I looked at SK with a somewhat composed expression...downright eerie perhaps as tension seemed to flow into the room. He had made a valid argument...it was completely correct to assume he had no proof of my identity. And he had cornered me with the Shinigami quote. Though...I wasn't sure if I should ever confide in any of my truth. To do so...would admit my guilt. He continued to stare at me, he seemed so confident...as though he'd managed to catch me in some silent trap. Some play on words. I smiled.
"You are correct SK...you have never seen my Death Note." I stated coming close to him. "And...you never will."
It was hard to read just what he was thinking, but I didn't allow him to comment before I continued.
"The reason for this is simple. In it's current place, it is safe. I will not endanger that safety for any reason. Not even to prove something so simple as who I am to you...my dear SK." I spoke. "But...that's not needed. And no...I'm not asking you to trust me on mere 'faith' either. I will give you what you want. This so called proof...and I don't need my Death Note to do it."
"So how do you intend to prove yourself...WITHOUT the note?" He ventured.
"Why...I will show you the list of criminals I've set to be punished this week...of course that means it'll take awhile for my identity to truly be proven to you...or perhaps not..." I smirked. My eyes followed Ryuk as he wandered across the room. After recovering the single page from my purse, I approached him. The page was completely filled with names...not a bit of the paper went to waste. Slowly, I extended it to him. Before he took it, I pulled it back for a moment. "SK...a moment ago...you were telling the truth when you say you don't believe in Shinigami...right?"
"Of course...but I said I would be open to them..." He recounted.
I nodded. "Well...prepare for me to make the unbelievable, believable."
He gave me a puzzled look as he took the page and looked it over. "This is incredible...you've scheduled them all so..." He admired more to himself. "And like you said...there are a good chunk of criminals on this page that still live."
"That's because it's in constant motion. I do not waste a single day...much like the space on that paper...none of this shall go to waste. I will not squander the chance I was given." I spoke ardently.
Ryuk laughed. "WASTE...like you wasted MY APPLES!!"
SK's head shot up quickly. "Who's there?!" He shouted standing up.
"Heh Heh Heh..." He laughed from the darkness of the corner in which he stood. "So you gave the kid a sheet of the Death Note..." He spoke in his quiet, yet harsh tone. "Look....OVER HERE!" In a second he was behind SK, and as SK turned around he was in his face. "BOO."
SK's eye's went wide and he fell back into his seat. I watched quietly, waiting to see his reaction. He was quiet for awhile, but then began to laugh. "A Shinigami...a REAL Shinigami..." He acknowledged. "I must say Miss Kaori...you certainly do wait for the most interesting of moments to pull out your aces."
"Well of course...you can't be careless in this game SK...I will NOT die...not until I see justice brought to this world." I smiled. "Please, give me the page back. And tell me...do you have a metal container...something I could burn it in?"
"Burn it?" He spoke curiously.
I smiled more. "Yes...Burn it. As you must know...rule XI states...once a person's name is written in the note...their death cannot be avoided. Not even burning a page can stop it. Yet...if I BURN the pages once they are full...all it does is eliminate any and all physical proof that the police could ever hope to retrieve. Without THIS...I can be linked to NOTHING."
SK smiled and brought a metal container. Taking a lighter from my purse, I lit the page and watched it burn. Soon it was naught but ash. Ryuk laughed in the background...took an apple and gobbled it down.
"Mmm....even BRUISED apples are better than Shinigami Apples..." He commented. "They're still....juicy."
Kaori
***********************************************************
Alright...I had a couple of different ways I wanted to play this...so it took me a VERY LONG time to decide! *bows* I am so sorry...I hope the end result was worth the wait. ROFL
THANK YOU Madi-chan for reminding me. I had totally forgotten I was still in the middle of this! Also, thanks so much again Quiet-chan....you're world is amazing! I'm going to make it a partner world to this one....that is if you don't mind. I find it so fascinating and helpful! :)
It's all yours Snatcher-chan! I left it here so SK can analyze Ryuk if you want. ROFL!!! I hope you liked his reaction. >XD
"Just a Second!" A Muffled cry called out, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching from behind the door; it swung open, SK's face twisted in a somewhat irritated expression. That is...until he realized it was me...then it turned to one of pure shock. "Miss....Miss Kaori?" He stumbled.
"I know...I'm so sorry for just dropping in on you like this...but I didn't have your number and we HAVE to-" I started, all the while my eyes slowly moving from his face downwards. Mid-sentence I realized he was wearing NOTHING but his boxer-shorts...My bag of apples collided with the floor once again...followed by Ryuk yelling at the top of his lungs at me...but I didn't hear a word. My eyes were frozen on SK's surprisingly fit exterior...until I realized I was staring...slowly my face flushed and then SK noticed himself. His eyes went wide and he dashed back for his living room...grabbing a pillow first...but quickly exchanging it for a blanket.
My own eyes wide, I knelt down for the second time to retrieve the no doubt "bruised" apples. Ryuk was whining...but I continued to ignore him. The air was tense and it was very quiet...only getting more and more awkward...
"I'm..so sorry Miss Kaori-" SK began, but I interrupted him.
"Anyhow, did you happen to see the news report yet today?" I spoke quickly...my eyes still glued firmly to the apples...and nothing else. Closing the door after I'd cleared the doorway, I crawled inside for the stragglers. "I suppose I'll just tell you either way. A Pair of Detectives have arrived in Japan to investigate the 'KIRA' Case."
"About that...I suppose there's something that should be said..." SK conversed. "It just so happens...I'm acquainted with these detectives."
"Acquainted?! How....?" I nearly shouted coming to my feet. Yet seeing SK still half-naked was still a little too much for me...I always DID have a thing for a man's naked torso... >.>' Before he could answer me, I made a break for his bathroom in order to compose myself.
********************************************************************************
There ya go Snatcher-chan!! Have fun contending with Dante! XD
29 January, 2023
I felt myself growing more and more anxious after hearing the clock chime in noon. I looked around a bit...wondering if he would be able to "find" me here. Feeling foolish I just sat straight once more...trying to ease my anxiousness.
"heh heh heh...What're you so worried about? I thought you didn't WANT any help?" Ryuk chuckled from behind.
I rolled my eyes. He only seemed to get entertainment from my problems. "I never said that...I just..." I stopped mid-sentence realizing I was speaking aloud. How? By the look a woman with her small boy had given me...rushing him off as though I were insane. Someone to run away from... "Hah...you have the right idea about me...but for an altogether WRONG reason..." I muttered. With the blood that stained my hands now...why wouldn't I expect them to fear me?
Reaching into my purse I pulled out my phone and put it up to my ear. "I never said I didn't WANT help...I said it would be dangerous." I spoke to Ryuk...he merely laughed at me for the effort I had to go through to speak with him. WITHOUT looking like a psycho. "You know...do me a favor and just refrain from asking me questions in public. I know you won't keep your sarcasm to yourself...but really...don't expect me to acknowledge you."
"Oh, so you think that..." Ryuk began but I lifted my hand up and snapped the cell phone shut...almost right in his face. As though I were "hanging up" on him. He broke into yet another fit of laughter. Apparently, he got the implication.
" I Hope You Have Good News For Me Mrs. Kaori... I Don't Leave The House On The 29th For Just Anybody Or Anyreason... Now Then, Shall We Discuss Our Business? " A voice suddenly spoke. It was SK.
I turned straight with a jolt and plastered a rather hasty, awkward looking smirk on my face...hoping he hadn't seen my little...exchange with Ryuk. "Glad you could make it...but...why exactly don't you go out on the 29th?" For a moment...it seemed that he wasn't even paying attention to me...his eyes were darting from side to side...he seemed nervous at every little thing...jittery even. "...SK?"
His eyes snapped back to me and he attempted to focus. "Um, yes?"
I stood up and gathered my things. Maybe he doesn't like being around so many people... I debated. "Come with me SK. We have to discuss our business elsewhere anyway."
I walked past him and led him to the nearby park. This was the reason I'd chosen this location to begin with...the peaceful seclusion you could find within this western style park was incredible. The ginko trees were beautiful...a real sight in the autumn. Yet we weren't here for sightseeing. Finding a nice bench in a secluded area, I slowly gazed around...just to make doubly sure there were no eavesdroppers.
"Alright, we'll sit here...uh...SK?" I began...turning around to find him still in his extremely paranoid state. "SK...what's the matter?"
"This day...that's what's the matter!" He suddenly snapped. "You never know what might happen on a day like this...that cursed number..."
I couldn't tell if he was talking to me...or himself. I just knew...I didn't have time to waste...I would have to get back to work soon. This was just a lunch break after all. "SK please...just sit down." I stated in a slightly firm tone. He seemed to think something over in his mind...took a deep breath...and did as requested. "I will not refer to what I'm speaking about so openly...but I'm sure you understand without me having to phrase it outright anyhow."
He didn't say a word...just listened intently to me...his jittering stopped as he seemed ready to absorb everything I was about to say and process it.
I took another deep breath. "I have decided...I will..." I paused...it was hard to say...but I couldn't hesitate. "...accept your offer. Now don't get all excited or anything...you have to prove yourself to me. I can't just openly trust someone I know virtually nothing about, but since you do share a very 'specific' similarity with me...I'm willing to give you a chance. As long as you remember this ONE thing...above all...we CANNOT be caught. I don't care what we have to do...we cannot risk being captured and revealed. What we do...it's in the Savior's name...in order to realize the world they were trying to create...we must stain ourselves in the blood of criminals...and this is why we shall take up the name...as well as the cause..." I had all but dropped my voice to below a whisper towards the end of my lecture...but I was sure SK had heard me...SK and no one else...
A slight smirk began to play across SK's lips...and he almost looked the part of a mad scientist having realized his experiment a success. His eyes filled with joy, he gazed deep into my own...with a sense of excitement...a sense of purpose...a sense of need. I was sure this was the expression I'd worn the first time I'd come to the realization of what I had to do...in KIRA's name...yes...the exact same expression.
"So what do you say SK...can I trust you...with my very life? With the duty to carry out our pious task against any and all obstacles that would dare stand against us? I offer you an olive branch...this one and only time...do you accept it wholeheartedly? Or meet it with a dagger..." Possessed by my own will to invoke the seriousness of the matter, I seemed to speak in riddles.
The wind began to blow...it's chill forcing me to turn away from it as I awaited my response...the response that would change everything for me.
~Kaori
***********************************************************
Have at it Snatcher-chan!! I wanted to leave it open so that you could relate SK's Response ^-^ Thought you might have fun with that. And you were right! I gave it a little time and BAM! It just flowed so well. : ) Thanx a lot!
Sorry it took so long though! lol...I know there are a couple posts waiting for it! -_-'
I'd gotten up extra early...well to be more exact I didn't really sleep. I'd sat awake in my bedroom all night contemplating everything over in my mind. This...SK...he'd marked me as KIRA. ME...ordinary and average in every way...why? How? I hadn't really even done much yet...which reminded me....the next set to be punished. I would have to gather the information.
It was simple enough...the internet was vast...an infinite sea of information. I managed to find several criminals...all who deserved the judgment of KIRA. But I knew...if I wanted even higher criminals I would need the aid of someone within the police...such files were usually classified. I made do with what I had and assigned their judgments to pass over the next two weeks. There were 100 names here...all divided into very specific groupings at key hours from all over the world. There was no way I would be singled out here in Tokyo...no way at all.
Yet as the sun started to break it's way through the tall bleak buildings of the city...I realized something. I could never achieve my goals alone. Not in this vast world...there was just too much to be done...too much corruption. I felt it deep inside, I would have to accept SK's offer. Maybe I would consider others in the future...but right now...I would merely test out this approach with SK and pray that this wasn't my first and ONLY gamble. To have faith in someone...this would be the hardest part. But I had to...in order to carry out KIRA's will.
I heard Remu's alarm go off...but she was already in the bathroom brushing her teeth. I hurried to the kitchen. Grabbing a bowl from the shelf, I poured some cereal and then added the milk as she came out. I smiled largely. "Good Morning, my dear sweet little sister. Here's your breakfast."
She yawned. "What do you want Kaori...spit it out..." She mumbled sitting down. "And what are you doing up so early? You are NEVER up before me....you stayed up all night didn't you?"
I didn't see any point in denying it. "Yes...but you know...I was pretty riled up from what happened outside...that's why. I just couldn't sleep..."
"Speaking of that..." Remu growled. "Why in the world..."
I clapped my hands together and bowed to her several times. "Please forgive me!! I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to be home so late...I swear! I got lost...and then...the whole mess outside...."
"Wow...uh...it's alright. But...Kaori...are you okay?" Remu asked surprised. "You...well it seems like there is something more wrong with you..."
I froze. "No Remu...I'm just fine. Nothing at all for you to worry about. Nothing..." There was a brief silence before I came forward with what I needed. "Remu...could you please make me an extra bento today. I am having lunch with a friend...and I'll need it. Please!"
"Gee...is that ALL you want! You had me thinking it was gonna be something major..." She sighed. "That's fine...let me get to it though or I'll be late for school..."
I jumped up and grabbed her around the neck from behind in a hug. "You're just the best little sister!" I chuckled. My gaze became somewhat serious though as I realized I was holding on too long. To protect her...that is all I want....to make a world where she will live a long and safe life...
"ugh...let go already..." She grumbled and walked off for the kitchen. "Gee...you really are acting strange..." I heard her say.
I went to the bathroom and jumped into the shower. After, I got dressed, did my hair and gathered my things for work. Remu was just finishing the bento, I walked over, took the bentos and thanked her then headed straight to my place of employment.
Time seemed to move slow...my whole point of focus being the noon meeting I'd scheduled. Would he come...how would he react and most importantly...SHOULD I really accept his aide? These thoughts bounced around my head all morning. And then the moment came. At 11:30 I asked to leave a little early, informing my boss I was meeting someone very important for a lunch date. He smiled and let me go...I'd always been very diligent...there was no reason to question me.
I made my way to the clock, right in the middle of central square. It read 11:45am....now I would wait...
"So then...will you show SK? Do you truly wish to help me..." I mumbled taking a seat on a nearby bench. "We shall see..."
~Kaori
***********************************************************
>.> I know...I haven't posted for ages!! Don't hurt me!! I'm so sorry... TT-TT I've been insanely busy. -_-
There you are Snatcher-chan!! The epic opening!! Have fun with it! >:3
I could tell the walk up the stairs was hard for him...but there was really nothing I could do. It was hard enough for ME to get up...my feet literally felt as though they'd fall off at any second now. He stumbled with the keys...and I wondered if he would pass out here in the hallway...I grabbed the keys from him hastily and got the door open. We walked in and he told me to make myself at home before stumbling towards what appeared to be the kitchen. I looked around a bit...it seemed normal enough. Everything was in it's proper place and clean...he seemed to be very organized in this respect. I nearly collapsed on the sofa when I found it entirely TOO QUIET from where he'd gone. I went to investigate.
"Are you alright?" I asked, walking into the kitchen. I could tell I'd scared him...he jumped a bit.
" Damn It... Yes Miss Kaori I'm Fine... Just A little Tired... " He answered sliding down to the floor.
He preceded to try and get the bullet out of his arm himself...with a KITCHEN KNIFE! Who does he think he is? RAMBO?! I thought to myself. I tried to stop him...and insisted he go to a hospital...but he refused me outright. Honestly...I hated doctors too...but I didn't want him to make his wound any worse... Even with my fighting though...somehow he managed to get it out...and the bullet plopped down right before me...clanging on the kitchen floor with a thud. I looked at him, ready to smack him for something so reckless...but his health was more important. I got a rag from the counter and rinsed it off, kneeled before him and handed it to him.
"You should at least clean yourself up..." I spoke gently. Yet...he was in a daze for some reason...he was just looking into my eyes. So deep...it felt like he could see straight through...straight into my very soul. I don't know why...but I found myself lost in that gaze. His eyes seemed black...but the closer you looked...the more you could see the green in them...hypnotizing and mysterious. I blinked as I felt the water from the rag running down my arm. And then I realized he was sitting there without a shirt on...I felt my face get red, so I shoved the rag forward again...turning my head to the side. As soon as he took it, I stood up.
" Thanks... " He commented. "Tell Me Something Kaori... What Do You Know About..." He paused at this...making me look at him once more. He looked very serious. "...KIRA "
I froze....I didn't know what to say. So I thought to question him. "What Are You Getting At? "
" Hmph " He Smiled " Surely You Know SOMETHING About KIRA... "
" I Don't Know What You're Talking About... Of Course I Know About KIRA... Who Doesn't? " I dismissed...just WHAT was he getting at? He couldn't KNOW anything....why was this guy PLAYING with me?!
" Well I'm Sure You Of All People Would Know More Then Others... Wouldn't You...? " He continued. It was starting to freak me out...I found myself backing up towards the exit...ready to run any second.
" What Are You Implying SK? " I demanded.
" I'm Not Implying Anything I'm Simply Stating A Fact... "
" What Fact Might That Be? "
" I'm Simply Stating The Fact That... You Are KIRA... "
As he said those words I felt every pore in my body close. My muscles went frigid and a slight fear began to course through my veins. If he knew such a thing...what action would he take? Turn me in? Kill me himself?? I mean...he said he'd KILLED those men...and just HOW had he figured it out? I threw Ryuk a deadly gaze...he was the only one that knew....he just sat there smiling. " You're Insane!" I called out rushing for the door...I had to get out....
" The Human Whose Name Is Written In This Note Shall Die!! " He called out loudly. I Stopped Dead In My Tracks...frozen in place and unable to move." This Note Will Not Take Effect Unless The Writer Has The Subject's Face In Mind When Writing His Or Her Name... " Slowly I turned around...to see where he was getting this from...and he finished the first rule... "This Is To Prevent People Who Share The Same Name From Being Affected... "
" Where Did You Hear That? " I quietly managed.
" I Didn't Hear It Anywhere I Simply Know... "
" Stop Playing Games... " I felt myself say aloud...it wasn't possible.
" You Want To Know How It Is I Know The Rules? " He Smiled And Got Up... I stepped back from him reflexively as he walked past me And Reached Into A Bag nearby, Pulling Out a Red Notebook. " I Know Because.... I Too Have The Note... "
"Oh I see...he has one of THOSE..." I heard Ryuk mumble from the corner. I felt myself getting light-headed from his reaction to it.
Quickly regaining my composure, I realized this could be a trick. Just a game...I had to throw him off." You Have A Note Book... So What? Anybody Can Buy One Of Those... "
" True But You Know What This Is Don't You... And Don't Lie To Me.. " He dismissed seriously. " I Know The Rules Because I Am Also A Bearer Of The Death Note... I Wasn't Kidding When I Said I Was The One Responsible For What Happened Back There To Those Men... The Two Bodies You Saw There... That Was All My Handy Work As Was The Body In The Alley By The Store... " He looked at me waiting for some sort of response...but I couldn't speak...the words wouldn't come. He continued. " My Name Is SK... It's A Shorter Version Of... Second KIRA... "
My eyes widened. This can't be possible...another notebook? SECOND KIRA?! It can't be...but if it is....can I trust him? IS this man an ally...or an enemy? I felt so many questions coming...I didn't have the capacity for this right now...so much at once. No...I couldn't reveal that I knew ANYTHING about the Death Note...
"Death Note? You really ARE insane...seriously...did you name that yourself?" I tried to laugh him off. My laugh was so transparent...but I had to try. "And as for KIRA...he was a Savior, his power wouldn't have come from...a NOTEBOOK..."
I couldn't explain the expression on his face. He seemed stunned...yet not surprised at all. He sat down on the couch and laughed...loudly....
"Look...I'm outta here!" I called out turning around.
"So...where's your Shinigami? Don't you even want to show him to me?" Were his next words. "I've never seen one before...that would be an experience..."
I turned with a huff. "Look You!"
"What? You just confirmed it...now I KNOW you're the New KIRA." He smirked.
I was speechless...I found myself pacing around nervously.
"The way you denied it so quickly...but calmly...like you'd prepared for a question like that. It's too bad you couldn't deny something like that...not the way you froze hearing me recite the first rule. Seriously...someone who'd never HEARD of a Death Note would've just kept walking." He explained bluntly. He was right...I'd let my emotions show...he KNEW I had a notebook...there was no escape. I was caught... "But don't worry Kaori...I'm not trying to corner you...You have no idea...how much I wanted to find you....." His voice was trailing off. "This new KIRA....I want to help you...to be....your SECOND...."
He was quiet then...his breathing becoming relaxed and heavy. I approached him slowly. He was asleep...out cold. I took a seat in the recliner across from him...never taking my eyes from him for a moment.
"Ryuk, tell me...you knew KIRA didn't you?" I spoke calmly, cupping my face in my hands.
"You could say that." Ryuk snickered.
"So then...did HE have a partner? A Second KIRA?"
"Kind of..." He answered, laughing to himself. "But that one was NOTHING like this guy..."
"So what do I do?" I asked aloud...more to myself...I knew Ryuk would be of NO assistance.
If I were to put my trust in someone...I wouldn't be alone...maybe... though, with AID came the possibility of BETRAYAL....I didn't know what to do...
I saw a notepad on the table. Taking a pen from my purse I wrote out a short note.
Sk,
Meet me tomorrow at noon for lunch...I'll bring bento, just meet me at the clock in the central square. There is much to discuss...
Kaori
I walked back over to him on the couch. He looked incredibly uncomfortable so I gently got him to lay down. I don't know...I wasn't REALLY afraid of him...just taken back by him. Laying the blanket from the couch over him, I walked towards the door, flicked off the lights and locked the door behind me.
I don't know how My feet managed to survive...but I made it home somehow...though, I had to be escorted by an officer...since the area was now a crime scene. Turning just before going inside the door I caught a glimpse of the message on the truck. It surprised me a bit...but not much after the scene at SK's. And I didn't let it show at all.
I opened my door to find Remu in the living room passed out on the couch. She'd made me dinner...it was still sitting on the table. I felt horrible coming home so late...but Remu was used to it...besides...her coming lecture for letting dinner go cold was the LEAST of my problems right now...
~Kaori
*************************************************************
Collaborative post with Snatcher-chan! It was a pleasure working with ya!!! teehee.
Sorry it's so long guys...hope it was at least Enjoyable. ^^
