Keiko’s POV:

“I have to say,” Keiko started. She looked up at the shinigami standing before her, “I was surprised to hear that you wanted to speak with me again…”

Especially after what happened last time…however, I suppose this isn’t a bad thing. It makes it that much easier for me to put the next step of my plan into action…in fact, I was needing to speak with Rem once more…I just wanted some more time to plan things out, but...I suppose this’ll do. Just breathe.

The shinigami looked doubtful. She narrowed her eyes at the girl in front of her, and Keiko shivered under her intense stare.

It’s alright. You can do this. Just try and stay calm.

Rem’s gaze never left Keiko as she said, “hm…I’ll get straight to the point. I don’t know what you’re planning to do, Keiko Kagami, but I don’t trust you.”

Of course…

“I expected that from you, Rem.” Keiko replied, “after all, looking from your perspective, there’s no reason for you to trust me.”

When I say it out loud, I realize just how much of a gamble this is...but still, I believe this may work. I already know that I’m more trustworthy than Light will ever be. If I play my cards right, I’ll have the upper hand…which is exactly what we need in order to win against Light.

“If you know that then what are you trying to do? I believe I told you this before, but if you do anything that will hurt Misa Amane, then I will have no choice but to intervene.”

It’s just as I thought...her main goal is to protect Misa...well, seeing as that’s the case, she doesn’t have to worry.

Keiko relaxed a little, realizing her plan was one step closer to being a reality. “I figured you’d say something like that. I can assure you, if Misa is your concern, then you have no need to worry. She’ll be fine. Anyway, as you’ve suspected, I’ve already come up with a plan.”

“What do you mean by that?” Rem questioned. Keiko could see the question hidden in the shinigami’s eyes.

Good, good! I’ve got her attention…now I’ve got to get her to listen to me. Rem is an integral part of the plan...without her on board, I’m not sure what I’ll be able to do. Just stay positive, you can do this!

“You care about Misa Amane a lot. I know that.” Keiko started. She looked up once more at the shinigami, “however, I have a question for you.”

The shinigami stared back at her. “And what is that?”

“Tell me...I know how you feel about Misa Amane...but how do you feel about Light Yagami? Do you trust him?”

Keiko studied Rem, who said nothing. Despite her lack of a response, Keiko had gotten her answer.

It’s just as I thought…

“You don’t trust him, do you?” Keiko replied. Although it was phrased as a question, she knew she was right.

I don’t blame her for not trusting him…knowing what he’s capable of, who would trust him? I just wish I had the wisdom to not trust him sooner…he’s evil. A monster.

The sound of Rem’s voice broke her away from her thoughts. “Where exactly are you going with this? Get to the point, Kagami.”

“Alright. I’ll tell you. I want you to understand...Misa isn’t the one I want to catch,” Keiko replied. She raised an eyebrow, a determined look on her face, “it’s Light Yagami...Kira. He’s the one I’m after.”

At this, the shinigami’s eyes widened. “If that’s what you want to do then why-”

“Then why did I take him back?” Keiko finished for her. “It’s simple, really.”

Once again, the shinigami looked doubtful. “Please, explain it to me then.”

Keiko gave a nod. “I’ll explain. I know you don’t trust me, but since you’re willing to listen, hear me out. I am serious when I say that Misa isn’t who I want to get. After all, this entire investigation is to catch Kira, to catch Light Yagami. Misa just happened to get tangled up in this as well, but she’s not the main suspect. Right now, Light thinks he’s won. He has his killing powers back, and I assume Misa has hers back, as well. Not only that, but he’s been entirely cleared of suspicion…” Keiko paused, “if I know his secret, why not try to catch him now? Well…you must know, at the moment, that’s not possible. Light will do anything to keep his upper hand. I took him back because I want to lull him even more into a sense of security. And anyway, if I didn’t take him back, he might think I still suspect he’s Kira somehow…”

“If I’m understanding correctly, you want to get him to feel like he’s won, and then wait for him to slip up?”

“Sort of.” Keiko bit her lip. “That’s where you come in.”

“Me?!” Rem narrowed her eyes once more, “you know, I still don’t trust you. Why should I go along with your plan?”

“I know it looks like you have no reason to...but you do. Just think. You want to keep Misa safe, yes? Misa loves Light Yagami, you know that. Misa is crazy in love with him, but you firsthand how dangerous he is. I know you don’t trust me, but you don’t trust Light Yagami either.” Keiko raised an eyebrow at Rem, “tell me, who is more dangerous here, me or him?”

Keiko could see the gears in Rem’s mind turning.

She’s actually listening! That means it’s working!

“So.” The shinigami started, “you want us to work together against him?”

“Y-yes.” After finally getting to the proposal part of her plan, Keiko felt a little nervous. However, she continued on, trying to ignore her nerves. “Light Yagami is the common enemy between us, right? Why don’t we work together? You saw how possessive of me Light was the other day. You must know Light does not truly care about Misa Amane....look, if we just let things be, Misa will get hurt, and there’s no telling what sort of ruthless things Light might do as Kira…surely you must know that, if she’s no longer useful, he’d dispose of her without a second thought.”

Rem let out a soft chuckle. “Well. I can’t say I’m not intrigued but…that’s awfully arrogant of you, Keiko Kagami...you want me, a shinigami, to follow your orders? You’re a bright kid, I’ll give you that, a bit of a smart alek as well...but do you really think that you can go against Light and his notebook?”

“I know, I’m aware of how crazy I sound. And I know it’s very rude of me to ask you for help. However, just think of Misa…no matter how crazy I sound, if I succeed, then Misa will no longer be endangered by Light’s schemes. It’s a win for you.”

It’s a win for both of us, actually...

Rem raised an eyebrow. “What makes you so confident I’ll follow through with what you have planned? What makes you so confident about this whole thing at all?”

Here it goes…this is nothing more than a gamble, but hopefully, it’ll be all worth it…

Keiko looked up at the shinigami. She could hear her heartbeat thudding in her chest and there were butterflies in her stomach as she replied, “I have no reason to believe that you’ll help me...but, like you, there’s someone I don’t want to get hurt. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to ensure his safety and solve this case…at least just hear me out, please.”

Rem’s POV:

Someone she doesn’t want to get hurt, eh? Rem’s eyebrow quirked, who-wait a moment...no way...don’t tell me...she’s doing all of this for that detective?! That L guy that Light wants me to get rid of?! So, it appears she’s in love with him. Wait a moment, Rem’s lips curved upward as she thought about how the detective looked at Keiko the other day, well well well, it looks like the two of them have feelings for each other. How interesting…and naive. However, the fact that she’s doing this…she knows he’s in grave danger. Meaning she knows Light’s plan to get rid of him.

“What’s the point of making yourself so vulnerable? Aren’t you afraid that that’ll endanger his life even more?”

“Of course I am. I’m absolutely terrified,” the girl responded. For a moment, even she seemed shocked by her honesty. After a few seconds she recovered, continuing on. “But you need a reason to trust me, right? He’s my reason...just like Misa Amane is yours...the way I see it, we’re even this way. Isn’t that right?”

Interesting...you’re an interesting human, Keiko Kagami, that’s for sure…so this is your way of getting me to trust you…I still don’t like you, for making Misa upset in the past, and your way of thinking is rather simple, but...even I have to admit that there’s some truth to your words. Misa Amane might love him, but Light Yagami is a danger. If Light has his way, and I eliminate L, I won’t be around to protect her anymore…if that happens, Light will be left to do what he wants with her. And who knows what that could be…if he has no use for her, he’ll kill her. I have no doubt about that.

“What are you planning exactly, Keiko Kagami?” Rem asked. She crossed her arms, looking at the girl in front of her, “I’ll humor you.”

I suppose I’ll give you a chance...after all, it’s still better than letting Light have his way…I don’t want any harm to come to Misa…

/timeskip/

Keiko’s POV:

“Where is everyone?” Keiko questioned, stepping back into the main investigation room. Her little talk with Rem had gone on far longer than she’d expected. However, as far as she could tell, things were going alright.

She didn’t say yes...but she didn’t say no either…from what I can tell, she just needs more time to think about it. This whole plan was a risk from the start, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take. In Rem’s eyes, Light is no good for Misa. If Rem truly cares for her, then she should reconsider working with Light…

“They’ve either gone home or gone to bed,” L stated, pulling Keiko out of her thoughts.

“Oh,” Keiko murmured. “Is it that late already?”

“Yes,” the detective replied. He gave a quick look in her direction, his voice ringing out as he said, “It’s nearing one in the morning, Kagami-san.”

Did my discussion with Rem really go on that long? Does that mean it’s likely she’ll consider taking my side? I hope so...

“I see.”

Keiko walked over to where L was sitting on the couch. He was thumbing through some papers, not even bothering to glance up as she sat down next to him. Although the two did not speak to each other, Keiko could sense the awkward atmosphere looming between them. She swallowed, watching as he read through a document. From what she could tell, he looked rather serious, maybe even lost in thought like she had been before.

Right...the last time we were alone was before I took Light back…I have no idea what he’s thinking…is he upset with me? He has to be, right? Because I took Light back knowing that he’s Kira...great. What do I do? Would it be better if I leave him alone? I mean, it is late...perhaps I should sleep. It’d be much better than getting the cold shoulder. He’s not even paying any attention to me.

Keiko gave an awkward cough, “well...I suppose I’ll be going to bed, then.”

Without waiting for a response, she stood up. Keiko was about to take a step forward when she felt someone tugging on her shirt.

“Wait a moment, Kagami-san.”

W-what is he doing?!

Keiko looked down at the detective, her heart nearly bursting in her chest at his touch.

What is it? He doesn’t actually think that Light’s tricking me again, does he? No, no that’s crazy. L knows how I feel...he knows I have feelings for him. Otherwise, why would I be doing this? This whole plan...it’s for him. And catching Kira. But I want L alive when we do so.

“What is it, Ryuzaki-san?” Keiko heard herself saying. Even though her mind was going crazy, she managed to sound somewhat composed.

What’s going on with him?

“How did your talk with Rem go?”

Upon hearing his response, Keiko mentally slapped herself, of course...don’t be silly, Keiko...he just wants to know why Rem wanted to speak with me. Why else? You were panicking for no reason…does this mean he’s not mad with me? I want to know how he feels about Light and I being back together…but I can’t bring myself to ask. That’d be way too embarrassing. What if he doesn’t even care like I thought? Then I’d just look foolish. All I do is make a fool of myself in front of him.

“Oh…” Keiko swallowed, thinking of what to say. “She was upset that Light and I are back together. You know, for Misa’s sake, of course…”

At this, the detective let out a soft chuckle. “I know you’ve gotten better at lying...but I still see right through you. What did you two really talk about?”

There’s no way I can tell him the truth! I don’t want to endanger his life anymore than it already is!

Keiko avoided his gaze. “I’m afraid to tell you,” she said. “I think it’d be best if you didn’t know, at least for now. Not yet.”

How’s that for being honest?

“I see. It’s a part of your plan, yes? And you don’t want me to know because you’re worried about me. That’s why you aren’t telling me?” Though it was phrased as a question, it was more of a statement. For a moment, he almost looked concerned. However, the moment was gone almost as soon as it had appeared, leaving Keiko to wonder if it really happened. “However, from what I can figure, everything is going according to plan so far.”

Wait a moment. Was he worried about me before? Did he think Rem was threatening me or something? Was that it?

Keiko found herself nodding, “yes. Don’t worry about me. Everything’s going alright…it’s also good that Rem wanted to speak with me on her own accord. That’s a good sign.”

“So this plan,” L’s voice was soft, “it’s also why you got back together with Light Yagami, correct?”

I know it’s a part of my plan, but...it hurts to hear him say it out loud. The last thing I wanted to do was take Light back, but…it’s quite literally a necessary evil.

“I’m sorry,” was Keiko’s only response. She looked away, not wanting to see his reaction. Hearing him say those words out loud was punishment enough for her actions.

So he isn’t upset with me…but he still isn’t happy, either...great.

“Don’t apologize, Kagami-san…” the detective replied after a moment. Keiko was once again unable to determine how he was feeling. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him getting up from his spot on the couch. She looked up, a little surprised at his sudden movement. A moment later, she found herself face to face with L.

“What are you-” the question died on her lips when the detective touched her hand with his own. Even though it was brief, it was enough to pull at Keiko’s heart.

What is this? He’s still acting strange…this isn’t like him.

“For better or for worse, I trust in you,” he said, breaking her out of her thoughts. He took a small step forward, getting closer to her. “I just have one small request.”

“And what’s that?” she murmured, still feeling jittery at his touch.

“Be careful.”

“Be careful?” Keiko repeated.

He awkwardly shoved his hands in his pockets, and for a moment Keiko wondered if perhaps he was feeling nervous. The detective studied her a moment before finally replying, “yes. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

At this, Keiko couldn’t stop a small smile from entering her face, hmm. This is his way of showing he cares about me, huh? I suppose I’ll take it. It’s better than him acting standoffish, that’s for sure.

Keiko gave a nod, trying hard to contain her emotion. Despite the circumstances, she was happy, even if only for a moment. “Don’t worry, Ryuzaki-san. For you, I’ll be careful.”

After all, this plan is to help you and the investigation.

/timeskip/

Rem’s POV:

“Light-kun!” Rem heard the detective call out. “Watari has informed me that there’s someone waiting in the lobby to see you.”

“Me?” Light questioned, walking over towards L. “Who is it? Who would come this early in the morning?”

“Just look,” L gestured over to the monitors. Rem looked over as well, and gasped as soon as she saw the screen.

It’s Misa! Her eyes narrowed as she looked over at the numbers on top of Misa’s head, no! Her lifespan has been halved once more! Damn you, Light Yagami…

Rem glanced over at Light, noticing his signature smirk. It was only on display whenever he thought no one else was looking.

So he thinks he’s won, huh? You’re disgusting. There’s no one I hate more in the human world than you...

“Are you going to talk to her?” L questioned. He looked over at Keiko. “After all, you’re dating Kagami-san right now…talking to Misa-chan might upset her.”

“It’s alright,” Keiko spoke up. She looked over at Light, “the two of them must have some unfinished business to discuss…I won’t get in the way of that.”

“Right,” Light nodded. Rem watched as he looked over at his girlfriend, “don’t worry, Kagami-san. I’ll tell her that things are over. You don’t have to worry about Amane-san anymore.”

At this, Rem had to hold in a snort.

I might not like Keiko very much, but she’s been a lot more honest than Light has or will ever be...Keiko’s plan might have its flaws but perhaps it’s better than sitting around and watching Misa get hurt over and over by Light. Right now, she’s useful. But, like Keiko said, once she stops being useful, there’s no telling what might happen to her.

Rem watched as Light Yagami left the room and headed down to meet Misa. There was a bad feeling in her stomach as she watched the two of them interact. It was apparent to her that Light was only acting to make Misa happy, like Keiko had predicted. She knew that there was no way Light was really breaking things off with her. Not in any way.

A burst of anger ripped through the shinigami, he’s just continuing to manipulate her! I think I know whose side I want to take now...and it isn’t yours anymore, Light Yagami…without me on your side, you’d better watch out.