Well that was interesting! Some of you guys where really close as to who Kira was! It made me happy no one guessed it though. That would of ruined the surprise. Enjoy and review!
Chapter 27: The Dutiful Knight and A Dark Prince
"Shocked and terrified. I never wanted this, but some how in my heart I knew this to be true all along and the only person I want by my side this horrifying moment is L. Please, L... save me!"
-Akane Yagami-
"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."
….
Unwanted memories overflowing into her mind like a raging flooded river. The rapids crashing, splashing, tragic, cold, and even heartless forms it came as it raged through her entire being. Wistful thoughts, hopes, and dreams took over her shattered mind. They we're all tainted now by pain, hatred, revenge, and mostly his lies. Everything was wrong. Eight years of once beloved memories where all thrown away like ashes in a heavy cold wind that froze her to the bone and soul. Truly this was the cruelest thing she had ever experienced and the cruelest thing he had ever done to her or more likely to anyone else.
'Akane what are you doing out here? You'll catch a cold. If your sleeping out here I'm staying with you. Someone has to keep you warm, you silly girl,' his kind and young teenage voice played in her mind of a night she fell asleep outside looking up at the stars.
'Akane... I love you...' another older voice played a moment later and flashes of his smiling face appeared in her mind.
'Akane I can't image a world without you in it...'
'Akane...'
'Akane...'
'AKANE...'
No... it's all to much... it's to cruel! I can't take it! She thought tears rolling heavily down her face nearly blinding her if only temporarily. Why? Why does it have to be him? Why has he done all this? Was everything we had once all a lie?!
"Correct. Hello, my beloved fiance," he told her a wicked smile on his face, "it's been a while. My have you become even more beautiful than I ever thought you would be come."
His voice it was different. It was no longer kind or gentle like she recalled it to be when they last spoke. He had lost that completely. Satoru had lost his heart in exchange for power. His cold voice was full of malice and mercilessness. The man she had known was gone now. She could barely recognized him at all and she knew he no longer existed. He's eyes looked soulless as if all humanity had slipped away like foot prints in the wet sand right before an ocean tide hit the beach. He had dyed his hair red as well as if to hide who he really was from the world, but to Akane it just accented the inhumanity of those eyes of his. Yes these where of someone how had killed hundreds of people without mercy.
No! This can't be happening. L save me... please! Your the only one I can count on! Her mind screamed. Please hurry... I don't know how much long I can take this! Akane wanting to scream until she lost her voice and so she did as loud as her voice would allowed. Her scream echoed over the music in fact it was halted completely only a second later. As those at the party and her friends wondered who was screaming on the top of their lungs as if being attacked by some psychopath, which wouldn't of been far from the truth.
By the time they arrive they found Akane alone on her knees. Kira and Kiyomi where gone. She looked completely freaked out with her arms wrapped around herself as if she been violated. If anything her soul was at least. "Akane!" Hanami called grabbing onto her friend's shoulders worried for her. She had never seen her so shaken before. "What happened? Are you alright?"
She was breathing heavily and covered in sweat. "G... get... Ryuga p-please. I-I n-need... him," her shaky voice pleaded as she struggled to speak.
"Why the hell was she screaming like that?" A voice in the crowd voiced and the others murmured around them.
"Was she attacked?"
"Do we have some kind of creep roaming around? That's so freaky!"
"Oh come on she just wants attention," Another said.
Hanami glared at her guessed. "Party's over! All of you," She took a deep breath, "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!" she ordered suddenly very scary. "Neko, Dai, Genta, Joji, Junko, Lieko, Cousins! Escort them all out! Shoko get Ryuga to his room asap! Akane and I will be there shortly. Do it now!"
"You heard her, move those asses of yours now!" Dai yelled moving the complaining guest back and he was actually rather impressed by Hanami. He didn't know she could be so... amazing like this. He hoped Akane was okay and he wondered what the hell had happened. If someone hurt her he was going to kick whoever ass did this. She was the reason he and Hanami were together after all right now after crushing on her for so long. He owed her.
"Right! Move your rude ugly jack shit faces! Move it!" Lieko added in a commanding voice.
"Akane? What happened?" Hanami whispered worried for her friend as she helped her up and placed Akane's arm around her shoulders to support her. "Come on for once please share. We're friends, you idiot. I'm so worried about you. What have you gotten yourself into?"
"..." She didn't answer her as they made their way to Akane's room where Donovan waited reading another book or was until he heard that scream.
….
"Ryuga!" Naomi called as she slam the back door wide open to see L about to open the door himself. "Something happened to Akane! I think she was attacked!"
"Where is she?!" he demanded. So that was what all that noise was about and what caused my bad feeling from earlier. Kiyomi, Kira if you hurt her... I'll kill you both myself!
"Hanami is taking her to her room. She'll be waiting there. She looks like she was in shock. I've never seen her like this!" Naomi said afraid for her young friend.
"Calm down, stop talking, and let's get to her! She needs us and not our anxiety," L ordered as he rushed passed her. He was angry and worried about her. Generally he was rather calm, but this wasn't one of those times.
"Right," She told him and took a breath to calm herself before following after him as quickly as she could.
….
Donovan was furious as he paced the room back and forth and he watched the fearful look on her face as Hanami sat her down on the bed. "What happened, my lady Akane?" he asked his voice worried as he tried to keep his cool on this horrendous situation they all had been forced into.
Akane looked at him even it made her look slightly strange looking at someone that no one else could see. It seemed as if she was staring blankly at the wall. Even so, she stared and now the estate had gotten quiet. She knew that the others had gotten rid of the party goers. Akane was grateful for that. She felt so powerless when Kira had his arms around her that the only thing she could do was scream. Akane never felt so violated in all of her life. She felt dirty ever letting that sad excuse of a human touch her. She felt bad for Toshi whose older brother had abandoned him. What had happened to the kind man she had once known? Was he really like that the whole time? Had she been that blind with her dreams of freedom at his side or had the power of the Death Note seduced and corrupted his soul so irreversibly?
"Akane? What are you looking at?" Hanami asked worried.
Donovan sighed, "I wish to be seen, my lady. This one can be trusted. If you wish to make that so. All you must do is ask me," he told her.
Akane shook her head no before turning back to Hanami the moment L burst into the room like a freight train with Naomi not far behind. "Akane," he said rushing toward her and she quickly found herself in his arms. It wasn't what she was expecting for he was actually rather shy being close to her like this, but apparently his fear for her had the better of him, "what happened? Are you alright? Who attacked you?"
"Kira," she whispered in his ear so no one else would hear here.
L's eyes widen his worse dreams imaginable had happened. Kira had appeared to her and now she was raddled by this. He knew she had been through much in the passed week and perhaps it had been a bit to much, "Can you give us a minute, Hanami?" he asked her in a hurried voice.
"No chance in hell!" She said quickly locking the door so no one would interrupt him. "Now tell me what is going on. You all know something! I hate being in the dark when my friend gets terrorized by some asshole!"
"Hanami... maybe we should just wait outside and give those two a minute. Akane seems really freaked out," Naomi said trying to give them the moment they wanted.
"Shoko, I'm not moving! My father has been acting weird and the three of you have been on edge since you all got here. So tell me what's going on?" Hanami replied to that her arms crossed.
"But-"
"There is no sense in arguing right now!" Hanami growled at her. "I don't know what the hell you three have gotten yourselves into, but you're thick in the head thinking I haven't noticed how on edge and guarded you all have been! It's been driving me fucking crazy so talk already! I'm tired of you all leaving me in the dark! Akane, we're friends goddammit! For once lean on me, please! You've done so much for me! I won't desert you now or ever!" She was was near tears as she spoke.
"Tell this girl, my lady. She is right. You'll need her help," Donovan urged again.
Akane looked away, she was still crying, but finding out the man you once loved had turned into a murderous monster took away a lot of her will. "Hanami," she sighed looking toward L her eyes asking him if as if she was asking him with her pleading golden eyes.
It didn't take a genius to understand what she was trying ask in response he simply nodded. After such a display, Donovan's words, and the fact Hanami wasn't planning on moving anytime soon. L felt as if he had little choice in the matter.
Akane turned her eyes to Hanami her image slightly fuzzy from tears. She always had waist length, rich, dark, black hair and beautiful brown eyes with delicate Japanese features. Hanami was looking dead at her still unsure what to say, but soon she opened her mouth, "You can't tell anyone about this Hanami."
"Of course I won't," Hanami reassured her.
She nodded, "I'm apart of a task force trying to hunt down Kira. He... is who attacked me."
"Did you see who it was?" L asked.
"Yes, but I didn't need to. I know that voice of his anywhere." Akane whispered. "It... it was Satoru Kaguya."
"Toshi's brother? Isn't he suppose to be dead? The funeral was, what, seven or eight months ago," Hanami asked.
"Yes on all accounts or so I thought he was as he was dying in my arms. Though it obvious now that was all an act," Akane said as she looked toward L who didn't seem surprised in the slightest that a dead man was Kira. Did he know just like Donovan? Why didn't L tell me? She thought to herself. "Kira is Satoru Kaguya. He faked his own death to avoid any suspicion. How can anyone suspect you if you're already dead, right? I don't know what the hell happened, that is no longer the man I once loved."
L tighten his arms around her as the word 'Kira' passed her lips. He didn't want her to find out this way and she wrapped her arms around his waist resting her head on his shoulder as to seek comfort from him. L didn't like the situation they where in but he knew that they needed each other as more than just companions or working partners. They needed each other that much was clear.
Hanami nodded, "He was the one you were with before he faked his death. Isn't he?"
"Yes," Akane whispered. "I wanted revenge and nothing has changed. He still destroyed someone I cared about even if it was all an illusion on his part. I'm rattled sure, but I my plans won't change. I will bring Kira to justice whither it's by my hand if he doesn't surrender or a firing squad."
He had learned who Kira was a awhile ago. He was looking into Toshi's past at the time when he made the first discovery. His parent's car crash was clearly not an accident. Someone had cut the brake lines of their car. However Toshi would have been to young to do something like that or even know what brake lines were. So L investigated Satoru's past, but at first it was merely out of curiosity. There where several strange doctor visits that suggested abuse from his parent toward both children, who said their injuries where accidental in nature. So he come to the conclusion that Satoru had murdered his own parents to protect himself and his younger brother. Perhaps a part of it was to punish them as well and this experience is perhaps what gave Satoru his sense of childlike justice.
Then L had this nagging gut feeling about the once deceased man. This thought or notion was not something often off course. He had a feeling that Akane was involved with this Kira dilemma and he was right in may ways. She possessed a Death Note that she had never used and so L investigated Satoru's death and those involved. This took over month to come the conclusion that Satoru Kaguya was in fact Kira.
How he had discovered this and proved it was more difficult than he thought it could be. By all accounts everything seemed normal. A clear cut case of Kira's heart attack method of murder. To be sure L then looked into those that had taken the body in and prepared it for the funeral. That when things become very odd and gave him proof in a way that was not fruitful until Neko or should he say Miguel let him see his Death Note.
Strange deaths occurred shortly after Satoru's funeral. Illnesses, accidents, suicides, and murder which happened slightly less than a month's time. L came up with a theory then. Was there was something similar to a Tetrodotoxin? It gave a person the appearance of death, but without killing them. However, the Tetrodotoxin was dangerous and could easily kill it's user. Perhaps if it was modified correctly it would be safer to use. Something like that would of required a very skilled chemist. A chemist who committed suicide only a day after the funeral.
All of this information told him that Satoru had faked his death. He had a romantic tie to Akane. L suspected that Kira or rather Satoru had lost his mind due to arrogance and to him murdering so many people. Though perhaps a part of faking his death was to protect those close to him and probably to protect them from what he would be come, but in the end Satoru lost himself and Kira was all that remained. A tragedy all on its own indeed.
….
When the two where finally left alone and Akane had finally calmed down. Donovan leaned against a wall staring at the two of them deep in thought. He wasn't about to leave her and Naomi was staying over taking Kiyomi's place. Mostly to fill Hanami in on some of this things that had been going on. Well what L permitted for her to be told.
Donovan knew Akane and L would end up together since the moment they laid eyes on one another during their first meeting. There was just something about the way Akane was looking at him and he her. He knew many things and Ciaran had loosely planned everything since Akane was little when he first began to watch over her. First it was out of a nostalgia for their old days, but then they began to actually care for the human, who reminded them so much of a girl they once knew many centuries years ago.
However, what Ciaran never knew of was that Donovan had plans of his own or maybe he did. Did you really think I wouldn't Ciaran or did you know that moment you decided to die to save her? I will accomplish your last wish then it would be my turn. I will make sure Akane has the happiness she desires. Then afterwords...
"Here Ryuga," Akane told him as she sat up from the bed and handing over the pajamas she had bought him earlier. "I didn't get the chance to give you this yet."
His eyes widen as he took the wrapped item in the form of a gift. That he wasn't expecting, but he suppose he should of after all they where dating for real now. Though a part of him felt they had been more than just coworkers for a while now. Maybe he just didn't realize that he had fallen for her until the near death experience. However he knew she was still hiding things from him, but so was he. Perhaps when this was all over he could finally have her say his true name.
He opened the box to find something rather soft against his skin, "Pajamas?" he question.
"Sorry, but you didn't look very comfortable in your usual wear. I wanted to get you something comfortable and would suit you. Do you like it? I'm not really use to giving gifts." She informed scratching the back of her head embarrassed.
"I don't usual where much clothing other than the bare minimum when I sleep, but I've never received a gift like this and I do like this. Thank you." he admitted and saw her blush when when he talked about the way he slept.
Does that mean he sleeps naked or that he wears only boxers when he goes to bed? Akane thought curious for a moment. She smiled, "Your welcome," she said. "I'm glad you like it and I had it cleaned for you before wrapping it."
"Thoughtful," He commented and Akane kissed his cheek again.
….
Enraged Kira flipped over a deck actually surprising Ryuk who was musing over his apple he was currently nibbling at. He was mostly trying to ignore the arrogant human in front of him, but he just had to make such a ruckus. What has him so annoyed? Could be fun, Ryuk thought to himself.
The curious Shinigami looked over what human had been working on for the last half hour. The human seemed completely pissed off. The Death Note that was knocked to the floor when the desk was flipped was wide open a single name was written on it over and over again in an obsessive and angry manner;
Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. Hideki Ryuga. HIDEKI RYUGA. HIDEKI RYUGA!
Damn, Ryuk thought to himself looking at the human and decided to laugh in his face. "Why so angry Satoru? Things not working the way you want them to?" He asked amused cocking his head at the human.
"Shut up, Ryuk!" He barked back.
"Oh don't be like that," Ryuk said in a teasing manner. "You know that name is a fake and you know that little deal you can make to get the real one. Wouldn't that make things so much easier?"
"I said to be silent, you death rock wanna be!" Kira said irritated by the creature.
Ryuk just laughed, "Oh so rude and why would I ever listen to you, you wanna be God?" he shot back.
….
"Now the two of you are ready for bed. I have a tale to share," Donovan said pushing himself off the wall toward them before taking a seat next to the bed.
"Donovan is something wrong?" Akane asked looking him over he seemed so serious as he spoke. His brows were pulled together with a frown and his movements where stiff. What's this tale he's talking about? She wondered to herself.
"Nothing is wrong, my lady" He said giving her a shark like tooth smile to reassure her. "You where curious of Ciaran correct?"
"Of course I was and I still am," Akane talk him.
Donovan nodded slowly, "What if I told you two that in a formal life he and I where once human?"
"How would that even be possible?" L inquired.
"That is a long story. One I wish for bother of you to hear for some time now. Now please, listen up," he said and found he had both of their full attention. "The year was roughly 1170. I was a young Templar Knight Captain from England though my mother was an Irish noble, but my father had a vast influence as the land's lord and made sure that I received my title of captain. I don't recall much of my human name other that Aidan or the noble house I was from, but I was called the dark knight or child by my so called peers for my black armor. I was not well respect. I was young and inexperience. Also I had yet to earn the loyalty of my fellow knights and I didn't want the job.
"I was a lose boy who was barely a man and didn't know what I wanted out of life, my life. Of course, honor bond I did my duty serving my country and church wasting my life for something I never believed in. That was until I met someone, who made me a better man than I ever thought I'd become.
"His original name was Cadhla Ciaran of clan Ciaran." Donovan said taking a breath as the memory of first meeting him crossed his mind. "He was a bastard prince and there where many kings in Ireland at the time even with England trying to control them all. We met when I was accompanying my father on a diplomatic mission to see his clan's king."
He paused as a smile crossed his face, "Irish raiders, who where no better than common bandits attacked our caravan. My father was slain and so were many others. I would have been killed if it weren't for him. His men came riding in on black horses swords drawn. He lead his men, the hooves stomping into the muddy road, and the sound of men's swords clashed as they fought to the death. All of this seemed so unimportant to me. I couldn't stop staring at the young prince who's every motion was full of passion and pride. It was something I never had been nor have I ever seen."
A sentimental expression crossed Donovan's face then and his eyes looked so distance. He seemed so fond of that memory. Akane smiled softly, Does Donovan have a deep respect for Ciaran or was he in love with him? She wondered curious.
"He was magnificent. Strong and his sword play was the best I've ever seen." Donovan continued. "He was younger that I was, twice the man, and respected by all those around him. He also stood by my bed side while I was healing and took all the weight of the world on his shoulders with honor. Hell, he even felt responsible for my injuries and my lose." He chuckled still amused about it even now.
"When I was healed I stayed with him. I began to learn the Irishman's way of becoming a man. I become more of myself then ever imagined I would. I learned honor beyond the one I was taught by my father. More importantly I grew close the to Ciaran. So many people looked up to him and I thought him perfect, but I never realized how much pressure was on him and one day he broke down."
Donovan sighed, "I was blinded by his own prestige and his selfless acts of kindness." he told them a bit of shame in his voice. "He ended up braking down one day. I remember it was dark. It may have been spring, but it was storming harshly. It was horrible enough that small trees were being ripped from the ground.
"I heard a crash from his room and out of concern went in without knocking. I found him completely intoxicated on the floor with bottles lining the entire room. He looked so... pathetic. Even if he was slap drunk he argued with me and I him. It was actually kind of a joy to hear and see this real side. After that day... things between us became rather different. We were something else."
Donovan gave a sound of disgust, "In those days and so near the church things were difficult. What we were was seen as an abomination. I loved him and didn't care what anyone thought about it, but even so it was kept a secret."
"I apologize from the interruption, but what does this have to do with how you where human once?" L asked curiously.
"Ah, yes. I was getting to that, but seems I feel nostalgic for my old human days." He told them. "Years past and blood shed was high between Britain and Ireland. Everyone was focused on grabbing at more power. One day a book fall into Ciaran's lap. You know the one. In Ireland we call a Shinigami, Ankou. Do either of you know what a Ankou is?" he asked.
"I'm afraid not," Akane replied.
"No do I," L commented.
"That is unsurprising. Not many study the Celtic deities. Ankou is the henchman of Death. It is know as the grave yard watcher. Protecting souls of the dead. It's all a lie, of course. Shinigami such as myself are known by many names as it is. Cihuateteo, Anubis, Vanth, Kalma, Finnish, Mania, Erlik, and the most commonly known one the Grim Reaper to name some of the few. Almost in every culture there was at least one name used for us. Demon, God, and brings of death. It is what all of what we are.
"My point of this is that we have been around for a very long time. Perhaps since the beginning of time, but how is a Shinigami born? How did I a human become one of the Gods of Death?"
"By using the Death Note?" Akane guessed.
"Yes, my lady, at least that's a part of it," Donovan said. "We are born through bloodshed that much is true. Ciaran and I both used the Death Note together. We thought it was for the right thing and the right reasons, but it was the Shinigami that was working with us, who always knew what was going to happen to us."
"What exactly happened?" Akane asked.
"We died," He answered. "Killed by those we called friends. Next thing I knew I awoke as this strange form and so did Ciaran. This was our punishment for taking so many human lives. Never to enter heaven or hell for an eternity. Purgatory. It was a rather fitting divine punishment in it's own little way. We dared to play God after all."
"So even if we do kill Kira he'll be what he wishes to become." L said disquieted by that thought.
"No he won't," Donovan said. "Thanatos and I will not allow that to happen. You don't need to worry about that. After all we know how to prevent that from ever happening, but how we do so is a secret that I can not share."
If humans kill Kira then he will be a Shinigami, but if a Shinigami kills him... he won't exist anymore we'll not by any normal terms, Donovan thought.
….
"Come on, little Kira. You know what you need to do?" Ryuk said holding the image of Akane and L kissing right in front of his face in a taunting manner.
"I will not make the deal, you wretch," Kira told him. "Just having the ability to just write down his name to kill him isn't that exciting. I wouldn't be satisfied at all. So I've changed my mind about this. This Hideki Ryuga bastard is L! I'll choke the life out of him with my own hands and Akane Yagami will not only be mine again, but she will also witness the light leave his eyes!"
Ryuk backed away for the man as his insane laughter once again filled the air. He wasn't usually scared of anything, but this Kira had a way of making a God of Death slick back in fear. What an interesting Shinigami he would make. Ryuk was looking forward to that.
"It's time for war on the Task Force. No more games!" Kira laughed. "When this is all over Tokyo will run red with their blood!"
I hope no one minds me taking the creative liberty with the Shinigami and how some of them where born (or made). I wanted something a bit more interesting and be according to my taste. I've always enjoy mythology so I put a little slice of it in and now everyone knows why Ryuk actual gave Kira the Death Note or at least a clue to that.
EDITED!