Author's Note: I am so sorry for how long you've had to wait for the next chapter! I've had a lot going on, if you are interested in what there's a longer note at the end of the story.
This is rated M for potential future pairing between Light and L. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note, or the characters therein.
Light was brought out of his musings by L handing him a piece of paper. The top of the page said "Truth or Dare"
"L, what is this?" Light hadn't read beyond the title, yet.
"My first method, or rather the rules for it. You are familiar with the game?"
"Of course, I just did not think you would resort to a child's game." He carefully studied the rules as they left the investigation room.
1. No asking the true name or identity of L, Watari, Kira, or the second Kira
2. All dares must take place within 5 minutes
3. All dares must take place within our joint suite of rooms
4. No dares may cause harm beyond what basic first aid or time can heal without scarring or permanent injury
5. Both parties will consume a truth serum prior to the game and throughout the game to ensure they are telling the truth
6. Everything said and done in the game cannot be shared with anyone
Exception: Watari will be monitoring and recording
Exception: As evidence in the event L or Watari dies before the date per the agreement between Light and L
7. Each person can refuse one dare and one truth only
8. No repeating a refused truth or dare
9. Each person can pause the game for up to one half hour or two fifteen minute breaks, for any reason
* The person does not have to give a reason for the break
* Cannot be taking during a dare
10. No outside communication for the entire duration of the game, except to request supplies and sustenance from Watari.
Light read the rules carefully, realizing this could help him get rid of Misa if he played his cards right. "Does the 'no witnesses' include the Shinigami?"
"If we can keep her away, yes. She seems to have a mind of her own."
"We can always try asking her. I assume the game ends at 6:00pm tomorrow?"
"Yes, though I may choose to resume it at another date. If I do so, the same rules will apply. Any breaks will be re-established."
Light glances around the rooms he once shared with L when handcuffed together. Tea and an evening meal was waiting for them. He is distracted, trying to plan how he can use this to eliminate the threat Rem poses.
"Light-kun, if you consent to the rules sign the paper and we will begin the game." Light sits at the table holding their food. A pen is sitting beside his plate., a vial of liquid beside L's. He signs the paper and sets it out of the way, nodding once to L. L pours them each tea, adding half the vial of truth serum to each cup before placing Light's in front of him. L drinks his cup quickly, before pouring himself another cup of tea. Light follows suite, and begins to eat.
"Truth or dare, Light-kun?"
"As I am eating, truth would seem best."
"Why do you think Kira passed his power on? The root cause."
Light nearly chokes at the first question, but manages to maintain his composure. He ponders how to word his answer as he eats.
"I believe the root cause was the appearance of the Second Kira forced him to change his plans, which ended up including passing on the Death Note and his power. Truth or Dare?"
"Truth." L had considered and dismissed Miss Amane's role in everything. She was obviously an idiot, thus of no worth for thought.
Light glances around for Rem before asking his question. "Why do you believe you have physical evidence that Misa is the Second Kira if the Death Note absolves her?"
Damn, one of the few questions I didn't want him to ask. L knew playing this game could be risky, especially using the truth serum. "I am certain Miss Amane is the Second Kira. I believe the thirteen day rule is a fake, to throw off the investigation." L pretended to look at his tea when answering, carefully looking at light to see his reaction. He was not disappointed. Light paled, barely discernable but to the trained eye. L could tell, from his reaction, that he was right. Light set his tea cup down with a bit more force than necessary. "Light-kun? Truth or dare?"
I should pick dare, but that will make it obvious I'm trying to hide something. "Truth."
"Why do you think the Second Kira left behind so much evidence?"
Damn, I knew I should have picked dare. No matter how I answer, I make myself more suspicious.
"The Second Kira, in their obsession to meet Kira, messed up. All they cared about was meeting, at first, then joining and helping Kira. That level of obsession leads to high emotions and causes people to make mistakes. Also, I don't believe the Second Kira is very intelligent. Truth or dare?"
"Truth." L was distracted by Light's response. They were carefully dancing around the idea that Misa was the Second Kira.
"Why do you believe Kira worked with the Second Kira, despite the risk to theirself?" Careful, we must guide him to the right questions
"At first, to make sure she wasn't a fraud. After that, I believe he decided to use her to further his cause, especially since she had a power he did not. Truth or Dare?"
Maybe at first, but Rem sure threw a kink in that plan. "Truth."
"Same question."
Good, we are getting closer. Now, how much have you figured out? How much more do I need to guide you? "I believe his intent in the beginning may have been to use her and discard her if she became a liability, most likely by using the Death Note. However, I think his plans were forcibly changed after meeting the Second Kira."
Interesting, Light-kun. Forcibly changed? But what could change your mind so? Why change all of your plans just from meeting Miss Amane?
Author's Note (extended): Hey, everyone thank you so much for your patience! I've been sick, and had a lot of stuff going on in my personal life the last year that made it impossible to write anything decent. I have not abandoned this story, though it is going in a different direction than I originally planned. I hope you enjoy the newest chapter, I have started the next chapter but I'm not sure when I will have it finished or up. Thank you to everyone who has read, commented, liked, or followed this story! It means a lot to me!
