CHAPTER 28:
"Second Chances"

Raye Penber—the name brought up that time he had tricked the detective into writing his fellow agents' names on pages of the Death Note, even his own, while on a train.

When he died, Light never thought he'd ever see the man again. And yet, with recent events involving his own resurrection, and others, the believability of him being alive again was surprising but not shocking. But why? And what was the former FBI agent doing in the underground parking?

As he made his way to his private condo apartment downtown with a bodyguard as his new driver now, a strange thought crossed Light's mind: Did Quindecim bring Raye Penber back to life to hunt me down? Since Penber used a Death Note, he then, would be in the same boat as myself, and could not be resurrected or enter The Void? Had he been in Quindecim, too? The question to every question was a very possible: Yes.

Raye Penber had also been working with L when L first began to investigate Light. And another thought crossed his mind. Was Near now involved, aligned with Penber? It sounded something like a science-fiction novel, but were other agents from Quindecim now working with the SPK and Near to find him?

That phone call from Kounna Aiueo of Lucky Dragon Industries then came to mind and he wondered if the Tsuku-Yoki Corporation was now being targeted by Near? He now regretted destroying Wammy House. Had he instigated an investigation because of it?

Near knew about the Death Note and Shinigami. The only way he wagered that Near would begin an investigation against him would be if Near had been at Wammy House when the Shinigami attacked, and saw them. Anyone else, would react to it as being a freak windstorm.

But there was one favourable thing about it all. At least L would not be with them, as he never wrote in the Death Note, as far as he knew.

Light saw him die of a heart attack in his arms. Rem, Misa's Shinigami, had personally murdered him. At least he was surrounded by smart people this time if and when he had to go up against Near again.

Perhaps I overestimated the naming of my corporation after my kanji. Did Near see a correlation? If he knows I'm alive, then the reason behind Penber's appearance becomes blissfully obvious. I need to protect myself. No, I am Shinto Izanagi now. Near wouldn't dare go against me. I'm a man of such influence and wealth, he'd risk embarrassment. I have him beat in every way possible.

He smiled, his mind at ease. He wouldn't dwell on such things right now.

He would let Demetre handle it. Demetre remained back at the Tower, because he said he had a few things to do when it came to corporate business, otherwise he would be with him, on his way to see Kiyomi Takada. He would call his friend later. Right now, Light calmed himself, and had positive thoughts about Takada.

His phone suddenly beeped, it was a text from Demetre.

"FYI: The 'Lucky"'call was not genuine. I just called their HQ and Kounna Aiueo didn't call us, using a synthesizer. They think it was a prank, despite Aiueo's eccentricity."

Light text back: "Thanks. Please take care of it…and the "other" matter. Thanks!" Which meant Raye Penber.

Demetre replied: "Will do."

With that settled, Light enjoyed the rest of the ride to the condo.

With his driver/bodyguard in tow—a strong young blonde man, an American ex-UFC fighter, who was expelled for unsportsmanlike conduct when he came to fight in Japan, named Ritchie Hayward—they took the elevator to the top floor, and crossed the corridor to the door of his private condo. In fact, he owned the entire floor.

Ritchie seemed to fall into the role of bodyguard quite easily. Well, especially with all the money he was being paid. But Light felt safe with him, just as safe as he would be with Demetre.

Light paused, and stopped just inches from the door…

What if she remembers what I did to her? I'll have some explaining to do, especially with her being pregnant when she died. How will she react to seeing me again? Her last thoughts were probably wondering why I killed her with the Death Note even when she obeyed my orders? I'll have my mask on, she won't recognize me. I need to play things cool. Then bring her into the mix. But I also have to be prepared for her to be absolutely disgusted with me.

"Is there something wrong, sir?" Ritchie asked.

Light, in hindsight, knew he should have brought Ritchie with him the first time he was visiting Takada. No doubt, he would have stopped Matt in his tracks.

Hiro used his talents of interrogation and managed to get the information Light wanted from Matt, whose real name was Mail Jeezus, an orphan from Wammy House. Quite easily, in fact, when faced with the same form of 'Evaluation' Light had gone through when he was captured by the Yukaza, and by Hiro/Riki, himself.

Light managed to locate some old media clips of the moment Matt was shot and killed by Takada's bodyguard's—a bystander caught the kill; which was later attributed to aggressive behaviour towards to Takada, Kira's spokesperson at the time.

Matt had lead the bodyguard's astray from Mello, after Mello kidnapped Takada in a truck, whereas, incidentally, was when the last time Light ever spoke to her alive.

He needed to find out why so many people connected to the Kira Case were being resurrected. If it had something to do with the upper echelon within Quindecim, then that would explain a lot. Or, was it something else? If so, then who else was here? He didn't believe in coincidences.

Light took a moment. He smiled under his mask, then turned to Ritchie. "I'm fine. There is a woman from my past in there that I hope to reconnect with, but we didn't part on the best of terms."

Ritchie smirked. "Say no more, Mr. Izanagi," he said. "I know the drill. If I may give you some advise?" Light tilted his head. "Just be honest with her. But don't bow down to her whims. Women hate submissive men, despite the changing times. Whatever happened between you two can be mended. But it depends on the circumstances."

"The circumstances of our parting were quite grave, Ritchie. That's why I'm nervous."

"May be so bold? A gift always bodes well after a prolonged absence of the heart. I know from experience. You're wearing the mask because of an accident, but I can see it in your eyes, you're scared of what she may think. Forgive my impertinence if I have overstepped anywhere? I've been known to speak my mind on occasion."

Light was actually amused. "I know your history, your family, and their tragic outcome. You have a good heart, your words are truthful and kind. Do you believe a person can change if they have done wrongs in their life?"

"Yes, I do."

Light wasn't so sure.

Light couldn't believe he was saying this, knowing what he had just done to Chastity. But for some reason, when he looked into Ritchie's eyes, something good-naturedly came out. His words were comforting. The only person he ever thought would do that was his best friend Demmy.

He put his hand on his bodyguard's shoulder, and smiled beneath his mask. He didn't know if was him or the fact that, in this moment, he was going to see the love of his life once again. But Light felt good.

"I already have something for her," he said. "And something very special for a long lost love."

Ritchie smiled. "Ah, I understand, sir. Say no more. Would you like for me to wait out here?"

"Yes, thank you," Light said. "After the incident with my kidnapper, I'm feeling the need of more protection."

"Then I shall wait out in the hall, sir."

His bodyguard was very accommodating for a man who fought like devil in the Octagon as a ex-UFC fighter.

Ritchie Hayward was an American, who decided to fight in Japan's fighting circuit. But was banned for unsportsmanlike conduct when he broke a fighter's arm. After he was barred, loan sharks came after him for money he owed. The Yukaza also bet heavily on the other fighter and lost a bundle. They wanted that money. In turn, the Yukuza took out their anger on Ritchie's family and killed them—his wife and young daughter.

Light needed people when he was first starting out as Shinto Izanagi and came across Ritchie when Ritchie was running from the Yukaza. Light and Demetre destroyed the Yukuza enforcers of their own accord, with help from the Shinigami. As the Shinigami were not killing for Light or Demetre, they used their Death Note's—each dying of sudden and unexplained heart attacks. And in turn, received a great deal of extra years to add to their lifespans.

Ritchie then told Light his entire life story. Light had then consulted with Demetre and it was agreed that Light would need a loyal bodyguard, and hence Ritchie became his first, challenging him with the mouthguards. Ritchie lost. But he pleaded his undying loyalty to Light and started a new life.

Unfortunately, unlike Light lying about acid being thrown in his face—the reason for him wearing the mask as Shinto—Ritchie actually had scarring, burn marks on the left side of his face when the Yukaza attacked him and his family at their home, setting fire to it. They were mild, yet noticeable. Ritchie didn't know Shinto's real identity. He had known it at first when Light challenged him. But his memory was then erased of it.

Light kicked himself for not bringing Ritchie with him to see Takada before. But who would have thought someone would infiltrate Tsuku-Yoki Tower and kidnap him right under everyone's nose. Demetre was taking care of any further security concerns. His friend was his best protector.

Light was glad he had brought Ritchie now. He felt very safe with him, which was why he had let his guard down somewhat when speaking with him.

Light never revealed how he got revenge on the Yakuza for Ritchie's family, but Ritchie was eternally grateful. And despite wearing the mouthguard to assure his loyalty, he had no regrets in serving Shinto Izanagi.

Light had a few people under his wing with the mouthguards since he started using them, two of whom were Aveeno and Ritchie. He had others, but they were currently engaged in other projects for Shinto Izanagi. Demetre had a few people under his influence, but he was more reserved in using them and allowed them to live their lives until they would be needed, if at all—which included Shuichi Aizawa and Touta Matsuda.

Presently, neither Aizawa nor Matsuda were the wiser of what had happened to them in Tsuku-Yoki Tower.

Light turned and looked at the door, then knocked. He straightened his tie, and then readied himself for any scenario with Takada that would come his way.

x x x

When he entered ACT (the Action Command Transport), the New Kira Task Force's mobile command centre, which was basically a large RV converted into a surveillance headquarters, Jasper Yuta was impressed.

From the exterior, no one would know anything like this was in here and where it was stored in a simple warehouse.

Menace had brought him here after encountering Raye Penber near the wharf, and as soon as Jasper heard that he had son—Braydon, whom he thought was his friend's Matt Rise—he agreed to join the team after he learned Light Yagami had sent two Shinigami to attack the orphanage L had taken him.

Raye Penber was in complete awe at ACT when he saw it and the technology within. "This is amazing!" he said. "How much did something like this cost to convert?"

Near sat at a computer console. He was analyzing the mouthguard Raye Penber had brought back that he found in Amber Dayz's, Chastity's, mouth, and said, "Quite a lot," without taking his eyes of the screen. The mouthguard had been placed in a scanner and the computer was complying a detail composite of its material and workings.

"I like it," Yuta said. "And I'm sure if Ichi were here, he'd be salivating over the tech. He was a friend of mine Kira murdered when we stormed your old Kira headquarters, L, which is now Tsuku-Yoki Tower. Last I heard, Ichi had several projects on-the-go for the Yukaza. I bet they weren't too happy when they weren't completed."

"I assume so," L said back. "So, are you willing to do what we discussed? You and Raye?"

"Sure, why not? Might be a little tricky, but it sounds like fun. Anything to get back at Kira. No one hurts my boy!" Referring to the fact that when the Shinigami attacked Wammy House, they broke Brandon's arm to take a Probable Orb that Clavis and Castra had brought with them from Quindecim.

Jasper couldn't believe after it was explained to him that there were others from another realm, another plane of existence, parallel to the Human World on Earth right now, helping them. It boggled his mind.

"Can I see him? Brandon?"

"Your son…" L said flatly. L looked to Menace. Menace didn't react. "Along with his father, I also told him Kira killed you. But I will say, that, your son is a very smart boy. And very gifted in ways I can't quantify."

Menace nodded.

Jasper cocked his head a little confused. "Okay? Who would've thought I would come back to life? He's smart, huh? Gifted?"

"Quite intelligent," L answered. "As I recall, when I conducted research on you, before and after our encounter, and before I submitted an application for Braydon to Wammy House, I had to verify his identity, and submit an IQ test, as the orphanage is also a school for gifted children. Even at his young age, he scored very high in mathematics and language comprehension, including in a variety of other subjects. I also requested reports from the psychiatric institution you escaped from to compare to Braydon's. He ranked right up there with some of the most intelligent people, say Robert Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein. But, I must also say, he also had some unusual markers, that also put him in the same class as people like Jeffery Dahmer and Ted Bundy."

Jasper Yuta frowned angrily. He then grabbed L's shirt, gripping it tightly. His face close. "Are you saying my son may one day grow up to be a psychopathic, serial murderer, like Light Yagami?"

L put up his hands in rebuttal. Despite Jasper's aggressive behaviour, he did not retaliate.

"Forgive the analogy, but most kids are sociopaths at his age. They're all selfish, demanding, and arrogant. Much like a lot of teenagers." He paused. "Your son is very smart, but I apologize for comparing him to Light Yagami."

Jasper released L and took a step back. L straightened his shirt. "Sorry, I guess I have to work on those anger issues. I am my father's son. And Yoma Yuta was a very angry man. He used to hit me a lot."

L put a hand on Jasper's right shoulder. "But you are not your father, Jasper. You are you. Remember that. Every son wishes to step out of his father's shoes, or even emulate a parental figure. You've had your problems, but I believe everyone has the ability to change for the better."

Jasper nodded. "I have better things to do than go down my father's path." He then looked to Menace, said: "I would like to see my son, please, as promised. Before I do anything else."

Both L and Near agreed, and Menace whisked Jasper Yuta away for a short junket.

It was a short trip to see his son Braydon Yuta, who had been bussed to another orphanage owned by Quillish Wammy, twenty miles from where Wammy House, in England. Along with others, Braydon was accommodated.

Masked by Menace's powers, Jasper stood next to Braydon's bed as he slept, his right forearm in a caste.

He was in a room with eight other boys, much like a cadet barracks, the beds a few feet apart.

Jasper bent down, and smiled, as he watched his son sleep. He then fingered a lock of hair from Braydon't face. He needed a haircut.

"I wish I could speak with him," Jasper said quietly to Menace, "to tell him, I wish I could've been there for him. But, he had Matt. Considering where I was at the time, Matt was a better father than I ever could have been."

Menace appeared thoughtful for a moment when Jasper looked at him.

Then Menace said: "Whisper to him, Jasper. We are cloaked from being seen and heard. However, a person can still hear another while they are sleeping, theoretically. The subconscious mind is able to interpret things around them, even if the consciousness is not awake. He might even be able to respond in REM sleep."

Jasper hesitated. He opened his mouth to say something, but then shook his head. He stood up. "No, I would rather not. Best to allow Braydon to continue believing Matt was his father. I'm dead, anyhow."

Suddenly, and softly, Braydon spoke sheepishly: "Daddy, I miss you…" And a tear rolled down from Braydon's right eye and down his face.

Jasper snapped his attention back to Braydon, crouched down. He placed a hand over his son's face, wanting to wipe the tear away, but then thought against it. He may wake Braydon. It was best to not to do anything.

"I wish to leave now, please," Jasper then said seriously but sombrely, standing up straight. He knew it may be the last time he would ever saw his son. He was angry that he had to leave, but he knew it was the best thing.

He knew Braydon had called out to Matt, not him. He was melancholy and heartbroken for Braydon. Kira had taken his father away by no fault of his own. But whatever Jasper could do to make things even a little right, and punish the bastard that sent the Shinigami to destroy Wammy House and hurt Braydon, he would do everything he could. And make Braydon's world a little bit brighter.

When he returned back to ACT, Jasper felt like he had changed. They say that a traumatic event or some sort of divine intervention can suddenly alter a person's perspective, and after seeing Braydon, he knew something had. He wanted to make the world safer for his son, even if he couldn't be with him.
"Thank you," Jasper said to L humbly, wiping an involuntary tear from his right eye.

"As L mentioned before, your son is very smart, and he's gifted," Menace said, after giving Jasper a moment of reflection. "That moment he called out for his father, he called out for you. He could hear you speaking to me. He knew your voice. In comparison, it's like a dog recognizing his master's voice."

"That's impossible! He doesn't even know me."

L chimed in. "That's not true. He met you once when your friends introduced him to you. As I was taking him to Wammy House, he said the moment he met you he knew you were his father, not Matt. He said he felt an immediate connection and compared it to a psychic link, like twins have. But he didn't know how to interpret it at the time. It was a feeling to him, a knowing."

Jasper had to sit down, weak kneed. Raye brought a chair over.

"I can't believe it," he said, a distant look on his face. "When I first learned Matt and Crystal had a son, I was shocked but happy for them. They were meant for each other. But Braydon is mine, and he knows who I am?" He then smiled introspectively. "I remember, when we were chilling out in Ichi's underground pad…both Braydon and I were drawing, sketching—I had left all my sketch books back at the institution when I escaped, and I wanted to draw a fresh picture of Light Yagami—Braydon said I was a good drawer, and he showed me a picture that he was colouring. He said he wanted to draw like me one day. That was the last time I saw him. Matt asked a friend to look after Braydon while we stormed the Kira de facto headquarters. Little did we know we wouldn't be coming back."

He leaned back in the chair, staring up at the ceiling.

"I was an obsessive compulsive back then, and was only out for revenge. I didn't care what I had to do or who I had to hurt to get what I wanted. But now I get a second chance. I can give Braydon one, too. After we stop Kira."

"Then, if we're all ready," L began, "let's go catch Kira! Again!"

To be continued...