Chapter Twenty-Five:
"Damn you, Light Yagami!"

The room was filled with an array of CCTV monitors. It was the central hub of the Evangelist's nerve centre and where everything was observed on the island. The light of the monitors produced a blue hue within the room's darkened interior.

Gravitti sat in a large back chair with one leg crossed over a knee holding a computer tablet that controlled each monitor. On his right side sat his pet Irish Wolfhound that used to manipulate Light Yagami when he first arrived on the island.

With his unique gift to dwell into a person's subconscious using a form of manipulative trickery to force them to see what he wanted, he tricked Light Yagami with Orthrus making him believe his dog was the Greek legend of the same name. Orthrus was a Shinigami, but he was not the being of ancient lore. Orthrus did have a morphing ability, but it was something else entirely.

The Shinigami Revolver had placed small, pinhead-sized, wireless cameras, secretly inside the whole apartment and in every room when he was there that were now broadcasting with live stream, everything being recorded for prosperity. It was giving him inside information into both the Kira Task Force and other plans Light Yagami had as Kira.

Invaluable, to say the least. Big Brother is watching you, Light Yagami. Have you read 1984?

Gravitti watched Light Yagami on screen inside his apartment.

Light Yagami was sitting at his computer station typing, what was on the screen was blurred due to a tint-screen set-up, while Misa Amane washed dishes in the kitchenette. In the background, there was light contemporary music, smooth jazz, at a low level just low enough as not to overpower the audio of the hidden cameras. The apartment doubled as the epicentre to the Kira Task Force. There was little going in the way of action right now. The members of the Kira Task Force had left an hour ago after engaging in a roundtable discussion on Kira's most recent ongoings. There was little information there.

Revolver entered the hub room, but Gravitti did not acknowledge his presence. He was upset with the Shinigami.

The god of death had acquired Light Yagami's Death Note after engaging in licentious activity with both Amane and the Astral God, but due to an unfortunate circumstance it had been lost. The Astral God had retrieved Light Yagami using his powers.

Revolver stood near Gravitti at the back of the room near the Ops chair, the door closing behind him. Orthrus growled at him.

"Stuff it, you miserable mongrel," the god of the death spat.

Gravitti put up a hand to silence them both.

"So, what's next?" Revolver asked.

Revolver tossed an unlocked control collar to the floor so Gravitti could see it. Gravitti did.

Riki's sneakiness to hide a key to Light Yagami's control collar in his underwear after he redressed Light was unforeseen.

He had spoken to the Evangelist after Yagami had vanished and the Evangelist had no qualms about it. In fact, it was all foreseen, and everything was just a prelude of things to come. He had invited Yagami under a false pretend for plans to move forward, but knew Light Yagami would not see him. It was a way to draw his prey in under a false sense of security.

The Evangelist had scuba dived to an awaiting speed boat that took him to private location. He had purposelessly left for Gravitti to handle the aftermath. He said it had been a test when they later spoke and he knew Gravitti would be surprised to find out. The Evangelist was powerful man and he had a levity that Gravitti did not share.

The Evangelist had set up everything perfectly. Gravitti never questioned his master's reasons.

The Evangelist had a god-like, prolific power unlike anything else and only a select few had looked upon the face of his Shinigami. It wasn't that his Shinigami was shy, it only chose to show itself to a few.

The Evangelist was one of the elite members of the League of Darkness, and one of the 'Council of Four' who oversaw all the LOD's activities. He was also known, collectively with the other Four, as one of 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse', a story of four powerful beings foretold in the biblical Book of Revelation.

The Evangelist was also Second to the League's leader with the pseudonym: 'The Dark One'.

Revolver watched the monitors. "Yagami seems quite full of himself," he said. "He still believes Kira is the be all and end all of everything. In truth, he is nothing more than a small fish in a large pond."

"Every fish when given the time and is properly nourished eventually grows into a necessary force creating a needed balance that is lacking somewhere," Gravitti replied. "Light Yagami serves a purpose, just not in the way he thinks."

"I could have ended Kira and the Evangelist would not have to worry about him."

Gravitti cocked his head slightly and looked at Revolver. He saw Revolver still donned the Light Yagami look, but now he was sporting a souvenir—a deep diagonal scar across his right eye which blinded him. But it was not because of Light Yagami, he had not even got a chance to touch him. It was due to another.

An annoyance—a being called Morph.

Morph, a mere child-in-appearance being with godly gifts, had appeared in the Evangelist's quarters just after Yagami disappeared, and it was thought this entity had actually rescued him until it was learned otherwise. Morph told Revolver how Yagami was rescued during their brief encounter and it was due to Epiphany and his use of the Book of The Third Eye. All of which was known to the Evangelist. And it was the very essence of the Evangelist's interest in the god. He wanted that book.

However, Morph then left Revolver with a parting gift, attacking him, slicing Revolver's right eye,using his power, and told him: "Light Yagami is mine!" Morph then told Sappho something, which Revolver later recalled: "Give to Light Yagami what he most desires; you'll understand in time."

Those words made Gravitti wonder. The Evangelist knew of Morph, but until now, very little had been known of him.

With knowledge of the Death Note came a new understanding of the universe and a multitude of beings that came with it.

Gravitti was told The Evangelist had dispatched a member of the League of the Darkness to acquire more information about Morph, erstwhile tasked with another job. He had given the task to 'Rapture', a relatively knew addition to the Evangelist's collective who possessed a Death Note and who was very eager to undertake the mission.

Gravitti looked back at the monitors, he pet Orthrus's head with two fingers of his right hand.

"The Evangelist wishes to give Light Yagami some breathing room now," Gravitti said. "The Astral God Epiphany has retreated back to his own realm. The main purpose of acquiescing Light Yagami was for bait. But now that are prey is no longer within our reach, there's no point in keeping out the lure. And as Morph warned you after your 'accident', he has threatened you if you ever go near Light Yagami again. So, leave Light Yagami to the Evangelist now. He still has plans for Yagami."

"Some accident! I'm going to find that little shit and make him pay for this!" Revolver said. "This is permanent! I still have my changeling abilities, but but it has made things more difficult. And I will never be able to see out of this eye now."

"You were outfoxed. The Astral God used you to reacquire Light Yagami. You unwittingly gave him a link through your mind's eye. The 'fun' you had with him and Misa Amane gave him that reciprocity. And no doubt Morph also used that same connection to visit us. The island is now known to all parties thanks to your carelessness." Gravitti put up a hand knowing Revolver was going to rebuke. He silenced the god before he could utter a word. "Nevertheless, the Evangelist says it's of little consequence."

Revolver sighed. "Back to being bored," he said with a sigh. "Anything I do?"

"You're freelancing your services, so you are not expected to do anything. You are not bonded to anyone. The cameras you planted in Yagami's apartment will be invaluable to us. We will keep a close eye on Light Yagami for now. But your services may be needed again, so don't go very far if you choose to travel. I doubt that this will be the last time we see the Astral God, Epiphany either. You caused him quite the embarrassment. He will not soon forget that."

"He's probably hiding in some distant corner sucking his thumb and crying into a blankey." Revolver chuckled.

"Hardly," Gravitti responded. "The Evangelist is working on a way to communicate with the Astral God again."

"Yup, the guy is very powerful. He's a little weird, however. I only saw him once when I was recruited. He's quite young for such a powerful and knowledgable Death Note user. But what's with that tuff of white hair out on the front? He looks like a skunk."

"It is a result of seeing his Shinigami for the first time. It is called Marie Antoinette Syndrome. Pigmentation of the hair is filtered away due to extreme stress factor such as from a deathly fright, but only part of his hair went completely white. He chooses to keep it like that and not hide it to remind himself of that there are terrifying things in the universe and they must be controlled and conquered. This is why he and the LOD are so adamant in controlling and seizing power. You Shinigami are free to roam to kill whomever you wish, but unlike Kira, your serve a legitimate purpose. Light Yagami kills for his own narcissist agenda."

"Speaking about agendas, Sappho, the Evangelist's sister knows everything about him. She's been playing dumb all this time, I only recently found this. Don't you think that's dangerous?"

Gravitti stopped petting Orthrus, then began tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair. "Yes, this was concerning when I was first informed of it. The Evangelist told me, but he was suspicious of it. I find it odd that she was able to hide it."

Revolver chuckled. "She tricked the trickster," he said. "So, will anything be done about her?"

Gravitti adjusted his glasses, he swivelled in the chair to face Revolver. "We have orders to observe her. You have orders to observe her. She would not have known about any of this if you didn't manipulate Rapture's Shinigami into touching her with a piece of the Death Note because it would be a lark. In reviewing the surveillance system, I observed her spying on the Evangelist and other members of the Council of Four in the Judgment Hall where they had gathered to discuss Kira and the future of the League of Darkness. This is your fault. Hence, you will observe her." Gravitti swivelled his chair back. "You own this failing."

Revolver grumbled under his breath. "Fine," he said. "I'm sure I can find ways to entertain myself with her."

"I think it doesn't need to be said that the Evangelist's sibling is not to be harmed," Gravitti said. "So, kindly engage in your abhorrent fantasies elsewhere. As for Light Yagami, he will be issued another invite to see the Evangelist at a later date."

Suddenly, there came a knock on Light Yagami's apartment door, which was heard on the monitor in the living room. Gravitti and Revolver took sudden interest in the monitor that was showing it.

Light Yagami turned in his chair. He looked at Misa first before standing on his feet. "Are you expecting anyone?"

"No," Misa Amane said.

Light went and looked through the door peep hole.

"Yes? Who—oh my god!"

Light Yagami quickly whipped the door open.

"Hello, Mr. Yagami," Hiro Yamamoto/Riki said with a boyish smile standing on the other side. "Ms. Sappho gave me your address after she released me from her brother's service." Riki showed his neck underneath the colour of a nice navy blue dress shirt. He wore what appeared to be all new clothes. He no longer wore a control colour. "She directed me to you, she knew your home address, and urged that I come to see you. She said you would understand?"

Light smiled, and then uncharacteristically, hugged him.

Gravitti was not happy, frowning at the sight of Riki now with Light Yagami.

"You have no idea how glad I am to see you, Riki," Light said, welcoming the boy inside.

Misa looked stunned. She crossed the floor with a tea towel in hand. "Um, hello? Riki, is it?"

Riki nodded. "Yes, or Hiro Yamamoto, whichever you prefer? I go by both. Riki was the pseudonym I went by to protect myself from Kira when I was Mistress Tigressa's Prime working for the Yukaza in their den of debauchery."

Misa looked at Light when Kira was mentioned.

Gravitti watched the events unfold with Revolver standing next to him. The Evangelist should be made aware of this, he thought.

"Sappho and I both agreed that Riki needed somewhere stable to live after his grandparents, his only living relatives, so gregariously kicked him out for something that were not your fault," Light said. "It's okay, Riki, Misa knows all about you."

Riki smiled, and nodded.

"But there were extenuating circumstances during those events. Right, Light?" Misa cocked an eyebrow.

Light nodded. He kept smiling. He looked like a proud father.

"I told Sappho that it might be a little difficult for you to stay here with me, Riki, obviously she thought differently, but since you're here now, I'm delighted," Light said. "I owe you a large debt of gratitude for saving my life against Nazareth and the Yukaza and I am man who always honours his debts. I'm a police officer, I'm also a member of the Kira Task Force, as you know—I tend to be busy here with our meetings—but you are welcome to here as long as you wish."

Misa cocked her head to get Light's attention. "Ah, Light—one-second please?" She led him to the kitchenette.

Gravitti followed them, looking at another camera monitor that showed the kitchenette.

Misa spoke quietly, putting a hand to her mouth. "Light, what about…you know, the Death Note, and Kira? You can't operate freely with him here. He could rat us out? Have you thought this through? This isn't like you."

"You may think so, but I'll make it work," Light said. "The Evangelist kidnapped Riki after his grandparents tossed him out for his involvement in a sex ring. He was only ten years old when he was indoctrinated. He had no choice but to obey, learn, or be killed. I admire him for doing what he did to survive, but I couldn't imagine what he went through and what he had to do to become Tigressa's Prime. I didn't want to leave the island without Riki. I rescued him from a horrible life with the Yukaza, and when I saw him again, I vowed to take Riki with me when I could leave the Evangelist's Island. When I came back here, I was disappointed, and researched for ways to get back to the Evangelist's Island. He's here now, a blessing beyond words, and I will not turn him away after he has been rejected by so many others. I may be Kira, but I'm not without empathy. Remember, he also gave us the USB stick with all the Dragon Sect members that you later killed with a Death Note."

Misa mused thoughtfully. "In that case, that makes him one of us, kinda. As long as you say it's okay? But what will your Dad think? And how will you operate as Kira? You may have to find a new hiding place for the Death Note."

Light looked over to Riki. The kid was admiring the computer set-up used for his work. Riki was almost Light's age, but his condition: Adult-Child Syndrome prevented him from growing beyond five feet. He will forever look like a teenager.

"I'll tell him the truth, to a certain degree, and hopefully he'll understand," Light said.

Misa smiled. "Okay, if you want this, I trust you, Light," she said. "I'm just trying to look after you best interest and to protect you." Light nodded understandingly, but he didn't care. "Mmm, I always wanted a little brother." She turned around and opened her arms wide. "Welcome to our home, Riki. You can take the second bedroom. Light's cousin, Raito, was visiting for a while, but he's gone now. Set it up however you like."

Riki produced a boyish grin and bowed respectfully. "Thank you. I will endeavour to repay this wonderful act of kindness."

Riki was carrying a small satchel. Misa took it and showed him to his room.

Light smiled happily.

Gravitti observed 'Kira's' very pleasant demeanour and frowned.

This was unexpected.

So far, everything had been going according to the Evangelist's plans. Obviously, this was not part of it.

Sappho was foolish to release the boy and send him to Light Yagami. Working on the island for the last couple of months for the Evangelist and the League of Darkness, Hiro Yamamoto, Riki, was a liability. He knew too much.

"What should we do?" Revolver asked about the new circumstance.

"Nothing, for now," Gravitti said. "But the Evangelist will not be pleased."

A fury erupted inside him, and he pressed hard on the tablet that controlled the monitors with a vice-like grip, shattering the screen, the disruption turned every screen to static.

Damn you, Light Yagami! Without barely lifting a finger, you won the day. But the battle has only just begun!

To be continued...