Vendetta 5

Aki had cried himself to sleep in Light’s arms, and Light had also drifted off as he held the boy tightly. L gently moved Light so that he was lying down instead of sitting up, Aki coming with him as he was held fast in his arms. He got up and retrieved a blanket and covered them both before going into his office.

There were two things he had to do; get Aki’s father to somewhere safe before Aki lost him as well, and warn his Aunt that they could possibly be in danger as well. He sighed and drew his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them; they’d also have to be told about the mother’s death but they would have to get to safety before that. He reached for his intercom.

“Watari, I need to bring the boy’s father to a safe house as soon as possible. I discovered where he was hiding and I find it difficult that the killers haven’t discovered him yet, so there’s something else going on with this. I’m sending you the address so you can have him picked up immediately and it wouldn’t bother me if he has to be taken by force.”

“I’ll let you know when he’s arrived,” Watari answered him, “How’s Aki?”

“Both he and Light are sleeping now, complete emotional exhaustion for both of them I imagine,” he sighed again, “I also need the boy’s aunt alerted to the possibility that she could be in danger and offer to help her in any way possible to keep her safe, let me know when she’s been told.”

“Of course, send me her address and I’ll have someone visit immediately. You don’t think this should be done by the police?”

“It’s possible they’re watching the police, they know someone has the boy, they know by now I’m sure his mother is dead. I don’t want to lead them to his remaining family."

“Understood, L. I’ll let you know when both have been done.” L forwarded the information to Watari’s computer and jumped from his chair and walked back out into the living room and gazed at the pair on the couch. He knelt by Light’s head and gently ran his fingers through his hair not wanting to wake him but needing to touch him. He couldn’t get that moment of seeing Kira when Light looked at him out of his mind, and it terrified him. Light had successfully quieted that side of him for quite a while and he had hoped it was permanent, but now he wasn’t so sure. He stood up and walked back into his office and closed the door quietly. He walked to the bookcase and had it slide open to reveal the safe. He leaned into the retina scan so the safe would open, reached in and picked up the hated notebook.

All he had to do was destroy it and Kira would be gone forever; completely wiped from Light’s memory and everything else that had to do with his finding the notebook. But would that include him and what their relationship was? That nagging fear was the only thing that kept him from setting it on fire right at that moment, there was no way to go back if he did. He could have Light give it up and then if anything went wrong he could give it back to him but what if he wouldn’t want it back? Ryuk would probably appear again and what if he renewed that bargain of being the one to kill Light? He closed his eyes and shook his head violently. No, too many unknown variables, he couldn’t take the chance that any of those things could happen. He threw the book back into the safe and closed it, hiding it again behind the bookcase. It was bad enough that he put the notebook in Light’s hands for a few moments, as he slept, at least once a month to keep his memories intact, it was enough of a risk of getting the Shinigami back involved then, he wouldn’t take the chance of making it worse. He would have to hope that Light would be strong enough to keep Kira at bay, but if he couldn’t…he knew what he’d have to do.
The sound of his door opening and Watari’s voice startled him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see his mentor bringing in a tray with pastries and coffee.

“I was sure you hadn’t eaten since breakfast,” he explained, “And I knew better than to ask you.” L slipped his hands into his pockets and walked back to his chair, climbing into it and bringing his knees to his chest.

“I’m afraid all of this upset is going to bring Kira back,” he said quietly. Watari stopped pouring the coffee for a moment as L’s words came to him.

“Why do you think that?” he asked and L explained what Light had said to him, and then the quick flash of Kira he saw in his eyes earlier. Watari sighed as he brought him his coffee.

“I believe Light is strong enough to keep his head,” he said, “Although his attachment to Aki has surprised me.” L nodded.

“It has surprised me as well, but I imagine the boy has managed to touch a spot within Light that he wasn’t even aware of. His desire for justice for others is very strong, which is why he works at the NPA, why Kira got such a stronghold on him.”

“You talk of Kira as if he were a separate entity,” Watari reminded him.

“Of course I do, he is separate from Light…”

“L you know….” Watari began.

“Yes of course I know!” L shouted and then immediately calmed as he ran a hand through his hair. “If I don’t separate Kira from Light in my mind I’ll go back to being afraid of him subconsciously, I have to see them as apart from each other, I have to.”

“I understand,” Watari said gently, “Then I would suggest you destroy that notebook; wipe out any trace of Kira from his mind.”

L ignored the statement and sipped from his coffee. “Please let me know when the father has arrived.” He said staring at his screen. Watari sighed and walked to the door.

“Of course,” he answered, “L…we have seen proof that giving up that notebook does not destroy emotions. Light will love you even without the notebook.” L said nothing and Watari took his leave.



Light opened his eyes and immediately looked for Aki who was still sleeping on his chest. He didn’t remember falling asleep, but apparently he had. He rubbed his eyes and sat up trying not to disturb the boy. He was able to sit up, and slide him down on the couch without him waking up. He pulled the blanket back up over him and stood up looking around for L. He knew where he’d find him and walked to the office where he found him slipping on his sneakers.

“Where are you going?” he asked rubbing his eyes.

“His father is in one of our safe houses,” he answered, “I’m going to get some answers from him.”

“I’m going with you,” Light answered and L shook his head.

“You should stay here with Aki,” he said, “He’ll still be upset when he wakes, he’ll want you.” Light sighed and shook his head.

“You stay, I’m the detective on the case, I need information from him, I need to talk to him.” L could see there was no talking him out of it so he nodded.

“Alright, but take your laptop with you and I’ll hook up to it. I have a few questions I’d like to ask myself, and I’d like to hear what he has to say. Watari is waiting in front of the building.” Light nodded.

“Fine, I’ll do that,” Light said and turned to leave when L grabbed his arm.

“Light…you need to stay focused. You’re close to this because of Aki, don’t lose yourself.” Light managed a small smile that didn’t go anywhere near his eyes.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” he said and looked over at Aki, “Just don’t let him be alone when he wakes up.” L nodded.

“I have some experience in this kind of loss although I have not thought about it in quite some time; I’ll take care of him. Be careful, they may be watching.”

“I doubt it, they have no idea who has Aki, but I’ll be careful,” he leaned over and kissed him before picking up the laptop, “I’ll call you when I’m ready and you can come on line.”

L nodded and watched him leave to meet Watari. He turned towards the couch when he heard a whimper coming from that direction. Aki was thrashing under the blanket and he went to him.

“It’s alright Aki, you’re safe, you’re okay,” he said reaching for him and rubbing his back. The boy’s eyes opened, filled with terror and upset and he sat up quickly.

“Mama….” He called out and L sighed reaching around to hold him.

“I’m sorry Aki,” he said quietly as he pulled him into his lap. The boy leaned against him as huge tears began to fall down his face. He looked around the room and then looked up at L.

“Where’s Light?” he asked, “Where is he?” he asked sliding off of L’s lap and running towards the bedroom.

“He’s not here right now,” L told him, “He had something to do but he’ll be back soon,” he stood up and walked to the kitchen, going through the cabinets and putting together a plate full of sweets that he thought Aki might like. That was always his go to when he was upset, and it always made him feel better. He looked over at where Aki had gone, and he was standing in front of the door as if hoping if he stood there long enough Light would walk through the door. He brought the sweets over to the table and set them down.

“Aki? Come have a snack, staring at the door isn’t going to make Light get here any faster,” he said. Aki sighed and looked at him.

“Light will come home; you promise?” L walked over to him and squatted down so he was eye to eye with him.

“I promise you, Light will come home,” he told him and Aki nodded and wrapped his arms around L’s neck. L put his arms around him and picked him up as he stood up. He brought him into the main room and sat him on the couch. “Here, have something to snack on and I’ll put on a movie for you. I know you’re still upset, but maybe it will take your mind off of it at least for a while.” The boy nodded and reached for a cookie from the plate, as L started a cartoon. “I’m going into my office for a few minutes,” he said, “If you need anything just call me.” The boy nodded slowly, his face turned toward the screen.

L walked into his office and made sure his computer was up and ready to hear from Light, who should be arriving at the safe house any moment now. He just hoped Light would keep himself together once faced with the boy’s father…the one who started it all.

Watari pulled into the small driveway of the small cottage in front of them. Light didn’t know exactly where they were, but he knew they were out in the country somewhere; they had passed farms along the way so he knew they were pretty far from Tokyo. There had been very little traffic, and the only car that had come as far as they had passed them by as they pulled into the driveway towards the garage. As they approached it, Watari beeped the horn and the garage door opened so they could drive in. As soon as they were inside it slid shut behind them, and it was obvious from that side of the door it all metal. The moment the car was parked Light jumped out of the car with the lap top, waiting for Watari to show him where to go.

“How long has L had this?” he asked as they walked toward the door at the end of the garage.

“Several years,” Watari added, “It’s an excellent place for his associates to bring work from, bring suspects, etc.,” he said opening the door and ushering him in. “No one has any idea that it’s anything more than a private home; we have a couple who live here year round so it doesn’t’ seem suspicious.”

They walked into a tastefully furnished home, it looked very well lived in and comfortable. Light found it difficult to believe it was simply a front for a safe house. Once inside, Watari led him down a hallway, past a staircase, and to a closed door. He opened a hidden panel on the wall next to it, entered in a few numbers and presented his right eye for scanning. The door slid open and he and Light walked in; the door closing behind.

Sitting at a table in the middle of the room was a man, sitting awkwardly and nervously rubbing his hands together as two other men sat at opposite ends of the room watching him. Light’s eyes narrowed as he approached him.

“Katagi Fujimoto?” he asked as he neared him. The man’s head shot up and he stood up immediately.

“Yes, I am Katagi Fujimoto.” He answered nervously. Light placed the laptop down on the table and turned it on, connecting with L.

“I’m here L, and so is he.” L’s swirling letting appeared on the screen, his masked voice coming through clearly.

“Good afternoon Mr. Fujimoto, I am L,” he said, “And this is Detective Light Yagami, he is in control of your case, and we have some questions for you.”

“First, please tell me…my son and my wife…are they safe?” Fujimoto asked anxiously sitting down again.

“Your son is quite safe,” L told him, “Your wife…”

“Is dead Mr. Fujimoto, she was killed trying to protect your son from being taken by the animals you tried to swindle.” Light told him bluntly, leaning onto the table and getting as close as he could to the man’s face. “She died this morning in the hospital, because of you, Mr. Fujimoto, your greed and your stupidity.” Light watched as the man in front of him began to crumble; his hands coming to his face as he moaned his wife’s name.

“She’s dead?” the man cried, “What am I going to do now?”

Whatever compassion Light would have felt normally burned as he remembered Aki’s cries and he reached forward and grabbed the man’s shirt. Watari moved to him, seeing a look he recognized all too well.

“Light…” he said gently as he touched his arm. Light looked at him for a moment then released the man’s shirt.

“What you’re going to do right now is give me everything you know about these people, every name, every bit of information that will help me find your wife’s murderers…”

“I can’t…I can’t…my son…” Light pushed him away in disgust and moved from the table.

“Mr. Fujimoto, while I sympathize with your loss,” L’s voice droned from the computer, “I can assure you that your son is safe from them. You have a decision to make, you will give us the information voluntarily, or we will leave you tied up in the middle of the street and await their pleasure. Your choice.”

The man shook his head. “I thought if I disappeared, they’d be safe, I…I didn’t want them to be hurt…” he cried.

“Then you’re more stupid than you look,” Light told him, “You didn’t imagine they would come after your family for leverage against you?”

“I didn’t think…” he started.

“No, you did not think at all Mr. Fujimoto, or you would never have become involved with them in the first place, and definitely not try to use their money. Now I grow impatient with you, the information, Mr. Fujimoto…now.” L demanded, barely controlling his own anger, then quickly closed the laptop as Aki walked into his office.

“Aki I asked you to call me if you needed anything,” he said a bit harsher than he meant to and regretted it when the boy seemed to shrink away from him.

“I’m sorry, but Ryuzaki…can I have a drink?” he asked and L nodded.

“No, I’m sorry,” L answered, “and of course…in the refrigerator…anything you’d like,” he answered quickly trying to hide his anger at the boy’s father.

“Okay,” Aki said with a nod and turned and walked back out of the office. L took a deep breath and opened the lap top again. He could see the man was writing something in what he recognized as Light’s notebook he used for work.

“That’s all I know,” he said sliding the notebook to Light, “When can I see Aki?” Light stared at him, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

“You don’t deserve to see him,” he spat.

“Although I agree with you, it might be good for the boy to see him, so that he knows he still has him at least,” L suggested, “But before that happens Mr. Fujimoto, you need to give Light all the information.” The man stared at the computer.

“I gave him all the names I know…there’s nothing else…”

“Yes, there is. Where I found you was easily accessible to these people if they really wanted you. I want to know why they didn’t apprehend you there.”

The man’s head shot up and he shook it again. “I…I don’t know…maybe they didn’t look as hard as you did…” he suggested and Light turned to the computer.

“What are you suggesting L?” he asked and he heard the detective sigh.

“That he has some kind of bargain with them, something that kept them from dragging him out of that hotel I found him in. He either promised them something or has some kind of leverage over them. I’m inclined to believe he has promised them something, offered them something of equal value. If he had something over them they could have just as easily killed him to shut him up. Light…give me the names he has given you.” Light pulled out the notebook and read the names to L.

“What could he have that he could possibly offer them for his life?” he asked, “They usually like to kill his type and leave his body somewhere to make a statement to anyone else who might want to try to screw them over.”

L was quiet as he searched the names he was given; searching through his many lists to see if they were there. What he found nearly made him sick and he struggled to keep himself in control. He knew once he told Light, he wasn’t sure exactly what he would do to the man.

“I know what you promised them,” he said through clenched teeth, “Light’s right, you don’t deserve to see your son ever again.” Light stared at the computer in confusion and then turned to Fujimoto.

“What is it L? what did he offer them?” The man suddenly went white once he realized that he’d been found out. He tried to stand up and run for the door, forgetting Watari and the other guards were still there.

“I didn’t mean it, I wasn’t really going to do it!” he cried struggling, “I told my wife to get Aki out of town, to hide…even leave the country! It wouldn’t have happened!” Light stared at him and then back to the computer.

“L…what…” he demanded.

“One of their side lines is human trafficking Light,” L answered, “Children in particular.” Light turned to face the man still struggling with his captors.

“You were going to give them Aki?” he whispered, his stomach turning at the thought. He would have been turned into someone’s slave in one of the countries like Thailand and Venezuela that still profit from that. The idea of Aki being sold into that nearly blinded him with rage, Kira raging in the back of his mind. “Your own son? To save your own skin?” Suddenly he grabbed the man from those who were holding him and threw him across the room. “How could you even think about doing that?” he seethed running to where the man fell, “That boy...how could you?”

“I wasn’t going to do it,” he sobbed, “I love my son, but I needed time to think of what to do, they were going to kill me right there. I told her to take him and leave…it wouldn’t have happened…” he kept repeating as he pulled himself up from the floor. Light reached for his gun then grabbed Fujimoto by his throat, slamming him up against the wall, then placing the gun against his head.

“Light! NO!” Watari shouted moving quickly to him and pulling him away from Fujimoto, as the security guards grabbed the terrified man and shoved him back into the chair.

“He needs to die…” Light seethed as Watari made him lower his gun.

“I understand Light, but you can’t do this…you’re a police officer…” he reminded him.

“I can imagine what you wish to do, ” L’s voice came from the computer, “And although it is understandable, you’ll get into trouble Light, he’s not worth it.” Light nodded, breathing heavily and trying to calm down as L’s voice reached him. He put his gun away and turned back to Fujimoto.

“You do need to die,” he told the cowering man, “I can’t do that, but I will make sure you never see that boy again.”

L’s computer beeped letting him know someone was trying to reach him. He was planning to ignore it, but saw it was Light’s father.

“This is L,” he answered.

“L…they know Light took the boy,” Yagami said. “I just heard from the hospital, apparently someone there gave them the information from the hospital and they’ve been looking for him outside your building. Is he there?” L fought the panic that was building up inside and answered.

“He’s with the boy’s father, I located him…they’re at a safe house…but if he was followed…I’ll give you the address…you need to get to him immediately!” He gave Yagami the information and disconnected.

“Light.” He began and saw that he was on the phone, “Light, you need to get out of there immediately!” he yelled into the computer.

“Matsuda I’m really busy right now.” He was saying into the phone, “I’ll call you when…”

“Light they know you have the boy and they know where you are, you better get out of there right away! We’re coming to get you but you have to find somewhere safe to hide until we get there!” Matsuda interrupted him. Light turned to Watari.

“Apparently we’ve been found out,” he said, “If I had my way I’d just leave him here but we can’t do that. Take him and get him to headquarters.” He said reaching for his gun again. Watari gave Fujimoto to the security guards and instructed they take him.

“They’ll get him there; you need to come with me.” Light shook his head.

“No, they’ll be looking for your car, you need to leave now and get somewhere safe, I’ll keep them busy here until the police arrive.” Watari hesitated for a moment but then nodded…he had to get to L.

“All the windows in the house have bulletproof glass but I don’t know how long they’ll hold up under a barrage of bullets. There are surveillance cameras everywhere,” he went to the laptop, “You can watch their approach from here.” He said connecting the lap top to their feed before going to the door. “Please be careful, Light. I’ll get back to L and Aki.” Light nodded and then looked down at the laptop when he heard his name.

“Light, what are you doing, why aren’t you leaving?” he heard L ask him.

“Don’t worry, you know this place is well protected. I need to keep them busy until Watari and his guards can get away. They’ll be looking for Watari’s car and once they realize it’s gone; I have to slow them down. I’m watching the feed from the cameras, they haven’t arrived here yet. Matsuda’s on his way….”

“No…no you need to get out before they arrive!!” L practically yelled, “You can’t hold them off alone, you have no idea how many are coming!”

“And I can’t put Watari in any more danger than he already is,” Light said, “It’ll be fine, Matsuda should be here soon, I won’t be alone.” He watched out of a window as Watari’s car went in one direction while the guards went in another. “Alright, they’re out of here. I’ve got to get ready L; I’ll talk to you later.” He disconnected from L and stayed on the surveillance feed. He picked up the laptop and ran out of the room to move to the front of the house.

“Light!!! Light!!!” L yelled at the computer and then swore when the connection was broken.

“Is Light okay??” Aki asked running into the room, “Is he coming soon?” L tried to smile.

“Yes, he’s going to be here soon, but I have to go and help him,” he said standing up and going to the boy, “Aki…you’re safe here, and Watari will be here in a few minutes to stay with you, but it’s important I get to Light quickly and help him get home. You’ll be okay by yourself for about fifteen minutes won’t you?”

Aki nodded. “Sure, Mama used to let me be alone when she had to run to the store for something. I’ll be fine, Ryuzaki.” L nodded and patted the boy on his head.

“Yes you will be, and I’ll be back with Light,” he said, “Now you go back and finish watching your movie while I get ready.” Aki nodded and went back into the living room. L opened his drawer and pulled out his gun and extra ammunition. He then ran out of the apartment to the elevator, opening the secret panel and pushing the code that would send the elevator to the roof and the helicopter pad. He could get to Light’s location in about five minutes this way, he hoped it was fast enough.

Light could see several cars coming towards the house. One continued along the straight path while two broke off and came across the property to get behind the house faster. He recognized the one in front as the one that had passed them earlier and cursed himself for not paying better attention. He made sure his gun was ready and stood by the window.

L was able to take off quickly and turned in the direction of the safe house. He grabbed his phone with one hand and connected to Watari.

“Where are you?” he asked.

“Delivering the package to the police department and on my way to you,” Watari answered.

“Get there as quickly as possible, I left Aki alone I’m going to Light.”

“Are you in the helicopter?” Watari asked recognizing the sound behind L’s voice.

“Yes, but just get to Aki. I know he’s safe but I don’t want him alone for any longer than necessary. Just be careful because they’re watching the building I understand and they know your car.”

“Understood. Be careful, L.” L disconnected the call then called Matsuda.

“This is L, how quickly before you arrive? Light is alone and can’t keep them off for long. I’m on my way and should be there in about five minutes.”

“You’re on your way? How are you getting there so quickly? It’s going to take us at least another 10-15…”

“By helicopter. If I can manage it I’m going to fly Light out of there and leave the rest for you to clean up."

“Helicopter? L…”

“Just get there,” L said and disconnected. He could see the farms that surrounded the safe house, and the cars around the house itself. He looked for a place to land.

“Detective Light Yagami?” A voice called to Light from outside. “We know you’re in there with Fujimoto and we know you have the kid. We don’t care about Fujimoto, but the kid is worth more money than his father owes. We want him…and either you give him to us or we take him from you.” Light stayed quiet as he tried to see out of the window to see just how many he was dealing with. He could see four in front and imagined there were probably about eight more coming in from the back. At least they hadn’t seen Watari and the security guards leaving, they thought Fujimoto was still with him. He suddenly wished he hadn’t left the secret room; it was probably more difficult to get to than the house itself. He decided to move upstairs where he could at least look down on what they were doing.

Once he was upstairs he could look out and see the house being surrounded on all sides. He slid to the floor under the window and tried to think of a plan that might keep him alive long enough for the police to get there. When his phone vibrated he almost ignored it but decided to answer in case it was Matsuda letting him know they were close.

“Matsuda?”

“No Light it’s me…where are you in the house?”

“L…what…”

“Just tell me where you are so I know where to land!”

“Land? What the hell…” then he heard the sound of a loud motor behind L’s voice. “Are you in the helicopter?”

“Light answer the question…”

“I’m upstairs…”

“I need you to go to the front door, there are fewer men at the front than in the back. Hopefully I’ll distract them enough for you to get out of the door and run to the copter. Do you understand?”

“I’ll be there…” he said and put the phone back in his pocket as he ran for the stairs.

He could hear the copter’s approach and when he got to the main floor he ran to the window and saw the men scattering in all directions to get out of the way. L landed as close to the door as he could, knowing they would probably start shooting.

Light opened the door slowly as he heard them begin firing at the helicopter and knew he had to move quickly before they managed to shoot L. What he didn’t expect was for them to start aiming at the motor. He watched in horror as the engine and gas tank began to spark and catch fire. He saw L look behind him and realized what was happening and begin to unstrap himself. Light threw the door open and began firing at them to try to give L cover long enough for him to get out of the helicopter. L dove out of the door of the helicopter, and rolled on the ground as he reached for his own gun. Light had shot three of them as their attention had been on the helicopter, and the ones from the back of the building had begun to come around to see what was happening. L began firing from where he was on the ground, hitting two more just as the helicopter caught fire and exploded, the force knocking everyone back and to the ground.

Light threw the door wide open and ran to where L was lying and trying to get up. He grabbed him and drug him back to the house as the others tried to get back up, several of them with their clothing on fire. Once inside Light slammed the door shut then realized burning debris on L’s shirt had caught the shirt on fire. He reached down and quickly pulled it off, throwing it to the ground and stomping out the flames.

L pulled himself up, trying to catch his breath. “I didn’t expect they’d blow up my helicopter,” he said then chuckled, “Not much of a rescue is it?