Well, although I didn't receive that many reviews for the last chapter, a promise is still a promise and I am going to update like I said I would. Though unfortunately for you readers, it is time for one of LS's rants. First off let me say that to all the Light fan's reading this fanfiction (obviously there are a lot of you considering he's the main character) I'M SORRY OosobsoO!!!! I know this isn't the best thing I've ever written, I acknowledge that but I wanted to do a challenge and I am not going to stop it because I am not pleasing people. And...quite frankly I love my side story I came up with so I want to continue for that reason. Not to mention, I must remind you all that this is an Alternate Universe fanfiction and I did that for a reason: because I knew I might disappoint the Light fans considering...so my excuse to you all is it's an AU fanfiction. The next thing, I'm almost done with this fanfiction and for those of you that are interested, I have gone over with some readers/friends and am going to be working on another story...which will involve mostly my favorite characters in Death Note which means it will be better than this considering I'll be more passionate about it.

Okay, now onto a few things about this story. One, I recently (actually it was today) purchased Death Note: Another Note. And you will never guess what I found in there that made me happy! Mello mentioned a certain character named Holden Caulfield from Catcher in the Rye. I don't know if anyone has noticed this but it is Holden Caulfield that inspires the character Arashi. Ever notice that I continue to use the term "goddamn" as one word and not two? Yeah, it's because that's what Holden Caulfield does. And I found that highly ironic and amusing. Next, as I hinted in the last chapter, this is not in Light's perspective. It is third person. It was originally supposed to be through Ryuk's POV (as you can see from the title) but it just...didn't have the flow that I wanted so I changed it. And I kept the title because I felt like it...END OF RANT. now reviews are encouraged, criticism is welcome, and ENJOY AS ALWAYS!!!


Through the Shinigami Eyes

The clock on the dresser read two forty five in the morning. Light and Arashi were sleeping soundlessly in separate chairs. L, however, still remained awake; his deep, dark eyes focusing on evidence. Crucial evidence that could ultimately decide the result of this case. The only other person that was awake was his assistant Nori. She came in, placing a plate of cake beside L as he continued to stare at the evidence as though she did not exist. This did not bother her one bit and she continued to go about her usual work which consisted mostly of cleaning the filthy headquarters. If there was any man that would get in serious trouble for trashing a hotel room, it was L. Nori then turned her attention towards the two sleeping college students.

"That's what it takes to be a hero, a little gem of innocence inside you that makes you want to believe that there still exists a right and wrong, that decency will somehow triumph in the end," she recited perfectly. Whether or not this proverb was a means of sarcasm or she was being genuine was unclear. However, L discarded the statement either way. He did not like it when Nori spoke in proverbs when they were alone. L took a bite of his cake, this time waiting to completely swallow before speaking.

"Nori, I think it is safe to say that no one is awake," L said reassuringly. Well, this certainly was not completely accurate since Ryuk the Shinigami was still watching over the two. However, the two could neither see nor hear him and no matter what they said Ryuk would never pass the information to Light in any way or form.

Almost immediately, Nori's bright smile faded. It was as though she had become a different person for she was no longer the cheery, happy-go-lucky assistant she was just moments ago.

"What a relief. If I had to recite another proverb today, I was going to go insane," she replied.

"It is your own fault for creating such a personality," L retorted.

"All too true," she said. "So, any news from Quillsh?"

"Well, you were correct in predicting that Light would hide any requests that mentioned him in the Kira Hotline. He never once mentioned the fact that Arashi sent in such a request," L informed his comrade.

"It's still not enough to convict Light of being Kira. Anyone would have done the same thing. Though maybe Arashi remaining close by will begin to make Light nervous," Nori said bitterly. Even her method of speaking was different. Her once high pitched, irritating voice had suddenly become serious.

"Yes, this is true, but I feel as a reward for your conclusion you deserve a drink," L said. Instantaneously, Nori was leaving the room no doubt to grab any sort of alcoholic beverage she could find. It did not take her long to find something for she soon returned to the room, already guzzling down the drink. "You seem to be very thirsty tonight Nori." The woman's eyes glared back at the detective.

"Honestly, I don't know how you deal with it L," she replied as she moved across the room, turning off the television and sitting herself across from L with the bottle still in her hand.

"I manage the best I can," was L's reply.

"Yeah, well I'm glad I got out of this crap while I could."

"You are still a very skilled detective and an intelligent woman." Nori paused from her drinking; a tint of pink was visible in her face.

"You flatter me but you know as well as I do that I wasn't cut out for the job," the former detective said, hiccupping slightly. The Shinigami witnessing this event could not help but to laugh at the once thought to be crazy woman.

"I do not believe this to be true. I still think you would make a far better detective than I am," L noted sincerely.

"Ha! But if I didn't refuse the job, you wouldn't be the famous L now would you. So it all works out for the best. You get what you always wanted and I get to be left alone."

"I find that comment extremely hurtful considering you left the Wammy House without a word." Nori's face turned into a frown as she took another sip from her bottle.

"You know very well I couldn't have just told them I was leaving. They would have never allowed it." L's face became grim at the memory that encircled his obtaining of the position "world's greatest detective". He took another bite of his cake before speaking.

"Still, it puzzles me as to why you did not want to be the world's greatest detective to begin with."

"Please, you think I could handle sitting in a dark room all by myself for hours and hours solving cases. Sure, I would get to travel the world occasionally but I wouldn't be able to go outside. I'm a free spirit, I can't be locked in a cage like you can," she replied hiccupping the entire time. "Though I'm impressed you were able to track me down so easily. Guess they picked a good successor after all, huh?"

"I was only able to find you easily because I desperately needed your help on this case," L said flatly. "We are having hard times as it is with the two of us, imagine what would have happened if I was the only one working on this case."

"Perhaps you should call Mello and Near then for help," Nori offered however L immediately shook his head.

"That won't do. I do not want to put their lives in danger unless it is absolutely necessary as in if I were to die."

"Don't say that, you're not going to die," Nori said, her eyes narrowing, "I may not have wanted to be a part of this case but I won't let some loser like Kira kill my successor." A small smile curled across L's lips.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm but let us be realistic."

"Hey listen, just cause I'm drunk, don't think I'm not being serious."

"No, of course; you are being serious."

Ryuk continued to watch as L waited patiently for Nori to finish the bottle of whatever it was she was drinking. The Shinigami could not help but to laugh at the hilarious yet almost sad sight. It reminded the Shinigami of when L had informed Light that he was his very first friend. At the moment, Ryuk could not exactly answer the question of why it was sad-he desperately was in need of an apple-he merely knew that it was sad.

"I am thinking that we should probably inform Arashi and Light that this was all just a set up...see their reactions and what not...plus, the new headquarters are finished...meaning we could start moving there," L finally said.

"I'm guessing you had all your records destroyed as a precaution," she hiccupped.

"All except one," L said promptly.

"Hey listen L," Nori began. L could tell that judging from how much she drank; Nori was starting to have trouble seeing. He imagined she could see not just one L but quite a few of them. "I don't like what you're getting yourself into."

"Please elaborate," was all L could say.

"You know what I mean. I don't trust Light and I don't trust that Arashi guy either. I think you should just kick them out of here before they find out too much. Don't tell them anything. Especially that Arashi: he looks like a mental case. At least Light has the wisdom to hide his insanity. Plus, Light was acting different today...he might be up to somethin."

"I understand your feelings however I feel that the only way to expose Kira for what he truly is is to get close to Light Yagami considering he is our prime suspect." Nori gave a heavy sigh at his response.

"Listen, just be careful. Don't go dying on me L."

"I thought you said only moments ago there was no way I was going to die. You were not going to allow that to happen, remember?" L replied with a smirk. Nori glared at him. Before she could say something, L reassured her by saying "I promise to be careful, Kerri."