01. // Week 6 Day 3

[neargenius]

[The video clicks on. There is a moment of white, all encompassing, covering the device. A quick breath is heard and the video feed shakes as the Hitomi is moved, sweeping in a quick pan of its surroundings--a glimpse of a dark eye, narrowed at the device. The video clicks off just as abruptly as it came on.]

[A long pause. And then, an audio

Comments

[Voice || Private]

[searedsuccessor]

[There is a click, and the voice that comes through is low, steady, already laced with the inevitable annoyance.]

Don't ask stupid questions. Just get yourself out of the open.

[A breath.]

[Voice || Private]

[neargenius]

[A long pause at the sound of this particular voice.]

There are no stupid questions.

[A shorter pause this time, then:] There are buildings some distance away. Houses, perhaps. Seeking shelter within them would not be an intelligent move.

[Voice || Private]

[searedsuccessor]

There are when you're wasting time instead of moving.

[The distinct sound of an exasperated exhale can be heard, coupled with the click of a tongue against the back of teeth.]

Don't go fuckin' knocking on people's doors. Walk. You'll find whatever you're looking for, here. Worked for me. Keep out of sight, don't stop for anyone.

[Voice || Private]

[neargenius]

If I do not know where I am, movement does not make sense.

[Shuffling sounds, though; he's climbing to his feet and surveying the area.]

I do not know what I am looking for. [A pause; a tiny sigh.] You have been brought--'here', too. Then this was not caused by you.

video;

[transient_art]

[A blond man with a curious smirk appears on the screen, tilting his head curiously.]

...another newcomer, hmn?

voice

[neargenius]

[An unfamiliar person. And the use of the word 'newcomer' is interesting.]

Are you asking a question?

video;

[transient_art]

[He grins as he leans back.]

Not really. So, who're you?

voice

[neargenius]

Since you already reside here, it would seem more polite for you to answer that question first. Who are you?

[voice/private]

[killswithapen]

You said your name was N? Welcome to Kannagara.

[voice/private]

[neargenius]

It is, I think, considered bad manners to know someone's name and not immediately introduce yourself.

[voice/private]

[killswithapen]

That would be fair, if N was actually your name and not a code or something. I'm Light.

[voice/private]

[neargenius]

I have been looking through some of the previous posts to this network. There are other interesting names that make 'N' look quite usual.

Light. And you are a resident here in Kannagara--originally, or imported?

[ Video | Private ]

[watashi_wa_eru]

[ The sight of Near's familiar, dark eye retreating from the Hitomi's screen draws L attention, more than the glimpse of the eye itself. That Near lists his weaknesses over the network dismays him, for all that he's identified himself thoroughly to L.

He opens a private channel, allowing his protégé a view him as L. ]

This is L.

First, perhaps I should address the fact that I have yet to be killed. I understand this may come as a shock to you, but allow me to reassure that I am telling the truth.

You've done well to keep your face unexposed: it's true that Kira is among us.

Which reminds me. Do not approach the home with a crescent moon.

[ Voice | Private ]

[neargenius]

[It feels like the longest pause ever. Near stares hard at the screen of the Hitomi, studying L's face. Is this L? It's impossible, surely. Completely impossible. L died. L is here. Near is L. It's confusing, to say the very least.]

[And, now: Kira is among us. There is a small jolt of apprehension--not the same as fear; not at all the same--but more, curiosity, and excitement. Kira. Things continue, then, just as they should.]

[Or slightly as they should.]

If you are L, then you will understand my distrust, even for you. I would require proof to believe you, before we progress.

[Although he has a thousand questions, this seems important. A test, in a way.]

[ Voice | Private ]

[watashi_wa_eru]

Mmn. You'll simply have to take my word for it. [ A long inhalation, and he sips at the tea provided by his prisoner. ]

Actually, I suppose I shouldn't expect you to believe me after the day we met.

[ Voice | Private ]

[neargenius]

[Another long pause. Near stares hard at the Hitomi, so hard it blurs. Everything else seems far away; even being outside doesn't seem to matter right now. This is ridiculous. This can't be L.]

[After almost a minute:] The day we met.

[Video]

[ura_no_ura]

Would you believe me if I told you the gods have kidnapped you and brought you here?

[Voice]

[neargenius]

Kidnapping is not a likely explanation. [A long pause, then, a little incredulously:] Gods. Elaborate.

[Voice]

[ura_no_ura]

Ah, so you just randomly find yourself in a completely different world on a daily basis.

[ Deadpanned. He does not elaborate on gods just yet. ]

[Voice]

[neargenius]

I would remember being kidnapped. That word contains certain connotations that do not seem to apply to this situation.

What about gods.