23
As the days passed, Light was able to cope with his new life in Whammy's House. Everyday he would help with the kitchen duties, and then practice English with Linda. He is getting better at it too, and was already able to hold a conversation with kids in his table during dinner. Even Mello, who had been using Japanese since he discovered his accent, switched to speaking to him in English.
Linda kept increasing the challenge as the days went on, this time he was able to even explain math, science and Japanese history to middle school children. And to no one's surprise, he became very popular among that age group as well. They all thought he was cool, and always wanted to hang out with him.
But his most favorite time was when he was reading to the kids in the library. He has even upped the ante, pouring his emotions into each page, changing his voice for each unique character and making it as dramatic as possible. It became so popular that even older kids came to watch sometimes, and they would always applaud when he finished.
Linda was very proud of his achievement, especially when it was only three weeks in and Light was already talking fluently. She keeps mentioning that to him, to the point that it was already embarrassing for him. But then, he was really thankful for her. If not for her, he would still be struggling talking with a very distinct Japanese accent. She gave her a folder complete with all the drawings she made each day when he was reading to the kids. Light was overwhelmed by the gesture that he cried in front of her.
"I was really glad I met you, Light" she told him. "The truth is, I'm going to graduate this institution in a week so I've been pushing you to really work on your English for the past month. I've really gotten inspired by your dedication to your studies. I hope we meet again someday."
He hugged her as tears fell down his cheeks.
"Thank you for everything" he said as he was crying.
After a week they had a celebration for Linda's graduation, and everyone was teary eyed when she waved goodbye to all of them, off to her new career in the city.
Light did not have time to think about much of it soon, as he became busy planning his escape with Mello, Matt and Near. Matt with the help of Near, was able to hack the security systems all over the house, including the nearby town. Mello was able to contact Aiber in Paris, who knew Light from before and was willing to help him in his predicament. He promised to help Light get tickets to America, where he can start his new life. Of course, that includes having a new identity, so Aiber also provided them fake documents on his new identity.
"You're on your own when you arrive there, but thankfully you've been practicing with Linda so your English wouldn't be bad" Mello told him. "Matt and I will graduate in about two weeks, so we will leave by then, but I am planning to go somewhere different"
He hands him a basic phone.
"You can contact us with that phone, but only when you feel like it's an emergency." Mello continued. "That phone is untraceable, but it also gets destroyed after one use, so just use it when you badly need our help, and we will do what we can"
Mello explained more about their plan, which will be held in about two weeks from now. They have to make sure that no one suspects a thing, and that their actions won't be traced to any of them going forward. In order to ward off suspicion, they went with their days as normal as possible, and only meets on Near's signal, when he had hacked the security cameras in the place.
Mello gave him his fake ID and student records, his credentials, all neatly filed in one folder. It all looked perfect that Mello even teased that Aiber must have the hots for him for working especially well for free. Light just brushed it off. The last thing he wants right now is a new lover when he just got out of a horrible one.
Light felt a bit excited, as well as scared. He kept thinking of what would happen, and it was really hard to hide his feelings especially during days when he was required to meet with his doctor.
"You're really coming along well." The doctor remarked on his latest visit. "No more morning sickness, and I think we can already hear his heartbeat, but we will have to bring the equipment for it next time"
If there was any reason to not forgo with the plan, that would be the desire for Light to hear the baby's heartbeat. But then again, all of what he was doing was for this baby in the first place, and he must not get distracted.
"Doctor, can I keep a copy of my medical records? There are some notes I want to add in as the days go by"
"Sure", the doctor agreed without suspecting a thing. "It's quite natural to be interested in your baby's development"
He handed him the file.
Light was really sorry for not telling him of his plan, but he was afraid that the doctor might tell Roger, who in effect would tell Watari. He couldn't risk it. But at least with these records he would be able to continue seeing another doctor without complications.
It will be for another two weeks.
Two weeks more, he thought.
Then he will be free.
…
Things had gone better ever since L and Misa had that talk. They found a common ground, and somehow it was good enough to begin understanding each other. There were no more screaming matches, and Misa had decided to stop attempting to kill herself in favour of comforting L in his time of need, or so she said.
She would check up on him every now and then, and ask him how his day was. It was still annoying to be bombarded by these questions, but L was still relieved that she wasn't shooting daggers at him like she used to.
Soon, the cuffs came off, but Misa stayed in the investigation room, determined to help L solve this case as much as she can, so that he can then move on to looking for Light. There wasn't much they could do, but it always cheered him up when Misa gave him cake after a day's work.
Their therapist was very pleased with what has happened to them, and encouraged them to keep talking to each other at night, to resolve any issues they may have with each other. At first L thought it was a bit lame to do it, but Misa was all for it and have been talking with L about random things. Eventually L was used to it and was actually getting interested in what she has to say, especially when the drugs kicked in.
That was when the real fun starts, if you can call it that. They would just ramble on and on about random things, even when it didn't make sense. They would talk until one of them fell asleep. L would sometimes wake Misa up whenever she falls asleep mid-sentence and leaves him hanging there on his own. He learned a lot about Misa, but it was like a well of information that he kept going even though he knew much better.
L had gone used to Misa's antics by now, and just considered it a welcome break from all the seriousness in the investigation he was heading. She lightens up the mood and makes people like Matsuda become more productive in gathering information. However, there was one time when Misa really made him think.
"Why do you want to keep investigation even when most of the countries have concluded that it's pretty much solved?" she suddenly asked during one of their conversations.
"I just want to know the truth, Misa" he said simply.
"But you suspect Light to be Kira anyway" Misa said. "If you somehow prove that Light is Kira, then what will be your reaction? Would you still give him up to the authorities? Or do you protect him and hold him under your custody"
"I've thought about that" L truthfully said. "Back then I would be more than willing to hand him over to the authorities and let the justice system take care of him. But now I'm considering that he can stay by my side, under my careful watch"
"Wouldn't it still deny him of his freedom? I thought if you love someone you have to set them free"
"That is such a cheesy line that really doesn't work in the real world, Misa-san"
"You told that to me days ago! If it applies to me then why wouldn't it apply to you?"
"Well, because if that was the case, then I have proven that Light had committed a crime, and it is only right to still hold him accountable for his actions"
"And what gives you the right to hold him against his will instead of just being treated like a normal criminal"
"I don't really believe in the government laws, Misa. I don't have a country to serve. I have my own principles. I caught him, and I believe he is rightfully mine"
"You're treating him like property" Misa pointed out. "He is a human being, you know."
"I know, Misa. But he committed such a heinous crime"
"His crimes do not define what he is, and doesn't make him less of a man"
"I can see what you're getting at, but it is unfair to just let him scott free when the families of the victims remain suffering"
"If that is the case, then it is better to just put him in the justice system"
"And, there, is where we come full circle on this argument, Misa. I do not believe in the justice system"
"Do you mean to say that you are above the justice system? Isn't that a bit too arrogant?"
L sighed.
"With those kinds of arguments, Misa, you would be a perfect ambassador for the human rights council"
"Oh, is that a compliment?" Misa's face lit up.
"Maybe, but I don't want to talk about it anymore. Can we end it at that?"
"If it's making you uncomfortable, then we can stop" Misa said.
"I just don't want to think about Light anymore."
He didn't want to think about anything anymore. Maybe he is just keeping on the investigation out of his pride rather than his principle. He didn't care what happened to Light. Or rather, he didn't want Light to be sent to a pack of wolves and face the consequences. But he did want to know if he was right. There was nothing stopping him. He knew that this was a very selfish endeavor, but he just want to see it to an end.
…
As the days grew nearer, Light couldn't help but feel emotional at what he was about to leave behind. He was already fond of the children, and he was growing accustomed to the work required here. It also helped that he was getting really popular.
But Mello advised him not to say any of his goodbyes to anyone, to prevent the risk that someone might tell on them. So the only thing he can do is just enjoy the moment and do his best at making the kids happy.
One inspiration he is getting is the one growing inside him. Mello actually commented about that, and it made him embarrassed a little. He felt it growing quickly, and the more he thought about it, the more his desire to get out of this place, for the sake of this child.
The only person he can tell his feelings were the three boys, Matt, Mello and Near. As the two were always inseparable anyway, and were busy making sure the preparations were perfect, he ended up hanging out with Near more often. The first time he entered Near's place, he was overwhelmed with the amount of toys just scattered at every corner of his room. Light helped him tidy up a bit, but he kept insisting that the toys need to be in a certain order, otherwise he would lose it. Light didn't want to make a mountain out of it, so he just let him be.
Near eventually grew closer to him as well, and he let him play with his toys. Sometimes they would play board games. Other times he let him help with puzzles. They hardly talked to each other, and just play in silence. That, is until what Light had known would be the last day of his stay in Whammy.
"You're leaving tonight" Near started.
"Yeah," Light answered, a bit taken aback by Near suddenly speaking.
"Are you going back to where L is?"
Light didn't know where that question came from.
"No, I'm going farther away from him, actually"
Near continued playing with his puzzles. Then he started talking again.
"L said he misses you" he suddenly said.
"What? How did you know that?" Light grew a bit suspicious.
Near said nothing, but went to get something under his bed. It was a laptop. He opened it and revealed a video showing L's room back in Japan.
"I also managed to hack every network Watari has control of" Near confessed. "I didn't tell Mello or Matt, because I didn't feel it necessary. But I watch it everyday. They are going nowhere with the investigation"
Light thought they would have solved it by now, with L concluding that he was Kira, and was on his way to arrest him. Instead, the cameras showed L and Misa sleeping next to each other, appearing very close.
"They really bonded over the course of the week. Like they have found a common ground" Near commented. "But they both admitted to liking you, even when they suspect you are Kira"
Light felt uncomfortable.
"Are you Kira?" Near asked directly. Light grew quiet.
"You have to ask L that question" Light answered. "Are you going to stop me from escaping tonight?"
Near just looked at him.
"I am not required to. I am not even part of the investigation yet." Near said. "But if in the future L would ask me to help, then I would also come looking for you"
"Please don't." Light pleaded. "I thought that we were friends."
"We are friends, Light" Near assured him. "But my personal life and work life are different from each other"
Light could not say anything. He gave back the pencil topper that Near gave him on his first day in Whammy.
"You are not working for him yet, so at least do not actively look for me before it is necessary"
"Absolutely, Light" Near answered. "Are you going to miss me?"
Light was taken aback again.
"Yeah, but in the future, I hope we are still friends."
…
Mello knocked on his door that night. It was finally time.
"We're all ready to go" Mello said. "But what is wrong with you?"
Light smiled.
"Nothing, I just said goodbye to Near"
"Oh, that makes sense" Mello said understandably. "Well, since you already said your goodbyes, let us go on then"
"Yeah, sure"
"But before you go, I will give you something to get you inspired" He opened up his phone, and revealed a picture of L and Misa kissing. "I guess Near already told you that we were able to hack all the systems Watari controls"
"He said he didn't tell any of you"
"Yeah, well. Matt was doing the hacking so he eventually found out what Near was keeping to himself. He was watching the cameras all day long. What a creep" Mello revealed. "But we did get to capture this photo. Now I'm sure it might be some sort of accident or something, but since you're leaving, I want you to just see what you are leaving behind"
Light hid his emotions.
"I am happy for them"
"Excellent! Good for you, Light!" Mello exclaimed. "Now you can leave this place without looking back at your past. You have nothing left to do but move forward"
"Are you messing with me too?" Light said impatiently.
"No I'm not. I just don't want you looking back and checking up on other people here. Especially when you have another person to worry about."
"Well, fine. I'm ready, so let's go."
"Way ahead of you, man." Mello winked. "I hope you've already gotten over your motion sickness"
Light was aware that the first leg of their escape involved riding on Mello's motorcycle. But he was more than ready now. He had a steady supply of pills from the doctor that he saved and kept in his stash, and he already took one for today.
"It's been fun, but I'm leaving" he gave one more look at Whammy's house. It looked like a haunted house in the middle of the night. He didn't regret leaving at all.
Light gave his luggage to Matt, which only consisted of a small bag and he hauled it with their things. He braced himself for Mello's driving.
The wind felt so chilly that it pierced Light's skin as they travelled as fast as they could. They passed the small town that they used to hang out on, and went further, they arrived at the city were Linda was supposed to be staying at, and they went further. Light's had grew numb from the cold but just held on for dear life.
Soon, they arrived near the sea, and located the airport.
Mello sped off. There was a small private plane waiting for them and he was planning to ride the motorcycle up to the cargo. Light confirmed that he was riding with an insane person just there.
They boarded the plane and loaded what little they have on things.
The plane was operated by one of Aiber's good friend, who used to work for him when he was still a con artist. He flew the plane as soon as they were seated, and chatted with them for a while when the plane was safely on auto pilot. Light was nervous the entire time and could not hold a conversation like he used to.
It took an hour for them to arrive at a much larger airport. They thanked the pilot and grabbed their things. Mello handed him an envelope.
"Tell Aiber he's the best"
The pilot gave him a salute in return.
"I guess this is where we part ways, Light" Mello said. "This is a more lenient country, so hopefully they won't pry too much. We'll be travelling farther from here"
Matt gave Light his luggage back.
"Stay safe, Lucas" Matt patted him on the back.
Of course, from now on he will be known by a different name, which was chosen by him while he was spending his days in the library. It sounded so obvious, but that might actually work.
Mello couldn't help but hug him.
"You know, we've only known each other for such a short time, but I already consider you as a family. Someday we'll meet again"
Light could feel tears in his eyes again.
"Yeah, of course, Mello."
The two boys rode off on their motorcycle again after that. Light was left all alone again.
He entered the airport and located his flight carrier. Since he was only carrying so little it went without a hitch. Immigration also didn't give him such a hard time given that all his papers were in order.
He walked around and found the gate where his plane boarded, and went quietly as they announced that they were allowing people to board. All the while his heart was pounding.
"Are you okay, sir?" a flight attendant noticed that he was sweating.
"I'm okay. I'm just a bit tired."
"Well, if you need any assistance, just ask us"
"Thank you"
He located his seat and put his back under it, as he sat down. Mello told him that it would take at least 10 hours to get to his destination, so he could sleep on the plane. Only that he was starting to feel anxious to the point that he was about to have a panic attack.
"Are you alright, sir?" it was not the attendant this time, but the person sitting next to him.
"I'm just nervous about travelling" Light told him honestly.
The man looked at him for a while.
"Well, it is understandable if you're travelling alone" he said. "I am as well, so maybe I can keep you company."
Light had a closer look at the man, and immediately confirmed that he was in fact Japanese.
"My name is Teru" he offered a hand.
Light shook it firmly, feeling a bit comfortable that he was sitting next to a fellow Japanese.
"I'm Lucas" he said.
"Oh, pardon me, I thought you were Japanese" he said apologetically. Light didn't get it until he realised that his month of training with Linda paid off.
"I'm half" he said.
"Oh, that explains it" he said sheepishly. "Nice to meet you, Lucas. Are you going home?"
Light thought about it for a while.
"Yeah, I am"
He felt more confident after that, and was finally able to sleep. Starting tomorrow, he would begin his new life, so he had to get used to it.