Chapter Text
“Raye… You’re back.” Naomi Misora smiled and placed down her book as she prepared tea for both of them.
He smiled and took off his coat, sighing loudly as he sat. He looked exhausted . The most she’d seen right after taking the task. Of course, she was worried about Kira's danger, but she wished she could just help him.
“You seem drained, did something happen?” She allowed room for discussion.
“I got mixed up in an attempted murder.”
“An attempted murder?”
“Yeah, a guy who’s been stalking my suspect kept getting closer until he finally approached her. Real creepy about it too. Threatened her until he took out a knife. Didn’t think these kinds of things happened in Japan.”
“Did you report that to the police?”
“...” He was oddly silent, raising her guard.
“No, the victim requested for me not to. She was scared and I had to confirm my identity after she suspected me. Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter, she’ll report it after her family takes action. Her mother is a lawyer, from what I know.”
“What happened to him?” She cautiously approached the subject.
“He got away. He’s a serial stalker, they’ll find him sooner or later.”
“Was it… really a coincidence that you happened to be there? I mean, you were trailing a suspect, and then their stalker attacks..?
“Hey,” He said authoritatively. “Look, I know you were an excellent FBI agent but you’re here now as my fiancee, and nothing else. You don’t have to worry about investigating cases or coincidences, okay?”
She sighed, sitting down. She supposed that he was right. It was their deal, after all. She also had a habit of getting into trouble and being aggressive overall. Despite quitting willfully and happily, a part of her will always miss it.
“You promised me you won’t get involved or put yourself in danger… It’s just this case is so strange and dangerous.”
“All right, Raye. I’m sorry, it was a force of habit.” She apologized.
“Hey, I’m sorry too. Don’t take it too hard, Naomi. Once we start a family, I’m sure you’ll be too busy to have that habit pop up.” He reassured, face softer once again.
“Alright, but it never hurts to be careful.”
“Hey, Akari, what are you going to do now that you have that agent’s name?” Ryuk asked as she sighed on her bed.
“Patience, Ryuk. I need to form a plan. Getting Penber’s name was risky enough, but it shouldn’t matter as much. He’ll be dead before he even tells that tale. And Sayu, I can manipulate her so that she does not tell anyone at the moment. My stalker’s going to die in weeks, anyway.”
She looked at the page where the cause of his death was written. Characters ruled out by two straight lines were visible as she altered her plan.
“But preferably, I won’t have to face him again. I am Kira, after all. The “supernatural killer”.” Her smile fell as she buried her face more into her pillows. No, this was the right thing. All she wanted to do was to save lives. They were blocking that and a few sacrifices must be made.
“And there’s also L…” She said as she involuntarily looked at the ground. Her palm shook as she closed it. Her greatest threat… She’d rather not get his attention.
“A new plan, huh ‘Kari? How fun considering how well your last one went.”
She slightly grimaced at the nickname. Her face was hidden so she was more comfortable with expressing her frustrations.
“And your notebook, I take slight offense of what you did with my cover.” He scrunched his nose as a pink thing stuck out from her bag.
She had designed it to be the same style as her other school notebooks, burning past pages and posting false formulas and notes. It blended in inconspicuously with a student’s supplies.
“It fits in with my personality more. I think the design was good, don’t worry, but it was something out of the ordinary.” She reassured him.
“Well, other than that it’s just out in the open.” The shinigami complained.
“It is just a normal notebook to other people… And even if they touch the cover, they won’t be able to see you because technically, they aren’t touching the notebook.
Akari, Akari… Light clenched his jaw as he was writing in his Kira investigation notebook. A close friend of his sister. His sister. And she must plan something that is relevant to her. Or else, she wouldn’t have been there when her plot to gain Raye Penber’s name happened. With her personality, he feared that she would use Sayu as bait.
A decoy for L. He didn’t know whether she genuinely cared for his sister but it was most probable. However, she was naive. Oh so, so naive.
L would hurt his sister to get the data that he needed. Akari must think that she’d be safe without evidence. But that’s not how Ryuzaki works. He knew… because L was like him.
His ends justified his means. He’d do anything for his investigation, even crimes.
And his sister obviously was traumatized. He squeezed his own hands as he remembered how scared she was. How could she do that? Well, he did do the same (or worse) to… a list of people.
He groaned. This was not the time to feel down. From what he gained from Sayu, her plan was careful, matching her profile. She left only two witnesses, one who she directly controls and one who wouldn’t tell anyone for now.
But since she did get Raye’s name, her next plan might be underway.
He knew… that the FBI agent was dead the moment he gave out his name. He couldn’t save him. Not that he ever wanted to. It wasn’t his fault.
All he can do now is to minimize casualties. He needed to keep Akari from learning any more names. He doubted she would kill anyone right now.
At least, he needed to keep a close eye on her. He twisted the screwdriver as he calmed his thoughts.
Kira… what are you doing? The criminals yesterday died in an interval from one another. Once he placed them in chronological order, the first letters of their names formed words.
“H E L L O . L . D I D . Y O U . K N O W”
They all died an hour away from each other, excluding the times he marked with a period. The letter after that took 2 hours instead. A… message. It was a part of a statement, suggesting a continuation.
However, if it were a message from Kira, he knew it would be some sort of distraction or ruse. The question is why?
But… if it was the only lead given to him now, suppose he’ll investigate it. As much as he hated to play into the criminal’s hand, he frankly had nothing else better to do. However… he will continue to be more cautious. Something is brewing in his target’s mind.
If something suspicious does happen, the FBI he sent will notice.
Light smiled as he saw his creation - a bug somehow crammed into a pen. He considered buying a commercially available one but that would only make him more suspicious considering that he is being followed right now.
Pages of schematics and random appliances he stole parts from were scattered in his room as he cleaned up. He tuned the transmitter to a radio in his room, hoping to reach from wherever that girl was.
His door knob slowly turned but stopped because it was locked.
“Light?” A tentative voice asked. Sayu.
“Hey…” He said as he opened it, forgetting about his work on his table.
“Look, I just wanted to say thank you. Especially for keeping it from Mom and Dad and for well, being there for me.” She said as she looked away.
“Of course, Sayu. You know that’s not a problem to me…” He said as he rubbed her shoulder. Smiling sadly, she hugged him.
He stilled slightly before relaxing. It was… warm. And nice. He exhaled as he wrapped his arms around his sister, feeling comfort as well. At this moment, it was as if the worries and guilt scratching away at his mind halted their endless pursuit. He really… needed this.
“Thanks, Sayu.” He said once she pulled away, ruffling her hair.
She laughed. “Don’t get all sentimental with me… What’s that?” She peeked her head at his mess.
…
She just won’t stop her nosiness, won’t she? He bit back a smile so as to not encourage her. But, in a way, he appreciated it. It was just so Sayu of her.
“A hobby, you should get one.” He said casually as he hid his panic. He secretly dropped the bugged pen into his bag as he threw the remains in the trash.
“Homework is enough of a hobby.” She huffed. For now, she was focusing on his quip but he knew more questions were coming.
“Does it really count if you’re not the one doing them?” He said smugly as he pointed to himself. “And do you wanna go get ice cream?” He grabbed his wallet. The perfect distraction - a sweet dessert.
“How is that related-“ She stopped herself at the premise of free food. “Why, of course, onii-san!” Oh, she pulled out honorifics.
He rolled his eyes. “Don’t call me that when you’re only going to use it if you want something from me.” He lightly flicked her forehead.
“I’m older than you, you know. Maybe it’s time you show some respect.”
“But that’s boring, Light. And are you buying me ice cream or not?” She said with a sly grin.
“Is that even a question?” He raised his eyebrow.
“No,” She said cheerfully as she hopped out. He released a sigh as he quickly destroyed the evidence. Would L go through his trash..?
Sayu smiled widely as they received their cones. He hid a snort as he bit a piece, shivering in discomfort from the cold.
“Sayu… Is that you?” A familiar voice asked. He hid his annoyance quickly.
“Huh? Oh, Akari!” She said as she turned around.
“And Light-san..?”
“Wait, you two know each other?” Sayu said, confused.
“Hello, Akari.” He said politely. “Her older sister’s a friend of mine.”
Wait… he could bug her bag with this opportunity. She was carrying a backpack that she usually brought to school. He made sure the pen seemed normal as he bought the same one she had to disguise it further.
The only problem was he needed a window of time and he also had to worry about the shinigami…
Well, if Akari is gone then Ryuk is bound to follow. That was a rule mentioned.
“Yeah… Wait are you Sayu’s brother?!” She laughed. “This makes so much sense. You’re right, Light-san’s pretty cool.”
“ Wow, Sayu. Didn’t think you thought of me so highly.” He said sarcastically, leaning on her shoulder.
“Hmph, you already know you’re amazing. But, you’ve been acting kind of off this past December.” She shrugged. “Finally acting like a teen, huh? Hey, it gets me free food.” She giggled.
“As if you didn’t always have free food.” He quipped.
“Then, thank you onii-san!” She laughed as Akari joined her.
“Oh, Sayu, can you come with me to the bathroom?” Akari asked.
“Oh, sure. Light, can you watch our things?” She said as she gave him her food and friend’s bag.
“Why not.” He said nonchalantly.
“And I measured my food… don’t think about taking some.”
“Pfft, okay.” He waved despite paying for said food.
He smiled as he sat at a nearby chair. There was a chance that Ryuk was here so he needed to put an act.
He discreetly took out the pen. Hiding it in his sleeve, he let it roll down as he went up to throw his trash. As he returned, he “noticed” the pen on the ground.
“Huh… Isn’t this Akari’s pen?” He tucked it in an open pocket in her bag as he sat down again.
Almost as a distraction, he took a bite from Sayu’s ice cream, reshaping it with a spoon.
When he was finally home, he quickly ran to the radio he set up. He knew their address and tested the range before so distance from her house wouldn’t be an issue.
He turned it on and listened for sound.
“-so that in case something prevents me, the killings won’t stop.” Akari’s voice was heard. So this proves it… she is Kira. Something in him was devastated, a kid - his sister’s age and friend, was a murderer. But, something else, something more overpowering, spurred him to stop her.
“Yeah, yeah… It’s time to begin my plan. I need to be careful, but the time limit kind of… puts a limit to that.” She said despite having no one audibly talking to her… Ryuk.
He was correct, she was planning to do something about the FBI agents.
“You’re not looking at the details again? Suit yourself.” Her bag was zipped as some movement was heard. She’s not just sitting back, she’s going somewhere. In a panic, he was going to follow, hoping to catch and stop her.
Raye Penber’s not outside… probably. Taking a deep breath, he opened his window and slipped out. Thankfully, it was raining moderately, masking his steps. The only downside was that it was more dangerous now.
Akari went to a discreet part of the forest. She needed to be careful, it was suspicious for her to be here. Ryuk took in the surroundings as she eyed the spot marked with an “X”.
She took control of Penber, writing it so that he would bury a wrapped piece of paper with the details of his mission. She also instructed him to be silent about it. The worst-case scenario… was that it would be empty. In that possibility, she had weeks until the agent died and incriminated her further.
She held her umbrella tightly as she dug, lightly shivering at the feeling of mud. She took the plastic, throwing it away as she unwrapped the paper.
12 FBI agents, including myself, were sent to Japan on December 14, 2003, by L. I was assigned to Deputy Director General Kitamura and Superintendent Yagami’s family and close contacts. None of them exhibit suspicious behavior. Sayu Yagami and her friend, Akari Feya were attacked and I had to interfere. My superior’s name is David Lincher. He resides at the Clarity Hotel.
She tapped her shirt. It was great that he didn’t suspect her but the amount of agents is… overwhelming. The fact that he didn’t write any other name or add a picture means that he didn’t have that information.
Just like Sayu, she intended to make the FBI believe that they were facing another enemy instead of her. And maybe, David Lincher could be that enemy.
Raye Penber was too risky - too connected to her. However, she didn’t have Lincher’s face. She sighed. She’ll find a way, whatever it may be.
“Soo, what’s that? Blah blah blah, David Lincher. What are you going to do with just a name?” Ryuk asked.
“Penber’s too dangerous to use. But his superior could be my puppet.”
“So what’s going to happen to your shadow?”
“He’ll die with the rest of them.”
L quickly pieced together another message.
T H A T . M A Y B E . I . A M . J U S T .
This made him believe that this was more of a taunt to waste his time… even those he could analyze.
Perhaps he should keep a closer eye on the FBI agents. There was no saying on how far Kira would go. But, whatever it was, he’d go farther.
“Raye Penber, please strictly follow my instructions.” A cold voice he didn’t recognize demanded. Instinctively, he clicked the recorder Naomi suggested he take, letting everything be recorded. “Do not fear, I’m Y, a subordinate of L. To prove it, he ordered 12 agents to come to Japan to investigate the NPA members. You were assigned to Yagami and Kitamura.” He said, all true. “This information is only known by L and the FBI, and we both know how secure those databases are.”
“Why did you approach me?” He asked.
“L believes that your life and your superior, David Lincher, are in danger. That’s why he sent me. Please go to his place of residence immediately. I must do something equally as important. Here, take this transceiver and place the microphone in your ear so we can communicate.” Y ordered. He handed him an obviously handmade but well-done device.
His superior? He had reports saying to be weary of Mr. Lincher because they were acting strangely.
He turned around to see a person in a coat and hoodie, a plain white mask hiding his identity.
“Don’t worry, L will disable the cameras for your safety. You can see by the lack of a red light beeping.” Y strangely added.
But, if what he’s saying is true, this may be very crucial. Besides, he had nothing to lose. His name and face were already known so if they were Kira, he would already be dead.
“Alright,” He responded, following instructions. He ran hastily to the hotel Mr. Lincher was staying at as Y dispersed. The cold winter air didn’t affect his pursuit.
Approaching the room, he knocked and was ready to pick the lock.
“Force the door open immediately,” Y told him.
Sighing, he took out a rake and turner and quickly got the door open.
“Mr. Penber-?...” Mr. Lincher said weirdly. He was about to explain when his demeanor changed. “I’m sorry, I must do something.” He said emotionlessly. How strange…
“Mr. Penber, David Lincher is in Kira’s control and is already dead,” Y said, equally emotionlessly but he doubted that was out of the ordinary. His eyes widened at the thought… All he knew was that Kira needed a face and a name. They could control people?
“Please stop him from doing anything that could lead to the other agents’ death,” Y ordered. He understood as he hit the back of Mr. Lincher’s knees and head, tying him up quickly.
“I believe he’s restrained,” Y said as he huffed. “Kira’s expecting the pictures and names of the 12 agents to be available to them, please see your superior’s computer.” He nodded despite not being in the same place as Y and complied.
He… was right?
“Tell me what you see.”
“A file of said information about to be posted in an internet forum…” He confessed.
He jumped as he heard the door close behind him.
“Y..?” He sighed, relaxing as he was about to continue.
“Hello, Mr. Penber. You’ve done well. Allow me to take over now. I’m replacing the names and faces of each agent.” He said softer, at least, not deadpan.
“Alright…” He said as he walked back, watching the man.
He stopped the recorder, his trust fully gained.
But, he raised his eyebrow in confusion. Y’s fists looked painfully clenched…
“Are you okay? I know it's not my place but I’ll do whatever I can to further stop Kira.” He reassured.
“I… I’m sorry,” Y’s voice broke, audibly becoming more vulnerable. They clicked post as he saw the jumbled version.
Except, his and Lincher’s data were the same.
“W-What?”
David Lincher stilled as his eyes dilated. He was… dead. Just as Y said.
“Why..? Are you-. Are you working with Kira?” Dread pooled in his stomach. He didn’t want to die. Not yet. Not when he had a future - a future with HER.
Naomi…
“Of course not. Please remember your actions, especially the unnatural ones. Do you remember December 28..?”
“December-” He stopped himself. He… he wrote a passage about the details of the case. And he just buried it somewhere.
“I’m sure you’ve realized that you are also in Kira’s control. To be precise, she u-used you to get Lincher’s details and hide her actions. The only reason you’re unaffected right now is because she’s just waiting for your time. Your time alongside the other agents, as she believes.”
“But how? Why me..? And you know who Kira is?” He sharply inhaled. “I-If I’m about to die, can’t I just… know the truth? Or am I as disposable to you as I was to Kira?”
“...”
“I really am sorry that I couldn’t save you, Raye Penber.” He said weakly, making more frustration build up in him.
“You’re not… disposable. If I had the option, I wouldn’t have deceived you. To tell the truth, I’m not working for L.”
“Then who-” His breath caught in his throat as they shakily took off their mask.
Light Yagami.
A kid wearing a regretful yet triumphant look. A kid having to ignore his death to save his co-workers. A kid who shouldn’t have to live with this guilt. He swallowed his words.
“And you were dead the moment you gave Akari your ID.” He finished, looking almost tearful. “You are set to die in a second.”
His eyes widened. No… Not yet, please. Let him at least say something to this kid!
Light watched as Raye clutched his chest tightly and collapsed. “Goodbye, Raye Penber.” A statement he once said in cold glee is now wrapped in emotional turmoil as he takes the transceiver and earphone from his unmoving body.
His fingers shook as he placed back his mask. Going back to Lincher’s computer, he typed a message.
This is Raye Penber. Lincher was a spy working for Kira all along. The evidence is here in his hotel room. I have deceived Kira, who was planning to kill Lincher alongside everyone, into thinking that they killed the other 12 agents. Please broadcast that this is true. Kira can’t know that they failed or the agents will surely be in danger again.
He sighed. He… He was playing into Akari’s story. For days he thought about this. About what to do. Despite a burning rage rooted in him, frankly, he had no right. He had done the same. He was willing to do anything for his cause. However vile. And he will get to Akari first - that is, he will let her turn to the light. Just as he did.
“Raye… is dead. No, he was murdered by Kira.” Naomi Misora - Misora Massacre, murmured as she walked ahead. Count your days, Kira.