We are getting closer?

In the middle of the night, the city illuminated by its countless lights is a sight to behold.

'Ah, the night sky. Pretty isn't it?' thought a man inwardly as he lied down on the ground.

A black boot could be seen stepping on the man as the rope that is tying up the man is tightened. Who is this man you might ask? Well, it is me, Alma!

You might be wondering how I ended up in this situation, being tied up by a sexy blonde woman in a black leather outfit. Well... I'm not sure either.

"Don't you dare act dumb! We are supposed to sneak into the Yotsuba Group HQ to install the hidden cameras and bugs, but what did you do? You just went and waltz up to the security guards! What the hell are you thinking? If I didn't detain you, you would have exposed us!" hissed the woman in black, Weddie, angrily.

"Ah~ but your sexy outfit will probably draw more attention anyways since they are mostly guys." I said as I gazed upon the figure wearing the tight black outfit that emphasized her curves.

"That is why we are supposed to act stealthily! Hide in the shadows, observe their patterns before sneaking in! Why in the hell did L ask us to work together?" spoke Weddie with a huff.

So you didn't refute what I said about you wearing the outfit because it looks sexy? Aw, don't get so worked up. Though the main reason is that I wanted to see how a professional does their work. I'm curious you know? But how am I suppose to know that it just includes a bunch of waiting and staring?

"Isn't that because both of us are skilled in what we do? Besides, calm yourself, your cool persona is totally crumbling away." I said to her while trying to change the subject.

"And who's fault was that!" shouted Weddie angrily.

Oops, please keep it down, will you? Look what you did, you attracted the guard's attention here. It totally isn't my fault! I mean, I was so tired of waiting! Might as well just ask them straight away right?

It totally isn't my fault she is angry, right? What? She is angry because of what I did? What did I do? LaLaLa~ I can't hear you. I don't remember anything.

[You are trying really hard to forget something.]

[<Selective Memory> has been triggered.]

See? Even my soul's core is agreeing with me. I don't remember it being my fault anyways. It totally isn't my fault.

"Excuse me, may I ask what is going on here?" ask security guard A as he walks towards us with a rather confused and awkward look on his face.

I mean, that look is definitely reasonable. After all, he is currently staring at a man tied up with rope while wriggling under the abuse of a sexy lady in black. Anyone will be confused after seeing this situation right?

That, or maybe it's because he did not understand what we were talking about since we were talking in English the whole time.

"Shit! This is all your fault! Why can't I keep my cool whenever you do something!" whispered Weddie aggressively at me.

Hey, don't glare at me like that. It's not my fault you are acting like that.

[The story <If I am not smart, you shouldn't be either?> is activated subconsciously.]

[The intelligence of the surrounding people are being questionably affected.]

Okay... maybe it is my fault. Just a little.

Looking at the approaching security guard, I know that it is my time to shine... or at least, make up for my blunder.

"Chill, lady. Leave this to me. I got this." I said before smoothly escaping the makeshift rope bondage.

"What are you two doing in the dark corner here? You both look rather suspicious. Please leave this premise immediately or I would have to use force." trying to scare the two.

Ignoring her shocked look after seeing me escape her rope bindings so easily. I replied to the guard with an awkward look on my face.

"Ah, sorry about that. Did the practice bother you?" I asked him with a tired face.

"Practice?" he asked, a little bit more confused than he already was.

"Yeah. You could say I am a part-time trainer for the service industry. You should be able to figure out what we were doing just by looking at her sexy outfit as well as her actions." I said as I pointed towards Weddie.

"I agree with what you said about the outfit, but what do you mean exactly?" he asked after he glanced at Weddie's outfit.

"You know... that." I said while making a weird hand action and mouthing the word 'S&M'.

"..that?" said the security guard slowly and hesitantly, not quite understand what I am trying to say.

Aw, come on. Do I have to spell it out for you? You are not young anymore, you should have at least come across this stuff during your time on the internet before right?

"S&M. This is a newcomer to the industry so tonight was supposed to be her training." I said directly after giving up on trying to hint it to him silently.

"... Really?" asked the security guard, flabbergasted.

"Yeah. I even have the name card with me. We working somewhere in Shibuya. Currently, I am a Psychiatrist doing a favour for a friend. Currently helping her out with the training of the girls. They are lacking hands currently since they are just a newly opened establishment." I said as I passed him the business card my name card to him that I got from my bag.

Taking the offered name card subconsciously, the security guard then realised something. He then proceeded to ask us, "Even if that is true, shouldn't you guys be training somewhere else?"

*Sigh*

"You must understand, no job is easy nowadays, yeah? Training in a familiar environment might help, but only to a certain extent. The girls should have practical experience. New situations can help them improve faster. After all, you know, there are lots of different types of client nowadays." I sighed with a tired look on my face.

"....I see, you have it tough too huh?" he said, offering his condolences.

"Yeah.." I muttered as I took out a can of beer. Popping it open, I took a sip before getting another one from my bag and offering it to the guard.

He shook his head as he rejected my offer. The security guard then said, "I can't, still on the job. By the way, couldn't you hire a bodyguard? It's dangerous on the street you know?"

"Well yeah, but a public area is what her next training entails. Just look at her, she got the looks and the talent. Now all she needs is some experience. I would hire a bodyguard but our hands are tied. We can't afford to spend this much since our business isn't making that much yet." I said as I explained to him our current circumstances.

"Even so... there are other places more suitable than here right?" he asked.

"That is true. We used to train elsewhere before this." I said as I affirmed his conjecture.

"Then why did you stop?" he then asked curiously.

*sip*

Taking a sip of my beer, I gave out a tired sigh as I said, "It's all due to those Kira businesses. Street hooligans going round and all them crazy fanatics praising Kira sky high. Can't really do much training due to them. The girls might not be able to handle such a situation yet."

"Well, I see where you are coming from, but how does that relate to you practising near this area?" he said slowly while nodding in understanding.

"It's exactly the point. Might as well depend on you guys, the security guards. Those rascals will not come near these areas anyway. Even if they do, after seeing you guys. They will probably lose their guts to mess around." I explained before giving him my thanks.

"I see... that does make sense." nodded the security guard.

"Right? Anyways, thanks for listening to my rant. Got a load off my chest." I said as stood up while patting my pants to get rid of some dust after sitting on the ground. I then gave him a bow before thanking him for his help.

"Umm, I didn't really do much, but you are welcome." he said.

"Here is a brochure to give you a little sneak peek at our services. The whole brochure is only for our paying customers so I can't pass you that. I would invite you to have a drink before trying to promote but I guess you are still rather busy yeah?" I asked him as I passed him a small brochure.

"That is right. I still have around an hour before my shift is over." affirmed the security guard.

"Well, there goes that idea. Here is the business card, if you tell them my name, you should be able to get some discount on some services. It's around the Shibuya area. Just follow the directions, you can't miss it." I shrugged before giving him a pat on the shoulder while telling him where it is.

"Umm, I don't think I should have this. Besides, I am not into those types of service." he said hesitantly as he tried to give the brochure back.

Seeing his actions, I then proceeded to tell him, "I agree with you. I appreciate the sexy ladies but getting beaten isn't really what I fancy. I don't really understand those people that are interested in it. Anyways, just take it as my thanks for listening to me. Even if you don't use it, surely some of your friends or acquaintance will be interested in it? We also have other types of entertainment too."

"Well, if you put it like that..." he began, a little convinced from what I told him.

"Thank you very much then. Please support our business. Also, sorry to bother you. We will probably be leaving in a while after a little more practice. Thank you for your understanding." I said as I bowed a little towards him in thanks.

"Well, it is good you understand. Alright but please leave as soon as possible." stealthily hiding the card, he then proceeded to warn us kindly before leaving back to his post.

"Once again, thank you very much." I said as I waved to him as he left.

Seeing the security guard walking back, I almost shed a tear as I felt that I have once again been rejected by someone I like. But then I realised that I am straight and that I shouldn't be attracted to the tough well-trained body of the security guard. Hmm.... No! Not like this! I am straight!

I need to cleanse my mind. Sexy lady! Where are you? There you are!

Staring at Weddie, I felt as though my mind had been cleansed. I then spoke to her confidently.

"See? I told you I got it. I managed to get the info of when they will change their shift.... wait wait wait! Don't hit me!"

Ah, it might just be her trying to aid me by hitting those weird thoughts out of my head with brute force. I don't think it really helps. but it's the thought that counts, right? She totally isn't trying to beat me up for what I just said, right?

"At least I got the info yeah? It saved us a lot of time instead of just waiting for hours observing." I said as I hid my head by covering it with my hands to prevent her from smacking it even further.

'The things we do for our job...' muttered the security guard with a sigh as he shed a tear over my dedication to my job as he saw what is happening from the distance.

---

*Fuming*

"I mean, why the hell was it S&M?!" shouted Weddie in anger at me after what I had previously said.

"Fine. Although it is unconventional, you did get the info, so I will let you go this time. But next time, be sure to share your plans ok?" sighing, she gave up on scolding Alma for now.

"Alright, sure. I will if I remember." I said with a grin.

*sigh*

Looking at my response, Weddie then gave a sigh of resignation before saying, "Thank you then, for your help. By the way, what if they find out the card is fake?"

"What fake?" I asked in confusion.

With a similar confused look on her face, she said, "The things you said and the business cards you passed to him."

"It isn't fake. It is the real deal though." I said after hearing her explanation.

"Even if it is real, you gave them your real name. If they call and ask, they will realise that you had lied." she said after giving me a blank look on her face.

"No, I didn't. I really am working part-time for them. I am also helping them out with their promotion. See?" I explained as I passed her a brochure that also has my name credited to it as a promoter and part-time trainer.

"...."

Silence ensued as she stared blankly after realising what I just said.

"Shocking, ain't it~" I said with a silly grin.

*sigh*

Letting out a sigh, Weddie decided to just forget whatever Alma had said and ignore the previous incident.

"Let's just go. Prepare yourself, we will be sneaking in when they are changing shift." she said.

"You can count on me." I said with a smile while grabbing my stuff.

'But I don't want to. I can do this perfectly fine on my own. Oh god, what have I done to deserve this.' thought Weddie inwardly as she rubbed her forehead in annoyance.

---

After the short interlude, the two managed to sneak into the Yotsuba building without any problems. Currently, Alma could be seen lying down on the ground with a bored look on his face.

"How much longer are we going to stay here? I'm bored already. Hey, do you think Aber is doing ok? He gets to go to a whole other country for his plans. Must be nice being able to sightsee on the job." asked Alma to Weddie as he stared into the night sky wondering about random stuff.

Aber is trying to get closer to the Yotsuba's eight council members by using the identity of Erald Coil, the 2nd most skilled private investigator in the world which is also coincidentally an alternate identity of L.

Meanwhile, Weddie and Alma are currently on the roof of the Yotsuba building. Alma had followed Weddie up to it involuntarily after she had finished whatever she was planning to do.

"Guess what? The security system of Yotsuba's main office is no better than any plain Japanese companies, might even be poorer. All they do is tie it up with a security service." began Weddie as she talked to L about what they had done.

"Ignoring me now?" muttered Alma with a faked hurt voice while Weddie rolled her eyes at Alma's actions while continuing her call with L.

"All I need to order to set up bugs and cameras in the meeting room is to find out the patrol schedule of the security guards. Nothing to it. No tapware detectors either." reported Weddie with confidence.

"Oh yeah! Weddie, tell L I have already prepared the bugs and cameras and other spyware. I can set it up today if I can enter the conference room." said Alma after hearing what Weddie had reported.

'I knew I was forgetting something.' muttered Alma inwardly as he tried to pretend that everything is just according to his plans. Sadly, all he got was a blank stare that tells him that Weddie ain't buying his act.

"Right... as you have heard. It seems Alma had prepared the necessary equipment. Yes, he said he can install it. Though I don't have much confidence in his skills. Yes, alright, I will trust in Watari's judgement." said Weddie to L before she ended the call.

"So? What did the big boss tell us to do now?"

"He told us to proceed with installing the spyware. We will then try to set up a monitoring system around the area to help keep track of Yotsuba." stated Weddie as she started walking towards the conference room of the building.

Shrugging his shoulders, Alma followed along.

[The story <Trouble Magnet> has involuntarily activated.]

[You have received an extremely vague premonition of an event.]

'It looks like we got more things to do now. I have a feeling that things will be picking up soon. Seems like it won't be as boring as I thought.' thought Alma as he followed after Weddie to set up the spyware.

---

October 10th, Friday. The day where the weekly secret meetings by the Yotsuba is held soon arrived. With the spyware set up, the conference can be secretly observed by the investigation group at their own headquarters.

As the conference began, they noticed that there were only seven members present instead of the usual eight. They then immediately began when they have seated themselves around the conference table.

Listening to their talk, L's group realised that one of the members had died due to wanting to leave the meeting. The information that L passed to them using his alternate identity of Erald Coil is also discussed as it made them decide to be more cautious in their actions.

This is referring to their actions of requesting accidental deaths through 'Kira' during the weekend. The deaths bringing them profit both directly and indirectly.

Watching through the spycam, the investigation group is shocked by the Yotsuba member's words.

Chief Yagami, surprised at them talking about the issue so straightforwardly, thought that with the videotape record, they will then be able to arrest seven of them. Though L is having a bad feeling about the current situation. He felt that the current situation isn't good at all.

They then decided to reschedule the meeting to once a fortnight in order to be more careful. After that, then proceeded to the main subject of the secret conference, about whom to kill.

The death's timing and causes are then simply decided via discussion or random choice. Light and Chief Yagami both are worried about the possible death of human life. Wanting to save innocent lives, they suggested immediately arrest the seven.

But L rejected their suggestion. With their conversation and actions recorded, sure they can be arrested, but with conclusive evidence, the death of the people mentioned in the meeting, they can then surely catch Kira without fail.

Shocked at what L said, Light and Chief Yagami tried to talk L into changing his thoughts and that it is more important to save the lives of the people than to use their deaths to establish evidence. L proceeded to tell them that as long as they conduct their investigation deliberately, they will eventually find evidence of Kira.

That is because there is evidence to be found after investigating the situation surrounding the death of Lind L. Taylor, the death row criminal pretending to be L during a broadcast that is killed to find the rough location of Kira, and the FBI agents that are also killed.

As the discussion progressed, L eventually muttered that there is no other way, that saving a human life comes before pinning down Kira, before he fell into silence.

Seeing the silent L, with his quick thinking, Light Yagami proposed to call one of the influential members of the seven members. The odd being one in seven, Light felt that it was worth the risk. L agreed with his suggestion.

Light then proceeded to call Namika Wa, and told him that they were being observed via spyware and that he should just stay neutral and watch the show. To try to delay the deaths by a month while just watching the situation between Kira and the investigation group. By doing that, they will propose a deal with them, that they will not pin the crime of the deaths onto those who are not Kira.

Namika Wa, after hearing what Light said, pondered a while before heeding Light's advice. The death was soon delayed for a month while every member decided to lie low in the meantime.

Seeing Light's actions, as Light had thought of it before he did, L subconsciously muttered that maybe after he dies, Light could succeed the name of L.

At that line of thought, L suddenly fell into silence. His suspicion of Light being Kira reignited. He then questioned Light in a roundabout way only to end up with more questions and an even bigger suspicion.

With their conflicting thoughts about their differing methods in which they wish to conduct the investigation to obtain evidence, the investigation group were split in two. One that wishes to stop them before more deaths occur, and the other, who wants to use the deaths to obtain conclusive evidence.

L then decided to use his own methods while the other would use their own. Light Yagami supports his father's, Chief Yagami's, thoughts and methods, but due to him being handcuffed to L due to L's suspicion, he could only end up working with and supporting L's investigation.

L then went to talk to Misa Amane, he asked her a few questions before asking her what would she do if Light asks her to help in the investigation. Misa replied saying that she would do anything if it was for Light.

Seeing this, L goaded Misa into helping the investigation much to Lights objection. Misa agreed since it was all for Light. L planned to have the Yotsuba members come in contact with Misa after giving them some info through Erald Coil that tells them of Misa's admiration towards Kira and her past of being detained due to being suspected of being the second Kira.

Thus began the unsteady cooperation between L and Light as they plan to support Misa as best they could to ensure her safety during the investigation.

---

With the info about Misa disclosed to them, the 'Kira' of the Yotsuba group, a man of great greed and ambition, wishes to take Misa as his wife. Hearing this, the shinigami Rem that is currently following the man is shocked. Thinking about the personality of the current wielder of his death note, the shinigami Rem became worried about Misa's well being as he had gained a liking for her.

In order to warn her, Rem tore a small piece of death note to prepare for meeting her and warning her about the current 'Kira'.

Soon, Misa was called for an interview with the members of the Yotsuba council. The Yotsuba group, who had hired Erald Coil, this being Aber who is impersonating as Erald Coil, called and paid Aber to meet them in person. While doing this, they also invited him to help in the interview with Misa Amane in order to probe for information about L and the investigation group.

After the interview had progressed for some time, Misa Amane asked for a break to go to the toilet. She went to take a break only to encounter the shinigami Rem. Since people aren't able to see the Shinigami, Rem used the piece of the death note he tore. Misa was soon able to see Rem after she was touched by the piece of paper.

Shocked at the sudden appearance of Shinigami Rem, if not for Rem covering her mouth, Misa would have screamed. She eventually calmed down and after conversing with Rem, she learned that one of the seven Yotsuba members is Kira. She also learned that Light Yagami is the true Kira and some of his plan.

After returning to the interview, she learned, with the hint from Rem, the true identity of the 'Kira' in the Yotsuba group. It is Higuchi. Learning of this information, for her to do something for her beloved Kira, she began to take things into her own hands and performed her own investigation to get the words from Higuchi himself.

Sending out an email to call Higuchi out, Misa sneaked out with a help of her friend during the break of her movie shoot. Through the help of her acting skills and the help of the shinigami Rem, Misa was able to trick Higuchi into saying he is Kira and to prove it by stopping the killings.

She showed the investigation group the voice recordings from her phone. Though the were worried about her actions, they were also amazed at what Misa had done. L thought that if the killings were to stop, with the recording, there would be no problem with thinking that Higuchi has Kira's powers.

Even so, for L, if the killings were to stop now, it would be exponentially harder to see the crucial killing method of Kira. Through discussion within the investigation group, the see confirmed that there is no problem thinking that Higuchi is the one. In order to plan out a way to get the killing method from Higuchi, capture him, as well as trying to prevent innocent deaths, L contacted Weddie.

Weddie reported that through her and Alma's hard work, they managed to use cameras to track about 80% of the things the seven Yotsuba members do inside the company.

L asked Weddie what could they do if they mainly focus on Higuchi only. Weddie replied by saying through Alma and her observation, the house of Higuchi is abnormally well secured. To set up camera's and bugs would be difficult but if it was a recording camera, it would be doable.

L compromised and settled with only focussing on installing the spyware on Higuchi's many cars. Weddie agreed to it since it is easier compared to installing it in the house.

With that issue handled, they then focused on another aspect. Through the deduction of L and Light, they planned to have Matsuda, who had faked his death, appear on television to attract Higuchi's attention. With the fake name of Taro Matsui, Higuchi being unable to kill Matsuda will then contact the Yoshida Productions Agency to acquire his true name.

By intercepting the call and falsifying the documents, they can slowly manipulate Higuchi's actions. All for finding out the crucial evidence of Higuchi having Kira's power and the crucial method on how he is able to kill.

---

While all the investigations are happening, in a room prepared by Watari for them to keep on eye on the surveillance footage for Yotsuba, Alma could be seen lying down on a nearby couch while facing one of the computers that he had commandeered for himself.

Alma is playing video games and watching videos through the internet while munching on some snacks.

*Sigh*

"Shouldn't you be observing the footage? We called for help for a reason you know?" complained Weddie with a sigh as she looked at Alma lounging with a relaxed look on his face.

"Hey, you aren't so busy yourself. Trust in my automated system, will you? Even though facial recognition still has lots of problems, it should work fine for our purpose. The system I programmed will inform us if anything goes wrong. So just take some rest. You need it after running around these few days." replied Alma offhandedly as he munched on some of Japan's various uniquely flavoured potato chips.

"I think you should also take some rest Weddie. After all, you would be busy soon with the job L asked of you, right?" said a handsome looking old man kindly.

"Urgh... all right. I guess you make some sense professor Watari. Though looking at him, he doesn't really inspire confidence." said Weddie reluctantly as she stared at Alma's lazy figure.

Eventually, she took Watari's advice and sat down on the couch for some rest before moving out in the night. She then proceeded to snack on some of the snacks Alma had gotten from his trip to Akihabara.

"Hey, I didn't say you could take some of that~" teased Alma as he looked at Weddie finally taking a rest.

"Don't complain. You were the one who suggested I take a break." said Weddie with a huff.

"Yeah, but who was it who rejected me? No take backsies." complained Alma as he acted like a child to tease Weddie.

*Chuckle*

Looking at the two bickerings, Watari let out a chuckle at their antics. He then continued with his job of aiding the investigation while listening to the lively bickering in the background with a smile.