A/N: This chapter took so long for me to complete! The holidays kept me busy. So, a belated Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope you had happy holidays and that you enjoy this chapter. R&R! Thank you to all who reviewed…makes me so happy ;D

I owe many, many thanks to Paige/Scuba Cat. She is my wonderful editor and writing buddy. If it weren't for her, this chapter would have killed me. XD

Disclaimer: I do not own Death Note or Inuyasha.

A Strawberry for Your Secret

Chapter Four

He stood in silence as L embraced Kagome. He never imagined that L would have such a weakness, and Light was uncertain how he would ever be able to use this new knowledge to his advantage. It is Kagome after all, always at the heart of trouble with her resounding heart of gold. He was baffled at the turn of events. "How do you guys know each other?" Light asked bluntly, as he looked at the pair. L pulled away, keeping his eyes on her delicate face. His hands were clasped in hers. Light looked at Kagome, a radiant smile graced her lips. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes danced all over L's face. She dropped one of his slender, pale hands to tuck some of her unruly hair behind her ear, her eyes shifting timidly to the ground.

As she did this L turned to look at Light with a sheepish smile pulling at his lips, he cleared his throat, "I lived in Japan with my guardian, Watari, until I was 8." L glanced at Kagome as he continued, "I've been an orphan ever since I can remember, and Kagome and I were friends when we were children. I left for England to go to an orphanage and haven't seen her since." Light nodded absently as he eyed their joined hands.

She turned her auburn eyes to L and beamed up at him. "I met Light in school. It seems you guys know each other already." Light hadn't seen Kagome like this in years. She was bubbling with excitement; her joy was uncontainable and contagious. "What brought you back? Why didn't you find me?" her features fell at her realization. Her eyes found the sidewalk, her feet shifting nervously back and forth, as she waited for L to answer. L's eyes widened slightly with panic as he thought of a story to tell Kagome. While she called him L, she obviously didn't know he was the great detective.

Light watched as L's body went rigid and said nothing to Kagome. Light stepped in to help. L didn't seem keen on lying and Light feared he might be brutally honest with Kagome. He didn't want her to get involved in any of this, "He's here on a tennis scholarship," L gazed at him gratefully, Light smiled as he continued; "He won the England Junior Cup, after all." Light heard Ryuk cackling next to him. I bet he is enjoying this madness.

L gladly chipped in, "The semester has been keeping me extremely busy, and so I haven't had much free time." He stood there awkwardly, scratching his mop of hair while he spoke. His shoulders remained slumped and his expression was emotionless and empty. His tired, murky eyes didn't leave Kagome's face.

L gave a small grin as Kagome accepted his explanation. She grinned, a glint of humor flashed in her eyes, "Since when were you coordinated enough to play sports?" Kagome exploded with giggles when L shot her a fierce look. A look he found hard to sustain with her doubling over laughing. His scowl was quickly replaced with a soft smile. L's shadowy eyes warmed as Kagome's musical mirth left her lips. A slow blush began to climb up L's face, making her sweet amusement intensify. Light found himself chuckling as well. With all their secrets and double lives, they made one hell of a trio.

As if on cue, L's phone rang, snapping everyone out of their reverie. He flipped his phone open and held it awkwardly by his ear, his other hand still gripping hers. "Moshi-moshi?" L answered.

While L was on the phone Light's brain tried to make sense of the new turn of events. He looked at the vulnerable man next to him. L's guard was down because of Kagome. She seemed to have this effect on many people, himself included. There was just something about the bubbly, energetic girl that brought out the best in people. Maybe L finally stopped believing he was Kira. Light tried to entertain himself with that thought. No, if he didn't believe I was Kira, he would have stopped following me around.

"Light," L's voice brought him to reality. He slipped his phone back into his pocket, not looking at either of them, "We need to leave." L's voice was firm and sour. Kagome's gaze fell, and she began to nibble on her fleshy bottom lip. Her long, thick hair fell over her shoulders, further hiding her face from their eyes.

Light stood silent for a moment, hesitant of L's unexpected mood change. "Sure," Light said tentatively, "I'll see you around Kagome." Light nodded her way and turned to leave. He saw L do the same; well… he tried to do the same. Kagome gripped his hand, holding it hostage between her own. Her face was hidden behind her messy bangs. He felt bad for Kagome, knowing that she probably thought L would vanish if she let him go. He most likely will…

L sighed and turned his gaze to the moping Kagome in front of him, "Wait for me in the car. Watari is in front of the administration building, waiting. I'll be there shortly." L didn't look at Light as he walked off.

So I guess I'm officially on the case, he grinned as he slipped a hand in a pocket of his grey slacks. It was too easy, he thought as he walked away from the strange couple. His hair tickled his face as the wind tossed it around. I should probably get a haircut soon, he thought saw a black town car waiting at the end of the sidewalk and an old man looking his way with a smile. His black suit was nicely pressed and small eyes gleamed from underneath his glasses. His hair was smoothed back, white as snow, and had a mustache to match. He reminded Light of an old sage. Is this L's caretaker?

"Nice to meet you, Light," the man said with a small bow, opening one of the shiny black doors.

"Watari?"

"Yes, now where is Ryuzaki?" Watari's old face wrinkled with his question.

"He's saying goodbye to Kagome," Light said dismissively and moved to enter the vehicle. He watched Watari's face light up with surprise as he passed him.

"Kagome...?" Watari's voice sounded like a haunted whisper.

Light slid into the car, wondering why Watari was so struck by Kagome's appearance.

L's elation at seeing Kagome was short-lived. His phone vibrated in his pocket; keeping a hand clasped to hers, he dug out the device and held it to his ear. "Moshi-moshi?"

"Ryuzaki, we need to get to headquarters as soon as possible," Watari said in his usual calm tone, "There have been 4 more murders attached to the serial killer." More murders?

"I'll be there soon," L said, snapping the phone shut, returning it to his pocket. He hated saying goodbye to people. I should leave with Light. He glanced at Light and told him they must leave.

"I'll contact you through Light-kun," L said, his voice void of any emotion. As he turned to leave, she held on to his hand as she had when he left Japan many years ago.

As Light meandered off to the car, he turned his attention to Kagome; her face was downturned and hidden. "I'm not leaving for good this time," he said with a slight smile. The warm breeze rustled around them. L watched her hair sway around her face, brushing the curve of her neck. L's eyes traveled with every flicker of her raven black hair as he thought. She always reminded him of summer, with her wild hair and warm spirit. Her dark eyes sang with compassion, as did her actions. He tucked a finger under her chin, his other hand imprisoned by Kagome's, and lifted her face. Kagome was an open book, L knew if he saw her face he would be able to determine what was running through her mind.

"I don't want to lose anyone else, L." She said in a sad whisper, tears welded in her eyes. "I can't watch you walk away again. Stay." Her eyes shone fiercely.

"Kagome," he started softly. He didn't want to leave so soon, he had missed the bundle of joy since he left Japan, but he had no option. As the internal battle waged on he heard Light yelling from the car.

"Ryuzaki, we need to go!" Light impatiently popped his head out of the car window as he called to L.

"Ryuzaki," she mumbled quietly, "is that your real name?" He nodded, not wanting to discuss his infamous day job.

"Please understand. I promise you'll hear from me soon." His hand slipped from hers. He turned and left her standing there; the moment sparking a memory he'd like to forget. "I never forgot you, K," he said gently as he turned away. L walked to the car, slumped over with a finger at his lip. He didn't allow himself to glance back at her as he slid into the car. Watari's face was perceptive and calm. He'll defiantly be concerned that she knows too much about me. L was surprised that she didn't put two and two together yet. The black leather seat squeaked as he brought his knees to his chin, wondering why this felt like the last time he would see her. He noticed Light's gaze on him. He turned to Light and said, "Let's keep Kagome completely out of this." His voice was firm, attempting to stress the importance to Light.

Light nodded tightly and returned to looking out the window as the bustling campus passed them by. L retreated into the recesses of his mind, trying to bury Kagome in its depths. She made him vulnerable. He put her in extreme danger just by being associated with her. He forced himself into the present knowing that his deduction capability would be lowered severely if he did not clear his thoughts. He needed to focus on the case. He saw the hotel approaching, and gathered himself as Watari pulled up to the curb.

They entered the lush, over decorated lobby and hopped onto a waiting elevator. L hit the 16 and turned to Light once the metal doors had shut, his face uncomfortably close to Light's. "What is it, Ryuzaki?" Light's eyes narrowed, his voice thick with irritation.

"I'm officially asking if you will help me with the Kira case," L stated, his eyes never leaving Light's as he searched for any sign of Kira within their molten depths. "I could use your logic and excellent deduction ability." Light began to squirm under his stare. L brought his thumb back to his lips and bit at the nail.

"Of course," Light said earnestly, with a stiff smile, "I would be honored! Does my father know I'll be joining the investigation?"

L shifted away and shrugged, "He will soon."

Light sat in a plush, red and white stripped chair, looking at his fellow investigators. They had been pouring over the new murders, attempting to find the missing link between these gruesome killings and Kira for a few days. They were all exhausted and sleep deprived. Light discovered that after a while, coffee stopped doing the trick. The only person who seemed unaffected by the lack of sleep and the amount of work was L. It seemed his demeanor never changed. He sat perched in front of his laptop day after day. His eyes became darker with each passing day. He hadn't mentioned Kagome at all, and Light was starting to wonder if he had imagined the whole incident.

Light allowed his mind to wander, hoping he'd have some kind of revelation. Who was so desperate for information that they would kill old members on the case? 83 officers and detectives from the Japanese Police Force worked on the case at some time and 7 were now dead. Each crime scene resembled a slaughterhouse after the killer was finished with the victims. Light had never seen anything like it in his life. He had helped solve a few cases before but nothing came close to this. Light couldn't wait until they found the man responsible so he could etch his name in the Death Note. Autopsies revealed that each victim underwent some form of torture before death. Such a cruel, twisted person had no place in Light's new world. He will die like the rest of them. What the detectives couldn't figure out was the motive behind the murders. Is it someone hell bent on finding Kira themselves for revenge? Light thought this seemed unlikely. If L was having difficulty, it would detour anyone else for trying to find Kira themselves. The crime scenes were spotless. Each murder executed with perfection and not a trace of evidence had been found at the crime scenes. L had sent his own team of investigators to each of the crime scenes and they returned empty handed as well. L sat across from him, in his usual white, long sleeve shirt and jeans. He was crouched over, staring indifferently at the tea in front of him. He's taking these cases as serious as the Kira case. "What are your thoughts on these murders, Ryuzaki?" he verbalized his train of thought.

The great detective's dark eyes flicked up from his tea and stared at Light. A long moment passed, unbeknown to the other investigators bustling around them, before L spoke. "At first I thought the killer was after Kira and sought out information in order to capture him themselves. As the case has progressed, however, I've begun to assume the killer is after one of us." This last sentence had Light's eyes squinting with surprise. Everyone around them suddenly stopped what they were doing to listen.

"Us?" Matsuda questioned uneasily, his eyes burning with inquiry. "Why would someone want to kill one of us?" He sat down on the edge of a couch between L and Light.

"Kira has no need for an accomplice. He can kill with a name and a face, and is doing so regularly and effortlessly. He would not need to join forces with anyone, so it is safe to rule out Kira's involvement in the murders. With that, however, comes an infinite amount of questions as to the killer's motives. He has obtained the files from the Kira case before I began to work here in Japan." Watari came in with a cart full of cakes and sweets for L to devour. L's eyes brightened as he began to select which cakes he wanted. He plucked a number of cakes, of all colors and sizes, off the cart and delicately placed them in front of him. He eyed his new collection while he continued, "We also do not know how much information he received from the victims or who the killer is actually after. I have a good hunch that he is after me, but this raises even more serious questions."

Watari began to pass around files of the Los Angeles BB case. Light had never heard of the case and began to rummage through the file, "So this isn't the first time you've been the target of a serial killer?" Light raised his eyebrows at L. He wasn't surprised that someone had already attempted to purge the world of L but was interested why they wanted him dead.

"No," L's cold, baritone voice made everyone stop. His gaze was smoldering and dark; Light had never seen him like this before. He explained, "4 years ago, someone from the orphanage became obsessed with the idea of surpassing me. All the details are in the file. Beyond Birthday was found trying to burn himself alive at the scene of the crime in Los Angeles. He was arrested and sentenced to life in prison, naturally. I have record that he died of a heart attack while in prison earlier this year." L's voice was stale and icy, his black eyes unseeing. "I think he escaped."

He watched L depart, leaving behind a beautiful yet sullen woman. Foolish, as always, aren't you L? She stood there; her eyes remained on the spot where L had climbed into the car and disappeared. Her hands clenched tightly at her side as she began to walk off the lively campus. Beyond was intrigued by the pale beauty and her connection to L, so he followed her. B had taken the identity of his last victim. He was young, with short black hair and a tall lean build. He wore crisp black pants, and a simple white polo. His skin was light, with olive undertones, giving him a foreign look. He walked with confidence as he shadowed Kagome's every step. He would have her in the palm of his hand before she knew it. B smirked at his wicked train of thought.

It was a rather short walk through the bustling outskirts of Tokyo. B entertained his thoughts by watching Kagome's hips sway with each step. He liked the bounce of her hair as she walked. Her black tresses shined with the light of the falling afternoon sun. His mind then wandered to the murders he committed recently. Beyond didn't necessarily enjoy killing, but he was more or less curious of the many ways you could break the human body. He watched as she took a turn into an old shrine with seemingly endless gray steps. The shrine was shrouded by trees, blocking his view of her home and the shrine itself.

B turned and began to walk back towards the city. The day was unordinary. It was September and he enjoyed the sun on his skin and the warm wind that blew through the streets. People went on with their daily lives, seemingly unaffected by Kira and the new brutal killings. The world was used to death. It was inevitable and his red eyes saw it everywhere. This was the only thing that B kept the same when he took his new identity. He caught a taxi when he neared the heart of the city. He stayed in a small and quiet hotel on the edge of Tokyo. The sun was beginning to set and B could already see the night watchers on the prowl, ready to spend a night on the town.

B's night was just getting started as well. The new girl, with the extraordinary life span and beauty to match her mystery, would be his. He would unravel her secrets and wind himself into her life. Everyone close to L had been untouchable. Watari would have been a good target, or one of the trio: Matt, Mello, Near. They were untouchable. After B left the orphanage, he forfeit any chance at using them to overthrow L's rule. Wammy's was big on security and he decided to wait it out. He had been given a gift. Higurashi Kagome. He remembered, in detail, what had transcribed that day, right before my very eyes. The city lights passed him by in a blur of thought and fantasy. The sudden stop of the cab snapped B out of his thoughts. He tossed money at the driver, who grunted in response, and hopped out of the dirty cab.

He sat at his computer for a few hours, the low murmur of the T.V. in the background. He had discovered Kagome was 'sick' a lot, which made him very curious. She had secrets, yes, and Beyond Birthday was becoming more curious with her the more he searched. She was friends with the greatest detective in the world, and the most wanted mass murderer. He chuckled. Dangerous lifestyle, he sighed inwardly as he moved his blood red eyes to the T.V. across the small room, I like that.

B was pleased that he got some practice acting like L during the Los Angeles BB investigation, because he was going to put on quite a show to keep Kagome by his side, and away from L. He wanted to take absolutely everything from L, and this time there was no room for failure. B had one more shot. He began to structure his imaginary life in Tokyo and prepared for his call to Kagome the following day. He closed the lid of his laptop, exhausted by all the ruthless scheming, and sauntered to the bathroom. He flicked on the dull, humming light. He began to take off his makeup, erasing the disguise and showing his true face. He was convinced that no one had ever seen his real face, which lay scared and broken underneath the layers of deception.

The next day, Beyond was giddy with excitement. He sat crouched in front of his laptop, finding an apartment to rent while he stayed in Tokyo. Fully furnished, expensive, great view and it was all for her. He weaved his web so intricately that once someone was trapped, B made sure that they would never escape. He dug his greedy pale fingers into a fresh jar of jam. The contents dripped down the side of his mouth leaving behind blood red stains. He suckled every sickly sweet drop from his fingertips before he went into the bathroom to begin his transformation into L. After so many years, the process became easier. While at Wammy's, Beyond mimicked L frighteningly well. After all, he was training to be the next great detective, so B wanted to become the man himself. Each smear of the chalky pale concealer brought B closer to his goal.

He shrugged on the simple garb that L wore day in and day out: a white, loose long sleeve shirt and a pair of relaxed blue jeans. He donned on a pair of ratty old sneakers, no socks, before he slouched onto the bed with a sigh. He plucked his cell phone off the end table, deciding it was time to give little Kira a call. His connection with the girl would ease his way into her life. The phone rang twice before he heard a click and a familiar male voice filter through the earpiece. "Hello?" the voice questioned.

"Kira," was all B had to say before he heard a low gasp and shuffling on the other end. A smirked stretched across his face. "All settled?" Beyond asked, as the other line got quiet.

"Ryuzaki?" Kira's voice was breathy. B could tell he had surprised him.

"Yes, yes, Light Yagami. I have a few questions for you." Without waiting for a response, B continued as he padded over to the mini-fridge, "It seems as though our dear Kagome is close to L…"

He was cut short by Light's low snarl, "How do you know Kagome?"

Beyond chuckled softly, "Oh, she's friends with you as well? How unfortunate. I've kept a close eye on you, little Kira." He grabbed another jar of his favorite jam, "Now," he piped, "we will be teaming up to destroy our friend L. I will be able to befriend Kagome because of my uncanny resemblance to the detective, while you keep him busy with his Kira investigation." He continued to ignore Lights attempts at interrupting him. Beyond paced around his small hotel room while he spoke, "I assume you've heard of the LABB case? L has most likely begun to suspect my escape and involvement in the murders. You are on the team investigating Kira and the mysterious serial murders occurring in Tokyo, correct?"

"Beyond?" Light gasped. His voice astonished and unsure, "How did you kn…"

"There are many ways to break the human body, Kira. We have the same goal here. You and I both want L dead. Distract L. If you allow L to interfere, Kagome will know the true meaning of pain. I'll be checking in on you soon." He snapped the phone closed and plopped down in front of his laptop with a smile. Satisfied and confident in Kira's forced participation in his plan, he plunged his fingers into the cold, squishy jam. He would swing by the apartment to sign some paper work today and give Kagome a call. His jam was left half finished on the desk while he finished off his metamorphosis into the detective. He put in the dark contacts to mask his frighteningly dark, red eyes. Perfect. He stared at the reflection in the mirror, pleased with the overall look. He rubbed the dark smudges underneath his eyes making them puff. She'll never know.

He plucked the phone out of his pocket and punched in Kagome's number. One ring and he heard a cheerful girl, "Hello!"

"Kagome-chan," B mimicked L's indolent, languid tone flawlessly, "it's L."

He heard a tiny, muted giggle, "L! I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon." He could hear the smile on her face as she spoke.

"I promised I would. Let's meet up somewhere, I dislike talking on phones. Know any good sweet shops?" He wouldn't have any problem stomaching some cake and tea.

"Of course! Hmm, let me think…" she trailed off.

"I'll just meet you at your house while you decide. A walk sounds nice, anyway."

"O..okay, I guess. See you soon?" She hesitated, "You remember where I live, right?"

He smiled at that, recalling the shine, "Yes. I'll be there around 3." He glanced at the clock above the television, 12:30. That gives me plenty of time. "Ciao, K." He closed the phone, placing it back in his pocket. He slouched out of the hotel, his things in a simple, black overnight bag that hung from one of his shoulders. Today will set things in motion. He smiled as he flagged down a taxi and made his way into the heart of Tokyo and Kagome's life.

After the quick finalization of the apartment, he made his way to the shrine. He soon found himself standing in front of a modest, 2 story Japanese style home and knocked on the door. He returned both hands in his pockets and resumed slouching at an uncomfortable angle. The door swung open to reveal a smiling, middle-aged woman. "L!" she practically squealed as she hugged him. Her mother? He saw Kagome over her shoulder with an apologetic smile on her soft face. B stood there awkwardly as she released him, "It has been so long! When Kagome mentioned you were back, I didn't believe her." He nodded and gave a small smile.

Kagome walked over, smiling up at him, "Hi." She turned her head quickly, saying bye to her mom as she grabbed his hand and made her way off the shrine. He tossed a smile and a wave to her mom and returned his attention to the lively girl smiling next to him. Her brown eyes shined, "I know just where to take you!" She dropped his hand as they descended the stairs, "It's not too far."

"It's good to see you again, K," he looked at her. Her hair was pulled away from her face, half of it in a small clip at the base of her head. She wore no makeup, not really needing any. Her eyes were large and brilliant; her lips stained a natural pink. He noticed a blush begin to touch her cheeks as he looked at her. This is going to be too easy, he thought as he grinned down at her.

He was glad to see that she was talkative, making it easy for him. At least she has a soft, pleasant voice. He crouched on a chair in the small café, devouring a slice of strawberry cheesecake. B loved strawberries, as did L. She nibbled on a cookie in between sentences, picking it apart delicately. He offered information about his time in England, earning her full attention. She sat in a blue long sleeve shirt, a thin, brown jacket hanging on the back of her chair. Strands of her long, raven hair fell over her shoulders, catching his eye. She wore dark, simple blue jeans; her legs were crossed as she gazed at him keenly. An hour had passed by with simple conversation. Her phone vibrated on the table, she shot a rueful look at him, "Answer it, I don't mind."

"Hello?" She said, sounding irritated.

He watched with interest as her face twisted in confusion, "Uh, sure. This is really random, Light." He had to fight back his grin. Good boy, Kira. She continued as he thought, "Yeah, I can head over later. Alright, see you then," she closed her phone. "Light can be so weird sometimes," she said dimly.

He gave a short, broken laugh and nodded in agreement. "Light-kun is a good friend," he said, earning a smile from her.

"Yeah, you're right," she pushed her food away from her, leaning on her elbows. "Well, it looks like I'll be having dinner with him and his family tonight. It's just so random," she twirled a strand of her hair as she thought.

"Well," B started slowly, hoping up off the seat in one fluid motion, "let me walk you home, then."

He paced anxiously in his room; going over what Beyond had told him on the phone. "You couldn't warn me that someone else had been following me?" He growled at Ryuk, who hovered over his bed, "You told me about Raye following me, but you decided not to mention that Beyond Birthday was on my heels?" He was seething. It was hard enough dodging L's ever-watchful eye, but now Beyond. Doesn't he have the eyes?

"Light, I see hundreds of names every day. I'm not your body guard." Ryuk said, he yawned, "Besides, I probably would have notice if someone was following you again. That FBI agent really got on my nerves." Ryuk grabbed the apple laying on the desk and bit into the red flesh with a loud crunch.

"Have you ever heard of someone having the Shinigami eyes without having a Death Note?" Light asked.

"Hmm, well now that you mention it I think I heard something about it before." Ryuk downed the core before continuing, "A long time ago, it is said that a miko had cursed a human prince and his bloodline. She gave him the shinigami eyes as punishment for slaughtering her entire village in search of the Sacred Jewel. He would see death everywhere he looked as she did. This upset many shinigami as I recall. While she sacrificed half of her life for it, she had no shinigami to give it to. Waste of life." Ryuk shrugged, "It is only legend, though Light-o. Why do you ask?"

"I think Beyond has them. He doesn't seem to know about the Death Note though. He said he couldn't see my lifespan." Light stopped short as the doorbell rang. He heard his mother happily greeting Kagome downstairs. He shot Ryuk a look before exiting his room and shuffling down the staircase. "Hey, Kagome," Light smiled brightly at her as she turned to look up at him.

"Hi. Thanks for inviting me over." She smiled at his mother, "It has been so long since I've seen everyone."

Sayu came darting down the stairs, her short hair bouncing as she leapt towards Kagome. "Kagome-chan," She hugged her tightly, "my brother has been keeping you from me." She turned to Light and stuck out her tongue.

He gave a small laugh and grabbed Kagome's small hand, stealing her from the greedy hands of Sayu and darting up to his room. She tripped over her feet as she entered the room, stumbling into Light. "Oh," she gasped. Finding her equilibrium she looked at Light, "I'm sorry, Light." Her eyes were wide and nervous. What's wrong with her?

"I know it is random for me to want to see you again. When I saw you at the school I felt stupid for staying mad at you for so long," he was never good with apologies, even when faking one. The appearance of Beyond had him on edge. While he didn't care if they remained close friends, he also didn't want to see her used or hurt by a sociopath. He sighed to himself. She doesn't realize the mess she was involved in. I want to keep it that way.

She plopped on his bed, laying her jacket next to her. He sat in the chair at his desk, flipping on the small T.V. for background noise. He watched as her eyes kept sliding behind him, where Ryuk was bouncing around mumbling to himself about apples. Light had gotten good at ignoring his antics. Her leg bounced around nervously. He shrugged this off as coincidence, there is no way she touched my Death Note.

"Well, I'm going to attend To Oh in the spring after I finish up my semester at the community college. So you will be seeing plenty of me again." She smiled as she continued, "I'm so glad that L is back and at To Oh no less!" Her russet eyes lit up, "I saw him today…" She continued to speak but Light didn't hear her. He knew for a fact that she had not seen L today. He was with him investigating the case until an hour ago. He knew that L wouldn't be waltzing around Tokyo with Kagome with the ongoing Kira case. He pinched the bridge of his nose as she stopped talking. He looked at her, she's already been with Beyond. Pictures of the murders flashed through his mind. He hid the shudder that shook through his body at his realization.

"Yeah," he started hesitantly, "L is a good guy. It's ironic that you met him before and now I'm friends with him too." He smiled his perfect smile at her. How could she not notice that it wasn't L she saw today? Light was frustrated by the new situation. Beyond Birthday could ruin everything if I'm not careful. He just needed to figure out how to dissuade Kagome from seeing him again. As he thought this, he heard his mom call up for them. Kagome bounced up off his bed and down the stairs, Light trailing behind her in a fog of thought.

Supper passed by in a blur of happy conversation. They meandered back to his room afterwards, talking about school and easily settling back into their friendship. As they crossed the threshold into Light's perfect and tidy room, they stopped short. Light had left the T.V. on and the word 'KIRA' sprawled elegantly across the screen had them both holding their breath. Light grabbed the remote from the desk and turned the volume up, revealing a robotic voice. Light sat anxiously in his desk chair listening to this imposter. Kagome moved to stand behind him; he could hear her gasp as this new Kira killed off television hosts. So, another shinigami got bored and the notebook fell into the hands of a complete idiot. Light gritted his teeth. He knew L would notice this new Kira's tactics, easily deducing that there were now 2 Kiras in Japan.

"Another Kira…" he heard Kagome's faint murmur. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end with her words. How could she possibly know that there were 2?

He whipped his head back to look at Kagome. Her face was ghostly and drained of all color. Her lips quivered as she gasped again, raising a hand to cover her mouth. Her watery brown eyes never left the screen, "how did they kill without a name?" They both watched as a man collapsed in front of Sakura Studio.

Her question had Light reeling. They have the eyes, he thought as he watched a bus slam into the building holding the telecast. Is it Beyond?

"I need to leave," Kagome said frantically as she grabbed for her bag and jacket. Her long, clumsy legs had her stumbling out his door without a backwards glance. He sat there, hands holding his head, for a long time after she left. How in the world can I turn this around? His thoughts raced through possibilities and landed on the conclusion that he would have to wait it out. The 2nd Kira seemed to be thoughtless and reckless. He figured if he didn't get involved they would be captured and he would be safe to continue the creation of his utopia.

"Some mess you've gotten yourself into, Light-o," Ryuk said nonchalantly. His menacing, endless grin widening as Light's mouth twitched.

"Can you tell if another shinigami enters the human world?"

"No," Ryuk said, sounding bored. "You sure you don't want to make a deal with me?"

Light glared at Ryuk, not answering his question. His amber eyes burned with anger. His hair fell in front of them as he sat in soundless contemplation. His phone buzzed on the soft wood of his desk causing him to jump out of his skin. He flipped open the phone, "Light Yagami speaking," he answered stiffly.

"Light-kun," L's lazy, unenergetic tone drifted through the receiver, "I need you to come to headquarters tomorrow morning. Can you make it?"

"Yeah," Light responded without hesitation. He will want me to help investigate the new Kira.

"See you then," L said shortly and hung up.

Light tossed his phone back on the desk and plunged head first into his bed. He flipped onto his back with a hand behind his head. His eyes studied the ceiling as he thought. I'm going to need some sleep if I plan on making through the next few days. He assumed L would hold him hostage with paperwork and investigating. Without a word to Ryuk, Light turned onto his side and allowed his mind to rest.

He awoke with a start; his phone rang loudly from across the room. Getting up as fast as his tired body would allow; he reached for the phone and put it next to his ear. His groggy, low voice asked, "Hello?"

"I'm outside, Light-kun," he heard L's reply. He glared at his alarm clock, which read 5:34 and closed his phone with unnecessary force. Grabbing a bag, mumbling angrily under his breath, he packed an overnight bag and changed out of his nightclothes. No one was awake, so as he passed the kitchen he grabbed an apple and tossed it Ryuk's way. He ran a hand through his hair as he walked towards the black car sitting in front of his house. I didn't get to take a shower, he complained. Dew hung onto the grass and a chill rode the soft wind. The morning sun was low on the horizon, leaving the world a hazy gray. He closed the gate and hopped into the waiting car.

Upon arrival to the busy hotel headquarters, Light was given the tapes from Sakura Studio and asked to analyze them. He soon realized that L was testing Light, he grit his teeth as he slid a backwards glance at the detective. His wide, dark eyes looked on innocently, a thumb against his pale lips. Light sighed after he watched the tape and turned to the small investigating team, telling them that he believed there was a 2nd Kira. He heard his father sigh with relief, "Is he cleared, Ryuzaki?"

"3 percent," L responded absently. He explained that Light had deduced the same as he did and Light would help find more information on the new Kira. L assigned him to play role of the original Kira to respond to the tapes.

A few days passed before the team watched as the 2nd Kira eagerly responded. Light's eyes widened in a panic as they freely mentioned the shinigami eyes and notebook. What are they doing? He attempted to keep a calm façade as his thoughts raced by hysterically and angrily. He would have to find a way to illuminate the 2nd Kira before they exposed them both. L turned from where he was perched in front of them and began to assign work to each of them. The team was given bits of descriptive information as to where the 2nd Kira would possibly be, waiting to meet the original Kira. All of the investigators were assigned to wait at each location to see if either of the Kiras would expose themselves. With the heavy investigation, Kagome fell from L and Light's thoughts, and further into B's grasp.

Beyond flipped open his phone, pacing impatiently around his apartment. "K," he purred when she picked up.

"L," she sighed, "good to hear from you. How are you?" She babbled.

"I was thinking we could see each other again, if you aren't busy," he grinned when she eagerly agreed. He asked her to meet him at a popular shopping plaza in the depths of Tokyo in an hour. He hung up the phone and sprawled his slight, lengthy body across the crisp white couch in his room. The apartment was spacious and lushly decorated. The walls of his room were a pale grey, with sapphire blue curtains draped elegantly over the bay windows. He got up and leaned against its frame, taking in the extraordinary sight. The city was alive and thriving. He sighed and padded to the connecting bathroom to get ready for his next venture with Ms. Kagome.

He emerged as L twenty minutes later and tossed on the simple clothing before slipping out the door. As he walked the busy streets of the city, he thought about the new Kira appearance. He suspected that Light would be annoyed by the new Kira and seek to destroy them. He giggled lightly to himself. Light has his hands full. As do I, he thought wickedly as he spotted Kagome leaning against the outside of a building. People moved all around her. He silently watched before approaching, stalking his delicious prey. Her eyes danced vacantly around the crowd, light circles under their chocolate depths. She obviously didn't get much sleep since he saw her last. Her straight, raven black hair fell all around her face. Her eyes smoldered when she saw him near her. He was surprised when she suddenly embraced him. "It's good to see you," she mumbled into his shoulder. He awkwardly returned the hug, not used to being this close to anyone. His arms stiffly fell around her, his dark eyes full of surprise. She pulled away and smiled brightly at him. "So what are we doing today?" she questioned.

He regained his cool composure, slumping his bony shoulders and scratching his head. "I figured we could just walk around and window shop or something," he said, sounding unsure and awkward.

She simply grinned and gripped his hand, pulling him off down the busy sidewalk. A moment passed by in silence as they fell in step with each other. B kept both of his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he stole a glance to his right. Kagome bounced along happily, a smile constantly tugging at her lips. "So, how is school?" she asked casually.

"It's going well. Have you seen Light-kun? He hasn't been at class much recently." B asked curiously. He had been unable to locate Light recently and it was bugging him. L must have him slaving over the Kira investigation. However, I haven't killed anyone recently, he thought. They must have gotten a big lead or something.

She paled at his question, her eyes distant. "No," she said quietly, "I haven't seen him since the day I saw you last."

I will be giving Kira a call, he thought unhappily. Her face fell as she continued to maul over whatever had happened that night. She steered the conversation away from Light and began to ramble on about a shop she wanted to check out. As he walked, listening to her soft voice, he looked at the crowd about him. Faces, names, and life spans flooded his cursed eyes. His eyes stopped on a hunched monster in the throng of people, unseen by the world, except to Beyond. Shinigami. It walked, stooped over, its gray bony form shadowing a bubbly blonde-haired woman. Gray, short strands of the demons hair fell into its face. Purple lips and yellow eyes contrasted its ashen face. He turned his attention to the bouncing form beside it. She had vivid blonde hair, half of it pulled into twin tails. Her lips, stained crimson red, held a constant smile. She wore a lacey, black corseted dress that fell above her knees; accompanied by lace stockings and gloves. She has a black choker at the base of her neck and chains on her dress that swung as she danced along. He glanced above her head and gaped. She has no time either. Misa Amane…so this was the 2nd Kira. It had to be. He was unable to see her time remaining, like Light. He smirked as he continued to walk by a distracted Kagome.

"Oh no," he heard a faint whisper fall from her lips. He glanced over at her slight frame. He noticed her eyes were on something to his left and followed her gaze. Can she see the shinigami? Her eyes were wide and frightened. A shiver shook through her and he watched as she attempted to compose herself, but she had already allowed him to see too much.

"What is it Kagome?" he asked innocently, false concern thick in his quiet voice.

"Nothing," she forced a smile and continued down the sidewalk. Beyond trailed a bit behind her, a malicious grin danced on his small, pale lips. She lacks the eyes, but can see the shinigami. Kagome, I might decide to keep you after all. He caught up with her, grinning down at her as they continued walking together. She will be mine.

A/N: Extra long chapter because you guys had to wait so long! Thanks for reading! Review for me!