Chapter 31

I'm finally back! WOOT WOOT, and do I have a surprise for you! If you've been following me on Tumblr or twitter you'd know that chapters 31-34 are written! They're just not typed yet, and that's what I'm gonna try to get done in the next few days if not today! Yay everyone is excited. Now you might be wondering "Where were you Kitty?" well that is a great question, I actually just moved into my new house and it's been crazy, my office isn't even done yet but I'm typing this on my new table yay adulthood. Anyway my laptop is still on the fritz and I gotta clean my tower and see if it actually is working or if I need a new vid card so we'll see…anyway let's get going on DNTOS!

April 7th

Even though the 5th was technically the first day of College; it wasn't until yesterday that we actually got to see Light Yagami and the Shinigami in class. Actually I'm not sure f Ryuzaki hacked the schools network or if it was just a coincidence, but we have some of the same classes as Light. One of which is psychology…go figure.

Gotta tell ya though, it's definitely weird being back in college; it brings back memories of late night cramming sessions. I needed to study pretty hard so that I could graduate early and join the force. It wasn't all bad though, a lot of the material came easily to me and what didn't I would study until it did. It's not like I had a life or anymore adventures to go on…it's sad…I feel marooned on this world, stuck in this dimension, forced to live through time. It's takes some getting used to…I used to be so active in my adventures, constantly looking out for danger, but now…civilian life is so…monotonous…I guess. Maybe that's why I kept myself so busy and was able to get in and move up the ranks so easily, I did it so that I wouldn't have time to focus on how much I missed everyone…

Anyway I think I'm getting a bit off track here…back to Light and Ryuzaki. Yesterday, to my complete surprise, Ryuzaki asked Light if he would 'perhaps play a set of tennis to get to know each other better'. Not only was I surprised at the gesture, but at the choice of activity as well. Like, out of everything, he chose tennis. Not that I have a problem with tennis, I was just not expecting it at all. Anyway that's where I am now; waiting for them outside the locker room slurpin' away at a lemonade I got from the school's café.

. . .

Light walks out of the locker room first, followed by Ryuzaki, and then the Shinigami. I stand at the sight of them and greet them with a small smile. Light seems to have chained his clothes completely and is carrying a tennis bag, but Ryuzaki seems to have only changed his shoes and is carrying his racket loosely in his hand. It's kinda gross that Ryuzaki will be wearing the same clothes after they play, but I guess is should be glad that he's wearing shoes. Well he could have changed into something exactly the same…it sounds like something he'd do…Light planned ahead and made sure their match was after all our classes so we're done for the day, at least if Ryuzaki hasn't changed we can go right home and change.

Light approaches me with a smile meant to turn girls to mush, but it has no effect on me. He's our suspect for one, and quite frankly he's not my type. To be honest I find him obnoxious, the way he almost has that 'I'm-better-than-you' vibe just irritates me.

"Sorry you had to wait for so long. We're all set now." I nod as Light gives me an even more irritating smile. They start to head in the direction of the courts and I trail behind. The Shinigami floats next to me with curious eyes, but I pretend not to notice it. Yesterday I mastered the arts of 'gaze avoidance' and 'classroom invisibility', so not only will a teacher not notice me, but the Shinigami shouldn't have any idea that I can see it.

"Man, she sure is quiet. She didn't say a word today or yesterday. The only times I've seen her react are when she smiles occasionally and when she was at the entrance ceremony." The Shinigami looks from me to Light as it talks. "It's starting to creep me out a little." I hide my smile by sipping my lemonade, but then I quicken my pace and offer some to Ryuzaki.

The lemonade here is really good, it's made with real lemons and sugar. When I first tasted it I immediately offered some to him because I knew he'd like it. He was hesitant at first of course, but then he tried it and really liked it.

Ryuzaki casually declines my offer this time as we reach a really long set of stairs. I look down and see that they lead to the tennis courts. There's enough room on the stairs for two people, but I let Light and Ryuzaki go ahead of me. As I make my way down I watch my footing carefully.

Don't fall, don't fall.

The wind blows gently and I'm thankful for the black zip up hoodie I'm wearing. As we hit the bottom step Light turns to Ryuzaki.

"I have to admit, Ryuga, I never thought you'd ask me to play tennis as a way to get to know each other." Light sets his bag on a bench near the court entrance, pulls out his racket, and sticks two tennis balls in his pocket.

"Is that a problem for you?" Ryuzaki's tone is flat as he looks incredibly bored. Out here in the sun you can see how white Ryuzaki and I actually are. I knew I was pale but this is crazy…compared to Light's mild tan, we're albino. I guess that's what happens when you have to sit in a dark room on computers all day.

"No, not at all. If it was I wouldn't have accepted. However, when you asked me to play did you realize how good I was?" Light's confidence shines through his playful banter and sends a shiver down my spine. There's just something about him that just makes me want to either go the opposite direction or punch him in the face…I just haven't decided which yet.

I know what he's alluding to though. I did some research on him after Ryuzaki asked him to play tennis, because it was so strange. It seems out young Yagami was once a junior high champion.

They begin to walk toward a vacant court and I tag along close behind. "Yes, I'll be fine though. It's been a while, but at one time I was actually the British Junior Champion."

Okay that I didn't know…

Light seems to mull over the information for a while. "Ryuga, were you raised in the UK?"

"I lived in England for about five years when I was younger, but save your breath, there's nothing in that story that would reveal L's true identity, I promise you that."

Wow, I've never heard any of this information before…is all of it true Ryuzaki? If I search 'British Junior Tennis Champions' will a young you under an alias pop up? Or are you just making it up as you go along? I guess I'll ask about it later. It's strange though…you've only just met Light, but he already knows more about you then I do…I guess I'm a bit jealous…

We stop at an empty court and stand towards the back by the fence. Ryuzaki turns to Light and all of a sudden I feel invisible. "Want to play a single set? First one to…six?"

Light shrugs at the proposal as I sip my drink loudly to get their attention. "That's fine by me, but I have a request before we begin." Light looks back at me and I stare vacantly.

"Yes, what is it Light?" Ryuzaki looks at me then back to Light.

"Would she mind waiting behind the fence? I can get pretty competitive and I don't want her to get hurt." He turns back to me seemingly embarrassed at his own request.

Talk about me like I'm not here why dontcha…

Ryuzaki gives me a curt nod and I sigh, turning around to head to the nearest gate to the outside. Luckily it happens to have a trash can next to it and as I pass by I toss out my empty cup. I watch from through the fence as they walk to opposite sides of their court and get ready to play. Something yellow in Ryuzaki's hand catches my eye and it seems as though Light is letting him serve first.

I continue over to a spot just behind Light and notice how the Shinigami is still within the fence. Well, if I was able to pass through things I don't think I'd move either…I set my messenger bag gently on the ground and grab ahold of the fence for support. My fingers lace themselves in between the metal diamonds that the wires create. The Shinigami is to my left, I chose this spot on purpose because it's close enough to the Shinigami that it looks like I'm not avoiding it on purpose, but far enough away that it doesn't block my view.

Ryuzaki bounces the ball a few times to get in the zone, and then throws it in the air. In a blur he hits it and I hear it's 'twang' as it comes in contact with the racket. The ball flies through the air, across the court lands in the receiving box for a split second then bounces back up and flies by Light and heads straight for the Shinigami and I. The Shinigami jumps out of the way with a yelp as I try to jump back myself. I trip over my feet and cry out as I fall right on my ass, the ball hits the chain fence with a loud clang and I just stare at Ryuzaki in horror.

Holy shit!

Light stands from his previous ready position crouch and looks back at me as Ryuzaki calls out the score of fifteen-love.

"Are you alright?!" Light stares at me with surprised and mildly concerned eyes. I shakily raise my hand and give him a thumbs up as I try to regain my composure. My eyes shift subconsciously to the Shinigami as it turns to look at me in shock. I grab the fence and use it to pull myself to my feet; once I do I wipe the dirt off myself. "Wow Ryuga!" I look up to see Light calling at Ryuzaki. "You sure don't mess around. That serve was so powerful you almost hit your friend back there." Ryuzaki seems unfazed by the fact that I almost got biffed in the face by his serve.

"He who strikes first wins."

Yeah and she who stands behind a protective fence still almost dies via tennis ball…although watching the Shinigami dodge it was still hilarious. It wouldn't have even hurt it would have passed through it.

Point by point the match between the great detective Ryuzaki and the brilliant yet suspicious Light Yagami intensifies. I'm not one for sports, but as the boys run around the court even I begin to find myself on the edge of my seat. As each game is won by their respective party more and more people begin to crowd around the fence until finally my sport becomes unbearably claustrophobic. I reach down and pick up my bag and begin to inch my way over to the gate in the fence, a spot that is relatively empty. Just as I do Ryuzaki sprints across the court to return the ball.

Wow he's fast! You'd never guess that this candy eating shut in would be in good shape, but from where I'm standing he seems like he's not struggling at all. I wonder how he does it…I know he mentioned he knew martial arts, but I've never seen him do anything other than sit in his chair and stare at the computer screen…

"Are those two really amateurs? Who are they anyway?" I turn my head to a group of people that has just formed behind me.

"I think their names are Light Yagami and Hideki Ryuga." A younger guy to the left of the original speaker seems blown away by the battle before us. "These are the same two who scored perfect on the entrance exams.

I hear the loud twang of a racket and turn just in time to see Ryuzaki almost falling in a return attempt. The ball goes out of bounds.

"That's four games all! Light Yagami to serve." I look to find the source of the voice and spot a guy in in the chair by the court.

What the fuck? When did he get up there?! I was so into the match that I didn't even notice.

The Shinigami, who has moved closer to me, chuckles and I cringe. "And just like that we have an umpire and a line judge." I look around and notice the line judge that it mentioned.

Wow, would ya look at that.

"Guys, you'll never believe this!" I turn to face the shout and see a student running down the stairs towards the group from earlier. "I thought I had heard the name Light Yagami before, so I checked. He was once a Junior High Tennis Champion! Apparently during his third year ceremony he announced that he was hanging up his racket. I guess he hasn't played competitively since…" There's a moment of silence and I glance back to Light.

But he doesn't seem rusty at all…

"Hey, hey!" I turn again to see a girl with short hair and glasses, she looks familiar. Wait a minute…she's familiar, what did her friend call her again? Kyoko? Yeah I think that's it… "What about my Ryuga? Don't tell me you haven't noticed him holding his own against that former Junior High Champ." I stifle a giggle.

Your Ryuga, huh? Sorry honey, but Ryuzaki doesn't exactly excel in the whole relationship area. If you're in his class he probably knows your name, but that's about it. He would figure out everyone's name just so he could do his job better. He has no interest in anyone here other than Light Yagami…and me I guess…I smile thinking about him and turn back to the match.

"Kyoko, hush! What if that girl he's always with is his girlfriend? I've heard rumors that they always come to school in the same car and that she never leaves his side. She's also right over there y'know." My breath catches as I inhale for a sigh and I go into a coughing fit as Kyoko groans in defeat from behind me. I can feel the Shinigami's stare as I try to calm my burning lungs.

"Jeez you okay? Oh wait…you can't hear me. Oh well…humans are so interesting."

What the hell does that mean?

I finally regain myself and wipe my eyes free of coughing tears. I look back up at the boys just as Light rushes to the net and slams a backhand. The ball flies at Ryuzaki's feet and he is unable to respond in time but dives anyway. The ball bounces right by him and I cringe as he hits the ground.

"Game and set! Won by Light Yagami! Six games to four!" The crowd can't contain itself and they call out in all forms of cheers.

Seeing as they're done I heft my bag on my shoulder and squeeze through the crowd and pass through the gate and head toward them. As I do I watch them shake hands and notice how the Shinigami has already made its way to Light.

"Wow Light, who knew you could play tennis so well? That was fun to watch." Light doesn't react to the Shinigami's compliment, but my gut tells me that he heard it and is ignoring it.

I step to Ryuzaki's side as Light walks by to grab his bag. However the Shinigami stays by Ryuzaki and me. I smile at Ryuzaki as I make it to him. "You never mentioned you could play tennis, Ryuga…" I use his alias so that he doesn't scold me.

"It never came up." His reply is monotone; something must be on his mind…either that or he's mad that he lost.

"Little bit rusty it seems…or did you let Light win? I grin and try to get a reaction out of him with a tease.

"To be honest I haven't played that hard in a long time…but I didn't let him win, I was merely surprised. Light is a worthy opponent."

Ah so you are mad about losing.

I'm about to make a comment about him being a sore loser when Light approaches; as he gets closer the Shinigami talks to him. "You just missed it Light; it seems she actually can talk." Light glances to me and seems like he's forming questions in his mind, but then he blinks and his expression changes entirely.

Creepy…

"Let's head back to the locker room, you gave me quite a workout Ryuga." Light hoists his bag over his shoulder and begins to walk away. Ryuzaki and I follow close behind.

"Yes, but as expected, you beat me." Ryuzaki still seems sore about losing. Something he said before comes to mind. 'I'm also childish and hate to lose' It makes me smile.

"It's been so long since I've had to play that hard. It's made me pretty thirsty, and there's something I wanna ask you. After we change do you want to go somewhere for a drink?" Light turns to us as he walks looking for an answer, but I look to Ryuzaki to answer instead.

"You beat me in a tennis match, the least I can do is answer some questions, but before this conversation goes any further, there's something I must tell you."

"And what's that?" Light seems thrown off and stares at Ryuzaki as we continue to walk.

I'm actually curious as well…

Ryuzaki turns dramatically toward Light. "I suspect that you Light Yagami are in fact Kira. Now, if you still want to ask me something then please go ahead."

What the literal fuck Ryuzaki?! Why would you blurt that out?!

Light and I stop in our tracks. I glance from Ryuzaki, who is still walking, to Light who is staring blankly. He turns, meets my eyes, and begins to laugh.

What the hell? He finds this funny?

"You think I'm Kira?" Light laughs again and it seems that Ryuzaki has just realized that he left us behind, because he stops and turns around.

"Well when I say I suspect you, it's only a one percent possibility…That aside I don't mind telling you that once I'm sure you aren't Kira and I can verify that your deductive abilities are as strong as I think they are, I'd like nothing more than to work with you on this investigation." Ryuzaki turns back around and it seems that it's our que to start walking again. We catch up relatively easily.

A one percent possibility? That's not true at all…we think Light is absolutely Kira…100% if not 98%...but wait…Ryuzaki is a genius, but he's also devious…what if he's using the percentage system backwards? He would use this as a way to avoid scaring people. Saying 1% really means 100%, either that 1% could also mean how much evidence we actually have in correspondence with our suspicions…what evidence do we even have? Light fits Kira's original profile, he is a student with ties to the task force…and that agent Raye Penber dies while he was following Light…not to mention Raye's fiancée is missing as well…probably also dead. According to Ryuzaki she would have been going after Kira, but we have no evidence linking her disappearance to Light. Did they even meet? If they did does Light have the power to make her kill herself? Does the Shinigami? Ugh…I'm just going in circles…I'm giving myself a headache.

"What are you doing?" I come out of my thought just in time to realize Ryuzaki has stopped and is facing me, I almost bump into him. "Oh, were you lost in thought again? Well you'll have to wait for Light and I outside the locker room." My face turns beat red as I realize what almost just happened. I nod quietly and slink over to the bench where I had waited earlier today.

"I cannot believe I just almost waltzed into the men's locker room-" My voice is hushed and I look up to see the Shinigami watching a squirrel. The squirrel stops, looks up at the Shinigami, hisses, and runs away. The Shinigami turns and heads my way. "If I had just aimlessly walked in on Light or Ryuzaki I'd probably be so embarrassed that I'd never be able to look at him again…Especially if it was Ryuzaki…" I look down at my feet, but can see the Shinigami's feet in front of me.

"Sounds like someone has a crush." I sigh and pretend to ignore its comment; I lean back and look up past the Shinigami at the sky, though its eyes are staring right at me.

"Honestly, he's probably not even realize that normal people don't do that sort of thing…I hope that after this is all over him and I can still see each other…he's been so busy with the case, which is great but there's not much we can do without evidence…" I sigh again and can tell I have the Shinigami's full attention. The wind blows fiercely for a moment and I put my hair behind my ear to keep it from blowing into my face. "All we need to know is how Kira kills, once we know that, we'll catch him."

Well that's it folks ^^ what did you think, the ending for the chapter that I envisioned was pretty hard to put into words but I think I might attempt to draw it later. It seems I have two new followers, thank you palome33 and halata34…33, 34…did you do that on purpose? Anyway it seems you favorited as well so double thank you! Also a thanks to BeyondItachi for your favorite, it really makes me smile to have so many new readers. Now onto the comment section, do I have anything new? Looks like Hateme commented about Ryuks reaction in chapter 30…I completely forgot what I wrote…*looks back through* which one XD he's a sassy-Shinigami the whole chapter, and half of that's not even my script it's the shows XD. #sassy-Shinigami, make it a thing. Palome33 also commented *reads comment* XD well he's the next chapter, and you're very welcome. Next comment…hey look it's Mr-Frog-Man lol 10/10 you're too kind, I feel like I jump around a bit. I always wondered about what L was doing when we were watching Light in the show, and now I get to wonder while I sprout words from my fingertips. :P As for the fluff XD L is so oblivious it's just too fun to write, thanks for reading everyone I think I got everyone covered…alright everyone time for the shameless plug again, go check me out on Deviant Art and Tumblr, I always respond to messages just make sure to tell me where you found me ^^' Also like I mentioned before I'm starting art requests and as long as it's anime related I will try my very best…now…*looks at long ass chapter 32* I might stop for tonight I had a hard enough time getting this one done….yay 4000 words! I did it!