Death: Phew. Well so far the college life is doing okay, however in the next few weeks I have a feeling that things will be busy, busy, busy. So busy I'll be too tired to work on the next chapter. I've been so nervous, I managed to let it all out on this chapter and thus, I was able to post it faster. As a bonus I made this chapter really long! And the plot is finally going along its way that I wanted.

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Please enjoy!

Chapter 4 One Mistake Was All It Took

=3=

Although Light never had anyone to call a friend, he understood the concepts of friendship. For anyone to be his true friend, they have to first accept and understand him for who he was.

Since Light was socially awkward, it was difficult for him to keep up a conversation. He truly didn't understand how to act or what to say if anyone earned the title of friend. Light can understand how others thought and acted, however it may take some time to accept someone for who they were.

But that doesn't mean someone can easily become his friend. To fully understand Light, they first had to accept his competitive streak. The boy was very competitive, and it was hard to keep it under control. Light's competitive behavior hadn't made itself known yet, since he'd been forced into unfamiliar surroundings and strange people.

Light had clammed up, and it was one of the reasons why his behavior had been quiet and polite. This mask of politeness was always there. However there are instances where his stubbornness gets in the way. Light couldn't help that he would act on his competitive side, for the results always made him feel less of a freak.

But there was a chance that once the boy has grown used to this new environment, he won't be so clammed up. And Light knew that he would cause more problems to Roger and Watari, even when he didn't mean to. But this was just a part of the boy, and a side he preferred over the scared and frightened side he had been for the past week and a half.

Light knew that the polite mask was always there to stay. Whatever kind of person he was, there had always been a polite and out of the way side to him. It could have something to do with the way he was brought up, but Light believed it was more from seeing his parents set a good example.

Like any other son the boy looked up to his father. Soichiro was the only person Light admired, and even though he was dead Light still admired him. His father had been strong as well as loving and doting towards his family. Soichiro had been the kind of man Light always wanted to be.

Then that day happened.

Seeing his father's body lying on the floor, covered in blood made an impact on the young boy. He was too young to see his parents that way, and he knew it could take years to recover. Somehow Watari knew this from the first moment they met.

He didn't know how Butler Man knew. The old man just knew, and that was enough for Light to follow through the elder's plans. From the first day Watari knew there had been some problems with Light, and he was setting up a plan in hopes to set things right for the boy.

Light didn't like the idea of being fixed, however. The boy was never one to enjoy being helped, he would rather work his way through his problems by himself than receive any kind of help. There were a few times with the homework that Light had trouble with, but he refused his mother's help. He was that stubborn.

But for now Light will indulge with Watari's wishes. Who knows, maybe this will be for the best. However, if there something went wrong then Light will do everything in his power to mess everything up. He wouldn't use violence, or drag others to his problems. No, the boy would just use the simple action of disobeying.

After all, that's what children are best at.

=3=

Watari walked into his room and paused. He had specifically told L not to walk in and interact with the unpredictable eight year old boy. Just as he was about to scold the teenager, the old man realized that Light was actually smiling.

It wasn't forced either. The smile on the boy's face was genuine. This had been so unexpected that the elder man stood where he was, watching as the boy he thought of as a son taught a potential child how to play chess. The image before Watari brought a fond smile of his own.

"So, Kinship, are you enjoying your stay at Whammy's so far? Besides the Beyond incident, I mean." L inquired.

"Well…" The boy lowered his head.

"Hm?" L tilted his head.

"I'm still trying to adjust. But I'm starting to like it here…a bit." Light answered, he couldn't really lie to L. He was a worldwide detective, so there was no point in lying or avoiding his questions.

"I see. You miss your family, and the life you had with them. I know what that's like." L raised a thumb to his lips. "However that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy your stay here. Whammy's a safe haven for children, as well as giving them all the opportunities to live the life they wish. Every child here dreams to do something. What do you dream of, Kin?"

The question surprised Light. For whatever reason he didn't feel uncomfortable with the personal questions anymore. It could be because there was something about L that made him feel safe. Though to be honest, Light had never thought of what he wanted to do.

Watari used this moment to set some different varieties of snacks on the table. He had been listening quietly while preparing the snacks in the kitchen. Watari had prepared three sets of trays on a tray stand, one side with fruits and small sandwiches while the other side offered numerous sweets.

Once the snacks were served, Light instantly took the chance to avoid answering and grabbed a sandwich. Even L was distracted, the calling of his favorite sweets were too strong.

"Thank you, Watari." L said before stuffing a cookie into his mouth.

"Arigato!" Light quickly added.

The urge to scold the young boy about speaking in his native language swelled in Watari's chest. However this was his bedroom, with a shared compartment with L's own room, so they were practically safe. Plus Watari wouldn't put it past L for encouraging the boy to speak in Japanese either.

"Any news yet about B?" L asked as he covered his cookie with some chocolate sauce.

"He'll be serving detention by cleaning the kitchens for the rest of the month."

A smile made itself known on the boy's face. However the smile was short lived.

"And Kinship, you'll be banned from the library for the same amount of time. Although there were no injuries from when you threw a book at B's face, you did however cause damage to the book." Watari ignored the boy's pout.

"Normally I don't grant such punishments, however this time I made an exception. The damaged book was a gift from one of our own professors, in fact he wrote it himself. Sometime in the near future, when he's back to teaching a semester I would like for you to formally apologize to him in person." The old man held his ground against Light's glare with a firm stare of his own.

For a moment or two the child and grown up didn't look away. Eventually the boy gave in and humbly looked away from the scrutinizing gaze. It wasn't as though he was ashamed, but for the fact his stubbornness was taking form once more.

"Kinship, I'll have to applaud you for that. You continue to surprise me, and that is quite hard for someone of your age to pull off. You're the first to ever hold your ground against Watari." L commented, gathering up more sprinkles for an almost overly frosted cupcake.

"Eh? But what about you? You're just as stubborn as I am. How can you not hold your own ground against him?" Light furrowed his eyebrows.

"I don't have to. I merely take his suggestions while formulating some plan on how to take down a criminal. It is important to hear all angles of an investigation. Who knows, you just might find the answer in the most unexpected places." L shrugged off.

"So…what's it like to be a detective?" Light curiously glanced up at the older boy.

"Tiring, but thrilling. It takes a lot of work, but it's just the kind of work I prefer. I'm merely taking a small break for now by visiting Whammy's. It is important to check up on the children and see anyone who has the potential to become the runner up to be L. Why did you ask?" The panda boy stared at Light, as if challenging him to answer.

The boy tensed. He only asked in comparison of his father's work. Before that day, Light had planned to become a part of the department in some way or another. He had shown some interest in criminal profiling or maybe even somewhere in the forensics field.

However Light heisted because he was not allowed to share any information of his background. Although he felt safe with L, Watari was there. Also there could be a possibility L might misuse the information.

"I was just curious." Light saved himself from explaining more with another bite of his sandwich.

L's stare was hard and calculating. The boy resisted the urge to flinch.

"That's twice now that you've avoided a question. People try it once, and many only go that far with me. You're either incredibly brave or you're trying to hide something. I can see that you're stubborn, and you carry a lot of pride around you. However your eyes betray you, there's a very small flicker of guilt when you lie. So I detect a little bit of both from you."

Light gulped. L remembered the question about his dreams? He thought the older boy had forgotten that question after stuffing his face with enough sugary treats that the scent overpowered Light's nose. Apparently he had underestimated the older boy.

"…The answers to both of those questions relate to my background. I can't and won't tell you those answers." Despite what his logical side demanded he surrender, Light refused. L was slowly worming his way into the boy's head, gradually earning himself a spot as a friend.

Even if the boy's chances of becoming a friend in L's eyes grow slim because of his answer.

"…Once more, you've caught me off guard. I'm beginning to think I've found a friend in you, Kin."

Light blinked. Did he hear that right?

"But I still like to know those answers. So maybe sometime in the future, once you've graduated from Whammy's I can try again. If we're on equal grounds, you might be able to willingly trust me more." L grinned from ear to ear, as if he knew that it will happen.

Somehow Light felt that it will too. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't put up a good challenge.

"You better not cheat and ask Watari about me. I won't immediately answer to questions, as you've already seen. And that's the same with people calling my name for my undivided attention. I like to do whatever I please. I am not as obedient as I claim to be, and you saw right through my mask. I have to say that's a first." Light smiled back, feeling quite satisfied with the challenge he set up.

"Me, cheat? Normally I would, however I will make this an exception. But I will conduct this little challenge of yours like any other investigation. In the meantime, would you like to spend your lunch time with us for the rest of the month? Now that you're banned from the library, I imagine you'll be quite bored. Plus, I'd like to know more about my first friend." L suggested playfully.

"Sure. And you don't have to worry. I don't plan on telling everyone you're here. I can be selfish sometimes." It was not a statement, but a promise.

"You're young, I think you have every right to be selfish."

And that was how Light made his first friend.

=3=

L watched his new friend leave with a sudden longing. When Watari had told him not to interact or even show himself to Kinship, well the young detective was curious. He of course knew that the boy had some sort of break down that turned violent. But despite his appearance L could take care of himself quite fine.

If there had been any danger all L would have to do is hold Kin down on the bed. The boy was eight years old and quite small too. Though it wasn't the boy's fault, it was rather that the fact he was Japanese. L had suspected Kin as such the first moment he entered the room, however it wasn't confirmed until the boy spoke the language.

And the boy was interesting. He may have a lot of ego, but that was what drew L in. He had never seen one so young hold so much pride. And yet he found it surprising that the boy wasn't too happy about being at the orphanage. L loved it here, and so should every other child that comes here.

"Watari, I would like to make a request." L spoke softly.

"Yes?"

"I would like for Roger to keep an eye on Kin's progress. I sense that he just might be the one."

"Even if there's a possibility that something might be wrong with him? From what I saw when he had his break down, there is a very good chance he has some psychological issue. It would be best if he's tested as soon as possible." Watari was concerned, but even he couldn't deny that the boy had potential either.

"I'm afraid I will have to disagree. All that boy needs is a few anger management classes, as well as some martial arts classes during his entire stay here. That way he could vent out his anger through physical exertion. So long as those classes stay with him, he should be fine. If he's tested too quickly, and too young, I fear that we've lost our chance with him. To point out that something is wrong with him may have a major impact on his pride." L countered, stacking up sugar cubes.

"And you believe that will happen?"

"I'm sure you've noticed this too, but Kin is all about pride. If he's guided properly and efficiently, then he will be a great asset for us. However if something were to go wrong, I can see that he'll take it too seriously. He has the potential to become L, yet, at the same time he has the potential to become the greatest opponent L would ever face."

As if proving a point, L flicked one of the sugar cubes of his tower, causing the cubes to tumble and scatter on the table.

Watari nodded gravely.

=3=

For the rest of the month the boy's behavior changed drastically. He was becoming less stressed and quiet. He was slowly growing out of his shell and joining in conversations. It all started in the classes, but soon Light was comfortable enough to speak outside the classroom to other children.

However none of them were as interesting as L. As promised the boy never spoke of L's presence to anyone. He didn't even tell Mu, who had been nosey as to where Light had been taken to when he had been knocked out. When the blond figured that his roommate wouldn't tell him any details, Mu reluctantly dropped the subject.

So each day during lunch, Light would show up in L's room for another game of chess. Each day seemed to vary on who would win. One day it'd be L, the next Light was the one who proudly said "checkmate". During each visit the winning seemed back and forth, like some mental tug of war between two bright boys.

And while L learned more about the boy, Light secretly began to understand the strange boy. He understood that L was rather lonely with his job, which Watari took notice and offered the young man a break to visit Whammy's. And so Light took it upon himself to use this small window of opportunity to make the other smile every day until it was L's time to leave.

Time had flown by so fast that neither had noticed that the time for L to leave had almost arrived. One day, while they were playing chess, Light noticed something.

"Your favorite pieces are the white knights." The younger boy stated.

Surprised, L tilted his head, not expecting such an observation. During each of these games L had always played as the white pieces, while Light the black pieces. The younger boy didn't seem too bothered at all with the arrangements.

"Oh? Why would Kin–kun think that?"

"Well, the obvious. The knight pieces move in an L shape, and they can move backwards and forwards. The knights can take up on defensive or offense tactics, and you have no problem switching between the two. However if we compare this chess board and its pieces to the real world, then there's more to the knights."

"Please explain." L encouraged, reaching for the tiny panda cookies with chocolate filling.

"Think of the pawns as everyday people, the castles the countries, the bishop the head of justices department, and the king and queen the head of the said countries. The knights resemble L, and his future successors. In medieval times the knights were the carriers of justice. They followed the orders of a noble or the king in the name of justice, or in that time, God. Now let's say this stray pawn," Light motioned to a random black pawn. "This pawn becomes a criminal, a dangerous criminal that posed a serious threat to the bishop."

As emphasis, the young boy moved the black pawn closer to a white bishop, ignoring the rules of chess. L didn't question or correct the boy's moves. He was watching intently, albeit curiously.

"And since the bishop is the head of the department of justice's, they need someone to immediately take down that threat to keep order in the government." L tipped over the black pawn.

Light frowned. "True, however, what if the bishop can't defeat and catch this threat? What will they do then?"

The younger boy picked up the black pawn, setting it back into a standing position.

"Since this is the department of justice, they can't turn to the public for help. If the people see their protectors crumble so easily, it will create chaos among the government. And they can't turn to their leaders either, politics cause a major negative impact on investigations and confuse the real facts with lies. So," L moved one of his knights closer to the black pawn. "It is up to L to take down the threat before any real damage takes effect."

"Exactly. L is the symbol of hope, and acts accordingly to justice and carries out all acts to ensure the people are safe. In saying so, L happens to be the modern knight in shining armor." Light smiled proudly at his statement.

"A knight in shining armor…I never thought of myself that way. But I suppose it suits me rather well. However I feel that's only half of what L truly is." The older boy mumbled the last bit to himself.

"How so?" Light furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"L is merely a vigilante. Although essentially, yes, L is comparable to a loyal knight in shining armor, however, knights are loyal to only one leader. The knights are never loyal to the people. It's true that the knights protect the people, but as you said earlier, they follow the orders of a noble or a king." L picked up a black knight between his forefinger and thumb.

"There are two sides to L, and one of them is that L is never bound to one country. And thus, L is never bound to one major leader of a country. Think of this side as a vigilante, working only if there's too many innocent people involved or thousands upon thousands of money is at stake. You can call this side of L as the Dark Knight." L said as he set the black knight next to its white counterpart.

"On the outside, L is protecting the people as knights should. But on the other hand L is free to take up on which cases to solve. It doesn't help that I've never shown my face, so there are a lot of people who fear me and distrust my methods. Like any other vigilante, L will be hunted down despite all of the good L had done to the world."

"That's what successors are for." Light added.

"Yes, and that's why this orphanage was established in the first place." Both boys turned to meet the gaze of Watari.

"It's almost time for us to take our leave." The elder reminded the detective.

"Nani…?" Light's eyes widened at the discovery.

'No, he couldn't leave.' The younger boy thought frantically. He finally had someone to really talk to, and now L was being taken away from him.

"I apologize, but my break is over." L confirmed.

"You're leaving now?"

"In a few minutes, yes." The elder boy nodded gravely.

Light had scrambled to his feet so fast L nearly jumped. The boy nearly tripped over the leg of his chair, but managed to regain his balance. Before he ran out he shouted with horror and panic.

"Don't move yet! I have to get something!"

L stared after the running boy with wonder. Kin had always been so composed and he thought he'd never see the boy so frightened. Glancing up at the elder, L silently hoped that they could at least wait until Kin came back. Watari let out a weary sigh.

"All right, but he has five minutes."

Light somehow made the way to his bedroom over the flight of stairs. Upon opening the door the boy paused, inhaling gulps of air. Luckily Mu wasn't in the room, so there wouldn't be much of a distraction. Light scanned the room quickly, and found the object he had been looking for.

The boy quickly grabbed what he came for and left, making sure to close the door behind him as he ran back downstairs. The flight down was easier than going up, but he didn't know how much time was left and Light nearly barreled into a few walls and corners as he weaved his way around the orphanage towards L's room.

The moment Light entered the bedroom he stopped, almost kneeling over gasping for breath. In seconds L was by his side, sitting awkwardly in his usual position.

"You didn't have to run upstairs you know." L made an attempt to comfort the boy, however it didn't seem to have any effect other than receiving a heated glare.

"Are you…kidding me? I had to make it in time…in order to give you…this." Light held up the object he had been holding towards the elder boy.

L blinked at the offered object. There in the boy's hand, was a panda bear.

"You're actually going to give me this?" L pondered aloud.

"Of course! Once you go back to your job, you'll be lonely again. You need this more than I do, so take it. This way you'll have something to hold on to." Light smiled brightly, his honey brown eyes glow a gentle golden.

Something tugged in L's chest. He didn't know what this feeling was. He was never one to read emotions too well. But he understood that this was a rare sight, and he shouldn't turn down an offer from this boy. And carefully L took the stuffed panda with a growing smile.

"Thank you, Kin–kun. I'll keep this panda safe, and I'll treasure it as my favorite strawberry cheesecake."

"L…"

"Hm? Yes, Kin–kun?"

"…Has anyone ever told you that you're weird?"

L pouted, at which Light began to laugh. Soon L joined in on the laughter, his free hand gently ruffling through the younger boy's auburn brown locks. Light pouted at the gesture, but he found it rather soothing. L's touch reminded the boy of his father's, and that made him that much happier.

"But seriously, promise me that you'll come back someday." Light said with a grin.

"I will." L smiled fondly.

Watari watched from the sidelines with a gentle smile of his own. He had never expected that almost a month after arriving at the orphanage Light would give up his precious panda over to L. It was a fond situation that the elder knew the boy will turn out all right.

=3=

It had been difficult for Light to go on without L around. But within no time the boy began to spend more time around Mu, who had become his friend too. It was hard to see the two separated on their free time, the two went everywhere together.

And before Light knew it, time flew by. Days grew into weeks, weeks turned into months, months gradually turned into years. Every day L would be on his mind, always hoping that his best friend would come back and visit. During this time, Light had unknowingly started to earn a name as a possible successor to L.

In truth Light didn't want to be L's successor. L had been his first friend, and he wasn't sure if he'd feel comfortable taking up his friend's position as the world's best detective. It was probably due to his hatred to become L's successor, that he hadn't realized that he had become a runner up as a successor.

Then something changed.

While Light had just turned fourteen, his long time roommate Mu, now sixteen, gave him the news. Mu was going to leave Whammy's for a plan that had been set for him to be in the computer forensics field.

"Why? You're two years younger than you should be to leave!" Light protested.

"I know, and I'm sorry. Apparently I zoomed through my credentials and earned myself an early plan. I know what you're thinking, I can't cancel this plan. I mean, this only happens once in a life time! Once!" Mu hissed.

"All right, all right, I get it." The younger teen let out a sigh.

"So…we're still good?"

Light rolled his eyes. "Sure."

"Thanks, babe." The blond grinned, pausing in his packing to give a small peck on his roommate's forehead.

It had become a habit of Music's to give Light little kisses on the cheeks or forehead. And that was as far as Mu was allowed to go, as Light ensured that they wouldn't go so far. True the young teen had grown rather fond of the blond. However he didn't love Mu enough for a kiss on the lips or anything further.

What they shared was on the borderline of brotherly love.

But that did not mean Light did the same in return of his roommate's affections. For reasons only he knew, Light was not particularly the touchy feely type. The young teen was rather the more observant type than affectionate and didn't have a weakness for cute things like Mu did.

Now Mu was moving out. Light was starting to feel that now would be an exception. Deciding it wouldn't be much of a bother, the young teen got up from his seat on the chair towards the blond. Brushing away all nervousness, Light gently pecked his soon to be leaving roommate's cheek.

Mu paused, blinking several times. Then the blond cracked a broad smile.

"I guess that's your way of saying goodbye, isn't it?"

Light didn't respond.

"Well, I better get going. Oh, and Roger wants to see you. Actually he wanted to see you…about five minutes ago." Mu quickly walked out of the room, expecting a rather overreacted shout.

"What! Why the hell didn't you tell me? Mu!" Light yelled.

"Your lovely screams are music to my ears, Kin." The blond laughed, dodging a pillow that was thrown at him.

"See ya in the near future Kin!"

"Yeah, sure, and you owe me!"

"I'll make it up to you some day!"

And a roll of his eyes, Light made his way to Roger's office. The teen walked in with a young boy with white hair and pale skin that rivaled L's. Light paused when the thought processed through his mind. The boy was hunched over and twirling a strand of curled hair between his fingers.

"Ah, glad you've finally made it Kinship." Roger said, however Light wasn't paying too much attention.

The teen was too focused on the pale boy between them. Dark, round eyes stared up at the teen with an unreadable expression. Those eyes were identical to L's, but held a dull and blank stare. L's eyes had a little more emotion, especially when he's calculating what's going on through someone's head.

"You needed to see me, Roger?" Light looked away from the boy to the old man.

"Yes, I wanted to introduce you to your new roommate. This boy is Near. He's in league with you and one other boy, Mello, as L's successors."

For a few moments Light stared unbelievably at Roger. He was on the path as a successor? When did this happen? Why wasn't he informed? Light knew he was excellent, but he never thought that he'd be good enough as L's successor.

"Kinship?"

Light tensed, eyes narrowing dangerously at the old man.

"I'm sorry, but I refuse to be in the competition to be L's successor."

They made a mistake. And now was the time for Light to act upon it. The teen will give it everything he's got in order to get his message across.

Children are best at defying grownups after all.

=3=

Death: Yes! It is now the beginning of Light's teenage years. Again I feel that this seemed to be a little rushed, but I just really wanted Light to move on from a child to his early to mid teens. I don't want this plot to drag on, I wanted this to get under way. The last thing on my mind is if this lasts longer than the Last Shisou Vampire, which I still have to really really really update...

So! Please leave a review. Although I enjoy all the Favorites and Author/Story Alerts, however my goal is feedback! I love reading reviews of you guys and it helps me keep going with my stories. And I promise I'll do what I can to make room to work on my stories while I'm adjusting to college. Thank you for reading!