Keiko’s POV:

“Are you here to give me an answer?” Keiko questioned, looking up at the shinigami. There was a cool expression plastered on her face. However, she would have been lying if she said she wasn’t at all scared. In fact, she was still feeling rather terrified. Despite her feelings, she had to press on.

Things could either go very good or very bad, depending on Rem’s response…I hope the fact that she’s talking to me again is a good thing, but…what if it isn’t? After all, it’s only been a couple days since we last talked. It hasn't been that long yet. No, Keiko, don’t think like that! You were convincing before. Everything will be alright. As long as you have Rem on your side, things should go the way you planned…

“Yes,” Rem replied. “I’ve decided.”

“So, what will it be?” Keiko waited with bated breath, her heart pounding a million miles in her chest.

This is the moment of truth…

“I’ll help you.” Rem said after a long moment. “But, just to be clear, I am only agreeing to this because of Misa. It doesn’t matter to me what happens to you or to that detective you care so much about. I want to be explicitly clear about that.”

“Of course,” Keiko replied, relief flooded through her. “I was expecting you would say that. I’m not offended; I’m just thankful to have you on board.”

“Yes, yes. That being said,” the shinigami started. She looked Keiko over, fire in her eyes. “If anything happens to Misa, the deal is off. Immediately.”

The girl nodded. “I understand. Don’t worry. Like I said, I’m only after Light Yagami…I want to catch Kira, no matter what.”

“Good.” Rem said. “Now that we’re clear, when do we begin?”

Keiko bit her lip, “I hope we can begin soon. I’ll let you know when the time is right...”

“You want to wait until the killings begin again, yes?”

Keiko nodded, “yes…I have a hunch that Light’s going to want Misa to continue killing off criminals in the name of Kira…once that happens, it gives you an opportunity to confront him about the way he’s using her. While I’m not happy about criminals dying, there’s not much I can do to avoid it. Not until we finally have enough evidence to convict Light. That way the killings will be over for good. Then this nightmare will finally end.”

“You know, Ryuk was right,” Rem said, staring down at the girl in front of her, “you humans are rather fascinating. So complex. Look at yourself, you’re doing all of this just for that one detective...”

At this, Keiko gave a nervous chuckle. “It’s not just for him, although that’s a large part of it...I also just want this case to be over with.”

“Whether we win or not, rest assured that things will be over in due time,” the shinigami replied. She gave a nod in Keiko’s direction, “‘Til next time, Kagami-san.”

With that, the shinigami took off, leaving the private interrogation room. Keiko sighed, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. While she looked calm on the outside, her emotions were all over, Light’s not going to be happy about what’s coming next…however, I have faith that Rem can pull off her part of the plan. After all, Light has no idea that Rem and I are working together. He thinks that the two of us are meeting so that I can get details about Higuchi and his motives as Kira…anyway, as long as Light doesn’t suspect anything, everything should be alright… right?

/timeskip/

“What’s going on?!” Matsuda gasped. Keiko watched as the young policeman stood up from his chair. He pointed to the webpage displayed on his laptop, his eyes wide, “I thought we…we...well…criminals are being killed again!”

At this, Matsuda garnered the attention of the Task Force. Light’s father crossed his arms, his face solemn, “what’s the meaning of this? Does this mean that there’s yet another Kira out there?”

“Unfortunately, that’s a very real possibility...does this mean that Kira’s power can truly be transferred from person to person?” Light wondered out loud. While he looked innocent, Keiko knew that he was anything but.

That’s rich coming from you. There was a bitter taste in Keiko’s mouth as she looked at her boyfriend, I knew it, it’s just as I predicted…Light’s using Misa again. I know this is good, because it means Rem will have a reason to act fast, but…people are still dying. I suppose their fate can’t be avoided at this point, but, the sooner I’m able to get evidence of Light being Kira, the better.

Keiko glanced over at the raven haired detective, who didn’t appear to be shocked at all by the news, he’s as calm as ever…though, if I had to guess, I’d say that perhaps he isn’t as calm and collected as he looks on the outside. I know he said he has faith in me, but…there’s a lot that could go wrong. His life is still in danger...

In the corner of the room was Rem. Keiko met the shinigami’s eyes, giving her an ever so slight nod as she did so. “It’s time,” Keiko mouthed at her.

At this, Rem nodded back in Keiko’s direction. While she was nervous, she felt a little more confident knowing that Rem and her were technically working together. As long as she had Rem on her side, she held the advantage, and she was certain that nothing bad would happen to Misa to ruin that. As long as Rem got Misa out of Light’s clutches, everything would go smoothly.

However…unfortunately, getting Rem in on it was the easy part of this plan. It’s time for the real games to begin…Light Yagami, I won’t let you fool me ever again…it’s time for me to do the fooling.

/timeskip/

Rem’s POV:

“What do you want, Rem?” Light demanded. Although he was not shouting, the shinigami could detect the anger seeping through his voice. It was clear that he was not pleased.

“Are you really asking me that?” Rem responded. Despite his tone, she was not afraid. At least, because she was a shinigami, she had the upper hand. “You know what I want. I want Misa safe.”

Light’s response was almost immediate. “She is safe.”

At this, the shinigami let out a sigh, I know this won’t be easy. After all, this is Light Yagami I’m talking to…however, this is all for Misa’s sake.

“I know why it looks that way to you, Light Yagami. In your eyes, everything is going according to your plan. However, think about things from my perspective for a moment.”

Light seemed dubious, “your perspective? You’re a powerful shinigami, what’s there to think about?”

“I suspect you know very well where I’m going with this. You know I care for the girl, Misa Amane.”

“I thought we went over this already,” Light started, the annoyance in his voice obvious. “You know well enough that I went through extra lengths in order to ensure that Misa is no longer a suspect. Do you think I went through all of that extra work for fun?”

“While I am grateful that she is no longer a suspect in the investigation, I cannot and will not stand for the way that you’re treating her. I am saying that I do not want her to be your pawn anymore, Light Yagami.”

In fact, I wish she had never become your pawn at all…

“She’s the one that wants to help me,” Light replied. He crossed his arms, “why shouldn’t I let her help me if that’s what she wants?”

Why, you absolute scum. You’re openly admitting to me that you’re using her?!

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Rem narrowed her eyes at the man standing in front of her, “you and I both know that you’re the only one benefiting from Misa’s so-called help. I know that you hold no feelings for her. After all, if you had any feelings for her, you wouldn’t have gotten back together with Kagami-san. Your actions show me that you have no remorse for the way you’re using Misa.”

Light’s voice was cold, “who I choose to date is none of your business.”

Rem matched Light’s tone, “while that might be true, let me remind you of something rather important, Light Yagami. Without me, you will not be able to get rid of L. I’ll be very clear; if you want me to help you get rid of the only person left standing in your way, you’re going to have to help me first.”

“What do you want?” Light questioned after a moment.

Now’s my chance!

There was a hint of bitterness in her tone as Rem replied, “I’m no fool, Kira. I know that if I get rid of L for you, I will be increasing Misa’s lifespan. I am okay with dying for her, but, since I will be gone, I want to ensure Misa’s safety and happiness ahead of time.”

“Get to the point, Rem.”

“Fine.”

It’s time to start putting Keiko’s plan in action! Keiko Kagami, I still don’t like you, but for Misa’s sake, this better work!

The shinigami studied Light, carefully watching his reaction. “I don’t want Misa to keep doing your dirty work; I want you to find someone else to be Kira. I know you keep a spare list of people that are Kira material, just in case. You could use one of them. You have many other loyal supporters that would be willing to work with you.”

Light’s POV:

A new Kira…? It’s not entirely out of the question, but it’s a lot of work. Keeping Misa as Kira is much more convenient. I should have known that Rem’s love for Misa was going to be a pain in the ass…what a bother.

Light watched as the shinigami continued on, “besides...just think about it, it’s advantageous for you if I wait a while longer before killing L.”

Waiting to kill L?! Is Rem crazy? What’s she talking about? The sooner I get rid of that bastard, the better!

“And why do you say that?”

At this, Rem chuckled at Light’s words.

What’s this…? Light narrowed his eyes, irritated at the shinigami’s actions. He didn’t like the way Rem was acting, not one bit. He had worked so hard in order to appease Rem before and now it looked like that had been almost for nothing.

“I know you love your girlfriend, Light Yagami. I know she’s in love with you, too.”

At the mention of Keiko, Light stiffened, attempting to collect himself. “What’s Keiko have to do with this? Are you threatening me with her?”

This damn shinigami…she’d better not be threatening me! I know she wants me to find a new Kira, but would she really stoop this low?

“This is not a threat, but rather a warning. Rest assured that I wouldn’t do anything to harm your precious girlfriend.”

If that’s the case then why is she talking in riddles?!

“I know Kagami-san loves you, but wouldn’t it look a bit suspicious if L were to die so soon after catching Higuchi?”

Light scoffed. “Why does that matter? Even if L dies, it wouldn’t affect me. After all, he’s the only one on the Task Force who suspects me.”

Rem let out a sigh. “I’m afraid it does matter. You know full well that Kagami-san’s been trying to get information out of me about Kira’s identity and the powers of the death note. She knows that Higuchi can’t be the original Kira, she’s told me that before. She doesn’t suspect you at the moment, but if L were to die, what would she think? With her skills, she might start to suspect you again. What would you do if she wants to test those fake rules?” The shinigami looked into Light’s eyes. Her voice was soft, “trust is a fragile thing, Light Yagami, and Kagami-san’s barely started to trust you again…I know you want to get rid of L as soon as possible, but I think waiting a while longer would be beneficial for the both of us.”

As much as I dislike Rem, she does have a point. I know how Keiko feels about me, but I also know how much she looks up to L as a detective…and knowing Rem, she won’t budge until she gets what she wants. I want L dead, but that won’t happen unless I make Rem happy. How very annoying…

“What do you think, Light Yagami?”

“I don’t have a choice, now do I?” Light raised an eyebrow at the shinigami, “this was a smart move on your part...it’s a nuisance, but I suppose waiting a little longer to get rid of L won’t kill me.”

After all, as long as I still get rid of L in the end, this slight bump in the road will be worth it…

“I figured you’d say that. However, just remember that this is beneficial for the both of us. This way, we both get what we want…as far as a new Kira goes, do you have anyone specific in mind, Light?”

Light thought back to the names on his list. There was someone in particular that stood out to him, one that he thought would be a good choice. “Yes. I think I know just who would be good enough for the job. I’ll have Misa get in contact with him…”

/slight timeskip/

Keiko’s POV:

It feels like Rem’s been talking with Light for forever...I hope everything’s going okay…knowing Light, he won’t like what Rem has to say, but…my logic was solid. If Light believes that I’d be suspicious of him if L died so suddenly, then he shouldn’t be too hard to convince. He knows that Rem is doing this for Misa, but if he truly does love me, then he also has a reason to benefit…I guess I’ll just have to keep waiting and see how it goes… after all, there’s little else I can do right now.

“Are you alright, Kagami-san?” Matsuda questioned, breaking Keiko away from her worries. She saw the concern on his face, but shook her head at him.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“You don’t look fine,” the young policeman replied, taking a seat on the couch next to her. “Are you worried because of the new killings?”

Heh, if only…I wish it was only just that, Matsuda…I wish a lot of things, but it’s pointless. If it’s one thing I learned during this investigation, it’s that wishing won’t get you anywhere. For months I wished that my boyfriend wasn’t Kira. I wished that we would all work well together to capture Kira. I wished that the investigation would come to a proper ending…but it looks like that won’t be happening.

When Keiko didn’t reply, Matsuda continued on, “it will be alright, Keiko-chan. We managed to capture Higuchi. Whoever this Kira is, I’m sure we’ll be able to capture them as well. We can do this!”

The last thing Keiko felt like doing was smiling, but she didn’t want to worry Matsuda. She flashed him a quick grin, “thank you, Matsuda-san.”

“No problem!” Matsuda smiled back, running a hand through his hair, “you can always come to me if you need someone to talk to.”

Keiko gave a slight chuckle, watching as the young policeman stood back up and headed back to his laptop.

He’s cheerful as always…

She looked over at the detective, who was hunched over a piece of cake. Keiko was certain that he had overheard her conversation with Matsuda, I know it’s rare for him to show his feelings, but I hope he’s doing alright…I hope he knows just how serious I am about helping him. She chuckled, watching him shovel another forkful of cake in his mouth, it’s funny. I never thought I’d actually meet L, after all, no one knows his true identity, but yet here I am. When I took up the Kira case, I only did it for fun. I never would have guessed just how close I was to Kira himself. While it’s unfortunate that Light ended up being Kira, I’m grateful that this case led me to L. He’s an odd character for sure, but he wouldn’t be L without his quirks. I don’t know when my feelings for him turned from admiration to love, but I’m just happy being by his side. I hope I can continue to be by his side…

“Hey look!” Matsuda announced, gesturing towards the entrance of the room, “they’re back!”

Upon hearing this, Keiko’s head snapped up. She looked over at her boyfriend, studying him for any hint of annoyance. From what she could tell, he seemed fine. Towering behind Light was Rem, who gave a nod of approval in Keiko’s direction.

Thank goodness, he bought it…that means L’s safe for the time being, Keiko breathed a sigh of relief, slinking back into her spot on the couch.

“So, what is it?” Light’s father stepped towards his son, “the shinigami doesn’t know anything about this new Kira, does she?”

“I’m afraid not.” Light replied. “Whoever this new Kira is, they must be acting alone. Rem’s certain that this has no connection to Higuchi.”

“I see,” Keiko watched as Light’s father took in this piece of information. He looked dejected. “I suppose that means we’re starting from the beginning once again.”

Light nodded. “Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it looks like. But come on, dad, cheer up. We’re the best team in Japan! I’m sure we’ll find whoever this Kira is in no time!”

Keiko’s stomach was in knots as she watched Light speak, watching him lie to his father like that…it makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. The chief deserved to have a better son…and I deserved to have a better boyfriend.

At this, Light’s father smiled at his son. “I hope you’re right, son. I thought this mess was over when we captured Higuchi…but I suppose there’s more work to be done.”

Light must have sensed Keiko’s eyes because he looked over in her direction. Upon being caught, Keiko looked away, still feeling rather queasy. However, she had a feeling Light would come over to check on her, so she attempted to compose herself.

I know it’s hard, but you have to act like nothing is wrong…you can’t do anything to make him suspicious of you…

“Keiko-chan!” Light plopped down next to her, “why’re you sitting here by yourself? Are you alright?”

“I-I’m fine,” Keiko choked out.

“You don’t look fine,” Light commented. He raised a hand to her forehead, “are you feeling sick? Do you have a fever?”

At this, Keiko bit back a laugh, oh, so now you want to play doting boyfriend, huh? That’s laughable…

“You’re feeling a little warm,” Light said after a moment, taking his hand off her forehead. “Maybe you should lie down.”

Feeling watched, Keiko looked around only to find the detective looking at the two of them. He raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Keiko ignored this, focusing her attention back to Light.

“You’re right. I think I will lie down for a while,” she said, standing up from the couch.

“I’ll escort you to your room,” Light said, also getting up.

That’s literally the last thing I want you to do, Keiko thought. However, she plastered a soft smile on her face, “thank you, Light-kun.”

Bring it on, Light Yagami…no, bring it on, Kira…this is only the beginning.