Disclaimer: I only own the plot.

At first L couldn't tell if the kimono-clad person was a man or a woman. The feathers near the eye confused him because really, no self-respecting man would do that. L wondered if the man was gay.

But that particular detail wasn't so important at the moment. The man had blocked the attack, and was now fighting. The beast roared again, this time in pain as the man lept up and slashed it's arm off.

"How dare you! Shinigami, who are you?"

"Yumichika Ayasegawya, 5th seat of the 11th division. And you, ugly?

"Ugly? What's the point in looks? It's all POWER!"

"And that's where you fall. One as ugly as you can't hope to comprehend power." with that he slashed the thing down the mask.

L was puzzled when the 'Hollow' dissolved. And he was surprised when the man sheathed his sword and approached him. "You can see me?"

"Of course. Now you should pass on before another Hollow comes after you." With that, Yumichika touched the base of his sword to L's forehead.

L felt his body tingle. Then he felt himself being guided by an unseen force. A portal opened in the sky. He felt himself being pulled through. L landed. He was in a somewhat populated street.

A old woman approached him. "A new arrival? Come with me, I'll sort you out."

About an hour later the lady had found L a place to stay and was explaining the place to him.

"... and we are in the 1st district of Southern Rukongai, Raikou (Enter). Hollows are those monstrous things with white masks. They attack dead souls to eat them. Shinigami are trained to slay them and to help spirits 'pass on' by konso. Any questions?"

"You said Shinigami. The Shinigami I have met before in life was more of a human-form creature. It held a Death Note. Does that ring any bells?"

The old woman paled. "A Death Note? Who are you? No never mind don't tell me! Go! Just go!"

L quickly left the house. Not having anywhere to go, he walked off in a random direction. All the while thinking: 'What was wrong with the Shinigami I saw? And where should I go now?' But this thought process was interrupted by his stomach.

"Unusual. The lady didn't mention food."

"You're hungry?" the voice startled L.

"Yes. Is it not usual for one to be hungry?."

"Only those with spirit energy get hungry."

"No one mentioned that"

"That's because no one has any in Rukongai. At least, not those who know of it. Most go to the Shinigami Academy."

"I see. So there would be a chance you know Shinigami. Who are you?"

"Masaki Kurosaki."

"Just call me Ryuuzaki for now."

"Come on. I'll give you a place to stay."

Reviews are needed for updates. Or I'll probably lose intrest in the story.

Thanks for reading (and hopefully reviewing)

-Kichi