Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note, anime or manga.
AN: It's been awhile but life's been crazy. Thank you to all my wonderful reviews: Sayuri2023, SkywardShadow, and dancers of the night.
This chapter is strongly based of of Episode 25: Silence (one of my favorites) and there is a lot of direct quotes from the episode. It's only because I'm still setting up, by next chapter we say goodbye to the old Death Note story (well, mostly). Hopefully you all enjoy.
Chapter I
Silent Reveries
I'm ready.
Really? So Quickly? I thought it would be longer.
I've watched everything a thousand times over. As far as I can see there is only one way to do it. Only one way to save one without killing the other. But...I need a favor...
A favor huh? I'm not big on helping humans ya know.
It's the only way this is going to work.
Well, what is it?
I need to be able to touch another Shinigami's Death Note.
Touch a Shinigami's Death Note eh? That's it? No stopping time or super powers?
You wouldn't give them to me anyway. No, I just need to be able to touch it...just touch, grab it, move it for forty seconds after I first make contact with it. That's it. I'm sure that won't be too big of an inconvenience to you.
You assume much...Fine, I'll do it. But nothing is free.
I though as much.
I'll let you do this one thing but...you will never be able to write in a Death Note again. Every time you try to make any kind of mark on a Note's page, the mark will simply be...erased.
That sucks.
You still up to it.
The alternative sucks more.
Very well. Goodbye daughter of Eve.
...DEatHNOtE...
Barren, endless landscape. Swirls of shadow and light making it impossible to determine the time. Was there any concept of time in this place? Blue fire laced the ground, springing up at odd moments. It licked at his legs leaving him shivering as if he had been drenched in icy water. Tiny shimmering particles fell from the sky. Snow? No, snow didn't leave small painful burns on his skin where it touched him that vanished only seconds later.
Nothing made any sense here....nothing...Mu? Well if this was Mu what was that shape materializing out of the haze? A tree? Yeah some kind of pure white tree laden with equally pure, untainted looking fruit. There was a figure standing in front of the tree. A girl...a Shinigami? Why couldn't he tell? It's hand was out stretched offering him something...an apple. She had no face. He could not see a face!
He felt drawn to her; no, drawn to the glittering morsel in her hand. Then he was there, right next to it. He felt his teeth sink into its crisp flesh, felt the juices dribbling down his chin, and then...
...DEatHNOtE...
Light jerked upwards into sitting position. He had moved so quickly that he nearly found himself on the floor instead of in the bed. He rubbed his forehead and tried to steady his breathing. "Man that was one seriously messed up dream," he muttered lifting his hand to his lips. It had been so real...he half expected to feel remnants of the apple's juice. Nope, dry, well aside from the cold sweat that he seemed to have broken out in.
Light sighed and glanced over at the clock. His half hour nap to get some much needed rest had gone over by about forty-five minutes. During that time, the previously sunny day had turned black and menacing. Lightning streaked across the sky followed a few seconds later by crashing thunder, all the while torrents of rain assaulted the windows. I slept through all this? God I must have been out.
After a few seconds of gathering his thoughts, Light pushed himself out of bed. He grabbed one of his work shirts that was hanging limply on a nearby chair and slipped it over his T-shirt, not even bothering to button it in the front. Then he headed out the door where he proceeded to pace the many corridors of the building as he had become accustom to doing in his recent days of freedom from L's watchful eyes. Since Higuchi's death and the discovery of the Thirteen Day Rule, it seemed as if the two had switched places. L was now the one who was under Light's constant vigilance and it seemed to be taking a toll on the former.
It won't be long now... thought Light, a sadistic smirk twitching at the corner of his lips. Rem will have to make her move sooner or later. Ryuzaki is stubborn and proud. He won't let go of his theory about the identities of Kira and the second Kira so easily. With Misa's life and happiness in danger, Rem will be forced to act. And when that happens, the three biggest threats to the creation of my perfect world will be eliminated and I will be left unopposed to rule over it as its god. It's all falling into place...I'll win, Ryuzaki. It's assured.
As Light continued to run over and over his plans and plot out his—Kira's—next move, his footsteps inadvertently began to direct him towards the roof.
...DEatHNOtE...
Gong...Gong... The bell. Why is it so persistent today? It hasn't sounded like this in.... He sighed. In a very long time. Perhaps it is trying to warn me of some coming danger. No need... I already know. Light... Thunder rumbled somewhere off in the distance. Kira... He wasn't sure if it was his imagination or not, but the sound got lower, more ominous. 13 days...that's what it all comes down to. But...it has to end doesn't it?
A cold wind whipped by, biting through his wet clothing. He felt so alone, not that it was of any real consequence but he did. The bell sounded again, seeming to amplify the feeling of solitude within him with each coarse note. It shouldn't bother him. He was always alone before, but now... He tilted his head upwards, allowing the rain drops to continuously slap against his pale skin, to wash over him, willing them to carry everything away and leave him in peace.
A presence disturbed L from his revere. At first the prospect of a companion in this storm was comforting but the feeling became laced with a bitter sense of fear as he turned and saw who was standing just out side the shadows. "Light-kun..." he murmured quietly, the sound was lost in the downpour as was what Light said next. L cupped his hand over his ear to signify that he couldn't understand him. That was true in many ways.
Light moved his hand up to his mouth and tried again, this time louder. "Why...are you....standing....by yourself..."
No that's not what he said, though I often wonder that myself. He repeated his earlier gesture.
Light straitened up and L imagined him rolling his eyes. Surprisingly though, he moved forwards placing his arm above his head as though it was some kind of makeshift shield. Not a very effective one to be sure and by the time the two were in hearing distance of each other, Light was just as wet as L.
"What are you doing Ryuzaki?" asked the unexpected companion, and though L was sure Light was most likely annoyed at having to get a cold shower just to communicate with him, no such emotion could be detected in Light's voice.
"Oh, I'm not doing anything in particular, it's just..." it was amazing how close the emotions were to coming forth. It was as if Light's presence had loosened the carefully constructed bonds that held them back even more. "I hear the bell." There was no problem in telling Light this but still he wondered why he had done it.
"The bell?" asked the other in obvious confusion.
"Yes, the sound of the bell has been unusually loud today." It seems I want to trust him...to call him my friend but...
Light's eyes searched in both directions, the look of bewilderment still present on his handsome features. "Hmm? I don't hear anything."
His eyes. His eyes tell me that I am wrong to do so, but right in my conclusion. Should I not be pleased about this? "Really? You can't hear it? It's been ringing nonstop all day, I find it very distracting." He sighed. "I wonder if it is a church. Maybe a wedding, or perhaps a..."
"What are you getting at Ryuzaki?" asked Light, obviously tired of this illogical tale. "Come on cut it out, let's get back inside."
L's eyes became down cast. Definitely not the wedding... "I'm sorry...Nothing I say makes any sense anyway." I know I'm right but I can't make anyone else see that I am. They only believe that I'm a sore loser who is too proud to let go of my theory... Am I? But more importantly, do I want to be wrong? He sighed. "If I were you, I wouldn't believe any of it."
This last comment seemed to confuse or trouble Light for a few seconds and once again the pouring rain became the predominating sound. Eventually it was broken by a slight laugh accompanied by a smirk, not the blood chilling one that L had caught on his lips in the past, but the one he used when others were looking. L shivered, fearing the day when that sadistic smile would be warn openly for him to see.
Unaware of the other's thoughts, Light continued unfazed, innocent smirk still in place. "You know you're totally right. Honestly most the things you say sound like complete nonsense."
Well that was considerate of you wasn't it...
"There'd be no end to my troubles if I actually took you seriously all the time. I probably know that better then anyone."
"Yes, I'd say that's a fair assessment," answered L slowly. At least the last part. Despite my suspicions, I've opened up to you Light Yagami. It was a foolish move and I have the feeling you will use this against me. Originally I had planed to do the same to you but... "But I could say the same about you."
Light's brow creased in confusion again. "Hmm? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Tell me Light, from the moment you were born, has there ever been a point where you've actually told the truth?" It was more an accusation then a question but that was how it was meant to be taken. Their eyes locked, and silence fell between them once again, a silence that even the pouring rain seemed to honor.
Finally Light broke it. "Where is this coming from Ryuzaki?"
You know exactly where the reasons for my question are based. But still you will continue this act.
"I do admit I stretch the truth here and there."
No, you live in a world where the truth is "stretched" to the point that it is no longer recognizable. How though? How can you manage to live such a perfect lie?
"However, find me one person in this world who's never had to tell a lie, it wouldn't be easy."
Me. That wasn't so hard. There is a difference between having to and wanting to.
"Human beings just aren't made to be perfect like that. Everybody lies from time to time. Even so, I've always made a conscious effort to be careful not to tell a lie that could hurt others. That's my answer."
You're not so good at that last part... The bell sounded again. "I had a feeling you'd say something like that..." But I think I was hoping for something different. Another pause. "Let's go back inside. We're both drenched."
His answer was a bit uneasy. "Yeah"
...DEatHNOtE...
A lone figure stood at the base of the extremely tall building masquerading as an innocent office complex. Simmering green eyes stared up through the rain and dripping wet lashes to its peak where she almost imagined she could make out the silhouettes of two people, one slouched the other tall and proud. Perhaps it was just her eyes playing tricks on her or maybe her mind was just replaying the scene she'd witnessed countless times.
The dark figure took a deep slow breath much like a diver does before the plunge into the icy unknown. So it all comes down to this. High heels clicked on the wet pavement as the figure moved into the shadows. One mistake here, and everything will be lost.
...DEatHNOtE...
The drops of water falling from the two teens' clothing and hair were strangely amplified in the shadowed stairwell, each individual drop echoing loudly off the cold metal looking walls and downward leading steps.
L walked nosily towards Light, white fluffy towel draped over his head, each footfall accompanied by a loud squelching noise. "Well that was certainly an unpleasant outing," he commented as he came to stand above Light who was busily drying his sandy hair.
"It's your own fault you know," responded Light in a slightly scolding manor. "I mean what did you expect?" He didn't bother to look up.
"You're right," said L quietly. I could have prevented all of this couldn't have I? "Sorry."
Light took this only to mean that L regretted getting him soaked. Perhaps that is what he meant, perhaps not. Either way, the former seemingly remained unconcerned with anything besides drying his hair.
L stared at him for a moment then suddenly pulled the barely damp towel from his still sodden black locks. Surprisingly silent, he moved down the steps and gently picked up Light's bare foot by means of his ankle, moving the towel towards his damp skin.
Light exhaled sharply completely shocked by his "friend's" actions. His voice and features almost portrayed fear. "What are you doing?!" What is he doing?
L looked up innocently into Light's confused face as if what he was doing was perfectly normal. Honestly, he wasn't even sure why he was doing this. "I thought I might help you out." Maybe it was some last feeble attempt to get through to him. "You were busy wiping yourself off anyway." Do I still believe that it is even possible to do so? No...this is more a final act of kindness, a sort of farewell to the friend I'm never sure I really had.
Still wary of his strange actions, Light attempted to brush him off. "Look it-it's fine, you don't have to do that."
"I can give you a massage as well," offered L, deciding it was best not to even try to understand the why, he had a feeling the answers might be unnerving... There was something about this particular moment. ...and Light's eyes, they are more like they were been before...not so cold, hard, empty... He decided to test this. "It's the least I could do to atone for my sins. I'm actually pretty good at this."
What is he talking about? I know he suspects me of being Kira...Is he trying to say that he's sorry for opposing me?! But...that is so unlike him... Then...is he referring to getting me soaked? No that doesn't make any sense either. But that's Ryuzaki for you. He never really makes any sense... Light looked away from the biggest and most confounding anomaly he'd ever known. "Fine," was his only answer. "Do what you want."
L sighed inwardly. "Alright." He didn't let any of his real emotions show through in his answer. What happened to you Light? Is it possible that you have managed to deceive me so well? Deceive me to the point were, only a few weeks ago, the chances of you currently being Kira were zero percent? To the point where I was grasping blindly for evidence to support my fallen theory? ...to where I was actually convinced and ready to accept that you were a friend, my friend, and not a psychotic murderer? L moved his hand so that the towel barely caressed the underside of Light's foot. ...no...I think not. There was I time when you were not Kira. A time when I called you a friend...perhaps even a more but now... L's hand shifted quickly, the gentle touch turning into a hard almost painful squeezing sensation.
Light inhaled sharply, the look on his face and the muffled grunt of pain making it apparent that the already awkward experience had now become painful as well. "Hey!" he exclaimed as the unpleasant sensations continued.
"You'll get used to it," was the only response L made.
A few silent seconds elapsed. L was right, the odd massage was actually becoming...pleasant. Well, at least it didn't really hurt anymore. Light allowed himself to relax. Whatever game Ryuzaki's playing at—actually, this didn't feel like one of his mind games. It felt real, sincere. There seemed to be no self incriminating trap involved. It figures, the one time Ryuzaki's actually being completely straight forward, he does something crazy like this.
Drops of icy water fell from L's hair landed on the sensitive skin of Light's ankle, causing him to shiver reflexively. He sighed, at first feeling annoyed but as he looked at the slouched figure in front of him, another emotion pushed through to the surface: Pity...Regret. It caused Light to do a double take and then dismiss it as a mistake. Nevertheless, Light found himself picking up his towel and carefully moving it up to L's dripping hair. "Here, you're still soaked." His voice was unusually kind and Light almost blinked in surprise when he realized that it wasn't faked this time.
L looked up at Light once the towel had been removed. His eyes had an endless depth to them and Light found he was unable to look away, trapped by those darkly edged mysterious orbs. For or a moment or two, their eyes remained locked and Light was able to see all the sadness and loneliness L was holding inside of him.
L looked down breaking Light's stare. "I'm sorry." Those two words held more meaning then Light could ever hope to understand.
The silent seconds ticked by, each one seeming to last forever and yet not long enough. Light's mind was moving a million miles a second, trying yet unable to figure out why everything suddenly felt...wrong. Hell, a second ago everything was going along smoothly and victory had been in sight but now...
"It'll be lonely won't it?" questioned L, breaking the silence.
"Hmm?"
L looked up at Light again. "You and I will be parting ways soon."
Light was unable to hide the disbelief, How? Does he...does he know? ...I guess...this is really it. I'm going to win...
...DEatHNOtE...
The security has been breached, wires tapped... A long fingered hand touched the syringe that rested securely in a silk lined pocket. Serum obtained, means of escape ready and waiting... The gloved hand moved left to the smooth reassuring steel that signified the presence of the powerful 50 cal. Magnum, concealed beneath the folds of a dark fluttering cloak. Locked and loaded. "It's time to move," whispered smooth lips into a headset. "No mistakes. No screw ups. We only get one shot at this." Everything hinges upon these next few moments.
...DEatHNOtE...
AN: Hope you all enjoyed it. Please review and Concrit is welcome.
-Asiera
