Chapter 17: Souichiro's Heart Attack

"For a moment I wasn't afraid and my troubles disappeared then it seems it nearly happened again. I almost lost someone close to me. I can't let myself be distracted... even if it is with him."

-Akane Yagami-

Akane gave a large sigh of relief as she stepped off the ride and back onto solid ground. It was great, scary as hell, all a thrill, and it made her feel alive. It had been to long time since she felt... good. Like she could breath easy again. It took away the pressure of being her and being a rock in a hard place.

L held held her hand and it took away the fear like subconscious knew she was safe with him, but her mind knew better. As long as Kira stalked her she no one around her would be safe. This odd ball of a man gave her something she hadn't possessed in a long time. That feeling of safety even if it was for a short time. In fact a part of her had forgot what safe felt like. It was strange, but she was grateful even if she didn't know how to express that to him.

Then her phone rang, "What a pain..." she groaned annoyed at the interruption of her peace of mine that only lasted a moment.

"Hello?" Akane asked while

"Is this Akane Yagami?" a voice said over the phone. It was a voice she didn't recognize at all, but it sounded professional.

"Yes, it is. Who is this?" Akane inquired in a firm toned.

"This is Dr. James Sherman with the Iyashinote Hospital. I regret to inform you-" he said but suddenly it disrupted.

"Give that phone to me, you moron!" Asa voice yelled.

L's also rang, "Excuse me, mine is ringing too." he took out his phone and answered it, but said nothing else as he listened.

Akane gave L a nod before hearing the phone being yanked out of the man's hand. "Akane it's me."

"Auntie? What's going on?" Akane questioned.

"Honey, it's bad. Your dad... he had a heart attack," Asa said know Akane didn't like things sugar coated even when things where bad.

L heard the same news on his end as well, "Akane it's your-!"

Akane's eyes widen as her phone slipped out of her hand, "My father had a heart attack! No... not again..."

The phone landed in L's hand and he re-pocketed his own a moment later.. "Hello? Akane? You there? Hello?"

"This is Hideki Ryuga," L said. "Akane seems to have gone into shock. What's going on?"

"You sound nothing like the actor. So who the hell are you? What are you doing with my niece?" Asa demanded.

"I'm her date," L informed her. "Miss I would be glad if you told me what caused her to go into such a daze."

"Christ, you sound like a detective! Wait. Did you just say date? Uh... never mind, forget I asked. Akane's father had a heart attack. He's okay now, but they want to keep him over night for observation. If she's in shock then could you drive her to the Iyashinote Hospital?" She told him.

"I can do that. We'll be there in roughly thirty minutes." L told her. "What room?"

"Room 2-14b," she told him. "Oh and I want to talk to you. If you you want to date my girl you have to have my approval first. You must be something if you convinced that tight ass to go out with you." Then he heard her say softly to herself, "It's about time."

"That's fine. We'll be there soon." L told her before hanging up. He took a breath and placed her phone into his pocket in exchanged for his cell. "Watari, I need you to bring the car around."

"Of course, I'll be there in a moment." he told him and closed his phone.

L placed his hand on Akane's shoulder, "He's alive, Akane." He told her.

She looked to be on the edge of crying when she turned her eyes on him. She closed her eyed and focused on putting her game face back on. "G-good... let's go, please," she said.

….

There was silence between them on the ride to the hospital and for the last five minutes Akane had been glaring out the window. "For a second, I thought he took someone else from me." she pinched the bridged of her nose stressed all over again. It wasn't suppose to be like this... not today. They where suppose to... have fun... well or at least the illusion of it, but Akane did enjoy herself if she was being honest with herself even on the Zero Gravity.

L looked at her as she bit at her thumb nail, "We are playing a very dangerous game, Akane, but your father will be fine. He's alive. It's unlikely Kira is involved."

"I know," Akane replied. "I just wish it wasn't like that. I know any second the phone could ring and I would loose another. Kira or not. The human race was created to love and die. I will loose far more before the end."

"What do you mean by that?" L asked.

She didn't answer or she just didn't know how. How where you to informs someone you where going to live for two hundred and fifty years? So she remained silent for a long moment then come up with something to say. "Each mortal in the world looses someone or something... it's what fate brings us. Perhaps I'm being a bit to morbid or perhaps when my life was saved by Ciaran... I gain something I never asked for. Something cold and lacking mercy. Sometimes that's all there is being doom as I to one day be all alone."

L stared while he chewed on his thumb. Why did she always have to speak in riddles when she was hiding something? Though if she wasn't so complex he just might get bored. He sighed deciding to change the subject, "We'd have to reschedule our date."

She turned her eyes toward him and smiled, "Yes, we do. We didn't get any useful information today. I find it odd that we didn't. Though I do not think your theory is wrong. To much has happened for you not to be right. What could he be planing? I know of his goal, but not the means he will use to gain it. Well he be predictable and use someone like a coward or will he do something else entirely. Either way... none can know 'Akane' is involved in the investigation. 'Tenshi' however will be fine as long as no one knows who 'Tenshi' really is."

"Agreed," L said. "We'll continue on our current path unless something changes then we'll adapt to the situation as we have before."

"Agreed," Akane nodded, "Thank you, by the way."

L cocked his head at her and what Akane guessed was a puzzled expression. "For what?"

"Distracting me... it helps," she answered. Why do I feel as if I'm starting to owe him? Donovan and I are the only people keeping him alive. I shouldn't feel like that at all, but maybe it's not that at all. Maybe... I'm staring to care. Even though I know I shouldn't care for anyone in this situation. Damn my fickle heart.

….

"There you are!" Asa exclaimed as they arrived off the elevator while waving at them. "Your father is inside. Go ahead in. I want to talk to Mr. Ryuga for a minute."

"Auntie, what do you mean talk to Ryuga?" Akane asked as she lifted a brow over the frame of her sunglasses.

"Well if he's dating my little niece. He'll to have my approval and don't give me that look. I might just embarrass him a little. He's cute and he gets points for bringing you here like a gentleman. Not everyone would do that after all. You two would make adorable babies one day."

Akane actually blush, "Auntie!" Oh God no! She did not just say that and I'm embarrassed enough for the two of us!

Her reaction surprised L. Generally she had control over her reactions, but not today. Maybe it was the stress or maybe it was that Asa and Akane had a very close relationship. A relationship that was stronger than any she had with others and she felt comfortable around this woman. She wasn't like this with her own mother. It was interesting to say the least.

Asa smirked and then gave a light giggle, "Alright go and check on your dad, while we have some chat time."

Akane sighed, "Alright, alright. Ryuga... I'll see you later?" she asked.

"Of course," L nodded. "Text me when your ready to go."

….

Asa handed L a hot cup of tea as she sat across for him in the break-room meant for doctors like herself, "Here you go. The tea here isn't the greatest, but it's fresh."

"It's fine, thank you," L said placing the bowl down and went straight for the sugar. He was sitting in his usual way, but unlike usual his shoulders where tense. He didn't feel nervous often, but this woman presence did almost like Akane's.

L then took the time to look at her features noting Akane and Asa shared the same eye color and many the same facial feature. They had the same straight small noses, same curly golden-brown hair, and elegantly shaped Japanese eyes with that amber color like the golden raise of the sun. In fact Akane looked more like Asa than she did her own mother and father though she seemed to share a mix Souichiro's and Asa's personalities. She had Souichiro's sense of justice and Asa's compassion, determination, and some of her straight forwardness especially when Akane was flirting or that was what L was picking up on.

Now that he thought about it Sayu looked just like her mother, but why didn't Akane? He wanted to ask if Sachiko was really Akane's mother, but that would be rude. However he did think, There is a 30 percent chance Akane is actually Asa's daughter. I would like to look into that.

"So how long have you two been dating?" Asa asked as she watched him place to much sugar into his tea. How child like... she thought to herself thinking it was quite cute.

"Hmm...Almost a week, though today was our first date," L replied.

"Sorry that Souichiro interrupted then," She joked lightly.

"It was no trouble. Family should come first," He said.

"So you have family yourself? You're a foreigner too I can tell. Though you might have a bit of Japanese in you." Asa said.

"Not the same as Akane, but yes I do have family and how can you tell I'm a foreigner? I have a perfect accent," He answered vaguely.

Asa giggled, "It's those eyes of yours gives it away, my dear. I've never seen anyone with gray eyes like those especially in Japan. I pay close attention to detail like the fact your shoulders are tense for being nervous or the dark circles under your eyes from lack of sleep. I notice a lot, Mr. Ryuga," he voice was light, but then it took a serious turn, "and I want to know what your attentions are with my Akane."

She was glaring as she stared at him and L could feel a shiver run down his spine. Yes, she was a lot like Akane and there was no denying that they were related. He let it seemed as if he was looking for the right thing to say, but truthfully he was focused on something else before he spoke again. "It's not often someone interest me like she does. I want to get to know her and she seems to want the same. I like her."

The woman smirked at him, "You've never been in love. Have you dear?"

He nearly choked on his tea when she said that. He couched before he answered his voice a bit horsed as he spoke, "I... have not. Are you always so blunt with your questions?"

She giggled again, "I thought as much and yes, I am. I see why she likes you. Cute, intelligent, and a bit odd. I approve. Give Akane time. She doesn't trust many people. Hell she doesn't even trust her own father or my sister. She's likely hasn't told them that you're dating."

" She has not. Does she trust you?" he asked a bit curious of what she would say.

"I'm one of the very few, yes. I'm the one she comes too when she has problems and I think we both know she's dealing with a lot more than she's letting on. Wouldn't you agree?" Asa voiced letting a brow rise.

"Yes, I would," L nodded.

"Then I approve of you two dating. Don't go breaking her heart, okay?" Asa asked.

"I'll do my best," L promised.

"Good now go see if Akane needs you. I have to get back to work. My break is up." Asa told him.

….

The heart monitor peeped loudly in the room. Akane never really like that sound, but it let you know if the patient was alive. Her father's skin had paled from the heart attack and Akane could see the dark circles around his eyes. She also noticed he had lost weight. He really has worked himself to the bone, Akane thought worried. Her mother and sister where already saying their goodbyes and promising to come see him tomorrow when Akane had entered the room.

She would prefer it this way. To have a moment alone with her father. She was happy she could force herself not to shake with the shock of it all. "So it was stress that caused the heart attack or at least the doctors think so. You do look like you been working too hard father."

"Yeah, to be honest I thought it was Kira when I first collapsed, but I'll be alright." He replied weakly.

"So did I when I picked up the phone. You had me worried sick," Akane admitted. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"Yes, it seems I've been pushing myself a bit to hard lately as you said," He replied before gave a soft sigh.

Akane cocked a brow, "A bit? Father you had a heart attack of all things. You're stretching yourself far to thin. You're no spring chicken anymore. You should know better."

"I know, but we have to catch Kira. I'm sorry that I have caused you to worry," Souichiro told her, "but this case is to important for me to stop now. You must understand that."

"I do, but that doesn't mean I have to like it one bit." She informed him as she crossed her arms and gave him a serious glare.

He chuckled at that, "You aunt said the same thing."

"I bet she did and knowing you it was more than just work that caused you to have a heart attack. What happened?" She asked.

"Yes... perhaps there was more to it. However, you know I can't tell you anything about the case." He informed her.

"I know, but... I'm just worried." she said right before silence fell between them as she gave a heavy sigh. This is the most we've spoken in years, Akane thought to herself. It feel awkward. Generally dad is always working or I'm always studying or working too so we never get an opportunity to actually have a heart to heart. That's actually kind of sad truth to be told. Well I don't know what to say either and I think it's the same for him, but any moment now he'll ask me about school.

"How are your studies?" Her father asked to break the awkward silence.

There is it is as I suspected, Akane thought. "Top of my class with perfect scores as always of course. Mother has my progress report from Friday. She could show you later. I'll be sure to tell her to bring it here if you like."

"Yes that would be excellent," Souichiro said not enjoy the awkward atmosphere. He was trying to figure our why this was so awkward when there was a knock on the door.

"Yes? Who is it?" Akane called out.

"It's me. Can I come in?" L's voice said.

"Yes, come on in, Ryuzaki." He father called aloud as his weakened state would allow.

L opened the door and entered the room, "I wanted to see how you were doing," he informed him before turning his attention to Akane. "I am L, but please call me Ryuzaki for the time being."

Akane stood and shook his hand, "A pleasure to met you. I am Akane. You're working with my father on the Kira case, correct?"

"Yes and it unfortunate that your father has fallen ill. I do hope you recover soon." L stated turning is eyes on the chief.

"I will then I'll be going straight back to work." he told him.

"No you're not. Not until your doctor clears you for work at least." Akane told him. "Doing otherwise would be foolish and you know that."

"Of course it would be." L agreed as he and Akane took a seat near his bed. "You need rest and you can return to work when you are fully recovered."

"Right and the last thing you need is stress," Akane said.

"Indeed, it must added to your stress knowing Akane was a suspect in the investigation." L let on.

"You... actually told my father something like that?" Akane said glaring like the good daughter she was. Of course she knew already, but she couldn't let her father know otherwise.

"Yes," L replied passively. "In fact I've told him everything except for my newest theory. It's the reason I have informed you that I am L."

"I see, but what could possibly be this theory of yours?" Akane nodded.

"I've concluded that Akane is not Kira." L informed them and her father gave a heavy sigh of relief.

"That's good news," Souichiro said.

"It's not," L said, "because it would be easier if she was and she is at more risk that you realize. Kira is a great threat to pacifically her and a larger danger than we originally thought. He uses others like he did with Iwoa and Yuka to get close to us, but we failed to realize he's second objective... until recently."

"Ryuzaki how is my daughter in more danger than any of us and what could possibly Kira's second objective?" Souichiro asked worried for his eldest.

"Kira is obsessed with her obviously, but I didn't realize that until after Yuka's death and learning they where friend. I have speculated that he was merely trying to set you daughter up for the murders, but that don't seem like the case." L said. "He wants Ms. Akane."

"What? Why me and how can you be so sure?" Akane asked perfectly faking her shock of learning the news.

"You knew Yuka and Iwoa since you where a small child then there is the death of Satoru Kaguya, your close friend who died in front of you. At first I thought you where Kira then later thought that perhaps Kira was using you to cover his tracks. I took the time to look further into that and found that several others had died around you in the past five months. They seemed to be tasked with keeping an eye on you. Something about you has Kira... curious or so I thought, but it was all to strange to me until I came up with the theory. Now that I have met you. The likeliness of my theory has increased by roughly thirty-four percent." L told her. "Can you think of anyone that enthralled with you?"

"Of course not, I'm far to busy with my studies" Akane told him. "What's your plan?"

"I will be personally keeping an eye on you and follow any suspects that seem a bit to attracted to you, but you must pretend nothing is going on." L told her.

"I want to help catch him so of course I'll help anyway I can." Akane inform them.

"No... Akane. This is a time in your life that you should be studying to become a police officer. It won't be to late to join us once you are done. I don't want you in danger by being the bait either," Souichiro said.

'...being the bait...' and here I thought L was the bait. Perhaps we both have been the whole time. Akane thought to herself. "Father, who knows how many years that would take? Kira could kill so many by then. I have to do something. I will still focus on my studies and my scores will not drop at all I swear. Beside you taught me to do what is right and that's what I'm going to do."

He thought on her words before speaking once more and knew she was right, "Akane, please listen to me... Kira is pure evil. We can all agree on that, but recently I've started thinking of this whole situation in a different way. What is truly evil is the power to kill people and any person that has come to possess this kind power is cursed. No matter how you use it. No true happiness can be obtained like that. Not by killing other people." He told his daughter.

"I think your absolutely right." L agreed. "If Kira is just a normal person who somehow obtained this awful power. I would say he's cursed."

Especially if you use it, Akane thought in agreement as she nodded.

EDITED!