This was from about a month ago... I wanted to edit it further, but I don't think I am. So here it is, in its non-glory.
I hate the end. Its unsatisfying. Nevertheless...
[A Sharp Descent. Character: L. Words: 632. Theme: silence. IC, not decided whether manga or movie canon.
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'From the pits of despair blooms the bud of hope.
From death, life.
And so the cycle continues.'
L was a man of his word. That should be noted. At times he lied, withheld information, and manipulated, but at all costs, he was a man of his word. Which is why Kira wouldn't win. L had promised to best him.
At this moment, though, L was finding that promise hard to keep. Knees drawn up to his chest, he bit down on his thumb hard enough to draw blood. Not noticing the thin line trailing down toward his wrist, he brooded. In his dark eyes, one could even say emotion was there for once. Anger. Frustration. L hated losing.
They had no new information. He had no new theories. His instincts had given him ideas and thoughts that were coming up empty. He still felt they were right, senseless as that was. The others thought he was obsessed. They were losing faith in him. That was alright. He was losing faith in himself.
He had never been wrong. He was always right on the mark with his feelings, and quick to perceive what no one else would. He was always right. He was L. He could do what no one else could. He could solve the most intricate of crimes and the most complex mysteries. He was justice, in his own way. Maybe he was playing games to pass the time. Nonetheless, he solved problems. Puzzles held no challenge. Riddles weren't interesting. In time, everything made sense. He understood everything, and was never wrong. He solved everything.
Except for this. He allowed a slender hand to grace his forehead. He could win all his little games – easily. This was proving a challenge. He wasn't used to it. It was almost exhilarating. Intoxicating. He breathed in. He was being bested, and yet he almost didn't want it to stop.
L stole a glance at Yagami Light. He –knew- he was Kira, even if his innocence was proven. Memory lost, memory regained, and as sure as his name wasn't L, Light-kun was indeed Kira again. And he had no way to prove it.
He was stuck. Unless… unless he could put aside his humanity and morals, and make a hard decision. One that was indeed show Light was Kira, Misa was the second Kira, and that it had all been his plan. Kira's plan. Light's. His friend.
So L hesitated. Not for long, a fraction of a thought for him, but he hesitated. Wondered if he should condemn his only friend, and stop his best game. Perhaps it would be possible to lighten the sentence. He did care about Light and would prefer not to see not die. He believed the same was thought of him.
In the seconds it takes for memories to be regained, the time it takes for a computer search, L's thoughts had milled about these things and came to a conclusion. Secure in his plan and its outcome, his eyes cleared; L, the great detective, once more. Everything would work out according to his design.
As he mused over his idea final time he happened to glance down and note the half-dried blood twined about his wrist. The slightest furrow of his non-existent eyebrows, then he delicately lowered his head and licked off the blood. It wasn't sweet at all, but sharp and hard, too much like his own life to be any comfort. That's why he preferred sweets.
In a moment he would announce his plan, and the intent to carry it out. In a minute Watari would be dead. And in a time after that, L, the world renown detective, would fall from his perpetually crouched state like a fall from grace.
He knew he was right.
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tbc/editz?