I Bite My Thumb At Thee

Kishimoto Masashi owns Naruto, while Ohba Tsugumi owns Death Note.

Chapter 11 – Establishing Contact

The right thing to guide us
Is right here inside us
No one can divide us
When the light is nearly gone

But just like a heartbeat
The drum beat carries on
And the drum beat carries on
Just like a heartbeat Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah
We must stand together
Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah
There's no giving in
Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah
Hand in hand forever
Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah
That's when we all win
Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah
That's, that's, that's when we all win
Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah
That's, that's, that's when we all win

Nickelback (When We Stand Together)

"English is a definite, but we cannot be too sure of Russian and Japanese. Shikamaru-kun, could you do me a favour and make the message regarding our offer in cryptic English?"

"I have enough difficulties in English. It's just not my thing. It's too troublesome to learn a new language when I plan on staying in Japan. But I can try."

"Thank you. Meanwhile, I shall get started on installing the cameras and monitoring the airport."

"This may not be exactly what you had in mind, but this is what I've come up with."

"Allow me to take a look." L received the piece of paper that Shikamaru handed over, and looked at it for no longer than a couple of seconds.

"Hmm, that was fairly easy."

"Just as I thought. English just isn't my forte, you know? Troublesome."

"Shikamaru-kun, your work is just fine as it is. Anything that anyone, including myself, comes up with in such a short amount of time is bound to be far too easy, but as expected from you, that message should be sufficient. Upon first look, it looks as if though it is composed in a foreign language, so the majority of passengers will not be bothered to waste much time on it, yet once having understood the mechanisms, it becomes clear. However, the unencrypted message itself holds no meaning of significance, unless read by that person so it will be alright to leave that the way it is."

"Gee, thanks. Hopefully, our man hasn't arrived in Japan yet, and takes the time to look at this message."

"We can only hope he figures it out and understands what we are trying to convey."

"Also, I hope that the reason for his visit isn't to aid the other Kiras, as that would put all our effort to waste, but also, he would've figured out that we are getting the slightest bit desperate for an advantage or a lead in this investigation."

"My instinct has yet to be incorrect. I believe that everything will go well. Do you mind typing it up while I finalise the cameras?"

"Sure thing. How is that going by the way?"

"The cameras have been installed, and our target should not have yet alighted from his plane, assuming that he got on the earliest flight from America after the indicated time to be of his hacking."

"Good. I've typed it up. Now what?"

"I will do the rest. Watari is at the airport right now, and so he should be able to finish the job."

"Then you should've said, 'Watari will do the rest,' seeing as how he's doing all the troublesome deeds."

"Well, I am the one sending it to him, am I not, Shikamaru-kun?"

"Ah, ah, whatever you want to believe. I've already lost interest."

A slight buzzing was heard from a dark electronic item on the table, which L immediately pinched up and answered.

"Watari? Okay. Just place the copies in front of the exits of the American flights, but make sure that they are not too conspicuous. I assume that our person will look about the airport just in case there are police about. Yes. Those are in good positions. Thank you, Watari."

"So, he put them up?"

"Yes. He has just done so. You will be able to see them from the screens."

"Ah, I see them."

"Yes. The first flight is due to arrive in less than 10 minutes."

"You think he's on that one?"

"Perhaps. I cannot say it for certain. We will see soon enough."

"So what are you looking for? I have to leave soon but until then, I'll try my best in helping you."

"There isn't too many clues to identify the person, but I have a couple of thoughts. Firstly, I suspect that he will carry himself with the likes of a predator – for he is a trained and professional assassin, and I believe that his occupation may impact upon his aura and behaviour."

"Aura? You don't believe that stuff, do you? I mean even if there was, we're just staring at screens aren't we? We can't feel anything."

"You are correct. However, there is more to an aura than feeling. Even though we can only rely on our vision, there are some auras that are sure to be visible, such as in the case of this one. You will see for yourself once we lay our eyes on him."

"If you say so. That would surely be interesting."

"Besides that, I believe that since we have determined him to be intellectually capable, or we hope him to be, we will mostly be on the lookout for a person whose attention lingers upon our sign and even perhaps visual changes from the person as he reads and comprehends our message, although it is doubtful whether there will be any. And most of all…"

"Why the dramatic pause all of a sudden? And most of all what?"

"You're getting impatient Shikamaru-kun."

"Just continue."

"I shall. Instinct."

"Instinct?"

"Though he himself may be a predator, our current pray is him. I believe that by our instincts, we will be able to identify our prey."

"What the… Is that how you always work?"

"Surprisingly, yes. To me, being a detective is 25% intellect, 25% intuition, and 50% a passion for justice."

"Only 25% intellect?"

"Yes. There are many admirable detectives out there who are driven by justice – I wish to become more like them, wholeheartedly trying to make the world a better place."

"Then what's your goal in being a detective, Ryuuzaki?"

"My goal, per say, is to rid the world of monsters. Not for the sake of the world, but for my sake."

"Monsters, eh?"

"There are many types of monsters in this world, monsters who will not show themselves, cause trouble. Monsters who abduct children, monsters who devour dreams, monsters who suck blood, and monsters who always tell lies. Lying monsters are a real nuisance; they are much more cunning than other monsters. They pose as humans, even though they have no understanding of the human heart. They eat, even though they've never experienced hunger. They study even though they have no interest in academics. They seek friendship even though they do not know how to love. If I were to encounter such a monster, I would likely be eaten by it, because in truth, I am that monster."

"You… a monster… eh… but… so is everyone. Everyone possesses… those qualities whether they like to admit it or not. It's human nature… God created Adam and Eve. But Adam and Eve committed a sin. From that moment on, the sin that they committed was forever passed down to their children, then to the children of their children, and so on. It can't be helped that we are like that. Yet to admit to it… Ryuuzaki, whether you know it or not, you have more passion for justice than those admirable detectives."

Thoughtful silence took over as the young boy finished his words, and L was lost in his thoughts for a minute as he considered Shikamaru's words.

The silence, however, did not last for very long as from the corner of his eye, he could see that the passengers from America were about to set out.

At once, he ceased to nibble on his thumb, and used it instead to control the cameras through his mouse.

"Shikamaru-kun, be ready. The first flight has landed and the passengers will soon begin to leave."

"Okay.

Ah, I see them."

And with that, the light chattering between the two muted, as they were both heavily occupied by the multiple monitors displaying a multitude of passengers and travellers. What seemed like an hour passed, before they were able to confirm that everyone had departed.

"I don't think he was on that flight. How troublesome."

"Neither. There were a couple of odd glances at our sign, yet there were none who recognised it to be a message."

"I would love to repeat this again with you, but I need to go now. Unlike you, I unfortunately have a very troublesome old hag who keeps nagging at me."

"Will you be able to let yourself out, Shikamaru-kun?"

"Sure. I just remembered, when are we moving into the new headquarters?"

"This weekend."

"Will Yagami-san be healthy enough to join us? I haven't had the chance to visit him since he had that heart attack."

"Yagami-san will be dropping by during the relocation, as we need his identification. I am glad that you could not visit him, as that eliminates the possibility of a potential meeting for you and Kira."

"Ha, I forgot for a moment that he was Yagami-san's son."

"I have done so myself several times."

"I guess I'll see you at the relocation, seeing as how school has made even me so busy. How troublesome. Well, see ya."

Although L's eyes were trained on the monitors, a click of the hotel door as it closed indicated to him that his young friend had left.

'Friend' huh.

L could only wonder at his use of that word.

Less than a year ago, the only human relationship he had cared for and valued was Watari's, yet now that feeling of care had come to apply to the whole of his investigation squad, and particularly, the young protégé.

He could not have expressed how much Matsuda's death had affected him and why it had done so.

He was used to his men dying – the police, the FBI, his agents…

He had not known that he was capable of such feelings.

Sorrow.

Grief.

He now realised that the naïve young man had lifted the atmosphere of the investigation into one of positivity.

While he had been used to a grim and serious atmosphere, the other were not, and Matsuda had always managed to relieve that. After all, a team was only as strong as its weakest link; with everyone comfortable and positive, they were able to put maximum effort in the investigation.

However, that man was now gone.

The couple of meetings they had from then on were awkward – as if with every silence everyone remembered the young policemen who would fill it.

Yet there was nothing that could be done, other than remembering him and honouring his death.

Having remembered the present situation, L refocused his thoughts on the technology in front of him.

Learning that he had three quarters of an hour before the next flight was due to arrive, he dipped his biscuit into his now cold tea.

"So you're the second Kira…?"

"Of course I am! I'm glad that Kira is a person like you! I loved him before but now, I love him even more!"

Amane Misa.

Out of all the possible people, why her?

She was too conspicuous. His sister will surely recognise her, and then he would have to come up with an excuse for their relationship.

Then he would have to stop them from telling his dad, who may then relay it on to L.

Such troublesome actions that could have been avoided.

Did God hate him?

Impossible.

He was God.

Still, he gained her. A Kira with Shinigami eyes who declared her devotion and affection to him upon first meeting.

That made everything so much easier. He almost laughed out loud at his previous concerns.

"Light, Light!"

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking about us, you know?"

"Us?"

"Will you help me create the perfect world?"

"Is that the Kira way of asking me to be your girlfriend?"

"In human words, yes."

"Eeeeeee~! Of course! Rem, did you hear that? I'm so happy!" And she hugged her idol, who shushed her and awkwardly patter her back while Ryuuk howled with laughter.

"Rem. Is that your Shinigami?"

"Ah, yes. Do you want to meet her?"

"I would like to."

"Here, my note."

Upon touching the death note, the Shinigami appeared before him.

"I am Rem, human. If you hurt Misa in any way, I will kill you. Consider yourself warned."

"Rem, you have no need to worry. I would never hurt her or put her in a situation where she was likely to be hurt. After all, I need her."

"Rem," A quick look from Light reminded her to keep her voice down. Whispering, she continued, "he needs me! Yay! He's like my knight in shining armour!"

Rem, what an interesting Shinigami. Will she do anything to save this foolish girl, even if it meant her death?

From the looks of it, certainly.

If Rem was to die, then her remaining life would go to Misa. Since there was no chance of Ryuuk doing likewise for him, he would have to get that life onto him.

Rem would never trust him like she does Misa.

Which would mean that he would have to devise a plan. A plan where Rem has no choice of saving him if she wished to save Misa.

Then, his life would be extended and like the God that he was, he would be able to rule over his world.

Perfect.

His perfect world was drawing near day by day.

Even L could do nothing about it.

The two Kiras had joined hands, and they were now unstoppable and indestructible.

But, he would have to get rid of L.

He would first draw L out, and then he would have Misa meet L. Then, she will memorise his name only to write it in her death note.

One mistake from L was all he required. Then,

Game over.

Meanwhile, as Misa was his only weapon against L, she would have to be kept safe.

"Misa, do you mind if I keep your death note? I don't want L or the police to be suspicious of you just in case."

"You can keep it then, Light. You're worried for me, aren't you?"

Rem felt something completely off about this situation, hell just the human boy in general.

Something wasn't right with Ryuuk's human. Something was terribly off with him, despite his almost sweet and charming appearances. She would have to be more careful of him for Misa's sake.

"Of course, I am."

"Light, it seems that it's time for me to leave, unfortunately. I'll come back soon, so no need to worry – here, I'll give you my number."

"I'll arrange a time and place for the next meeting."

"Okay. then it's a date!" She descended down the stairs only to face Sayu with a magazine in hand.

"I knew it! You're Misa! I can't believe you're here! Were you here to see my brother? Are you guys dating?"

"That's enough, Sayu. Look, you're making our guest and your brother uncomfortable. There's no need to be shy kids, after all, you're bother responsible adults now."

"Mum!"

"Come back and visit us soon, won't you Misa?"

"Of course I will. Thanks for having me over! See you soon Light!" Having lightly pecked his cheek, she left in a hurry much like the one she had come in.

"Ahhh~ I can't believe my brother has such a hot girlfriend!"

"Mum, Sayu, can you please keep this a secret from dad?"

"If you wish so, sweetie."

"But, I wanted to tell dad about it! I wanted to see his reaction when I told him Light was dating a famous idol!"

"That's exactly why I don't want him to know. Promise me you'll keep it a secret from everyone else as well. As you know, Misa's pretty famous and she doesn't want to deal with extra media attention. Okay?"

"Che. Fine. I was gonna boast to my friends…"

"Keep it a secret for your brother's sake and for Misa-chan."

"Yes, mum."

That was one matter settled.

Now, how could he draw out L and at the same time, create a scenario where Rem had to sacrifice herself for his sake… hell he had time.

Meanwhile, he forgot to tell Misa to send a tape to the police announcing their partnership, but not until the 30th. He should probably call her, although the thought of having to deal with her made him cringe and almost make the video himself.

"You humans are such an inferior race having to lock yourselves into a metal sardine can just to cross some land."

"Well, Zellogi-danna, unlike you majestic Shinigami, humans have yet to develop a pair of wings."

"Mind you, they aren't just any ordinary pair of wings like birds or something rather. They are retractable."

"Yes, Zellogi-danna. Retractable pens were always more expensive than the normal pens."

"Are you paying attention to what I'm saying or are you mocking me, boy?"

"What? Weren't you talking about your retractable wings? Sorry, I get air sick, un."

"Pitiful humans."

"I appreciate your pity, Zellogi-danna."

"Good, you should be appreciative of everything I feel and do towards you."

"Yes, yes. Oooh! We're there! I am getting out of this goddamned tin can as soon as I can."

True to his words, once the passengers were allowed to disembark Deidara sprang from his seat and darted out with his hand luggage, leaving the feathered Shinigami chuckling.

By the time the Shinigami caught up, the blonde sniper had already retrieved his luggage, eager to get far from the transport that left him dizzy and miserable.

"What do you plan to do here, human?"

"Well, I don't have too much of a plan but I'm sure it'll come to me as it always does. un."

"Humans."

As soon as he stepped out through the gates, Deidara felt something he hadn't felt in a long time – he was being watched.

Having scanned his surroundings with his insanely good peripherals, he spotted several cameras installed in a way that allowed them to survey the airport easily.

And somehow, he had a feeling it was that detective – L.

Could he have…?

His use of the death note wasn't even that conspicuous… yet that detective…

He looked over at his Shinigami, only to find him with his eerie smile.

That Shinigami was never going to tell Deidara anything on his own accord – like how he hadn't told him of the second Kira.

Fortunately for Deidara, he was of Japanese descent, a quarter to be exact. And so, he knew the language.

He spotted an odd signage in proximity. Instantly, he knew what that meant, although all L would see was the blonde man smiling.

His peripherals were crazy. And his brain – totally awesome, not that many knew. After all, there was nothing advantageous about revealing everything.

"Oi, boy, what does that sign say?"

Since L was watching, he would have to be more careful with the Shinigami.

"Insolent human! Oh, you don't want to draw attention to yourself."

That Shinigami… what a god. The only time he would ask Deidara for help was when he was curious, but his lacking brain wasn't of any help.

Anyway, when that message was unencrypted, it simply asked for his help.

Assuming that the message was aimed towards him, L knew that Deidara was also a 'Kira'.

That cry for help meant that even though they knew that he was one of the 'Kiras', they were still asking him for help. Which meant, that perhaps they were willing to wipe his slate clean in exchange for his help.

He liked that idea.

He began his criminal career as a terrorist bomber. However, making those good quality, artful bombs were insanely expensive. Being way too young back when he started, he couldn't really work, well, legally at least. So he became a part time assassin, utilising his perfect vision, steady hands and a need for money.

One day, he took up a job that paid way too well.

It should've rung warning bells inside his head.

Yet being the desperate terrorist he was, he took the job.

Only to discover that it was the American Government.

Then his life took a turn.

They blackmailed him into being a government assassin, even making him quit his bombing tendencies as it was costing the government way too much to fix up, but also as international relations were deteriorating due to it.

So, for the past couple of years, he spent all his effort and the time taking out targets for the government like a trained animal.

But it was at this period that he laid his hands on a death note.

It belonged to a person he had killed, and thus, rightfully belonged to him according to Zellogi.

The pure white notebook of death made his job way easier, as he could now make his victim's reason of death be 'killed by bullet'. It meant that even if he were to miss slightly, the victim would still die, and he would get his pay.

He considered killing off the entire government with his death note just to be free. But then he realised the mass murder would probably attract someone like L – even he wasn't confident in outmanoeuvring that detective.

So he decided to act as they wanted, and wait for his chance in escaping.

And that chance was now.

In exchange for his help, he could probably ask to be rid of that goddamned government forever.

He had enough cash to live artistically for the rest of his life. All he wanted to make bombs and enjoy them – no one even had to be hurt.

So, as if to signal to L that he accepted, he turned to the nearest camera and nodded very slightly.

Receiving this signal, L immediately contacted Watari to make sure his face was well concealed and to escort this man.

Hihiii~ (:

Just saying that I didn't write L's 'monster' speech... that's his actual speech somewhere in the manga.

Sorry about my irregular updates, but from now on, they might be more irregular... ): Starting from tomorrow, I return to school for my second last year, meaning more workload and study.

I'll try my best to keep the updates at around the fortnight mark, but I can't be sure at all.

But don't worry, I will definitely continue the story and will try to not be MIA through it, so yerrr.

As always, a big hug to everyone who reads and kisses to those who reviews,
xoxo paperdress