It took me a little while to recover from the move I'd just made...but after I cleaned up the mess in the kitchen my nerves had calmed down somewhat. I turned out all the lights and went to bed. Yet...I couldn't sleep hardly at all. I woke with a start at 3:30am...so I simply got up and went back into the living room. Flipping on the TV, a special news report was running on permanent repeat. A slight smile began to form on my face...it had worked...they had ALL died simultaneously....and more importantly...it was the assumed work of KIRA. KIRA's Return was official...
"Criminals of the world, cower in fear...for the one who shall judge and condemn you has returned." I found myself mumbling. I felt empowered...to do what must be done....in order to cleanse this impure world.
A couple of hours later I heard Remu thrashing and yelling in her sleep. I knocked on her door and joked with her about the day. I had really hoped she'd forgotten...but I suppose that was impossible. Today was...the anniversary of Father's death. She wanted me to stay with her...even though I was supposed to go in to work today...but for my sister, anything. I spent the entire morning with her, until she ensured me she was okay. I then went to work as usual, getting off just a bit early. Thank goodness it was a slow day...and being a weekend everyone was lazy.
I made my way to the cemetery where father and mother were. Finding their memorial stones, I gently cleaned them and placed offerings. This was my routine...every single year. Kneeling I clapped my hands together and began my prayer. When I finished, the sun was setting...casting an orange glow over the area. I stood up.
"I will avenge you father...mother..." I whispered as I walked away. "And I will cleanse this world as well..."
As I walked towards the train station there were several thoughts racing through my mind. Ren....had he seen the broadcast? He was so obsessed with KIRA....he must've seen it...and then there was Koko. The girl I met in the cafe...one of her personalities had been right on the money...so openly naming me KIRA...and I hadn't even made a move yet. She'd shocked me...and yet...she too supported KIRA's actions. I wondered what the followers of the previous KIRA would do now? Would they follow ME? I, who wished to save this rotting world...or would they scorn me? Mistaking me for the previous KIRA and chastising me for abandoning them these last ten years. These long ten years which had been re-infested with corruption...
I got on the train and decided for some reason to get off at the stop before mine. I found myself just walking around aimlessly. I didn't really know why...maybe it was the fact that this day always hurt a lot. It was the day everything began to go down in a spiral.
Father was a police officer. He was good at what he did...always trying to right the wrongs in the world...but sometimes...the police just weren't enough. That's what KIRA was for, he was able to cross all the boundaries the officers of the law weren't. To bring Justice in the truest and most ultimate form. Father was neutral when it came to KIRA. On one hand...he knew it was wrong to kill...but on the other...it was making the world safer...and being a father, this was important to him for the safety of his children.
But that day...everything changed. Justice wasn't brought...and it never came...why did KIRA fail...where did he go?? Father was killed...by that murderer....a serial killer they'd been trailing for weeks...why did it come to that...I could remember mother's face when the policeman came to our door...it was raining so hard....
I snapped out of those memories. It always, ALWAYS happened on this day...those grim thoughts. I had continued walking on...but for some reason...I didn't know WHERE I was right now. What had I done...walking in a daze like that....now I was totally lost! I tried not to panic as I walked down the streets...they all looked the same...and none of them were familiar to me. I could feel my pulse heightening as the street lamps lit up and it seemed to get later and later. Those of an unsavory nature began walking the streets...I had to get out of here!
I walked faster and faster back down the path that looked the least cluttered with "filth"...all the way until a familiar looking mini-mart. I sighed with relief...I was within walking distance from home now. I had come a very long way. My legs were starting to hurt to prove it. It was late now...I don't know where the time went...I had spent too long lost. That...and dwelling on things from the past. I was so close to home...my feet were longing for it....when I heard a loud crash from the street over. The street I LIVED On!
I picked up my pace, when I got within visible distance I saw a large white truck toppled over, and a man standing at the entranceway to my building...he had just put something on the door. As I got CLOSER...I saw the actual scene...the gruesomeness of it all. There were...puddles of blood...two bodies....one was missing something rather vital...HIS HEAD. The other lay face down in a pool of his own blood...and the other man there...was standing at the top of the steps...a strange look on his face. I stopped before him...he was bleeding...he'd been shot by the look of it. Yet I was silent...I didn't know what to say...I felt sick to my stomach...
"The Beasts have been silenced." Were his first words.
I gave him a questionable look. "Beasts? What are you talking about...what happened here? YOU were here...you SAW it..."
"No...I didn't just witness it...this was MY doing." He smiled. "I finally have it....the power! I can rid the world of beasts like that!"
"You....killed them?" I stumbled. Who was I to judge him...I didn't know ANYTHING about the situation....besides...I myself was now a killer....no better and no worse. "You're bleeding..."
Suddenly he stopped and looked at his arm. It was as though he'd forgotten all about it in his state of euphoria. He just stared blankly at it...unsure of what to do.
I took a deep breath...trying to calm myself. Hurrying up the steps I grabbed his arm and quickly tied a handkerchief around the wound...in an effort to stop the bleeding. "You have to go to the hospital..."
"No. I just have to get home...I'll be fine." He denied quickly. He seemed adamant about it.
"But..." Before I finished my sentence I saw the note plastered to the door. "What the...." I grabbed it because it had my name on the front.
He seized it from me. "You may not read that!" He denied quickly. "Not unless you are Miss Kaori!"
"I AM Kaori!"
"What?" At this...his eyes seemed to light up. "Will you please help me home...I don't know...I may have lost too much blood."
I sighed...I couldn't just leave him....but there was a huge mess out here. I grabbed my cell phone and called the police. Informing them of the mess...I was sure they would get tired of me. First a serial killer...now this. I sighed again and starting walking with this strange man...I didn't even know his name...I hadn't seen the message on the truck....or perhaps I'd have been a bit more wary.
"I'm sure you're wondering what happened back there." He spoke suddenly. "Those men were punished. They were the men you've been hearing about...the serial rapists."
"What?" I questioned. "Look...who ARE you? You know my name...but I don't know anything about you?" I asked in frustration. I was only getting more and more confused.
"SK." He replied calmly. "Just call me SK."
"SK..." I rolled over my tongue. Who was this guy...the longer I was with him...the more confused I got.
"This is it. This is where I live." SK stated stopping in front of his building. "I'm sorry to ask more of you...but since I've asked so much...would you like to come in?"
I didn't know if I should accept...but my feet were begging me to. Since I'd been walking for literally HOURS...I accepted. "Sure...why not?" I answered with little enthusiasm...honestly...I didn't know WHAT to expect...
~Kaori
My life....seemed to be changing so much. Since finding that book....since I had tested it and found it worked...I had met two people totally devoted to KIRA's return...willing to follow him should he truly return to this world. No...not just FOLLOW him...AID him. I had burned Ren's note once again...there was no point throwing it into the air...I was this KIRA he was hoping for. Should I take on that role? My thoughts had continually begun to dwell on continuing to work of the Savior KIRA, did I truly have the strength? Yet the more I thought about it...the more I remembered the day fast approaching. The anniversary of the day that marked the beginning of great trial and sadness for Remu and myself...a day we would NEVER forget. January 28th, 2013.
I clenched my fists. I will do it...if I have the power....I will see this through.
My cell-phone rang. "Moshi moshi." I answer courteously.
"Kaori-san...I have to talk to you. It's about Remu..." Mizawa stuttered through hushed tones.
"I understand Miza-chan...no....you did the right thing by telling me. Remu is lucky to have a friend like you...thank you for looking out for her when I can't...I appreciate it more than you know." I ended the call with her...anger building up in me slightly. After that I went straight to the pharmacy...getting Remu's medication I took it home and waited for her arrival.
She walked through the door just as always. "I'm home!"
"Welcome home." I said with a tone slightly laced with 'a lecture is coming'.
Remu gave me a sideways glance.
"I noticed Remu...you haven't been taking your medicine." I started. She suddenly wore a 'BUSTED' expression. "Yeah...it's funny. You ran out...and yet....never TOLD me."
"Nee-san...uh...you know. The medication is really expensive and you've been so busy....that..."
"REMU!" I stopped her. Lowering my tone again I walked up and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Don't make me lose you too. Isn't it enough...we are the ONLY two left...if YOU were to leave me alone...I would...."
"Kaori..."
A tear ran down my cheek. "Remu...please take your medication. I KNOW I'm not the best guardian...in fact...I must be pretty terrible. IF I can't even monitor your medicine intake...or even find the time to visit with your principal...you must hate me. But please....let me be selfish in this one respect. I want you to live a long and healthy life..."
"I'm sorry." Remu stated looked at the ground.
I didn't push her any further. I went out to get some take out...but mainly to get more air. I was going to have to get into gear. As Ren's letter had said...there had been no further punishment. I was about to fix that....I would take the steps....walk into the darkness without hesitation. KIRA WOULD RETURN....AND A GRAND RETURN IT WOULD BE!
January 27, 2023
I had had yet ANOTHER late night. For the past several days I'd spent my spare time locating the names and faces of the worlds most horrid criminals...left unattended to rot away in prison. A constant burden to the victims and taxpayers alike. Since I worked all day, my only time was late at night...but it had to be done. I HAD to do it.
Ryuk...can I assign a TIME OF DEATH? I mean...not within 6 mins and 40 secs....but within a longer period of time?
You idiot...didn't you even read the note's rules? I DON'T have to tell you anything....figure it out yourself...
I felt so dumb in that moment...Rule III-"If the time of death is written within 40 seconds after writing the cause of death as a heart attack, the time of death can be manipulated, and the time can go into effect within 40 seconds after writing the name." I smiled....this will be easier to pull off than I thought.....
"You ok?" Remu asked as she prepared to run off to school.
I was still really drowsy and deep in thought, so her question surprised me a bit. "Oh...Remu..."
She lectured me a bit...so I countered her. "Are you okay Remu?"
Before I got the answer I wanted...they were both gone and off to school. I got dressed and prepared for work. Nearly everything was set...all my long hours....would bear fruit very soon.
It was a typical day...but that evening was not. I found myself watching the clock like a night watchman. After dinner, Remu did her homework...calculus of course....and then eventually turned in as I sat in the living room going over files from work. It felt like DAYS passed in those short hours...Feeling a slight edge...I went to the kitchen and broke open a bottle of wine I'd been keeping. Such a deep red color...I poured a glass.
I took in the aroma and pressed the glass to my lips as I took a small sip. As I pulled it away the clock chimed in midnight.
Ding.....ding.......ding.......ding....
I looked at the glass....blood....startled I dropped it and it crashed to the floor...shattering instantly...
ding....ding...ding....I bent to pick up the glass but cut my finger...REAL blood began to drip from my hand....
ding....ding....DONG!!!
It was now 12:01am of January the 28th, 2023....and nearly 50 villains had been killed of a heart attack simultaneously in facilities around the world. I shook slightly knowing this information...but slowly a smile began to form as I placed my hand over half of my face....
"KIRA has returned...I have made it so...in memory of you....father...." I whispered to the darkness. I could hear Ryuk snicker hoarsely in the shadows as he faded from my sight....I just sat there for a minute...completely numb as to what I'd done.
~Kaori
I shall go forth alone into this darkness without a fight...so that the rest of the world can bathe in brilliant light. +-Kaori-+
I sat down and tried to decide just WHAT to have for lunch. I would kill for some of Remu's cooking right now...but she'd conveniently forgotten to fix my bento this morning. As I sighed, I was suddenly approached out of nowhere. It was Haguro Ren. He was in his school uniform, and it seemed like he was flustered for some reason. o_o'
“S...Sakamoto-san! I umm... I'm really sorry for bothering you now, but I need to tell you something!” He began. I tried to speak...to ask how he was after last night's events...and why he was here in the first place...shouldn't he be at school? But he interrupted me.
“Please...listen to what I have to say before you answer!” He continued. “Sakamoto-san...I like you, like a lot...and I know that there's a difference in age...you have a career, I have some crap job, and to you I'm probably just another infatuated teenager....but...I wanted to ask if you'd consider going out to dinner with me? Or to a movie? What do you say?”
I sat there dumbfounded. What in the world brought this on? I had only just met him...he liked me?? And in his one breath...he'd found and eliminated all the excuses I MAY have given. Poor thing...he looked so sincere though...I was never really good at crushing the hopes of others...
Ryuk snickered in my ear as I desperately tried the find the words to say to such a declaration. Finally I sighed.
"Haguro-san..." I started.
"Ren! You can call me Ren!" He spoke quickly.
"Uh...Ren-san." I corrected. "That's very nice...but really...what do you like about me? We've only just met...we don't know...really anything about each other. Aside from the fact that I am...well...older than you...what is it that..."
"I don't care about age." He denied quickly. "I'm genuinely interested in you. As for knowing each other...isn't that what a DATE is for? To get to know each other..."
I couldn't win. Not only was my heart NOT IN IT to crush him...but I really couldn't think of a way to say no to someone so honest and bold. "Fine. I'll agree to a movie or something...will that make you happy?"
As his face brightened...my thoughts darkened. I was about to embark on a path of darkness. For the thoughts swarming in my mind of late were filled with plans...plans to continue KIRA's work. Was it right of me to lead others down that path with me?....
~Kaori
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You threw Kaori for a loop Ren. Heh...she's too kind to break a guy's heart...but here she is thinking you're SO PURE! lol. Ren...who views KIRA as a GOD!
I'm curious...how will this all play out! ^^
Remu had just headed to bed, and I was heading there myself...until I heard loud steps and a thud just outside my door. I jumped up quickly and just as I was about the open the door there was a knock. I looked back, Remu was standing in the living room...a curious look on her face. I opened the door slowly to find a shocking scene. Not at ALL peaceful or relaxing! All the work the incense had done to ease my tension was gone!! A man was flat on the ground, the "kind" young man I'd just met on top of him with a bloody knife in his grip...he was just about to plunge it into the man but before he did he looked straight at me and said...
"...ERASE!"
The knife was coming down quick and the man on the ground passed out. Without a seconds hesitation I threw myself at Ren. I pinned him on the ground and the knife slid away. Remu came running to the door.
"SIS! This guy has a knife too!!!" She shouted. "He's out cold...but he kinda looks like....THE SERIAL KILLER FROM THE FLYERS!!"
"What?!" I shouted. "Call the police...now!"
She ran back inside, and I didn't move. Both Ren and I were breathing heavily from the whole ordeal. He had a crazy look in his eye...and he was shaking slightly....he had truly intended to KILL that man. I made Ren look at me straight in the eye.
"YOU mustn't soil your hands with blood! A criminal like him is NOT WORTH it!" I shouted. "No...YOU are not the one who will judge this man..."
"So what? Leave him in the hands of the JUSTICE SYSTEM?! So he can get off!"
"He WILL not get off!" I slipped. "Trust me...have faith in the courts. You are far too young to become a murderer...don't play his game."
At these words Ren seemed to relax. Perhaps it was the soothing tone of my voice. I just hoped I got through. I couldn't let someone like him become sullied.
"Whoa! You go girl!" I heard a familiar raspy voice comment.
Only in that moment did I realize the awkward position I was in. I jumped up, now that it seemed Ren had calmed down. I saw blood, clearly visible on his white pants...also his hand.
"You're hurt!" I cried and helped him up. "Hurry up and get inside...REMU! The first aid kit! Help Haguro-san!" I knew Remu would enjoy playing the role of doctor, as for me, I went to the closet, took out a rope from our survival kit and proceeded to tie the man in the hallway up securely. Then, we played the waiting game...until the cops arrived.
Ren wouldn't take his eyes off me. As though he were trying to decipher the inner-workings of my mind. I feigned innocence, pretty much keeping my silence overall. The police arrived, and ended up needing a statement from Ren-san and he was also worried about someone named Hikari...so we said goodnight and tried to wind down from the entire fiasco. Eventually I got to sleep that night...I don't know how...but I did. All along thinking how that man would pay.
16 January, 2023
I woke up late...what a surprise after such a hard night's sleep. Remu had already left for school...I had enough time to grab a cup of coffee and I was out the door. I got paid twice a month, and today, was PAYDAY! First off, our superior handed out our paychecks, and then we started with work.
"Thanks for your hard work." He repeated continually as he handed out the paychecks in a line. I sat at my desk, typing away. General boring work, all the way until lunch time. I collected my things and headed out.
I had it all planned. Today was the day I deposited my check, and also...placed a bit of savings into my safe deposit box. But today, cash wasn't the only thing that would be going into that box.
My pattern was exactly the same. Not a single alteration. Taking the exact same amount of cash I always did, I was escorted to the back room, my safe-box was opened, and I was left alone and in privacy. From my briefcase I pulled an orange file packet. Within was the Death Note...safe and sound. I pulled a few pages out from the inside of the packet that I had removed earlier. Folding them up carefully, I put them in my wallet--the only place NO ONE EVER got into.
"Whatcha doin?" Ryuk asked me as I placed the Folder inside the box. It now rested among some of my and Remu's most precious belongings. Mother's Necklace...father's cuff links. Various pictures of dad on the force. Along with pictures of us as children...as a family. And then there was the secret stash of cash I was saving. It would go towards Remu's schooling. To help her out on top of the scholarship I was SURE she'd get. "Oh...I see..." He laughed.
I sighed. "And there...it's safe here." I mumbled.
As I left the bank, I stopped at the nearby cafe for lunch. Just as I always did after my visits to the bank. I ate, paid my bill and headed back to the office.
"Just a normal day..." I smiled as Ryuk hovered behind me.
~Kaori
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Normal...with a Shinigami following behind...sure.
lol, what do you all think of stashing the Death Note there! rofl. Kind of like Mikami only...I'm taking sheets of it WITH me!!! ^^
We were having a good time. As expected Remu LOVED the fact that I'd gotten groceries so I had no trouble convincing her to fix some Ohagi...in fact, I didn't have to say anything at all. She jumped in the kitchen and started straight off. I sat at the table with Mizawa as we watched Remu work happily in the kitchen. As they chatted I casually interjected...however my main focus rest on the Shinigami in the living room. He was nosy. Examining everything with awe.
The girls brought up a band...An Cafe. They wanted to go so I made a mental note to buy them tickets. I would make Remu go...even IF she thought she'd have to stay home and study. My gosh, she was smart enough, she'd do just fine on exams.
When we finally sat down to eat, I was slightly self-conscious. Ryuk stood glaring at me...drooling. I tried my best to ignore him and took a bite. Miza-chan asked for soy sauce and as Remu went to get it I didn't realize Ryuk followed her. He knocked a pot down by accident and it landed on her head of all places. I involuntarily slapped my palm to my forehead and threw him a wicked glare.
"Kaori?" Remu moaned questionably standing up. I looked at her and plastered a huge fake grin on.
"You should be more careful Remu!" I laughed. Yet the moment Miza-chan started talking with Remu about it, I glared at him again.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. We all looked at the door simultaneously.
"Ugh, I'll get it, just clean up the mess." I relinquished. Upon it's descent the pan had knocked over some flour or something...starch maybe? It needed cleaning up, I really didn't care how.
"Heh, to get out of cleaning it yourself right?" Remu giggled sticking her tongue at me.
"What? You knocked it over!" I stuck my tongue back at her.
"Wait Kaori-chan!" Mizawa stuttered grabbing my arm. "What if it's the...serial killer..." She whispered...probably goofing off with me.
I laughed and pulled her off. "First of all, serial killers don't knock, and if he WAS stupid enough to knock on MY door...he'd be sorry he ever MET me. I'd tear him apart." I stated smugly. I may not be able to cook very well...and I HATED to clean...but I KNEW how to fight. And I could defend myself exceptionally well.
The girls laughed and I opened the door. I found a young man with a measuring cup. His physical features were quite...unique. One wouldn't be able to forget him quickly at least. The purest and brightest white...not only his attire but his hair and eyebrows. He was quite handsome, but what I found most lovely were his bright, piercing, blue eyes. Eyes that were currently focused...well....not on my face.
I raised an eyebrow and cleared my throat. "Can I HELP you?"
That seemed to snap him out of his shock, he bowed then looked up and smiled. "Good Evening, I'm sorry to call on you like this...but you see I was wondering if I could borrow a cup of sugar."
I just noticed the measuring cup in his hands. "Sure, come in a sec." I led him to just inside the entrance and closed the door, he gave me the measuring cup and I took it to the kitchen. "Remu, fill this up with sugar will ya?"
"Gee...don't even know where that is huh?" She mocked.
I gave her a QUIT BEING SARCASTIC WE HAVE COMPANY expression and she hurried up. Mizawa-chan stood next to me staring at the man dreamily. I shook my head and noticed Ryuk examining him close up. I swallowed.
"Heh Heh...like white much?" Ryuk laughed. "This guy is something alright..."
I sighed...just trying to block his voice from my ears. "So, uh..." I began...but drew a blank, I didn't know his name...
"OH! How terribly rude of me..." He snapped to. "My name is Haguro, Ren'ichi. I'm a neighbor from the lower floor." He laughed.
Haguro Ren? Why does that sound familiar?? "I see." I smiled. "Sakamoto Kaori. Here comes my little sister Remumaru. And this here is Tsunati Mizawa." They each bowed a bit as I introduced them. I took the sugar from Remu and handed it to him. "And here you are. Nice meeting you and good luck with whatever you're making."
He left carefully and I turned back to look at the two girls...still gazing fondly at where he'd been standing. I walked up to them and pinched them both hard on their cheeks. "He's gone now so hurry up and finish dinner...but it's probably gone cold..."
We finished the meal anyway and as Remu walked Mizawa out to the entrance of our building I cleared away the dishes. Another day down, and though it hadn't been very normal, it was alright. I went to my jacket pocket and pulled out the napkin I'd found on the street. "I knew it...that man's name sounded so similar because of this...."
I read the signature of the note once more. "HAGAREN... Haguro, Ren'ichi perhaps??" I deliberated. "No way..."
"What's that? A love letter?" Ryuk chimed in.
"Don't be silly. It's just that paper from the street...it's nothing."
It was a strange letter...I couldn't exactly go up to that kind, young man throwing accusations. Therefore I placed it in the incense burner and burnt it up. As it turned to ash I decided to go ahead and light some incense up...perhaps it would help me relax enough to sleep tonight.
~Kaori
