Death and Life

Light Yagami quietly took a seat in a busy cafe. Taking a glance around the bustling place, he remained calm and didn't allow himself to draw too much attention. Well, looking at the girls drooling over him, he imaged he failed.


Sitting across from him is L, arguably the world's foremost detective.


How these two - enemies, co-workers, friends - decided to go out to eat is anyone's guest.


Light Yagami had been trying to learn L's name but was met with failure - time and time again. Even at times when he gets excited thinking he obtained it, it turns out to be a hoax. Honestly his decision to join the Task Force is proving to be a failure and is drawing more attention to himself - especially from L.


There is a way around this hurdle and that is the but how could he spend his lifespan and be the god of the New World? That is something Light didn't plan to do. He wishes to live a long time and pass his mantle down to his children, making Kira an eternal god.


Light could have requested Misa - a female who had accepted the deal with a Shinigami to help - but was concerned.


First of all, he did not spend enough time with her to know her real intentions.


Secondly, she could kill him at any time, because she knew his name and while he knew hers, he was not sure if it was real.


Misa's shinigami - Rem - is more approachable than Ryuk and is eager to help Misa. So even if he attempted to kill Misa and even if he succeeded, Rem would most likely end him.


Ryuk has not been helpful as of late, as if he is hiding something from him. However, thankfully the allure of apples can still be used to control Ryuk.


The possibilities of Misa becoming a threat is not low as she only loves Kira. However, since the Task Force was inching closer and closer to him - despite him trying to mislead them - any allies he could obtain is a big help.


On the note of threats, the greatest threat to Kira is the figure known by a select few as the Life Bringer.


The Life Bringer is the God of Life as opposed to Kira - the God of Death.


The emergence of Kira and his actions had placed boundaries on people, causing an insidious fear in the hearts of men. However, the appearance of Life Bringer had replaced fear with hope and faith.


A group of the public - Task Force - had suspicions that Kira and the Life Bringer were two distinctive beings.


Cults of death and cults of life, while in the minority - have emerged in the wake of Kira and Life Bringer.


Light had acquired knowledge about the Life Note's impressive powers, providing him with hope of ruling as the god of the New World for a longer period of time. The Life Note had abilities over life and death, unlike the Death Note's singular manipulation of Death.


Light had not forgotten that the Life Note user - Life Bringer - was eager to catch him. If the Life Bringer states his words to the public, Light knew many will try to catch him.


The Life Bringer had a good chance of catching him - Kira - as they could gather more information on him, than he could on them.


L - the detective - sat with his feet tucked under him, absently adding sugar to his black tea, while intently observing Light Yagami.


Those without the eyes to see the truth will be blinded by the Light..was it N or Mello that said that? Hmm, it was me.


L admits that he was stupefied by Kira's methods, and could not wrap his head around how he conducted the killings. Everytime he attempted his mind delved into the supernatural but how could he believe such a thing? Ghosts and gods are just beings created by humans because they cannot explain something. It's his duty - no, the duty of all detectives - to remove that lair of fantasy and reach the truth.


Lifting his cup up, taking a sip, L frowned at the bitterness. How much sugar did he add and it still remains bitter?


Placing the cup down, while glancing at Light, L was confident that his deductions were right, Light Yagami is the elusive Kira. However, the fact that while having Light under observation, the killings continued, a hole formed in his deductions. This is only the case because Kira's method has not been deciphered yet.


How have Kira been able to kill all these people and not leave a trace? Could it be magic? An Esper? With our technology, we have not experienced such a thing, so why now?


Not only did L have to deal with Kira, he had to deal with another serial killer - Life Bringer - despite the fact half of the Task Force sided with him.


To L it did not matter what means one used in order to implement Justice, as long as it goes against the established rules of society it was evil and must be caught and judged by said rules.


"The world has descended into turmoil with the constant killing of these two vigilantes. Their means of controlling the life and death of people is a dictatorship that must be solved with any means necessary."


Despite his seemingly nonchalant demeanor, L intently watched for any reaction from Light Yagami as he spoke. L was aware his reason for trying to stop Kira and the Life Bringer is not because of some hero complex or to save society. He enjoys the thrill of having an adversary who could exchange blows with him.


It is a fact that the world has been more orderly in the wake of Kira and Life Bringer but at what cost? Crime rates have lowered to such a level that it is unprecedented, and might never happen again. We moved from one chain to another. The laws of society were made to chain the wildness inside people's hearts, now Kira enforces a Justice that chained even the act of wrongs in its inception, that most people are not aware is wrong. How can they know they are doing wrong, when the rules Kira operates on are not clear? In the long run, this will halt development of society and it might de-evolve into a theocracy with Kira and Life Bringer at the helm.


While it is clear to him Light Yagami is Kira, there are rules even he has to follow. Unless he had evidence of Light Yagami being Kira, he cannot be brought in, at most kept close to minimize the harm Light caused.


Recalling the time when Light Yagami readily agreed to be monitored, L couldn't help but nod at Light Yagami's intelligence. He agreed even though he knew he was the prime suspect, that takes guts. What if the killings had stopped? Light Yagami would have been put on death row, as that reasonable suspicion he is Kira.


With a couple of observations, L could tell Light Yagami was perhaps smarter than him, but Light's deduction ability could never equal him. This is not bragging but skills learned over decades in Wammy's House.


The training is hard, with a few people going insane or worse, dying a year.


L knew that Light had his own reasons for agreeing to the monitoring - namely to prove his own innocence and shift the focus of the investigation towards other potential suspects who may have been carrying out the heinous killings in his place. While this strategy was good, it ultimately fell short due to Light's inability to anticipate the level of suspicion that was cast upon him from the very beginning.


Light Yagami is under the impression that, if the Task Force were certain he was Kira - they would have made it obvious but that is not the case, only L knew Light's identity and that was enough to place suspicion on him.


Looking logical at the situation, it is noteworthy to consider Raye Penber, one of the FBI agents assigned to monitor Light Yagami, had met his untimely demise shortly after getting his assignment.


Although It is hard to know if Raye Penber died before the other FBI agents - it did not change the fact that they died. It was certainly odd that right after approaching Light Yagami he died. Also not forgetting about the bus hijacking, it was way too convenient.


However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily serve as conclusive evidence that Light Yagami is, in fact, Kira. That being said, Light is just one of the many suspects who were under investigations at the time of the FBI agents' death. So Kira could be any one of them.


While the pattern of deaths surrounding Light Yagami is suspicious, further investigation and evidence-gathering is necessary before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.


There are a couple reasons as to why Light Yagami is Kira in L's eyes. First and foremost, every time Light Yagami is about to be main as the prime suspect, something unexpected occurs, often causing the investigation to shift its focus and strategy. Once or twice is coincidence but everytime? Even a fool could see that something is not right.


Secondly, Light Yagami fits Kira's profile. One must not forget that the live broadcast and the death of Lind L. Tailor had narrowed down Kira's location to the Kanto region of Japan and also paint Kira as a vindictive killer. Also Kira is able to access information that only members of the Task Force is privy to, meaning it's either a member of the Task Force or a relative of someone on the Task Force.

Then there is the fact that Light Yagami, upon meeting him - L -, whom he should have no idea of, reacted contrary to how a high school student should.


The third and final clue is the fact that, Light Yagami upon learning of Raye Penber's death, Light unknowingly said, "Because he was following me…" Which indirectly proves that Light was privy to information not known to people of the Task Force.


One could chalked it up to Light Yagami's high intelligence but with all the clues saying the same thing, it's hard to dismiss them.


Light Yagami's countenance grew grave. "I agree with your deduction. Whether crime has been reduced because of Kira's emergence or not, does not justify his crimes. The act of taking justice into his hands, is a direct challenge to the justice system. And don't forget about the Life Bringer, a vigilante who, not unlike Kira, takes justice into his hands. But it does not hide the fact that, the Life Bringer, gives hope to those who would have fallen victim to senseless violence. The words of the public will not want him to be captured, as he does not undermine the status quo of the world."


A good play by Light Yagami, defaming Kira but uplifting the Life Bringer. It is almost as if you are trying to tell me you have hatred for Kira - to throw me off. It does not matter if they improve society or not, there are different, more just ways to go about it.


Kira's appearance plunged the world into chaos. With the realization that a higher power is watching and ready to punish transgression, even minor crimes carry grave consequences. People seem to have become more virtuous and congenial, but it is difficult to discern the authenticity of their behavior. Merely performing acts of goodwill to avoid punishment did not necessarily reflect genuine benevolence.


Life Bringer, in contrast to Kira - made a later entrance - approached matters differently. Rather than drawing attention to his presence and attempting to disrupt the established order, the Life Bringer remains hidden and unobtrusive.


Of the two vigilantes, if L was forced to choose one to be in charge of society, he would choose Life Bringer without question.


While the authorities deem it necessary to quell Kira's brand of justice because of his cruel methods, the actions of the Life Bringer are different. By taking the lives of those already condemned by society, the Life Bringer provides a second chance for those whose lives were prematurely ended. This approach is perceived to be more acceptable than the indiscriminate killings done by Kira, who seeks to instill awe and fear in people's hearts.


Although L understands that his logical analysis of Kira and the Life Bringer is sound, he recognizes that most people still choose to believe Kira, perhaps because the actions of the Life Bringer are not as overt. Without careful attention paid to the global death toll, it is difficult to perceive the delicate balance between life and death that the Life Bringer seeks to uphold.


However, that being said, whether Kira or the Life Bringer, L seek to bring them to Justice.


"The affairs of humans should ideally be placed in the hands of other humans. Yet, when we examine the world at large, the shift of control though subtle means undermines the laws of society." Said L, as he swirled his tea and entered a state of deep contemplation. "Initially, when Kira emerged, he garnered massive support from the public, but that enthusiasm was soon replaced by fear, as people grew wary of the arbitrary nature of Kira's justice."


"Light, I believe that he may have become aware of your identity." Ryuk remarked, his amusement evident.


Glancing over at Ryuk, Light Yagami took his gaze back and replied to L replied, "Who knows, maybe Kira and the Life Bringer have always existed - but of late their actions have become more pronounced and frequent."


L raised his head and emphasized, "Our world is governed by rigid and inflexible rules. It is, therefore, difficult to reconcile the notion of Kira and the Life Bringer being facets of some greater metaphysical reality, as you suggest. For instance, if these beings were indeed divine, why did Kira display distinct human emotions, such as pride and wrath? Furthermore, having emotions and being finite in nature are inherent aspects of human existence, so it's perplexing to consider how an infinite and immortal aspect could experience emotion, human emotion nonetheless." As L finished, an image of a body that looked similar to him appeared in his mind, Beyond Birthday.


————


After leaving Light Yagami's location, Raye Penber decided to return home and talk to his fiancee - Noami Misora - about the Life Note. If what Yael had said is true, using the Life Note to protect life and write the wrongs in God's stead, God would be happy.


Raye is not a religious person, and neither was his fiance, but knowing for certain that God exists and living with just faith is different. He had never been an evil person, but all of a sudden he felt the need to be good. However, he could not tell if he would truly become a good person or if it was just an act to please God.


Looking at the skies, it seems darker than usual with lightning zipping through the skies. The pattering of rain caught his attention, making him hail a cab.


Sitting inside the car, Raye's tense body relaxed, making him feel at peace. Laying at the backseat, he looked out the window, feeling surreal. The houses moved by in a blur, the lights of homes turn on with families gathering around eating and laughing with one another.


When was the last time I sat down with her? Have I made her happy?


Raye looked sad and unsure. Their engagement had not been easy, in fact it was hard. They had been childhood sweethearts, and chosen the same career but as they grew up their interest and they grew apart. In fact, Noami was originally supposed to marry another, but decided not to and asked for his hand instead.


He did not know why Noami chose him. The person her family picked out for, is from a wealthy family and has a successful future ahead of him, yet she chose the trainee FBI agent. He was happy and immediately agreed, after all he loved her but looking back maybe he shouldn't have.


Since Noami has been with him, she has given up things she likes and that is not fair.


I will talk to her, I hope she forgives me.


As Raye was lost in thought, the cab stopped and the driver woke him up, "We are here." Looking at the cab meter, the cab driver said while extending his hand, "That's going to be 10000 Yen."


10000 Yen?! Why not ask for a house instead! Tsk, bastard is lucky I am in a good mood!


Angrily giving the money to the driver, Raye looked at his home with a sense of unfamiliarity. Looking at the living room, he saw the light was still lit inside.


Signing, Raye could only feel his heart becoming warm.


Once again, I am only now realizing what a great woman she is. She is too good to me.


Pushing the door open, Raye was not surprised to see Noami sitting down at a table, while reading a book. She looked so radiant, with her sophisticated bearing. As if hearing something, she turned her head, causing one to fall into those limped eyes.


Noami got up, picked up a towel, and without words, began to dry him off. Her gentle fingers and her kindness could be felt through every gesture.


Seeing him reach out, Noami gave him the towel but was surprised when Raye's hands bypassed the towel and wrapped his hands around her waist, which felt boneless to the touch.


Noami's mind became blanked and confused. This was completely different from the man she grew to love. She was not against feeling his touch, she liked it.


"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Looking at the damsel in his arms, Raye smiled filled with a sense of purpose and duty. Lifting Noami's head up and kissing her deeply with passion.


Returning the kiss, Noami wrapped her hands around Raye's neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss, which caught him slightly off guard.


Breaking the kiss, Noami shyly looks down, not daring to look into Raye's eyes, "It's okay, I understand."


"I have something to discuss with you. I hope you can help me in this endeavor. I do not want to do it alone."

Edited by Solidorex and Big - O