The soft sound of piano notes escaped down the hall, their sound as desperate to leave this place as Beyond was. It had only been a week and he was bored. No. Bored was an understatement. He was... Unsatisfied.

Having been led to believe that he was here to learn how to be a successor for the 'world's greatest detective', Beyond had expected a lot more from the people in attendance and, after finding himself with an optionally mute boy for company, his expectations had fallen short.

Incredibly so.

However, that did not mean that, on the odd occasion, he couldn't slip away from his classes and training exercises and tests and meetings for just an hour to do something he partially enjoyed. No, that wasn't the right word, for Beyond considered very little things enjoyable nowadays, especially not when confined within the walls of this prison.

It was during his 'free' time that Beyond had his next run-in with his predecessor. An encounter he truly didn't wish for, nor did he deem necessary and, after having not seen the male for the entirety of his stay here, Beyond did not see his presence at all needed. Yet there he was, slouched against the door frame, watching Beyond play.

Beyond allowed the silence to remain for a few moments before addressing the intruder, not bothering to look up from or halt his playing.

"You know, if you continue to watch me like that I'm going to start to get the wrong impression. In fact, I've already begun to question as to whether or not this place truly is an institute for geniuses or if it is simply a clever way for you all to obtain young boys who meet your fancy."

He didn't raise his eyes at all yet he could sense the sudden shift in attention. It had changed from idle watching to something much more consistent. Something more... amused.

"Yes, I could see why you might reach that conclusion, after all I have no evidence to prove to you my continuity regarding the reason we have you here, nor do I intend to provide you with any. Although I can assure you that I do not intend to make any move upon you, in fact even the mere thought of it makes me internally cringe."

"Charming." The music stopped abruptly and Beyond rose to his feet, glaring in the direction of the ridiculous boy. Upon further analysis, B came to the realisation that there couldn't be anymore than a five year age gap between them and that, although younger, he wasn't too far from the "detective's" current height. It was nearly pathetic. "But that still doesn't explain why you're stood there."

"I came to practice. I have my own in my quarters usually," L gestured towards the piano with a slight inclination of his head. "However I have had to have it sent to be cleaned after a recent accidental spil-"

"This may come as a surprise to you, but I genuinely don't care."

However, that wasn't entirely true. There were, of course, some physical similarities between himself and the other ones which, if possible, he would like to avoid considering. It was then that the child decided he would find a way to distance himself as the other's "clone", handling matters in his own way no matter what his teachings were. If the genius played piano, then Beyond wouldn't. If he kept his hair long, Beyond would have his shorter. If L insisted on being 'good', Beyond would simply have to be 'bad'.

"B?"

The sudden use of his letter, brought him back to reality, a sudden blink forcing him to focus entirely on him.

"Beyond. B is... ridiculous."

"Ridiculous, but necessary. Your identity is something which needs to be p-"

Beyond's hand rose to stop him talking, clearly unimpressed. "I don't care."

"Fine. I had asked if you were going to continue your piano studies in your musical lessons."

The fact that the older male was capable of remaining calm no matter what was said or thrown at him infuriated Beyond. It was almost as though he was dealing with an android, devoid of emotion or human response. Infuriating bastard.

"No. I don't enjoy piano. I may try my hand at violin." I refuse to allow you to be a copy of him. You are better than him. He should be succeeding you, not the other way around. Make him realise that. Hurt him. Kill him.

With a little difficulty, Beyond shut the voice out and pushed his way past L, making his way down the hall while trying not to picture the smug look on the fools face. He did not feel the need to inform the detective of the fact that, in reality, he favoured the piano over almost all other instruments, he simply did not want to succumb to yet another similarity between the two.

If the male was as smart as he claimed to be, however, he would figure it out within no time at all.

"By the way, B..."

Beyond stopped and growled, already despising the fact that he still insisted on using that ridiculous alias. However, he didn't turn to face him, nor didn't he speak. He did not deem the older boy important enough.

"We are to have another join our midst shortly. I expect you to treat her the same way you treat everyone else here."

Without a sound, word or motion of acknowledgement, Beyond continued walking, allowing time for his mind to digest the information which had been supplied to him.

So you are to get a new toy? A female as well. Perhaps she'll be weaker and easily manipulated. Or perhaps she'll be smarter and see right through your tricks. I suggest planning ahead, if you are to make any sort of lasting impression on the poor vict- I mean, girl. Wouldn't want her to look down on you now, would we?

Beyond shook his head, answering the voice no-one else could hear.

Good boy. Get to work. You shall not sleep until you have done something of satisfying. Go, try. Try to defy me. Try.

But Beyond didn't, he knew better than to go against himself and, as the door to his room swung shut behind him and his back hit his be, Beyond began to contemplate the creation of the voice. The voice which had been getting more and more powerful every since that first droplet of human blood had been spilled on the floor of his adoptive 'parents' floor.

It was fueled by his desires.

Empowered by his destruction.

Encouraged by his hatred.

An embodiment of his insanity growing stronger every day, to the extent that he was unsure as to how long he'd be able to control it if it were to gain any more control.

As if to remind little Beyond of it's presence, the voice rung out loud and clear in his mind, removing any ability he may have had to hold a train of thought.

This doesn't feel like progression. You need to progress. If you don't progress you're going to lose and that is not an option. Understand? Do you understand?!

With a hand pressed to his head, Beyond rolled from his bed and stood. His recklessness had been reinstated - or forced upon him again - making it entirely impossible for him to relax and forcing him into making plans.

*Author's Note*: Hello again! Unfortunately, this chapter fought me quite a bit and I don't honestly believe it came out quite as I hoped. In fact, I know it didn't. The joys of writers block! So, my apologies for that.

I am curious though, if I were to write another story, what would you like to see. I'm not necessarily going to write anything else yet, depends if I can get enough time to even consider taking something else on. But yes! Thank you for the views and the reviews and the recommendations. It's really appreciated. Thanks again!