CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
"Forward"
When the events of the "Yukaza Incident" was transposed to record, Light left some details out—like any events related to supernaturalism. His report to the NPA indicated that he had been kidnapped and tortured, but he didn't yield any personal information about police operations—not to say that Internal Affairs didn't grill him with an interrogation just to make sure.
It was revealed no such message had been received by the NPA's secret server, but the Director of the NPA was relieved of his duties and placed on house arrest on possible conspiracy charges and ties to a criminal organization. The message to the Dragon Sect was a secret communication to Terrance Claw by the Director of the NPA to see what Light may have revealed, since Light was still a member of the Intelligence Bureau, and may be privy to certain confidential information. But it had nothing to do with the Kira Case.
Light's report exposed the Director's role. An internal investigation revealed the Director was involved in money laundering for the Yukaza and other rackets. And all this was kept secret, and internal, but a week later after the charges were learned to be verified, the former Director was found hanging in his cell with a bed sheet firmly wrapped around his throat.
Everyone thought Kira had got to him, along with most of the Dragon Sect organization members. The media was blamed for their deaths before a blackout was imposed, hence Kira sentencing them all to death. But the information age was like an open Pandora's Box, little information could be kept secret these days.
But no one knew the truth, and everyone of their deaths could be attributed to the information Riki had downloaded to a USB stick with names and picture profiles.
When he had first told Misa about Asumi, Misa gave him the most iciest glare she had ever given him filled with intense jealousy—she had been the "older woman" Misa had seen in the Probable Orb with Light. But when he explained the bigger details, except a few intimate ones Light favourably left out, Misa seemed to understand, and suddenly Light was a hero.
The police questioned both Asumi and Riki for days, but Light vouched for them—they were victims in all this, used, and seen as trash, sentenced to death when Terrance Claw/Kenta Ikeda found out that they wanted to leave the organization. Light had been the key factor in both wishing to leave the Dragon Sect/Yukaza for for quite some time.
When he had arrived home, his father had given him a big hug. This is where Light first made contact with anyone after his escape. It was the safest place he could thing of and where Asumi and Riki could be placed under protective custody. The Kira Task Force were all gathered inside Light's apartment awaiting news of Light and here he had come to them.
It had a rough couple of weeks after the whole affair, but soon everything began to settle down. And the Kira Task Force were again gathered inside Light's apartment discussing the latest Kira killings. Misa did an excellent job in writing their names down using the USB information, while at the same time, making sure Light had an alibi—she was cleverer than she appeared to be.
The task force had a Death Note kept safe from use, the same one L confiscated during an elaborate police chase when they apprehended Higuchi Kyosuke, the Third Kira, but they didn't know Light had Rem's old book, and Misa, a few pages from his original Death Note, still buried under a marked tree at a certain location. However, the task force there was another book out there, and Kira was using it. This was why the Kira Task Force was still in operation.
As the task force prepared to settle down for another informational session on Kira, Light sat at his computer station, and let out a deep sigh. And his father noticed.
"How are you doing, son?" his father asked. Light turned in his chair. His father got up from the couch in the living room and came to Light. "Did you see the police psychotherapist today?"
Light smirked with a snort. "I believe the more appropriate term is a councillor, Dad," Light said. "The other makes me out to be some sort of crazy person."
His father chuckled. "Sorry about that," he said.
"And yes, I did see him, and we talked about my ordeal. I've been advised to see him once or twice a week for the next couple of weeks. Doctor's orders."
"That's wise," his father said.
Suddenly, Light felt pensive. And he reflected on his feelings when it came to Asumi. He had never felt this way about a woman before, Kiyomi coming a close second. There was just something about Asumi he could not get out of his mind. How much he felt alive with her.
Blinking out of his reverie, Light saw that he was now the centre of attention, all eyes on him. His quiet had silenced the room and no one thought to interrupt it, which made Light feel a little uncomfortable. So he cleared his throat and his face flushed with embarrassment.
"Are you sure you're alright, Light?" his father asked. "You seem distracted."
"I'm fine, Dad. Believe me." Light looked around the room. "And I want to thank everyone for your support. It was touch-and-go there for a time, and I thought I was going to die, but I had faith things were going to turn out for the best. And my police training helped me stay calm."
"Um, Light?" Matsuda then spoke up. "You'll be pleased to know, we managed to track down Riki's last known relatives, his grandparents. We learned his father passed away in a drunk driving accident and his mother committed suicide a year after thugs snatched Riki away on the street. She left a note that she couldn't bare to live with the guilt."
He passed the informational sheet to Soichiro Yagami, who read it, then passed it on to Light, and there was quite a lot considering how long the boy had been missing—since seven years of age. While missing persons was not part of the Kira Task Force modus operandi, they all felt a duty to help the boy. And a boy who according to medical records looked thirteen but was actually nineteen—suffering from a diminutive stature disease which prevented Riki from getting any taller. He would forever be only slightly over four feet tall.
"His real name is Hiro Wannabe," Light said. "Then why—Riki?"
"It was the name he gave to his kidnappers," Mastuda said. "Riki was asked about this, but he forgets why he lied about his name all those years ago."
Light nodded, accepting it, and putting the issue aside.
"As for Asumi Satou, not much is known about her." Mastuda looked at a profile sheet. "We suspect she was kidnapped and forced into the sex trade, she as much said so when she was questioned. Other than that, according to some people police interviewed, she was a well respected person with strong ties to her community—last seen…seven years ago."
Just like people would say about a member of the Yukaza, Light thought. They were probably too scared to speak the truth. The Dragon Sect was destroyed, but the Yukaza did still exist. In truth, Asumi had a long list of criminal priors and associations with other criminal groups, known as Mistress Tigressa in her "field". She has now disavowed them all. And with his hacking skills, Light managed to erase all her criminal record. It was a way for Asumi to start fresh.
He stared forward. He could still smell Asumi's sweet perfume, of Apricot, when he closed his eyes at night, and thought of her—her voluptuous body held in his arms, pressed against his, when they made love. His eyes seemed to glaze over with the memory.
He was awakened from his reverie by his father by a shaking of his shoulder. His eyes widened with surprise and he gasped. Had his mind wandered again?
"Light," his father said. "Maybe we should call it quits for today. You look tired. You keep zoning out. But that's to be expected when someone has gone through a traumatic experience."
Light nodded. "Maybe you're right, Dad" he said honestly. He did feel tired. Tired of the farce of this task force, for one. There was no one who could stop Kira and he wondered why he continued to participate in these stupid games of duo minds—Light Yagami, of the NPA police force and member of the Kira Task Force, and Kira, the so-to-be ruler of a brand new world, filled with those who believed order usurps chaos.
After gathering up their materials, the task force departed after a series of good-byes and for Light to get plenty of rest. His father was the last to leave.
"I'm glad you're okay, son," his father expressed relieved. "I was really worried when you had been kidnapped, I thought the worse."
"I was worried, too, Dad, but everything worked out," Light replied with a sincere smile. "Now, you should go home and get some rest yourself. You look even more tired than I feel."
"Your mother wants you to come home for a visit soon. I know you just saw her after your ordeal, but she wants to cook you a big dinner for officially becoming a police officer. You've been so busy with all your duties there and here that there hasn't been a chance for a proper celebration with family alone. I'm so proud of you, Light."
Light smiled. "I promise, Dad, very soon. I've been thinking of taking some time off anyway. My councillor even recommended it, perhaps take a vacation away from all this. Maybe somewhere tropical, and leave all electric devices at home."
Soichiro put a hand on Light's shoulder. "That would be a good idea. Can I come with you?"
They both laughed.
After a father-son hug, his father finally departed, and Light was left alone, and he leaned back against the door, and sighed deeply. "Finally, I'm alone. No more fakery."
"Oh, Light!" came a high-pitched, energetic, and annoying tone of voice.
Light's eyes widened, and with a perplexed look, and even one with awe, Misa came strolling out of the bedroom in a see-through, white silk negligee that left little to the imagination.
Light frowned. He was revolted.
He knew that Misa was out on a commercial shoot at the moment and would not be back until much later. Her shooting schedule was the main reason why the task force met at times like this when Misa would be out of the apartment.
Light straightened to his full height and crossed his arms. "I'm not amused, Morph," he said.
The being pretending to be Misa laughed, as its form changed to that of a young boyish Imp, dressed in a while ancient Roman tunic, possessing golden blonde hair, sandals with leg laces, and a black belt, with a pouch hanging on his left side. Inside the pouch was a small white book, the Life Note. Morph hopped up onto a single chair and sat cross-legged, smiling broadly.
"Just kidding, but I thought you'd get a kick out of it." Morph snickered. "So, what's next, Light Yagami?" Morph asked. "My offer is still open. You may possess a Death Note, but there is no Shinigami attached to it. That means we could still make a deal."
Light dropped his arms and crossed the distance to Morph with his left hand in his pocket. He felt the tug of his watch on the edge of the pocket. When he was able, he replaced the piece of the Death Note with a larger, folded piece, so he would not get caught unprepared again like he did with Nazareth. "You already know my answer, Morph," he said with annoyance.
Morph took out the Life Note, waving it. "You may have beaten L, destroyed the Dragon Sect and its leadership, but I'm sure there will be many more challenges to come, for the great and powerful Kira. And what better way to say thank you for everything I've given you. Remember, without me knocking the Death Note off course to land at your high school, you would not be in the position you are now. And alive, remember that important fact. I altered your fate."
Whether he could believe Morph or not, he hated having to "owe" him anything, so he chose not to believe it. "The Death Note has changed a great many of things, but I make my own fate," Light said, sitting down. He leaned back in the couch, putting one arm on the rest. "But after seeing what a contract with you did to both Terrance Claw and Nazareth, you'd forgive me for not forming a contract with you, ever! You betrayed them both without hesitation. At least Ryuk still sees some entertainment value in me even after L's death and has decided to honour our contract for the foreseeable future."
Morph shrugged. "To each his own," the Imp said casually, putting the book back in his pouch. "There are plenty of other fish in the sea. But you intrigue me, Light Yagami, and that's why I came to you. Humans live and die, but every once in a while, a person is born with a certain inner-strength to change the world. Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, a lowly carpenter from Nazareth." Morph chuckled. "With people like them, the world can dramatically change—not always for the better, mind you—take Adolf Hitler for example—but a shift happens, nonetheless, that alters the destiny of the planet. You, now have the power to change the world. But compared to others, you're just learning to walk. But without followers, a leader is just a man out for a walk." The Imp smiled a toothy grin.
Light remembered he had said that to Nazareth. But Morph was right. Compared to other powerful men that came before him, he, Kira, was just learning to walk. He needed loyal people. He only had Misa. He needed to gather more like-minds.
Light mused with a hand to his chin. Morph was right. "I need to move forward and expand. Kira may have the world under his heel, but more needs to be done. The thousand year reign of Kira is just beginning. However, if I'm not careful, it could come crashing down around me without people I can trust to protect what I've crafted. And I know there are people out there that want to bring me down." He thought of The Savant Society and Demetre Draycott. "But I'll crush them all, make them bow at my feet, and even kiss my toes."
Morph appeared repulsed and stuck out his tongue. "Wash them first."
Light's gaze narrowed with such a bad humour.
There suddenly came a knock at his door. Light turned. He wasn't expecting anyone. Had his father come back for some reason? Light knew Morph could not be seen by anyone else, he was like a Shinigami. Only those who touched a Death Note could see the god of death. However, Light had not touched the Life Note. Yet, Morph allowed Light to see him.
"Answer it," Morph said, putting his legs down. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."
Light eyed him, then stood up, and answered the door.
On the other side stood Asumi and Riki, and Light found himself smiling without realizing it.
Asumi pulled down a kerchief from her head, relieving her dark, shoulder length hair, wearing a dark purple coat suitable for the chilly Autumn weather, and Riki, also dressed appropriately, beamed a smile, his chestnut colour hair a mess from a wicked blowing wind outside. And he had cut off his pig-tail.
"Please, come in," Light said, and gestured them inside. "I never expected you'd come here."
"Are we not invited?" Asumi asked.
"Of course you are," Light replied, closing the door. "But the incident with the Yukaza, I thought you'd both be in hiding until things died down a little. Thanks to Riki's swindling of some of Terrance Claw's accounts while he downloaded its members profiles, you can live a stress-free life. And I heard you found some family, Riki—or should I call you Hiro?"
"Riki's fine, Master Light," Riki said, with a bright, big smile.
"That's the second time you've called me 'Master'."
"Well, you're our saviour, and the honour is worthy of it. You saved our lives. We owe you everything, and we'll do and follow you everywhere you go."
Light looked at Asumi and she nodded in agreement.
Light was honestly touched. "I'm—I'm just a police officer," he said. "This isn't the age of the Samurai. Terrance Claw may have wished for you to treat him that way, but I…"
"Two more followers, Light Yagami," came Morph's voice. Asumi and Riki couldn't see or hear him. Light glanced over, the little Imp was standing. "You were just saying you needed followers for Kira's reign to move forward, right?" Morphed gestured to the pair. "Hence, they have given you their servitude of their own free will for saving their lives."
"Is something wrong, Light?" Asumi asked, looking over to where Light was looking. She saw nothing, of course. But Morph was standing in front of the chair he had just previous sat in. Riki then ran and jumped into the chair, leaping through Morph—"Hey!" the Imp said—bouncing on it like a little kid playing with a toy. "Riki! Don't be disrespectful. This is Light's home."
Light smiled despite himself. "Don't worry, Asumi. My home is your home. Let Riki play."
Morph snorted annoyed, folding his arms—like a kid suddenly left out of the fun. "Such sentimental rubbish…" And then vanished.
It was after midnight when Asumi and Riki left, both taking the same taxi cab.
After Light saw them off, Light returned his apartment and entered his bedroom. Inside a hidden floor compartment in his closest, he took out Rem's old Death Note, now his own. It could be said, he was now the true possessor of this Death Note and was its Shinigami.
Ryuk was out flying around somewhere. Since he was not attached to Light, he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted when Misa was busy with other things.
It was time for Kira—the one, true saviour of the world—to get back to work.
He sat down on he bed, and looked the Death Note, and said, "Kira will cleanse the world of evil and I'll dedicate their deaths to the victims of evil. None shall escape me, my judgment will be absolute. For I am justice!"
And just for his own sake, he opened the notebook, and wrote down Nazareth's full name, with conjoining kanji. Revenge was indeed a dish best served cold.
END