Scroll 3 { I Dare You }

Detective L.

Yes. It was true that I've heard of him before, and even more so, it was quite a long time ago when I wasn't even in Tokyo. Not once, but several times in fact. Also, judging from the all rumors and gossip, this L seemed to be some miracle-making-genius... or just a big hot shot wannabe who ran his mouth off bragging.

Either way, I had to admit that it was enough to make me turn my focus onto this case. That was something all on it's own already. It took a lot to get me to get into something, otherwise, I'd wouldn't give it my fullest. I wouldn't be even bothered. The end results would be me, being as useless as a three-year old toddler.

You could say I was spoiled, in a way.

Or, I would prefer to call it... 'Lack Of Ambition.'

Hmmm.

I heard the small tingling bell of the elevator and the doors slid open. I walked out of the elevator and down the long corridor aligned with numbered doors, finally stopping at the very last one. I took out the silver key out of my coat's pocket. I unlocked the door to my apartment with the key and stepped inside after taking off my shoes.

This was my rented apartment for the time being. It wasn't small, but it wasn't big either. But it was just right for me to live comfortably for now.

I slipped off my coat and threw it over the arm of my comfortable, leather sofa. I plopped down onto the sofa heavily, bouncing up and down a little from all the soft stuffing inside of the sofa.

I threw my head back and let out a long, dragging sigh.

...

"I'm bored, mmmm."

"Beep, Beep! You've got mail!" the message ring tone of my cellphone chirped in an annoyingly happy voice that reminded me much of Feather.

My cellphone always seems to answer my problems. Putting aside the fact that it sounded too much like Feather to the extent that it was slightly creepy. I lifted my head up slowly and glanced over to my cellphone laying flat on the coffee table in front of me.

Speaking of Feather... it might be news from her, perhaps..?

I reached out for my cellphone and grabbed it, flipping open to view the message that was just sent to me.

Just as I thought.

"Lady Hope!!! I've sent the reply fax back to Watari, just like you've requested. He should have gotten it by now. I've told him to contact you via email since I know you dislike giving your number out to random strangers. Please check for his mail on your computer every now and then!!

-Feather <3"

I scanned through the message with my eyes silently, my expression still staying the same.

"Mm."

Forcing myself off my comfortable resting place, I slowly dragged myself across the room to where my computer was and lightly pushed the 'on' button. The screen lite up instantly, and the computer started to buzz loudly, making strange robotic noises as it started up all it's settings. I waited for the set up to finish loading as I pulled my blue roller chair towards me, sitting myself down in it instead.

"Ah, looks like I've got mail."

I began to move the mouse and clicked onto the newly received email that was just sent about half an hour ago by an unknown sender. A window popped up and I started to read the email to myself.

"Dear Miss Hope,

I would like to give you my thanks for agreeing to cooperate with us to work on this case. I am certain that you will be a great help to us. As you may have heard, Kira is a serial murderer currently hiding somewhere in Tokyo. Taking it in mind that he is also a brilliant mastermind who has hidden his identity well."


"I already know that..." I paused and thought plainly, resting my chin on my palm.

"Didn't have to tell me twice..."


I continued reading.


"I have absolute faith and trust in L. However, to be honest, though he might not like he admit it, it probably would be best if we had another detective on the team. That's when you came into view, Miss Hope. I understand that you have only came to finish up a previous case that you had been working on. Your work was all over the local newspapers. I must say, you are quite the detective, if I do say so myself. I have never heard of anyone else as witty and bright as you are. You would make a fine partner for L."



".... is he praising me to get into my good books or something?" I pondered, scrolling downwards to read more.



"In any case, Miss Hope, I still want you to think over this very carefully. I would like you to know that You still have the chance to pull out from working with us. This case is very much different from any other ones that you have solved."

"Eh...?"

"For, if you still wish to stick with your decision, please bear in mind that this is an EXTREMELY dangerous mission that will definitely put your life in danger. The worse case scenario might even case you to end up losing your life."



"Losing my life...?"



I raised my eyebrow at this. What did he mean? Did he really, seriously, possibly mean that I could... die?


"Kira is a danger to us all. As long as he is alive and still free to do as he wishes, he might end up killing the entire world. Therefore, he must be stopped immediately. I expect you to at least know that much, Miss Hope. Yet, I would not blame you if you decide to pull out nor would I force you to stay. Personally, I would think you are still quite young to be handling such dangerous jobs such as this one. A part of me was reluctant to call you forward. You have a bright future ahead of you, and it would be a terrible pity if it were to be ruined. Please take your time to think about it. Remember, only agree to stay if you're willing to put your whole life on the line. It is all completely up to your final decision. When you have made that decision, please reply at once.

-Yours Sincerely, Watari."



I stared at the email. Then I reread it again. Then I stared at it again. And this time, I wasn't even deep in thought. Instead, I was the opposite; thoughtless. I didn't know what to think at all.

And then, all at once, numerous thoughts rushed through my head, all crying out for attention and I soon found myself fighting a mental battle with myself.


If I decided to stick with the offer, I would be putting my life in danger... and there would always be a chance that I would get killed...

However...

If I decided to pull out from the case, I'd be very much safe. And I'd need not worry about getting murdered by Kira. I would have nothing to lose.

What should I do..?

I closed my eyes and pressed my lips together, brain storming hard. This single decision could either change my whole life... or end it.

Hmmm...

....

How troublesome...

....


Suddenly, I remembered that one sentence that Watari had included in the last bit of the letter.

"Personally, I would think you are still quite young to be handling such dangerous jobs such as this one."

Quite young...

Handling such dangerous jobs...

Too young...

to handle such danger?


I found myself snapping my eyes open and gazing over at the screen with a disturbing thought.


Was he challenging me indirectly..?


I wasn't sure if he meant it, but he sounded as if he was mocking me, telling me that I was too 'small and delicate', that I was only a young child or something and everyone knows that children mustn't stick their noses in grown ups' business.


He probably didn't mean that... He probably was only thinking of my safety...

but...


"I hate being mocked." I grumbled unhappily.


Being looked down upon was another one of the few things that I couldn't stand. It made me feel tiny and insignificant.


I thought about it, feeling more and more agitated by the second.


The words on the screen all looked blurry and confusing to me now. Somehow, something was just stopping me from making a decision.

Reluctance.


I've told myself this before.


There was no room for reluctantcy. I won't be afraid. No, I am not a coward. I am anything but a coward. I will bring salvation to this world. Even if it cost my life.


The email was just staring back at me, waiting for my reaction. Provoking me.

It practically screamed, "I DARE YOU TO RISK YOUR LIFE!"

My adrenaline started to pump faster and faster the more I thought about it. Somehow, it made me really excited.

I didn't even realized the smirk that appeared on my face.

Well Then.


I refuse to let myself to look like a fool.


I started to type as fast as I could, the overgrown smirk still on my face.



How amusing.



"Dear Watari,

I have made my final decision. I have decided not to pull out from the case. Afterall, what kind of person would I be if I went back on my word? Believe it or not, I do have a sense of pride. If I was scared to put my life on the line, I wouldn't have wanted to become a detective in the first place. I'm not afraid. On the contrary, I very much look forward to working with L, life-risking case, or not. I'm sure you've been terribly disappointed if I decided to run away like a small child. My one life is less important than the millions of lives that are being threatened this very second. Justice will prevail. I will deliver salvation to the people of Japan. No... I will bring salvation to the world. Mark my words; Kira will be brought down. "


I replied to the email right after, feeling strangely good. Like I had picked the right choice.


How rare.


A few minutes later, while I was still glowing with pride, I received yet another email.


"Meet us at Northspring hotel tomorrow at 6pm sharp.
Go to room 206, knock on the door three times.
Someone should ask you who you are. Ignore the question and answer with the password.
The password will be 'Kira.'
Be prepared."