The Chase is On!
Irene's funeral was the last I ever saw of L. Afterwards, he never returned to 221B Baker Street unless he was able to do so without my knowing. However, despite my lack of involvement in the Kira Case, I was still able to formulate a logical chain of events surrounding L's whereabouts.
During L's grieving, he was forced to review the facts all over again, most likely from memory. Miss Naomi believed Kira could kill with other means besides a heart attack. She also believed Kira was present during the hijackings. If L was correct to assume that Light was Kira then that would mean he must have been present during the hijacking. L decided to begin there since, as I later found out, L had been investigating this known fact prior to Irene's death.
Due to the fact L had already begun this search, it did not take very long for him to confirm that Light had indeed been present during the hijacking. He was able to retrieve one eye witness account from a lady he had been with during the event and his family confirmed the incident.
However, this would prove nothing. It would only serve as evidence unless L could prove Light was Kira and if Light was indeed Kira, how could he have killed Irene while being in our presence at the same time?
The only thing L could think of was to pursue Light until he caught him in the act. The only logical explanation at this point was Light killed criminals using supernatural means. As I had once told him, magic was not friendly with L. He was incapable of creating a scenario in which the supernatural would allow Light to be the most dangerous murderer in history. Thus, the only logical thing to do was to find out just what sort of supernatural trick Light had up his sleeve.
This particular task would be rather difficult. After all, Light was expecting L to still partake in the Kira Case. If he did not, Light would no doubt be cautious of his actions. With that being said, L was forced to meet the small group who was still working on the Kira Case on a daily basis. He would have to face Irene's murderer every day and watch as he continued to take away more lives.
Spying on Light was no easy task. Light resided in a small, two stories home. Of course, Light's room was located on the second story. This meant, L had no way of knowing just what Light was doing each night as he ascended the stairs to his room. Until one night, the Videocq family decided to go out. Upon seeing that Light had chosen to bring absolutely nothing with him, L took it upon himself to enter the household.
Entering the house was by no means difficult for L considering he had been watching the house for at least a week. It was the idea of committing an illegal act that bothered him most. Yet he was willing to do anything to avenge the death of Irene Adelaar: even if it meant losing his occupation.
L walked quietly as he ascended the stairs to Light Videocq's room. He was sure to put gloves on in order to prevent anyone from finding fingerprints. Of course, most detectives would not be able to put fingerprints to good use but if L was to ever work on this case, he could use such fingerprints for much evidence.
His heart beat rapidly as he proceeded to open the door to Light Videocq's room. Upon opening the door, a piece of paper fell to the floor. He would have to make a mental note for that later. Once he was able to enter the room, L had not the slightest idea where to look. On the plus side, everything was well organized. Therefore, L deduced it should not be too difficult to find something out of the ordinary.
He began by searching Light's bookshelf, thinking perhaps there was some sort of clue as to what L was up against. There was no such thing. The next logical place L searched was Light's desk. Although it looked rather ordinary, L felt it interesting that the daily post was lying calmly there. Kira needed the post in order to commit his crime. Delicately, L looked around the desk. He opened the drawers with absolute care and utterly scrutinized every inch of it. It was then that he noticed a small hole in the bottom of the drawer. Within a moment's time, L took the nearest writing utensil and gently placed it within the hole. Lightly, L lifted up a small compartment hidden within the desk. Underneath, lay a small, black book.
The front contained the simple words "Death Note". Other than that, it was a simple black book. L wondered why Light would bother to hide such a simple notebook. Then again, if he was relying on the supernatural to be the resolution to this case, anything was possible. Slowly, L opened the book. It only took a moment for L to recognize Light's handwriting. He quickly scanned the contents of the book. It contained the names of various criminals and their time of death and, in some cases, the cause of death.
L easily deduced that Light was keeping a record of the deceased. But why on Earth would he go to great lengths to hide this? It was not until L skipped to the last written page that he realized why Light was guarding this book with his life.
The name at the very top of the book was Irene Adelaar.
L read the description carefully. It was Irene Adelaar's death: killed by a petty criminal who would later die of a heart attack shortly after. However, Irene's death had not been made public yet. Therefore, there was no doubt that Light was Kira.
L paused for a moment to wonder how Light was able to obtain Irene Adelaar's name. Her records must have been in Scotland Yard Headquarters. If Light had been following L and Adelaar during the night of the carriage incident, there was no doubt Light would be able to locate the file. If L could pull out the file, then there was potentially enough evidence to convict Light Videocq as Kira. No doubt this notebook would provide more than enough evidence.
But L was faced with a difficult problem. He had no knowledge of when Light brought the notebook with him or even if he ever brought the notebook along. He could not take the notebook now and present it as evidence due to his breaking and entering. Furthermore, he would not be able to gather enough evidence to give Scotland Yard a probable cause of searching Light's room. L could always rip out the page containing crucial evidence however since it was the very last page, Light would surely notice it.
L ultimately decided to rip just one page out. He carefully took a page that was in the center of the writing and tore it out. He then placed the notebook back in its place and hurried out of the house. Before leaving, he made sure to put the piece of paper back in between the door and doorframe.
If there was anytime L returned to 221B Baker Street, it was after stealing the piece of paper from Light for he did not know what to make of the scenario. Was it possible that the notebook had some sort of supernatural powers? Or had Light wrote down every one of his victims down after killing them? There was no way to be sure. However, it still would not hurt to put a blank corner of the page through some tests. It is possible L was able to borrow someone else's lab equipment. It is also possible L tested the evidence in his own small laboratory when I was away. Either way, L was able to test the paper and found that it was made of no known substance. This led him to believe the notebook did indeed possess supernatural powers.
Instead of testing the paper's powers for himself (after all, he did not wish to take an innocent life) L felt the next best course of action was to catch Light in possession of the notebook. Though this procedure had to be handled delicately....
"As you all know, I felt it necessary to compile a list of criminals who have yet to be killed," L stated one day to his small group at Scotland Yard Headquarters. "Therefore, we will take this time to compose a list of such criminals. Here is the first group of files I have collected. However, at the same time, I feel as though we need to concentrate on Kira's latest killings. With that being said, Light Videocq, would you please do the inquiry of those deceased while Chief Inspector Videocq, Inspector Peel, and myself compose the list of new killings. We will be in the other room if you need anything."
Of course, L had proposed this plan the day prior in hopes Light would bring his notebook with him. He also made the notion of placing Irene Adelaar's file on top, hoping to hide the knowledge he already possessed. Even still, the odds of Light bringing the notebook with him were very slim.
They only worked on their tasks for a few hours. L could barely concentrate on the task at hand. Was Light in the other room scribbling away in his notebook, sending people to their deaths? Would he notice the page L had removed from his notebook?
It was finally time for the group to depart. L went to the other room to collect the data from Light. Not to his surprise, the list was written on a perfectly normal piece of paper. However, L did happen to notice Light was carrying a bag with him today.
"Would you mind showing me what is in your bag, Light? As a precaution for Scotland Yard property," L attempted to say as calmly as he could. Light simply nodded and proceeded to show his belongings. There was hardly anything there, just the post, a novel, and a notebook. A small, black notebook to be exact. Of course, the writing "Death Note" was hidden from view. Light was about to offer removing the items physically from his bag but L stopped him. "No need to do that Light, I trust you well enough. Mind if we walk together today?"
The two walked in silence. L had Light right in his grasp. But he needed to remain calm and collected. Otherwise, he would lose his opportunity. Yet, at the same time, he wanted nothing more than a confession out of Light.
"I know who you are Light Videocq," L said quietly. He waited a moment for Light to respond but he never got such a response. "But the question is: do you know who I am?" L waited another moment for a response. Once again, Light remained silent. "I am L. And you are Kira. And the evidence that proves this is in your bag...right now."
Without another word, Light was on the run. L quickly followed behind him as Light ran down an alley. Light's hat blew off, causing L to hesitate for a moment. This slight hesitation gave Light a substantial lead. L grasped his own hat as he felt it slide off his head. He continued to run as fast as his legs would carry him. His lungs were beginning to ache as he attempted to sprint up to Light. He was in arms reach now but his body would not allow him to run much farther. L had to stop Light now or else Light would escape. Using the last bit of his strength, L lunged for Light's bag causing Light to fall back. The two attempted to quickly reach the bag, desperate for the notebook that was inside it. L's fingers brushed against the book only to have Light snatch it away. L's quick reflexes allowed him to get a hold of the book as well. Just when L had the opportunity to take the book out of Light's grasp, something caused him to fall back, emitting a slight cry at a hideous figure standing before him and Light.
The creature was at least six feet tall with long wings. It looked to be a dark blue color with light blue skin. The creature's eyes were yellow with bright, piercing red pupils. Its face was completely hideous and it wore what looked to be unusual clothing. Whether this "clothing" was part of the creature or attire, L was not sure. The creature gave a low, deep chuckle.
"Wh...who are you?" L managed to say as he attempted to regain control of himself.
"My name is Ryuk and I am a God of Death," Ryuk said, chuckling along the way. So the note Light had left L was not a complete fabrication: Gods of Death truly existed! L could see from the corner of his eye that Light was still unsure whether or not he should attempt to make an escape. Either way, L realized he could gain more necessary information from this creature.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," L said, smiling slightly. Such a preposterous event was occurring, it was almost laughable.
"I would say the same but I have seen you many times."
"So...this would mean that I am only able to see you because I touched the notebook with my bare hand, is that it?" L concluded.
"Precisely." Well, this certainly was no good. Light had the notebook in his very hands now. But wait...he still had the paper from the notebook. Would that possibly work?
L reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the piece of paper. He had not touched it since he worked with the torn off piece in the lab while still wearing his gloves.
"I don't suppose this will be enough to see you, will it?" L inquired.
"A piece of paper from the notebook is fine." L smirked at this new information.
"Ryuk, would you be willing to testify against that man for the mass murder of criminals?" L asked as he pointed to Light. Ryuk simply laughed at his comment.
"I may be of service....for an apple."
"I'll give you a whole bushel of apples!"
"Ryuk! You'd sell me out for apples?" Light remarked.
"Face it, Light, L has got you. There is no way for you to out maneuver this one," Ryuk stated as he began to pull out another black book. "No, I'm not going to sell you out. I'm just going to end it here."
Light's face turned pale at the God of Death's words.
"Wait...Stop! What are you doing?" Light exclaimed, his voice in terror.
"Well, it was fun while it lasted," Ryuk stated as he began to take out a writing utensil. So this confirmed it: the notebook was definitely able to kill people. L was conflicted at the moment. Should he allow Light to perish to the God of Death or should he protest?
"Ryuk, I really must protest," L remarked but the God of Death would not listen to him. Upon finishing, Ryuk looked up.
"You have 60 seconds Light Videocq," Ryuk stated.
"No! This can't be!" Light, completely panicked, exclaimed. He then turned to L. "Criminals needed to die!"
"Perhaps," L responded, "But did those agents you killed deserve to die? Did all those criminals deserve death?"
"Ryuk!" Light begged, "You can still kill him, you can kill L! Do it! At least kill us both!"
"I'm not going to do that, Light," Ryuk chuckled, "That would be cheating."
But Light was unable to respond. A sharp pain consumed his chest. He clutched it fiercely as the surge of pain continued to spread throughout his body. Light gasped, attempting to continue his breathing. But it was completely useless. Within a few seconds, he collapsed to the ground, dead.
L walked over to his corpse and took the notebook. He stared at it for a while, mesmerized by its power.
"You can do whatever you wish with it," Ryuk stated. L looked over to him, slightly startled. He then gave a small smile.
"I think the world has had enough of this book, don't you think?" L replied. He reached into his coat pocket and took out a match. Within seconds, he was able to create a small flame. Without hesitation, L placed the small dancing flame against the notebook. It quickly began to eat away at the book, consuming every page. L allowed the burning book to drop to the floor as fire still munched away at it.
"As you wish," Ryuk remarked. He then spread his wings and took off to the sky, leaving no trace of his presence. L watched him fly off until he finally disappeared into among the clouds. Detective L reached for his pipe and placed it in his mouth as he calmly walked away, not knowing what his next destination would be.