AN - Hello! Happy Memorial Day Weekend for all my American readers! I also happen to be American which is great because my school gave off on Friday and Monday which means I have more time to write while I also study for my finals in two weeks...school never seems to cut anyone any slack. But after exams, I'll be slightlymore free during the summer. My summer schedulemight become a little hecticas I'm traveling a lot but if I know I can't post next Friday then I'll be sure to post two in the same week. I'll make sure to keep this story updated for your enjoyment.
As of this chapter, the character identity that was introduced in the last chapter (and one person guessed correctly) will be finally be revealedand his importance to the story will become fairly evident. As I had very little to go off from the Death Note Universe, I've basically written him as my own and all the quirks and appearancesare completely mine. I've also completely styled his physicalappearanceoff Dane Dehaan, so if you want a good visual then google up a couple pictures of him (he was also in Kill Your Darlings with Daniel Radcliffewhich also happens to be one of may alltime favorite movies that I've watched many many times)
Light, L and Alexander is going to be one hell of a mix, and I hope you enjoy. There's another game in the chapter that I took great pleasure in writing. (also review! I love reviews. they mean so much and to all those who have been thank you so much! This is the first story I've ever written and published and too get all this feedback is amazing)
On with the story...
Chapter Nine - Questions are Keys to the Soul
Using his long, thin fingers, Alexander delicately picked up a green tinted pill and placed it in his mouth. He swallowed, and his adam apple bobbing as the pill descended down his esophagus into his stomach. Once there, acid quickly broke down the pill, releasing supplements which then soaked through the small intestine lining into the bloodstream. His steady heart continually pumped and pushed the supplement through the numerous capillary, veins and arteries, and the body made use of the artificial chemicals to strengthen and protect the busy cells that worked continually to ensure the body continued to perform properly.
Alexander carefully placed another pill, this one a slightly reddish tint, onto the tip of his tongue and took a sip of water to help the pill descended down his throat.
"Isn't it funny how fragile our bodies are?" Alexander asked, as he placed yet another pill in his mouth. This time he dry-swallowed and slightly winced at the sensation of the hard object forcing its way down his throat. "Compared to the rest of the animal world, we are the weakest creature," Alexander continued. "We are nothing but hairless soft creatures who lack in any threatening characters. We have no claws, nor fangs, nor wings to escape any danger. We cannot run fast. We cannot fight well. We are nothing, truly, except for the fact that we question and formulate. Our only real power lies in our mind, a delicate organ which can easily decay and corrupt. Our ability to think allows us to surpass every other animal on the food chain, placing us at the top. We are the masters of the world, yet we cannot even compete physically with the majority of other animals. Take away our ability to think, and we immediately descended the food chain until we are nothing but bony snacks, easily caught and killed. Already, it almost takes nothing to kill a human. One good injury, and we cease to exist. Our body caves in on itself. We are betrayed by our greatest weakness – the fleshy prison that holds us all captive in its mortal constraints. To overcome the body is to achieve immortality."
"And that's why Alexander takes an excessive amount of vitamins. Almost like your obsession with sweets." Light commented to L. He made no acknowledgment of Alexander long speech, instead focusing of eating the sushi with rigid precision.
"Ah, but Light Yagami, even you acknowledge our weakness. You enjoy apples, do you not?" Alexander asked with a glint in his eyes.
"Just as much as the next person," Light replied, a fake smile plastered on his face. L observed the whole exchange, noting the underlying animosity.
"Well, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. That is a common American phrase and well used. You eat healthy to keep your body fit and alive as long as possible. We all take the necessary actions to keep our bodies working." Alexander picked up a fork and knife and carefully cut a sliver of sushi off and speared it with his fork. In small, measured movements, he brought it to his mouth and delicately bit down. He chewed slowly, savoring every taste. Light shot him an annoyed look which Alexander smiled lightly at. "What about you, Mr. Ryuuzaki? What do you do to ensure the healthiness of your vessel?" He inquired between a bite.
"I don't particularly do anything…" L responded, thinking about his habits. "In fact, I appear to do the opposite under your terms. I consume a large amount of sugary treats daily; I do not sleep much; I do not exercise. It has never struck me as much of a problem." Light smirked at L's response.
"Nothing?" asked Alexander, aghast. "Aren't you worried your body will give out on you?" he asked, horror sketched on his face. L paused a moment.
"Not particularly. Human bodies are capable of undergoing a lot, and I have found that using one's brain can consume calories faster than exercise. Therefore, as long as I continue to think, I do not believe I will experience any complications arising from my habits." L looked down at his sushi, dissatisfied by the saltiness of the seaweed. He really couldn't stand any other taste then the sugary sweetness.
"You really think that?" Light asked in amazement at L's statement. Alexander continued to look at him with a mix of horror…and interest?
"Of course. That is why I need an almost constant supply of sugar to power my brain."
"Pretentious much?" Light jibed, smiling at L.
"I simply speak the truth." L responded, pushing his plate over to Light's empty one. "I have no interest in sushi. You may have mine if you please."
"What did you say your name was again?" Alexander asked with his sapphire eyes focused completely on L.
"Ryuuzaki Ruyga." L responded, returning the gaze with his onyx look. Alexander leaned forward, his expression crossed with curiously and interest.
"How exactly did you make the acquaintance of Light Yagami, Mr. Ryuzaki Ryuga?" Alexander inquired. Light placed a hand on L's knee and squeezed softly. L quickly glanced sideways at Light. Even though his expression was practically unreadable, L sensed his discomfort. He nodded slightly in order to reassure Light.
"Light-kun ran into me on his way to class. This initiated a conversation which turned into a tennis match, and from there our relationship has changed and expanded."
"So you have not known him for very long." Alexander leaned forward slightly, catching every word of L's.
"In temporal terms, no. However, it has appeared to be enough." L responded. He observed every move of Alexander, filing it to analyze later.
"Since it is now romantic?"
"Alexander, you really don't need to become a part of this." Light interrupted.
"Ah, but I think I do Light Yagami. You may continue Mr. Ryuzaki Ryuga." Alexander looked expectantly at L, but L hesitated before speaking.
"For me to continue to answer your questions, then I request you answer some of my own." L placed his thumb on his lips, observing how a large and this time seemingly real smile spread across Alexander's face.
"Very clever. However, I have no obligation to answer any of your questions."
"Neither do I." responded L, turning to Light. "Light-kun, I believe the sale at the bakery is still ongoing. Would you mind if we went, considering how the sushi didn't satisfy my appetite?"
"Not at all," Light answered, his eyes shining with amusement.
"I hope you do not mind if we leave. I really would hate to miss the sale." L stood and moved to leave the table. Light followed up while Alexander regarded them with satisfaction etched on his face.
"You do know how to play a game, Mr. Ryuzaki Ryuga. Sit back down and ask your question. But remember, you are playing with a very dangerous person. Be careful with what you say and do." Alexander warned, and his eyes flickered with deadly delight. L sat back down, and Light grudgingly followed.
"What is your connection to Light-kun?" L questioned, his eyes narrow and focused.
"I'm investigating your boyfriend for a case." Alexander responded, before posing his own question. "What was your first impression of Light Yagami?"
"He was a pretentious ass who had probably had everything he ever wanted presented to him on a silver platter." L answered honestly drawing an insulted glance from Light. "What case are you investigating with Light-kun?"
"I believe your precious boyfriend is Kira." A replied. L groaned inwardly. What the hell did Light do to already become a suspect? Japan contained millions of people, but somehow this Alexander had narrowed down the population to Light. "What do you think of Light Yagami now?" Alexander asked.
"He is extremely fascinating and I have yet to be bored by his company. " L paused, thinking of his next question. If he immediately moved on from Alexander's accusation, it might cast suspicion on Light. It might be better to appear surprised, so L deiced to restate Alexander's answer. "Did you just say Light-kun is suspected for being Kira?"
"I did. What are your thoughts on that accusation?"
"I have had no reason to suspect him for committing those murders. In fact, I have not even considered it. Who are you?"
"I am A." Alexander admitted. L's eyes widened in shock. A was the world's greatest detective, if not the greatest detective of the twenty first century. He had solved almost every case imaginable, and here he was sitting right across the table. "So Light Yagami has displayed no signs of being Kira, either in his actions or words?" Alexander continued
"Light-kun has displayed a strong sense of justice, but other than that Light-kun has exhibited no other signs. Why do you suspect Light-kun?"
"Oh, a multitude of reasons. He fits every characteristic that Kira has exited thus far. Do you think Light Yagami could be Kira?"
"No, I do not believe Light-kun is Kira. I do not like disregarding any possibility, but the chance of Light-kun being Kira is close to one percent and only because he displays above average intelligence. How do you believe Kira is committing these crimes?"
"It's still a mystery, but one I will solve. Do you think Light Yagami could be hiding anything from you?"
"We all hide secrets about ourselves, so yes of course Light Yagami is hiding things from me, just as I am hiding things from him and you are hiding things from us." L answered. He weighed the risk of expressing more interest to Kira, but decided that anyone would be curious about such a heated topic. "How do you plan to catch Kira?" L asked
"I need to catch him in the act. Do you think Light Yagami could be hiding the secret of being Kira from you?"
"Light-kun is an adept liar, but I am certain I would know if Light-kun was hiding such a big secret. He could not hide that secret from me. What is your greatest fear?"
"The inevitability of death. And yours?"
"Losing to anyone, regardless of circumstance."
"Fascinating." Alexander murmured. "You really have something here Light Yagami. I am impressed."
"Thank you Alexander. Now if you would excuse us, we really must go." Light said, standing to move up. L looked at him quizzically.
"Where to Light-kun?"
"You said the sale was still going on at the bakery right? And I would really hate for you to go hungry. You understand Alexander, right?" Light grabbed his coat, throwing it around his shoulder and sliding his hands into the sleeves.
"Ah, yes of course Mr. Light Yagami. You will still be meeting with me tonight. I will call you with details." Alexander continued to sit and from his pocket removed a small bottle of pills. He removed one and stuck out his tongue to place the pill in his mouth. He smiled at L and his eyes roamed every inch of L's frame. L continued to sit precariously.
"One last question," he demanded.
"Hmm? Oh go for it." Alexander agreed, his thin lips pressed tightly together.
"As you said, death is inevitable."
"Yes." Alexander agreed. "And?"
"How do you want to die?" L questioned, his expression serious and intense. Alexander appeared taken aback by the sudden question, before leaning in close to L's face.
"Under my own terms. And you?" Alexander whispered so quietly Light couldn't hear. He eyes became deep pools of water which L could feel himself slowly drowning inside the irises.
"Poetically." L whispered back, his voice nearly silent and only caught by Alexander's adept ears. "Thank you for answering my questions."
"Likewise." Alexander responded without removing his attention from L. They continued to stare at each other for good couple of minutes, neither side daring or wishing to break the eye contact. Light stood awkwardly by the side, but knew better than to intercede. Instead, he watched the whole interaction with a sly enjoyment. He really couldn't have found anyone better than L. Alexander didn't like anyone. He barely tolerated the task forces presence and scarcely hid his animosity towards Light. He was solitary in every aspect of his life. Alexander didn't talk to anyone; instead, he commanded. He only needed people to act as an audience and highlight his brilliance. But L, in the matter of thirty minutes, had drawn Alexander's complete attention and fascination. Alexander had actually engaged in a conversation that didn't include his prideful monologues. He had revealed more in this time then Light had managed to learn in weeks. L's had entrapped Alexander in his own game, and it would only be a matter of time before Light could use that to his advantage.
L was a powerful weapon, and one that Light intended to use to its full extent.
L was the first to break the eye contact and looked up at Light who had remained standing.
"Are you ready to go, Light-kun?" L asked. Light nodded in response and watched as L slowly stood up. Alexander quickly followed, extending his hand again towards L. L grasped Alexander's delicate hand in his own thin fingers and shook slightly. They continued to hold onto each other for a moment longer than necessary, and Light shifted slightly. There was a strange coiling feeling in his stomach that made him want to violently murder Alexander more so then usual. Even though it would be beneficial for L to get close to Alexander, Light didn't want him to get too close. L was his after all, and not some snobby detectives.
L eventually broke the handshake and moved from behind the table. "Light-kun…" he murmured, grasping Light's wrist between his fingers and pulling him slightly. "I want cheesecake now."
"I'll see you later Alexander." Light said quickly as L tugged him towards the exit.
"Yes…" Alexander murmured distractedly, his gaze fixed solely on L's receding back. He shook his head slightly as if to break from daze. "I will call you." He said with gaze still directed towards L. Light couldn't help but smile at Alexander's rapture. L exhibited an irresistible persona who drew even the most secluded of people. He did to Light, who still couldn't understand how he had fallen so fast and hard, and now he was doing it to the world's greatest detective who had been previously untouchable by all.
L was the pull that drew you closer and closer to the edge until there was nothing left but empty space and insubstantial air. Then suddenly, you were twisting and hurtling towards the hard unforgiving ground, incapable of regaining control and resigned to the dreaded fate. At the very last second, you desperately glance upwards into the endless blue sky dotted with the foreboding clouds in one last desperate attempt to defy gravity and sprout feathery wings that would gather the air and propel you through the light-soaked air while the sun beat down mercilessly and the sky opened up to the thunderous rain clouds that saturated the air with soaking rain, only interrupted by the harsh claps of thunder and the blinding flashes of lightning.
L already knew how to fly.
Light would learn.
There was a 96% chance Alexander would not.
