Chapter 30
Welcome back to DNTOS everyone! Are you ready for the entrance ceremony? I know I am, so let's get this over with shall we?
April 5th
Today's the day, the day of the entrance ceremony. Watari woke me up about a half hour ago so I could shower. He also told me that there would be a surprise waiting for me when I got out. I'm out now and I have a towel wrapped around my body an another on my head with my hair in it, I'm about ready to open the bathroom door to see my surprise. The anticipation is killing me.
I sigh deeply as I'm still not completely awake, the shower woke me up but the fatigue of waking is kicking my ass. I can feel that my eyelids are still heavy and my bed calls to me, but there's no time for that now. I place my hand on the door knob and push it down before pushing the door open.
His surprise better not be Ryuzaki! If he saw ne naked like this I think I'd die from embarrassment…
My eyes canvas the room and there's no Ryuzaki, my body relaxes a bit. I turn to my closet and that's when I see the surprise hanging within.
Oh wow…
It's a new black suit. It's hanging in the closet with all its pieces, almost as if it's on a mannequin. It may be all black but the button up shirt within is solid white. I hold my towel close to my body so it doesn't fall down and make my way over to it. As I get closer I notice that there is a card on the table next to the closer with my name on it. I change direction and gently pick it up to read.
'Suzuki,
For the entrance ceremony. We all know you've been through this before, but that doesn't change our amount of pride. And even though I know that this is all part of Ryuzaki's plan, I want you to know that it doesn't make me any less proud of you for getting the score that you did. You're a very smart young woman and you got where you are on your own.
Someone once said 'dress for success' so, I hope this new suit brings you luck in your upcoming mission. I know that I usually complete the set with a pair of shoes, but I believe I heard you once say that your boots are lucky, so I made sure that the suit pants would complement them well. Hope you are lucky and comfortable today.
Best Wishes,
Watari.'
A smile makes its way across my face as the words being to blur. They're proud of me? That's incredible. I don't think…anyone has ever told me that they're proud of me before…I wipe my eyes with my towel and set the card down. I clap my hands against my face to try to zone up. C'mon this is no time for tears.
I look up at my new suit and smile as I reach up and take it down. Alright To-Oh, here I come.
. . .
I step out into the hallway and pull the door closed behind me before turning to smooth out my new outfit. Everything seems to fit well and I've left a few buttons on my top undone, even though it's tucked into my pants. I didn't leave too many undone, just enough to see my necklace and collarbones. No way in hell am I wearing a tie today.
As far as the pants go, they fit snug, but not in a 'why can't I button these' way or a 'this button could kill someone if it popped off' but a 'theses make my ass look great' type way. Watari also made sure that my 'spy belt' would fit through the loops as well, cause…well it fits. While we're on the subject of stuff fitting, I should probably bring up these amazing pockets. Not only does my phone fit, but my wallet does too. Not together in the same pocket of course, but it's exciting none the less. No purse for me today!
"Good morning Miss Matsui. The new suit looks wonderful on you." I look up to see Watari walking my way.
"O-oh, thank you Watari. You picked out the perfect set, as always." I smile and scratching the back of my head awkwardly. "To be honest though, I don't think I'm used to someone buying me clothes. I feel kinda guilty." The old man scoffs immediately.
"Nonsense. I enjoy buying something different than blue jeans and white shirts." Watari turns and walks back the way he came, toward the kitchen.
Blue jeans and white shirts? Ryuzaki's outfit? He wears the same thing every day, but doesn't he have other clothes?
I catch up to him and keep a steady pace on his heel. "Um…what did you mean by that? Doesn't Ryuzaki own anything else? Like a suit or even workout clothes?" Watari laughs immediately.
"I guess you've never looked in his closet then Miss." He looks back at me and I shake my head no.
No never, but with that response I might have to take a peek…that would be pretty crazy to have an entire closet full of the same outfit…hmm…wonder if he has a whole bunch of the same style boxers too…NO! Don't think about stuff like that!
We enter the kitchen and a familiar smell invades my nose. Mmm what is that? Is it American breakfast? My eyes land on a plate that's sitting on the island. Eggs, toast, sausage, and bacon…mmm.
"Oh wow, Watari, an American breakfast? Is it for me?" Watari opens the fridge and pours some apple juice into a cup and slides it my way on the island as I take a seat.
"Why of course, it's not like Ryuzaki would eat this. I was actually on my way to fetch you when I saw you in the hall. But enough chit chat, eat up, we have to leave soon." I nod and begin to shovel food in my mouth. Suddenly something seems off and it takes a minute for me to realize what it is.
Wait a minute, where is Ryuzaki?
. . .
Once I finish my food Watari takes my plate and sets it in the sink and we head towards the front door. I kneel down and begin to pull on my boots. Something in the air changes and I feel someone staring. I pull my final boot on and put my pant leg over it before standing and turning around. I'm met by the face of my messy raven haired friend, Ryuzaki, as he makes his way slowly down the hall. I stand up straight and try once again to straighten my suit as he gets closer.
"Oh, there you are Ryuzaki, I wondered where you-" Wait a minute…He's still in his normal outfit! He's not dressed up at all! His damn shoes aren't even on properly, they're just slipped on and the laces are hanging out! What the hell Ryuzaki! This is a ceremony, a formal event!
I look at Watari who seems to read my mind. He sighs, shrugs and shakes his head in disapproval. I slide my hand down my face and sigh. Is there even any point? It's not like he'll change because he doesn't care about what people think of him. It's like social appearance just goes over his head…I know that I don't always care, but at least I dress up when it's necessary…I look at Ryuzaki and sigh, he just ignores it.
"Are we ready to leave?" He shoves his hands in his pockets and slouches a bit further. Watari nods and opens the door; I let Ryuzaki through before myself but keep close behind.
"Y'know…you could have at least tied your shoes…"
. . .
The ride to To-Oh is short, but Ryuzaki takes the time to go over the plan one more time. My job is to be a bystander; watch and listen. His job is basically to befriend Light, with any means necessary…and whatever he says, I just kinda have to play along with. The whole plan is still dangerous though, with the looming potential that Light is in fact Kira, or that at any moment the Shinigami could decide to kill us…not that it's shown any proof that it could or would…but there's no turning back now.
We pull up to To-Oh and my heart begins to race. Watari stops and then gets out and opens Ryuzaki's door. As I climb out I can feel the stares of everyone around me, it makes me cringe and I step a bit closer to Ryuzaki. Watari shuts the door and turns to us.
"I'll return later for you both." We nod and for the first time I notice that he's wearing a driving cap. He turns around and gets back into the driver seat and drives away.
People probably think he's our butler or something…I guess it's not that far off.
I feel suddenly alone and turn to see that Ryuzaki has started walking away without me, and is beginning to disappear into the sea of students bound for the entrance hall. I quickly jog up to him, but then I notice the cherry blossom trees and their fallen petals dancing in the wind and line the way to the entrance.
"Wow…it's beautiful. It almost feels like another world…" A petal floats in front of me and as I outstretch my palm, it lands daintily in it.
"Yes, it's quite beautiful, but remember Suzuki, you must speak in Japanese while we're out and about. We don't want anyone to figure out that you're from America, it's a vital clue to figuring out your true identity." I mentally scold myself and apologize in Japanese. I turn my hand over and let the petal dance to the ground, to sadly get trampled by new students. I glance around and take in the scenery while simultaneously looking for Light and the Shinigami.
So far…there's been no sign of them…where could they be?
. . .
We follow the wave of students and at each checkpoint get divided into the area we're meant to be in to be guided to our seats. For some reason at each point they push me closer to Ryuzaki and tell me to follow him. It's not until I reach the final checkpoint that I realize why.
It seems as though the handful of students who got above 90 are being seated together, and then everything after that is alphabetical…not only that but there are name cards on each seat, so this is very organized. Mine just happens to be behind Ryuzaki, what crazy luck.
"Suzuki, look." I glance up at Ryuzaki from my newly taken seat as he spins the name card on the chair next to him around. My heart nearly stops.
Light…Yagami…
"No way…" I slump back in my chair as he returns the card to its original spot.
Light and the Shinigami will be right there…the whole time…
I watch in a daze as Ryuzaki climbs into his chair and sits in his typical fashion. After a few seconds the fear dissipates and I smile at the sight of Ryuzaki.
How silly…I'm being comforted by the way he sits, and he doesn't even realize it…I wonder why it makes me feel better…maybe it's just familiar…
Suddenly the hair on the back of my neck stands straight upand my body turns ice cold. Something feels wrong in the air, but then Light walks past Ryuzaki and takes a seat. Where is the Shinigami? I can feel that it's around, but I can't see it. Have I lost the ability to? A chill shakes through my entire being and pulls the air from my lungs as the Shinigami appears in front of me. I gasp softly without meaning to and press my hand to where my heart is to stop it from pounding. Oh my god! It walked right through me! That saying where if you feel a chill it means a spirit has passed through you, is right! I knew it could faze through walls, but people too? That's crazy…I'll have to keep that from ever happening again….
I rub my arms and look at the space between my feet on the floor. A bell tolls, signaling the start of the ceremony. I look up and notice that the entire gym has been filled with new students. I scan them and it seems that I was right to dress up; everyone in the gym is wearing some form of suit. It makes Ryuzaki stick out like a sore thumb.
Why couldn't he at least wear a suit jacket…he's giving a damn speech for crying out loud…but I guess I should just be happy that we're out in public and he left the pink mask at home.
I sigh and cross my legs as the ceremony begins. A man steps up to the podium and it seems as though he's the Dean, he goes on and on for a while but then he's handed an envelope and once he opens it he starts up talking again.
"Now for the Freshman Address.; please welcome freshman representative Light Yagami-" He pauses as Light stands to attention.
Wow…he really was the other rep. The Chief must be so proud.
"Oh wow." A chill runs down my spine as I hear the raspy voice of the Shinigami. I glance up at it, but it doesn't notice me because it's watching Light.
Will I ever get completely used to you? I frown and cross my arms, annoyed.
"-and please welcome secondary freshman representative, Hideki Ryuga." Ryuzaki stands and there is a cacophony of gasps.
"Oh…um, here." His voice sounds completely different from his normal boring tone. He sounds almost shy. He walks off after Light and sticks his hands in his pockets.
Those gasps must be people who think that he's Hideki Ryuga the T.V star…They're gonna be super shocked once he comes into view.
All around me people begin to whisper.
"Is that Hideki Ryuga the pop idol?"
"No way, it can't be."
"He's not smart enough to get into To-Oh."
Just as I thought…they think he's the real Hideki Ryuga.
Light reaches the stairs and begins to climb to the stage with Ryuzaki tagging along behind, this gives everyone the opportunity to see him.
"That looks nothing like the real Hideki Ryuga." A smile plasters itself across my face as they both reach the podium. Light pulls out a piece of paper, clears his throat, and begins to read.
"As we embark on this new chapter in our lives-" I tune out as some kid behind me starts whispering.
"The student who gets the highest score is usually the on that gives the speech, right?"
"I guess they both must have scored the highest."
"I heard that they both scored perfectly in all subjects."
"Seriously? That's crazy; I can't believe there are actually people out there like that."
Yep, that's my Ryuzaki! A mother f'in genius. I glance back for a moment as I pick up the voices of two girls.
"Y'know what? I think I like the one on the right." I turn back around and realize she's talking about Ryuzaki; it takes all of my being to not laugh out loud.
"What! You're so weird Kyoko! Look at how he's dressed." Clapping starts up and it looks like Light has finished his speech already.
Ooops…guess I missed the whole thing…my bad.
"Man these two are total opposites." I lean back in my chair so I can understand better.
"Yeah, no kidding."
"One looks like a sheltered genius, groomed for success, but the other…-" Ryuzaki unfolds a large piece of paper and moves to the podium.
"As we embark on this new chapter in our lives-" Woah, what the fuck? I know for a fact that he hasn't written a speech for this. What is he reading from? Did Watari write him one? Wait a minute…that paper…IT'S BLANK! He's pulling this whole speech out of his ass! I smile and try my best not to let out a giggle.
"-man something's just not right about him. He's freaking weird."
"He must be what they call a mad genius." I have to hold my hand to my mouth to keep myself from laughing; my eyes are beginning to water.
"Coming to To-Oh dressed like that, unbelievable."
"Either he's crazy, or he's just toying with us."
Well you figured it out pretty quick kid. He's fucking with all of you. Especially with that speech, I can't believe he's just making it up as he goes along…and everyone is eatin' it up.
"I look forward to working with all of you as your new freshman representative; Hideki Ryuga." Everyone claps as he finishes.
Oops…I was laughing so hard I kinda missed Ryuzaki's speech too…it's not like I can ask him to read it either because it's not written down. I shift to cross my other leg as they both bow and begin to walk back to their seats. As they descend the stairs it seems like Ryuzaki is talking to Light, but then they pass in front of the Shinigami and I can see anymore.
Jeez…for a supposed non-corporeal being you sure make a better door than a window…
Light and Ryuzaki make it back to their seats and as Ryuzaki climbs into his normal sitting position he cocks his head slightly and starts to talk.
"You plan on joining the police agency when you graduate, and you've already got some experience, seeing as how you've helped on cases in the past…and now it seems as though you're showing interest in the Kira case…I'm impressed by your abilities and by your sense of justice, and…if you promise not to tell anyone I have some important information concerning the Kira case I wish to share with you."
Jesus Ryuzaki…way to be fuckin' creepy…no normal person would know all of that unless they spied on the other-oh wait…you did. You could have at least told him that we work with his dad, the Chief, and that he talks about Light a lot. At least that would have sounded less creepy. You probably scared the poor kid.
The Shinigami seems restless as it begins to walk around, but after a few seconds it returns to Light's side, like a boomerang. He's taking an awful long time to respond to Ryuzaki…I wonder if he just plans on ignoring him…
"I won't tell anyone, what is it," Neither one has looked at each other through the entire conversation so it definitely surprises me when Ryuzaki dramatically turns his head to look at Light.
"I want to tell you; I'm L" I gasp at the unexpected reveal.
What the fuck Ryuzaki?! How can you just blurt that out! I know you whispered it, but even I heard it. I can't believe that you'd be so reckless! Was this even part of the plan? You must have a death wish-wait…Light tensed up slightly…what if that's what Ryuzaki was trying to do? What if he's gauging Light's reaction and response time? Anyone would be surprised to have L reveal himself to them, but if that person was Kira…they might take longer to respond, or get scared even…
The Shinigami turn and looks at us and for a split second we make eye contact. Light turns his head to Ryuzaki and I turn my attention to him, to get my eyes off of it. Hopefully it didn't notice.
"If you are who you say you are then you have nothing but my upmost respect and admiration."
…Kiss ass…
"Thank you…the reason I chose to reveal myself to you is because I think you could be of some help to us in the investigation." They turn back to the Dean, but Ryuzaki folds his arms and rests his head on them. There is a long pause and the Shinigami bends down to Lights level.
"If this guy is really L like he says, then consider me impressed." It chuckles slightly and for the first time it doesn't bother me.
Honestly, now that I look at how weird it is, it's not even scary…just kinda creepy.
Both Light and Ryuzaki seem to forget about one another as the ceremony drags on. Neither one says a word for the rest of it. When it's over we all exit the gym and it's not until we're outside that anyone says anything. Oddly enough, it's the Shinigami that speaks.
"Wow, I didn't think the ceremony would be so interesting."
Yeah? And I didn't expect you to sprout wings and start hovering next to Light as soon as we walked out of the goddamn door…
We've been behind Light and the Shinigami since we left the school, but we're still relatively close. I sigh and spot Watari and the car, I gently bump Ryuzaki with my shoulder and point him out. Ryuzaki quickens his pace a bit and it leads us to pass Light. As we stop next to the car Ryuzaki turns and calls out to him.
"Hey Light…" I shove my hands in my pockets as the Shinigami looks our way.
"You hear that? Must be your new friend." It chuckles as it teases Light, and for a split second Light frowns as if he heard it. Curiouser and curiouser.
"It was nice meeting you." Ryuzaki's voice is quiet and shy, bordering on adorable. I turn to him and smile. Light stops and faces us as Watari opens the back door.
"No, the pleasure was all mine." Light looks between us with a sour face, but I smile to him as a form of acknowledgement and the sour face disappears for a minute. Ryuzaki turns to step into the car, all around me I can feel people gawking and whispering again. I'm about to turn to follow Ryuzaki in the car when he stops and turns back to Light.
"See you around Campus."
"Yeah, take care." I make eye contact with Watari as Ryuzaki finally gets into the car, and he smiles. He's still wearing the drivers cap.
I take a seat inside and Watari shuts the door behind me, I look back out at Light and wave gently. He waves back to me and then the Shinigami smiles and waves. Startled I quickly turn to Ryuzaki as Watari starts up the car and pulls away.
Did it see me? Did it figure out that I can see it? Will it tell Light?
"This is it Suzuki…" I turn to look at Ryuzaki.
"This is what?"
"This is where the game really gets interesting, where we get closer to Light Yagami, and where we find out if he is really Kira." The sun is setting and I smile as its light illuminates Ryuzaki's profile giving him an angelic glow.
Oh I see what it is Ryuzaki…as another famous Detective once said… "the game is afoot".
Well there you have it folks, Chapter 30 finally done. I know that she didn't really remark on Light yet, but there wasn't really any room to because they basically just saw each other in passing. Thanks to Hateme and Ash for your comments, it really gets my butt in gear. Also thanks to UnhappyHomicideExperience for your favorite and follow. I also wanna mention that UHE will now be referred to as Mr-Frog-Man, which is her Tumblr account and how I bugged her to read my story. ^^' #sorrynotsorry #Shamlessplug. Her blog is a Death Note blog, and I believe that mr-frog-man directly references L, so check out hers and mine, mine is of course UnluckyKitty41, where you can feel free to ask me directly about the story or I'll even do some asks with my characters. I even do art requests and commissions so come on down.
Just a side note as well, I feel like you all probably know what corporeal means but I'll tell you anyway. Corporeal is basically 'having a body' so when she said non-corporeal she was referring to his ability to faze through walls.
The next episode is episode 10 and Chapter 31 will feature… (dundundundun) The Tennis Match! Which is where all of your dreams will finally come to fruition. See you next time!