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Chapter Text

Light Yagami fired his weapon at the target. To renew his weapons license, he needed to obtain a certain score. 

Since joining the National Police Agency, he had risen through the ranks, and was now a full-fledged member of the Kira Task Force. It was not without its tribulations. Keeping a steady balance between his career and being Kira was taxing. However, with his intelligence to broker through the more troublesome times, he now enjoyed judging criminals freely with the Death Note.

He defeated L with cunning fortitude. Kira was king!

After using all his rounds in the magazine, he lowered his weapon and pressed a retrieval button to bring the target to him. He was in the police headquarters firing range located in the basement with a couple of others. There were a dozen booths. He took off his headphones and pulled off the paper target when it got to him. He sighed disappointed.

He had actually never fired his weapon in the field. He joined the Intelligence Bureau almost immediately out of the academy. He barely had any association with basic police work, so he was a bit rusty.

“Tough luck,” said someone standing in the a booth next to him.

Light looked over. It was a young man about Light’s age with a larger muscular build, but not too big to be hefty. He had light-brown hair and a chiseled face. He was very good looking. He wore a short-sleeve white shirt and dark trousers. He also wore fingerless gloves.

He held his gun, but there was always the chance there was one in the chamber, so he held his weapon down.

He smiled at Light. “Looks like you need more practise,” he said. “I bet you don’t get much opportunity to use your weapon working for the Kira Task Force, huh? Your weapon of choice is probably a computer.”

Light looked at him surprised, but then clicked in. Everyone knew Light worked for the KTF.

“I wish I could be on the task force, but I bet spaces are probably limited.”

Was this guy fishing for a job? “Yes,” Light said. “Extremely limited.”

“Oh, forgive me. My name is Hiro Yamamoto.” He extended a hand. Light shook it. “And you’re Light Yagami. You’re the guy who gave up a cushy job with the Intelligence Bureau to work on the Kira Task Force with his father. I was noticing your handiwork and foot-stance. With all due respect, they look disorganized.”

“Disorganized?” Light thought that was rude.

“Yeah.” Hiro got into a firing stance, pointing his gun at the target down the line. He firmly planted his feet perpendicular to each other and then gripped his right hand under his left, with his arms straight, but with a slight bent at the elbows. He was left-handed, the same as Light. “You probably already know this, but your stance helps stabilize your core, and when your core is lined up perfectly, your aim is true. It does take work for it to become instinctive, but believe me, it helps.” He relaxed his stance. “I notice you weigh too heavily on your left side. You need to try a more firm stance. Go into your firing stance.”

Light did so. He had his right leg out further with his foot straight. His left leg was back with his foot turned. His left arm was straight out with only his right elbow crooked. His right hand was cupped under his left for stability.

Hiro came in from behind Light and tried to mimic Light, his body pressed into Light’s. It was a little too close for comfort. 

He grabbed Light’s left arm and brought it down slightly, so his elbow was bent, then he lowered Light’s right arm. 

Light tensed up, so when Hiro tried that, it kind of hurt because he was resisting. But he didn’t complain. 

However, now with his right hand cupped more fluently, Light wasn’t stretching to reach for his gun. Hiro then tried to fix his stance. He moved Light’s legs in tighter with own legs, nudging his feet facing forward. It felt awkward to Light.

Hiro stood back. “Well, it’s a start. Your core is weak. You wobbled when I adjusted your legs. No wonder your aim is off. If I can push you, then an expected wind could—ruining your shot.”

Light relaxed his stance. “Um, thanks. I’ll take your advice under advisement. But I learned this stance from my father. The former chief of the NPA.”

Hiro was quiet for a moment. Light straightened smug. That shut him up.

“I don’t doubt it,” Hiro said, “but what works for him, may not work for you. You’re a lot skinner than your father, with all due respect, so you may want to adjust your technique, among other things.”

Light’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean: ‘Among other things’?

“Let me guess, your physical didn’t go well, either?”

The nerve of this guy, Light thought.

“I was in your self-defence class. I noticed you were having trouble there, too. Our re-certification needs to be renewed annually for our physical and weapons. You lack something, something you once had. I can see it in your eyes. A loss of a family member, perhaps? Personal loss might do it. It can affect everything. Whatever it was, it shook your confidence.”

Light took a mental step back. He had not experienced a personal loss, but a couple years back L died, which did create a vacuum in his life. He missed the challenge of humiliating L. After Rem killed him, things became too easy. Kira reigned supreme without any true challengers.

“If you’re willing, I can help get your confidence back.”

Light put up a hand. “Um, thanks. I can handle things on my own.”

Hiro shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself. Just remember, you only get two chances. And if you fail your re-certification, you could get suspended, and even kicked off the KTF. I can help prepare you.”

Light blinked bewildered. Why was this guy so bent on assisting him?

“Look, if you have the time, I’d like to show you my technique more thoroughly,” Hiro said. “I hope this isn’t too forward, but you can come to my apartment.  I’ll show you what I mean. No strings attached. Just one colleague helping out another colleague.”

Light’s heart skipped a beat for a moment with this chance encounter. For a second, he thought Hiro was asking him out. But it was probably just him imagination.

Hiro was right. If he was suspended for failing his re-certification, he could get suspected from the NPA, for which he was still apart, and even removed from the Kira Task Force for a time even though it was an independent body. It was still a division of law enforcement. His father would insist Light work on his skills. And if he was absent for even a short time, he wouldn’t be able to watch the task force in their investigation.

“Um, sure. Why not?” Light said. “It would help.”

“Great!” Hiro smiled. “I’ll text you my address later.”

“My number is unlisted,” Light said, “but you can give me your phone number now. I’ll send you a text. It will come up as Unlisted Phone Number. You can text back.”

“Sure,” Hiro said, and recited it. Light put it in his phone.

Once the texts were exchanged, Light received a text later that night telling him that Hiro had to push things back until the weekend due to a prior engagement. So, Saturday would be the day. 

It was better that way. The task force had the day off on Saturday. But just so his father didn’t make a surprise visit, he text his father saying that he would be at the firing range for a good part of the day to practise. 

His father was happy to hear Light was taking things more seriously after his last performance record. Despite not being the Chief of the NPA anymore, he still got notified of Light’s qualifications as his father.

Saturday came, and Light took a taxi to the apartment building Hiro specified. He paid with cash. He dressed casually and comfortably. At first, he thought he had the wrong place. But it was correct. The apartment building was luxurious.

It was fifteen stories high with a brick exterior, a wide face with a slight curve, containing a multitude of units. Each one had a balcony. 

He entered a set of double glass doors to an exquisitely adorned lobby with a security desk, a guard, two couches for lounging, marble flooring, and an elevator with brass trim around the frame. And it was all air-conditioned. It was a scorcher of a day and Light flapped the collar of his shirt to cool down.

Light’s apartment building had the basic amenities and did not have force air. And he had two air conditioner units in separate windows in his apartment. He was jealous.

He went to the security desk and told the guard he was here to see Hiro Yamamoto. He told the guard his name. The guard checked a registry book on the desk and said that he was expected and to take the elevator to the eighth floor. The unit was 808. Light was still awestruck by the lobby as he entered the elevator encased with mirrors and brass handrails. He pressed the 8th Floor and the doors closed.

When the doors opened, Light stepped out into a brightly lit corridor with dark carpeting with a grey swirl design. The walls were clean with reproductions of famous paintings. 

Light was in awe. How could Hiro afford this place? 

He ventured down the corridor and came to Unit 808. Light knocked on the door three times, a standard rap. He waited thirty seconds, then rapped again. There was no answer. The security guard told him this was the right apartment. And Hiro was expecting him. He text Hiro and told him that he was here.

Seconds later, he received a text back, asking Light to come to the roof. He was told to take the elevator to the fifteenth floor, then walk to the end of the hallway and to the roof access, walk up a flight up steps, and open the push-bar door. It was an unusual request, but Light followed Hiro’s instructions.

Once he got to the push-bar door, he opened it. Almost immediately, the heat hit him in face like a punch. And it felt even hotter on the roof than down on the ground floor. Why did Hiro want to meet him up here?

The roof had small stones overlaying weather-proofing tar. And there was a wooden plank walkway on top of the stones, probably for maintenance, and maybe it made for an easier walking surface.

He stepped onto the roof, but jammed the door open with a stone. He didn’t want it to lock behind him. He called out, “Yamamoto? Are you here?”

“Yagami, is that you?” came an answer. “Over this way!”

Light let out a long breath from the heat and loosed his buttoned shirt as he followed the planks to what looked like a maintenance shed. When he got around it, he gasped, as he saw Yamamoto sunbathing on a lounge chair with nothing on but a pair of white speedos and dark sunglasses on.

Light was aghast. Not only from the sight, but also how tone and in shape Yamamoto was. Yamamoto wore loose fitting clothing at the firing range, so it didn’t show.

Yamamoto lifted his sunglasses. “Hello, Light,” he said. 

Light didn’t correct Yamamoto for using his first name. It was customary to use someone’s surname until invited.

“It’s such a beautiful day, I thought it would be a shame to waste it. You’re early.” Hiro looked at his watch, a silver timepiece with an analog face. “An hour early, actually. I didn’t expect you until—“

“I know,” Light said. “But I thought I would get a jump on things.” Light looked over Hiro’s body. “You keep in shape.”

Hiro sat up and grabbed a towel. But instead of covering his waist, he wrapped it around his shoulders. He stood.

Light briefly looked at Hiro’s bulge, the only concealed part of Hiro’s body. No matter who it was, every guy looked—to see if they measured up and to compare. None of the girls he had been with had any complaints.

“What’s the matter, Light?” Hiro chuckled. “Oh, and call me Hiro. We’re off duty.”

“Okay,” Light said.

Hiro bent down to grab his phone, reaching over the lounge chair to the other side. This put Hiro’s butt in Light’s direct line of sight. From what could see, Hiro didn’t have an imperfection on him. 

Hiro got back up and turned back around. “Come on,” he said. “I’ll take you back to my apartment. I can collect the rest of my stuff later. The superintendent allows me to sunbath up here all the time.”

Light let out a hot breath. The heat bled into every pore of his body.

Hiro lead Light back to the push-bar door. Once again, Light admired Hiro’s body. It reminded Light of a Greek statue, a very detailed and articulate one. Michelangelo's Statue of David came to mind.

Hiro was at the door, it was obviously hot, because he flinched when he touched it. “Ow,” he said. He looked around. “Well, are you coming? Or do you want to melt up here?”

“Right. Sorry. My mind was suddenly elsewhere.”

Something about that response made Hiro smirk as Light crossed the planks and entered the stairwell.  

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Light followed Hiro to his apartment after they exited the elevator. He couldn’t believe Hiro was walking through the corridor in only a speedo like it was some sort of beach resort.

“Come on in,” Hiro said. 

Light entered Hiro’s apartment. It was open concept with a bar kitchen, a large sitting area with a half-moon modular sectional grey couch, another chair was in the far corner with an overhead lamp for reading, a large widescreen television hung on the wall that was switched on with a screen-saver display, and there were two standing book shelves stacked with dozens of titles. There was also a hallway that lead to two additional rooms. 

“Make yourself comfortable, Light,” Hiro said. “I’m a bit sweaty. I’m going to take a shower. It’s not proper to entertain a guest when you smell like something that just walked out of a sauna.” Hiro rubbed his hair with the towel as he headed down the hall. “There are cool drinks in the fridge.” His voice trailed off as he walked into the farthest room, maybe a bedroom.

“Okay,” Light said, but he doubt Hiro heard him. He didn’t get a drink. It wasn’t polite to rummage through another person’s fridge, despite invited. He would wait.

Light heard the shower turn on as he looked around the apartment. He ventured to the book shelves and looked through the titles. There were books on classical literature and more modern ones—fictional novels. Hiro was well read. He also saw a nice collection of music CD’s, both classical and modern. Misa had a few of these modern titles. They were easy listening. Hiro was also a romantic movie enthusiast.

Then he noticed something tucked next to the farthest book shelf. It was an electric guitar on a stand.

So, not only was Hiro well read, had great taste in music, movies, but he was also an aficionado guitarist. If Light wasn’t jealous of Hiro before, he was now.

He crouched down in front of the guitar. He always wanted to play an instrument, but he felt self-conscious in doing so. He delved into his studies in high school instead. People tried to get him to join the Drama Club, but his interests lay elsewhere and he joined the Chess Club instead. Everyone had to join at least one club in school, it was part and parcel of social interaction. He and Demetre joined the Chess Club together. To this day, neither one could beat the other. Every match ended in a stalemate. It mirrored their current relationship when it came to Kira. 

Light plunked the strings of the guitar. It played a series of chords. He didn’t hear the shower switch off, or Hiro exiting his bedroom, returning to the living area.

“Enjoying plunking my strings?”

Light jumped startled by Hiro’s voice. He then gasped mentally as Hiro stood there in nothing but a short towel and holding another towel he used to rub-dry his hair.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Did you get that drink?” Light shook his head as he stood up. “Let me,” he said. 

Light watched Hiro scroll into the kitchen. He was shocked that Hiro was casually walking around in just a towel. Who walks around in just a towel when there is a guest? What was this, a soap opera?

Hiro returned holding what looked like a green protein shake for himself and a cola for Light. Light took it from Hiro and their hands touched for a brief moment, swiping against each other like a brisk breeze. 

Light suddenly felt very warm. He opened the cola and sipped it. The ice coldness of the drink calmed him down.

Hiro sipped his protein drink. “Sorry about this,” he said, indicating his attire. “I have a pile of laundry in the back and nothing to wear. I have clothes in the dryer right now, it should be done soon. I put them on before going to the roof. I thought they’d be done before you arrived. I should have been more prepared. I supposed I should expect the unexpected, being a cop and all.”

“No, it’s my fault. I came far too early.”

Suddenly, there was a buzzer sound. “There’s the dryer now,” Hiro said. “But of course, the clothes will be scorching hot. Excuse me for a moment and I’ll put something on. I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea.” Hiro smiled, and then left, heading down the hall.

Wrong idea? Light thought

Light heard a door swing open as he sat on the couch and sipped his cola. He glanced around the apartment again amazed that Hiro could afford it.

Hiro returned a few minutes later wearing a pair of white khaki shorts, and a dark, loose-fitting buttoned shirt. But the first two buttons were undone, partially exposing his chest. He wore a necklace with some sort of metal square medallion. He didn’t have time to blow-dry his hair, so it flopped down over his forehead. He was also barefoot. He took a seat on the couch next to Light and put on arm over the edge, crossing one leg over the other.

Hiro was a very attractive man.

Light took a larger sip of his cola.

“So Light, tell me about yourself,” Hiro asked.

Light wondered why Hiro would ask him that. Maybe it was just polite conversation?

As Hiro looked at him, Light sat like a timid field mouse for a moment, holding his cola in both hands. He wasn’t normally like this, he didn’t mind open dialogue, but something about Hiro forced him to hide behind his defences. He didn’t know why. The last time he felt this way, he was courting the one true love of his life Dana Chika in grade school. But then he said, “You know, I once knew a Hiro in grade school.”

“What school did you go to?” 

Light told him.

Hiro looked reflective. He shook his head. “I don’t recall the name, but my parents moved around so much when I was young. I went to several schools. It doesn’t ring a bell. I do remember this kid, though. He was kind of timid, always getting bullied because he was always too nice. I helped him out once, but then I got swarmed by the same bullies off campus, and got hurt pretty bad. Mmm, what was his name…Dray—something.”

“Draycott?”

“Yeah, that’s it. He wasn’t Japanese. He moved here from America. So, I did go to your school. Wow, that’s some coincidence.”

“Demetre Draycott, he’s a friend of mine,” Light said, exaggerating the truth. Right now, he and Demetre weren’t on the best of terms. Light wanted to rule the world with the Death Note and Demetre wanted to stop him. They had a few clashes over the years. Light didn’t know where Demetre was right now. “Being nice is never a bad thing. To tell you the truth, you remind me of him.”

After breaking the ice, Light then opened up and told Hiro about his upbringing, his schooling, some of his interests—leaving out one in particular—and his strive to catch Kira, even though he knew that was a laughable task.

Hiro whistled amazed. “All that in a short amount of time? You’re an over-achiever. I’m impressed. Have you gotten any closer to catching Kira?”

“Not yet. He’s a crafty one.”

“Frankly, I think Kira is a benefit to the world,” Hiro said. “He’s certainly making my job easier.”

Light was surprised to hear that. 

“But criminals are like cockroaches, there’s always some scurrying in the dark somewhere. Kira can’t get them all, even with his best efforts. No one knows how Kira kills though. His main method is by heart attack, but he does have other methods. Rumours get around. Nowadays, people are using pseudonyms, so Kira can’t kill them. But we cops can’t do that. The sad thing is, some think Kira is just as bad as the those he judges. He did kill a cop once.”

“Yes, that was unfortunate,” Light said. Misa did that, before Light knew her as the Second Kira. 

“But these are the kinds of hazards we have to deal with everyday,” Hiro continued. “We have to walk on eggshells under the eyes of Kira, too.”

Light nodded. Suddenly, he felt a little more at ease with Hiro. 

Hiro took a deep breath and then stood up energetically. “Anyway, leave the grim talk for the office. That’s not why I invited you here. Leave Kira to his own devices. We’re here to whip you into shape. Stand up.”

Light put down his soda on a near-by table and stood on his feet.

“Now, show me your firing stance again,” Hiro said. “How would you confront an armed suspect thirty feet away?”

Light got into his readied stance, exactly how he stood at the firing range—his way.

“Wrong,” Hiro said. “Remember what I showed you. Go into that stance.”

Light remembered. He stood with his feet close together with his arms out front, his right have cupped under his left, elbows bent. He mimicked his left hand into a gun, forefinger out, thumb up.

Hiro moved over and leaned into Light. He pressed his body against Light’s, shifting his legs out into a better position and moved his left up slightly, right down, his elbows more bent.

Light felt Hiro’s chest against his back. There was something to be said about personal space, but Light didn’t move away. He knew he needed the help and Hiro was correcting his stance. He needed to pass the re-certification or it would cost him dearly.

Hiro backed off. He then circled Light as he stood there, examining every angle. He put a hand to his chin in thought. “It’s still not right,” he said. “There’s something about your body language that expressions a reservation to change. You’re too tense. If you seem hesitate, even in the slightest, you’ll get a fail. And you can’t be hesitant in the field. This needs to stop. But I need to see more. Take off your clothes.”

Light was god-smacked. “Excuse me?”

Hiro put up his hands in defence. “Listen, don’t get me wrong. Your body language says a lot about you. Stance, walk—it tells others how you present yourself. If you tense up, your opponent will see weakness. For a cop, one split second of indecisiveness and your family is tossing dirt on your grave. You need to relax more. What better way other than to discard what you keep hidden? Loosen up, Light. Show me you have no fear.”

“But…”

“I understand your trepidation. I’m just passing on what I’ve learned. I can see you’re hesitate. I was the same way too. Trust me. If you’re feeling nervous, I’ll remove my clothes and show you what I mean.”

“But…”

But Hiro was already taking off his clothes. He tossed his shirt and shorts on the couch. He stood there wearing a pair of dark boxer briefs. At least he wasn’t wearing a speedo this time.

“Let me show you why this is the best way to fix your problem,” Hiro said, without inhabitation. If Light didn’t know better, Hiro felt very comfortable in wearing next to nothing. Hiro stood in his firing stance. “Look at where my legs are, my waist, how my back is positioned, my arms raised perfectly with my chest. You must act at a moment’s notice. If you’re too tense, your body will lock itself down, and you won’t be able to re-act. You act, then re-act.”

Light looked at Hiro’s body stance. It worked for him.

Light delayed, but ultimately acquiesced. It wasn’t like Hiro was going to put the moves on him. If he was, he would’ve done so already. He pulled off his shirt and unbuckled his pants. He dropped them, then pulled them off. He tossed his clothes on the couch next to Hiro’s. He felt apprehensive in just his jockey’s and socks. And compared to Hiro, he was no muscle-jock.

Hiro moved out of his stance and appeared to inspect Light. “You’re a little skinny,” he said. “But that’s okay. There’s a position for everyone. You just have get the right balance. And your stance will change over the years.”

Hiro put a hand on Light’s stomach. Light flinched.

“Easy man, I’m just feeling your core,” Hiro said. “You have good pelvic structure, but your core and back could use some work. You need to build a muscle for each. I see now why you’re having trouble with your firing stance. Go into the new stance I showed you.”

Light did so like before. Hiro inspected him again, fixing his posture, moving Light’s legs, his arms, and pushed his stomach in, finally straightening his back. Light felt stiff. “Now stay like that for a moment. Don’t move. When I was in college, I interned as an osteopath. It helped develop my form.”

Hiro put his hands on Light’s upper back, then moved them down to his lower spine, feeling for things only Hiro determined were important. He then wrapped his hands around Light’s ribcage. Light flinched again. 

“Loosen up, Light. You’re way too tense.”

“This is, kind of, weird,” Light admitted. He was feeling vulnerable.

“I know, but it’s essential. If one muscle hiding in the background is creating havoc, it can affect your whole body. Sometimes a person can’t relate where a problem truly is located. It’s called referred pain.”

“But it doesn’t hurt anywhere.”

Suddenly, when Hiro put his hands on Light’s right shoulder blade and squeezed, Light cried out in pain. 

“Ah, there is it,” Hiro said. He said something related to a medical science term, then said, “I can fix that. Along with being a practicing osteopath, I’m also a licensed masseuse. Unless this gets fixed, your problem will forever persist. I have a theory why this muscle is so tense. You’re at the computer a lot, aren’t you?”

Light nodded. “It’s the hand I hold the mouse with,” he said.

“And there’s the issue. Your stance is overcompensating for an underlying discomfort from using your right shoulder too much when moving your computer mouse. Most people don’t release how much that locks the shoulder.”

Light had never considered that. But now that he thought back, after a long stint at the computer, his shoulders did feel stiff, and he did suffer from the occasional bout of carpal tunnel syndrome.

“Here, let me…” And Hiro touched Light’s shoulder and began to rub it.

Light shouldered Hiro away. He didn’t feel comfortable. “I think I should go,” he said, gathering his clothes.

Hiro put up his hands. “Woah! Wait!” Hiro went to a side table with a drawer that was underneath the kitchen bar and took out his wallet. He pulled out a card. “Here is my MTO license. My parents wanted me to go into medicine, but I wanted to be a cop like my grandfather. So, I went for both. But I don’t have many clients. I don’t have a practice, per se. Just a few people who I know. I can prove it.”

Light was skeptical. The whole thing felt fake. Anyone can claim to be anything these days just by printing something off the internet. You can also purchase so-called licences from unscrupulous people.

“I’ll give you more proof,” Hiro said, and ran back to his bedroom. Seconds later, he came back with a framed certificate.” Light looked at it closely. “See, I’m really certified as a Registered Massage Therapist. Tell you what, let me give a massage, and I’ll prove it to you. No funny business.”

Light looked at Hiro suspiciously. Was he was being fed a lie? If it was, Hiro’s name would be the next one written down in the Death Note.

But he decided to give Hiro a chance. He could use a massage. 

“Okay, I’ll take you up on that offer,” he said. But if is any ‘funny business', and you’re a dead man, Light thought.

Hiro smiled. “Great! You won’t be disappointed.”

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Light waited in the living room while Hiro went into the hall. Hiro opened up the second room and went inside. 

When Hiro returned, he brought out what looked to be a massage table with a metal base and a padded surface. He unfolded it in the room and secured the base. The front end had a hole. He then went back and came back with a table and tray of assorted oils bottles and one scented candle. 

Everything looks legit, Light thought. 

“Please, lie down face first,” Hiro said. He struck a match and lit the candle. It smelled of eucalyptus.

Light hesitated momentarily, then climbed onto the table, and placed his face in the opening. Light felt Hiro place a towel over his posterior. 

“Okay, now just relax,” Hiro said.

Light was already beginning to feel awkward. He was about to get a massage from another guy. But then he realized he was being sexist. It was normalized that women gave men massages and vice versa because of social norms, but things were different now. He would give it a few minutes and then decide.

Light lay there with his face situated in opening of the massage table. All he could see was Hiro’s bare feet. They were well manicured. He heard things happening around him, but he didn’t know what Hiro was doing. 

“Now, this is going to feel cool at first, but then it’ll warm up—the rubbing oil, that is,” Hiro said. 

Hiro moved around to Light’s right side, and moments later Light felt Hiro’s fingers kneed into the muscle of his shoulders, pressing into his flesh. Almost immediately, Light experienced a feeling of ecstasy. Hiro’s hands were firm, but he had a gentle touch. It felt so good.

Light unwittingly let out a small groan of pleasure. Light had never felt such gratification. And with the oil on Hiro’s hands now warming up, he felt his muscles began to loosen. Misa had given him massages before, but never like this and her nails always dug into his skin.

Hiro then touched Light’s upper back and proceeded to press his thumbs into the muscles of his shoulder blades, working outwards with concentric circles. Hiro rubbed. The oil worked its way into Light’s pores. Despite the warmness of the oils, Light shivered. 

Light’s neck was next. Hiro used gentle pressure, moving his fingers inwards towards Light’s spine, now using centric circles. Hiro continued to do this all the way down Light’s spine. The sensation was incredible.

Light felt something unlike anything else, a sensation of euphoria as tension was released. He felt his mind go blank. Nothing in the world seemed to consider him at this very moment.

Hiro massaged Light’s spine further, his thumbs repeating the previous actions. His hands pushed downwards aligning with Light’s ribcage. He moved his hands up and down, rubbing with gentle motion, pushing up and down, finally ending at the base of Light’s spine again.

Light couldn’t help releasing a silent breath of pleasure as his eye flickered. Hiro’s hands went below the towel and a little ways into Light’s jockey’s, but Light didn’t care. He was in heaven.

Light felt like jelly. 

But the massage wasn’t over yet. 

Hiro moved to Light’s arms after rubbing more oil into his hands.

Hiro began from the shoulder and gently pulled all the way down Light’s right arm, twisting his hands with a soft motion, pressing gently. He did this six times. He followed up with Light’s hand, rubbing the inside of his palm with gentle concentric circles, creating a whirling feeling that was almost orgasmic. 

Light couldn’t help it. He moaned with pleasure.

Hiro finished off with gently caressing each of Light’s fingers. He repeated the same thing for the left arm as well.
Light let out another moan.

“I’m glad you like it,” Hiro said.

“Oh, you’re good,” Light said. “I’ve never felt anything like it before. You’re the real deal.”

“We’re not done yet, from far it,” Hiro said.

Rubbing some more oil onto his hands, Hiro moved to Light’s legs. Hiro began with Light’s right thigh. He gently kneed his fist from the knee up to the top of the thigh, then back again. 

Light shivered. It gave him goosebumps. 

Hiro repeated the action six times until Light’s leg felt like jelly. Hiro repeated the process with his left thigh.

Hiro followed up with Light’s calves. He pushed up from the ankle to the knee, applying pressure where needed. This time, Hiro used both hands to do both calves simultaneously, which caused Light to tighten them. The calves were a sensitive area.

Light then felt Hiro’s hands on his right foot. Light flinched.

“Ticklish, I see,” Hiro said, with a chuckle. “Okay, this is where you’re really going to feel it.”

Light felt Hiro clutch his right foot with both hands, one to hold it, and the other he used his thumb to rub circles into the base of his foot. Light let out an extended “Ahhhhh…”

“I told you you’d feel it,” Hiro said.

Hiro repeated the proceed with the left foot.

“Okay,” Hiro said. “Now turn over onto your back, so I can do the front.”

Light didn’t move, he couldn’t move. “I can’t.”

Hiro went over to the front of the table as Light looked up from the opening. “Why? Didn’t it feel good?”

“Yes, it was incredible.”

“So…”

Light put his face back into the opening, letting out a deep breath. “In fact, it was too good,” he said.

There was a pause, then Hiro chuckled. “Oh, I see. Well, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Can you give a minute,” Light said. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“Don’t be. It happens. We’ll take a break, so you can collect yourself. If you want to continue, let me know.”

Light out a sigh of relief. “Thank you,” he said.

He couldn’t believe how good that felt. If he didn’t know it, it was like Hiro had given him the special treatment that only certain clubs gave their clients. Maybe he wanted to prove himself? He certain did. 

It was a few minutes before Light could finally move. He had to allow his dopamine levels to seep down before he could even think about turning over, and even then, he used the towel to cover himself. 

Light sat up. The wick of the candle Hiro used was still lit. Light had smelled it throughout the massage and it helped create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Maybe too much. 

Hiro had allowed Light to collect himself and was now fully dressed. Had Hiro performed the massage in just his boxer briefs? 

“My back, arms, and legs tinkle,” Light said.

“That’s the neutral carrier oils working into your pores,” Hiro said. “They’re a blend of grape-seed, almond, and coconut. They help open up the pores allowing in more oxygen. You’ll continue to feel it for about an hour. Are you ready for the second half?”

“You know what, I think I’ll pass on the rest.”

Hiro looked disappointed. “Why? Didn’t you enjoy it?”

Light’s eyes looked away. “Too much, actually,” he said.

Hiro smiled, when Light looked back up. “Don’t be embarrassed. Trust me, it happens all the time. I’m told I have the hands of a god.” He chuckled. 

Light still held the towel to his groan. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“But we’re only half done. You need the front done or your body will be out of balance. Please, lay back down. I promise, if you begin to feel uncomfortable, let me know, and the massage will end immediately.”

“I…don’t know,” Light said hesitantly.

“It’s your decision, but if you want to feel more at ease with your firing stance, you’re going to have loosen up even more. You’re still too tense. I’m not trying to pressure you, but I feel you need this. Something is forcing you to withdraw in your life, and it’s causing your muscles to tighten up. It’s like you have your defences up, that you feel the world is out to get you. I don’t know why you feel this way, maybe it has something to do with the Kira Case, but until you pop this bubble you’ve encased yourself in, you won’t be able to move forward.”

Light was in awe. The philosophical nature of what Hiro said was profound. 

If Light wanted to be re-certified and stay on the Kira Task Force, then Hiro was right. But he would have to mentally prepare himself. He didn’t want to get excited again.

“Okay,” Light said, with a nod.

“Then lay back down on your back.”

With a willing breath, Light laid down on the massage table on his back. Hiro placed a towel under Light’s head over the opening of the table. He then readjusted the towel over Light’s lower mid-region. Hiro accidentally brushed his hand against Light’s crotch. Light grunted silently and suddenly felt a little stiffness. The touch instantly stirred something inside Light that he quickly force down. Hiro was busy getting his stuff ready, he didn’t notice.

Hiro picked up a small bottle of oil and poured some into his hands, rubbing them together. Hiro smiled, as if trying to put Light at ease. 

Light began to tense up. If his back massage was any indication, then things were able to get more intense, and he wondered if this was a good idea after all.

But just as Hiro was about to begin the front massage, a cell phone rang.

Light knew it wasn’t his, it had a different ringtone.

“Excuse me for a moment, that’s my cell,” Hiro said. He walked away, taking a towel with him to wipe his hands. He went back down the hallway into his bedroom.

Light lay there on the massage table and took a deep breath. Perhaps it’s best to leave now, he thought. 

“You mean, now?” Hiro was heard to say. “But I’m right in the middle of something…Oh, alright.” Hiro came back with his cell. “Sorry about this, Light, but we’re going to have to postpose the rest of the massage. I was just called into work on an emergency.”

Light sat up, somewhat relieved, but also concerned. “An emergency?” The first thing Light thought of was it might have something to do with a criminal at large that Kira should know about.

“Of a sort,” Hiro said, cleaning his hands totally with a cleanser. “I was called into work tonight at my other job. I work at the Safari Club as a bartender. Did you think I could afford this apartment on a cop’s salary?”

“The Safari Club?” Light knew of it. “That club is supposed to be really elusive.” Light used a towel to wipe himself off.

“Yeah,” Hiro said, collecting his tray of oils and other assorted items. He placed them aside, then blew out the candle. “The guy who was supposed to work tonight came down with food poisoning. They’re shorthanded, so I have go and pick up the shift. It’s good money. You should come by sometime for a drink. Bring a date.”

Light wasn’t sure what his relationship was with Misa. It was definitely one of convenience. But if they were openly dating, he couldn’t take her to an opulent place like that. People would swoon all over her. And he would feel like a third wheel. And there was another reason. Misa was a bad drunk. 

“Sure,” Light said out of politeness. “But I’m single.” It wasn’t a lie, but the truth was difficult to explain.

Hiro beamed a smile, as if he was thrilled to hear Light was unattached. “Great! We’ll continue the massage tomorrow, otherwise you’ll feel edgy. You can’t have half a massage. And I never like leaving things unfinished. That’s just me.”

Light felt the same way. 

Light dressed. He made plans to come back tomorrow. Then took a cab home.

After he paid the driver, he stared up at his apartment building. His apartment wasn’t anything special. There wasn’t even a security guard, despite it having a low-grade security system with cameras. Not a very secure headquarters for the Kira Task Force.

He took the elevator up to his floor. He knew the moment his keys were inserted into the door lock of his apartment, he would be greeted by Riki on the other side.

Strangely enough, his last name was Yamamoto, too. 

Riki was a young man whom Light rescued from the clutches of a sex den run by a curious, yet interesting Mistress. It was one division of an underground criminal organization run by the Yukaza and its leader Terrace Claw. Claw was a formidable enemy who thought he could undermine and defeat Kira. Light proved him wrong, not only destroying his organization, but Light was also introduced and assisted by a supernatural Imp named Morph*.

(*Read my story: “Hollow Victory”)

But every time he and Morph encountered one another, it always ended in disaster. Light didn’t know why, but he wondered if Morph had some sort of personal agenda. He acted like a Shinigami, but Morph was much more powerful, and he had in his possession a book called the "Life Note” that could counteracted the Death Note.

While originally aligned with Terrace Claw, Morph helped take Claw’s organization down. He teamed-up with the leader because it was mutually beneficial, but then things began to fail apart. Morph terminated their contract. 

And out of it, Riki was saved. He was an orphan. When a distant relative was found, Riki thought he could go live with her, but he was rejected, after it was revealed where he had been for last ten years—kidnapped at a young age and forced underground in a sex den. The person wanted nothing to do with him due to her religious beliefs.

Despite his situation, out of the goodness of his heart, Light took him in. Light felt sympathy for the boy and because of the way things happened, he almost felt obliged to adopt Riki. That was almost two years ago. Riki was fifteen now, but he looked ten. He had a disease that stunted his growth and caused him to look much younger. He had no physical deformity, but he was literally a Peter Pan tragedy—a boy who would never grow up.  

Light became his guardian and Riki became Light’s houseboy. Although, they kept that aspect of their connection within the apartment. When the Kira Task Force came over for an investigative roundtable, Riki acted normally—like a normal teenager—and Light was his foster parent.

Riki greeted Light at the door. “Good evening, Master Light. Did you have success at the firing range?”

Light entered the apartment and closed the door. “I’ve told you before, Riki. It’s Light. None of this ‘Master’ stuff. And you don’t need to stand on ceremony.”

“My apologies,” Riki said cordially. “It’s force of habit. I’ll try to do better.”

Light saved Riki, but it seemed his servitude merely transferred from one ‘master’ to another. Although Misa enjoyed being served hand and foot like a prima donna. 

“Ms. Misa called while you were out,” Riki said. “She says she is having a wonderful time in Spain on her movie shoot, but she misses you, and wonders if you would like to fly over for a few days for a rendezvous.”

Light knew exactly what Misa meant by that. “I can’t and she knows why,” Light said.

“She figured such, but I was told to rely the message. I’ll send her back a message via text of mi dispiace, ma no.” It was Italian for: “I’m sorry, but no.”

Light put his keys on his computer station desk. “Impressive, Riki. Your Italian is improving.”

“I’ve been practicing using those books on tape you gifted me.”

Light spoke a few different languages. He knew Demetre spoke at least six languages and he didn’t want to be the lesser man out. Perhaps it was a competition, but Light didn’t care. 

Light smiled. Despite being Kira, and the Kira Task Force thinking Kira was a complete and total bastard, Light did have a different side to his personality, and Riki was part of that. He couldn’t fully explain the connection they had, but Riki reminded him of a little brother and he considered Riki family.

“Dinner will be in one hour,” Riki said.

“Excellent,” Light said back.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

After a delicious dinner, Light retired to his bedroom. He left Riki to clean the dishes.

He went into his clothes closet and lifted up a secret panel in the floor. This is where the Death Note was kept. It was ironic. Kira resided right under the members of the Kira Task Force. It was laughable. Misa currently was in ownership of the Death Note due to circumstances Light needed, but he was the one who made the judgements.

Since Ryuk was attached to her, the Shinigami went with her to Spain. Light could still write in the Death Note. It was the perfect set-up. And he didn’t have Ryuk hovering around him everywhere he went like an annoying gnat.

He sat on the edge of their queen sized bed and switched on the television. Thanks to Misa’s finances, they could afford nice things like a 70” widescreen television mounted on the wall. He turned down the sound as he changed the channel to the news. They were profiling criminals at large. The news was literally feeding him names as fodder, aiding Kira in his strive for a kind world without crime.

He grabbed a pen and opened the Death Note ready to act as Kira, when suddenly Hiro Yamamoto’s face popped into his mind. He froze his pen over a page of the notebook and stared blankly at the television screen. For whatever reason, he couldn’t get Hiro’s face out of his mind. 

The massage Hiro had given Light had been so good. For those few minutes, the world didn’t seem so grim.

He fell back onto the bed and let his arms drop open, the Death Note fell to the floor. He took a deep breath and shut his eyes. He didn’t know what this feeling was, all he could think about was his afternoon with Hiro.

The news segment ended without Light writing down any names. 

At the moment, he didn’t care. He had never felt so good. And it was all thanks to Hiro and his magic hands. And he wanted more. 

He got up and took a shower. He stood under the spray for several minutes hoping the thoughts would go away. But they didn’t. Hiro did say receiving half a massage would leave his body out of balance. 

When he returned to his bedroom in a towel, he felt frustrated, and he sat on the edge of the bed and contemplated his options. 

He stood up and went to the nightside table on Misa’s side of the bed. He opened up the top drawer and rummaged through some items and found some DVDs. Light knew she kept some adult movies on hand when she needed a release when he didn’t provide it. Sex with Misa was presbyterian at best. It was like he was performing a service to keep her happy, rather than engaging in it for pleasure.

He flipped through the titles. They had no cases only paper slips with one-or-two hand written notes. He didn’t know which one to choose. But did it matter. Any one would do at the moment.

He popped one into the DVD player on a wall stand under the television, then sat back on the bed, and got comfortable. He took hold of the remote control and pressed play. 

He opened his towel. 

The screen displayed a message: CONTINUE AT LAST SCENE. Light mentally shrugged, and pressed PLAY.

Suddenly, he saw a scene in mid-sequence of two men engaging in coitus, and each of them were cooing with sounds of “ohh” and “ahh”. 

He froze in place. What the hell was this? What kind of movies did Misa watch? 

He was not going to jerk off to a bunch of sweaty men!

He fumbled with the remote to turn off the movie, but instead of pressing the STOP button, he accidentally turned up the volume, and the sound blared, echoing the room with sexual cries and screams.

He swore. 

Riki suddenly burst into the room. “Master Light! What’s happening? I hear screaming!”

Riki saw the scene. He looked at Light, then at the television and its content.

Light grabbed a pillow and threw it at the door. “GET OUT!” Light shouted. And Riki retreated. 

He switched off the movie and put his hands to his face in sheer embarrassment. He then wrapped himself back up in the towel. He had never felt more ashamed. And it had all been a mistake.

And the worse thing was, he now felt more frustrated than ever.

Light stayed in his room the rest of the night.

The next morning at breakfast, there was silence. Light felt awkward around Riki after last night and Riki didn’t engage in conversion with Light, neither wishing to bring up what had happened.

The ironic thing was Riki had seen more graphic things. So, what he witnessed with Light was probably very mild. But Light was beyond embarrassed. It must have been like finding out a parent wasn’t perfect.

Light knew how that felt.

Light accidentally found out that his father had a one-night stand with another woman as his mother was pregnant with him. He found some letters in a box in the house basement when he was cleaning it out after it flooded. 

He confronted his father about it. But his father told him it was a mistake. He was drunk and celebrating the capture of a major criminal and one thing lead to another and he slept with one of his coworkers.

It was a secret they kept between themselves.

Light sat at the breakfast table and sipped his tea. He didn’t want to talk about what Riki witnessed, but he knew he had to break the tension between them.

Light cleared his throat. “Riki, about last night,” he said.

Riki wiped his mouth with a napkin after swallowing a bite of toast. “No explanation needed, Master Light,” the boy said with a smile. Riki always appeared light-hearted. He stood up and began clearing the dishes.

Light sighed behind his cup and sipped his tea. 

He wanted to tell the boy what truly happened. It had all been an accident. But what would it prove? He would probably fumble through it in his current state of mind. It was best to let sleeping dogs lie.

He could really use that other half of the massage right now.

Light’s cellphone rang and he answered it. He was surprised it was Hiro. Hiro invited him back to the apartment for the second half of the massage if Light wished. “Of course!” he said. “What time?…Excellent! Bye.”

Riki returned from the kitchen. “Kira Task Force business, sir?” 

Light hesitated to think up a lie. “No,” he said. “There is an open slot at the firing range today. I need more practice.” He swallowed down the rest of his tea so Riki could take the cup. “What are your plans for today?”

“Tidying, laundry, a few other things,” Riki said. “Maybe watch a movie.”

If that was Riki’s subtle way about last night, Light didn’t think it was funny. But Light let it slide. 

Besides, Riki knew how to keep a secret. 

Later than morning, Light arrived at Hiro’s apartment again. He went through the lobby, took the elevator up to the eighth floor, and knocked on Hiro’s apartment door. 

This time, he arrived at the time Hiro specified, not an hour early.

Hiro opened the door and greeted Light with a smile. “Come in, can I get you a beverage?”

“Sure,” Light accepted.

Hiro was dressed casually in shorts and a t-shirt, no socks. 

Light dressed casually too, in summer attire. He slipped off his shoes. He felt nervous, but he was less tense than yesterday. And he was really looking forward to the rest of the massage. He felt he needed it after last night.

“How are you feeling today, Light?” Hiro asked. He passed Light a soda from the fridge.

Light took a sip of the cold cola after he opened it. “A little tense,” he said, without elaborating.

“So, ready for some more exercises? I believe your next window for recertification is next week. I noticed you’ve already chosen your slot in the NPA website. I don’t think that will be a problem. I’m sure you’ll pass.”

Light smiled. “Thanks. But I still need more work.” He looked around, but he didn’t see it.

“Is everything alright? You look distracted.”

“I’m fine. I, uh, was…”

“Wondering why the massage table isn’t set up, right?”

“Am I that obvious?” Light said.

Hiro smiled. “Well, the truth of the matter is you’re very lucky. When I was putting the table away yesterday, the weirdest thing happened. I noticed a nut was missing from the undercarriage. It was a danger waiting to happen. It could’ve collapsed under you at any time. Thank god it didn’t. That’s what I get for buying second hand.”

“Oh,” Light said surprised.

“Both don’t fret. I have something else in mind, if you’re agreeable to it? Come, take a look.”

Hiro escorted Light down the hall and opened the door to his bedroom. Light stood surprised. He felt weird being shown to another guy’s bedroom. He only met Hiro about a week ago.

Hiro looked back at Light. “What’s the matter? Oh, I know it many seem strange, but I don’t have anywhere else to do the massage. It may not be the same height as the massage table, but I think it will do.”

Light entered the bedroom and was amazed at how large it was. And so was the bed. It was situated in the middle of the room with a back stand that levelled just above the pillow-line with ample room to walkabout. There was a nice, large window, overlooking the cityscape, framed with purple curtains. In one tight corner, there was a mini-lamp with a laptop computer on a small desk. On the other side of the room was a door that lead to an on-suite bathroom. In addition, there was a large sliding door closest. It was a truly an amazing room.

Hiro had placed a large towel over his bed comforter, and the table and tray with the oils and other assorted items were on already set up at the lower right side of the bed. In addition, there were a series of scented candles positioned throughout the room, and each were already lit, as if in Light’s acceptance to the new placement of the massage. The room smelled nice. The set-up was impressive and esoteric to the therapeutic trade.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were trying to get me into bed,” Light said facetiously.

Hiro laughed. “No, just setting the mood. So, what do you think? I tried to make it a calming atmosphere.”

Quaintly enough, Light already began to feel at ease. The scent of the candles reminded him of the smell of wild flowers after the rain stopped, and his mind was already beginning to go back to yesterday when he felt the most relaxed he had felt in quite some time.

“Looks good,” Light said.

“I know it looks intimidating, but trust me, it will help. So, if you’re willing, I’ll massage your front today. My instructor told me, if you leave the body out of balance for too long, it can affect your mood and mental clarity, and I dare say, and not to fright you, lead to sexual frustration, and erectile dysfunction.”

Light could relate to that, especially after last night.

“Okay,” Light said. Hiro had went to so much trouble in setting the mood.

“Please don’t be weirded out, but I’d like for you to be completely unclothed for today. It will make the experience much more enduring. But, it’s up to you. You’ll still have a towel on, of course.”

Light thought about it and then agreed. He took off his clothes and then put on a towel that Hiro provided. Hiro prepared as Light sat on the edge of the bed.

“Once you’re comfortable, lay down on the bed on your back with your head towards me,” Hiro said. “And place the towel over your lower region. I’m going to loosen your muscles. The massage will limber you up.”

“I’m feeling tense,” Light said, positioning himself on the bed as instructed. He removed the towel from around his waist and placed it over his lower region. “Something happened last night that really has me stressed out, not to get into too many details. But let’s just say home and work don’t mix.”

“I can completely relate to that,” Hiro said. 

Hiro went over to a CD player and switched on some music. New-age music began to play. It began with the sound of soft piano and then lead to a flute playing over the backdrop of a waterfall.

With the candles, the music, and the anticipation of the massage, Light was already beginning to relax.

Hiro returned and picked up a blindfold. “Now, this will enhance the massage. Your body won’t be distracted by what you see and your other senses will take over. Can I put it on?”

If that was an askance of consent, then Light gave it. “Yes,” he said.

Light was blinded by the eye mask. 

“Oh, one more thing…drink this,” Hiro said. “It’s an an anxiolytic made from pomegranate extracts. It will help reduce stress and anxiety.” Light felt the cup touch his lips. Hiro tipped it slowly. It was only a small amount of liquid, tasting of pomegranates, but it was warm and soothing as it travelled down Light’s throat.

Light licked his lips.

“Okay, let us begin,” Hiro said.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Even before the massage began, Light felt a shiver run down his spine as goosebumps filled his skin. 

He began to feel the pomegranate extract working. He felt more calm. He couldn’t quite put to words how he felt. It was pitch black with the blind fold on, but all his other senses were in full sensory mode.

“Let’s begin with re-massaging your neck,” he heard Hiro say. “The neck and the shoulders are where most of the tension resides. Two-thirds of your firing stance hinges on your shoulders being steady.”

“Okay,” Light said.

Light heard some rustling near his ears, then there was a gooping sound, and hands rubbing together. Hiro was probably putting oil on his hands. Hiro took a breath. Then the massage began.

Light felt Hiro’s hands reach behind his neck. He felt an instant chill. 

Hiro began to caress Light’s neck. Starting from the lower half, he pushed up in waves. He began to rub in concentric circles on both sides with his fingers at first with gent movements, then with more pressure. His fingers kneed into the muscle, then pushed away and down Light’s arms. 

Light already began to feel his tension melt away.

Hiro pushed down Light’s arms simultaneously, thrusting down, then drawing back up. It felt like gentle waves brushing up from the shore. And the sound of the music added to the sensual feeling.

Hiro touched each of Light’s hands and used his thumb to rub in circles within the palm, then pushed out on each finger, rubbing between the fingers. 

Light had never felt anything so good.

Hiro moved down the bed. Light felt like he was already in heaven.

More oil was applied and Hiro moved onto Light’s legs. But the moment he touched Light’s left thigh, Light flinched. It was an involuntary reaction. It wasn’t a nervous one, more of a shiver—like a sudden chill, the blow of a breath.

“Are you cold, Light?”

Light shook his head. “No,” Light said, almost in a whisper.

Hiro took hold of Light’s left thigh and began to push up and down, once again his fingers kneed gently, rubbing oil into the skin and ligaments. Hiro pulled his hands down from the kneecap, down the calf, returning again from top to bottom, moving in waves, and ending at the ankle. Within seconds, Light’s right leg was receiving the same treatment. Hiro pushed down to each foot, and then like before, he used his thumb to make concentric circles into the bottom of each. 

Light let out an involuntary moan of pleasure. He was in sheer bliss. And he felt himself drooling.

There was a pause. Light didn’t understand the delay. He was about to remove the blindfold, thinking the massage was over, when Hiro’s hands soon rested on his chest. Hiro began to massaging his pectorals, the base of his hands rotating over his nipples in opposite circles, causing Light to shiver and tremble.

Hiro pushed further down his chest and then drew his hands back up, repeating the movements over and over, even reaching so far as to lift Light’s towel. 

It was just too much. The horrid mental images Light thought would prevent a repeat of yesterday lay sway to a rising ecstasy that could not be eclipsed. He felt the pressure mounting, stiffen and the pulsing pressure.

“Wait,” he said, but his voice was barely a whisper.

“Relax, Light. Be honest with yourself.” 

Hiro’s voice was soft and soothing, like the alluring suckle song of a siren. He continued to move his hands up and down Light’s body, then like a gentle breeze slipped them down below the pelvic region, cupping Light’s buttocks, and finally drawing them back up the sides of his torso, causing Light to feel fellatio without the engagement.  

Light felt the towel slip off as Hiro pushed forward with his hands.

And then it happened…a grandiose force, an ejection of such magnitude that Light’s head tilted back. His mouth opened with a silent gasp.

Hiro pulled back and spat. It sounded like he had just tasted something bitter.

Light took off the blindfold, looked down at himself, then up at Hiro, who was wiping his mouth with his arm. “I can’t believe it. I’m so sorry!”

Hiro grabbed a small towel to wipe his face, and chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, it happens.”

“But I—I’m so embarrassed.” Light curled up into a fetal position. Then he rolled off the bed. He grabbed his clothes. He wanted to run away and escape as fast as he could. He quickly slipped on his jockeys and tried to put on his other clothes in record time.

Hiro reached out. “Wait, Light. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s perfectly natural. You obviously needed a release. Before we got started, I could see you were very tense about something. I could see it in your body language.”

Light looked at Hiro as he slipped on his pants and shirt.

“Tell me, honesty,” Hiro said. “How do you feel overall?”

Light wanted to flee, but something was keeping him on the spot. He examined Hiro’s question. “To be honest, I—I—“ Light took a deep breath. “I do feel better. But just between us, doesn’t every one after they, um…”

Hiro nodded. “I will agree with you on that. Even so, you look defensive. Please don’t feel embarrassed at all.”

Light put a hand to his face, then found a chair to sit down on. He didn’t know what he felt at the moment. It felt good, and yet…

“You put your clothes on without wiping off,” Hiro said. “Your clothes will stick to you like glue in his heat.”

Light looked at himself. He told Riki that he was going to the firing range for some more practice. How would he explain this?

“Don’t worry,” Hiro said, “you can borrow some of my clothes. I’ll put yours in the wash. These clothes I’m wearing could use a clean, as well. If you want, you can have a shower and clean yourself off. Use whatever you find in there: shampoo, soap, lufa…This is my fault.”

“Please don’t blame yourself,” Light said. “You’re right. I’ve just been under a lot of stress. Thank you for your understanding. I accept your hospitality.”

“There are towels in the cabinet,” Hiro said.

Light entered the on-suite bathroom with its shower. 

He shut the door and undressed. Hiro was right. Even with his own body temperature, his clothes were beginning to stick to his skin. A few more minutes and he would have to cut them off. He wrapped a towel around his waist, then opened the bathroom door again to give Hiro his clothes for a wash. When he exited, he saw Hiro taking off his clothes with no hint at modesty. 

Hiro’s back was turned as he removed his bower briefs. He was completely naked. His body was work of art, Light observed, chiseled in every fashion. He was in excellent shape.

Hiro turned around. His eyes widened when he saw Light. He quickly sipped on his boxer briefs. “I’m sorry. I thought you were in the bathroom. I thought I would collect your clothes while you were in the shower.”

Light shook his head. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to intrude. Here are my clothes.” He gave Hiro his clothes.

“Thanks,” Hiro said, then suddenly said, “Light, can I ask you something. And if it’s too personal, you’re in no way obligated to respond. What did you expect when you came here today?”

Light blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I asked you here because I wanted to help you,” Hiro said. “You seem like great guy, but I hope you weren’t expecting anything more?”

Light’s brow rose. He wasn’t sure what Hiro meant.

“I don’t judge. I wouldn’t be interested even if you were. You’re not my type.”

What did he mean by that? Light wondered. But for some odd reason, he felt rejected.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m actually gay. That club I bartender at is Gentleman’s Club. But there’s something about you that tells me you’re not entirely sure what you want.”

Huh? Light thought.

“You’re a guy whose passions lay elsewhere, they drive deeper than perhaps you even know,” Hiro continued. “Call it a gut feeling. You’re handsome and bright, and those qualities are assets, but I can sense life has something special for you, something I can’t even come close to mimicking. You’re like a person who has received a spiritual calling. That’s what I see when I look at you.”

Light was shocked. With the Death Note, he did think he had a ‘calling’, a calling to cleanse the world of evil. He had no time for relationships.

Misa lived with him because she had forced herself on him as the Second Kira. And he dated Takeda in university because it was a way to convince the Kira Task Force that he had no connection to Misa. He had been popular in high school and dated Dana Chika in grade school, but he really had no true attachments.

“Perhaps so,” Light said. “But I may want children one day. Everyone wants to leave something behind after they’re gone. It’s both instinct and a desire to be remembered.”

“I agree,” Hiro said with a smile. “Go have your shower. I’ll pick out something suitable for you.”

Light smiled back, then returned to the bathroom, shut the door, and had a shower.

When Light stepped out of the shower, he felt refreshed. Hiro had one of those walk-in showers with the glass walls. He also had lavender shampoo and soft soap. And the lufa brush felt good, too. He wrapped a new towel around his waist and brushed back his hair, but because it was so thick it just flopped back down over his forehead.

He glanced at himself in the mirror and wondered if he would ever find anyone for his affections. Or was that just fantasy? Was anyone truly worthy of being Kira’s partner?

He wondered if coming here was a mistake. Hiro offered to help him with a new firing stance that would allow him to get re-certificated, but after what happened on the bed, maybe it was time to just say his thanks for everything Hiro had done for him, and say his good-bye. He agreed it was for the best.

He opened the door, and was ready to tell Hiro what he decided, when he saw Hiro standing on the other side. Hiro almost seemed to be waiting for him. He was in a pair of boxer briefs. But unlike before, Light’s surprise wasn’t new. Hiro was like one of those people who probably would enjoy a nudist resort.  

“Light, ah, look…I want to apologize for what I said,” Hiro began. “You know, the part about you not being my type.”

Light dismissed his concern. “No need to apologize. In a way, I think you’re right. Or, maybe I haven’t found the right person yet. Guess I’m a late bloomer.”

“Well, in the meantime…” Hiro pulled down his briefs and tossed them onto the bed. Hiro stood completely naked, full frontal. Now Light was surprised, even shocked. “You can use me until someone better comes along.”

Light felt it fast and furious and his towel dropped to his ankles. 

Seconds passed and they stared at one other like two long-lost, star-cross lovers.

Hiro approached and cupped Light’s face in both hands, then kissed him. Light was stunned, but he didn’t pull back. For some reason, Light knew this was where the day would come to. There were just too many signs to dismiss.

Light had never experienced a French kiss, but as he felt Hiro’s hot breath on his tonsils, it was like a steaming sauna for his gums.

Hiro pulled back. A bridge of spittle connected them.

Light looked at Hiro, his face bathing with warmth. Hiro looked directly into Light’s eyes, as if silently asking for forgiveness after the fact, then permission for what was to come next.

And as if consent was given through some sort of telepathy, Hiro took Light by the hand and lead him the bed.

Light sat down and Hiro gently leaned Light onto his back. Light could hear his heart thumping in his ears. He was frightened and yet excited at the same time.

“Don’t be afraid, Light,” Hiro said softly, his mouth hovering only inches upon Light’s lips. 

Light trembled. Should he end this before it went on further? But he couldn’t, something was keeping him here. Nothing forceful, but a force, nonetheless. In some way, he wanted this to happen. He needed to know what he truly wanted, submitting to desire.

And if he could handle it.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Light’s heart thumped faster as Hiro leaned in.

But at the last second, Light put his hands out. What was he doing? This was not him. “Wait! What was in that anxiolytic extract you gave me? Was it an aphrodisiac?”

Hiro pulled back. “No aphrodisiac, Light. I wouldn’t trick you like that.”

Then what is this feeling? Light thought.

The sound of his heart filled his ears.

“Are you afraid, Light?” Hiro asked.

Light wondered if he was. He had never submitted to anything in his life. He had defeated L, he had overcome suspicions that he was Kira, he controlled one of the most dangerous instruments and "beings"—a god of death—in the universe with the Death Note. Then how come Hiro managed to break through his defences so easily?

“If you’re not comfortable, we can stop,” Hiro said.

Light shook his head. He wanted to continue. Was he frightened? Perhaps. But he had to find out what he wanted. And if this was a way to break out of the bubble Hiro said he was in, then he had explore the possibility.

He prepared himself.

But suddenly, a wave of fatigue came over Light and he dropped backwards to the bed like a stone. And everything went black.

Sometime later, Light awoke. 

He found Hiro looking over him, sitting cross-legged on the bed. He was bare chested, but he had a pair of boxer briefs on. Light was covered with a bedsheet.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” Hiro said with a smile.

Light smiled. “Good…what?”

“It’s seven o-clock in the morning, Light,” Hiro said. “Good thing I have the morning off or I’d have to leave you a note. And with what happened last night that wold be impersonal. So, how are you feeling?”

Light sat up. He looked under the sheets, he was naked.

“I slept on the couch. I didn’t want to disturb your beauty rest.” Hiro chuckled. 

Light reflected upon what he remembered yesterday, if Hiro was telling the truth about the time of day. He looked around him and with the position of the sun out the window, he confirmed it was indeed morning.

“Oh, crap! My family is going to be worried about me. Where’s my phone?” Light looked around and found it on the night table behind him. He switched on the phone and then swore. There were several messages from Riki wondering where Light was. He quickly sent off a text: Riki, I’m fine. I’ll explain later—Light.

Light dropped his phone on the bed and then put a hand to his face. “What happened?”

“You mean about yesterday?” Hiro said. “Well, I’m not quite sure. I think you had an odd reaction to the anxiolytic ingredient in the pomegranate extract I gave you to reduce anxiety.”

Light suddenly felt remorseful. “Please don’t tell me…”

Hiro nodded. “You fell asleep,” he said, with an amusing smile. “Obviously, you were under a lot of stress. The massage, and what happened afterwards, and the extract must have triggered a delayed soporific episode. Meaning…”

“Meaning, I fell asleep after we…” Light put his hands to his face and folded up his legs to his chest. “Oh god, I am so embarrassed.”

“Light, don’t be,” Hiro said assuringly. “To tell you the truth, it’s happened to me once or twice, after the fact.”

Light kept his face hidden, he couldn’t face Hiro. And he wondered if he could continue with the private lessons he was giving to help Light with his re-certification after what had happened.

Were the Kira issues really causing him that much stress? 

Light felt Hiro take his hands and pull them away from his face. “Look at me, Light.” Light looked away embarrassed, then looked back. “You obviously needed a break from whatever it was that was causing you such anxiety. I’m glad I could help you. But it’s clear, your problems run even deeper than I thought. Not to say there is anything wrong with you, but sometimes, some people just need someone to talk to. I believe you need a friend.”

“And a lover who knows where it hurts,” Light said.

Hiro laughed. “Yeah, that to, I suppose,” he replied.

Light smiled. “Thanks,” he said. “I admit, my job is difficult.”

“I could only imagine.”

Suddenly, the whistle of a kettle was heard. 

“Oh, I’ll be right back. Want some tea?”

Light nodded, and Hiro left the bedroom. 

A minute later, he returned with two steaming mugs. He gave one to Light. Light sipped it and licked his lips. It was honey lemon tea. He approved. He took another sip, savouring the taste. 

Hiro sat back down on the bed. “Just note, nothing happened. But let me ask you something, if something had, would it have been your first time with…”

“A guy, you mean? Yes and no.” Light took another sip of tea. “This other guy put his hands on me. It was nonconsensual. There was this crazy guy who had an unhealthy obsession with me. He once kidnapped my family—mother and sister—and threatened to kill them if I didn’t marry him.”

“That’s sick,” Hiro said, he sipped his tea. “Did you call the police?”

Light shook his head. “He threatened to kill them if I called the police. Luckily, through a third party agency, I was able to rescue my family, and he died. This was before I joined the NPA.”

“Wow,” Hiro said. “That’s incredible! And you’ve kept this a secret?”

Light nodded. “I had to, or there would’ve been a huge investigation. Neither myself or my family want to go through that. We handled it internally.”

“Apart from that horrible experience, have you ever had sex with…”

“No, I’ve never had the incline. My work got in the way. That sicko kind of spoiled things. I had a girlfriend in grade school, and we were going steady for a while, but we never ran the bases. She left me when we started high school.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Light went quiet for a moment. Talking about Dana Chika was still too painful, especially with everything that had happened in recent years, including her death at the hands of another crazed lunatic, and learning that she had a secret crush on his best friend Demetre Draycott all the way back in grade school.

Hiro stood up. He blew on his tea and took another sip, but then put down the mug on a table. “I apologize again for my remarks. You’re definitely my type.” He smiled.

Light blushed. “Thanks,” he said.

Hiro chuckled. “Can you stay a little while longer?”

Light smiled. “I have no where else I need to be,” he said.

And Hiro leaned in. This time, Light didn’t hold back.

A few days later, Light obtained his weapons re-certification. 

Without Hiro, he couldn’t have done it. His new firing stance improved his targeting skill by 70% and it was more than enough to pass, but they did have to tweak it from Hiro’s original idea a little. Light felt comfortable with it now and he passed his tests with flying colours.

And to celebrate, he decided he was going to buy Hiro a large bunch. He knew Hiro had the day off, so he took a cab to Hiro’s apartment. 

He wanted to thank Hiro personally. It was the least he could do. 

Light had visited Hiro twice more since his initial visit and made grounds on a multitude of areas. And he wanted to keep their relationship low-key, not only for his public persona, but also from Misa. She would kill him if she knew he had been flirting with someone else—especially a guy.

But when the taxi pulled up in front of the building, there was a large police presence. There were at least four police cruisers that he see and officers were checking identification of everyone coming and going into the building.

Light paid the cabbie with cash and got out of the vehicle. He went to the nearest officer and asked him what was going on. The officer said he wasn’t at liberty to say anything due to it being a crime scene. But when Light flashed his badge, suddenly the officer was more forthcoming.

“There’s been a murder, Detective Yagami,” the officer said. “It’s not a pretty sight, from what I’ve been told.”

“Has there been an identification of the victim?” Light asked.

“I don’t have that information. You’ll have to speak to forensics or to the detective in charge on the eighth floor.”

“Eighth floor, you say,” Light said. The officer nodded. Hiro lived on the eighth floor.

Light passed the security desk, flashing his badge. The security guard took down the number. Light took the elevator up to the eighth floor and almost immediately he walked into a circus. There were police officers everywhere. He flashed his badge again and an officer pointed him to a unit. Light gasped. It was Hiro’s apartment.

He stepped aside as he let two officers past him carrying evidence bags, then walked into the apartment. The apartment was ransacked. The television was smashed and books littered the floor. 

A middle-aged man, about 5’8” tall, somewhat stoutish, with at least two days worth of growth on his face, in a suit and tie, stood near the kitchen bar observing the scene. He had a notepad in hand. Light went over to him.

The detective looked up from his notepad. His brow rose. “Detective Yagami, what the ‘ell are you doing ‘ere? Aren’t you a little out of your jurisdiction? What business do you have ‘ere?”

“I’m here under the predication of a suspected Kira killing,” Light lied.

The detective smirked smug. “Then you may have been feed misinformation. This doesn’t have any connection that involves that irritate of justice.”

Irritate of justice? He had better watch what he says. Kira was standing right in front of him. 

“This is obviously the result of a lover’s spat,” the detective continued. “And it ended in a brutal and gruesome end. And when I say gruesome, I mean gruesome.”

“Who’s the victim?”

“We’re not sure yet,” the detective said. “His face was bashed in pretty good and his penis was cut off. Forensics will make the call. They’re in there taking pictures and samples.”

Light cringed at the imagery.

“Did you know the victim, Yagami?” the detective asked.

Yagami immediately took this to be a bait question. It was a method to fish for information from a potential suspect. But there was no reason to lie. Besides, the lobby camera had him enter the premises on all occasions. “If the victim is…Yes, we were colleagues. Hiro Yamamoto was helping me study for my weapons re-certification. We became friends at the firing range. I don’t get much practice on the KTF.”

“I thought the Kira Task Force was a civilian agency? You do know, civilians can’t possess guns?”

“You’re right, it’s not affiliated with the NPA, and they do disavow our association, but I do hold a detective title, as you are aware. I’m a duty deputized officer. From time to time, I’m called upon by the NPA to assist in investigations outside the KTF. I was once a member of the Intelligence Bureau. My skills are still needed.”

The detectives scoffed. “And yet, after all this time, you still haven’t caught that miserable bastard,” he said. “Some detective you are. You’re all a bunch of laughing stocks at the KTF. Losers!”

Light clenched his jaw. The detective was starting to get on Light’s nerves.

The detective flipped through his notepad. He stopped on a page. “Let me ask you a question, Yagami, and I believe it’s essential to the case. Did you know Officer Hiro Yamamoto was a flake?”

Light’s eyes widened. Not from the question itself, but from the derogatory reference the detective used. It was obviously used in lieu of another insulting inference. “Excuse me?”

“He liked guys,” the detective clarified.

“And why is that important?”

“Did you know?” the detective asked again, more insistently. 

“Yes,” Light answered curtly. “Hiro told me he was gay. So what?”

“Hence my next question. Did you and Hiro Yamamoto ever…Mmm, how can I put this delicately…”

“What are you implying, Detective?”

“What do you think?” The detective’s voice became elevated. 

Light wasn’t going to stand here and be intimidated. “Your question is unjustified. I’m going to issue a complaint to your superior.”

The detective smirked, then wrote down something in his notepad. Probably a notation that Light refused to answer the question.

Just then, a man wearing white protective coveralls, gloves, and boots, came down the hall from the bedroom. He removed his helmet. He wore it so not to contaminate the crime scene.

The detective abruptly stepped in front of Light. “Well?” 

The forensics person shook his head. “It’s a real mess in there. I’ve seen things, detective, but this case tops the cake,” he said. “Whoever the killer is, he appeared to really hate this guy. This was personal.”

“Can I quote you on that?”

“It will all be in my report,” the man said.

The detective wrote down the quote, then said, “Is it Hiro Yamamoto?”

“Underdetermined,” the man said. “His face is completely gone. We’re going to have to get an identification from his dental records, but even that may be stretching it. His face was bashed in with a heavy blunt object with a curved edge and repeatedly. I believe the murderer used the victim’s own electric guitar. We’ll test it and get back to you. However, we have yet to find his penis. Maybe the killer took it with him as a souvenir?”

That piece of information seemed to create an ick factor that made the detective stick out his tongue in disgust.

Light immediately looked to the area in the room where he last saw Hiro’s guitar. Only the stand where it stood remained. In his last visit, Hiro even played it for Light. He was very good.

“Do you have any suspects?” Light asked.

“Ask him, he’s the main detective on the case,” the forensics person said, then left the apartment.

“You are on the list, Yagami,” the detective said. “You’re on camera entering his apartment a couple of times in the past two weeks. Security has confirmed this from the lobby and floor cameras. I’ll check out your story. But I believe I can cross you off. You don’t seem the killer type.”

If only you knew, detective, Light thought.

“Have you questioned any other suspects yet, detective?”

The detective suddenly got annoyed. “Don’t tell me how to do my job, Yagami!” he said, pointing his pen at Light’s face. “You just go back to hunting phantoms and leave the real detective work to the professionals.”

Light clenched a fist at his side and dug his nails into his palm to keep his calm. 

But the detective wasn’t finished with his rant. 

“You think you can waltz right in and take over, don’t you? If it wasn’t for people like me, you wouldn’t have the  foundation for our society today. It’s people like you with your misaligned social agenda and malaise sense of justice who attempt to pervert everything people like me built.”

“Maybe thats why some of us are willing to risk it all to change things, because people you have screwed things up so badly,” Light said. “And why Kira saw a need to act.”

“Why you ungrateful piece of shit!”

The detective lunged at Light, but a uniformed police officer was luckily near by, and grabbed the detective before things could escalate further. The officer held the detective back with his arms clutched around his chest.

“Sir, please settle down,” the officer said. “You’re creating a scene.”

The law enforcement within sight saw what was transpiring.

“GET OUT!” The detective shouted at Light. “Get out of my crime scene!” He pushed the officer off him. “Escort this ‘detective’ off the property!”

“Yes sir,” the officer said.

Light left without incident.

Light called another cab. He wasn’t dressed for it, but he felt he owned it to Hiro. And considering that obtuse detective was clearly incompetent, Light felt it was his duty to investigate Hiro’s murder personally.

The cab dropped him off at the Safari Club. The cab driver gave him a strange look, as if he knew what the club was all about. But Light didn’t care. He paid the driver with cash and got out. 

One day, Light knew he would have to get his driver’s license. Spending so much money on cabs was getting expensive. But that trail of thought would have to wait until another day.

He looked at the front entrance of the Safari Club. There was a large emblem over an arched awning with the club’s insignia—a roaring loin. The front doors were wide with tinted glass windows. There was a red carpet leading up to the doors with brass queue posts and red velvet ropes out front, most likely for crowd control. It looked like a marquee theatre of sorts. If all this needed, then the club must be popular. 

Hiro said it was a Gentleman’s Club. In the past, a Gentleman's Club was a private club elusive to men, established in 18th-century Britain, where members could dine, drink, and socialize, but the venue had a much different meaning nowadays, offering performances by dancers, and sometimes, other activities. A strip-club.

He was improperly dressed. He was off-duty, but he had his badge. He was only going to ask a few questions, then leave.

Light grabbed the handle to one door and pulled it open. Instantly, he was confronted with a very large, muscular man, wearing all black. He was obviously a bouncer. The heavy-set man blocked Light. Music was playing inside, but Light couldn’t see pass the man. The bouncer was at least two feet taller than Light and three times his size.

Light flashed his badge. “I’m Detective Yagami. I wish to speak to someone about an employee.”

The man looked down at Light with cold eyes, eyed the badge, then pointed to the bar. “You can speak with the AGM, he can answer any questions you have,” the man said in a gruff voice.

Light nodded. “Thank you,” he said, and squeezed past the man. At that moment, Light was thankful he had a thin frame, because the bouncer only gave him a couple of inches to get by. His chest was thrust out so far, his pectoral muscles almost make contact with Light’s face.

Light glanced around the club. It was quite large. 

It was carpeted, with a centre stage walk leading from a curtained area, with two smaller additional circular stages with brass poles in their middle further down. There was plenty of seating, a long tabled bar with padded stools, a kitchen, and other such amenities, like bathrooms, and vending machines. Suspiciously, there were also private rooms for possibly other activities of a more carnal nature. 

The AGM, Assistant General Manager, was behind the bar counting receipts. He was the only one not wearing a bartender’s uniform. He was well dressed, maybe in his late twenties. 

Two bartenders attended guests further down the bar, and one looked like he already one too much to drink with his head resting on the bar and a half glass of something in his other hand. 

There were a few other guests, but the place wasn’t bust at this time of day.

Light took a seat on a stool in front of the AGM. He glanced at the silver pinned name tag on the left side of his dress shirt. It read: KT, most likely a nickname of sorts. The bar was stained dark mahogany with a brass bar out front. Liquor bottles filled the shelves behind the bar with mirrors forming a wall from one side to the other.

The AGM continued to count receipts. He was not a server.

Light waited a few moments, then pushed his badge across the bar in full view of the AGM.

The AGM looked up from his receipts, first at the badge, then at Light. “How can I help you, Detective?”

Light pulled back his badge and placed it back in his pocket. “I’m wondering if you can help me. I’m looking for information on one of your employees, a Hiro Yamamoto.”

The name got the AGM’s attention. “Yes, he works here. He failed to show up for his shift last night. We were short-handed, too. I tried calling his cell, but he doesn’t answer.”

“I’m afraid I have some bad news. He’s been murdered.”

The AGM’s face froze in shock and the receipts dropped from his hands. “Oh my god! When? How?”

“Sometime last night, but we don’t have all the details yet,” Light said. “I want to ask you about Mr. Yamamoto’s tenure here. Specifically, how long has he worked here? And who he may have associated with?”

“As long as my employees show up for their shifts on time, I don’t pry into their personal lives,” the AGM said. “My name is Kenzo Takahashi, by the way.”

Light’s name was already on his identification with his badge, so he didn’t need to repeat it.

“I’m to understand this was a second job for Mr. Yamamoto,” Light said. “His main profession was a police officer, for the National Police Force.”

“That’s right. He worked here part-time as a bartender and he was very good at it. He was well liked. As for associations outside the club, I don’t know. However, Hiro and another employee did have a short relationship, if you could call it that. It was a physical thing, if you get my drift. But it ended on mutual terms.”

Light didn’t need it explained to him. “And who is the employee?”

“Akito Nakamura,” the AGM said. He looked around and discreetly pointed to a young looking man just coming out from a room that said EMPLOYEE’S ONLY. Light followed his point. Akito Nakamura had jet black hair and he was wearing black tights. They were sleek attire and quite provocative. They would have to be for a place like this.

“Thank you,” Light said, and got up from the stool. He saw the AGM wave over one of the bartenders as he left.

Light headed over to the furthest stage with a brass stripper pole. He got a better look at the young man’s dress. They were tights, but shorts, with a cut-out tank top, and arm and feet warmers. He also wore string ties around his arms, perhaps for decoration. The young man, maybe in his early twenties, took hold of the brass pole, and began to perform a routine, twirling around it, using his whole body to maneuver around it with extreme flexibility. 

“Impressive,” Light said.

The young man completed one last rotation, then stopped. He stood on the stage in full view, his tights leaving little to the imagination. “Appreciate it. Normally I only get calls for ‘Work it, sweet-cheeks’ or ‘Ride that thing harder!’ But sorry, the real show is tonight. I’m just keeping flexible.” Akito levelled himself with Light, crouching down. The stage was two feet higher than the floor. “Well, aren't you a handsome devil,” he said. “You’re kind of cute.”

It was obvious Akito was open about his sexuality.

“Can we go somewhere in private?”

Akito’s brow rose. “Wow. You don’t waste any time. Okay, it’s $50 for an open-mouth kiss, $125 dollars for a lap dance, and if you want to touch something, the cost will be higher. But I don’t do full service. Well, not here, anyway.” He winked, looking Light over. “We can talk about that when I’m off the clock. But I only take cash.”

To be continued...

Chapter Text

It was lucky for Akito Nakamura that Light hadn’t introduced himself yet, or he could have been arrested for soliciting open prostitution. Light didn’t want to wish to frighten Akito off before he spoke to him.

Something seemed to catch Alito’s eye and he looked up and over Light towards the bar. 

Light turned quickly and saw the AGM making hand gestures. Light didn’t know what they meant, but he was probably warning Akito. Light caught the gist of it. He turned back to Akito, who suddenly beamed an innocent smile. “Sorry, I, uh, didn’t mean any of that. Just a joke. We don’t offer those kinds of services here. Neither do we facilitate anything like it off site. Please, forget I even said anything.”

“Right,” Light said skeptically. “Relax, I’m not here to bust anyone.”

Akito nodded, but now he had his defences up. That was the last thing Light wanted.

Something else caught Akito’s eye again and he looked past Light. 

Light turned and saw the AGM waving Akito over. Light gave the AGM a hard stare. The AGM stood frozen, then waved his hands again in the air, as if to tell Akito ‘nevermind’. Light guessed the AGM didn’t want to be accused of obstruction of justice.

“We can talk in one of the back rooms, they’re all empty at the moment,” Akito said.

Light nodded and then was escorted to one of the five PRIVATE ROOM’s. 

When Akito opened the door, Light was stunned. It was a sizeable room and well furnished. It had carpeting, a widescreen television on one wall, and a selectional black leather couch in one corner. Two table stands were on either side with small lamps on each, they were on. There was a mini fridge. A brass pole was in the middle of the room. A sound system had been installed, too. The walls were painted red.

Akito went over to the puffy black leather couch and sat down. He put his arms over the backrest and crossed on leg over the other. He acted casually, as if he had been through this before. 

“So, what do you want to ask me, officer?” Akito said.

“Detective, actually,” Light said.

“Okay, let’s cut to the chase,” Akito said smugly. “I know the deal here. You may have fooled KT, our AGM, but you don’t fool me. I’ve had a couple of ‘cops’ here. We’re alone now. A blowjob is $60, but I don’t swallow. Cash only.”

Light’s eye twitched. “I’m not here for a blowjob,” he said.

“Fine, a handjob is $30. Lock the door and drop your pants.”

Akito Nakamura got up from from the couch, but Light shoved him back with force. Akito fell back hard. “Hey, what’s the deal?” he said, then paused, and added, “Hey, wait a minute. Let me see your credentials.”

Light reached into his rear pants pocket and brought out the flip book with his badge and ID. Akito examined it closely. “This looks legit. No bullshit? But what kind of name is Light?”

Light snapped his fingers for his ID to be returned. Akito handed it back. “It’s my name,” he said with annoyance.

“As in ‘My Shining Light’?” Akito snickered.

Light was not amused. Misa called him that and he hated it.

“What’s all this about, Detective Light Yagami?” Akito asked seriously. “Do I need a lawyer?”

“One could be appointed to you if you can’t afford one, but I’m not here to read you your rights,” Light said. He took a breath. “There’s no easy way to say this. I’ve already informed your AGM. Hiro was killed last night.”

Akito’s face went ashen. “W-what? He’s dead? How?”

“We don’t have all the details and an investigation is underway.”

“Do you know who killed him?”

“Not at this time,” Light said.

Akito’s eyes narrowed. “Wait. You called him by his first name. Did you know Hiro?”

Light nodded. “He was a friend,” he said.

Akito tilted his head, then got up. Light was a little taken aback as Akito stared directly into his eyes. “Look at me, let me look into your eyes. I’ve been known to divine things just by looking at someone. Yes. I can see it. Your eyes…they hide a secret behind them. One you don’t want to get out.” Akito gasped in surprise. “This is personal to you, isn’t it?”

Light blinked, not knowing what to say.

“You had a fling with Hiro, didn't you? It’s written all over your face now that I see it. I’m right, aren’t I?”

Light was speechless.

Akito smiled thinly. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell,” he said, sitting back down. “We—Hiro and I—had our time, but we ended things on mutual terms. That’s why we could still work with each other at the club. I’m glad he met someone else. He looked a little lonely. How did you two hook up?”

Light didn’t see the need to lie. “It wasn’t a hook up. We met at the police firing range. He offered to help me out. I was having trouble with obtaining my weapons re-certification, my stance was causing problems.”

Akito chuckled under his breath. “That was Hiro. Always the helpful one.”

“He offered his help and we went to his apartment. I felt nervous, at first, but when I got to know Hiro, I got to see he was a good, kind-hearted guy. He helped me to open up.”

Akito smiled to himself, then said, “Did he offer to give you a massage to loose you up? Because that’s how it began with us. Although, our relationship was more open. He’s a registered massage therapist.”

“I know,” Light said with a nod. “And yes, but he didn’t try anything.”

Akito shook his head in disbelief. “Why? Why would someone kill Hiro? He was a sweet guy. If there’s truly a god, and if Kira really exists, then…” He looked up at the ceiling as if looking to the heavens. “Kira, kill the bastard who did this! And don’t just kill him with a heart attack. Make him suffer!” Akito clenched two fists in the air.

Kira hears you, Akito, Light thought.

Light finished up with a more few more questions, then went to leave. It was best to leave Akito to his own thoughts. But the moment he turned, Akito grabbed his right wrist. Light turned back.

Akito was on his feet. He suddenly kissed Light. 

Light froze to the spot. 

Akito put his hands around Light’s head as if to keep him there. It was like he Akito’s lips had become Medusa’s stare. Akito’s lips moved with purpose and a moistness formed around Light’s mouth. Light didn’t resist, but neither did he reciprocate. He didn’t know why.

Then Akito pulled back. He smiled, apologetically. 

Akito looked away abashed. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to kiss the lips of the last person who kissed Hiro. I loved him so much. Our relationship ended mutually, even so, I could never get him off my mind.”

Light was not offended. “I understand,” he said.

Akito smiled. “You’re a great kisser, Light.”

“Thanks. I’ve been told that by a few people.”

“Are you finished questioning me?”

Light nodded. “I have all the information I need. There may be another detective who will choose to question you later, don’t tell him I was here. He and I are not on the best of terms. As you said, this was personal.”

Akito smirked. “Conflicting methods of investigation, huh?”

“Something like that,” Light said.

Akito suddenly hugged Light, placing his head to Light’s chest. His eyes shut. “Hugging you is like hugging Hiro. You have the same warmth. There’s just something about you, Light. You radiate an almost a god-like presence. Most people appear cold and harsh on the outside, but you have an essence of good will about you.”

Light was god-smacked. 

Akito pulled back a little. “Are you sure you can’t stay awhile?”

Light looked into Akito’s eyes. They were glassy. Akito looked like he was about to cry. He remembered Hiro’s axiom: Sometimes all a person needed was a friend to talk to. And at this time, Light was sure Akito needed a friend.  He had just met Akito, but Akito was the kind of person Kira was building a better world for. Hiro wouldn’t look kindly if he suddenly abandoned Akito right now.

“I think I can stay a little longer,” Light said. He didn’t have anywhere else to go.

Akito walked passed Light and locked the door, then walked back, and lightly shoved Light down onto the couch. 

Light landed with a soft Oof! 

Suddenly, Akito was on top of him, strangling Light’s midsection with his legs. Akito took off his shirt and tossed it aside, then took Light’s head in his hands once again and planted another kiss to Light’s lips. It was a passionate kiss, but filled with compassion and kindness.

Light was in shock.

Akito broke the kiss. “This one is on the house,” he said. “Let’s celebrate Hiro’s life together.”

The words struck Light to his very core. 

Light found himself wrapping his arms around Akito. He turned him over. Now he was the dominate one. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. Something inside him had just been triggered. 

Light pulled off his shirt and tossed it to the floor. He wrapped his hands around Akito’s head and kissed him. He spread his mouth wide and inserted his tongue into Atiko’s mouth.

Akito acted surprised, but he didn’t push away. 

Akito reached out and began taking off Light’s belt and unbuttoning his pants. Light didn’t stop Akito. Light felt Akito’s hands reach into his pants and slip them down. 

Akito then reached into Light’s jockey’s. Light was already at full mast.

Light never thought he would be interested in anyone like Akito, but sometimes the laws of attraction had their own ways of working, and he found himself utterly infatuated with him. He had no idea what had come over him, but he didn’t relent the urge, and just let it happen. All his inhabitations left him. And he didn’t care.

It was twenty minutes later when Light pulled out. 

He chest heaved. He breathed hard and sweat covered his skin. He flopped down onto the couch and grabbed a pillow and cover himself. 

Akito lay on the couch. He brushed back sweat-drenched hair, and said, “Oh, my god! That was incredible!” He looked up. “I could feel Hiro through you, Light. You and Hiro really had a special connection.”

Light reached down for his jockeys on the floor. He slipped them on. “I think I better go.”

Akito sat up. “Wait,” he said, and grabbed Light’s arm. “You’re not gay, I just wanted to tell you that.” Light looked at Akito strange. “And I say that, even after what we just did.”

Akito released Light’s arm. Light sat back down.

Akito took the pillow that Light had a moment ago and covered himself with it. “There’s a certain aura people have that they express unconsciously telling others they are different, but yours is…” He tilted his head. “…complicated. I can’t explain it. You’re going through a turbulent time right now, aren’t you? And this is your way of venting.”

“You make me sound like some kind of hypocrite. A user.”

“In a way, you are. In another way, you can’t help it. I can see it in your eyes. You have an honest soul. You speak from the heart. I get the feeling you’re seeking something, but it keeps just out of reach.”

Light leaned back stunned. He immediately thought of the Death Note.

Akito’s eyes appear to examine Light’s face. “You’ve lost someone recently and its thrown your world upside down,” he said. “And I’m not talking about Hiro. Someone else close to you and you miss them.”

Light couldn’t believe it. It was like Akito was channelling Hiro. He thought when Kira became supreme, he could bury all his emotions down and focus solely on his goal of cleansing the world of evil. But it had become too easy without L. There was no challenge anymore. And it lacked essence.

Akito continued. “Something is broken inside you, but you don’t know how to fix it. So, you’re fumbling in the dark, so to speak, and you use things that disinterest you to distract yourself. I see it in you. You’re empty, alone.”

Light took a mental step back and stood up quickly.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to weird you out. Sometimes I feel things about other people. I’ve always have. That’s one of the things that attracted me to Hiro. You and he are two sides of the same coin.”

“That’s okay. But I’m not as innocent as you may think.”

“No one is,” Akito said. “But you seem to show others how kind you really are, to prove to everyone that you do have a big heart. It’s kind of like, well, forgive me for saying, you and Kira share a heart.”

Light looked stunned.

“Sorry for the comparison,” Akito said. “Kira is helping this world, despite the respite of others. And I hope he continues to do so for a long time. I know I’m not the perfect little soldier Kira desires in this world, but I try with what I have to work with. I hope Kira realizes that.”

“I’m sure he knows. Kira is very perceptive. Where did you go to school?”

“Just your average high school, then a community college. I minored in philosophy in college. But I dropped out after two years. I just couldn’t handle the pressure.”

“It’s tough,” Light said. “There were moments I shrugged, but I persevered, and graduated near the top of my class.”

Akito nodded. “Identity is also a tough road. But until I think until you deal with that, you can never move on. And you’ll forever end up in a spiral of turmoil and doubt. Everyone struggles to identity themselves, it’s part of being human.”

“I agree,” Light said. 

“For me, before I finally came out, I was miserable—I had no idea who I was. Now I feel liberated and I huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I don’t care what others think anymore.” Akito smiled.

Light nodded. “Good for you,” he said. 

Akito smiled. “But like I said, you still seem to be figuring yourself out. Some figure things out earlier than others. It’s like having two identities in one mind. None of us believe we have D.I.D., Dissociative Identity Disorder, but we do. We battle with ourselves constantly to identity who we are. Not to be presumptuous, I just don’t think know who you wish to be yet. It’s like Freud’s internal struggle of Id and Ego.”

Light cocked an eyebrow.

Then Akito waved dismissive hands in the air. “Forgive me, I’m just rabbling. We better get dressed. KT will be wondering where I am.”

Light was utterly dumbfounded. Akito was pretty smart. He thought Akito was just some dumb stripper. It was true. Never just a book by its cover.

Light got dressed. He felt better talking to Akito. 

Akito slipped into his gear. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to force you into anything.”

Light looked at him. “You didn’t force me to do anything,” he said. “You even gave me an option to opt out. I suppose we’re both shocked about Hiro. People deal with grief in different ways.”

“With two complete strangers having sex?” Akito said.

“I took a philosophy class or two. Not as in-depth as you, but from what I know, grief is a normal, though intense, emotional response to any significant loss, not just death, and there is no set timeline or right way to feel or behave. Funny how I should remember that just now. Maybe bringing up Freud triggered it.”

“Well, aren’t we a pair of scholars,” Akito said.

They both laughed. 

“You should go first and then I’ll leave a follow minutes later,” Akito said. “It will give the impression that we had a long discussion. Besides, I should clean up. I think this room is going to need plenty of H202.” Akito laughed.

Light chuckled. Akito just described the elemental formula of Hydrogen Peroxide on the periodic table.

Light exited the room and shut the door, then took on a more serious tone as he began to leave the club.

However, just as he was half way to the exit, he turned, and went back to the bar. He wiggled his fingers to the AGM, who was half way across the bar. The AGM came over, and  gulped, as if Light was about to scold him for earlier, trying to coach Akito from afar.

The AGM smiled all friendly-like. “What can I do for you, Detective?” 

“You have a good place here,” Light said.

“Thank you, we pride ourselves on our customer service and our legality,” KT replied, still smiling.

Light nodded. “Good,” he said. He was off-duty. “I would like a drink.”

The AGM bowed. “Excellent! What will it be? I’ll mix it myself.”

Light told KT. Then he took a stool and waited at the bar. KT went away to make it. 

The AGM returned and slid the drink across the bar with a coaster. He told Light to enjoy it and it was on the house. Light thanked him. He sipped it. It tasted good.

Light looked over to the private room. He had not seen Akito exit, but a young male cleaner in a grey cleaners uniform with matching cap did. He must have missed Akito leaving and he told a cleaner to clean up the room. After what went on in there, it definitely needed it. 

Light had a chuckle about that.

The cleaner shut the door behind him.

Light finished his drink and left the club. He called a cab. 

As he waited for the taxi to arrive, he thought about Akito’s words. 

Was he right? Were his sudden flings a way of acting out a form of frustration that his unconscious mind was trying to bring to the surface that his conscious mind refused to accept? 

He shut his eyes for a moment. 

What did Freud say about the context of “confusion”? 

The traffic noise was distracting, but he forced everything aside and focused. He encased himself within his mind. He had a high IQ, he could figure this out.

Analytically, Freud theorized an identity crisis had a way of creating certain impulses by way of transference while a person struggles to establish a sense of self. They are unaware of their psychological Id and the Ego projects its dominance, sometimes creating what is known as a SuperEgo. But only after a person forms a free association with a moment of insight does true self-realization come about. 

He couldn’t believe it. He had a cognitive bias. 

Kira reigned supreme, but without a worthy challenger, was he bored enough, that he had to create a new challenge? Even one that involved sexuality?

He would have to think about this.

He jumped startled, as a honk knocked him out of his reverie. He opened his eyes and saw a taxi at the curb. “Hey, buddy, did you call a cab?”

“Yes, sorry,” Light said.

He got in and went home.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Light returned to an empty apartment. He put down his keys on his computer desk and the only sound he heard was the faint hum of his computers. 

He sniffed and detected the aroma of lilacs. 

He saw a bouquet of flowers in a glass vase with some water on the kitchen bar. They must have arrived while he was gone. There was a note: “I miss you, wish you were here—Misa”. She was in Spain for another couple of days, shooting a movie. There was also another note: “Went shopping, I will return soon—Riki”.

A letter from the Administration Offices of the NPA sat next to the vase. He found a letter opener and sliced it open. It was his official notification of his weapon license recertification. 

He went into the kitchen and got himself a glass of water. He felt the alcohol from the Safari Club was starting to cloud his mind and he drank it down. The moment he put the glass in the sink, the door bell rang. He answered it. On the other side, was a courier in a grey uniform and a cap draped over his eyes.

“Package for a Mr. Light Yagami,” the courier said. 

The courier looked a little shy, he refused to look up. He just handed the package to Light and left. Light didn’t have to sign for it. He shut the door and looked at the package. It was a sizeable package, wrapped in both sellotape and brown wrapping. It was addressed to him, but it had no return address.

Light got some scissors and cut the package open. He opened the box within. 

There was an envelope, it read: You are forever mine! 

He sighed. He figured it was something from Misa from Spain. It was just the kind of message she would write. Just because she was the current owner of the Death Note, didn’t mean she could lull it over him like a carrot on a stick. 

He was Kira, she obeyed him. 

He put down the package and turned the envelope around. He opened it. It was sealed with her brand of marker, like an old Victorian stamp—a lipstick kiss. Misa like those kind of romanic things. In fact, her recent movie was about a Victorian princess. Just like her to do something like this. But he didn’t like her contrived cliches. 

Inside were what looked like photographs. Photos from Spain? All Light had was a working concept of the script Misa gave him, a rundown before she left. Maybe they were pictures of her costumes or behind-the-scene shots? He shrugged his shoulders. He really didn’t care. He had forced himself to watch some of her movies and every one was horrible in his eyes. They were all romantic drivel. But she did have millions of fans around the world.

He took them out of the enveloped and turned them over. He looked at the first one, but it was blurry. Perhaps the photographer was testing out a new camera and had not got the focus right when they took the picture?

But when he looked at the second photo, he was god-smacked. It wasn’t a picture of Misa or any location in Spain, it was a picture of inside Hiro’s apartment—specifically his bedroom. It was a wide angle picture. It captured the lit candles and…

He quickly looked at each photo in rapid succession, there was a dozen in all. Each one was a snapshot of Light and Hiro embracing, some from a distance, others with almost a close-up view. Clear and unabated.

“What the hell!”

He wondered how these pictures even existed.

Then he remembered the laptop on the corner table in Hiro’s bedroom. It was flipped up, so the camera eye had a perfect view of most of the bedroom, judging by the angle of these photos.

Had Hiro been recording them the whole time? 

Light couldn’t remember when the photos could have been taken, but he knew he had met up with Hiro couple more times after their initial encounter. There was no denying it, though. These photos were real.

He didn’t think Hiro was this kind of person. And it didn’t make sense. Why would he do such a thing? Hiro did mention he had brought over additional “clients” to have massages. How many people had he exploited? And what would have Hiro done with these photos if he hadn’t been killed? Blackmail?

Light looked at the wrapping of the package the envelope had come in, but he didn’t take care when he cut it. If there was a date stamp for the package, he didn’t see it. 

The police investigation would determine Hiro’s time of death soon enough, but in speaking with the AGM at the Safari Club, Hiro was scheduled to work last night. So, Hiro had been murdered within a twelve hour period.

Had Hiro tried to blackmail someone and they took revenge?

He couldn’t wrap his head around this. Light felt betrayed and violated.

Hiro obviously pissed off the wrong person. 

Light’s only regret was he would not be able to kill the deviant himself. The Death Note would have been the perfect method of execution. But he wouldn’t have just killed Hiro with a heart attack, he would’ve thought of something more malicious and incarnate. 

All those feelings of elation and happiness he had, now turned to contempt and disgust. And he now reaffirmed his reasoning that Kira was needed in this world. 

It was to eliminate people like this!

He rummaged in a kitchen junk drawer and found a pack of matches. He stuck one on the back of the package, went to the sink, and held the match over one of the photographs.

“Good riddance, you abhorrent son-of-a-bitch,” he said, and he lit the photograph. 

He dropped the dozen photos in the sink and watched as each one caught fire. He kept watching until every ounce of the photos were burned to ash. He could feel the heat. The dancing flames filled his entire field of view. Its sight burned a hole through his retinas and it generated a seething hatred in his heart.

He would use that hatred to judge the world for its crimes.

For the time he was friends with Hiro, he had killed no one. Hiro had stirred something inside him that mellowed his ambition for a new world order. He thought if there were people like Hiro in the world, maybe Kira had made his point, and Kira was no longer needed. 

Now he knew that was a false assumption.

Kira was needed more than ever.

He promised himself that he would never let his guard down again.

The fire was dying down and it was burning itself out. He turned to the package. Whatever it was, he wanted to just throw it away. He had no interest to see it. But curiosity got the better of him. The envelope was only one thing inside. There was something larger inside a rectangular box.

He took the box out of the remaining package and looked it over. It was made of composite wood, faux wood, the kind of cheap product used to transport items that gave it just enough strength to survive regular mail delivery. The lid fit into a groove and was held in place by a rubber band. 

It just showed how worthless Hiro and his “gift” really was.

He pulled off the rubber band and readied himself to open the box. 

“I’ll open this box, Hiro,” Light said. “But the item inside will be as hideous as you are.”

Light opened the lid, but the moment he did, he gasped with utter shock. He immediately threw the box over the counter, and it crashed to the floor.

He looked over the counter slowly as if the object inside was going to leap up and attack him. But it was not an animal or anything alive, it was…

The bloody penis had rolled out of the box and was now laying on the floor oozing blood.

“Oh my god!”

The severed member was grotesque, disfigured and bloated. Whoever cut it off, obviously did so at prime arousal. Light didn’t see Hiro’s body, so he had no context of how or why and he doubt the forensics department would release information to someone who was not involved with the case. 

Light thought he was going to be sick. And in fact, he was. He turned and vomited into the kitchen sink.

He grabbed a hand towel from the counter and wiped his mouth. He didn’t want to turn around, but he had no choice. There was no doubt now that Hiro was the victim of a brutal and sinister murder. The body at his apartment would eventually be identified by however method was best. And this was the proof the murder was done with malicious intent. But who? Was it one of his blackmailers?

It then occurred to Light that something didn’t fit. If Hiro was recording his victims while they had sex, wouldn’t the camera on his laptop have captured the entire affair? The murderer must been on that laptop. 

But how to get the evidence?

Then something else occurred to him. He looked back at the sink. The photos he burned were stills of videos of Light and Hiro together. There’s no way Hiro could have sent them. 

Did that mean he had been mistaken about Hiro’s involvement? Was this all an elaborate scheme by someone else?

Light shook his head. The pieces were not fitting together. Who killed Hiro and why? Why were the photos sent to him? And why was Hiro’s member also sent to him? Was it some sort of message?

Nevertheless, at this moment, he had to discard the evidence or the police will thing he killed Hiro. It went completely against his oath. Throwing away evidence of a crime undermined everything a police officer stood for. But he couldn’t be caught with it. Even the hint of an involvement would cast a guilty verdict on him. His entire life would be in ruins, not to mention he would not be able to act as Kira. 

He read the front of the envelope again. You are forever mine! 

Was that it? Was that all he had to go on? 

He started to panic, until he turned over the envelope and saw something written on the inside. The initials KK.

If he knew anyone with those initials, he couldn’t immediately recall. But he was in shock. Memory loss was common in this kind of situation.

Suddenly, his cell phone rang. It caused him to jump. He reached into his pants pocket and took it out, but fumbled it for a moment. He opened the flip phone and saw it was from an UNKNOWN CALLER. He didn’t want to answer the call, but his thumb somehow touched the answer button unconsciously.

“Hello Light,” came a voice. There was a pause. “Did you open the package yet?” Light put the phone to his ear, but he didn’t respond. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” The person chuckled. Light’s mouth trembled. “Say something, Light. Come on. I’ve always loved the sound of your voice. It’s so sexy. Just like you.”

No, it can’t be. This voice…

Sweat trickled down the back of Light’s neck sending a chill down his spine. 

“But…y-you’re dead!”

“As you can plainly hear, I’m alive and well, my Shining Light,” Ken Kuzushi said.

Of all the people in the world, he was the one Light feared the most. Light wanted to hang up, but he was frozen to the spot, in shock and fear. 

The last time he saw Ken Kuzushi, L had just grabbed him with a drone, and flew him to a safe location, where the bomb Ken had strapped to his chest would explode far away from anyone. Ken had kidnapped Light’s mother and sister and took them into the woods. He demanded Light marry him or he would kill his family. Ken had loved Light since grade school. He was a twisted lunatic with unhealthy attachment issues. Light heard the explosion, but he never went looking for a body. He just assumed it was torn to pieces and fell into the stream*. 

*(Read my story: The Twisted Kuzushi Affair)

Some parts of that affair were hazy, but he remembered writing down Kuzushi’s name in the Death Note just to make sure. If he somehow survived the explosion, he should have died by heart attack. 

How in the world is Ken Kuzushi still alive?

Light found his voice. “Don’t call me that!” 

“But you are,” Ken said. “You’ve always been the light of my world. And I will never let anyone else dull you.”

Dull me? What did Ken mean by that?

“I’ve tolerated your relationships with Misa Amane and Kiyomi Takada because I know they mean nothing to you, mere pawns to you to use for your amusement. But I drew the line with Hiro Yamamoto. So, I killed him. And you’ll find out soon enough, so I’ll tell you. I wiped clean that stripper at the Safari Club.”

Light’s eyes widened. “What did you do, Ken?!”

“You know what the mafia does when prostitutes outlive their value to them? They use methods so they’ll can never be a burden to them in the future, silencing them forever.” 

Light gasped. Akito!

“And I so dislike an obtuse man who looks down upon other people. That gruff detective spoke to you so harshly in the apartment. About an hour ago, he suffered a fatal heart attack as he drank a cup of coffee at a cafe.”

Light’s entire body suddenly felt numb.

“You’re obviously not in a talkative mood today,” Ken said, “so, I guess I’ll just say toodaloo. Things to do, people to see.”

“W-wait!” Light found his voice again. 

“Yes, my darling? You have something to say? Some parting words of loveliness to tickle the strings of my heart?”

But Light couldn’t think of anything. Silence. He was still shocked. 

“Again, wow. That cat really enjoys playing with your tongue. Lucky pussy.” There was a chuckle. “But seriously, I must run. Oh, oh, oh…one more thing. Those pictures I sent you were from videos captured on Hiro’s laptop. But he didn’t know I hacked his computer on the first day you two met at the firing range. I erased the hard-drive, so even if the police examine it, they won’t find anything. Congratulations on getting your weapons recertification. Well, good-bye. Kiss, kiss.”

The call ended.

Light felt like his knees were about to collapse underneath him. Ken Kuzushi had murdered three people because of him. And he had been spying on him from the beginning. 

Ken must have been somewhere in the area to see or at least hear the heated exchange between himself and the detective, but Light could only recall the detective, the forensics person, and one police officer—the one that stopped the detective from striking Light for a sardonic remark. He saw the police officer’s face and it wasn’t Ken. So, there must have been another officer near-by. Perhaps in the hall?

But there was no cause to kill the detective. Light had no ill-will towards him. 

His mind then went to the Safari Club. Ken had to have been there. There was no way he could have known about Akito unless he had direct knowledge of Light being there. There were a few patrons there, but none that stuck out to Light. Of course, he wasn’t looking for anyone. He was there to ask a few questions. But none of them looked anything like Ken, with his thin build and youthful appearance. 

Then he thought about the cleaner. Light never saw his face. He thought he had missed Akito leaving and Akito had told a cleaner to fix up the room.

He swore profusely after the realizations.

He would never feel safe until Ken Kuzushi was dead!

Suddenly, his mind switched on. All emotions were pushed aside. And his analytical mind clicked in. He ran around the kitchen counter and straight to his computer desk. He connected his phone to his computer and began typing fervently. If he could track the location of the last call, he could pinpoint Ken Kuzushi’s location. And he had a program to do exactly that. 

The program began running. But suddenly, the signal began bouncing from one point to another, from satellite to satellite, country to country, city to city, zip-zagging everywhere, in an unending, hopelessly continuous line.

He slammed his fists to the computer desk. “Damn it! He’s using some sort of encryption compass program to hide his location. He could have been calling from anywhere!”

He leaned back in his computer chair seething with anger.

He swivelled in his chair and turned towards the bloody penis on the floor. 

He no longer felt sick. 

He was filled with an combination of rage and remorse. 

Ken had killed Hiro Yamamoto because Light had gotten close. How could Light ever think Hiro would ever engage in anything nefarious such as blackmail? It wasn’t in Hiro’s nature.

It was all Ken Kuzushi. He vowed that one day he would kill that murderous son-of-a-bitch!

He had to get rid of the bloody penis. No one save himself and Kuzushi would know who killed Hiro Yamamoto. The case would remain unsolved. It was a travesty against justice and it would be a craw in Kira’s side, but he had no choice. He had to keep it quiet, otherwise he would have to reveal everything. And it was just too complicated. It would deter him from the Kira investigation.

He went to the bathroom and grabbed the rubber gloves Riki used to clean the toilet, then a garbage bag from under the kitchen sink, and picked up the penis. He cringed at the sight as he stuffed it into the bag. He tied iup the bag and then went to work on wiping up the blood on the floor. He used soap and water, then bleach to eradicate all traces of DNA and blood. 

After that, he carried the bag to the garbage room at the end of the floor hall. He dropped it down the chute. It would fall down the duct and to a garbage bin below. And it would disappear into the annals of discarded waste.

He felt guilty about doing that. He owed it to Hiro to give him justice.

But he had no choice.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Light stood alone in the parking lot of the cemetery grounds. He wore a black suit and tie and pair of sunglasses. The sun was shining brightly overhead and the sky was a beautiful blue. For all intensive purposes it was nice day, except for the circumstances. Hiro Yamamoto was being laid to rest.

He thought he was a strong-willed person. Anyone who was willing to sacrifice their mind and soul for what he had chosen to with the Death Note had to be made of stern stuff. But Hiro Yamamoto had touched a part of his soul that no one had. Hiro had opened his eyes and heart to new experiences.

Light hoped it would have bud into a friendship for years to come. 

And yet, it was not to be—thanks to Ken Kuzushi, the psychopath who was utterly obsessed with with Light. A man who refused to allow Light any sort of happiness.

If it wasn’t for Ken Kuzushi, maybe Kira would have put down his pen and allowed the world to exist as it once was as long as there were people like Hiro in it.

He knew now that was a fantasy. Kira had to exist, to kill the Ken Kuzushi’s of the world.

Light managed to get his hands of Hiro’s forensic report. 

They had to identify him through his fingerprints because of the brutality of the murder due to the guitar smashing his face. His penis was never located and Light knew they wouldn’t find it. 

Light had learned over the past week that Akito from the Safari Club had been killed. Ken had given Light a clue of the method of murder, but at the time Light didn’t clue in. 

Akito was found in the same private room with bleach dumped down his throat causing an almost immediate death. It was similar to when the mafia no longer had any use of a prostitute and their value had ended. Akito must have suffered brutally as the sodium hypochlorite burned his internal organs from the inside out. His body was found after Light left the club. Light was questioned, but ultimately was proved to be innocent of the crime.

As for the detective who was in charge of Hiro’s case. He suffered a heart attack after drinking coffee. Kira was initially blamed, but forensics corrected that. They issued a verdict of death from a nuero-toxin found in some spiders. No one knew how it got in his system. From the forensic report Light managed to hack, the official result was of accidental ingestion. The forensic report noted: a spider was inside the cup that was given to him where the detective bought his coffee. 

The official reasoning of death for Akito was put down as suicide due to an emotional loss.

But Light knew it was bullshit on both accounts. 

There was one additional death: Kenzo Takahashi (KT), the Assistant General Manager of the Safari Club. He was hit by a drunk driver as he was making his way home late one evening last week. Apparently from reports, the driver was a regular from the club. It was a tragic and unforeseen accident. 

Hiro’s funeral was an intimate affair attended by his family. Light stood afar and watched the ceremony. He didn’t even introduce himself or pay his respects to the family. The reasoning was simple, it would be too complicated. He had only known Hiro for a little more than a couple of weeks before his death. It was best to remain in the shadows. 

The family laid Hiro to rest in their family shine. It was further up the hill from and Light could barely see it through the many obelisks and shines of deceased ones. The cemetery was one of the largest in Japan. He hadn’t known his grandfather well, he was too young when he died, but he was enshrined in this ceremony, along with other generations of his family. He planned on visiting the shine later to pay his respects. 

Kira was a cold-hearted bastard, but Light Yagami was not.

Light’s mind was a stir of emotions. Sympathy, remorse, love, and hate. Hate for Ken Kuzushi. He still couldn’t figure out how Ken had survived the bomb that should have killed him. 

Ever since he picked up the Death Note, he had seen things that went beyond the normal range of perception. Who would have thought there were Shinigami and there was a notebook that could kill a person simply by writing their name down? Then there was other things, other evils that only reared their ugly head after he became Kira. The world was a bigger place than even Light realized and there were insidious forces forever at odds for power. 

He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and Light flinched. He almost went for his gun that was in its holster underneath his jacket. He never left without it now thanks to Ken Kuzushi.

Light turned and breathed out relief. It was Touta Matsuda, the youngest member of the KTF, apart from Light. Matsuda wore a dark blue trench coat with a suit and tie underneath.

“Sorry Light,” Matsuda said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Light turned back. “What are you doing here, Matsuda?”

“Your Dad is worried about you. You’ve been distracted this past week. The Kira Case seems to have come to a standstill without you.”

I have been distracted, Light thought. And as for the Kira Case right now, I have better things to do. 

In his spare time, Light had devoted it to hunting for Ken Kuzushi. He had managed to narrow down the location of the phone call from Ken to not only within the Kanto Region of Japan, but from right inside Light’s apartment building. And he suspected Ken was the courier who delivered the package without a return address. He asked the superintendent of the building to review the cameras and learned the courier had come through the back entrance. A metaphor if ever Light saw one. Ken Kuzushi never did anything at random.

However, he did leave crumbs for the Kira Task Force to follow in his mental absence. Killings of a Kira sort, but for which Light knew was a wild goose chase. In truth, Kira had not killed a single criminal since Hiro’s death. There was only one person Light wanted to kill and an entire page of the Death Note was reversed for his name.

There was a pause in the conversion as Matsuda put a hand over his eyes to look up. He saw people at a grave marker. Light’s father had obviously told Matsuda why Light was here. 

“Was he a friend?” Matsuda asked.

Light nodded. “Yes. Hiro Yamamoto helped me obtain my weapons recertification.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Light.”

“Thank you.”

“Do the police have any leads?”

“No,” Light said. But Light knew who had killed Hiro. “They’re still investigating,” he added. “I offered to lead the investigation, but the NPA refused. No doubt due to my association with the KTF.”

“Catching Kira is imperative,” Matsuda said. “We can’t catch him without you, Light.”

Light produced the smallest of smirks. You’re so naive, Matsuda.

Light saw the family at Hiro’s family shine begin to depart. He felt extreme sympathy for Hiro’s mother, who was crying. Hiro had three older brothers, he was the youngest. 

“Light, I sympathize for you,” Matsuda said, “but we really need you. Since you’ve been away, Kira appears to be on a rampage.”

Light did a mental turn. Then he thought about Misa. He had instructed her to be Kira in his stead after Hiro died. He never told her about him, only that he had decided to take a break from writing names. 

She had taken several pages of the Death Note with her to Spain—the movie crew had extended their stay for another week due to reshoots. She must have some free time and started writing down names. He, personally, had written none for nearly two weeks. 

Misa was the owner of the Death Note and Ryuk was with her. Misa wanted Ryuk to stay with Light, but Light ordered Ryuk to stay with Misa and be her protector. She had fanatical fans everywhere. Ryuk wouldn’t be able to kill, but he could still protect her.

He didn’t answer Matsuda.

“Light? Please, we really need to go.”

“Not right now,” he said, keeping calm. But he was getting annoyed.

“But Light, it’s imperative that you—“

“Not right now!” Light shouted.

Matsuda jumped.

Light let out a breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you,” he said.

“No, I should be the one to apologize,” Matsuda said. “I’m being insensitive. I’ll wait in the car.”

Matsuda turned and left. Light looked back and opened his mouth say something, watching Matsuda walk away, but then let him go in silence. Light had no intention of leaving right now anyway. He wanted to visit Hiro’s family marker and pay his respects.

He headed up the stone pathway towards the grave stone. The walkways weaved about in a dragon formation, probably on purpose, as dragons served as guardians and represented transformation. 

Symbolically, it was perfect. 

Some people claim death is one step of a journey to a better existence. Life is a way to right the wrongs of the soul in a previous life. Misa was into the occult. He wondered if she believed in reincarnation and past lives. He wondered if he ever lived before. The thought was ludicrous. He didn’t care. This life is the only one that mattered.

The family was coming down the same walkway, so Light stopped and moved aside, and let them pass silently. He was a stranger and it would be disrespectful for him to interrupt their mourning to pass on his sympathies. He very much doubt Hiro had even mentioned him to his family. Why would he?

Suddenly, one of the family members stopped and turned to Light. “You look familiar, sir,” said one of three brothers. He was as tall as Light, the same build, had brown hair, and a curved face. “Do I know you?”

Light was taken aback. “I wouldn’t think so,” he said.

The man called out to one of his other brothers and he came over. “Isamu, doesn’t this man look familiar?”

The other brother was slightly shorter, with darker hair, and a bit stoutish. He mused for a moment. “You know, you’re right, Riku.” He then turned to the last brother. “Hiroshi, take a look. Isn’t he the one in the painting?” Hiroshi was a combination of the other two.

Painting? Light thought.

Now Light had the entire attention of the family, including the mother. The mother’s eyes widened as in realization. “By the gods, it is him—young man, what is your name?”

The mother was much shorter than her three sons with white hair with a wisdom look beyond her elderly years. Light looked down at her and blinked confused at all this sudden admiration. 

“My name is Light Yagami, Okaasan*,” Light said politely. 

*(Okaasan: The standard and most common polite way to refer to your own mother or someone else's mother. The "O" prefix and "san" suffix are honorifics that show respect in Japanese.)

“Before my beloved son died, he was in the middle of a painting,” Mother Yamamoto said. “I recognize your face.”

Light was speechless. He removed his sunglasses.

“The painting was a mystery until now,” she continued. “There was no information or name. Now, you are here. He enjoys painting beautiful things.” She smiled. “You obviously meant something to him.”

Light blinked surprised, and looked to each of the other family members in bewilderment.

Light found his voice. “We, ah, struck up a friendship these last couple of weeks. Hiro, your son, was very kind. I was struggling in obtaining my weapons recertification and he took it upon himself to fix my mistakes. I am a police officer like your son. A detective in the NPA. Thanks to Hiro, I was able to renew my license.”

She smiled. “I’m so glad,” she said. She seemed to pause for a moment. She raised a hand with a pinky finger. “Were you special friends?”

Once again, Light was speechless.

“Mother…” Riku chastised her. Then said, after clearing his throat, “Forgive her, she can be blunt. She has no right to ask that. Disrespect is disrespect.”

Light turned to Mother Yamamoto and winked. She smiled.

She extended her hands out to Light and Light extended one hand out to her. Mother Yamamoto clutched his hand between her hands affectionately, and then said, “Thank you for making my son so happy in his last days. I know now he is smiling and the secret of his painting is now revealed. Bless you, son.”

“It was an honour to know your son, Okaasan,” Light said.

She bowed, let go of his hand, and then proceeded down the pathway. Her three sons followed, thanking Light.

Light watched the family walk down the pathway. He smiled, then made his way up to the grave marker. 

As with most traditional burial sites, it was an obelisk-like marker with the family name engraved into granite stone crafted with five stone blocks. Each block represented the five elements of Buddhist philosophy—earth, water, fire, and air. The fifth was spirit. Each character is engraved on the grave monument's respective blocks. 

With all Japanese families, the family grave was the central point for family connection. It was a way for descendants visiting to offer prayers and reinforce their sense of lineage.

There was burning incense and flowers left on one block. Hiro’s ashes were entombed within a hollowed out area.

Light bowed and said a prayer. And suddenly, he found tears falling down his cheeks.

“Thank you, Hiro…for everything,” Light said. “I obtained my recertification thanks to you.” He smiled, and reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. He placed it on the nearest block. “You probably already know I’m Kira. And I promise you, I’ll catch Ken Kuzushi for what he did to you. There will be no place he can hide. I will hunt him down and make him beg for mercy. This I vow to you.”

“Are you sure? You haven’t caught me yet,” a sudden voice from beside Light said.

Light quickly turned and came face-to-face with Ken Kuzushi. Light gasped.

He suddenly ducked as Ken swung a shovel at him. Light fell to the ground and avoided nearly having his head cut off. The metal end struck the obelisk and caused a chip in the stone. Light moved quickly out of the way after Ken brought the shovel up and then slammed it back down at the very spot Light fell. The stone walkway chipped and a piece of it broke away. 

Light scampered backwards on his hands and feet, then got to his feet, as Ken came at him with the shovel again. He brought out his gun, but Ken swung and knocked it out of Light’s hand. Light cried out after the shovel hit his hand. He felt one or two fingers may have been broken. 

They were alone in the area. No one was witnessing what was happening. So, no one could call the police.

“Poor, poor, Light,” Ken said. “Mourning for your lover. Did you enjoy my little gift? Did it excite you?”

Light grit his teeth in anger. He held his hand and kept moving back away from Ken. The shovel edges were razor sharp, as if Ken had purposely edged them. “You son-of-a-bitch! I will kill you! And it won’t just be for Hiro.”

“Promises, promises…” Ken laughed. “But I can’t be killed. Especially by the Death Note.” Light’s eyes widened. “Yes, I know all about the notebook. Let’s just say, a little birdie let me into all the details. You might know him: About 4 feet tall, dresses in a white tunic, has golden hair, god-like powers, and carries with him a notebook of life.”

Light was god-smashed. “Morph!” The realization shocked him. "So, you did die.”

“Yup, but Morph brought me back. He thought it would be amusing. And since then, I’ve had some interesting adventures, and few close calls, especially with our mutual friend, Demetre. He’s out on a crusade to stop you, but he keeps getting caught up in his own problems. I’m not sure where is he currently.”

Light had managed to move around Ken as they spoke. He was now on the opposite side of where he was. 

“I’ve decided if I can’t have you, then no one will,” Ken said. “You will be mine—and mine alone—forever!”

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Light flicked his left hand to get the feeling back in it. He thought a couple of fingers might be broken when Ken slammed it with the shovel, but after moving his fingers about he was thankful nothing was. It still hurt like hell.

Ken swung the shovel through the air at chest level and Light jumped back. 

“You’re not playing fair, Light,” Ken said. “And the last time we met, you weren’t so bouncy.”

“I’ve gotten stronger since then, Ken,” Light replied. “And I’ve learned a trick or two.”

Ken held the shovel with both hands. “A trick or two? Ha! I’ve followed your entire life, Light. You may have gone to the Police Academy, but you’re still as weak as ever. Sitting in front of a computer has made you soft.”

Ken raised the shovel and swung it again, coming from above. Light arched and jumped away. Ken was thin-looking, but he had strength. He used the shovel like it was nothing more than a light-weight toy. The shovel narrowly missed Light’s chest again and sliced off the top of a smaller obelisk. Light knew one hit with the shovel and it would be fatal. 

Suddenly, he remembered something, and might be a game-changer. 

With his gun out of play, he was not totally defenceless. His weapons instructor at the academy advised his students to carry a secondary weapon. The first time he had to used his secondary weapon was when he was trapped underground and had to defend himself against a Yukaza clan. And since Ken’s re-appearance, he was glad he went back to wearing it. But he needed a distraction. 

He had the perfect thing. It may only give him a few seconds, but that would be more than enough.

“Matsuda, stay there! He’s dangerous!” Light said loudly, pretending to look past Kuzushi.

Ken turned abruptly. 

Light used those precious seconds to reach down to his left ankle and rip away the velcro that held his baton. He flicked it open in quick succession and it extended to its full length. Three and half-feet. It was made of titanium steel. 

Ken whipped back around. “Nice try—Oh, look at you. Where were you hiding that? Wait, don’t tell me. It’s fun for me just to imagine.” Ken smirked.

“You sick fuck,” Light said. 

“Hey, a guy’s got to have a hobby. And you’re mine.”

Light wasn’t close enough, but he had to take a chance. He had to get within striking range. His old baton was snapped in half by a wrestler-like enforcer while he was battling the Yukaza clan, but he bought another one from the black market. Having a baton was one thing, but having one that also shocked people was another. 

He had his finger on the button near the butt of the weapon. If he could get inside Ken’s defences, he could electrocute Ken, and take him down. But that was easier said than done.

Out of nowhere, a grey striped cat jumped onto the top of the family obelisk that Ken had just sheered off with the shovel. Light saw it out of the corner of his eye. 

Ken apparently saw Light’s brief gaze and looked at the cat. It seemed to stare at him with cold, dark eyes.

Cats were known to frequent cemeteries. In fact, some people believed they were the guardians of the dead. They were also known to provide a source of comfort for visitors, carrying the spirits of their loved ones. Other people believed they were yokai or spirit cats that sought revenge or caused trouble for humans who decided to discrete the ceremonial grounds. It was nothing but superstitious nonsense to Light, but to some, the stories were true. 

Ken looked annoyed. “What are you looking at, you fucking, stupid cat?”

The cat continued to stare directly at Ken, unmoving. Neither intimidated or afraid. Then it hissed at Ken with what looked like annoyance and anger. It then looked at Light, as suddenly winked with one eye.

This gave Light the opportunity he needed and using his baton as a foil, he thrust forward. He jabbed the electrode into Ken’s chest, pressing the button simultaneously. It wasn’t a large jolt, but it enough to get Ken’s attention. Light then whacked Ken across his dominate hand.

Ken hissed, letting go of the shovel with his left hand. He tried to swing the shovel though the air at Light again, but it was an awkward attempt, and Light easily ducked, then whacked Ken’s other hand, forcing him to let go of the shovel, disarming him.

Light kicked the shovel away, then pointed the edge of the baton at Ken’s face.

Ken flicked his hands in the air. Now he knew how Light felt when Ken hit his hand with the shovel. 

“Nice moves,” Ken said, his words sounded like an honest compliment. “But you have to give kudos to the cat.”

Light looked at the obelisk, but the cat had mysteriously disappeared. If Misa were here, she would probably think the cat was sent by the underworld to help Light.

Ken slowly put up his hands as if to surrender, but smiled while doing so. “You have me. Now what? I can’t die. You’ll never be rid of me. You, your family, you friends, the Kira Task Force, people like Hiro Yamamoto, will never be safe. I’ll hunt them down and kill them all. You’ll never achieve happiness, not even as Kira.”

Light grit his teeth. And suddenly all his anger bubbled up to the surface. 

He took his baton and whipped Ken across the face. 

Ken fell to the ground and blood spattered from Ken’s mouth. But Ken laughed. Ken looked up, his face covered in blood. He was the epitome of a textbook sadistic psychopath.

Ken extended his hands in the air as if in worship, kneeing at Light’s feet, and said, “Oh, Lord Kira, does not the saviour of the world have mercy for a lowly enemy such as myself? Spare me, for I will repent.”

It was sheer mockery.

Light gripped the baton tightly. “You’re pure evil, Kuzushi, and you’ll get no mercy from me.”

Ken’s smile faded. “Pity,” he said. “And here I thought the great and powerful Kira had a heart. I guess it’s true what people say about you—the one’s that despise and deplore you.”

“The world will come around. Kira is cleansing the world of evil. And you’re proof that Kira still has a lot more work to do. Now get up! You can’t die? Then you’re going to spend the rest of your miserable life in prison!”

Ken eyed Light with an almost disappointed look. “You’ve lost it, Light. You’ve lost that sparkle in your eyes.”

“The minute you killed Hiro was the day something died in me, you son-of-a-bitch!”

Ken smiled again, but as if in realization. “You were going to stop killing, weren’t you? Kira was going to put down the pen. Hiro awakened something inside you.” Ken put his hands together. “Oh, Light. I’m so proud of you. For a moment, you embraced it. But I wish you saved that love for me.”

“Shut up!”

“Then again, you hate to love. It’s a distraction from your true love: Killing. You and I are the same, Light. Whether you like it or not.” Ken suddenly grabbed the baton. His hands together were only a way for them to get closer to it. Ken forced it away from his face and then did the unthinkable. He grabbed Light’s groan with his free hand and squeezed, hard—as if he was squeezing a grapefruit.

Light gasped in a silent scream. It was worse than a punch. He let go of the baton, all his strength left him.

“Feel it, Light,” Ken said, his hand clenching harder. “Feel the torment of my life. The want, the desire—but not being able to have you. I’ve always loved you, but your continuous rejections have wounded my very soul. Hiro Yamamoto is dead. And with him, went your last bastion of happiness. That will be my ultimate triumphant. I win!”  

Light fought through the pain.

No! I will not be usurped by you. You will no longer have power over me! I will show you what true power is! For I am a GOD!

Light’s anger became his strength. And he bashed Ken across the side of the head with a fist. Ken dropped back. He held his head and staggered out of distance of another punch. However, Light didn’t think he had enough strength for a second punch. Light stepped back and held his crotch. The pain was agonizing.

Ken picked up the baton and stood on his feet.

“When I was a kid, my parents used to beat me,” Ken said, looking at the baton as if in admiration. “But no one cared. So, I took matters into my own hands. I killed them. No one ever found their bodies. This was after I met you in school, that is. They were kind at one point, but that was before I told them I was different. I thought I could handle their torment, their mockery, their hate towards me, but it was only a pipe dream. Then I met you, Light. You became my beacon from their hate. My shining light of salvation. You were actually kind to me.”

Light found the strength to endue the pain. “That was before I found out who you really were,” he said. “You pretended to be a girl, but you were really a boy. And you tried to seduce me. You gave me a piece of candy and it made me feel light-headed. You even kissed me and fondled me.”

“I was trying to put you at ease,” Ken said. 

“You were trying to do more than that, you sick fuck.”

Ken frowned. “I don’t like that kind of language coming from you, Light,” he said. 

Ken raised the baton and whipped Light in the right arm with it. 

Light cried out. The pain he felt in his groan suddenly transferred to his right shoulder. Tears began to fall from his eyes unwittingly. “Y-you’re insane!”

“I’m passionate. And now it’s time to show you just how passionate I can be. As Hamlet once said, ‘Alas, poor York, I knew thee well.” Ken shrugged. “Of course, I’m paraphrasing, but you get the gist of it.”

Ken grabbed Light’s hair and pulled his head back. He became face-to-face. Light felt like he was staring into the eyes of a devil with death imminent. 

“And for this last act, once again, the jester dies!” Ken said.

Ken raised the baton. If he brought it down now, Light knew the blow would split his skull in two. He knew he had to do something fast.

“You are no Hamlet and I am no jester,” Light rebuked.

Light delivered a kick to Ken’s groan. Ken staggered back and folded over. With adrenaline pumping through his body, Light then delivered a knee to Ken’s face. The critical blow caused Ken to not only drop the baton, but to also fall back and hold his face. More blood spattered on the ground. 

“Ow! I think you broke my nose,” Ken said.

“Good,” Light said, picking up the baton. 

He felt his right shoulder. It hurt like hell. But he couldn’t worry about that right now. He pushed pass the pain. He couldn’t let Ken get the upperhand again.

Light suddenly heard a voice say, “Freeze!” He sharply turned. It was Matsuda. He held his gun at Ken. “Light, what the heck is going on here?”

Light breathed a sigh of relief, then said, “Damn it, Matsuda. What the hell took you so long? You can see this area from the parking lot!”

Matsuda looked surprised. “I, ah, sorry Light. But I was giving you your space.”

More like fooling around and listening to pop songs on the radio, Light thought.

Light picked up his gun that Ken had hit away earlier. Now that the situation was under control, he had a moment to breath. 

But it was not to last. 

Despite two-against-one, Ken charged Light and barrelled into him. The impact caused Light to drop his gun and baton, as he clutched his stomach from the sudden assault. Then Ken grabbed Light’s gun and bolted.

“Freeze! Stop!” Matsuda ordered. But Ken refused, despite the threat of being shot in the back.

“Shoot him, Matsuda!”

“But this is a public place, Light.”

“He’s getting away! Shoot him!”

“Who is he?”

“Enough with the fucking questions!” Light got to his feet despite his discomfort. “Quick! Give me your gun!” 

“I, ah…”

But instead of waiting for permission, Light snatched it from Matsuda’s hands and fired it at Ken. The bullet missed. 

Light gave chase. 

“Light, wait!” Light heard Matsuda shout at him. “Okay, I’ll call the police.”

You do that, you idiot! 

Light left Matsuda and ran after Ken through the winding cobblestones walkways. He fired twice more when he thought he had Ken in his sights, but the shots went wild.

There was no point in telling Ken to halt.

Light fired a fourth time and Ken ducked. It narrowly missed him, the bullet embedding itself into an obelisk.

“Wow, your aim is getting better,” Ken said, looking back at Light. “Still, I guess all those lessons with your boy-toy was moot. You still can’t hit the target.”

“Shut-up!”

Light fired again. It missed again! 

But Ken tripped himself up and tumbled end-over-end from something on the ground. He rolled. This time, the psycho had no where to go. 

Light aimed the gun. He had a perfect shot. He was not going to miss this time. 

But Ken quickly recovered and fired his gun at Light, despite the awkwardness of the angle. 

Light swiftly ducked out of the way and then ran into a series of grave markers that were his salvation as Ken let off a volley of shots. Luckily, the stones circumvented the bullets from hitting their mark.

“Come out, come out,” Ken said. “This is no time to play hide-and-seek.” 

Light crouched down behind a half-moon grave marker.

Ken fired off another shot. The bullet ricocheted off the top of the stone marker, taking a small piece with it. 

Light checked the magazine and saw he only had one shot left. Just like Matsuda not to keep his gun in check. It was not even a full clip.

“Come on, Light. Face me. Or is the great the powerful Oz a coward?”

Light knew the moment he showed his face, Ken would kill him. From the walkway, Ken had an almost clear view of every stone marker. Light knew he couldn’t stay here forever, but he had little options presented to him.

Then he remembered his watch. 

Only recently, he had decided to keep a small piece of the Death Note in a secret compartment he crafted within. The watch was a gift from his father for graduating with top marks from university. Ken said he couldn’t be killed, protected by Morph no doubt—but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be hurt. 

Ryuk told him that even the smallest piece of the Death Note acted like an full page and anything could be used to write on it. The note would take effect as long as the name was legible.

With three quick pulls of the toggle, the secret compartment opened and out ejected the hidden compartment. The piece of the Death Note was inside along with a small needle point. He pricked his finger and he began to bleed. He then dipped the point of the needle into the blood and began to write Ken’s full name on the note.

Ken fired again and Light flinched, but he kept writing. 

Ken growled angrily. “Come on, Light,” he said. “My patience is running thin. If you don’t come out, I’ll take my frustration out on your family. I’ll particularly enjoy tormenting your little sister. At her age and innocence, I’m sure even the slightest fright will traumatize her for life!”

“Get ready for a shock, you vicious bastard,” Light said quietly to himself. He counted down on his watch. It would be forty-seconds before the note took effect and right now that felt like an eternity. 

He heard the sound of police sirens in the distance. Matsuda must have called the police.

“Police sirens, hmm. Well, I guess that’s my cue to leave,” Ken said. “I can’t get caught here. I have so many things to do. Sorry about this, Light. Looks like we’re going to cut short our playdate.”

Light looked at his watch. Only fifteen-seconds to go. He couldn’t let Ken leave now.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Light shouted. “We’re going to finish this, one way or another!”

“Oh, I do so love your spirit,” Ken said, with a chuckle. “But like the old idiom says, ‘He who fights and runs away, may live to fight another day—“

And suddenly, there was a sudden silence. Ken gasped. 

Light peaked around the grave marker. Ken was grabbing his chest. The Death Note was working. Ken’s heart was in cardiac arrest. It may not kill Ken due to his connection with Morph, but it was providing a useful distraction. Ken fired off the last remaining rounds of his gun, but each went wild. He then dropped the gun and began to stagger. 

It was time to act.

Light leapt up and quickly fired with a cool calmness. And his aim was true.

Ken’s head recoiled as the bullet struck him directly between the eyes. He seemed to just stand there frozen to the spot. The bullet hole began to ooze blood and stream down his face, parting two two directions. His eyes wide in eternal shock. Then he fell backwards and hit the ground with a heavy thud, his arms fell open at his side.

Light stepped cautiously out into the open. Then went to stand over the sick twisted psycho’s body. 

He heard the sound of clomping footsteps as three uniformed police officers and Matsuda came running to the scene. One of the officers even ordered Light to drop his gun with a gun pointed at him.

Light complied and he was immediately taken into custody.

Matsuda came over and was flabbergasted. “Oh my god!” Matsuda appeared to recognize Ken now unlike before when things had happened so quickly. “But I thought—”

Light shook his head at Matsuda, silently telling him to shut-up. The previous incident involving Ken Kuzushi was only known amongst the Kira Task Force. Matsuda got the hint.

Light was put in handcuffs. Light overheard one of the other officers report to dispatch about the scene. And saw the another officer bagging both guns as evidence. He kept his mouth shut.

“What do you want me to do, Light?” Matsuda said, as Light was being hulled away.

“Call my father,” Light said. “Tell him what’s going on.”

“But I don’t know what’s going on?”

The officer was rough and pushed Light forward and away from the scene. He was then shoved into a police cruiser in the parking lot. The door slammed shut.

Light knew he was in big trouble.

To be continued...