Chapter 26: The Benevolent Face of a False God

"If you keep my secret, this strawberry is yours."

-L-

"My dear lord Kira," Kiyomi whispered through her phone her voice slightly trembling wondering if he would furious with her for her failure, but also trembling anticipation to just hear his indulgent voice, "The attempt on Hideki Ryuga was completely unsuccessful. He went off the cliff as you had planned, but Akane dove off and saved that wretched freak."

"Really? You placed the girl endanger?" He asked his voice low, but rather calm. However he was actually quite peeved with this submissive wench and if she wasn't such an assist he would of already written her death with pleasure within the Death Note. His mind growled, How dare you put her in harm's way you, useless bitch!

"I'm sorry, but it couldn't be avoided!" She insisted in a hurried hushed voice and even to his ears she sounds so sincerely mournful, but he could hear the slight arousal in voice. He almost laughed if he wasn't so anger. It just so funny how much she wanted to be punished.

Stupid woman, he thought crossed with this female, but he knew he shouldn't kill her... yet.

"I tried to stop her, but she pulled away and leaped after him! I'm sorry. I failed, but I won't on a second attempt. Please let me make it up to you!" She begged near tears as if she was some swooning school girl not wanting to be dumped by the most popular boy in school. Kind of childish actually.

"No need. Plans have changed. Just modern them for now and make sure she does not come to harm again, my dear Kiyomi." He told her.

"I... yes, Kira. We're suppose to splinter off to go shopping for the party tonight. Akane will be with me and the other girls today." she said.

"Very well, have a good time, Kiyomi. Do not fail me again and Akane is to never come to harm while in your care," Kira commanded before he hung up the phone. For your sake you will not fail again, Kira thought to himself as he glared at the tiny phone in his hand. However don't think I will forgive you so easily. You failed to kill Akane's little boyfriend and even put her in danger. Your death will not be pleasant or swift and as you wanted you will be punished, but I will let you live for a while longer. After all... you still have such lovely uses.

Now how to go about this little plan of mine. How do I get her on her own. If only for a moment. I have a wonderful surprise in store for my dear Akane, Kira laughed at the thought of the next coming events. He wondered how she would react when she found out he was Kira.

….

It was noon the day of the party Hanami had planned for. As Akane knew it was going to be rather packed with people around their age in a attendance. It really wasn't Akane's thing and wanted to spend the least amount of time there as possible when the time came. The weather was rather pleasant and cooler even for this time of year. There was also barely a cloud in the sky.

Akane was waiting at the front of the estate. She was still tired from saving L and her limbs where sore just a bit, but it still felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on her. Everything from the neck down felt like needles where stabbing deep in her muscles.

Hanami didn't want to call the ambulance yesterday, but even so she would of if L hadn't told her their was no need and that he had a doctor on call. According to him he had called a that doctor he mentioned to check up on the both of them and they where fine as far as the doctor told them. If she were to venture a guess she would say it was Watari that had showed up. Akane knew they where okay, but she still couldn't help but to be worried. Even with L's reassurances Akane couldn't help but feel something was coming. After the attempt on L's life she couldn't help, but to be on the defensive.

"So where too girls?" Hanami asked with her cousin in laws in tow. Ima and Nashi where their names. They had arrived while Akane was unconscious.

"Shopping where else?" Lieko said smirking.

She nodded and then turned to Akane, "What about you? Oh, is your cousin here yet?"

"I plan to buy a present for Ryuga and as for Shoko. She just pulled up." Akane replied pointing at Naomi's rental car. "I'll be riding with her. Junko, Lieko? Do you two want to ride with us or are you riding with Hanami and the others?"

"Hell yeah we're riding with you Akane!" Lieko said dragging her girlfriend behind her. "Let's go."

….

"So, you're Shoko? You're hot," Lieko told her.

"Yeah, that's me and... thank you," Naomi said in greeting them and a bit embarrassed.

"No problem, I'm Lieko and this is my girlfriend Junko. I guess you'll be meeting the others later." She said her wrapping an arm around Junko.

"Yeah, I'm going to the party after all," Naomi told them.

While they were exchanging pleasantries Akane gazed at Donovan and gestured for him to go with L with a subtle movement of her head toward L. Please, Donovan. Keep him safe, her mind asked him even if he couldn't actually hear her. I hate that I can't go with him. It's bullshit!

Donovan's eyes narrowed at her but he bowed his head toward her and disappeared with a single flap of those leathery wings of his. Donovan didn't like any of this or being away from Akane's side at all. She was getting to close to Kira and he wasn't sure how she was going to take it when she finally found out. Akane also seemed to be worried about something. He wondered what was wrong with her. Why is she so worried? Did something happened while we were apart? It was just something he was just going to have to ask on a later date.

"Akane, what are you planning to get Ryuga?" Junko asked curiously.

"Uh, pajamas. Why do you ask?" Akane said knocked out her own thoughts by the use of her name.

"Oh I was curious is all. Are you alright? You seem distracted," Junko said. "Are you worried about, Ryuga?"

"Yeah, I am. I almost lost him yesterday, remember?" Akane replied giving a worried smile.

"Wait what happened yesterday?" Naomi asked wide wide eyed.

"He... fell off the cliff that hangs over the ocean yesterday where we were having a picnic." Akane informed her.

"Yeah and Akane got really scary when Kiyomi tried to stop her from going to save him and she leaped after him like a freaking badass. Girl, that was craziest thing I've ever seen! You're so fearless!" Lieko said in admiration.

No, no I wasn't, Akane thought to herself. I've never been so scared in all my life. I thought I was going to loose everything again. Was Kiyomi really the person that pushed L? I really don't think it was these two. Even L thinks so, but I still should be cautious around these two. Even if my gut says otherwise.

"No she was only saving the man she loves," Junko commented. "I'd do the same for you Lieko."

….

"What about this one?" Junko asked holding a pair of pajama pants.

"I was thinking silk and silver. Ryuga likes to be comfortable and it would match his eyes," Akane said. Not liking the color of green she had picked, "but that would really suit you though."

Junko smiled, "Thanks. What fits him, though?"

"Junko that isn't his color anyway. Blues, whites, and as Akane said silver," then she giggled. "You know Akane your the exact opposite of that. Your color is red, black, and yellow or gold. Maybe we should get you one too? It'd be really cute if you two matched."

"No thanks. I'm more of a tank top and shorts kind of girl," Akane admitted.

"Found it!" Naomi called holding what Akane wanted to get him. It was a bit plain, but she figured he didn't like anything to complicated when it come to clothes.

"Those are perfect!" Akane told her and hugged her, "Thanks cousin."

"No problem." She told her a bit surprised by the hug before she watched Akane pick up the outfit herself and looked it over. It was so soft against her skin. She was sure L would like it. He did seem to like things that where comfortable.

Naomi looked at the young adult before her and thought she seemed different. Happy maybe. It was actually a nice change. She never really seen Akane as the teen she was even the first time they met, but she saw it now. There was this light in her eyes too. Then she thought, What have I missed?

Akane smiled, "I'm buying this," she told them pleased she had what she was wanted to give to L. Will he actually like this?

"Akane is everything okay? Are you alright?" Naomi asked.

"Yes and I'm okay," Akane told her in a low voice. "I'm just worried, but I can't help to be happy too. I haven't felt this way in so long while."

"Something else happened between you and Ryuga, didn't you?" Naomi asked.

Akane didn't answer instead she just grinned at her before heading to purchase her gift for L. Akane I'm happy for you. I'm glad to see you smile like that even if it's just for a little bit, Naomi said to her.

….

"So did you buy anything to wear to the party?" Kiyomi asked Akane as they sat down at the small restaurant. The boys where somewhere else and Akane had no clue where. She was hoping L would text her, but she was wrong.

"I didn't need to," Akane replied, "I have something to wear in my room. So I just bought a present for Ryuga."

"Pajamas right?" she asked.

"Yeah, did you get anything?" Akane asked.

"A little red dress," She replied with a smirk and suddenly Akane felt like Kiyomi was trying childishly compete with her.

"You'll look nice in red. I was just planning to wear something comfortable and appropriate is all." Akane replied brushing it off. Though she knew to keep a close eye on her. There was no doubt in her mind that she was the one that pushed L with her sudden attitude, but why had she done it? Her time line was normal so she wasn't being controlled, but was she working for Kira. If so why was she working for him? What hold did he have on her or was it on her own free will? Also why was she trying to compete with her? Was Kira a male after all? Had she been seduced? Wait... is she in love with Kira and is that why she pushed L off the cliff? Akane thought realizing why. A woman doesn't act like that unless she was jealous and if she was asked from someone she so desperately loved. Dammit.

"Thanks, but you're not going to dress up? Even a little bit?" Kiyomi asked.

"Not really no. Parties really aren't my thing." Akane said to her.

"Okay, suit yourself. What about Ryuga?" She asked.

Don't say his name in front of me you evil little wretch, Akane thought. "Not likely. He's not the type unless the boys picked something out for him. Which I really doubt." Akane told her in a calm manner even if she wanted to choke the life out of her.

….

The music was blaring in Akane's ears and many people around her were either rubbing against each other while they danced or where trying to talk even with the loud music,but some where smarter and just texted one another. She didn't like this. Why did people enjoy places like this with that horrible noise made her ears ache? Not to mention the lights that were flashing everywhere. If you looked the wrong way you just might go blind even if just for a few seconds.

I've made a decision I officially hate places like this! Akane thought to herself annoyed as she pushed pasted the party goers which some rudely pushed back. They are all wearing to much colon and perfume too. It's burning my nose. How is this seen as fun?

"Having a nice time?" Naomi asked over the music as best she could.

"No, not one bit," Akane told her annoyed.

She giggled, "I figured. Ryuga is on the pouch ignoring everyone. I don't think he's enjoying himself either."

"That's not surprising," Akane informed her. "I'll go and see if he wants something to drink."

"Alright," Naomi agreed with a knowing smile, "I guess I'll go hangout with Neko."

….

L sat right on the spot they had kissed the day before. The music here was deafened by the closed doors and windows, but it could be heard quite well even at this distance as the windows vibrated from the bass of speakers. He was staring out to space like he sometimes did with at mysterious bored expression on his face and a distant look in his eyes. He looked a ease even if she knew better and she wondered what was going through that brilliant head of his. Was he thinking about the case again or was there something else on his mind? Maybe... he was thinking herself or the two of them together was on his mind?

Yeah, right, Akane thought to herself as she approached him and smiled at him, but I sure can change his mind to focus on me.

She quickly placed her lips on his cheek, "Something on your mind, dear?" she asked.

A blush came to his face rather quickly. Something Akane rather enjoyed to see on his face and she didn't think she could ever get bored of that even if a hundred years passed from now. I will not think of a life without him, I'll deal with it when the time comes... either way it would be lonely without him, Akane thought to herself as she placed her fingers against his cheek and then through the softness of his black hair.

"Not really," He told her as he turned his eyes on her.

"Oh so you're just trying to calm the noise for the party then?" she guessed.

"That obvious, is it?" he inquired.

"Yes," she whispered in his ear before wrapping her around him from behind resting her chin on his head looking at the sky. "Who'd ever thought that we'd end up like this? I didn't, but I'm happy that we are like this even with this situation we're in."

"Hmm... I am too." he admitted.

She smiled hearing that, "I'm glad to hear you say that." There was a long pause as she enjoyed the warmth of his body and the comfort she felt near him. This was the one person that could make her feel whole again and then she took a breath, "Are you thirsty? I can get you something so you don't have to be around all those people." she told him being thoughtful.

"I would appropriated it," He told her, "but you don't have to."

"None sense," She replied, "just tell me what I can get you."

"Strawberry soda. I saw the caterers bringing it in earlier," He said.

"Alright, I should of known. I'll be right back then." She let him go and headed toward the door. "I'll be right back."

"Thank... you," he said watching her leave. Is she always worried about me like that? He wondered to himself. Also why do I have a sinking feeling in my stomach so suddenly?

….

Akane made sure not to talk with any the other guest as she made her way to the kitchen. "Now, where is it?" She whispered to herself. "Where is the strawberry soda?"

"Can I help you?" Kiyomi asked as she lean forward with her elbows on the counter. She was right about the little red dress. It was a bright red and she went with a more elegant style as it was floor length with a traditional Chinese sort of collar. It looked a little too tight as it squeezed at her slim body and she clearly wasn't wearing a bra, but it suited her as she looked at Akane with a mild disdain or perhaps it only seemed mild because she was trying to hide her disliking of Akane.

"Yeah actually. Do you know where the sodas are being kept? I don't see them in the icebox," Akane said turning toward her fully. "Ryuga wants one of those while we are trying to avoid the party as much as possible."

"I can help with that." Kiyomi said with a smile.

What is she planning? Akane thought forcing a grateful look across her face. Pretending was easy when you've put up a false front all your life, but L was the only person she never lied to. "Really do you know where the sodas are, Kiyomi?"

"Sure do, come along now. I'll show you where," She told Akane pushing off the counter and walked toward the back of the party. There was hardly anyone near this part of the house so she knew this was some sort of set up and so she was already on edge. Hell she was on edge since the moment she saw Kiyomi. This woman was the top suspect in attempted murder of L.

I can handle anything this chick got for me so bring it on, she thought to herself looking discretely right and left for anyone in that was near the area. There was none are far as she could see, but for all she knew this person or persons where hiding in the dark. Perhaps even behind her. Of course she wouldn't be able to hear the foot steps over the music.

"Here it is... well at least one of them," she said with a smirk on her face pointing toward the cooler with the other hand on her hip in a sexy like manner, but Akane knew it wasn't meant for her.

Looking over at her and then at the cooler, she approached it taking what L wanted out of it seemingly like this was any normal task. "Thanks Kiyomi. This is a big help." Akane told her with a fake smile on her face. What is she up to really? What does this have to do with anything? Why did she isolate us?

"Whatever," She scuffed, "Honestly, I don't get what he sees in someone like you. Just look at you trying to please some other man instead of the more elusive one. Your not even dressed the part. In fact you and Hideki Ryuga are quite perfect for each other. Both of you are losers and freaks."

Akane gave a sound of disgust, "Well, well," she said a knowing smile on her face like a change of tune, "Now you show your real colors. I knew for a while now. So it is Kira you're working for," She said letting her her golden eyes go red in anger as she turned to face her, "am I right?"

Instinctively she took a step back, Her eyes! I swear they where red if only just for a second just what is she?! She thought horrified. "What... how did you know?!" Kiyomi demanded.

"You made it rather clear," Akane told her, "First you pushed Ryuga off the cliff and now you're telling me that there is someone else I should be interested in when I know I'm being watched. I've known for a while now that Kira has been obsessive with me, but I've never known why. I really don't give a shit about him! I really rather see Kira dead! What I'm pissed off about right now is that you hurt the person I care about most!"

There was a maniacal laugh suddenly ringing in her ear as someones arms wrapped around her. "That's very unfortunate to hear, Akane," a familiar male voice whispered in her ear. A voice she never thought she hear again.

Akane's eyes widening to the point her eyes could easy roll out of her head. She was shocked and tears filled her eyes. No... it can't be! It just can't! she thought. She couldn't move because of the impact of knowing who that voice belonged to. "S..." Her voice cracked as she struggled to speak and she took in a sharp breath, "Satoru Kaguya."

EDITED!