Light’s POV:

“Light-kun!” the blonde wrapped her arms around him, sinking her head on his shoulder. It was their last farewell for the time being since Misa’s surveillance had been officially lifted. “Be sure to text me every day, okay?!”

Oh, no, Misa...I’m afraid we’ll only be talking on my terms...speaking of which, Light glanced upwards at the security cameras. He was sure to be extra careful, he didn’t need to go arousing suspicion once more after finally getting cleared.

Good...the cameras won’t be able to pick up my face or mouth from this angle. Now that my memories are back, it’s time for the next phase in my plan.

“Misa-chan,” Light whispered into Misa’s ear. “Listen to me very carefully. I’m going to tell you about a special place; I need you to go there and dig something up...but you have to make sure that no one else is around when you do so.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you down,” Misa quietly responded, hugging him even closer. “I can do this.”

The corners of Light’s lips tugged upwards.

Good, good...exactly as planned; I’ve won! Misa and I are finally cleared of all suspicion! She’s free to go, meaning that she won’t be interacting with Keiko again. That leaves me free to keep the two of them separate! Enough time has passed since the breakup, I’m sure I can get Keiko to reconsider taking me back, especially now that it’s been proven that I can’t have been Kira! It’s perfect! Not only that, but I’ve guaranteed the safety of the notebook, which means that my memories of being Kira will remain.

At this, he fully smirked.

L will never get Rem to admit that those last two rules are fake! And now Misa’s free to continue acting as Kira once more…I might not like having her around, but she sure is useful to me...

“I’m glad that I have you, Misa-chan…” Light whispered.

“Oh, Light-kun!”

A notebook of death with rules written by a shinigami...L just lost his edge, thanks to those fake rules I’ve created...listen L, no matter what world, the god of that world creates the world, and you’ve already been defeated by the rules I’ve created. As a punishment for attempting to defy the god of the new world, you will die!

/meanwhile/

Keiko’s POV:

The girl watched on the monitor as Misa pulled Light into what looked like a rather bone-crushing hug. Needless to say, she was rather frustrated with the whole situation. Not because she was jealous, but because she had this gut feeling that something terrible was going to happen. Something terrible that, given the circumstances, she was rather powerless to stop.

I just don’t know what to do.

Keiko sighed as Misa pulled Light even closer towards her, at this point, it’s best for me to assume that Light Yagami is Kira, and Misa Amane is the Second Kira...even though I hadn’t wanted to admit it for the longest time, it’s the only thing that makes sense. Those rules from the other day just had to be fake..otherwise, why would the notebook be ripped like that? And that thirteen day rule is still way too convenient…and anyway, why would those rules be listed in the back of the notebook and not the front? They seem too important to be placed in the back, especially because, if you don’t write names for thirteen days, you could literally die. That just makes no sense. The shinigami said that the rules of all the notebooks are the same, but is that truly the case?

She narrowed her eyes at her ex-boyfriend, if Light were Kira, he’d definitely be smart enough to come up with fake rules, there’s no doubt about that…and with all of the evidence stacked up against him, he has to be Kira...and all of the evidence against Misa…also, is it just me or is this hug going on for much longer than necessary? Light doesn’t even like Misa like that! Why would he just let her hug him like that?! They’re up to something, they have to be up to something! It makes sense, after all, there must be another notebook out there for Misa to use...that has to be the case. And, if they are up to something then, Keiko glanced over at the raven haired detective sitting beside her, her heart dropping in her chest.

If they’re up to something then that must mean L’s life is in danger…

The thought alone made Keiko feel sick to her stomach. Needless to say, it was something she didn’t want to think about. Keiko studied the detective, taking note of his disheveled hair, his owlish yet intense eyes, his odd sitting habit, everything that made L himself.

It’s funny, he’s so odd, and yet...I’ve gotten used to him and his quirks. He wouldn’t be L without them.

She gave a soft chuckle, this is him, the L that I like and admire so much...the L that drives me crazy with frustration… the L that I care about, and possibly even love…it’s rather weird thinking that, before the Kira investigation started, my life used to be completely different, but now I can’t imagine a world without L, no matter how much he torments me. I know he won’t ever feel the same about me, but I can’t help but fall for him...however, if Light and Misa have it their way, he’ll be…

Keiko’s stomach gave a lurch. She didn’t want to finish that sentence. No, she couldn’t finish that sentence.

I can’t let that happen! I can’t lose him! I just can’t!

“If you take a picture, it’ll last longer, you know,” L commented, not looking up from the computer screen.

Keiko attempted to crack a smile, despite her somber mood. She kept her gaze on L. “As if you’d let anyone take a picture of you.”

At this, the detective turned his head to look at her. He was monotone as he replied, “you’re right, I wouldn’t. That’d be too dangerous.”

Dangerous you say? And letting Misa go free isn’t dangerous?! You didn’t even put up a fight! You have to know the danger that you’re in...and you-you...you have to know what kind of position you’re in right now…L, you have to know that right now, you’re in a dangerous position...this is way more than you teasing or frustrating me on purpose, this is a life or death situation…

“Yeah, it would be,” Keiko’s voice was soft. She wasn’t sure what else to say, or if there was anything else to say. All she knew was that she was finding it rather difficult to continue staring into those dark eyes of his. She could feel her face flushing once more and she cursed herself for getting embarrassed so easily.

Why must he always have this kind of effect on me?

A couple more seconds passed and L was silent. Keiko, who assumed the conversation was over, expected him to turn his head back around and return to his work. However, much to her dismay, he didn’t. Instead he continued to study her, just as she had done with him moments before.

Unable to keep his gaze, Keiko looked away. Even though she was no longer looking at him, she could still feel his lingering gaze. Unsure of what to do, Keiko drummed her fingers on the desk in front of her.

What’s he thinking? Why is he still looking at me like that?

“Kagami-san,” L spoke after a moment.

“Y-yes?” Keiko swallowed hard.

“Are you alright?”

Out of the many things he could have said, Keiko wasn’t expecting that. A teasing remark, or a matter-of-fact comment perhaps, but not that. His question stunned her. She wanted nothing more than to look over at him, to see his expression, but she couldn’t. Keiko was worried that her emotions would betray her if she did.

‘Are you alright?’, well what do you think?! Of course not! Light and Misa have just been released from surveillance, and it’s highly likely that Light is Kira and Misa is the Second Kira! And they’re probably conspiring together right now! Not only that, but you’re likely their next target! Right now you’re just a sitting duck! If Misa has her memories and power back then she doesn’t need your name to kill you with that notebook! If that’s the case then...then there’s nothing either of us can do…it’s hopeless...right?

“I’m fine,” was Keiko’s only response. Not wanting to sit still any longer, she stood up, still refusing to look over at the detective.

As she stood up, she noticed the shinigami, Rem, standing in the corner of the room. Rem was keeping a watchful eye on the monitor, in which Light stood alone, watching as Misa was chauffeured away from headquarters.

An idea was slowly forming in Keiko’s mind. She wasn’t sure what her exact game plan was, but Keiko was certain of one thing; she couldn’t give up, not yet. For L’s sake, she had to keep on going.

It’s not over yet...even though it seems hopeless, I have to try!

Keiko took a deep breath, “Ryuzaki-san…”

“Yes? What is it?”

She slowly turned around to face him once more, feeling a little bit more composed than before. “Would it be possible for me to speak with the shinigami in private?”

L quirked an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I just…” Keiko fished for the words, “I want to speak with Rem.”

“Hm. You do realize this seems like a rather pointless request, right? The shinigami has yet to give us any sort of useful information regarding the investigation,” the detective glanced over at the shinigami, who was now looking over in their direction.

Keiko nodded. “I know. But…”

But, to me, it’s worth a try! I know it’s a long shot but...I have to try and get any information that I can out of Rem…

“Even though it might not amount to anything, I’d like to at least give it a shot. I have some...questions...I’d like to discuss,” she finished.

“Alright, go on ahead,” L said after a moment. “If it’s alright with Rem, then I suppose it can be arranged.”

“Thank you, Ryuzaki-san,” Keiko replied. She turned around only to realize that Rem was now standing right behind her. It was clear from the look on her face that she did not trust Keiko, not one bit. Keiko supposed it was only fair, because it wasn’t like she trusted the shinigami, either. She still held a hope that, perhaps, something good would come out of the conversation. That is, if the shinigami actually agreed to talk to her.

Although...I think I might have a good way to ensure that the shinigami says yes...

Rem’s POV:

Hmm...what’s this? Light’s ex-girlfriend wants to talk to me?

The shinigami looked down at the girl, her eyes narrowing slightly. Based on looks alone, Keiko Kagami didn’t look like much of a threat. However, Rem knew that the girl was smarter than she looked. After all, looks can be deceiving.

But...even then...what’s she hoping to gain by talking to me? Like the detective said, I don’t plan on releasing any more information. Keiko did said that, even if I agree, that it might not amount to anything...so why? If she knows that a conversation might be useless, then why have the conversation at all? Is she...suspicious of Misa? If that’s the case, then the best thing for me to do would be to stay silent. So, with that in mind, perhaps I shouldn’t agree to speak with Keiko. That might be too risky.

Rem watched as Keiko looked up at her, noting the look in her eyes.

Whatever the reason, it’s obvious that she’s determined...what do you want from me? What is it?

“You know,” the girl started. “I know that we don’t trust each other, I get it. That’s obvious...however, other than that, I don’t see any reason for you to say no to my request. After all, you wield a lot more power than I do, you’re a shinigami. A god of death. You should have nothing to be afraid of. If anything, it’s me who should be afraid...and as Ryuzaki-san said, you’ve been tight lipped this whole time, so even if we did talk, it’s not like I’m expecting you to have a sudden change of heart or anything. Whether or not you talk to me or answer my questions is up to you, but I do want to talk to you…and you have absolutely nothing to lose by allowing me to do so,” she paused, taking a breath.

Where’s she going with this?

“That being said,” Keiko looked up at her once more, raising an eyebrow, “because you should have nothing to lose by talking to me, I see no reason for you to refuse my request...that is, unless you’re trying to hide something.”

Hide something?! Does this mean she’s suspicious of Misa?! ...if there is any suspicion at all that the last two rules are fake, then Misa’s going to be in trouble. I can’t let that happen! If any harm comes to Misa...

“You aren’t hiding anything or trying to cover up for anyone, are you?” Keiko added after a moment, “after all, if you were, I’d have no choice but to try and figure out what you’re hiding and who you’re covering for…this is a criminal investigation, you know...if you are hiding something, the truth will come out sooner or later.”

Rem’s eyes slightly widened as she realized the implications of Keiko’s words, I see..so this was her plan...she’s trying to corner me. But...is she suspicious of Misa or is she just going out on a limb? This could be just a bluff...but right now, I’m not too sure…

“What do you say?”

I knew she was trickier than she looked! The way she’s set it up, if I say that I need more time to think, she’ll be suspicious. If I say no, she’ll be suspicious...the only way out of this that has any chance of protecting Misa is to agree to speak with her alone…

“Alright,” the shinigami relented. “I’ll do it.”

I’ll do it, I’ll do it for Misa’s sake only...but I won’t be happy about it...and you’d better believe that I’ll be on my guard, Keiko Kagami...I won’t let you get any information out of me! I hope you realize that this little conversation will be futile.

/short timeskip/

Keiko’s POV:

Keiko had to admit, she was rather proud of herself for her quick thinking. While she hadn’t had a plan at first, the idea soon came to her. She realized that the only way to get Rem to agree would be to assume she’s hiding something or protecting someone. That way, if Keiko was convincing enough, she’d feel pressured to say yes no matter what.

And she has to be hiding something…she definitely is, she just won’t tell us what...though I have a sneaking suspicion that it has something to do with those last two rules…the only logical explanation I can come up with is that those rules are fake…

“So, what is it that you wanted to talk about, Keiko Kagami?” Rem asked her. The two of them were alone in one of the interrogation rooms.

Hmm...now that I’m this far, how should I go about this? I know that Rem doesn’t want to reveal what she knows, that much is clear. Lulling her into a false sense of security would be nearly impossible...therefore, it seems like the best route would be to catch her off guard or corner her somehow again...but how? I have no doubt that she’s probably going to be more cautious now that I’ve cornered her once already.

When Keiko didn’t speak right away, Rem added, “I think you’ll find that this will be rather pointless, but I figured that I might as well humor you…”

She might as well humor me, eh? I came into this knowing that she probably won’t reveal any information anyway, but her the way she’s acting makes me want to get something from her! Think, Keiko, think! What would L do in a situation like this? He always acts so calm and confident, no matter wha-hey wait a second! I think I have an idea! It’s another longshot, but at this point, anything I try will be a longshot so...

Rem was about to speak once more when all of the sudden Keiko took a step towards her. Although she was feeling rather anxious, she met the shinigami’s eyes, and placed her hands on her hips.

Confidence is key! You have to fake it until you make it, Keiko Kagami! Breathe, you can do it! You have to! L’s life is quite literally on the line!

“I know Light Yagami is Kira,” she announced.

Rem’s POV:

‘I know Light Yagami is Kira’...?! What is this?!

Although Keiko’s direct statement was the last thing that the shinigami had been expecting, Rem attempted to keep her composure.

No matter what she says, I cannot allow her to elicit a reaction from me. Especially not when she’s making this bold of a claim…and especially because I still don’t know if she’s just bluffing or not.

“I know Light Yagami is Kira,” the girl repeated. She spoke slowly, enunciating every individual word. If she was nervous at all about being alone with a ‘powerful shinigami’, she didn’t show it.

Keiko Kagami, fool me once, shame on you...fool me twice, shame on me...I cannot and will not allow you to make a fool out of me again. I must protect Misa Amane.

“He may or may not be Kira,” the shinigami replied, keeping her tone as neutral as possible.

“No,” Keiko shook her head, staring straight into her eyes. “There’s no may or may not about it; Light Yagami is Kira.”

Rem was silent for a moment, what? What’s she playing at right now? Is she trying to wear me down? Is this another way to try and corner me? If so, I can’t let her win. I know Light isn’t the one I’m trying to protect here, but if she isn’t bluffing then she must also think that Misa Amane is the Second Kira...but no matter how much she believes that to be the truth, she cannot prove anything. I don’t like Light Yagami at all, but I’m at least glad that he thought about coming up with those fake rules. Those fake rules are keeping both Light, and most importantly, Misa away from further suspicion. With those in place, Misa should be safe, right? Even if she isn’t bluffing right now, there’s no way she could-

“Beep. Time’s up. You took too long to respond...based on your lack of a response just now, I can only assume that I’m right; Light Yagami is Kira,” Keiko said after a moment, wagging a finger at the shinigami. “Otherwise, why would you have to think so hard to try and come up with a response?”

No! Not another bluff! Wait a second, does this mean that she’s trying to corner me again somehow?! But how…? Remain calm, Rem, you have to try and remain calm. Now that you realize that she was bluffing, you can play her game.

Rem was about to speak again when Keiko continued on, “it’s alright…to be honest, deep down, I think I’ve known that Light-kun is Kira for a long time…it just took me a while to come to terms with that fact. I made excuses for him and ignored the facts for so long…I’m not sure if this really needs saying but, at this point, it would be pointless to keep on with this ‘Light may or may not be Kira’ statement. Just so you know, nothing you say will make me reconsider my view. And it doesn’t matter if you try because I know I’m right.”

It’s pointless, hm? Is this another bluff? Or is she truly being honest with me right now? Given her recent behavior, I’d be inclined to believe that it’s still a bluff...but that expression on her face says otherwise...there was a shift from confident to bitter with a hint of sadness… unless she’s a good actress, but given how easily Light manipulated her in the past, I’d say that’s not the case...

“Do you truly believe that Light Yagami is Kira?” Rem asked.

Based off of her reaction to this question, perhaps I can tell for sure which it is...

Keiko met the shinigami’s eyes, “yes. I do.”

Looking into her eyes, it seems like she’s telling the truth...but if she truly believes that Light Yagami is Kira then she must also believe-

“I believe that Light Yagami is Kira and Misa Amane is the Second Kira.”

I suppose that would only make sense...but, the fake rules! If she knows that Light is Kira and Misa is the Second Kira, then does she also know or suspect that those rules Light added are fake? If that’s the case then-

The sound of Keiko’s voice broke through Rem’s thoughts once more, “let me repeat myself again...Light Yagami is Kira and Misa Amane is the Second Kira…nothing you say or do at this point can convince me otherwise. And even though the Task Force believes otherwise, because of those so called rules, I know I’m right.”

Damn it! Keiko Kagami, just who do you think you are?! It looks like I’ll have to change my own strategy somewhat…

Keiko’s POV:

Was it just my imagination, or was there a slight flinch earlier when I said Misa’s name again? I highly doubt it, but perhaps I should test it again, just to make sure… after all, she was stone cold when I mentioned Light…no reaction from her whatsoever, aside from her taking much too long to respond that one time.

Keiko stared right into the shinigami’s cold and uninviting eyes, “Misa Amane is the Second Kira. I know she is.”

It’s there again! This time, I could have sworn that there was a slight flicker in her eyes! ...again, I doubt this could be possible, seeing as she’s a god of death and all, but…perhaps, does she have some sort of weakness? Humans do, of course, but would be really be the same for a shinigami? However, if that is the case, seeing as Misa’s name seems to elicit some sort of response from her, could Misa be a soft spot? That sounds absolutely crazy but…then again, everything that’s happened so far in this investigation has been crazy...but am I just over analyzing things? How would I even find out for sure?

“You say that you know you’re right, but what proof do you have?” Rem replied after a moment. “After all, the evidence you gathered from the notebook goes against what you claim to be true. Those so called rules you spoke of happen to be the rules listed in every notebook. Every notebook comes with the same set of rules. I’ve already told you this.”

“So you’ve said, yes…if you want to bring up the notebook once more, then let me say this, unless I am given proof that the rules in every notebook are the same, I’m allowed to have doubts. For all I know, you could have lied. There’s another notebook in the human world, that I do believe. After all, two Kiras would require two notebooks. Therefore, unless I could compare the notebooks side by side, I don’t know for sure if every notebook actually has the same rules. Also…you never specified whether or not a notebook could have…fake rules…think about it. Aren’t those rules too convenient?”

Keiko took a momentary pause, attempting to gauge Rem’s reaction before she continued on.

From what I can see, she isn’t giving me much of a reaction...hmm...I suppose I’ll have to try and up my game…and somehow bring in Misa once more…after all, if she reacts to Misa’s name a third time, that means all the other times weren’t coincidental, right? That seems to be the best logic for me to go by.

“You might be asking ‘why do you think the rules are fake’? That’s a valid question. However, once again, those last two rules just seem a bit too convenient. Also, why would one place those two rules at the back of the notebook, especially when all the rest of the rules are listed at the front? That just doesn’t make any sense to me...therefore, those rules must be fake…which means that, given the evidence, Light Yagami must be Kira, and Misa Amane must be the Second Kira. There’s already been enough evidence to convict Misa, but yet, she because of those ‘rules’, she’s suddenly free to go. And anyway, how did she get that confession out of Higuchi? Why would he reveal himself as Kira unless she was able to provide him with some sort of proof that she’s the Second Kira…and that day in Aoyama...it’s fishy. Misa has to be the Second Kira.”

Although it was only momentary, Keiko could have sworn that she saw a flicker of fear in the shinigami’s eyes.

Fear? Why would Rem be afraid? Perhaps...could it be?

“Rem...do you perhaps...do you care about Misa?”

I highly doubt she’ll give me a real response but it’s worth a shot. And anyway, if Rem cares about Misa then her being afraid must mean that I was right...Light Yagami is Kira and Misa Amane is the Second Kira…

“Yes,” Rem responded, causing a startled Keiko to look up.

W-what? She’s actually responding?!

“Yes,” the shinigami repeated, her eyes glowing. “I care about Misa…and if anyone tries to do anything to hurt her in any way…mark my words…I’ll kill them.”

She’ll...kill them.

A chill ran down Keiko’s spine as the shinigami stared at her. For the first time since she started talking to the shinigami, she could say she was scared. Though not for herself, but for L. She swallowed hard, trying to stop her hands from shaking.

What do I do? What do I do? Think, Keiko, think!

“Those rules at the back of the notebook…” Keiko started, trying her best to remain calm despite feeling suddenly sick to her stomach. “That was all Light’s idea, wasn’t it? In fact, everything was probably all Light’s idea right? Did he tell you to follow his plan?”

For a moment, Rem was quiet and Keiko wondered yet again whether or not the shinigami would actually tell her the truth. The girl closed her eyes, her heart pounding, as she wanted for Rem’s response.

“Yes.”

Her heart fell as she heard the verdict she had been waiting for, that settles it...Light Yagami, my ex-boyfriend, is Kira...and Misa Amane is the Second Kira…

“However, if anyone does anything that results in Misa being harmed...I’ll kill them.” Rem threatened once more, and Keiko could see the determination written into her eyes. With that, the shinigami took off, leaving Keiko alone with her thoughts.

What do I do?!