically after Light while he desperately ran to escape her, yanking the annoyed L behind him. Beyond looked like he had gone savage, growling and pouncing at Matsuda who shrieked- like a girl might I add- and tried to hide. Akari was wrestling Aizawa on the floor: and she was winning.

At the top of the steps stood a calm Watari, gazing at the scene in mere amusement while sipping a cup of tea.

Red eyes wide with utter shock, I gaped for a good minute until I blinked out of my daze to reach for my purse on the table and pull out an air horn. Raising it up in the air, I sounded it off, wincing at the loud noise.

Literally, everyone froze. Even Watari, who was mid-sip, hesitated to breath.

With everyone's full attention, I sighed wearily, wondering how this mess occurred. "I leave for one afternoon and this happens. What the heck is wrong with you people?! How did this happen?"

Sprawled out on the ground was a neutral L who had tripped while being dragged by Light. Slowly he shifted and got up, slouching in place. I stared wildly at him and commanded, "Explain. Now."

Scratching his ruffled raven hair, he rubbed one foot with the other. "Well… It would seem that Misa gets hysterical when she does not have an appropriate amount of time with Light-kun, and Light-kun is the exact opposite. Akari concluded Aizawa thinks men are more powerful than women, and both tend to express their opinions physically. Beyond is territorial of Akari and does not appreciate Matsuda's tendency to flirt. As for me, well, I was merely an innocent bystander in the middle of this imbroglio."

Light rolled his eyes, not bothering to let out a scoff. "We all know that last part isn't true Ryuzaki. Wasn't it you who dumped hot coffee on my dad when he said that he wished all sweets were banned from Japan?"

On the floor, Akari hummed in thought, adding, "No, I think it was when he caught Ryuzaki stalking Yuki's Facebook page."

The two glanced at each other before ending in unison, "Or both."

Before Light knew it, an agile panda was attacking him from behind. Misa cried out and attempted to save Light, only making him run away from her once again. Akari resumed her fight with Aizawa, and Beyond continued to harass Matsuda.

As I watched this all play out in astonishment, Watari made his way down the steps and approached me with his usual elegant presence. "Yuki, would you mind accompanying me to more tea in the next room?"

I smiled at the elder's outstretched hand and gracefully took it, squeezing it kindly. You know, I wouldn't mind getting to know L's father figure a bit more. Silently we strolled out of the chaotic room, leaving behind the dilemma I would probably have to resolve myself sooner or later.

But that could wait.

Professor Nikaido and Maki - L: Change the WorLd, novel and live-action film (so far I have only read the novel)