Description: How will Light and the taskforce members cope when L's heirs take a decidedly more direct approach in catching Kira? Alternate series of events from episode 27 onwards. No pairings, at least none that will be the focus of this story. A couple swear words. Also, I don't own Death Note.

Leg'a-cy, n. ; 1. A bequest; a particular thing given by last will or testament; hence, anything obtained from a predecessor.

PROLOGUE

"Ryuzaki…" The Chief's face was a mask of determination and sorrow as he spoke, as if to the simple marble cross in front of him.

Light tried not to laugh.

It had been only three days since the 'World's Greatest Detective' had died. Or... since he had been defeated by Kira. Once again, Light forced him self not to smile. 'No, no, not here, not right now,' he told himself.

The setting sun cast long shadows throughout the cemetery, giving the trees and headstones a peaceful orange glow. Well, almost peaceful. Some might have considered it eerie. From behind him the shinigami Ryuk grinned but said nothing. His father had been speaking, but Light had not really been paying attention.

"Don't worry, Dad," he said, putting on a perfect front of anger and sorrow. "This… is unforgivable. Watari… L… I will catch Kira. I will avenge their murders. I swear."

Ryuk chuckled. Out of the corner of his eye Light could see Matsuda looking at him with tear filled eyes full of admiration and sadness.

'Don't laugh…' he thought.

For some time the five remaining taskforce members stood in silence. The sun sunk lower into the sky and the cemetery was bathed in pinkish red. With some unspoken knowledge they all began to filter out of the graveyard; all except for Light, who remained facing the simple cross with clenched fists.

"Light-kun…" Matsuda called after him, stopping. At a word from the chief, however, he turned hesitantly back to follow the others.

And Light was left alone.

Well, alone save for Ryuk.

"Ah," The shinigami said, his voice gravelly and cracked. "It's kinda too bad, huh? L sure made this interesting… but I guess he lost in the end."

At this Light could barely contain himself. He laughed. A cold, humourless laugh. He opened himself up to the sky, throwing his hands out in front of himself.

Laughing.

Until something caught his eye. A figure, standing at the gates of the cemetery where the four taskforce members had left from.

Light's face immediately fell back into it's usual calm and stony expression, and he turned quickly to face the figure.

No, three figures. They stood in a line, facing him. All three were dressed in black, and for a moment Light thought the shorter one was wearing a white hat.

They were staring at him. One of the taller two – most likely a boy, but Light couldn't be certain – was clenching his fists and glaring at Light with an intensity that would have scared him had he been any normal person.

"Yes?" Light called calmly, although he could feel his heart pounding inside of his ribcage.

The boy's eyes grew wider, and by the way his long blonde hair was fluttering slightly, Light knew that he was shaking with rage.

The other one, a boy wearing sunglasses (or something of the sort) brought his hand to rest on the blonde's shoulder. He twitched slightly at the touch, but appeared to relax. His face twisted into an almost grotesque sneer and he lowered his head to whisper something to the smaller one, who nodded. With one final glance the three boys turned and walked out through the wrought iron gates, leaving Light standing alone in the cemetery, his previous excitement forgotten.

X X X

Author's note: Hello hello hello, and welcome to my (hopefully) first chaptered fanfiction! This little story, Legacy, is simply based off of my first impressions about Mello and Near. When I heard about L's heirs my first impressions were a little… off, so to speak. I have a couple chapters written so far, but some reviews for chapter one would be nice before I post the second. So read Ch. 1 and if you like it, REVIEW!!

Also, for future reference, "Normal Type" is speaking Japanese, 'Italic type' is thinking, and "Bold Italic" is speaking English, unless otherwise specified.

NOW READ CHAPTER ONE, DAMMIT!