Warning: This is why it is rated M.

Chapter 9

Of Reunion and Union

July 13th 2001

His countenance perfectly steely, Makoto calmly watched over his charge. He did not approve; there were many things Raito had done that he had not exactly approved of, but this, he would allow. He could easily see how much the teenager needed it, needed to find a certain sense of control again.

Already seven and a half months have passed since that night and though the boy had tried to hide it, he knew how much that single event had destroyed him. Destroyed the confidence and strength that had so annoyed him and drawn him towards the youth despite himself. That night had tarnished his vibrancy; irrevocably razed his arrogance. Although it was what Makoto had wished for when he had first met Raito, he now knew better.

He could not bear to see his charge's eyes so burdened, his sense of self so broken.

And there was nothing the bodyguard could do about it. He could not go against Takamiya – no matter how wrong the man's selfish desires were; he could not protect the one he had been charged with protecting – not from the very man who had charged him with the task.

All he could do was silently watch on as the youth desperately tried to recollect his sense of self-worth and carry on. Every time he saw the façade Raito had to put up, something inside the yakuza clenched with regret. This show of arrogance was but a shadow of what he had been, a simulacrum of that cocky confident child with far too much knowledge and cunning for his own good. The elegant youth who knew far too well how to manipulate those around him.

Now, all that remained was this poor copy, this broken copy, expertly glued back together but whose cracks were all too visible to Makoto. And every time he saw it, he could not help but mourn what had been lost.

And yet... and yet… He knew that Raito was far too strong, too much of a survivor, to let himself fade away under Takamiya's abuse – because, despite the intentions, it cannot be anything but abuse. It had taken seven and a half months but for the first time, Raito had dug himself out of the oyabun's grasp.

He was not rebelling, he was not fighting his adoptive 'father', but he was acting out on his own – for once.

Makoto did not approve: it was risky, foolish to involve himself with a businessman, but he knew how much the youth needed it – needed to feel in control again.

It was traitorous of his part to aid his charge but this was far more important than his – now lost – loyalty to Takamiya. It was about helping Raito piece back his shattered self. It was about saving the boy he had come to – care about.

As he glanced at the game quickly shaping between the two players, he could only wince at its intensity. Raito's eyes were completely focused on his task. He did not pause before moving his piece right after Namikawa's turn – never stopping to think. His game play was rapid, aggressive and constantly shifting, as he sacrificed pieces after pieces only to regain them later by engulfing his opponent's.

Despite his limited knowledge in shougi, Makoto could easily guess who had the lead. Beads of sweat covered Namikawa's temples and he kept irritatingly brushing stray strands of hair away from his frowning face. Seeing this, the bodyguard knew Raito had the upper hand and yet, he also knew how utterly vulnerable his charge was.

Not in the game, but to his own self.

The intensity and decisiveness of his moves were not due to confidence, but to desperation. The teenager was gambling all he had in this match he had engaged with Namikawa. His quick determined moves were simply a show of intimidation and strength. A show because where Raito had lost control to Takamiya, he was now attempting to regain it with Namikawa.

Control and mastery of his own self, of his own fate.

And if you examine further, the true nature of the game and Raito's state of mind were revealed. Makoto only understood the basics of Japanese chess but he knew his charge was taking innumerable risks, constantly trying to tempt Namikawa into an easy capture. Pieces were continuously sacrificed, but always, Raito would come back with a vengeance, dropping his own set of captured enemy soldiers and using them in turn.

His overall position over the board was quite vulnerable, despite his mastery over it and still, despite his skills, Namikawa never actually managed to take advantage of that weakness. Perhaps because he wasn't as willing to sacrifice his own position and peons.

He was not willing to risk as much to win. He was not motivated by desperation, like Raito.

Finally, after two long excruciating hours of a game Makoto could barely follow, Namikawa conceded defeat, having acknowledged the inevitability of his loss.

Letting out a long contented sigh, the man took out a handkerchief and wiped off the sweat from his forehead. "It was a wonderful game. I hope we will have the chance to play again in the future." The department head's languid tone had lost all traces of animosity.

Despite this show of goodwill, Makoto kept his guard raised.

"You should not count on it." Raito told him coolly, again donning another mask. "I do not have the time to indulge in mere games."

Namikawa did not react at the change in attitude. Instead, he smirked. "Should you not indulge me? After all, you are asking me for a favour."

At that moment, Raito caught Makoto's eyes. The bodyguard left to get the CD-case from the lone briefcase they had brought with them to this meeting. It had also held the same damning folders and files on Yotsuba.

"I doubt it. This proposal is probably far more beneficial to you than to me, as I can always find another company if you're not interested." Taking the disk from Makoto's hands, he slid it over to his guest. Namikawa looked at it curiously.

"This is the prototype of a program I am currently working on. The version here is designed specifically for companies. You may have all your employees and programmers test it out. I assure you that you have never encountered a program as complex as this one in your life. If you like it, meet me here in six months."

The business executive raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Six months? Isn't that a bit long?"

Raito made a show of being amused by quirking up a corner of his lips. "Oh, it would take that long to go through it and enjoy its complexity."

"Fine. In six months then, but in the bamboo bar downstairs. I wouldn't want you to go broke by constantly booking this room."

It didn't take Namikawa long after to collect his own affairs and leave them. As soon as the door closed behind their guest, all the arrogance and pride drained out of the youth's slender frame. His eyes blanked out and he seemed to shrink into himself.

Standing by the door, Makoto pretended to not notice. There were no reassurances he could give and his charge would only take them for pity.

Pity.

It was the one thing his tattered pride could not take. When he had emerged from his room that morning, he had shrugged off all of Makoto's concerns, icily telling him to leave him and that he was fine. His pride was the one thing that kept him going, that kept him alive. He drew strength from it, drew his arrogance and calculation from it… it served as his base for the constant performance he had to put up.

Even here… Raito's excessive manipulations that had been designed to broadcast his skills only made his insecurities all too clear to Makoto. After all, he had no need to justify himself to the businessman. If Namikawa could not see his worth, then they could always find another.

But no, the fifteen-year-old had to prove his merits to himself. He needed to demonstrate his strengths in a way that would leave no doubt in the other man's mind: through the blackmail, the game and even the six months allowance.

It was all so convoluted because Raito himself didn't know his own self any longer.

"Come. Let us leave. Takamiya-sama is waiting for us." Makoto told him. Inwardly, he grimaced at the thought.

Raito closed his eyes for a moment and then, as though summoning strength from an unknown source, he stood up, immediately drawing himself taller and more arrogantly. "Let us go then."

Go back to the gilded cage.

And here let it be noted that a Prince should be careful never to join with one stronger than himself in attacking others, unless, as already said, he be driven to it by necessity. For if he whom you join prevails, you are at his mercy; and Princes, so far as in them lies, should avoid placing themselves at the mercy of others.

January 3rd 2004

Takamiya Raito? As in Takamiya of the Black Dragon?

Why would Yagami have the man's son's picture in his wallet?

It simply made no sense and L despised anything that was so illogical. Of course, he loved solving mysteries – it was his job after all – and the challenge Kira's inexplicable power posed, but not this absurdity of human nature.

Now that he thought about it, hadn't Yagami's files said that his son was –

"Chief, is your dead son not also named Raito?" Matsuda finished his thought for him. "What a coincidence!"

"He's not dead!" Yagami snapped. At the exclamation, he immediately turned regretful eyes back onto his lap. "I – I lied about the matter. That – he – that is my son." He hesitated once more. "Takamiya Raito was my son."

L gnawed on his thumb.

"I – six years ago, I was the Head of the Organised Crime Department, as most of you know," he said, glancing ashamedly at his co-workers. "At the time, we started receiving numerous tips from an unknown source on the hideouts of Black Dragon's different caches of methamphetamine. It didn't take the syndicate long to notice and they kidnapped my son."

"So they killed him?"

"Matsuda, he's alive, remember," sharply reprimanded Aizawa.

"Oh… yeah."

"After a week, we were supposed to meet and they would let him go in exchange for my pledge to halt the investigation. But they reneged on their promise."

"They kept him," L finished bluntly.

Yagami kept his eyes fixed on the carpeted floor. "I gave in my resignation then. I didn't deserve to keep my badge after betraying my duty as a police officer, but the director convinced him to accept a demotion and transfer instead."

The four law enforcers nodded in understanding and sympathy while Misora still stared at the picture in shock.

L decided to be more practical. "What about the source?"

"The yakuza apparently found him. Etsuko-san tried to continue the investigation of course, but it never amounted to anything. Now we know why." He concluded bitterly.

All in all, it made sense. A little family tragedy mixed in with the yakuza, although –

"Any idea why they kept your son?"

Yagami shook his head with regret. "No. No explanations were given but I think it may be because Raito was very smart for his age. His letters mentioned lessons –"

"Letters?"

"He would occasionally write to me. Though they do not say much, they – they are all I have of him." He managed to choke out.

The world-class detective frowned. This entire situation seemed so convoluted that it could have sprung out from some author's twisted mind.

And Yagami was right: it was in no way relevant to the investigation. Still, he could at least make up for the lost time by confirming one little fact. "You brought up letters. Did he write to you about what's happening with Kira?" It would after all be useful to get an idea on Kira's impact on criminals from the source itself.

"Yes." He took out another crumpled piece of paper from his jacket. L could not help but wonder how many mementos the chief kept with him about his lost son. Rocking forward on his heels, he took the letter and started devouring its content.

'30th of December 2003

'Chief Yagami,

'May I offer my congratulations for your continual survival? It is wonderful to see that Kira did not judge you unworthy, unlike your fellow officers. And although having so many of our 'contacts' uncovered and killed is a triumph for justice, I must ask you to actually do your task and capture Kira.

'You may feel some sympathy towards him because he is killing criminals but do not let his twisted brand of justice blind you. He is after all taking the world hostage and this, we cannot allow. If his murders – though immoral – are seen as just, than wouldn't other evils also become necessities? Where would we draw the line then, eh father?

'Find Kira, judge him, execute him. Do your duty Yagami-san and do not let yourself be intimidated away.

'I pray the police hold stronger men than what Kira has shown the world.

'Takamiya Raito'

Nothing at all like Yagami, L concluded as he reached bottom of the short note. Clearly, the boy's stint with the yakuza had turned him into a cocky manipulative bastard. It was quite cruel of him to cast such doubts on his father's sense of justice. L would nevertheless acknowledge that it was also the best way to ensure that the chief investigator did not give up on his task.

Satisfied with its content, he passed it to the others. "It seems the yakuza is quite worried with Kira's actions. As you can see Matsuda, your assumption was unfounded. Let us go back to work then."

As L installed himself in front of his computer, he quickly noticed that Yagami and the others have not left their spot around the table. He watched them, scowling.

"Waraya, you – you said you saw my son?" There was so much desperation poured into that one plea.

She looked at him with compassion. "I – yes. The night I got here, he stopped three thugs from bothering me. He was very gracious and polite – nothing like the letter." She gave a wry chuckle. "I – when I asked why those men feared him and he answered 'family connections', I assumed he was talking about them being part of the police – not – well, he didn't lie." She shook her head. "No wonder his bodyguard looked so amused."

Yagami seemed to drink in every one of her words and as she reached the end of her tale, his eyes bore into hers, earnestly asking for more. "Please – please tell me everything about that meeting. How did he look? How did he act? What did he say? I –" He drooped his head to the ground. "Please, I beg you. It has been so long –"

Misora placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "He looked fine and very handsome. He really grew up but you can still recognise his twelve-year-old self in him." She bit her lips for a moment, hesitating. "Look, I'll draw you a picture of him. I'm not that great but –"

"Please –"

L tuned out the rest of the conversation, no longer interested with the family drama. After all, he had just notice a much more pressing issue awaiting him. Despite the early hour – it was only four in the afternoon –, Kirin had written back and responded to the query he had left in the forum a few hours ago.

After all, Yagami's erstwhile son didn't hold a candle to the alluring Kirin.

January 3rd 2004

OUR LORD KIRA FORUMS - JUSTICE - KIRA'S SOLDIERS

Today, 6:34 AM – RIGHTEOUS-APOSTLE: All you two have been doing is criticise God's actions. Yet, what have you done for the world? How are your constant censures of any help to our rotting society?

The reason I decided to become a prosecutor is because I have felt outrage and indignation against violence and defamation since my childhood. Kira's coming was an answer to my prayers and now, he is my inspiration. Not only are God's just executions a deterrent from crime, but they are also an incentive to the youth of today to get up their lazy asses and contribute to society. You have no right to criticize God when you haven't done a thing.

KIRIN, you constantly advise us to act if we wish to change the world, but what have you done? Your words may be grand but you disgust me, you hypocrites.

Today, 6:57 AM - DOWN-WITH-L: Go R-A! You totally got them there. Because really, what right do they have to grumble if that's all they do?

Today, 7:26 AM – I-LUV-KIRA101: For my part, I am willing to offer Kira all my love and devotion! And if he wants, I'll be honoured to bear his babies!!

Today, 8:08 AM - ANTI-KIRA: Who ever said I do not fight for justice? RIGHTEOUS-APOSTLE should not reprimand me for something he does not know about.

Besides, my task here is to keep you bloodthirsty fools in line. What about you KIRIN-kun? How would you say you 'contributed to the world'?

Today, 8:44 AM - KIRANATIC: Huh? You fight for justice? So you're one of those useless police officers out there. I pity ya man. Really, you guys are useless.

…

Today, 4:04 PM - KIRIN: To say the truth, just like Kira, I too am a hypocrite. My actions are my own, with their own consequences, good or bad. But like anything, success comes with its price and sometimes, I wonder if that price is truly worth it.

Our society is not a gentle one; it cares neither for the weak nor the compassionate. It works through power and ruthlessness – and eliminating one's competitors. To achieve ones' goal, another would lose his. It is regrettable but it is the truth.

Kira believes the lives of criminals are enough to change the world. I believe it is the dream of a fool. Humanity cannot redeem itself in such a way. You cannot force a change. Only the masses can instil it.

What have I done for society? Some would say I have helped justice. Why am I a hypocrite? Because overall, I would much rather watch from afar. One man does not have the right to change the world and although my little 'contribution' may have been more than enough, it is probable I could have done more – done better.

But at what price?

I push for action; I want you followers to think for yourselves because you cannot let one man decide for you. Power should not be held in the hands of a handful of politicians, crime should not be regulated by only the law enforcement and detectives – and especially not Kira. No, society is made up of every one of you and you should all do your part.

And I am a hypocrite because my part is not enough, can never be enough.

Today, 4:23 PM - DEATH'S-MESSENGER (moderator): You two sinners are nothing but nuisances desecrating the sanctity of this site. If you want to be socially useful, GET OUT OF MY FORUM!!

Today, 4:24 PM - ANTI-KIRA: Again with that self-depreciating and ambiguous attitude of yours KIRIN.

Today, 4:27 PM - KIRIN: I serve to please. Why, did you expect me to act any differently?

When Soichiro got home that evening, the first thing he did was wrap his arms around his young daughter. From her seat on the couch, she looked at him questioningly, surprised by his sudden show of affection.

"Dad?"

He kept a tight embrace on her fragile frame, using her as his lifeline. She was his daughter, his sweet little girl, his only child.

"Sayu, Sayu, Sayu," he kept repeating as a mantra while his forehead rested on hers.

"Dad? What's wrong? You're scaring me…"

At the slight trembling in her voice, he immediately let her go. Kneeling down next to her, he looked straight into her eyes, both hands gripping onto her small shoulders. "Sayu, promise me to always be careful."

"Sheesh Dad." She shrugged his palm off. "You're such a worrier. How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not going to walk alone and get run over by a car like –" She immediately stopped, seeing her father's wide eyes and knowing she had gone too far. "Sorry." She mumbled. "I'll go set the table." And she hurried out of the living room and into the open kitchen.

From her position at the stove, his wife had been silently watching his actions. There was a slight frown to her face but she did not comment on them as she returned to the food.

Soichiro glanced at the two in regret. Ever since that night six years ago, Sachiko had been unable to look at him in the same way again. Oh, she was just as outwardly dutiful and caring as before but a barrier had erected itself between them.

Sachiko had never forgiven him though she had attempted to do so. He sighed. It did not matter because Soichiro would never forgive himself either.

Despite the heavy cloud of grief that had lingered over their household, life had gone on in its familiar rhythm and Raito's disappearance had no longer been dwelled upon. Sayu stayed happily oblivious of her brother's true fate. They had told her he had died in an accident – just like the records the yakuza had forged stated.

And in a way, it was the truth.

Yagami Raito was dead and only Takamiya Raito remained.

Still, Soichiro thought as he stood up, musing over all Waraya-san had told him, at least he is still alive.

His hand brushed against his jacket's pocket where the priceless hand-drawn picture of his son now lay.

First two weeks of January

While the Hyogo Prefectural Police occupied itself with dealing with the yakuza, the Kanto Alliance had been subtly giving them a hand. The three syndicates sent their unmarked unknown members – only small groups at a time – to cause a ruckus in the different bars and 'brothels' owned or protected by Tsuchinoko.

Under the 'influence' of alcohol, they would provoke them, at times forcing them to resort to violence (maybe even brandish their firearms) and then… the police would arrive and sweep them all up. Of course, their own undercover members would be arrested, but under lesser charges and would consequently be released after only a few days.

The Kobe yakuza did not get off so lightly however. Not only were guns illegal in Japan, but the law enforcement had been making use of any and all excuse to crack down the crime group and close its offices.

At other times, when no officer was nearby, the troublemakers would go to the nearest koban and accuse Tsuchinoko's thugs of harassment. The local police were all too happy to take down their statement and punish the 'perpetrators'.

All in all, the situation in Kobe and throughout the entire prefecture was slowly deteriorating. Manabe-san was losing support and a good number of the members were blaming the situation on his weak leadership and recklessness. Meanwhile, his most fervent supporters were, for the most part, struggling to maintain their share of the power and keeping their own underlings in line.

The situation had simply worsened when their shipment of armaments had been raided by the coastguard. Apparently, someone had tipped them off.

What was not known, however, was that that certain someone – or group of someones – had also left with half the cargo – taking it as his – their – due for warning them.

Overall, in these two weeks, the crises Tsuchikono's oyabun had been going through had just piled up one after another. He was simply unable to deal with them all. His underlings were not that understanding however. Dissatisfaction was slowly but surely spreading through the ranks. With his state of affairs in such a precarious position, Manabe-san evidently had neither the time nor the energy to spare on the little matter of a war.

Unfortunately for him, the Kanto Alliance had not forgotten that little matter. In fact, through Raito's sly orchestration, they were slowly eroding the younger Manabe's base away by bringing this more subtle form of warfare – some may call it siege – to the Kobe syndicate's door.

It was only a matter of time before the less loyal members jumped ship. Secured in Black Dragon's compound in Tokyo, Raito was quietly waiting for the appropriate moment to wheel them in.

January 17th 2004

OUR LORD KIRA FORUMS - MEMBERS - POLICING KIRIN AND ANTI-KIRA

Today, 8:56 PM - KIRIN: Busy ticking-off the fanatics, I see.

Today, 8:58 PM - ANTI-KIRA: It is all KIRIN-kun's fault. If KIRIN-kun would just keep me company, then I wouldn't have to waste my time with these sycophants.

Today, 8:58 PM - KIRIN: And now you're blaming me for your boredom. With the amount of time you spend here, you make it seem as though you don't have a job.

Today, 8:59 PM - ANTI-KIRA: It hasn't been going well. I'm actually kinda depressed.

Today, 8:59 PM - KIRIN: Depressed?

Today, 9:01 PM - ANTI-KIRA: Depressed. I thought I had finally hit progress but an insurmountable barrier has now presented itself.

Today, 9:04 PM - KIRIN: Insurmountable? You? Don't make me laugh. Mere obstacles have never stopped you before.

Today, 9:05 PM - ANTI-KIRA: So glad my situation is amusing you.

Today, 9:05 PM - KIRIN: Come on, show some energy. I don't have all night to wait for you to recuperate. If I were near you, I'd punch you for acting so stupidly.

Today, 9:07 PM - ANTI-KIRA: If KIRIN-kun was near me, I wouldn't be depressed. He is surely smart enough to help me solve my problem. In fact, I think KIRIN-kun would be much better than me in that domain.

Today, 9:08 PM - KIRIN: Oh, stop sulking. My being there isn't going to help you at all, unless it is a fight you want. Besides, I just signed the next four years of my life away today.

Today, 9:10 PM - ANTI-KIRA: That really is too bad. I would have liked to enjoy KIRIN-kun's company some more.

Today, 9:10 PM - KIRIN: Oh I'm sure you would…

First three weeks of January

Despite their initial optimism, the task force had been unable to make much progress. The Organised Crime Department was one of the largest branches within the NPA and held a good number of idealistic young officers. There were at least three quarters of them who could have been Kira, yet none adequately fit Kira's profile. Some were too reckless, others not enough, and others still lacked the necessary intelligence.

Of course, a handful of these qualities could be concealed, so only a small amount was eliminated from the list of suspects. This left them with sixty-eight officers – a rather discouraging notion. Still, they pursued on. L had thought of asking another country to send some agents to tail them but he knew none would comply. Every world leader has been frightened off by Kira.

As a result, they now found themselves at an impasse. Any member of the Japanese task force would easily be recognised by the other officers if they were to tail them. Moreover, the five agents have all vehemently opposed the use of spying devices on their co-workers. L didn't protest too loudly at their disapproval. Had they agreed, it would still have been practically impossible for them to monitor all these men at all times.

L, for his part, did make some interesting discoveries. It had taken another week but finally, the FBI had finished going through their extended list of profiles and had sent the documents to L.

The first thing he had noticed in the files was one little inconspicuous inconsistency.

"Waraya, are you certain Raye did not know a thing about Etsuko's connection with the yakuza?"

"Of course, why are you asking?"

He had to make sure. "Apparently, the FBI's files said he had submitted all the information here," he waved the file, "himself, and it seems his report has not been touched since."

Her eyes had bugged.

The conclusion he had arrived at was quite obvious. "Kira has hacked into the FBI's database to make sure he had a valid excuse to kill Etsuko."

Because no one else could have done so. Not even the director – because although Kira had controlled his actions, the man lacked the necessary computer skills for such a task.

The list of suspects had then been narrowed down again, but only three men's names were removed. Hacking skills were not abilities one would boast about within the police station. Thus, they could only eliminate the rare few who were absolutely incompetent in front of a computer.

However, this clue had required further investigation. It was always possible that Kira had left some traces and if they were any, L had been certain he would find them.

Alas, this new course of action had been far easier said then done. Unknown to him, the FBI had decided to upgrade their system and he could not even get past the front gate. Like a mere amateur, the genius had tripped over the very first security measure and alerted the American agency of his trespassing.

He immediately had to retreat.

Such a failure perfectly explained L's sour mood, even a week after the event. It was the first time he had to withdraw from a confrontation with his tail between his legs. It was quite humiliating that someone had managed to so thoroughly best him.

It was why L had spent the following days curled up on the couch by the window, pouting and gorging himself on sweets – while the task force was hard at work. Next to him, he had placed his laptop, impatiently awaiting his – friend's? - return.

A week back, Kirin had managed to distract him from his depression for a bit, but he could only keep him company for so long. Thus, all he was left with were the idiots that populated the forum. It was quite annoying. Staring depressingly out the window, L rested his sulking face on his bent knee, one arm wrapped around his shins. His other hand kept reaching out for the scrumptious strawberry cake placed at his computer's side, not caring one ounce about the crumbs peppering his cheeks.

"Ryuuzaki, I have talked with the FBI and they refused to let you, I cite, 'traipse around in their system after Kira has already caused such a mess in it already'." Watari told him.

L let out a small grumble and stuck the piece of desert into his mouth. He had not expected anything else, but he could always hope.

"However, I did find out that this new program of theirs has been created by Yotsuba and has been sold to various agencies around the world. It is the one I talked to you about months ago."

The detective scrunched his face together, thinking. Mentions about a new program -?

Ah yes.

But he had held absolutely no interest on the software as he already had his own and had immediately dismissed it from his mind.

From his seat a few feet down, Yagami spoke up. "Oh, you're talking about the one Kirin invented? It is quite efficient and rumoured to be unhackable."

L's mouth widened in shock and the fork he had been moving to his hungry mouth fell down on the floor. He did not even notice the lost piece of sweet in his disbelief.

And then, a slow wide smile made its way onto his lips and he gave out his first stream of laugher in years.

Watari stared at him, completely flabbergasted, while the task force did not dare comment.

Oh Kirin! I should have known it was you.

January 27th 2004

OUR LORD KIRA FORUMS - MEMBERS - POLICING KIRIN AND ANTI-KIRA

Today, 11:23 PM - ANTI-KIRA: KIRIN-kun. What do you think of L?

Today, 11:25 PM - KIRIN: Why this all of a sudden?

Today, 11:25 PM - ANTI-KIRA: You've always made your opinion on Kira pretty clear – at least in the way he influences the world – but what about L? Besides bringing up their similarities in our first discussion, KIRIN-kun has never breached the subject again.

Today, 11:28 PM - KIRIN: You mean we've never breached the subject. Well, L is just as much of an idea as Kira. Although they seem to represent two complete opposites, I do not doubt that they are fundamentally the same. Both are striving for their ideal of justice and willing to go to great lengths in order to achieve it. However, one seems to at least be 'working' with the law.

And there lies the difference. One is approved by the system, while the other is going against it. However, if Kira does win, he will become the system and L will be the rebel.

They are two ideas opposing each other; one for change, the other for constancy; and I believe they both have far too much power in their hands to be allowed to decide the fate of the world.

Let the masses deal with it, I say, but then… can they?

Today, 11:29 PM - ANTI-KIRA: What about L as a person?

Today, 11:35 PM - KIRIN: I do not know enough about him to make a judgement.

Today, 11:35 PM - ANTI-KIRA: Surely KIRIN-kun has formed an opinion.

Today, 11:38 PM - KIRIN: Why so eager? If you want the truth, I do not really care about who he is. He simply stands for justice and I sincerely hope that justice will win.

--

But which one?

January 28th 2004

Raito knelt on the platform they have erected at the back of the washitsu for this occasion. A white cloth had been placed over it and on the wall, large banners proclaiming the different syndicates were held – most prominent being Black Dragon's and Viper's. Facing him was Manabe Ichirou, also kneeling down.

Sitting in seiza before the other three walls, the bosses of all the various subgroups watched the event with anticipation. Today would formally commemorate the alliance between their two syndicates. A blood brotherhood would be sworn over an elaborately poured sake cup.

It had taken some time to get to this point, as they have all waited until the long-anticipated collapse of Tsuchinoko.

On the eighteenth, the Kobe group had held their koto hajime, the ceremony their oyabun had delayed in light of recent events. In this most sacred girikake, the members were supposed to swear fealty to their boss and give him their compliments for the season. In return, the leader would formally present them with the gang's policy for the coming year.

However, like any girikake, a fee must be paid for the honour of attending. Due to his current lack of funds, Manabe had unwisely decided to raise the cost. Outraged, many of his subordinates have simply had enough and rebelled. They left the group and joined Viper under the elder brother's leadership. Ichirou-san's ascension ceremony had been held the day before.

And now, they would formalise their bond, with Raito stepping in for his adoptive father. Despite his role as a proxy, he knew Ichirou-san would always come to his aid when needed. This last month, they have planned and conspired together; they have been the force that had crushed the largest organisation in Japan by stealing half of its members – a third of its subgroups.

They were brothers-in-arms and now in blood.

Takamiya-sama was but a distant figurehead in this matter.

It was everything Raito could have ever hoped for – true power in the underworld that did not stem from his adoptive father.

Voice loud and clear, the sakazuki ritualist started chanting. Raito made sure to keep his back straight and his bearing proud. He would not let the observers doubt his worth. Never again.

Fukuda and his hanger-ons – though they looked irate – did not make a move.

Slowly, with deliberately large movements, the elder man started pouring the sake into the two white cups, making sure to fill them to the brim – to symbolise their equal partnership. The drinks were brought to them on a small wooden trays and placed on the small table between them Catching his eyes, Ichirou-san smiled and as one, they drank to their bond, to their – friendship?

They both took a sip before exchanging them. As soon as white porcelain cups were emptied of their content, they were wrapped in paper and put away in their kimono. The men then clasped one another's hands and the ritualist immediately declared the completion of the ceremony.

Cheers of congratulation followed and the different guests one by one advanced to offer their own 'words of wisdom'. Behind him, Ryuk was laughing.

"You have done well Raito." That soft commanding voice that he could – would – never forget pierced through him like an arrow.

The chatter died down at once. As one, all the room's occupants lowered themselves to the ground. Sitting in the seiza position, they all bowed down their head in greeting.

Followed by his four bodyguards, Takamiya-sama stood by the entryway just as authoritative and unyielding as before. The cane his fingers were clenched tightly around was the only sign of his brush with death.

"Takamiya-sama," Raito murmured in return, making sure to keep his eyes on the tatami flooring. "We did not expect you back. Had I – we known, we would have waited a bit longer for the ceremony." His nails were digging into the palm of his left hand. The other reached into his kimono and retrieved the cup.

The oyabun let out a hearty chuckle. "I made a quick recovery." Footsteps approaching him. A hand on his shoulder. "Rise, my son." He said after relieving the seventeen-year-old of the sakazuki. "Let me look at you."

Trying desperately to control his trembling, he followed the Black Dragon's leader's orders and got to his feet. His gaze stayed focused on the straw mats however.

His earlier jubilance had completely drained out of him.

"You have done brilliantly in my absence. I could not be prouder." Takamiya-sama turned to the – unwelcome – audience. "And let me take this occasion to formally declare Takamiya Raito as my heir." Like a ripple, murmurs followed the announcement. Raito did not react to the news. "As you all know, Katsuo –" he spat the name out like a vile poison "– has been disowned and expulsed from the group. The same fate awaits any who dare place the Black Dragon in danger again."

He then turned towards Ichirou-san who had been calculatingly following the proceedings. "And may I now offer my sincere congratulations, Manabe-san. May you lead your group to prosperity and may our alliance flourish with it."

"Thank you Takamiya-san." He responded. "It is wonderful to see you on your feet. We have not expected you back until next week, at the earliest."

"The gods must have been with me then." He turned away. "We will talk more tomorrow. The journey back has tired me. Come Raito, we have much business to discuss."

"Yes Takamiya-sama."

Like an obedient pet, the youth followed the oyabun out of the room, his bangs covering his shameful eyes. He did not see, but felt Kohashi's sharp gaze on him. The chatter started up again as soon as the door was closed and Raito dared not contemplate their words. The trip was conducted in silence, both parties deep in thoughts – or lack of thoughts.

As soon as they reached the private wing, Takamiya-sama ordered his guards to leave. His free hand gripping tightly on the teenager's shoulder, he steered his adoptive son into the nearest room and slammed the door behind him. A click to signify the lock.

Immediately, a tongue pushed its way into Raito's unresisting mouth. He let it ravage it, mark its territory anew. He knew the ritual, had been through it so many times already.

Strong hands held him in place on the wall – the cane had clattered to the floor. And although he was certain he could fight the weaker older man off him, Raito dared not. Takamiya-sama was more powerful than him – in every way imaginable and would always remain so.

All he could do was submit, submit and let himself be defiled and used. There was no place for pride in his situation – it had been stripped from him, like everything else years ago. His legs shook – from apprehension of the imminent degradation and from the man's weight. Because he had released his cane, the oyabun was half-gripping onto Raito for support while the only thing holding the youth up was the wall. He could feel his knees buckle from the weight and all he wished for was to collapse on the floor.

But he was not allowed to take the man down with him.

Eventually, Takamiya-sama's wet tongue had satisfyingly tasted and plundered Raito's mouth and adequately bruised his soft lips. It then left for new-old territories to reclaim. The smooth skin of the youth's slender neck was not spared as his sharp teeth nibbled its way down. Between each bite, he would lovingly murmur Raito's name and a myriad of praises.

The teenager simply closed his eyes at the onslaught – desperately wishing he could be deaf and completely numb as well. At least Ryuk was not here.

The shinigami was never present to witness his defilement and for that, he was thankful.

Suddenly, the hand that firmly held onto his slim waist started fumbling with the chord of his haori. The intricate knot was pulled and twisted, and finally under the continuous attack, it unravelled. Taking a deep breath, the elder man's lips finally left his collarbone after one last wet lick and he let go of Raito.

"Undress." His order was slurred in the mist of his lust but Raito could never confuse that one word.

Forcing a sweet smile onto his aching lips, he shrugged off the silk haori and let the soft material tumble down, their organisation's crest displayed prominently on its back. There was no need to carefully fold back the expensive garment. He should not leave his adoptive 'father' waiting.

Neither playing coy nor bold, he mechanically untied the straps that held the grey hakama together. As soon as the knot was let loose, the encumbering trousers fell to the ground, on top of black jacket.

It seemed he had taken too long though because as soon as he had it taken off, Takamiya-sama's forceful hands decided to hurry him along. They quickly tugged off obi and didn't bother with the kimono at all. With the sash gone, access to Raito's flesh was practically unrestricted.

The brunet could barely refrain himself from shaking. That month and a half of virtual freedom had spoiled him.

But he had to act, he had to react or else Takamiya-sama would notice something was wrong and then –

He opened his eyes. Forcing all his disgust into a back corner of his mind, he resolutely reached down for the elder man's erect manhood.

He would survive this, as he had all the times before.

Takamiya-sama stopped his hand midway. "Not now, my sweet. Let me worship you in length. It has been too long."

Slowly, the two stumbled onto the bed. Raito fell on his back, the kimono now completely opened, the long hem twisted up around his leg.

From above him, the oyabun smiled predatorily. "Oh. You look positively debauched my sweet little angel." He closed the 'loving' statement with another possessive kiss. This time, the teenager obliged himself to meet him in kind and engage that dominating tongue into a languorous dance.

He hated the feel of that slimy invader within the sanctity of his mouth but then, no part of him was his own. Not since that night.

Meanwhile, the elder man's left hand was slowly toying with his most sensitive – disgusting, shameful – areas and Raito could not help but react to the gentle, playful – utterly mortifying – ministration. Slowly, he felt his boxers being tugged down.

And then, an intruding finger breached his hole.

His entire body tensed up and he froze for a moment. An insistent hand tugged on his hair and he immediately gave the oyabun an apologetic kiss.

"Oh! Raito – you have no idea how much I missed you," he said between pants.

Despite the glazed adoring expression he sported, Raito was inwardly panicking. No. He could not take this now. He was not mentally prepared for it.

Not now.

"Fa – father." He gasped out as he felt the finger wiggle inside him. He wanted to squirm. To die. "Are you sure you've healed enough –" A wince. "– for this?"

The oyabun chuckled and trailed another series of kisses on his chest only to give his nipples more attention, alternating his suckling between the two.

Another finger joined the first.

No. NO!!

"Father? Is yo – your wound healed enough? How about I –" he licked his lips temptingly, "– we do something else," shudder, "this time?"

He could force himself, next time, when he was ready. But not now, not so soon.

"If you wish." And the two fingers were gone. Raito could have collapsed in relief. But he did not and instead bent down to engulf his adoptive father's length in his mouth. He hated this, hated himself for proposing it, hated how much it took out from his dignity but he did it.

Slowly, mischievously, sensuously, he skilfully teased every ounce of pleasure he could from the man. For every twist of his tongue, ever doting little nibble, he felt his self-respect shatter to the floor. So much of that control he had regained in that month and a half was disintegrating away.

He had spoiled himself in his adoptive father's absence.

He had forgotten his place here, where his body served only to fulfill another's desire.

Takamiya-sama pulled the soft locks of his hair tighter as he approached climax.

When it came, Raito swallowed every bitter drop the oyabun gifted him, almost choking at the downpour. And then, a soft loving hand caressed his throat and his hair as though thanking him for so devoutly accepting his seed, his claim. Raito could not look up. His eyes stared fixedly on the soft mattress in order to hide the shame in their depths and the tears he could not cry – was unable to cry.

Gradually, the encroaching hand moved away from his head and back down to his neglected – if only it could stay that way – manhood.

He looked up questioningly at the oyabun. All he saw was his satisfied – yet still lustful – look. At that awful moment, Raito immediately realised that it was far from over. Not for the night. And next time, he would be ridden like a bitch in heat – without any reprieve – his body once again – no, forever – soiled beyond reparation, evermore Takamiya Hiroto's property.

A/N: Don't hate me? runs away to hide

comes back out when the angry mob look calmer So yeah… you shouldn't really hate me. You see, there was another scene I actually wrote after this (planned it all out and all) but it simply destroyed the mood of the previous one. So be happy 'cause that one left you with a cliffie.

See… I'm nice!

Oh, and the angst's back. Yay?

Anyway, thank you guys so much for your reviews! I still can't believe that chapter generated so much response!! Well, we're getting to the point we've all been waiting for… Can't you all wait?

Looking forward to hear what you guys think of this.

Recipe for insanity (thanks by the way) has accepted to beta/edit/proofread my old chapters for me. So expect progress in that domain soon.

Edited 11/08/08