Chakra Wizard
Active member
Awards
Okay, first and foremost, I sinceeeerrrelly apologize for the length of this thing, but I just had to get all this info in there and it didn’t feel right cutting this particular chapter into two parts. I’m sure some of you might not even read it just because of the lengthxd If it makes up for it, though, I can let you know now that the next one will definitely be the shortest chapter I’ve done yet, except maybe the first one
Also, in the parts of this chapter where it feels like I'm being a little preachy, just know I'm simply trying to express how strong Uric's beliefs actually are. Adds a bit of insight into his character, y'knowxd Thanks a lot for reading these, guys, and I hope you enjoy
The warehouse had been rather quiet for the past fifteen minutes, with the sole exceptions of Uric’s voice…and the large fan that lied overhead. …It seemed that still no one was prepared to except this gruesome end or, …at the very least, make an attempt to retaliate. After what seemed like an eternity, the first to speak since Uric finished his…lecture…was Mikami.
"Please, God! I beg of you! Spare me and I will faithfully serve you in your pla-"
His plea was suddenly halted…as Uric’s fist collided with the side of his face. Falling to the ground in pain, he laid motionless as he continued to stomp across his body. …It seemed Uric had lost all tolerance for Mikami’s misguided ways. The others could only watch, terrified, as blood began to spill from the latter’s mouth.
"You damn sodomite, …YOU PATHETIC WASTE OF HUMAN FLESH!! DON’T YOU EVER ADDRESS ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IN SUCH A MANNER!! You should burn in Hell for turning your back on God in favor of that lost creature you call Kira! …But you won’t. The Death Note forbids it now, so…since you can’t go to Hell, …YOU MIGHT AS WELL BURN NOW!!"
As the last word exited his mouth, Mikami followed through with Uric’s wishes…and his body burst into flames. His screams of agony and the crackling of the flames were the only sounds heard for the next twenty seconds, until finally, …the screams stopped…and Teru Mikami died at the age of twenty-seven. …As if he had been waiting for the flames to subside, Matsuda spoke out against Uric’s intentions as the last spark disappeared from his body…and only smoke remained.
"You murderous bastard. …If you really wrote down all our names over fifteen minutes ago, then how come the rest of us are still alive!? …What’s the meaning of this!?"
"Isn’t it obvious?"
Everyone in the warehouse turned to face Near, with the exception of Light, who found himself unable to take his eyes off of Uric.
"This is insane. This guy was just a recluse that I hung out with in high school. …And now he suddenly reappears and tells me that he’s the reason I became Kira in the first place!? …That bastard!"
"We’re not dead yet, because he didn’t just write our names down. …He wrote down specifics instructions for every one of us, …so he can toy with us before we die."
"That…that bastard! …How could you do something do vile like that!?"
Uric, who had managed to regain his composure, only sighed in response. …It seemed that not even Near had been listening to the majority of his story.
"…Contrary to your prior performance on this case, Near, …you’re completely wrong."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, it is. …I have no intentions of doing anything to any of you. I just don’t feel that anyone here should have to die before they absolutely have to, …as morbidly ironic as that sounds. Mikami and his pathetic notions were a special exception. …I have no respect or mercy set aside for worshippers of Kira."
A look of surprise reemerged on the faces of everyone present. Uric could only smirk as he shook his head.
"I told you already, I’m a condemned man…"
He took this moment to turn around and look at the man lying on the ground behind him.
"…and unlike you, Light, I’m well aware of it."
Light could only grind his teeth as he mentioned his name once more, though the fact that he was being mocked only worked to increase his anger.
"What could I possibly gain from this…act of mass homicide that would ultimately better my future…when I’m already damned to a place worse than Hell itself? I shouldn’t have to allow you time to think of the answer to that question. …But, now you’re wondering about what other…positive outcomes might come from this? …Put simply, had you been paying attention to my monologue, you would already know the answer. But, since I already know that you weren’t, I’ll repeat myself one last time. …There are fates after death…that are far worse than Hell, …fates that no one should ever have to face. The people dying at the hands of the Death Note, …most of them will go to Hell, unfortunately, …but there are those that will find joy in Heaven, as well. Me, …I can no longer feel the pleasure that is Heaven, …nor the suffering that is Hell. …I’m not even permitted to exist after death now that I’ve tainted my soul through use of this wretched notebook. …That’s a fate I would not wish on anyone…and I won’t allow anyone else to face it. …That’s why I’m doing this, Nate River. The temptation of the Death Note is far too strong for even a righteous man to ignore, …so…why not dispose of anyone worth testing it out on? Surely, that will prevent it from ever being used again. …I’m not a monster, Near, …whether you believe me or not, …nor can I legitimately be called someone who wants what is best for his fellow man, …just not what is worst."
He didn’t expect anyone’s views on him to change after telling them this, let alone that anyone would disregard the fact that he had killed every single one of them no more than twenty minutes ago. …And they didn’t.
"You really believe that, Uric Atari? …No. No matter which way you may see it, the fact remains that you’re little more than a crazed serial killer who’s been disillusioned into thinking that his actions serve a greater purpose. The things you’ve done and the things you intend to do are unjust and unforgivable. Uric Atari, …you are a monster, in every connotation of the word."
It seemed that Near was still unconvinced that he had planned their first and final encounter to perfection, …that through some yet unknown method, his words would ultimately work in his favor. …Uric, however, had already made certain that this would change drastically by the time this was all over. …His own thoughts emerging from Near’s mouth, he did his best to keep his head up as he replied.
"…I know. …I just wanted to see how you would respond to such a bold statement."
"…What the hell is he playing at now?"
"Come now, Near, do you really believe I could claim to still have my humanity, yet make declarations to justify the sinister things I’ve done? I know my actions are unforgivable and impossible to validate, but my vision’s been clouded far too long for me to turn back now. …If you had the same faith in God that I did…and threw it all away through the most basic of acts, …you might understand. …But, you don’t. You’ve never felt what it’s like to sink so low…in such a short period of time. …So, I’m done with these pointless validations. This group has no more than fifteen minutes left to live, so I suppose it’s time to begin…this process of elimination."
Everyone began looking around, wondering only of what this man had in store for them in their final moments. …Though, there were a few individuals who preferred not to wait idly by for their deaths, …including Matsuda.
"OH YEAH!? WELL, DON’T THINK YOU’RE GONNA GET AWAY WITH THIS!!"
He rose his gun and aligned it with Uric’s head. Meanwhile, a single thought continued to circle through Near’s mind.
"This game of his doesn’t add up. Why would he keep us alive this long? Any man of the intelligence he claims to have would know that this would give us a chance to fight bac-"
"IF WE DON’T MAKE IT OUT OF HERE ALIVE, THEN NEITHER WILL YOU!!"
"Mr. Matsuda! Hold your fire-"
Before the order could even reach his ears, just as his finger brushed against the front of the trigger, …the gun suddenly fell to the floor, as Touta Matsuda’s body burst into flames.
"AAAAHHH!!!"
"What the hell!?"
"Matsuda, NO!!"
His fellow members of the Task Force, as well as those of the SPK, could only watch in horror as he fell to the floor and began repeatedly rolling across it, until finally, …the rolling stopped…and Touta Matsuda died at the age of thirty-one. Everyone looked visibly stunned…and terrified, …though probably the most so among them was Aizawa. …He was obviously thinking about his wife and daughter…and how he’d never see them again.
"You-you bastard! What the hell just happened to Matsuda!?"
Uric, however, wasn’t looking at Aizawa. His eyes were fixated toward the other end of the room…on Nate River.
"Damn, he obviously planned ahead on this. He was never in any danger from the moment he made himself known, …but just how far did he think this through?"
"Uric Atari, …if it’s not too much to ask, may I see your notebook? I’d like to see exactly what you wrote in it. …After all, it was you who said that nobody here should have to die before they have to."
They locked eyes for a moment before a small smile enveloped on Uric’s face and he pulled the Death Note out from beneath his sweatshirt.
"…Very well. I intended on this, anyways. …I just preferred that you request it first. But before that happens, I need something else done."
"And what’s that?"
"…By my calculations, there are four Death Notes in total that have taken part in this whole Kira incident, with the exception of both Shahim and Ryuk’s, the notebooks of whom have never been used by a human. …These four would include my own, …Light’s original notebook, …the one given to Misa Amane, …and the one that belonged to Misa’s Shinigami, whose notebook would’ve been left behind when it died after killing L. …I want all four notebooks placed beside that door…and no one else is going to touch them over the course of these next few minutes."
"Hmm, …so it’s true. …He is after the other notebooks."
"…I do hope that all of them are here today. Wouldn’t want anyone taking them while we’re gone, now would we?"
Aizawa eventually gave him the answer he was waiting for.
"No. During our investigation, another Shinigami appeared claiming that the notebook we first found actually belonged to him. We returned it after our assault on Mello’s hideout."
"…Is that right? Well then, I suppose there are now only three. Near, …do you have a problem with these conditions?"
"…Problem, huh? That’s an odd choice of wording. I have a problem with this entire ordeal, …but I suppose we no longer have a choice. …Very well, then. We’ll cooperate. Mr. Aizawa, please set the notebook over by the door. And Gevanni, please do the same with this one."
"Oh, and to the both of you. …I’d recommend you not attempt anything drastic, …at least not until Near gets a chance to read what I’ve written. …Actually, hold on a minute. Everyone, step over here, except for you, Near. This Death Note will ultimately wind up in your hands, anyways."
Holding his Death Note out in front of him, he waited until everyone had stepped forward and touched it before reaching his hand out to touch the notebook in Gevanni’s hands. Afterwards, he tore a piece of the first page off before giving it to him, walking over to Light to brush the piece against his face after doing so.
"There, now everyone can see everyone. That should make things somewhat easier, now shouldn’t it?"
Before standing back up, Uric took the moment to whisper something in Light’s ear.
"…The next time that door opens, …you’re free to go."
Light’s eyes widened slightly and Uric stood back up before he could ask him his reasoning behind this jester of kindness. As he walked past Ryuk, who was now visible to him, he repeated this action.
"Your appearance would normally appear rather frightening. …But, I suppose I have Shahim to thank for that."
"Heh heh heh he, well I’m flattered to meet you, as well."
"Hmhmhm, as am I. It’s still your duty to finish him off, so I leave Light to you. …I did leave specific instructions that he would die by your hands."
"Got it. I gotta admit, you seem to have gotten more acquainted with the Death Note’s workings than even Light."
"Why not? …I did receive mine before he did his."
"Heh he, touché."
"…By the way, I do recommend you stick around a little while longer after writing down his name. …I have a proposition I believe you’ll find…interesting."
"Oh? …Well then, I suppose I could stay a while longer to hear it. …Just don’t make me wait too long."
Nodding his head as he continued walking back towards the group, Uric looked ahead to see if Near had yet to look in his Death Note. …He had to admit, the boy seemed rather…captivated by the entries he wrote inside it. …He must have read his own.
"You seem rather fond of my work, Nate River. …Would you kindly read one of those entries for the rest to hear? They all say the same thing for the most part, …with the exception of yours and Light’s, so I suggest picking one besides them."
As he waited for Near to oblige with his request, he looked over beside the door to ensure that the other two notebooks were there as he insisted, …which they were.
"Perfect. Near doesn’t have a clue what he’s just done. …The notebooks are now safe."
"Very well then, Uric Atari. …I suppose I’ll pick Mikami, since his note has already taken effect, …as we saw."
The three remaining Task Force members all grinded their teeth together just at the mere thought of their partner having also shared that fate.
"That bastard."
"…Matsuda."
"Near, …I hope you’ve found a hole in his plan. …Don’t let this monster get away with this."
…Indeed, he had found one…or so he thought.
"Hmmm, …no ripped corners, except for the one he just took out, …and no signs of tampering with the lining of the pages. The only page that’s been written on is the first…and there are only ten names. …Uric Atari, …it looks like you’ve left a very vital piece of this puzzle untouched. …So, we’ve both lost, after all."
"…Teru Mikami, death by…spontaneous combustion. Remains in a state of silence for the first fifteen minutes after his name is written. Once those fifteen minutes have passed, he will stay alive for another twenty minutes, at the end of which he will burst into flames. …However, …should he attempt to fire a gun, …leave the building he is standing in at the time his name is written, …burn or tear any nearby forms of paper, …operate a cellular device, …or the phrase “Since you can’t go to Hell, you might as well burn now”, is spoken nearby, …he will spontaneously combust before the twenty minutes have completely passed. ...I must say, you've certainly have been thorough in your plans…with the exception of one thing. Rester! Mikami’s pen, now!"
Without delay, Anthony Carter picked the small utensil up off the ground and tossed it to Near, …who immediately began writing inside the Death Note, much to Uric’s visible amusement…and Near’s horror.
"Hmhmhmhmhmhm, do you honestly believe that this will change anything, Near? …I’m set to remain alive for the next eighty-six years."
"…That’s impossible. Your name hasn’t been written down in the notebook, which means I can kill you before you go through with this plan of yours."
"Not in that notebook, …but why not check what I requested Shahim write in his own?"
Quickly taking the hint, Shahim unhooked the Death Note from his waist and opened it to the page containing the entry.
"…Uric Atari…death by natural causes. Upon reaching the age of one hundred and eight, he dies in his sleep at 12:00 a.m. on the following day."
He closed the notebook and returned it to its original position before continuing.
"He asked me to write this in my Death Note two days ago. He said he would’ve done it himself, …but knew that it was my duty to carry out that task. …That is the bond that connects a Shinigami and the human who picked up its notebook."
"I’m almost insulted, Near. Someone L found worthy of succeeding him would surely have known that I had already considered this probability. …I knew all too well that in order to prevent you from killing me today, I would have to do it before you could. And, lo and behold, it not only worked, but it even made you appear to be a fool for making the attempt. …I wonder, though. Was it out of ignorance that you thought I hadn’t thought ahead…or was it arrogance?"
Everyone was silent once again. …This man had not only killed them all, but had successfully prevented them from doing anything about it. …But, they weren’t just going to accept it so easily.
"I won’t just sit back and let this happen!"
"Yeah!"
Without warning, both Rester and Gevanni ran over to tackle Uric to the ground, followed shortly by Mogi. Letting Rester simply slip by him, he grabbed Gevanni by the arm and twisted it before positioning it behind his back, tightening his grip until he had forced him onto his knees. To deflect Mogi’s assault, he merely kicked him in the stomach as he closed in on him, causing him to fall to the ground in pain. As Rester turned back around to jump on top of him, Uric quietly put an end to this small dilemma.
"Anthony Carter, …I hope you’ve made your peace with God."
And before his hand could wrap itself around Uric’s neck, Rester’s body set aflame, …Anthony Carter dying shortly after at the age of forty-two. Looking behind him to ensure that Mogi was still on the ground, Uric then turned his attention toward Gevanni.
"Tell me, Stephen Loud, …have you made peace yourself?"
"Rrrrgh, …damn you."
"…I’ll take that as a ‘no’."
Reaching around his neck, he pulled loose the small noose that held his pendant secure. Taking it in his hand, he turned back to Near.
"Tell me, Near. …Did Anthony have a…a family?"
"…No. Not one that I know of."
"…Good. …That makes it easier for me. …Stephen, turn around."
"What for-!?"
"I said turn around, please!"
Recalling his earlier submission, Gevanni realized the pointlessness of refusal, so he did as he was asked. Upon fixing his gaze on Uric, the latter formed the Sign of the Cross across his chest after doing the same for himself, reciting a prayer as he did.
"…Do you believe in God, Stephen?"
"Hmm, what do you care?"
"…You have no idea how much I care. Now, please answer the question. Do you…believe…in God?"
"…Yes."
"Do you wish to accept his son Jesus Christ into your heart, …as your one true savior?"
"…I think you need him more than I do."
He stopped upon noticing a single tear falling from Uric’s lowered head.
"…That may be true, …but I’m afraid his grace now holds little value to me, …no matter how much I ask for it. …Now, please, …do you accept him into your heart?"
"Yes."
He stood back up and returned the pendant to his neck.
"Stephen Loud, …God save you."
And with that said, …Stephen Loud died at the age of twenty-seven, sharing the same fate as his colleague. Waiting for the flames to die down, Uric then turned to Mogi, who proceeded to stand back up and walk over to rejoin the remaining members of his team, ...having lost the courage to attempt to subdue him again.
"You really do have a cruel sense of humor, Uric Atari."
Everyone looked back over at Near. …It seemed he could no longer hold his tongue.
"You don’t believe in God, Nate River?"
"Even if he did exist and I had his teachings right in front of me, I would still think them through and decide whether or not they were righteous for myself."
"…You’re a child of logic."
"Do you intend to dismiss my ideals as singular?"
"…I also question my beliefs, Near. …I even do so in this present date."
"And yet, you kill a man not much older than yourself after submitting him to those beliefs, …beliefs you also claim to query?"
"…My inner conflict between logic and faith is what strengthens the latter. Every time I find something in the world that serves to question God’s existence, I always find one thing that serves to cement my faith. …Tell me, if you were in my position, …having had such strong faith over the years and learning that you’ll no longer be permitted into heaven, …would you continue to keep that faith?"
"…You refuse to denounce God’s existence in hope that you’ll one day be welcomed back into his grace."
"Not in the slightest, Near. …I’ve long excepted my fate, …as should you."
"You think I haven’t accepted the fact that I will die within the next few minutes?"
"…If you truly have, …then why do you continue your attempts to aggravate me?"
Near fell silent, …confirming the authenticity of Uric’s claims.
"It’s one of the many things we share in common, actually. We’re both sophisticated men, despite our general appearances. You’re merely going through the same thought process that anyone of lesser intelligence would, be they in your position. …You’re simply trying to hide the fact that you’re seeking to insult me at every chance that arises. …In the end, …you’re really nothing more than an angry child, hidden behind the façade of a young, level-headed prodigy."
He looked on as Near lowered his head ever so slightly, …just another game that Uric had beaten him at.
"Forgive me. …I can’t legitimately say I understand, …but I honestly wish that I could."
Looking up at the rusted fan above them, the time resurfaced in Uric’s mind…as something of much greater importance.
"…We now have three minutes left, everybody. I hope the rest of you are prepared for your fate."
Their current situations quickly recurred within their minds. From the looks on their faces, …most of them weren’t ready to die. The face that stood most to Uric, however, …was Aizawa’s.
"Shuichi Aizawa."
The mention of his name immediately caught his attention.
"What the hell does that bastard want now?"
"Yeah?"
"…What is your wife’s name?"
"Huh? …And why do you-?"
"Shuichi, please. …My time’s greatly limited. …Please, just tell me now."
"…It’s…it’s Eriko."
"…Do you love her?"
"What? …Well, yeah. Of course, I do."
"…Alright. Please, take out your phone, then."
"Huh? What for!?"
"What were your last words to her?"
"Uh, something along the lines of ‘I’ll be back later today’. Why is that-?"
"I’m afraid that’s not good enough. You need to call her one last time, so get out your cell phone."
"Aizawa, don’t listen to this! You heard what he said will happen if we use our phones!"
"Hideki, I only stated that he couldn’t operate a cell phone. I never specified that someone else couldn’t dial a number for him and then hand it back to him."
"You’re full of it! You’re only trying to get him to kill himself-"
"Ide, that’s enough!"
Everyone fell silent. Ide, in particular, was rather shocked at Aizawa’s actions.
"It’s alright. …Here, make it quick."
Tossing the phone to Uric, he quickly began searching through his contacts for his wife’s phone number when another thought emerged in his mind.
"Do you have children, Aizawa?"
"…Two. A 12 year-old daughter and a baby boy."
It was at this point that Uric looked up from the cell phone turned his head away from everyone else’s line of sight. Aizawa meant to question his actions…before noticing the tears rolling down his face.
"What is wrong with this guy? He just killed four people right in front of us! …Is he really as sincere as he keeps saying he is?"
His attention refocused on the matter at hand when he noticed the phone held out in front of him.
"Make it as quick as you can. And, whatever you do, …mention nothing about what’s occurred here. That, I’m afraid, is mentioned in the Death Note…and I wouldn’t want your babies to have to hear their father’s screams over the phone."
On the verge of tears himself, Aizawa simply nodded before taking the phone in his hand and holding it to his ear. …Uric, in the meanwhile, reiterated the time that had passed so far.
"At this point, there should only be about one minute left. …I think it’s about time."
Walking over to the warehouse door, doing his best to block out the words coming from Aizawa’s mouth as he spoke to his wife, Uric pulled it completely open before looking over to Light, who quickly stood up and ran out.
"Hey, what the hell are you doing!? You’re just gonna let him go!?"
"Hideki, please. Your friend is on the phone. …Light was shot at least five times and I can only imagine how much blood he’s already lost. …At this point, it makes no difference. …Ryuk."
"Hm?"
"I believe that’s your cue."
Spreading his wings, the Shinigami quickly flew out through the wall of the building as Shahim looked on.
"It’s really about to end, isn’t it, …Uric?"
"…This chapter is. …Tomorrow, a new one emerges."
"I do hope you’re ready for it."
"Hmhmhm, …I was about to say the same thing."
Just at their conversation ended, so did Aizawa’s. From the look on his face, …that was the most difficult thing he had ever had to do.
"…I’m so sorry."
As he looked up, Uric almost expected him to begin telling him off, …but he knew Aizawa was much too good a man for that.
"Just get this over with."
"…Fifteen seconds remaining. …I hope you’ve found your peace…with whatever it may be."
And with that, the room fell silent again, …just as it did when Mikami counted down the seconds to Light’s demise. …Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four …three…two…one…
"Oh, and Nate River?"
Near looked up just as the last second counted down.
"Would you kindly answer a few questions for me?"
Immediately after the trigger words left his mouth, the light in Near’s eyes vanished as he fell into an almost semi-conscious state. Starting with Lidner, everyone that still remained in the warehouse with them began to burst into flames, one after another. The last four members of the SPK and the Task Force, …Halle Bullook, …Kanzo Mogi, …Hideki Ide, …and Shuichi Aizawa, ...all perished at the respective ages of thirty, thirty-six, forty, …and forty, leaving only Uric and Near. Walking over to collect the other two Death Notes, the former began explaining the situation they were now in.
"Now, then. As you might have guessed from reading the entry in the notebook, …you’re now in a state of minor anesthesia. In this condition, most of your thought processes have been completely nullified, …so you can’t detest to the things I’m about to ask you to do. So, ...shall we get started?"
"…Yes."
"…Very well, then. There’s really only two things I need to know from you. The first is…are there any other groups that you’re aware of that are seeking to capture Kira?"
"…No."
"…Good. The second question is…what is Wammy’s House?"
This was the moment Uric had been waiting for, …the one piece of information he needed to ensure the success of his plan. He almost shivered as Near semi-consciously opened his mouth to speak.
"…It’s…an orphanage in Winchester, England…designed to train…exceptional orphans, …but its real purpose…is to train its brightest children…to, one day, …succeed L."
"…Succeed L? …Shahim, …you have truly outdone yourself."
"Aside from you and Mello, was there anyone else that you know was also being trained for this purpose?"
"…No. We were the only two…he chose to succeed him."
In his current state, there was no possible way that he could be lying, …so Uric concluded this interrogation.
"Thank you, Near. …Your information has been rather helpful."
With that said, Near’s mind immediately regained its original composure.
"…Huh? …What you wrote in the notebook, …what did you ask me while I was in that state!?"
"…I just had to ensure that you were the final threat to my plans, …that’s all. Now, if you don’t mind, …I have to speak to an old friend one last time before he dies."
Standing back up and heading for the door, he looked back for a moment to see Near’s eyes fixated on him, …the fear he felt when Uric first revealed himself finally reemerging once again.
"…God forgive me."
Continuing outside, Uric turned back around for the final time, placing his hand on the door handle as he looked over to Near.
"…Nate River, …I win."
Before the last trigger word could exit his mouth, …all the fear and emotion that Near had built up over the course of his life finally surfaced, …personifying itself in a single, drawn-out scream.
"…Checkmate."
Giving the handle one last strong pull, Uric closed the door of the warehouse for the final time, just as Near’s body caught ablaze.
Also, in the parts of this chapter where it feels like I'm being a little preachy, just know I'm simply trying to express how strong Uric's beliefs actually are. Adds a bit of insight into his character, y'knowxd Thanks a lot for reading these, guys, and I hope you enjoyProcess of Elimination
The warehouse had been rather quiet for the past fifteen minutes, with the sole exceptions of Uric’s voice…and the large fan that lied overhead. …It seemed that still no one was prepared to except this gruesome end or, …at the very least, make an attempt to retaliate. After what seemed like an eternity, the first to speak since Uric finished his…lecture…was Mikami.
"Please, God! I beg of you! Spare me and I will faithfully serve you in your pla-"
His plea was suddenly halted…as Uric’s fist collided with the side of his face. Falling to the ground in pain, he laid motionless as he continued to stomp across his body. …It seemed Uric had lost all tolerance for Mikami’s misguided ways. The others could only watch, terrified, as blood began to spill from the latter’s mouth.
"You damn sodomite, …YOU PATHETIC WASTE OF HUMAN FLESH!! DON’T YOU EVER ADDRESS ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IN SUCH A MANNER!! You should burn in Hell for turning your back on God in favor of that lost creature you call Kira! …But you won’t. The Death Note forbids it now, so…since you can’t go to Hell, …YOU MIGHT AS WELL BURN NOW!!"
As the last word exited his mouth, Mikami followed through with Uric’s wishes…and his body burst into flames. His screams of agony and the crackling of the flames were the only sounds heard for the next twenty seconds, until finally, …the screams stopped…and Teru Mikami died at the age of twenty-seven. …As if he had been waiting for the flames to subside, Matsuda spoke out against Uric’s intentions as the last spark disappeared from his body…and only smoke remained.
"You murderous bastard. …If you really wrote down all our names over fifteen minutes ago, then how come the rest of us are still alive!? …What’s the meaning of this!?"
"Isn’t it obvious?"
Everyone in the warehouse turned to face Near, with the exception of Light, who found himself unable to take his eyes off of Uric.
"This is insane. This guy was just a recluse that I hung out with in high school. …And now he suddenly reappears and tells me that he’s the reason I became Kira in the first place!? …That bastard!"
"We’re not dead yet, because he didn’t just write our names down. …He wrote down specifics instructions for every one of us, …so he can toy with us before we die."
"That…that bastard! …How could you do something do vile like that!?"
Uric, who had managed to regain his composure, only sighed in response. …It seemed that not even Near had been listening to the majority of his story.
"…Contrary to your prior performance on this case, Near, …you’re completely wrong."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, it is. …I have no intentions of doing anything to any of you. I just don’t feel that anyone here should have to die before they absolutely have to, …as morbidly ironic as that sounds. Mikami and his pathetic notions were a special exception. …I have no respect or mercy set aside for worshippers of Kira."
A look of surprise reemerged on the faces of everyone present. Uric could only smirk as he shook his head.
"I told you already, I’m a condemned man…"
He took this moment to turn around and look at the man lying on the ground behind him.
"…and unlike you, Light, I’m well aware of it."
Light could only grind his teeth as he mentioned his name once more, though the fact that he was being mocked only worked to increase his anger.
"What could I possibly gain from this…act of mass homicide that would ultimately better my future…when I’m already damned to a place worse than Hell itself? I shouldn’t have to allow you time to think of the answer to that question. …But, now you’re wondering about what other…positive outcomes might come from this? …Put simply, had you been paying attention to my monologue, you would already know the answer. But, since I already know that you weren’t, I’ll repeat myself one last time. …There are fates after death…that are far worse than Hell, …fates that no one should ever have to face. The people dying at the hands of the Death Note, …most of them will go to Hell, unfortunately, …but there are those that will find joy in Heaven, as well. Me, …I can no longer feel the pleasure that is Heaven, …nor the suffering that is Hell. …I’m not even permitted to exist after death now that I’ve tainted my soul through use of this wretched notebook. …That’s a fate I would not wish on anyone…and I won’t allow anyone else to face it. …That’s why I’m doing this, Nate River. The temptation of the Death Note is far too strong for even a righteous man to ignore, …so…why not dispose of anyone worth testing it out on? Surely, that will prevent it from ever being used again. …I’m not a monster, Near, …whether you believe me or not, …nor can I legitimately be called someone who wants what is best for his fellow man, …just not what is worst."
He didn’t expect anyone’s views on him to change after telling them this, let alone that anyone would disregard the fact that he had killed every single one of them no more than twenty minutes ago. …And they didn’t.
"You really believe that, Uric Atari? …No. No matter which way you may see it, the fact remains that you’re little more than a crazed serial killer who’s been disillusioned into thinking that his actions serve a greater purpose. The things you’ve done and the things you intend to do are unjust and unforgivable. Uric Atari, …you are a monster, in every connotation of the word."
It seemed that Near was still unconvinced that he had planned their first and final encounter to perfection, …that through some yet unknown method, his words would ultimately work in his favor. …Uric, however, had already made certain that this would change drastically by the time this was all over. …His own thoughts emerging from Near’s mouth, he did his best to keep his head up as he replied.
"…I know. …I just wanted to see how you would respond to such a bold statement."
"…What the hell is he playing at now?"
"Come now, Near, do you really believe I could claim to still have my humanity, yet make declarations to justify the sinister things I’ve done? I know my actions are unforgivable and impossible to validate, but my vision’s been clouded far too long for me to turn back now. …If you had the same faith in God that I did…and threw it all away through the most basic of acts, …you might understand. …But, you don’t. You’ve never felt what it’s like to sink so low…in such a short period of time. …So, I’m done with these pointless validations. This group has no more than fifteen minutes left to live, so I suppose it’s time to begin…this process of elimination."
Everyone began looking around, wondering only of what this man had in store for them in their final moments. …Though, there were a few individuals who preferred not to wait idly by for their deaths, …including Matsuda.
"OH YEAH!? WELL, DON’T THINK YOU’RE GONNA GET AWAY WITH THIS!!"
He rose his gun and aligned it with Uric’s head. Meanwhile, a single thought continued to circle through Near’s mind.
"This game of his doesn’t add up. Why would he keep us alive this long? Any man of the intelligence he claims to have would know that this would give us a chance to fight bac-"
"IF WE DON’T MAKE IT OUT OF HERE ALIVE, THEN NEITHER WILL YOU!!"
"Mr. Matsuda! Hold your fire-"
Before the order could even reach his ears, just as his finger brushed against the front of the trigger, …the gun suddenly fell to the floor, as Touta Matsuda’s body burst into flames.
"AAAAHHH!!!"
"What the hell!?"
"Matsuda, NO!!"
His fellow members of the Task Force, as well as those of the SPK, could only watch in horror as he fell to the floor and began repeatedly rolling across it, until finally, …the rolling stopped…and Touta Matsuda died at the age of thirty-one. Everyone looked visibly stunned…and terrified, …though probably the most so among them was Aizawa. …He was obviously thinking about his wife and daughter…and how he’d never see them again.
"You-you bastard! What the hell just happened to Matsuda!?"
Uric, however, wasn’t looking at Aizawa. His eyes were fixated toward the other end of the room…on Nate River.
"Damn, he obviously planned ahead on this. He was never in any danger from the moment he made himself known, …but just how far did he think this through?"
"Uric Atari, …if it’s not too much to ask, may I see your notebook? I’d like to see exactly what you wrote in it. …After all, it was you who said that nobody here should have to die before they have to."
They locked eyes for a moment before a small smile enveloped on Uric’s face and he pulled the Death Note out from beneath his sweatshirt.
"…Very well. I intended on this, anyways. …I just preferred that you request it first. But before that happens, I need something else done."
"And what’s that?"
"…By my calculations, there are four Death Notes in total that have taken part in this whole Kira incident, with the exception of both Shahim and Ryuk’s, the notebooks of whom have never been used by a human. …These four would include my own, …Light’s original notebook, …the one given to Misa Amane, …and the one that belonged to Misa’s Shinigami, whose notebook would’ve been left behind when it died after killing L. …I want all four notebooks placed beside that door…and no one else is going to touch them over the course of these next few minutes."
"Hmm, …so it’s true. …He is after the other notebooks."
"…I do hope that all of them are here today. Wouldn’t want anyone taking them while we’re gone, now would we?"
Aizawa eventually gave him the answer he was waiting for.
"No. During our investigation, another Shinigami appeared claiming that the notebook we first found actually belonged to him. We returned it after our assault on Mello’s hideout."
"…Is that right? Well then, I suppose there are now only three. Near, …do you have a problem with these conditions?"
"…Problem, huh? That’s an odd choice of wording. I have a problem with this entire ordeal, …but I suppose we no longer have a choice. …Very well, then. We’ll cooperate. Mr. Aizawa, please set the notebook over by the door. And Gevanni, please do the same with this one."
"Oh, and to the both of you. …I’d recommend you not attempt anything drastic, …at least not until Near gets a chance to read what I’ve written. …Actually, hold on a minute. Everyone, step over here, except for you, Near. This Death Note will ultimately wind up in your hands, anyways."
Holding his Death Note out in front of him, he waited until everyone had stepped forward and touched it before reaching his hand out to touch the notebook in Gevanni’s hands. Afterwards, he tore a piece of the first page off before giving it to him, walking over to Light to brush the piece against his face after doing so.
"There, now everyone can see everyone. That should make things somewhat easier, now shouldn’t it?"
Before standing back up, Uric took the moment to whisper something in Light’s ear.
"…The next time that door opens, …you’re free to go."
Light’s eyes widened slightly and Uric stood back up before he could ask him his reasoning behind this jester of kindness. As he walked past Ryuk, who was now visible to him, he repeated this action.
"Your appearance would normally appear rather frightening. …But, I suppose I have Shahim to thank for that."
"Heh heh heh he, well I’m flattered to meet you, as well."
"Hmhmhm, as am I. It’s still your duty to finish him off, so I leave Light to you. …I did leave specific instructions that he would die by your hands."
"Got it. I gotta admit, you seem to have gotten more acquainted with the Death Note’s workings than even Light."
"Why not? …I did receive mine before he did his."
"Heh he, touché."
"…By the way, I do recommend you stick around a little while longer after writing down his name. …I have a proposition I believe you’ll find…interesting."
"Oh? …Well then, I suppose I could stay a while longer to hear it. …Just don’t make me wait too long."
Nodding his head as he continued walking back towards the group, Uric looked ahead to see if Near had yet to look in his Death Note. …He had to admit, the boy seemed rather…captivated by the entries he wrote inside it. …He must have read his own.
"You seem rather fond of my work, Nate River. …Would you kindly read one of those entries for the rest to hear? They all say the same thing for the most part, …with the exception of yours and Light’s, so I suggest picking one besides them."
As he waited for Near to oblige with his request, he looked over beside the door to ensure that the other two notebooks were there as he insisted, …which they were.
"Perfect. Near doesn’t have a clue what he’s just done. …The notebooks are now safe."
"Very well then, Uric Atari. …I suppose I’ll pick Mikami, since his note has already taken effect, …as we saw."
The three remaining Task Force members all grinded their teeth together just at the mere thought of their partner having also shared that fate.
"That bastard."
"…Matsuda."
"Near, …I hope you’ve found a hole in his plan. …Don’t let this monster get away with this."
…Indeed, he had found one…or so he thought.
"Hmmm, …no ripped corners, except for the one he just took out, …and no signs of tampering with the lining of the pages. The only page that’s been written on is the first…and there are only ten names. …Uric Atari, …it looks like you’ve left a very vital piece of this puzzle untouched. …So, we’ve both lost, after all."
"…Teru Mikami, death by…spontaneous combustion. Remains in a state of silence for the first fifteen minutes after his name is written. Once those fifteen minutes have passed, he will stay alive for another twenty minutes, at the end of which he will burst into flames. …However, …should he attempt to fire a gun, …leave the building he is standing in at the time his name is written, …burn or tear any nearby forms of paper, …operate a cellular device, …or the phrase “Since you can’t go to Hell, you might as well burn now”, is spoken nearby, …he will spontaneously combust before the twenty minutes have completely passed. ...I must say, you've certainly have been thorough in your plans…with the exception of one thing. Rester! Mikami’s pen, now!"
Without delay, Anthony Carter picked the small utensil up off the ground and tossed it to Near, …who immediately began writing inside the Death Note, much to Uric’s visible amusement…and Near’s horror.
"Hmhmhmhmhmhm, do you honestly believe that this will change anything, Near? …I’m set to remain alive for the next eighty-six years."
"…That’s impossible. Your name hasn’t been written down in the notebook, which means I can kill you before you go through with this plan of yours."
"Not in that notebook, …but why not check what I requested Shahim write in his own?"
Quickly taking the hint, Shahim unhooked the Death Note from his waist and opened it to the page containing the entry.
"…Uric Atari…death by natural causes. Upon reaching the age of one hundred and eight, he dies in his sleep at 12:00 a.m. on the following day."
He closed the notebook and returned it to its original position before continuing.
"He asked me to write this in my Death Note two days ago. He said he would’ve done it himself, …but knew that it was my duty to carry out that task. …That is the bond that connects a Shinigami and the human who picked up its notebook."
"I’m almost insulted, Near. Someone L found worthy of succeeding him would surely have known that I had already considered this probability. …I knew all too well that in order to prevent you from killing me today, I would have to do it before you could. And, lo and behold, it not only worked, but it even made you appear to be a fool for making the attempt. …I wonder, though. Was it out of ignorance that you thought I hadn’t thought ahead…or was it arrogance?"
Everyone was silent once again. …This man had not only killed them all, but had successfully prevented them from doing anything about it. …But, they weren’t just going to accept it so easily.
"I won’t just sit back and let this happen!"
"Yeah!"
Without warning, both Rester and Gevanni ran over to tackle Uric to the ground, followed shortly by Mogi. Letting Rester simply slip by him, he grabbed Gevanni by the arm and twisted it before positioning it behind his back, tightening his grip until he had forced him onto his knees. To deflect Mogi’s assault, he merely kicked him in the stomach as he closed in on him, causing him to fall to the ground in pain. As Rester turned back around to jump on top of him, Uric quietly put an end to this small dilemma.
"Anthony Carter, …I hope you’ve made your peace with God."
And before his hand could wrap itself around Uric’s neck, Rester’s body set aflame, …Anthony Carter dying shortly after at the age of forty-two. Looking behind him to ensure that Mogi was still on the ground, Uric then turned his attention toward Gevanni.
"Tell me, Stephen Loud, …have you made peace yourself?"
"Rrrrgh, …damn you."
"…I’ll take that as a ‘no’."
Reaching around his neck, he pulled loose the small noose that held his pendant secure. Taking it in his hand, he turned back to Near.
"Tell me, Near. …Did Anthony have a…a family?"
"…No. Not one that I know of."
"…Good. …That makes it easier for me. …Stephen, turn around."
"What for-!?"
"I said turn around, please!"
Recalling his earlier submission, Gevanni realized the pointlessness of refusal, so he did as he was asked. Upon fixing his gaze on Uric, the latter formed the Sign of the Cross across his chest after doing the same for himself, reciting a prayer as he did.
"…Do you believe in God, Stephen?"
"Hmm, what do you care?"
"…You have no idea how much I care. Now, please answer the question. Do you…believe…in God?"
"…Yes."
"Do you wish to accept his son Jesus Christ into your heart, …as your one true savior?"
"…I think you need him more than I do."
He stopped upon noticing a single tear falling from Uric’s lowered head.
"…That may be true, …but I’m afraid his grace now holds little value to me, …no matter how much I ask for it. …Now, please, …do you accept him into your heart?"
"Yes."
He stood back up and returned the pendant to his neck.
"Stephen Loud, …God save you."
And with that said, …Stephen Loud died at the age of twenty-seven, sharing the same fate as his colleague. Waiting for the flames to die down, Uric then turned to Mogi, who proceeded to stand back up and walk over to rejoin the remaining members of his team, ...having lost the courage to attempt to subdue him again.
"You really do have a cruel sense of humor, Uric Atari."
Everyone looked back over at Near. …It seemed he could no longer hold his tongue.
"You don’t believe in God, Nate River?"
"Even if he did exist and I had his teachings right in front of me, I would still think them through and decide whether or not they were righteous for myself."
"…You’re a child of logic."
"Do you intend to dismiss my ideals as singular?"
"…I also question my beliefs, Near. …I even do so in this present date."
"And yet, you kill a man not much older than yourself after submitting him to those beliefs, …beliefs you also claim to query?"
"…My inner conflict between logic and faith is what strengthens the latter. Every time I find something in the world that serves to question God’s existence, I always find one thing that serves to cement my faith. …Tell me, if you were in my position, …having had such strong faith over the years and learning that you’ll no longer be permitted into heaven, …would you continue to keep that faith?"
"…You refuse to denounce God’s existence in hope that you’ll one day be welcomed back into his grace."
"Not in the slightest, Near. …I’ve long excepted my fate, …as should you."
"You think I haven’t accepted the fact that I will die within the next few minutes?"
"…If you truly have, …then why do you continue your attempts to aggravate me?"
Near fell silent, …confirming the authenticity of Uric’s claims.
"It’s one of the many things we share in common, actually. We’re both sophisticated men, despite our general appearances. You’re merely going through the same thought process that anyone of lesser intelligence would, be they in your position. …You’re simply trying to hide the fact that you’re seeking to insult me at every chance that arises. …In the end, …you’re really nothing more than an angry child, hidden behind the façade of a young, level-headed prodigy."
He looked on as Near lowered his head ever so slightly, …just another game that Uric had beaten him at.
"Forgive me. …I can’t legitimately say I understand, …but I honestly wish that I could."
Looking up at the rusted fan above them, the time resurfaced in Uric’s mind…as something of much greater importance.
"…We now have three minutes left, everybody. I hope the rest of you are prepared for your fate."
Their current situations quickly recurred within their minds. From the looks on their faces, …most of them weren’t ready to die. The face that stood most to Uric, however, …was Aizawa’s.
"Shuichi Aizawa."
The mention of his name immediately caught his attention.
"What the hell does that bastard want now?"
"Yeah?"
"…What is your wife’s name?"
"Huh? …And why do you-?"
"Shuichi, please. …My time’s greatly limited. …Please, just tell me now."
"…It’s…it’s Eriko."
"…Do you love her?"
"What? …Well, yeah. Of course, I do."
"…Alright. Please, take out your phone, then."
"Huh? What for!?"
"What were your last words to her?"
"Uh, something along the lines of ‘I’ll be back later today’. Why is that-?"
"I’m afraid that’s not good enough. You need to call her one last time, so get out your cell phone."
"Aizawa, don’t listen to this! You heard what he said will happen if we use our phones!"
"Hideki, I only stated that he couldn’t operate a cell phone. I never specified that someone else couldn’t dial a number for him and then hand it back to him."
"You’re full of it! You’re only trying to get him to kill himself-"
"Ide, that’s enough!"
Everyone fell silent. Ide, in particular, was rather shocked at Aizawa’s actions.
"It’s alright. …Here, make it quick."
Tossing the phone to Uric, he quickly began searching through his contacts for his wife’s phone number when another thought emerged in his mind.
"Do you have children, Aizawa?"
"…Two. A 12 year-old daughter and a baby boy."
It was at this point that Uric looked up from the cell phone turned his head away from everyone else’s line of sight. Aizawa meant to question his actions…before noticing the tears rolling down his face.
"What is wrong with this guy? He just killed four people right in front of us! …Is he really as sincere as he keeps saying he is?"
His attention refocused on the matter at hand when he noticed the phone held out in front of him.
"Make it as quick as you can. And, whatever you do, …mention nothing about what’s occurred here. That, I’m afraid, is mentioned in the Death Note…and I wouldn’t want your babies to have to hear their father’s screams over the phone."
On the verge of tears himself, Aizawa simply nodded before taking the phone in his hand and holding it to his ear. …Uric, in the meanwhile, reiterated the time that had passed so far.
"At this point, there should only be about one minute left. …I think it’s about time."
Walking over to the warehouse door, doing his best to block out the words coming from Aizawa’s mouth as he spoke to his wife, Uric pulled it completely open before looking over to Light, who quickly stood up and ran out.
"Hey, what the hell are you doing!? You’re just gonna let him go!?"
"Hideki, please. Your friend is on the phone. …Light was shot at least five times and I can only imagine how much blood he’s already lost. …At this point, it makes no difference. …Ryuk."
"Hm?"
"I believe that’s your cue."
Spreading his wings, the Shinigami quickly flew out through the wall of the building as Shahim looked on.
"It’s really about to end, isn’t it, …Uric?"
"…This chapter is. …Tomorrow, a new one emerges."
"I do hope you’re ready for it."
"Hmhmhm, …I was about to say the same thing."
Just at their conversation ended, so did Aizawa’s. From the look on his face, …that was the most difficult thing he had ever had to do.
"…I’m so sorry."
As he looked up, Uric almost expected him to begin telling him off, …but he knew Aizawa was much too good a man for that.
"Just get this over with."
"…Fifteen seconds remaining. …I hope you’ve found your peace…with whatever it may be."
And with that, the room fell silent again, …just as it did when Mikami counted down the seconds to Light’s demise. …Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four …three…two…one…
"Oh, and Nate River?"
Near looked up just as the last second counted down.
"Would you kindly answer a few questions for me?"
Immediately after the trigger words left his mouth, the light in Near’s eyes vanished as he fell into an almost semi-conscious state. Starting with Lidner, everyone that still remained in the warehouse with them began to burst into flames, one after another. The last four members of the SPK and the Task Force, …Halle Bullook, …Kanzo Mogi, …Hideki Ide, …and Shuichi Aizawa, ...all perished at the respective ages of thirty, thirty-six, forty, …and forty, leaving only Uric and Near. Walking over to collect the other two Death Notes, the former began explaining the situation they were now in.
"Now, then. As you might have guessed from reading the entry in the notebook, …you’re now in a state of minor anesthesia. In this condition, most of your thought processes have been completely nullified, …so you can’t detest to the things I’m about to ask you to do. So, ...shall we get started?"
"…Yes."
"…Very well, then. There’s really only two things I need to know from you. The first is…are there any other groups that you’re aware of that are seeking to capture Kira?"
"…No."
"…Good. The second question is…what is Wammy’s House?"
This was the moment Uric had been waiting for, …the one piece of information he needed to ensure the success of his plan. He almost shivered as Near semi-consciously opened his mouth to speak.
"…It’s…an orphanage in Winchester, England…designed to train…exceptional orphans, …but its real purpose…is to train its brightest children…to, one day, …succeed L."
"…Succeed L? …Shahim, …you have truly outdone yourself."
"Aside from you and Mello, was there anyone else that you know was also being trained for this purpose?"
"…No. We were the only two…he chose to succeed him."
In his current state, there was no possible way that he could be lying, …so Uric concluded this interrogation.
"Thank you, Near. …Your information has been rather helpful."
With that said, Near’s mind immediately regained its original composure.
"…Huh? …What you wrote in the notebook, …what did you ask me while I was in that state!?"
"…I just had to ensure that you were the final threat to my plans, …that’s all. Now, if you don’t mind, …I have to speak to an old friend one last time before he dies."
Standing back up and heading for the door, he looked back for a moment to see Near’s eyes fixated on him, …the fear he felt when Uric first revealed himself finally reemerging once again.
"…God forgive me."
Continuing outside, Uric turned back around for the final time, placing his hand on the door handle as he looked over to Near.
"…Nate River, …I win."
Before the last trigger word could exit his mouth, …all the fear and emotion that Near had built up over the course of his life finally surfaced, …personifying itself in a single, drawn-out scream.
"…Checkmate."
Giving the handle one last strong pull, Uric closed the door of the warehouse for the final time, just as Near’s body caught ablaze.
- The End -
Last edited:
