A/N: This will be my continuing series. I really would appreciate reviews on this- sadly, no L and Raito yet, but I have to set the scene xD
Awful summary, I know. I just don't want to give too much away yet… ;)
Do let me know what you think, whether the concept is good ectera, ectera. Then, the story shall truly commence. Huzzah!
He remembered exactly how he had felt when he realised it worked.
This… was destiny. A gift. A gift for him and him alone.
The feel of pure unadulterated joy had coursed through his veins.
He knew.
With this, he'd make them all pay.
It had piqued L's interest instantly. Watari could tell by the way his eyes had widened, he had placed down his fork, abandoned his slice of strawberry cheesecake and leant forward in his seat to peer at the photographs more closely.
"Were these taken yesterday in France, Watari?" L enquired in a soft but monotone voice, not looking up from the oak desk upon which the objects of his fascination lay.
"Yes, L."
"I see.." L's eyes narrowed. He sat there for a few more minutes, studying the photographs, before rising from his usual sitting position and walking over to his laptop. Watari waited patiently until L spoke.
"Make the call."
Yagami Raito was bored.
The teacher stood at the front of the class, attempting to coax Raito's classmates into productivity. Raito was tempted to tell him that it was fruitless. They had no interest in anything but their meaningless high school trysts and pathetic spats with each other. No interest in their future or anyone else's…
… As if they didn't realise that there was life after high school.
Raito knew that 99 of the people his age not only lacked his intellect, but also his usefulness and common sense. After all, mused Raito, common sense is half the battle to beating stupidity.
Every so often, Raito's attention would be called to the front of the class, where his teacher would give him a pleading look and ask for the answer that no-one else knew. Even though he rarely paid attention, Raito always knew what to say. After all, he had finished the curriculum three months previous. Other than that, Raito would stare out of that same window at the back of the glass, ignoring the whispers of his classmates, or occasionally, the favourable and adoring glance of a girl he had no interest in.
Not that he ever did. He had a few girlfriends, sure, but that was mainly to alleviate his boredom… and even that struggled to work most of the time. Cold and horrible as it made him feel, it really did seem as though women were good for only one thing.
The bell broke the silence and Raito let out a sigh. For some reason, when he woke up this morning, he felt as though something different might happen to him. Something special.
Idiot, he thought as he collected his books and made his way to the door.
Sitting at the table for dinner that night, Raito felt the absence of his father greater than ever. As much as he loved his mother and Sayu, they just didn't share similar interests. Raito felt as though often, the only person he could have a decent conversation with was his father. They both had that strong sense of justice, and, although he wasn't a prodigy like Raito, he was more than intelligent enough for Raito to speak without having to worry about him keeping up.
Excusing himself from the table, Raito collected his plates and smiled at his sister.
Sayu looked up at her brother. "Raito, where are you going?"
"To watch television."
"That's not like you! Shouldn't you be studying for the exams?"
Raito rolled his eyes.
"You saw the results of the practice exams. Anyway, it's not like I'm watching your silly romance programs." Raito grinned. "I'm just watching the news."
The 17-year-old rose to place his plate in the kitchen. Walking into the living room, he sat down on the sofa, and switched on the TV.
"One of our top stories tonight, one of the most peculiar murder cases in recent history.."
Raito's ears perked up.
"One of France's most popular idols, Jacques Arceneaux, was found dead at his manor house in Le Puy, Auvergne. The peculiar details of this case are quite disturbing, aren't they Masaru?" The anchor turned to her co-host.
Jacques Arceneaux.. I've heard of him, thought Raito.
"Indeed they are, Misaki. The idol was found along with five of his friends, all of whom had completely different causes of death. We have been told that one of the victims was Japanese."
The female anchor spoke again. "Arceneaux was acquitted of rape during a tour of China in 2001 due to lack of evidence."
Ah. Raito remembered that case.
"Authorities are refusing to say any more on this matter, but it certainly is an incredibly puzzling tragedy… more on this story later."
Raito turned off the television and began to make his way up to his room to study.
"Raito!"
Raito heard his mother call as he was half way up the stairs. He sighed.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"Don't go to sleep yet! I've just got a call from your father- he's coming home tonight!"
Raito smiled to himself.
"I'm just going to study!"
Raito was not easily surprised. He could handle bad news very well.
Good news, on the other hand, made him nervous. He always assumed it was just bad news, masquerading as something more sinister.
But this… this had to be for real. This was what he had been waiting for.
"Are you being serious, Dad?"
"Yes, Raito. I'm more than aware of how hard you've worked these past months.. And, well…" Soichiro Yagami sighed.
"What?"
"I've felt guilty. You've grown up, Raito, and I was rarely there." His father avoided his gaze.
"That's not true in the slightest, Dad… you've been an incredible role model, and besides… I'd hate if you gave up your job just for me and Sayu. You're chief of police, you know I understand."
"Of course, Raito. Still, after you take your exams next week, I'd like for you to come with me to France to identify the body of the Japanese man and to assist on the case. It'll be a great experience for you, and I feel as though you're ready for such an opportunity."
You have no idea, thought Raito.
Raito grinned. "Don't worry. I'll make you proud, Dad."