Hunt

Hi!

So... I was sitting around in this Christmas Eve, without nothing to do, when I decided to do a fic. it's my Christmas gift for all Misa x L lovers out there. Because for me, there's no cuter couple in all anime/manga world.

And... To complete my Christmas gift to you all, by the end of day 25 I shall have updated Konoha and Wheel of Fate as well.

Well, before I start there's something I would like to say to you all. As you will see in this chapter, L is still very much alive, Light is in jail, and I hope that by the end of the chapter all shall be explained very well. But, if you still have any questions or doubts, PM me or simply ask in your review and I'll be sure to answer you.

Disclaimer: I do not own Death Note. (Fine, I admit. I did buy a Death Note notebook last month, but unfortunately it wasn't a Shinigami's Death Note, only a false copy so I do not possess it's powers -^^v )

Chapter 01: Gathering the victim's attention.

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It had been a year she mused as she was in her dressing room with the make-up artist doing his job. It had been one year since she had helped L bring Kira to justice. Technically it had not been her, but Rem. And Rem had acted on her behalf so...

Misa began to mull over the events that had happened in the past. Truthfully it all began when she had taken the Death Note that had belonged to Jelous. Then she used it to find her idol, Kira. Rem whom had been the best friend she ever had, never had approved of Yagami Raito. But Misa had been too blind to see the truth that the Shinigami's words held. She had been taken into custody for being the Second Kira and had given up on her memories and on her Death Note. The only thing that remained was her unhealthy obsession for Yagami Light. Something that, without her memories of the Death Note, she never really understood.

Then she met Him. The most infuriating man she had ever known. That perverted sweet tooth that was the bane of her existence. Ryuuga Ryuuzaki. Misa never really discovered when exactly did she fall in love with Ryuuzaki. Perhaps it was when he shared a piece of his chocolate cake with her. Or maybe when he comforted her when she came crying to him after Light rejected her once more. But Misa was sure that, when they traded that heated kiss in the rain, just before she left with Mogi to investigate Yotsuba Groups, she was already in love with the infuriating detective.

Then Rem had contacted her and Misa regained her memories. The first thing was shock. Then horror. And lastly despair. After she had developed feelings for Ryuuzaki, she prayed every day that she wasn't the Second Kira. She was sure that being the Second Kira was a one way ticket to rejection and jail. So Misa did the only thing she could think of. Make a deal with the detective. She would give him the means to capture Kira and he would leave her alone. Misa asked for Rem's help, and the Shinigami didn't hesitate before agreeing to her plan.

As soon as Misa had returned, she went to talk with Ryuuzaki.

"Ryuuzaki-kun." Misa called him.

Ryuuzaki had been typing something in his computer and didn't turn to face her. He only acknowledged her with a grunt. That had made Misa angry, specially after they had even kissed, but she hadn't time to worry about that. Light and the others would be returning soon and she had to get this done with before they arrived.

"Ryuuzaki-kun, please! We need to discuss this before Light arrives!"

The urgency and fear he detected in her voice and the lack of the suffix when speaking of Light made him turn and stare at her.

"First you will listen to everything I have to say. Then, you may speak."

He raised his eyebrows. He was curious. Misa was not speaking in third person. This was serious.

"I know who Kira is. The Kira who is now conducting the judgments is not the same Kira of before. I know this because I am the Second Kira. And I can help you catch both Kiras. I'll tell you everything you need to know. But... I don't want to go to jail. Please."

Ryuuzaki didn't know what to do in this situation. He knew most of the things she had already said. But he didn't know how to capture both Kira. He did not know their killing methods. But, having the Second Kira on his side would prove to be much useful. However, before he could give Misa an answer, Light and the others arrived.

After that, Misa managed to pry the confession out of Higuchi and show it to the others. Her real intention was to show L how useful she could be. And to show him that she managed to do in one night what they had been trying to do for weeks.

The plan to capture Higuchi was made and L managed to get him and Misa away from all the others to discuss the plan with her.

"Ryuuzaki-kun, there are some things that must not happen at all costs. And if they happen... Then..." Misa didn't want to reclaim her Death Note, for that would mean that her memories of being the second Kira would be permanent and no longer temporary as she wished. But if that was the price to pay for capturing Kira and redeeming herself, she would do it.

"What are those things?"

"Higuchi will be in the possession of a black notebook. If Light touches it, his memories of being Kira will return, albeit not permanently. If that happens, I must touch the notebook."

"Mind explaining why?"

"It's the notebook. It's what allows us to kill. By writing the name of the victim in the notebook. The notebook Higuchi has was originally my notebook. That's why if Light touches it his memories will return temporarily. I do not know where he hid his notebook, but if he touches that notebook then I must touch it too and claim it."

"Well, then Raito-kun must touch that notebook and regain his memories. That way he'll end up leading us to the second notebook. And, only then, we must capture him." Misa was sad. But of course L was right. What was the use of arresting him now if he couldn't even recollect his crimes? Ryuuzaki noticed her sadness and then asked.

"Why is Misa-san so sad?"

"Because I'll have to claim my notebook back. That means my memories will return permanently. Maybe it could be useful. I'll refuse to make the deal again and I'll claim to have forgotten your name. And maybe Raito will use me to get the notebook for him..."

"What do you mean by 'claim to have forgotten my name'?"

"Misa was the Second Kira after all. And before you arrested me, I did look at your face." she smiled.

Only then Ryuuzaki actually noticed the danger he was in. Misa knew his name. And she knew at that moment that L was scared. If she decided to betray him, he was dead. But Misa wouldn't betray him. Light did manage to touch the notebook and temporarily regain his memories and Misa claimed Jelous's Death Note back. With that, Rem returned to her side. It made her feel less lonely to have Rem supporting her. The Shinigami had taken a liking to the onyx haired detective. He treated her and Misa nicely, she explained later on. Misa had made Rem take two oaths. First to never kill or reveal Ryuuzaki's name. And, if Raito was ever to kill her or Ryuuzaki, she would kill him.

In the end, Raito had decided to trust Misa and that was his downfall. He told her the location of the second notebook. And, instead of delivering it to him, she delivered it to L. Inside the notebook was enough proof and Light was arrested. Misa was pardoned, but to gain full amnesty, she had to agree to certain conditions. Her Death Note was to stay with L and so was Rem, and Misa was forbidden to relinquish it. L said that she had to live with her crimes, but Misa knew that if she relinquished hold on it, Rem was free to take the Death Note and do whatever she wanted with it.

"Amane-san. It's time for the shooting." The voice of the director shook her from her thoughts.

"Hai! Misa will be joining you soon. Misa only wants to drink some water first."

'I really wish I could see him again. Misa really wanted him chasing after her. Lawliet...' Misa grinned as a plan began to shape itself into her mind.

London, 3 months later...

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L entered his apartment and found the Shinigami there watching TV. At first he was startled, but now he was used to her company. Rem had already helped him in some tight spots and her company wasn't unpleasant. He thought it was very amusing how the Shinigami had fallen in love with the TV.

"Anything interesting?" he asked out of habit.

"Misa's new movie will have an special out-of-town preview in London tomorrow. I wish to watch."

L pondered about Amane Misa. Before he met her, he never had taken a physical or emotional interest in a woman. He had hoped to live the rest of his days like that. But then he saw her. First on that magazine. He thought she was beautiful. Then he met her in person. She was simply irresistible. He wouldn't have any problems trying to pursue a relationship with her were it not for a simple and great problem. She was the Second Kira. He never understood why she betrayed her dear Light-kun and decided to take his side and whenever he asked Rem about that, she wouldn't answer. But he was glad she did. Not only that way he could prevent arresting her (something he really didn't want to do), but also he knew that without her and Rem's help he would have been dead.

"I suppose we can do that." He knew Rem had deep feelings for the girl. He also knew that if Rem wished, she could kill him and simply fly off back to Misa. Therefore, sometimes, he did comply to the Shinigami's wishes. He would never admit to himself that he too wanted to see Amane Misa, he thought that what he felt for her was purely physical. But after an year and three months away from her, he still found it hard to erase her from his mind.

"I'm surprised." Rem stated.

"About...?"

"How kind you are to me. You know that I won't kill you and then simply fly off somewhere else, right?"

Rem always had this annoying habit to guess his thoughts and proceed in saying something that would embarrass him.

"How can I know that?" he asked. He truly wished to know the answer to that question.

"Because Misa told me that I couldn't, under any circumstances, kill you."

The power Misa held over that Shinigami was potentially dangerous. He knew Rem would always do what Misa asked of her, even if it killed her. He always wondered why Rem went to such extremes.

"Because I love her." Rem answered his thoughts.

L thought love and idolization were really stupid things. If Misa didn't love and idolize Kira, she would have never suffered what she did. But then again, he probably would have never met her. The thought of never meeting Amane Misa made his chest contract and his heart ache painfully. He frowned at the strong sensations he always felt when there was something related to her.

"For someone who is supposed to be so smart, you surely can be pretty dense." Rem told him. L glared at her. It wasn't the first time she told him these words. And he had yet to discover the meaning of them.

Watari entered carrying a cart filled with sweets. Strangely he was also holding two envelopes. One was small and the other was heavy-looking. Watari nodded to Rem and said:

"I will return shortly with your coffee. -Watari turned to face L- Master L, I have arranged a ticket for tomorrow's out-of-town preview of Misa-san's movie and this is something I believe shall interest you. The Japanese Police has been quite puzzled over it."

L opened the large envelope and a large stack of papers fell. After he read all of them, whilst eating the sweets Watari had brought him he frowned, perplexed.

"What is it this time?" Rem asked taking a look at his while sipping on her large mug of coffee.

"Someone has been stealing important artifacts all over Japan. Then the thief returns them along with a poem. What makes it interesting is there are absolutely no suspects. An it has been bringing down the morale and reputation of the Japanese Police. Even though they are returned, it still does not erase the fact that they are stolen. And that has generated a large rise in crime rates in Japan."

"What do the poems say?"

"They are silly love poems."

Rem stared at him skeptically then began to read:

Baby, we may not be the best
of what we are,
we may not talk often,
I just want you to know
that no matter
how difficult things can be,
In the long run
You will still have me

"That was the first one. The stolen object was the only painting that was left of a famous painter that lived during the Meiji Age."

I love you so much
I can't even explain
You are my love and forever friend,
There is nothing I could want
More than you.
You are so special
In your own unique way.
There is nothing I could trade you for,
because I love you too much,
To just pass you by
And say my last goodbyes.

"This was the second one. The stolen object was a special kimono that was inside a museum."

Rem rose from her position on the couch an picked the pages with the pictures from the stolen objects and the poems. After she saw the five poems and the five stolen objects, she did the last thing L expected. She smiled.

"I think you should take this case. It's obvious this person is doing this to draw somebody's attention. And I believe they will not stop until they reach that objective."

"Is that what you think?"

"Yes."

The next day, L went to the movie theater where Misa's movie was going to be displayed. Rem went with him. L was surprised as to how many important people were there. Even the Queen had come! After the session there would be a small gathering at a very important place. However, you had to be specially invited to go there. And L had the slightest impression he wasn't going to make it there. L picked a seat in the back, where Rem could stand by his side without bothering or touching anyone. L was currently analyzing the queen. Then Rem gasped and L directed his attention to where the Shinigami was looking. Amane Misa was there, in flesh and bones. She was smiling and thanking everyone for coming to the out-of-town preview. L was so hidden in the corner that he was sure she didn't see him. She settled in the front row and the movie began.

L thought it was very ironic how the movie was about Kira, and how Misa was playing the role of Kira's maiden until she was betrayed and she, vengeful, brought him to justice. What made everything even more ironic was that the woman that was playing the part of Kira's mistress and Misa's rival was Kiyomi Takada. He was so engrossed in the movie, that he didn't notice when Rem left his side and shortly after, returned.

After the movie ended, he wondered why did Misa submit herself to such a silly role, but then he realized the obvious. It was no secret that she had been apprehended under the suspicion of being the Second Kira and was then released. It was obviously publicity stunt. L exited the movie theater and was about to leave when Rem asked him:

"Are we not going to the gathering?"

"I don't have an invitation." L said.

Rem handed him a pink slip of paper.

"Someone let if fall and I picked it up."

Rem had a strange pleading look in her eyes that L understood. She wanted to speak to Misa. L sighed. He was too soft with the Shinigami.

They went to the gathering and Misa was surrounded with people at nearly all times, making it impossible for L and Rem get close to her. L walked to the desserts table and began to eat all the sweet foods that were there.

"Only you would eat dessert before dinner."

L turned to see Misa standing next to him.

"Misa-san."

She smiled brightly at him.

"Ryuuzaki-kun, Rem. Misa trusts you two are getting along well?"

"Yes."

"Hmm. Misa'd hug you, Rem, but it would look very strange for Misa to hug the air."

"I... understand."

"However... Misa can hug Ryuuzaki-kun without any problems!" And she did as she said. At first L didn't reciprocate, but, after Rem's sad and jealous look, he reciprocated. They parted and Misa smiled happily at him. L was at loss about what to do. He didn't understand why he was so nervous and why there were butterflies in his stomach.

"Misa-san... Why would you do such a movie? About Kira?"

"It will give Misa international projection! Soon, Misa's activities will no longer be restrained to Japan only."

"I see."

"Ah, Misa really wishes to stay more, but her manager is calling her and Misa has to go. Misa is really happy to see Ryuuzaki-kun and Rem again. Misa always expected Ryuuzaki-kun to visit her... But apparently... Ryuuzaki-kun does not wish to see Misa." Memories of their kiss in the rain and of confessing to be the Second Kira to him assaulted her. How he had rejected her and always kept his distance. She had saved his life... But she had also lost him in the process. A somber look filled with sorrow and grief crossed her face. "The great detective L would not want to associate with me. I am the Second Kira after all..."

She left them and joined her manager. L watched her go. He could feel a sharp killing intent from behind him and he saw the anger that flashed through Rem's eyes. Suddenly L feared for his life.

"You hurt Misa. She did all that to preserve your life because you were important to her. A precious friend that acknowledged her when all others didn't. Yet... You reject her and make her suffer. For that alone I would kill you. But Misa told me not to." Rem took some calming breaths and L admired the devotion the Shinigami had towards Misa.

"It must be nice... To have someone love you so unconditionally.

"For someone who is supposed to be so smart, you surely can be pretty dense."

L returned to his condo after that. The next morning though, Watari came to wake him very early.

"L. Crown jewels were stolen. Then they were left inside the Scotland Yard. There was a note for you."

Catch me if you can, L.

L narrowed his eyes at the slip of paper. This was now a matter of pride. The Hunt had officially. begun.

So...? What do you guys think? The italics were flashbacks, the italics and bold were what was written in the papers left by the thief. I don't know if I let it be too obvious who the thief is, but... Oh well.

Read and Review please!

Rinna