#3 Memory

It happened so long ago, it almost feels like it all took place in some other world.

Such a long, painful time since I was a mere bored boy in that classroom, watching a black speck descend from the sky.

And now I sit in a golden throne adorned with the logo of Kira, trinkets and tributes from my grateful worshippers litter the floor around me. It's been a long day, dealing with the faithful.

Mikami smiles beside me, "Kami-sama, that is all the worshippers for today who wished an audience with you." He bows deeply. "Shall I prepare your bath?"

I sigh and roll my eyes. Between him, Misa and Takada, I'm growing weary of such adoration.

Heh… but there is my little secret, down in the dungeons of this building… his building.

I rise from my golden throne, "No, Mikami. I'll retire early tonight, being god takes it out of me."

He laughs faintly, the idiot. I stroll past him to the lift and press the button for the basement.

I watch the numbers roll past slowly.

It's like watching time go backwards.

I remember how he fought, how he bit my hand, the first foolish time I touched his cheek, when he was imprisoned. I have a scar in his teeth marks.

That's why I keep him around. To this day he's fighting me, though he must know he's lost, once and for all. His heirs, his pride and joy? Reduced to pets. I handed them out to my most loyal followers.

The one called Mello cried when I tore him from his lover's arms, I remember that. And I broke his stupid little crucifix before his eyes.

He was so easily destroyed. Near took more time, but I broke him too. Now if asked who their god is, they both reply 'Kira'. Sometimes I play a recording of it in front of him, just to wind him up.

There's a hiss as the doors of the lift open, the cold air from down here hits the warmth carried down from my living quarters.

I walk along the concrete floor slowly, because I know he's the same as he always has been, and will be counting the steps.

Ah, there he is. He even looks the same, same white shirt and baggy jeans, sitting the same way in one corner of that cell he once forced me into.

"Good evening, L." I purr.

*Leave me alone, Kira."

I laugh. "Now now L… you're here only because you remind me of younger days… now say it, say it like you used to, and I might even let you have some strawberries." I pause, then growl, "What is the percentage?"

He sighs, buries his head in his knees. Then he mumbles out, "One hundred percent, Yagami-kun."

Just like I remember.