Listen, Yagami

"Truly great people should feel great sadness in the world"

F.M. Dostoevsky "Crime and Punishment"

A dark-haired man sits in a dimly lit room, his eyes fixated on a neatly handwritten note in his notebook. It had been made just half a minute ago, but he couldn't tear his eyes away. Twenty-one days remained until the end of his life. Although, if he really thought about it, there would be even fewer if he hadn't taken this desperate but calculated step. Watari had already been informed of L's decision, and the elderly man accepted this rather unpleasant news with a sad smile and full trust in his protege. After all, even as a quiet child, L had stunned Watari with his unparalleled intellect, so the old man never doubted any decision made by the messy-haired genius. L was in a hurry now. He needed to inform the entire investigative team about his move as quickly as possible. He needed Light to hear this and know that the detective had given himself a twenty-one-day head start. The reaction of the main suspect and his next move. What would that reaction be? What move would Light make? Kira had put L in check, but not checkmate, so the game was still on. There was very little time left: L had made his move with the queen and was getting closer to the king. --- "Ryuzaki, why?" Maeda exclaimed in horror. The news of L's approaching voluntary death had sent shivers down his spine. "What have you done, Ryuzaki?" "Mr. Maeda, I am accustomed to trusting myself and doing what I believe is necessary," L replied calmly. "I am 98 percent certain that we have not caught the real Kira we were originally after. The killings will start again, and I guarantee that my death could have been the first. But I have prudently written my own name with the furthest possible deadline. Therefore, it is impossible to kill me before that time." "L, do you really think that we haven't caught the real Kira?" Soichiro Yagami asked thoughtfully, scratching his head and furrowing his brow, trying not to dwell on the impending loss of such a remarkable person as the Greatest Detective of the century and an excellent partner. "If that's the case, then we must catch him as soon as possible, before... before your time runs out." "Yes, I believe so. I suggest we continue from where we left off - by investigating the thirteen-day rule." Light had not said a word the whole time. He simply stared into the dark eyes that seemed to reflect the essence of Light Yagami with their black color. And indeed, that was the case. Sitting in the room with a slightly subdued atmosphere, the only source of light being a standing lamp opposite the sofa where they all sat - Light, Soichiro, and Kanzo. Light's face was well-illuminated, every twitching muscle visible. Undoubtedly, L had intentionally seated Yagami there to observe any changes in his facial expressions. But Light hadn't even turned his head. But L had turned his head, and not just once. And every time, he met a piercing amber gaze. Thanks to this, Kira was clearly visible in his dark eyes. "But there is one 'but,'" L deliberately didn't take his eyes off the main suspect. Light decided that he should also contribute a few words to this conversation and sarcastically said, "What 'but', Ryuzaki?" A slight smirk touched Light Yagami's lips, but only slightly. "You just practically killed yourself. You have so little time left that speaking in riddles is equivalent to leaving fewer chances to catch Kira!" Light's voice carried a hint of sarcasm, passing unnoticed by the former police officers. But Light noticed, and Yagami felt the response hit him - not only him but everyone present. "The thing is, I've already started an experiment. This morning. In thirteen days, at 6:00, we will have the results." "But you didn't even consult with us!" Maeda knew that no one could understand Ryuzaki except maybe Light, but he wanted to know how the Great Detective's mind worked. "I knew that none of you would like my idea, and I have no intention of giving it up," L cut off any further remarks from the former police officers with precision, like a sharpened blade. Rising from the comfortable armchair where he had been sitting in his favorite pose, holding a cup of coffee, L moved towards the staircase. No one except Light noticed that Ryuzaki beckoned him with just a look. --- It's raining. L stands in the open, soaked to the bone. He says something, but Light can't hear a thing. That's why he approaches his friend? No, his enemy. There is no doubt about it. "I believe I was supposed to die today," L's voice sounds weary but firm as it gently reaches Light's ears. "What are you saying, Ryuzaki?" "Amane's memories came back too, didn't they? You saw her today." Tired of looking into that lying face, L averted his gaze. "She told you something important, didn't she?" "I absolutely don't understand you. Do you suspect me and Misa? If so, soon we will all confirm our innocence, now that you've started an experiment. Although, what am I even saying? You will never stop suspecting us. "Listen, Light-kun, there's no way out for you anymore. This is the end for you... and for me. I already told you, through Lind L Taylor, that I will send you to the gallows. You know, I keep my promises." "Don't worry, I will definitely find a way out, but your time is running out. But is it even worth reiterating that I am not Kira? He knows – it's a lie." - L... - "I'm not going to confess, not for anything. Yet, can't we forget about suspicions for a while? It's pointless already. Stop fighting, Ryuzaki." As the young man unexpectedly uttered his most famous alias, the detective turned abruptly and stared at Light with his dark eyes. "Let's forget all the suspicions towards me, at least for some time, specifically, for thirteen days. After that, you will have the full right to suspect me or not. Right now, we are at a deadlock: we won't make any progress because if I turn out to be the Killer, then I will be executed and it will all end, but if Kira is someone else after all, then we will be searching for another person. 'We' – while you're still alive, 'I' – after." - After mentioning the detective's impending death, Kira reluctantly held back a smile. His unwavering gaze remained fixed on Light's amber eyes, musing about something. After a few seconds, L spoke: "You surprised me with your answer. Perhaps in the next life, we may have the opportunity to work together a bit more." Slowly, L took steps towards Light. "Well then, let's forget about that circumstance in which life once brought us together." L smirked boldly.