In the endless landscape of darkness and bones, Lawliet could not understand if it was heaven or hell he was at. He figured it was hell, because of the rancid air and choking feeling, but it was not quite as painful as hell was to be described as. The world he was standing within was simply uncomfortable.
"Hey there," a shinigami leaned back into his chair, golden rings and chains decorating his body. He was not there before, L bit his thumb, curiously. In the world of the dead, nothing was impossible, he figured.
"Shinigami, what do you want from me?" L asked.
"Well... I don't really know. There's this one world who has been stuck in an illusion for a thousand years, and the only man who could have saved it got stuck inside of it and is now living out the rest of his life with his wife and children... in his head. I was just thinking about sending you back in time so you could make him just a tad bit smarter?" the shinigami tapped his fingers against the bones in his head.
"How would you expect me to do that?"
"Be a guiding hand. I'll add you as an addition to a nice family. Their name is Hanarou. They'll take care of your early life as you slowly regain your memories of your past life," the shinigami cackled, "no you won't remember everything at first but eventually you will."
"If I don't agree, what will happen?" L asked.
"I'll send someone else to go do it. And you get to spend the rest of your time in purgatory! Did I mention, when you die in that world you'll find peace?"
"I will agree to this," L said.
"Fine, than. As the Shinigami King, I will place these provisions upon you. First, you must complete changing the course of history. When you finish, your life will end, and you will be sent to heaven, otherwise known as peace. Second, if you fail, you will be placed in hell at the end of a normal lifespan. You have until then to complete the task. Third, your true name, Lawliet, shall not be changed, because it is what you were from the beginning of time. Your parents in the new world will name you-"
"Congratulations! It's a boy. What do you want to name him?"
"Rue. Rue Ryuuzaki Hanarou."