But... it's a Friday. Yukina knows by now that however quiet it is when curfew lifts, it won't stay that way for long. She knows this for certain, because she's lying in wait in the shadow of an upstairs hallway.
A chainsaw. She still can't believe Tsurugi decided to ask for a chainsaw for her, of all things, but if it will help her accomplish this, even though she's weak, even though she's hesitating...
As soon as she pulls the chain, the noise will be deafening. There's no way it won't alert her victims to what's happening, and she'll have no choice but to go through with it.
This was premeditated. That much is clear from the clothes she's wearing, which aren't her own; from the gloves she's "borrowed," to hide her prints; from the mask settled over her face to obscure it from view. And though it makes her sick, she knows what she has to do.
She spots movement at the end of the corridor, takes a deep breath, and revs the chainsaw up.
Her hands are shaking badly as she rushes for Light.]
[There's no way Light wasn't going to whip around when he hears the revving of what must be a chainsaw. It breaks the silence that lingers in the hall, immediately quickening his pulse, making adrenaline lance through his veins. What's he to do, honestly, other than turn on his heel and face where the noise is coming from, where he can hear footfalls approaching. What else but reach into his pocket where he keeps the scalpel he had taken weeks ago, fingers fumbling around its handle-]
What-
[The sight is familiar; or at least, the mask certainly is. But this isn't Akira, that much is obvious based on the stature of this person coming at him, smaller. Petite. Hands shaking.
Hands shaking.]
Stop! [-the yell comes along with Light whipping his scalpel out, swiping at his assailant. It's comical, almost; a scalpel versus a chainsaw, something that he's trying very hard to twist his body out of its path. It's all done on instinct. What isn't based on instinct is the way his mind is churning, trying to latch onto what he sees is doubt in the other, because by god he's not going to die like this.]
[Damn it, no. She bites her tongue to keep from speaking, because the whole point of this disguise is so he won't recognize her, and her voice will be a dead giveaway. He would know.
Maybe he already knows.
Yukina is not a fighter. Even with the advantage in terms of weapons, he has the advantage in terms of skill and strength, and his twisting away is enough to keep him out of reach of the chainsaw's blade.
The scalpel catches on the fabric of her coat at the shoulder, not deeply enough to break the skin, but enough to tear at some of the fabric. She gasps, twists away, and the momentum sends the still-running chainsaw into the ground. She isn't strong enough to keep it upright, and the saw's teeth catch on the ground with an earsplitting, jarring noise.
She gasps again, pulls it upright. The saw sputters to a stop, and she grits her teeth as she tugs frantically at the cord.
It roars back to life.
She hesitates, then takes another step forward, toward him.]
[The scalpel had missed its mark, only cutting fabric and not skin. He frowns in frustration, feeling the ebb of panic in his stomach. Light shifts his weight, and the question of fight or flight tears through his mind again. He could run or he could make another attempt at an attack, he could-
And then Yukina utters a single syllable, and Light's eyes widen. It's enough to spark recognition for a young man like himself, especially when it instigates his mind into really observing. Her height, her build. The sound of her voice, shaken with uncertainty. The way she struggles to hold that chainsaw (the awful noise it makes as it gutters against the floor), because she hasn't the strength to hold it.
The way her hands shake because she hasn't the resolve to kill him.]
Yukina-chan?!
[His expression is one of shock, but something bitter spikes in him. She's betraying me. As she steps forward, Light steps back, scalpel still clutched in his hand tightly.]
In the end, being in disguise doesn't mean a thing. It's obvious to Light that it's her in a single instant - and Yukina flinches when she hears her name, stopping dead in her tracks. If he hadn't known already, that would have been enough, probably.
The flinch nearly makes her fumble the chainsaw. She was warned about this-
She manages to keep from outright dropping it, though. Barely.
(Murder was not listed as a skill on her profile card. At this point, it's clear to see why.)
A moment passes. Two. She does not step forward again.]
[He repeats himself, and there's something accusatory in his tone, something biting. He easily takes advantage of her trailing words to cut in with his own. Though to be fair, can you really blame him?]
Are you trying to kill me? I thought we were allies!
[What was she thinking? There was clear hesitation there, and everything about her body language told him that she didn't want to do this. So why? She was a Hunter, wasn't she? This should be the exact opposite of what she wanted.]
[The words, on their own, are not especially convincing. But she says them with conviction, more firmly than anything else she's managed this morning. She takes a breath and takes another step forward, but doesn't rev the chainsaw. Not just yet.]
What we learned about how to stop this... it was only a half-truth. [She swallows hard.] But I know now. A way... a way to save everyone.
[Her gaze darts briefly to his scalpel.
...it wouldn't take much for him to overpower her, if she puts her weapon down. She knows that. If he really tried, he could probably take her down even if she held onto it - she badly needed the element of surprise here.
But he's right that her heart isn't in this, not exactly.
Light has to fight down with all of his willpower the anger that threatens to rise. It's only with a focused kind of practice does he manage at all to hear the her words of placation, of half-truths and a supposed way to save everyone. Light turns the scalpel over in his hand; once, twice. Eyes narrowed.
He could just attack her in return. Stick the blade in her neck, twist it, let it act as retribution against her daring to murder him. To murder Kira.
But his logical mind cries out in folly, wanting to know what she's talking about. What's driven her to act so desperately, when her personality was far from suited for these violent acts.]
[Yukina lets out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding.
There is, of course, a chance that he could be lying. That he could be trying to get her to lower her weapon, so that he stands a better chance of taking her down and getting out of this unscathed. But even now, while she's at her worst, she wants to believe in the best in Light.
She leans down slowly - no sudden movements - and puts the chainsaw down to rest at her feet. As she straightens back up, she holds up her arms so that he can see she's got nothing in her hands.]
...thank you.
[She doesn't bother asking him to put away his scalpel. If he chooses to use it on her, that's what will happen - she'll just have to do her best to hold him off until she can get the chainsaw again.]
What I was told about this all stopping, if we could find the Prophets and kill them... it wasn't untrue. [It just wasn't the complete truth.] ...but if we do that... the people who have perished already will be lost forever. That's not... acceptable. Not at all.
[She pauses.]
...you were right, you know. About... expediting the violence being faster.
That's an insane weapon to trust a young girl with for killing.
[ Nagasone had been in his room with Akane's by the stairs pretending he could sleep. He finished his job early before curfew, cleaned up, and even took a bit of a walk. But like what Yukina figured out with the chainsaw, it makes one hell of a commotion. Especially with the yelling. So, he opened the door a crack when the horrible revving sound dies down, and instead it's talking. It's probably a surprise when they hear a voice down the hall, neutral in tone but loud enough to catch their attention. ]
I figured not being able to sleep meant my fate was sealed. No point in hiding then, huh? Yukina, Light.
[ Whatever compels the victim out during curfew, like he was just a cornered animal in there than actually feeling safe at all, finally has him approach the two. With a surprisingly amount of ease in his steps, he fold his arms and looks at light, then Yukina. Whatever danger there is, he's too tired in the inside to feel it. A shame he couldn't sleep. That chainsaw does gets a stare though. It doesn't take much thought to figure it out. ]
Congrats on the truth though; Craftly only gave me the half-truth about trying to save people.
[Another jolt when he hears the voice of someone else, fingers tightening around his scalpel once more. Nagasone. He narrows his eyes at the man, as if to say, And what are you doing here? but Light remains silent. Both are allowed to say their piece as his mind goes over what's being implicated here; Craftly and his half-truths.]
What are you... [He begins, but doesn't finish his statement. It's obvious, after all. Why else would Nagasone be out like this, why else would he be so casual about the sight he's come across? His fate was sealed, he said. No point in hiding.
He'd laugh at this realization, in any other circumstance. But right now, he has too many questions, and instead turns his attentions back to Yukina instead. He relaxes his shoulders (only a little), since she's put her chainsaw down now.]
Yukina. Explain. What are you trying to accomplish, and why?
[Yukina's voice comes out in a squeak as she whirls to face him, and she very nearly trips over the handle of the chainsaw.
Almost immediately, she's on edge. She had planned to sneak into his room - but he's out here, and... her gaze darts down to the weapon before she casts a panicked glance at Light, clearly out of her depth.
She can't pick it back up. Two-on-one, if this turns into a fight, she knows what the outcome will be. She's acutely aware of it - and has been ever since Nagasone's demonstration of his weapon after the last trial.]
...I...
[Light's asking a question. He deserves an answer. Both of them do - they deserve to know what she's prepared to make them die for, however inept she might be.]
...I want to save everyone. The living, the dead... everyone. There's a way to do it. [She takes a breath.] ...if three people are left standing at the end, the survivors will be offered a deal. Should one of them accept an eternity of servitude to the people who brought us here, then...
The other two will be returned home, safe and sound. So will the people who have perished so far.
[She's trembling, but there's truth behind her words. Or, at the very least - she firmly believes in them.]
Light-san, Nagasone-san... please understand. I'm... I'm not very good at... this... [Her gaze drops to the chainsaw again.] ...but I'm willing, I'm able, to make that deal... I just have to make it to the end.
[ He sees that steely look at him by Light; he acknowledges it with a tilt of his head, not even slightest bit fazed at what he assumes is fear or hostility. He trailed off his questions, but Nagasone answers anyway. ]
Accepting it.
[ With a better view, it's easier to assess what's going on. A very twisted murder plot foiled by someone who doesn't have it in them to kill... an ally? Kudos to you Light for wanting the truth. With Yukina's explanation, something he was seeking and finally gets it... He's almost relieved. A shame it's just before he'll die. ]
I can see that you're not very good at it! [ Referring to her difficulty she's having with murder and that chainsaw, it's almost comedic if it weren't a dire, tragic situation. He can't fault her for the struggle, rubbing his temple. ] Yet you're going to have to survive until the end and make that deal. If you're considering it, then that's frightening resolve in itself.
[ He can admire that, but his face wears a solemn expression. This is horrible. Knowing the truth from someone who's struggling enough that it confirms itself with gravity. ]
...I don't know about Light here, but before I condemn myself... Yeah, let me make it easier on you. Just promise me you won't back down.
[Light is the very paragon of Everything Happens So Much, right now. There are a lot of moving parts, a lot of dropped bombs, and only his mind to process it all -- genius or not, this is still a lot.]
Accepting it. [Strangely, his lips curl upwards at the idea. Accepting? How worn was Nagasone, to make that kind of offer? He already knows what the implication is, and Light just shakes his head.]
No. Not me. Not without more answers.
[A pointed look at Yukina.]
You're asking us to understand, to have faith that you'll be able to pull this off, Yukina. But how many people will you have to kill to make this a reality? [He does laugh, huffing it out, sounding dry.] How much trouble are you having now, trying to stomach killing just me?
[She doesn't have it in her. He can see it. Light has no faith in that resolve, and to simply stand back and accept this will be his fate? That he should die just so he can sit and hope to be rescued later?
(How boring.)]
You said it yourself. I was right from the start. I agree with you. I'm your ally; and you're just going to discard me?
[Yukina doesn't understand. Her first thought can't be right - that he'd be willing to help, somehow. Can it? She's sure, by now, that anyone who hears this would be furious. That she's stopping to talk at all is surely a weakness on her part.
Still, deep down, she wants to believe that if she can just explain, they'll understand.
...Light's having some difficulty. His difficulty accepting it is expected, and it's why she became desperate enough to jump to this option - her fingers twitch, and she forces herself not to look down at the chainsaw. They're just asking for answers, now. It's fine.
It has to be fine, but Light's words cut.]
I don't want to - but we can't kill both of the remaining Prophets. We can't. It's my fault you were involved in this, so I... I wanted to be the one to send you off. But I...
[She likes them both.
They're allies - but she thinks of Light as a friend, too. And Nagasone - although she doesn't know him well, she can admire his strength, and his desire to protect people.]
...there are... a lot more people who will have to be killed. But I'm not... the only one working for this, so I can... I will, I have to, I want to be able to send all of you home safe...
[She looks up at them both, then back down at her hands.]
...the problem is... the people who are physically stronger than me. But if I can figure out a way around that, then...
[ He can answer her question and her concerns, at least for the most part. That sort of... smile on Light's lips, is it judging him? ]
If Percival and Velvet are who you're worrying about... There's no need.
[ From his jacket, he pulls out a knife. It's cleaned up, but very sharp. This kind is meant for slicing, after all. With his free hand, he rolls back a sleeve to reveal clean bandages wrapped around his forearms. But to get the point across of what he meant by "easier", he holds the blade right at his neck. ]
I would prefer living to help you two, but that's not going to happen. I'll spare someone having to go through the consequences of executing or killing me.
[ That's honestly the worst of this. Lowering the knife, he turns to stare back at the door to his room. He noticed it was unlocked already, but he can figure out why. If he was meant to die in his room... Or close to it... ]
I'd rather have a clean death, but you have someone in mind to pin our deaths on, don't you, Yukina?
[Maybe he had been judging, but it doesn't matter. He doesn't care enough to talk Nagasone out of it, and why would he? Once the man produces the knife, its sharpened edge gleaming in the light, Light eyes it dubiously. So, a murder had taken place even before all of this. He shouldn't be surprised, and if the man is resigned to his fate, then so be it.
But if it's any sign of shock or surprise that Yukina may expect at this revelation, it doesn't come. Only a faint agitation twitching at his brow and nothing more.]
Looks like blood's already been spilled. If you want to die, Nagasone, we can at least make your death work to our advantage.
[Yes, our. Glancing back at Yukina again.] You're going about this without thinking, Yukina-chan. Look how quickly you jump to conclusions, without even consulting me about this first. What makes you think I wouldn't want to help you achieve this goal?
[This is the confirmation he wanted, he needed. More than just the numbers and the math, but the ability to hinge on a moral obligation, telling the world, "This is why I killed, to save you all." It's fitting for Kira, and it slots nicely into his desire to just end this game as quickly as possible.
Yukina has brought him a boon, despite her intent of killing him. She only needs to accept his offer.]
Let me assist you. You'll need all the help you can get... until the end. We're allies for a reason.
[Yukina's eyes go wide. That's honestly not something she was expecting to hear at all.]
Percival-san and Velvet-san... you...? [And then her face goes ashen as he raises the knife to his own neck. Her hands twitch - she's itching to take it from him, to get the blade away from his throat.
(She's quite possibly the most inept murderer in this hallway.)]
If that's... really what you want, I won't stop you. But...
[...he really has taken care of a lot of obstacles in one fell swoop, hasn't he? Percival. Velvet. Himself, now. She knows she ought to try and talk him out of it, but this way - he'll be able to rest, won't he?
He looks so tired.
Relief courses through her, followed closely by nausea. This is absolutely sick, being willing to let him do this, but she won't - can't stop him.
But Light... he's not willing to die. He's willing to help, and her brow furrows with guilt as he... basically calls her out on not even considering that he might be totally down with murder.]
You'd... you'd help, Light-san? Even if that means killing someone...?
[There's a difference, after all, between incapacitating someone from a distance, and actively taking part.]
...I was... going to try and make it look like Akane-san had done it. She's... been in a lot of danger here, and suffered a lot. ...and she seems kind. I don't want her alive at the end, thinking she has to take the deal to save everyone.
[ Resting... sounds nice. o more paranoia of his life being at risk, or having to bear the guilt of two decent people. He can't say he minded sating a bit of bloodlust, one built up from a month of this hellhole. But it doesn't change how dreadful he feels inside out. The wounds he can deal with, but it's everything else combined with the truth that has him staring down a dead end. ]
One kill for answers, another for my brother so he's safe. I have two brothers though... I need one more kill.
[ Nagasone looks at Light. That shift into charismatic confidence... his eyebrows raise at it, but he can't be against it when Yukina probably needs that kind of guide. Also when they're letting him have this choice to choose his end. He lightens up a little in demeanor while maintaining some amount of seriousness. He can't be weak, not in front of these two with what they're going to do. ]
Do what you need to. When this is over, take care of her.
[ He feels like, even with that sort of air Light gives, cool, unaffected, even encouraging Yukina... There's trust placed in him that he'll stick to this plan. Nagasone doesn't know why, but he honestly doesn't care for that detail. They're allies, as he's said. ]
She's kind, but you saw how she was regarding the reveal of what Mira did, and they were on fine terms before that. If she lives through that sort of humiliation, either of you could be in danger.
[He nods at Yukina, reiterating without any hesitation.] Even if it means killing someone. It's a means to a preferable end, isn't it? I'd be more than willing to help you see it through, no matter what it might take.
[Yes, this is what he would be far more comfortable doing. No more sitting on his hands, then.
Light then shifts his weight to his other foot, looking at Nagasone more directly.]
I'll make sure nothing happens to her. [Often empty platitudes, when it comes to Light. However, Yukina has proved useful in every moment, up until now -- her faltering with the chainsaw was enough to illuminate a very particular character flaw, one that he could mitigate with his own guidance.] It goes without saying that we'll be careful.
In the meanwhile... you'll help us implicate Akane, won't you? Both now and after your death.
[Meaning, they'll be using your body, Nagasone. Straight to the point.]
...for what it's worth, I think your own death will count, if it's at your own hand.
[It means she won't get an incentive for Nagasone's death - but that's fine. She's never wanted a reward for killing, anyway. Everyone getting out of here will be enough of a reward for her.
Yukina really doesn't need anything more than that.
Her eyes widen slightly and she glances at Light - an aptitude for murder, indeed. She had an idea, but... it seems like he might just have a better one.]
[ While he may not be a person for complicated plots like this— that's what will probably get him executed on Sunday unless someone else commits a murder. But he can see the value in it. All he hopes for now is that Akane's execution is quick. Painlessness is too tall an order with what's been witnessed to punish the "guilty". ]
Tell me what needs to be done from either of you. I can follow orders easily enough.
[ He gestures toward room 119 and it's ajar door. This is wrong. Akane doesn't deserve the game, but she definitely deserved better than what apparently happened to her, and now here. But the soon-to-be be victim swallows his guilt and presses onward with whatever they ask of him. ]
[The answer is a simple affirmative, and Light appears satisfied. That's all he needs, then; a willingness to cooperate. He's never participated in "murder" like this before, usually keeping a hands-off approach in the way he often operates, but-- he's confident that they can shift the blame on Akane if they get creative enough.
He looks towards room 119, mind turning over opportunities, his gaze unwavering.]
It shouldn't be too difficult. The chainsaw- [He points at it with the scalpel, still in his hand.] -all we need are a few of her fingerprints on the handle, and a few strands of hair to spread around the crime scene.
[Light looks to Yukina for confirmation or further suggestions. He seems to be taking this all rather calmly.] Unless you had something else in mind, Yukina-chan?
...I was planning to just... leave it in there with her. And maybe take a few strands of her hair.
[But Light's plan is probably better. Hair has been considered conclusive enough evidence for the last four weeks, but fingerprints... Will they make any kind of difference at all? ...maybe if enough people use their resources to be given clues.]
But if you think fingerprints are for the best, Light-san, then... I'll defer to your expertise.
We've never had any way to check them during trials. You need something special for that, I believe.
[ When every week has had such brutal mysteries and there's little to occupy time in between...
Glancing over a mystery novel or two hasn't hurt him any. Getting lost in books and not having to face this sort of "real" mystery is a guilty pleasure here. ]
When do you want to plant the finger prints? Yukina's wearing gloves, but Akane's prints would get smudged if you do it now... I can get the hair though.
[ While he fetches it from their room, Light and Yukina can discuss it a bit further; Nagasone has an idea of what will happen, swallowing his guilt and... accepting what will come of his death. ]
That might be so, but it won't hurt to cover every angle if at all possible. [Even if the chance of fingerprinting might be slim, what was the harm in it if they were given the opportunity now?]
The fingerprints can be planted beforehand -- on the handle and on the pull cord -- or we can do it after the fact. Either way, we'll be cognizant of their placement.
[They wouldn't go to all the trouble of planting fingerprints just to get them all smudged, after all. He looks to Yukina for confirmation and/or further suggestion.]
We seem to get a different kind of clue each week... it's possible this might be the one time we do get something for... that.
[Yukina has never used a fingerprinting kit in her life. But she, like Nagasone, has been reading some detective novels - though in her case, it's been in the hope of improving her skills for trials by seeing how fictional characters do it.]
...we're going to have to... [She takes a breath.] ...use it... s-so, maybe we should... place it after. [When it's not likely to get smudged, anyway. Nagasone is right; it wouldn't make much sense to go through the trouble of planting prints if they're just going to get covered up anyway.
She glances at Light as Nagasone goes to fetch Akane's hair and lowers her voice.]
My plan was to... hide... um, parts of Nagasone-san's... [And Lights, tbh] ...body around the motel. Do... you think that would work?
[While Nagasone goes off does his thing, Light takes a moment to consider Yukina's question. The response comes surprisingly easy enough.]
I think so. If nothing else, I'd perpetuate confusion during the trial. Potentially enough to distract from the truth of the matter.
[That there was, hilariously enough, no murder that actually took place. Just a suicide, and an attempt to frame Akane for all the dismemberment that would happen afterwards. Despite everything he's been through, Light's hands still remain relatively clean -- what a novel thought.]
Though... I have to ask. [A pointed look at Yukina's disguise.] Is Akira-san going to miss those clothes?
[Or is he, like. You know. Dead.] And you're going to dump them somewhere afterwards, I assume.
[Yukina's gaze drops to the floor, and she shakes her head slowly.]
He won't. I didn't kill him, but... he won't. [Which... hurts, honestly. It hurts quite a bit. She and Akira were close; knowing he's gone now is painful.
...but at least she doesn't have to worry about him trying to take the deal and getting stuck here forever.]
I'm going to... um. Put them back on him, once we're done.
[ After Light uses his A+ charisma skills and Yukina summons up the most resolve she can, Nagasone returns to the hallway. He honestly took advantage of it as a breather for himself too. Traditional honor be damned, this is still a setup in the end. Two murders without a culprit to execute, and a suicide... Oh boy. But he'll tell himself it's for the best. ]
Here you go.
[ To make it convenient, he hands her his hairclip, the one he's been wearing if he's doing work. One end has a couple strands of Akane's hair, the other has his. They look different enough up close in length and texture. Also, his inexplicable, but natural blonde hair is there too. ]
Say I lent it to you or something if it's found, hide it, or throw it away. Want to get her prints now? You'd need to help figure out where to put them.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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But... it's a Friday. Yukina knows by now that however quiet it is when curfew lifts, it won't stay that way for long. She knows this for certain, because she's lying in wait in the shadow of an upstairs hallway.
A chainsaw. She still can't believe Tsurugi decided to ask for a chainsaw for her, of all things, but if it will help her accomplish this, even though she's weak, even though she's hesitating...
As soon as she pulls the chain, the noise will be deafening. There's no way it won't alert her victims to what's happening, and she'll have no choice but to go through with it.
This was premeditated. That much is clear from the clothes she's wearing, which aren't her own; from the gloves she's "borrowed," to hide her prints; from the mask settled over her face to obscure it from view. And though it makes her sick, she knows what she has to do.
She spots movement at the end of the corridor, takes a deep breath, and revs the chainsaw up.
Her hands are shaking badly as she rushes for Light.]
no subject
What-
[The sight is familiar; or at least, the mask certainly is. But this isn't Akira, that much is obvious based on the stature of this person coming at him, smaller. Petite. Hands shaking.
Hands shaking.]
Stop! [-the yell comes along with Light whipping his scalpel out, swiping at his assailant. It's comical, almost; a scalpel versus a chainsaw, something that he's trying very hard to twist his body out of its path. It's all done on instinct. What isn't based on instinct is the way his mind is churning, trying to latch onto what he sees is doubt in the other, because by god he's not going to die like this.]
What the hell are you doing?!
[murder obviously, light]
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[Damn it, no. She bites her tongue to keep from speaking, because the whole point of this disguise is so he won't recognize her, and her voice will be a dead giveaway. He would know.
Maybe he already knows.
Yukina is not a fighter. Even with the advantage in terms of weapons, he has the advantage in terms of skill and strength, and his twisting away is enough to keep him out of reach of the chainsaw's blade.
The scalpel catches on the fabric of her coat at the shoulder, not deeply enough to break the skin, but enough to tear at some of the fabric. She gasps, twists away, and the momentum sends the still-running chainsaw into the ground. She isn't strong enough to keep it upright, and the saw's teeth catch on the ground with an earsplitting, jarring noise.
She gasps again, pulls it upright. The saw sputters to a stop, and she grits her teeth as she tugs frantically at the cord.
It roars back to life.
She hesitates, then takes another step forward, toward him.]
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And then Yukina utters a single syllable, and Light's eyes widen. It's enough to spark recognition for a young man like himself, especially when it instigates his mind into really observing. Her height, her build. The sound of her voice, shaken with uncertainty. The way she struggles to hold that chainsaw (the awful noise it makes as it gutters against the floor), because she hasn't the strength to hold it.
The way her hands shake because she hasn't the resolve to kill him.]
Yukina-chan?!
[His expression is one of shock, but something bitter spikes in him. She's betraying me. As she steps forward, Light steps back, scalpel still clutched in his hand tightly.]
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In the end, being in disguise doesn't mean a thing. It's obvious to Light that it's her in a single instant - and Yukina flinches when she hears her name, stopping dead in her tracks. If he hadn't known already, that would have been enough, probably.
The flinch nearly makes her fumble the chainsaw. She was warned about this-
She manages to keep from outright dropping it, though. Barely.
(Murder was not listed as a skill on her profile card. At this point, it's clear to see why.)
A moment passes. Two. She does not step forward again.]
...I... I'm sorry, I...
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[He repeats himself, and there's something accusatory in his tone, something biting. He easily takes advantage of her trailing words to cut in with his own. Though to be fair, can you really blame him?]
Are you trying to kill me? I thought we were allies!
[What was she thinking? There was clear hesitation there, and everything about her body language told him that she didn't want to do this. So why? She was a Hunter, wasn't she? This should be the exact opposite of what she wanted.]
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[The words, on their own, are not especially convincing. But she says them with conviction, more firmly than anything else she's managed this morning. She takes a breath and takes another step forward, but doesn't rev the chainsaw. Not just yet.]
What we learned about how to stop this... it was only a half-truth. [She swallows hard.] But I know now. A way... a way to save everyone.
[Her gaze darts briefly to his scalpel.
...it wouldn't take much for him to overpower her, if she puts her weapon down. She knows that. If he really tried, he could probably take her down even if she held onto it - she badly needed the element of surprise here.
But he's right that her heart isn't in this, not exactly.
And he's her ally.]
...if I put this down... will you hear me out?
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Light has to fight down with all of his willpower the anger that threatens to rise. It's only with a focused kind of practice does he manage at all to hear the her words of placation, of half-truths and a supposed way to save everyone. Light turns the scalpel over in his hand; once, twice. Eyes narrowed.
He could just attack her in return. Stick the blade in her neck, twist it, let it act as retribution against her daring to murder him. To murder Kira.
But his logical mind cries out in folly, wanting to know what she's talking about. What's driven her to act so desperately, when her personality was far from suited for these violent acts.]
...Yes. I will.
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There is, of course, a chance that he could be lying. That he could be trying to get her to lower her weapon, so that he stands a better chance of taking her down and getting out of this unscathed. But even now, while she's at her worst, she wants to believe in the best in Light.
She leans down slowly - no sudden movements - and puts the chainsaw down to rest at her feet. As she straightens back up, she holds up her arms so that he can see she's got nothing in her hands.]
...thank you.
[She doesn't bother asking him to put away his scalpel. If he chooses to use it on her, that's what will happen - she'll just have to do her best to hold him off until she can get the chainsaw again.]
What I was told about this all stopping, if we could find the Prophets and kill them... it wasn't untrue. [It just wasn't the complete truth.] ...but if we do that... the people who have perished already will be lost forever. That's not... acceptable. Not at all.
[She pauses.]
...you were right, you know. About... expediting the violence being faster.
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[ Nagasone had been in his room with Akane's by the stairs pretending he could sleep. He finished his job early before curfew, cleaned up, and even took a bit of a walk. But like what Yukina figured out with the chainsaw, it makes one hell of a commotion. Especially with the yelling. So, he opened the door a crack when the horrible revving sound dies down, and instead it's talking. It's probably a surprise when they hear a voice down the hall, neutral in tone but loud enough to catch their attention. ]
I figured not being able to sleep meant my fate was sealed. No point in hiding then, huh? Yukina, Light.
[ Whatever compels the victim out during curfew, like he was just a cornered animal in there than actually feeling safe at all, finally has him approach the two. With a surprisingly amount of ease in his steps, he fold his arms and looks at light, then Yukina. Whatever danger there is, he's too tired in the inside to feel it. A shame he couldn't sleep. That chainsaw does gets a stare though. It doesn't take much thought to figure it out. ]
Congrats on the truth though; Craftly only gave me the half-truth about trying to save people.
[ A bitter laugh. ]
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What are you... [He begins, but doesn't finish his statement. It's obvious, after all. Why else would Nagasone be out like this, why else would he be so casual about the sight he's come across? His fate was sealed, he said. No point in hiding.
He'd laugh at this realization, in any other circumstance. But right now, he has too many questions, and instead turns his attentions back to Yukina instead. He relaxes his shoulders (only a little), since she's put her chainsaw down now.]
Yukina. Explain. What are you trying to accomplish, and why?
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[Yukina's voice comes out in a squeak as she whirls to face him, and she very nearly trips over the handle of the chainsaw.
Almost immediately, she's on edge. She had planned to sneak into his room - but he's out here, and... her gaze darts down to the weapon before she casts a panicked glance at Light, clearly out of her depth.
She can't pick it back up. Two-on-one, if this turns into a fight, she knows what the outcome will be. She's acutely aware of it - and has been ever since Nagasone's demonstration of his weapon after the last trial.]
...I...
[Light's asking a question. He deserves an answer. Both of them do - they deserve to know what she's prepared to make them die for, however inept she might be.]
...I want to save everyone. The living, the dead... everyone. There's a way to do it. [She takes a breath.] ...if three people are left standing at the end, the survivors will be offered a deal. Should one of them accept an eternity of servitude to the people who brought us here, then...
The other two will be returned home, safe and sound. So will the people who have perished so far.
[She's trembling, but there's truth behind her words. Or, at the very least - she firmly believes in them.]
Light-san, Nagasone-san... please understand. I'm... I'm not very good at... this... [Her gaze drops to the chainsaw again.] ...but I'm willing, I'm able, to make that deal... I just have to make it to the end.
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Accepting it.
[ With a better view, it's easier to assess what's going on. A very twisted murder plot foiled by someone who doesn't have it in them to kill... an ally? Kudos to you Light for wanting the truth. With Yukina's explanation, something he was seeking and finally gets it... He's almost relieved. A shame it's just before he'll die. ]
I can see that you're not very good at it! [ Referring to her difficulty she's having with murder and that chainsaw, it's almost comedic if it weren't a dire, tragic situation. He can't fault her for the struggle, rubbing his temple. ] Yet you're going to have to survive until the end and make that deal. If you're considering it, then that's frightening resolve in itself.
[ He can admire that, but his face wears a solemn expression. This is horrible. Knowing the truth from someone who's struggling enough that it confirms itself with gravity. ]
...I don't know about Light here, but before I condemn myself... Yeah, let me make it easier on you. Just promise me you won't back down.
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Accepting it. [Strangely, his lips curl upwards at the idea. Accepting? How worn was Nagasone, to make that kind of offer? He already knows what the implication is, and Light just shakes his head.]
No. Not me. Not without more answers.
[A pointed look at Yukina.]
You're asking us to understand, to have faith that you'll be able to pull this off, Yukina. But how many people will you have to kill to make this a reality? [He does laugh, huffing it out, sounding dry.] How much trouble are you having now, trying to stomach killing just me?
[She doesn't have it in her. He can see it. Light has no faith in that resolve, and to simply stand back and accept this will be his fate? That he should die just so he can sit and hope to be rescued later?
(How boring.)]
You said it yourself. I was right from the start. I agree with you. I'm your ally; and you're just going to discard me?
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[Yukina doesn't understand. Her first thought can't be right - that he'd be willing to help, somehow. Can it? She's sure, by now, that anyone who hears this would be furious. That she's stopping to talk at all is surely a weakness on her part.
Still, deep down, she wants to believe that if she can just explain, they'll understand.
...Light's having some difficulty. His difficulty accepting it is expected, and it's why she became desperate enough to jump to this option - her fingers twitch, and she forces herself not to look down at the chainsaw. They're just asking for answers, now. It's fine.
It has to be fine, but Light's words cut.]
I don't want to - but we can't kill both of the remaining Prophets. We can't. It's my fault you were involved in this, so I... I wanted to be the one to send you off. But I...
[She likes them both.
They're allies - but she thinks of Light as a friend, too. And Nagasone - although she doesn't know him well, she can admire his strength, and his desire to protect people.]
...there are... a lot more people who will have to be killed. But I'm not... the only one working for this, so I can... I will, I have to, I want to be able to send all of you home safe...
[She looks up at them both, then back down at her hands.]
...the problem is... the people who are physically stronger than me. But if I can figure out a way around that, then...
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If Percival and Velvet are who you're worrying about... There's no need.
[ From his jacket, he pulls out a knife. It's cleaned up, but very sharp. This kind is meant for slicing, after all. With his free hand, he rolls back a sleeve to reveal clean bandages wrapped around his forearms. But to get the point across of what he meant by "easier", he holds the blade right at his neck. ]
I would prefer living to help you two, but that's not going to happen. I'll spare someone having to go through the consequences of executing or killing me.
[ That's honestly the worst of this. Lowering the knife, he turns to stare back at the door to his room. He noticed it was unlocked already, but he can figure out why. If he was meant to die in his room... Or close to it... ]
I'd rather have a clean death, but you have someone in mind to pin our deaths on, don't you, Yukina?
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But if it's any sign of shock or surprise that Yukina may expect at this revelation, it doesn't come. Only a faint agitation twitching at his brow and nothing more.]
Looks like blood's already been spilled. If you want to die, Nagasone, we can at least make your death work to our advantage.
[Yes, our. Glancing back at Yukina again.] You're going about this without thinking, Yukina-chan. Look how quickly you jump to conclusions, without even consulting me about this first. What makes you think I wouldn't want to help you achieve this goal?
[This is the confirmation he wanted, he needed. More than just the numbers and the math, but the ability to hinge on a moral obligation, telling the world, "This is why I killed, to save you all." It's fitting for Kira, and it slots nicely into his desire to just end this game as quickly as possible.
Yukina has brought him a boon, despite her intent of killing him. She only needs to accept his offer.]
Let me assist you. You'll need all the help you can get... until the end. We're allies for a reason.
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Percival-san and Velvet-san... you...? [And then her face goes ashen as he raises the knife to his own neck. Her hands twitch - she's itching to take it from him, to get the blade away from his throat.
(She's quite possibly the most inept murderer in this hallway.)]
If that's... really what you want, I won't stop you. But...
[...he really has taken care of a lot of obstacles in one fell swoop, hasn't he? Percival. Velvet. Himself, now. She knows she ought to try and talk him out of it, but this way - he'll be able to rest, won't he?
He looks so tired.
Relief courses through her, followed closely by nausea. This is absolutely sick, being willing to let him do this, but she won't - can't stop him.
But Light... he's not willing to die. He's willing to help, and her brow furrows with guilt as he... basically calls her out on not even considering that he might be totally down with murder.]
You'd... you'd help, Light-san? Even if that means killing someone...?
[There's a difference, after all, between incapacitating someone from a distance, and actively taking part.]
...I was... going to try and make it look like Akane-san had done it. She's... been in a lot of danger here, and suffered a lot. ...and she seems kind. I don't want her alive at the end, thinking she has to take the deal to save everyone.
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One kill for answers, another for my brother so he's safe. I have two brothers though... I need one more kill.
[ Nagasone looks at Light. That shift into charismatic confidence... his eyebrows raise at it, but he can't be against it when Yukina probably needs that kind of guide. Also when they're letting him have this choice to choose his end. He lightens up a little in demeanor while maintaining some amount of seriousness. He can't be weak, not in front of these two with what they're going to do. ]
Do what you need to. When this is over, take care of her.
[ He feels like, even with that sort of air Light gives, cool, unaffected, even encouraging Yukina... There's trust placed in him that he'll stick to this plan. Nagasone doesn't know why, but he honestly doesn't care for that detail. They're allies, as he's said. ]
She's kind, but you saw how she was regarding the reveal of what Mira did, and they were on fine terms before that. If she lives through that sort of humiliation, either of you could be in danger.
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[Yes, this is what he would be far more comfortable doing. No more sitting on his hands, then.
Light then shifts his weight to his other foot, looking at Nagasone more directly.]
I'll make sure nothing happens to her. [Often empty platitudes, when it comes to Light. However, Yukina has proved useful in every moment, up until now -- her faltering with the chainsaw was enough to illuminate a very particular character flaw, one that he could mitigate with his own guidance.] It goes without saying that we'll be careful.
In the meanwhile... you'll help us implicate Akane, won't you? Both now and after your death.
[Meaning, they'll be using your body, Nagasone. Straight to the point.]
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[It means she won't get an incentive for Nagasone's death - but that's fine. She's never wanted a reward for killing, anyway. Everyone getting out of here will be enough of a reward for her.
Yukina really doesn't need anything more than that.
Her eyes widen slightly and she glances at Light - an aptitude for murder, indeed. She had an idea, but... it seems like he might just have a better one.]
...then... we'll do this together.
[Is this really happening? It doesn't feel real.
Lost for words, she waits for Nagasone's answer.]
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Yes... I'll help you.
[ While he may not be a person for complicated plots like this— that's what will probably get him executed on Sunday unless someone else commits a murder. But he can see the value in it. All he hopes for now is that Akane's execution is quick. Painlessness is too tall an order with what's been witnessed to punish the "guilty". ]
Tell me what needs to be done from either of you. I can follow orders easily enough.
[ He gestures toward room 119 and it's ajar door. This is wrong. Akane doesn't deserve the game, but she definitely deserved better than what apparently happened to her, and now here. But the soon-to-be be victim swallows his guilt and presses onward with whatever they ask of him. ]
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He looks towards room 119, mind turning over opportunities, his gaze unwavering.]
It shouldn't be too difficult. The chainsaw- [He points at it with the scalpel, still in his hand.] -all we need are a few of her fingerprints on the handle, and a few strands of hair to spread around the crime scene.
[Light looks to Yukina for confirmation or further suggestions. He seems to be taking this all rather calmly.] Unless you had something else in mind, Yukina-chan?
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[But Light's plan is probably better. Hair has been considered conclusive enough evidence for the last four weeks, but fingerprints... Will they make any kind of difference at all? ...maybe if enough people use their resources to be given clues.]
But if you think fingerprints are for the best, Light-san, then... I'll defer to your expertise.
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[ When every week has had such brutal mysteries and there's little to occupy time in between...
Glancing over a mystery novel or two hasn't hurt him any. Getting lost in books and not having to face this sort of "real" mystery is a guilty pleasure here. ]
When do you want to plant the finger prints? Yukina's wearing gloves, but Akane's prints would get smudged if you do it now... I can get the hair though.
[ While he fetches it from their room, Light and Yukina can discuss it a bit further; Nagasone has an idea of what will happen, swallowing his guilt and... accepting what will come of his death. ]
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The fingerprints can be planted beforehand -- on the handle and on the pull cord -- or we can do it after the fact. Either way, we'll be cognizant of their placement.
[They wouldn't go to all the trouble of planting fingerprints just to get them all smudged, after all. He looks to Yukina for confirmation and/or further suggestion.]
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[Yukina has never used a fingerprinting kit in her life. But she, like Nagasone, has been reading some detective novels - though in her case, it's been in the hope of improving her skills for trials by seeing how fictional characters do it.]
...we're going to have to... [She takes a breath.] ...use it... s-so, maybe we should... place it after. [When it's not likely to get smudged, anyway. Nagasone is right; it wouldn't make much sense to go through the trouble of planting prints if they're just going to get covered up anyway.
She glances at Light as Nagasone goes to fetch Akane's hair and lowers her voice.]
My plan was to... hide... um, parts of Nagasone-san's... [And Lights, tbh] ...body around the motel. Do... you think that would work?
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I think so. If nothing else, I'd perpetuate confusion during the trial. Potentially enough to distract from the truth of the matter.
[That there was, hilariously enough, no murder that actually took place. Just a suicide, and an attempt to frame Akane for all the dismemberment that would happen afterwards. Despite everything he's been through, Light's hands still remain relatively clean -- what a novel thought.]
Though... I have to ask. [A pointed look at Yukina's disguise.] Is Akira-san going to miss those clothes?
[Or is he, like. You know. Dead.] And you're going to dump them somewhere afterwards, I assume.
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[Yukina's gaze drops to the floor, and she shakes her head slowly.]
He won't. I didn't kill him, but... he won't. [Which... hurts, honestly. It hurts quite a bit. She and Akira were close; knowing he's gone now is painful.
...but at least she doesn't have to worry about him trying to take the deal and getting stuck here forever.]
I'm going to... um. Put them back on him, once we're done.
[Y'know, so nobody stumbles across a naked body.]
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All right. And... I'm sorry.
[Another beat.]
But in the end, it's for the best. Try not to forget that, no matter how difficult it might seem.
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I know. As long as... as long as everyone's okay at the end, then...
[She can bear it. She'll have to.]
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Here you go.
[ To make it convenient, he hands her his hairclip, the one he's been wearing if he's doing work. One end has a couple strands of Akane's hair, the other has his. They look different enough up close in length and texture. Also, his inexplicable, but natural blonde hair is there too. ]
Say I lent it to you or something if it's found, hide it, or throw it away. Want to get her prints now? You'd need to help figure out where to put them.
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We were going to do it after the fact. I can help Yukina-chan figure out where to place the fingerprints.
[And if that's acceptable for the both of them, that just means the next bit is... up to Nagasone.]