New World Order『Shinigami!Light』

III

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"Better the devil you know than the one you don't"
- Richard Taverner
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Light breathed a pent-up sigh of relief. His luck could not have been better - a law major, of all things!

It was almost perfect. Almost.

He'd admit, she was younger than he had wanted. If he'd had a choice in the matter, he'd preferably have given it to someone a little older; more mentally mature (and closer to death, so that he could get his note back sooner). Though, he supposed she couldn't have been much older than he had been when he himself had originally found the Death Note. It'd be hugely hypocritical of him to doubt her based on age alone. Besides, she obviously had the brains for the task, considering the requirements of the subject she studied. Ultimately though, his chances of success depended on her passion; her drive.

If she was studying law, then clearly she must harbour some desire to see justice served. If those roots ran deep, then it would be easy to convince her to be the next Kira - effortless even. Alternatively, however, her aspirations might've been influenced by the impressive numerical figure on a certain pay check. Most careers that branched off from law paid incredibly well, and that fact alone could persuade a vast number of students to take on the course. If she really chose to study law based on that fact alone, then she was not only shallow, but a complete waste of space.

Whatever the reason, she was undeniably a far better candidate to take on the role of Kira than that perky friend of hers who - much to his disgust - reminded him of Misa. Thankfully, this particular girl didn't seem to be motivated by vanity or a man's affection. In fact, she seemed entirely disinterested by it. This was good. He did not need another obnoxious woman constantly whining at him for attention or becoming distracted by petty things such as one's own beauty.

Although, despite their differences, the girl did apparently share Misa's knack for melodrama.

Upon seeing her hurl the Death Note across the grass as though it was some sort of venomous snake, Light could only shake his head in embarrassment. Honestly, what could've possibly been so terrifying about a book? At least he could consider himself lucky that no one had been present at the time. He didn't even want to imagine what would've happened if someone witnessed that ridiculous display. As horribly overdramatic as her performance had been, she didn't seem entirely appalled by the presence of the note and willingly chose to take it home with her - either suggesting she is a closeted Kira supporter or a dangerously intrigued child with a death wish. He couldn't be sure which at the current time, but he hoped for the former to be true.

Curious, Light peered closer at his new protege, his eyes focusing on the letters that floated aimlessly above her head and deciphering the English characters with extreme ease.

Eleanor Russel.

At first glance, she was exceptionally... ordinary. There was nothing particularly special about her physical appearance. Blonde hair. Clear skin. She wasn't a raving beauty in his eyes, but nor was she some sort of antisocial husk.

Her apparel was simple, smart and comfortable, but still appeared to mirror some sort of modern hipster trend. It was masculine in style, but still had subtle feminine quirks about it; not exactly form flattering, but not entirely lifeless either.

The makeup on her face was minimal, serving only to hide the discolouration under her eyes and the few freckles that dusted her cheeks. Clearly, in spite of her overall indifference to vanity, the girl was determined to mask her insecurities like every other distressed teen seemed to do nowadays.