Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note or any of the characters within. Death Note was co-created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata and is their intellectual property. This is merely made for entertainment purposes, shall not be used for financial gain, and falls under the fair use clause of American copyright law and the terms and conditions established by fanfiction dot net.
A/N: This is just a little idea I've always had about an all-around "good" ending to DN. It begins immediately after Higuchi's capture. Also, I've never delved into the Death Note fandom before writing this, so I apologize if this seems similar to anything done in the past. I hate un-originality, which is why I have refrained from reading any DN fics until both of these drabbles were written.
"Please bring the notebook over to the helicopter," I spoke into the headset.
"Uh… o-okay, Ryuzaki." Mogi stood from the ground with the black notebook in his hand.
A series of hypotheses flashed through my mind as he slowly walked over, nervously glancing back at a spot of seemingly empty air at every other step.
This Notebook is undoubtedly the source of Kira's power – not just of Higuchi's power, but of the former Kiras' powers... of Light and Misa's powers. Even without direct evidence, the reaction of Yagami Senior and Mogi speak to the nature of the notebook. Furthermore, Higuchi is intelligent enough to know that lying would do him no good in this situation. Probably.
Finally, the "monster" seen by those who touch the notebook is likely a Shinigami. Only those who touch the notebook can see it…
In other words, there is a correlation between the supernatural powers of Kira, the human brain (especially eyesight), and physical contact with this notebook.
"Here it is, Ryuzaki."
I examined the dark cover with "Death Note" written in English, then gripped it between my fingertips and directed my gaze accordingly. "It really is a Shinigami… they really do exist," my mouth moved, fairly disconnected from my thoughts.
There is no doubt in my mind that Light Yagami was the first Kira and Misa Amane was the second. All evidence, both deductive and inductive, points to this being the case. There is also little doubt in my mind that Light Yagami and Misa Amane both lost all memories associated with their criminal actions.
Ever since, the two have been instrumental in the Kira case and helpful at every turn. Light's insights are often very similar to the ones I would make and his skillset with computers and acting have allowed us to move this investigation forward at unprecedented speeds. Misa's national popularity and infatuation with Light have augmented this. Finally, and although it may be a selfish thing to say, the company of Light-Kun, though forced, has made these weeks some of the most enjoyable I can recall. The thought had already occurred to me that, even if they were once Kiras, if it were possible to prevent their memories from returning to them, the evil entities known as Kira and the second Kira would die.
"Ryuzaki, come on, let me see it!"
It was not a direct line of thought that guided my right hand to stop his. It was merely intuition, which has not failed me in my recent past.
"Please wait, Light-Kun."
"I want to see it, too!" he insisted, pushing further, but not quite touching the pages.
"I am aware of that." I switched off the speaker on my headset with my left thumb so that only Light could hear me. In the meantime, the I held the notebook in between my index and middle fingers, like a tweezer holds an electric wire.
"Then why are you stopping me?" he asked, no longer pushing, though his fingers remained inches away from the notebook.
"Before you touch it, I have an important set of questions I wish to ask you. Please, hear them before you proceed."
This annoyed Light in a way that I sympathize with – supposedly impossible phenomenon are best observed through one's own eyes – but not to the point where he would disregard my request. "Fine," he said, pulling his hand back, which he soon folded along with his other across his chest.
I am infinitely grateful for the unspoken trust we've built since his loss of memory. "I have a hypothesis I wish to share with you. It is a hypothesis that I believe shall prevent any further deaths at the hands of Kira. It is also a hypothesis for which I have no direct proof, but one that fits with all events that have occurred thus far."
"What is it?" he asked, arms still folded and eyes narrowing.
"Here is my hypothesis: This notebook" I shook the dangling pages with my left hand "affects the human brain. It does so after a mere touch. I base this on the fact that visual information, like the information that I now see a Shinigami and could describe it to you, must be processed by our minds. Do you agree so far?"
His eyes narrowed further. "I'd agree more if you let me see it."
"I apologize, but allowing you to do as you would normally do in this situation could lead to the return of Kira."
"And how did you reach that conclusion?"
"Not a conclusion, Light-Kun. It is merely a guess, but a guess worth entertaining if it means the safety of this world and its people. Would you not agree?"
"Enough stalling, Ryuzaki! If that's your question, the answer is 'yes'. Now let me see it!"
"Please be patient, Light-Kun. I do not like this any more than you do. Now, the questions I will be asking shall be based on two hypotheses. I would like for you to keep both in mind when you answer. The first, I have stated. The second is that Light Yagami was Kira, but has lost all memories associated with his criminal actions."
Light did not like this claim, but did not object, as it was not the first time we've spoken of it, and I believe this is not merely the second time he's thought of it. "Go on."
"It is entirely within the realm of possibility that a mere finger's graze against this notebook could restore the memories of your former status as Kira. What's more, if this memory loss was deliberate, as it could have easily been, this might have been the very moment Kira intended to return – the very same moment that his stand-in was captured."
"I… don't disagree," Light observed neutrally.
"I will now ask my questions. Please answer truthfully and succinctly."
"…Okay," he agreed, having fully considered the thought-experiment.
"Do you wish for Kira to return?"
"No," he answered. I could hear and see the truth in his voice and eyes, as I've been able to do ever since his imprisonment.
"Do you wish to become Kira?"
"No."
"Would you like to continue with this investigation, even if you are unable to see the Shinigami?"
"Yes."
"Would you like to help with other investigations, once the Kira case is resolved?"
"Yes."
"If it is true that Light Yagami was Kira and Misa Amane was the second Kira, but also true that both lost their memories, would it be sufficient for the resolution of this case that their memories never return to them? In other words, would it be safe to say that Kira and the second Kira are 'dead' in such a scenario?"
"…Yes."
"Do you still consider it safe to touch this notebook?"
"…No."
I smiled. "Welcome, Light-Kun, to the side of the good guys."
I'll leave the rest to your imagination. This isn't an overhaul fic; just a drabble, with a few more un-related drabbles to come. In case anyone wants to take this idea and run with it: Higuchi is still alive, Rem might be willing to co-operate with 100% honesty once Ryuzaki guarantees Misa's safety (or she might not), and Ryuk is a dark horse, as always. I don't have time to make a continuation, so please don't ask. Otherwise, any and all reviews, positive or negative, will be appreciated.