After Light\'s heart

Yagami Light felt like he was being watched. Again. It wasn't the first time already. Hell, it was going on for weeks! But whenever he looked around, no one suspicious met his gaze. It grated on his damn nerves so much that he thought he was going to lose it one sunny day. Oh, it would definitely be a sunny day by the laws of nature. Fate just loved to laugh in his face this much. A brief thought went once through his mind that he should have perhaps told about it to his father - Yagami Soichiro - who happened to be the chief of NPA's Tokyo department. There were a few reasonings that stopped him though: a) his father was busy with a tough case; in fact, it was so tangled that he rarely appeared at home; b) he was just being paranoid; and c) the chance of NPA officers being skeptical of this was just too high.

Light wasn't stupid. In fact, his IQ and deduction skills were so high that NPA called him a couple of times asking for help. They even resorted to involving him in the current case once to get his analysis of the situation at hand. There was a serial killer under an alias 'B' running amok in Tokyo, murdering people left and right in cold blood. The atmosphere in the city became incredibly tense and people suspicious even of their own family. So, as was stated before, Light was incredibly intelligent so he knew it wasn't paranoia that made hair on the back of his neck stand and sent all his senses into hyper awareness. But he couldn't do a damn thing, except for keeping his senses extremely sharp at all times and eyes wide open.

There was always a possibility of something bad happening to the Yagami family, since they were connected to one of the Tokyo's best officers - his dad. One would think that the women of the family - Sachiko, his mother and Sayu his sister - appeared to be in more danger than Light. But it could be quite the opposite. For one, Light was already involved with NPA, and second - his high intelligence, he partly became famous for, was a threat to the criminals due to the fact that he planned on following his father and joining police forces. At the moment he was only 18, so in a few years or so, he'd bring the mallet of justice on the criminals' heads with glee. Thus, it was more convenient for the 'bad guys' to get rid of him now, while he hadn't posed much of a threat.

Light sighed, shaking these disturbing thoughts. He already neared his house and the sensation of being watched disappeared. Just who could it be and what did they want with him? In all of the weeks he had been followed, nothing happened. Of course, it could simply be a stalker - he had enough of those, his looks were eye-catching after all - but this person seemed too skillful for that. Well, it made them a dangerous and unpredictable stalker then. Nothing could be done about it until he saw the person with his own eyes.

...

Light was quite surprised that his father came home so early, though he didn't show it. The auburn-haired man always kept his emotions in check, maintaining poker face at all times, unless it became necessary to put on a pleasantly polite facade. The whole family gathered at the dinner table, silently enjoying home-made cooking. That is until Sayu spoke.

"How was work, dad? We haven't seen you since...forever!"

Soichiro smiled at his daughter tiredly. Sayu was his little ray of light. The 14 year old girl grew up to be a warm, friendly and optimistic person with a kind heart. Though she had her moments when she made an impression of an ADHD child. Nevertheless, he loved her dearly. While Light, on the other hand, was his pride. The boy, no, young man, was reserved, detached, rather cold and stoic. That, Soichiro presumed, was what would make his son an excellent detective. Though sometimes he felt a bit concerned that Light didn't show more emotions, only small smiles every so often. It looked like people around him were of no interest to the boy. For now he plunged himself into studies, having almost no social life whatsoever. Later, if he didn't find a person that would bring out those deeply hidden emotions and feelings, he would dedicate his life bringing criminals to justice.

"We're busy at the office. You remember the case I'm working on? We still can't find the criminal. It's like he's a vengeful spirit or a Shinigami. There are simply no traces of him."

"I still believe you'll catch him. You're the best after all!"

"Thank you, Sayu. Other than that we found another criminal that we've been looking for a few months. Bound and gagged in a warehouse."

Light snorted.

"L again?"

"Yes. He's been a great help so far. Though it sometimes makes me wonder why wouldn't he work as a detective out in the open."

"It's pretty easy, dad. To catch a criminal, you have to think like one. So it's more convenient to be among them. Besides, while he's there with them, he can use whatever methods he wants. Most of which, I'm sure, are illegal. In addition, hiding among those guys lowers his chances of being hunted down."

Soichiro nodded in agreement.

...

After dinner Light went up to his room to study, leaving the rest of the family to do some catching up. He may have looked calm and passive, but his mind was working non-stop. This L was an anomaly. He/she (Light was pretty sure it was a man) was known all over the world as an underground criminal hunter. He mingled with scum, caught the worst of them and sent over to the police. He traveled all over the world, tracking them down. The process of handing over the busted ones to the police was quite simple: a typed note was sent to the police office of the city it concerned, stating the address, signed with a gothic letter L; then when officers arrived at the location, they found a bound and gagged criminal, with a box that contained files and evidence.

There were many speculations as to what exactly was that person. Only one thing was clear: he operated illegally: it was L that stated it himself - he broke into police, FBI, CIA, Scotland Yard, Interpol's confidential files and no one ever managed to find out how he did it. Well, ok, he didn't really say anything like this. It's just that in the box with the evidences some of the files were the copies of documents that were securely kept in law enforcement organizations. When it happened the first couple of times, the law forces were in panic, conducting research in their own ranks. By now, and all that started years ago - when Light was of kindergarden age, everyone got used to it. But still no one trusted enough this entity called L.

Light sat on the bed deep in thought, until the same unpleasant tingling feeling came back. He was being watched again. A foreboding feeling washed over him. He had NEVER felt those eyes on him when at home. It was something new and he had a really bad feeling about it. Something was bound to happen and by the looks of it, very soon. Light got up and, keeping his face calm and relaxed, went to close the curtains. A careful look outside gave no results. But the auburn-haired young man could sense it. It was almost tangible and felt like from somewhere in the dark those eyes drilled holes in him.

This night Light almost didn't get any sleep. A small voice in the back of his mind whispered constantly that a disaster would come soon, bringing nothing pleasant. Why him of all people? What did he do, that fate was so against him? He had no answer to that. It was simple, really - life sucked.

...

It was two days after those eyes started following him even at home that his life took a turn for the worse.

Light just made his exit from the University territory, bored to death with lectures. Seriously, nothing new there - he already knew everything professors talked about and more. But, alas, he needed this diploma if he wanted to work alongside his father. With a sense of relief he noticed that the heavy stare wasn't on him yet. It gave him an opportunity to breathe more freely. If not for the deep monotone voice from behind.

"Yagami Light?"

The young man thought his heart stopped for a moment. Was it his stalker? No, it couldn't be. He would have felt the intense present of the one who was always there. He knew the weight of that stare all too well. All of these thoughts flashed in his mind in a mere second while he was turning to the owner of the voice. Neither his posture nor face betrayed what he was feeling inside. The person standing in front of him looked...strange, for the lack of a better word. The man was obviously older than Light, dressed casually in blue jeans, a white long-sleeved shirt and sneakers; black hair longish in the back, fringe falling into wide bottomless black eyes, rather heavy bags underneath them, skin white as chalk. Even slouched, the man stood a bit taller than Light.

Those wide eyes stared at the young Yagami unblinkingly, full of curiosity, as if trying to read every single thought that went through his head. That didn't sit well with Light. He didn't need anyone trying to get into his head.

"Yes. And you would be?"

"Call me Ryuzaki. Can I have a word with you?"

The auburn-haired man kept his face impassive, while trying to figure out who the hell was this man and what he wanted from him.

"You already have."

"Ah true. But I thought Light-kun might enjoy a cup of coffee while we talk."

"Who are you and what do you want with me?"

"I work with your father, Light-kun. I heard from him how intelligent you are and wanted to talk with you personally."

Ok, this was getting strange, but arguing with this Ryuzaki in front of a student crowd wasn't something young Yagami wanted to do.

"Alright. I know a nice place not far from here."

...

Light blinked at the raven-haired man sitting across the table. He sat crouched on the seat like an overgrown version of an embryo. Then his gaze turned to the cup of black coffee that by now was overflowing with sugar. His lips curled down in disgust. Just...what the fuck? But the sitting pose and the amount of calories the other man consumed were the least of his worries.

"So, Ryuzaki, you work in NPA with my father?"

"Yes, with Yagami Soichiro."

"Mhm. Somehow I find it hard to believe."

Black eyes blinked at him innocently. 'Innocent my ass.'

"Light-kun doesn't believe me?"

"Stop addressing me so familiarly. And no, I don't believe you."

"Oh? Can I ask why?"

"First, you would have shown me your badge if you had one. Second, I know everyone in the office."

"I was transferred recently."

"Really? When?"

"A week ago."

That innocent stare made the man even more suspicious in Light's eyes.

"I was there three days ago to meet up with the whole team."

"I was on an assignment."

"So it's alright if we go to the NPA now and they will confirm you being one of the department?"

"...No."

"That's what I thought."

The auburn-haired man frowned slightly at the...being...across from him.

"So now the question is how did you find out my name."

"I saw Light-kun on his way from To-oh University and wanted to become friends with him."

"You wanted to be friends with me because you saw me on the street?"

The Ryuzaki-person added even more sugar with a small pout.

"Is it so hard to believe it?"

Both stared at each other for a minute, before Light deadpanned.

"Ryuzaki, you are an idiot. Besides you didn't answer my question. The only way for you to know that I'm related to Yagami Soichiro was to see us together. There are only two places where we interact: NPA office and home. Even if you stalked me home you couldn't hear my name - the windows are soundproof. In the office the meeting room is soundproof too. I don't talk to people on the streets, so you couldn't possibly know my name from simply me interacting with another person. So the conclusion is: you stalked me home, found out I was related to Yagami and then broke into NPA's database. Humor me and say I'm right."

Light lifted an elegant brow.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"You...really stalked me and broke into the database?..."

"You are very intelligent, Light-kun."

"Thanks but no thanks. Why did you do all that? Don't bother telling me friendship is the reason. A person wouldn't go this far just for it."

The black-haired man pressed a thumb to his lower lip, while watching Light with what seemed like a tint of amusement. It irritated the young Yagami all the more.

"Light-kun is very beautiful. Intelligent too."

"Compliments won't work on me. What do you want?"

Ryuzaki tilted his head to the side in a way that meant to be cute. Too bad Light was immune to such displays.

"As I stated before Light-kun is very beautiful and intelligent. It makes me attracted to him on a more than platonic level."

The auburn-haired young man would have sputtered at the confession and the intense stare he was getting if he wasn't already used to it.

"One - you are demented, two - I don't mingle with criminals." Light stood, ready to leave. "Don't bother me again." With that the young man left the cafe.

Ryuzaki watched the beautiful man exit the small place and stood, noticing he was left to pay for both of their coffee. He sighed, put money on the table and walked through the door. A black shining Rolls Royce waited for him, parked right in front of the place. The black-haired man climbed into the backseat.

"How did it go?"

Not lifting dark eyes to the driver, Ryuzaki made himself comfortable.

"Yagami Light is a difficult person to handle. It'll take some time. If there are no changes at the end of the week, we're going to execute plan B. Now, Watari, I want some cake."

"Of course."

The expensive car took off down the road.

...

Yagami Light was in a murderous mood. Not only that heavy stare hadn't given him any time to breathe freely, there was also Ryuzaki following him everywhere for two days straight, invading his personal space. The man just didn't take 'no' for an answer. Two dedicated stalkers were too much for Light to tolerate. One always kept hidden in the shadows, the other clearly took pleasure in harassing the poor auburn-haired man. That only made Light more aggressive and snappish on the inside, making him consider an option of actually murdering the dark-haired man as painfully as possible. With his brain capacity he surely could hide the body without breaking a sweat.

Light was on his way home, Ryuzaki dragging his legs beside him. The future detective sighed.

"Ryuzaki, I told you not to bother me again."

"But how can I leave Light-kun alone if there is a chance of some other person catching his attention? Since I'm attracted to Light-kun so strongly I can't allow it."

"Listen you, no matter what you say or do I'm not planning on ever getting together with you. So buzz off."

"So mean. I'm only trying to be nice."

Light scoffed. Yeah, a nice stalker.

"Why won't you go and find someone else to stalk? I'm sure the person that you'll choose will be flattered."

The young Yagami sighed in relief seeing as he reached his house. Without another word, he picked up the pace and entered it, slamming the door into Ryuzaki's face. The dark-haired man stared at it for a few moments and turned around, slowly going to the car that was waiting for him just around the corner. At Watari's inquiring look he just shrugged.

"Light-kun is very stubborn. The chance of him accepting me is lower than five percent."

The elderly man gave his charge a small smile.

"You are stubborn too, Ryuzaki. Though I must admit socializing is not on the list of your skills."

The dark-haired man gave his caretaker/partner a dark glare and slid into the car.

"Maybe. But I'm trying to the best of my abilities here."

As he was resting on the comfortable seat, his mind was drawn back to the auburn-haired man.

'He is indeed beautiful. Hmm...'

...

After a light dinner and another ignored family conversation Light went into his room, fully intent on studying. Though he knew everything that was needed for the test he'd be having the next day, it never hurt to deepen the knowledge of the subjects. In stead, perhaps, of this one time. Because as soon as the young man entered the room a strong hand gripped his neck tightly, blocking any sounds he could have made and a soft wet material covered his nose and mouth. As Light's limbs felt heavy and mind became clouded, only one thought resounded in his head.

'Chloroform...fuck...'

And thus unconsciousness welcomed him.

...

His body was heavy and mind hazy. Eyes didn't want to work properly.

'What the...'

Light forced his eyelids apart. Vision blurred a little at first, but then everything went into focus. He turned his head from one side to another accessing the situation. So, he was drugged, kidnapped and...now that his body functioned more or less properly, all of the senses waking up...his hands were handcuffed to something above his head. Poor aching head.

'Ok, it's so not the time to feel sorry for my head. Concentrate, Light, you were kidnapped. Pay attention to your surroundings. Brain, work!'

Now that his thinking process somehow went back to normal, he took a look at his surroundings once more. He was kept in a cold, damp, dimly lit room, sitting on a hard floor. Handcuffs that restricted his hands had a few inch chain that was attached to a hook in the wall above his head. If he were to try and stand up he would either dislocate his shoulders or end up in an awkward position with neck behind the chain. Now, he didn't want to strangle himself and die sooner than necessary. There were no windows in the room, only a blinking lightbulb in the middle of the ceiling. No furniture to be used too. The door on the opposite wall made of steel was definitely locked.

Now, there was a question begging to be asked: who craved his presence so much as to resort to criminal ways of doing things? Ryuzaki? Or the other stalker that kept following him everywhere. Somehow Light was sure it wasn't the sugar addict. After all, he had known for sometime already that something bad was about to happen. Not that Ryuzaki popping up in his life was a good thing. No, it was irritating to the point where his brilliant mind thought of the many ways to kill the man.

Light tugged at the handcuffs. The damn thing was solid and only made his wrists hurt. Judging by the remaining feeling in his arms he wasn't chained for a long time. His head wasn't too bad either which meant he wasn't drugged too heavily. Light came to a conclusion that he was kept not very far from home.

While the young man was pondering on the location, his ears caught a sound of the door being unlocked. Amber colored orbs snapped to the door. With a screeching sound it opened and a person slid in. The air in the damp space felt heavy. Light knew this feeling too well. It was him, the man that stalked him from the shadows. As the person came into light, the young Yagami felt his eyes widen. Dark disheveled hair, pale skin, terrible posture, white shirt and blue jeans. If not for the malicious wide red orbs, Light would have thought it to be Ryuzaki. Belatedly, the auburn-haired man recognized the hoarse voice as his own as it rang in the room.

"Who are you?"

The man grinned nastily.

"Why, Light-kun, it's me - Ryuzaki, of course."

Light shook his head.

"No, you're not."

A pout that formed on the pale face was not at all innocent or cute. It looked sick on that face.

"What gave me away, Light-kun dearest?"

"Your eyes and...your whole being. You...you are the one that watched me all the time, aren't you?"

"I'm honored to be recognized. You have impeccable senses, sweetheart. I would be highly offended if you have taken me for that scum."

The man strolled to the bound young man unhurriedly and sat right in front of him, too close for Light's comfort. Not that he felt comfortable in the first place.

"What the hell do you want with me?"

"Oh, honey, no need to be so harsh. I'm just in deep need of your company."

"Don't call me that and release me!"

The man tapped his chin with a long slim finger as if he was contemplating letting his prisoner go. Though the nasty glint in the red orbs showed clearly that he had no such intentions.

"What about...no? You see, Light-kun, my cute little bunny, the first time I laid my eyes on you I realized that we were meant to be together! Isn't it great?"

The young Yagami nearly choked on his own spit. His captor was clearly not very sane, if at all. He prayed to everything holy that mother or Sayu noticed his absence and contacted his father. Preferably before anything worse could take place. Because if he was right and the man happened to be obsessed with him, some bad, really bad and unpleasant things were bound to happen. That was something he did NOT look forward to. There was almost no doubt that he couldn't talk his way out of the current situation.

"Who are you then?"

"Ah yes, I apologize for not introducing properly. I'm B. You can call me Beyond or any endearing names your pretty head can think of."

Light's blood ran cold in his veins. No, it was not happening! B? The B? NononononononoNO! The murderer that mutilated and dismembered his victims, making them almost unrecognizable, while they were still alive. Light was shown a couple of pictures from crime scenes and vomited right afterwards. On them blood, along with innards, covered everything around bodies. Some miniscule part of his brain, that functioned despite the shock caused by the horror of the situation he was in, decided that comments were in order.

'Life sucks. What were the chances of being kidnapped by a serial killer because of my looks? Should have undergone a plastic surgery. That would have rid me of the stalkers and I could have led a peaceful life. Damn.'

A pale hand gently stroked the tanned face and Light didn't dare to move. Even though he badly wanted to.

"Oh no need to be so shocked, birdie. I'll take good care of you and soon you'll learn to love me back. We'll have so much fun together!"

"Wha-what kind of...fun?"

Beyond grinned.

"So nice to see you this eager! I'll show you later. Just rest for now!"

Light came back to his senses only when his captor left the room. His whole body shook in panic. This was NOT happening to him! Why him of all people? He knew he had, lightly put, looks above average, but there were so many others that were better! Was it the price he had to pay for being smarter than most? Future looked very bleak and bloody. NPA couldn't find a trace of B's whereabouts. In addition, his family had no idea who had taken him. There existed a few possibilities of what B planned for him and none of them looked like something he'd want to experience. Either he'd be raped or killed. Perhaps both.

Light gritted his teeth in an attempt to organize the mess that was his brain. He was a genius, he had to think of a way out. Didn't they say that one became stronger when facing danger?

...

Ryuzaki paced in his room, all the while chewing his thumb. He made a grave mistake in his calculations and payed for it. That's what you got for daydreaming. He sat back on the couch, knees bent, pressing his legs to the torso and buried his pale face in his notebook. Watari silently entered the room, holding a tray.

"I brought you cake and coffee, Ryuzaki."

"Ah yes, thank you."

The elderly man observed his charge. It was the first time he had seen him so distraught. Not that the dark-haired man showed it much. One just had to look for subtle signs and the two of them spent many years together, so Watari knew what to look for.

"It has been two days. Anything new?"

"No. But we have to find him as soon as possible."

"I see you took a liking to that boy."

"He is...interesting." 'And gorgeous and sharp-minded.' But Watari didn't have to know the latter. Though judging by the slight smile and knowing look, the man already realized this.

...

Light woke up from the dreamless sleep. Thankfully B wasn't in the room. The last time he awoke the man was sitting right in front of him, invading his personal space. Needless to say the young Yagami freaked out. Light had no idea how much time had passed since kidnapping, but if he were to guess it would be 4-5 days at most. His arms were completely numb and even slight motion sent jolts of pain to his shoulders. His back was killing him from being too long in the same position. Only his legs worked good enough since he could bend and straighten them whenever he liked. Beyond brought him food and water twice every time before he departed to the dreamland. So Light supposed it could count as twice a day. Each time after he was fed, B would stroke his face gently, calling him different pet-names. Other than that he was left alone in the empty room.

Suddenly Light heard the door being unlocked. His mind went into overdrive. It was too early for the man to return! He was fed just a short time ago. The thick door slammed open and a body was thrown into the room. On a closer inspection it appeared to be a young woman, perhaps in mid-twenties, gagged, hands tied behind her back and the auburn-haired man noticed that both of her ankles were broken. Her face was red from crying hard and screams were muffled by cloth.

That's when Light's mind stopped working. A feeling of dread seized his thought process, rendering him speechless.

Woman's brown eyes locked on his, pleading, begging to be saved. But Light could do nothing but stare, frozen under the realization of what was about to take place. B merrily skipped to the bound woman and turned her on the back none too gently. Then he looked at the handcuffed man all the while sporting a manic grin.

"Light-kun, sunshine of mine, now I will indulge you in my greatest hobby. So sit back and enjoy!"

Finally, Light woke up from his stupor and found his voice.

"N-no, Beyond. L-let her go. She's h-hurt e-enough as it is."

The dark-haired man shook his head in a patronizing manner.

"Of course no, silly. Since we're destined to be together you have to share my hobby! It's so much fun after all!"

Light didn't plead with criminals, it was his policy. But he didn't want this woman to be brutally murdered, least of all right before his eyes.

"Please, Beyond! I don't like this hobby and I never will! Let her go, please!"

The pale face went cold. In a matter of seconds his captor stood in front of him. A moment later pain bloomed in Light's jaw and he could taste blood on his tongue. A strong hand grabbed the tanned chin and roughly yanked his head, so the two were face-to-face. Crimson eyes burned with anger.

"Stop pleading for this trash! I'll do whatever I like!" Maniac's expression grew softer. "I promise you'll come to like it the same way I do. After all, I'd never do anything you wouldn't like, love."

The crazed man pecked scared Light gently on the lips and sauntered back to his prey. He dug out a knife from his pocket and sat on the woman's thighs.

"Now, now dear, don't scream too much or your throat will be sore."

With a free hand he patted with terrified woman on the head. She thrashed underneath the murderer, trying to get free. B just smiled at her, obviously amused by her attempts. He brought knife to her blouse and hastily sliced it at the center, afterwards tearing the parts to the sides to expose her chest and belly. The crazy man licked the blade as red eyes shone brightly with excitement.

"Sing for me, birdie."

B plunged the knife right above her skirt and and started dragging it up towards her chest. The poor woman screamed.

...

When Light regained consciousness the woman's body had been disposed of, but B sat there near the bloody spot on the floor, hands covered in thick liquid, white shirt and jeans covered in blood, staring at him lovingly. Somewhere halfway through the dismembering process Light threw up and blacked out. The terrified screams still rang in his ears and he doubted he'd ever forget those wide, bulging brown eyes. His stomach felt sick again, even though it was empty. Light felt all his insides shake in fear and disgust. Perhaps he could strangle himself with the chain before the man laid his hands on him. Young Yagami didn't want to die such a horrible death, neither he wanted to be touched by those bloodied hands. He wasn't even sure if he would ever be the same again. Especially in case the police found him.

This man in front of him was nothing but a monster. All the humanity that once resided in that pale body left it.

"Ah my precious Light-kun, I'm so proud of you! I had the same reaction when I first indulged in this little hobby of mine. But don't fear, beautiful, you'll get used to it soon!"

Stomach acid burned his throat.

"Why...why do y-you do t-this?"

Beyond tilted his messy head to the side.

"For fun, of course! You see, life is boring when there is nothing in it that excites you. But like this you have full control over people. Their screams, eyes full of fear, the feeling of blood on my hands - all this keeps me entertained."

"Y-you entertain yourself by k-killing people?"

B simply nodded with a smile. Light felt reality slipping away again. As he lost consciousness, Beyond strode over to his body and stroked the auburn hair.

"So beautiful and all mine. Don't worry my dear, I'll teach you to take pleasure in their screams. Your life will never be boring again."

One bloodied finger traced the sleeping man's full bottom lip, leaving a trail of crimson in its wake. Pale lips descended on the ones covered in blood, pressing hard.

"Soon, my dear, very soon."

...

"Watari!"

"Yes?"

"I think I know where he could be hiding Light-kun. We'll need NPA's help to take him out."

"I will contact Yagami Soichiro immediately."

"Yes, do that and get ready to leave."

...

Light stared with blank eyes as Beyond dismembered another man before him. The blood, the gore, the screams, the terrified eyes, nothing fazed him anymore. He lost the count of time. The same happened all over again. Idly he wondered if this was victim number 31 or 32. Or perhaps 33? He lost any feelings at the tenth victim. Maybe it was eleventh. He couldn't tell now. At some point B took off the handcuffs and tied his wrists to ankles. The length of rope was enough to move a little, so his body wasn't too numb and blood circulated normally in his limbs. He hadn't been raped yet, though he doubted he cared much now. He just...didn't feel anything.

Some time ago Beyond started with blood play. From time to time he would cut Light, not too much so he wouldn't die from blood-loss, but enough for it to be painful. On his chest, right above the heart stood out a curly B, carved into his flesh. The sign of ownership. It was the first cut he received and it hurt the most. It was deep and already started to scar. Everything but his face was cut at some point. Light sat clothed only in his trousers that were made shorts, his whole body covered in injuries. There were still blood smudges on a couple of places.

Each time after the cutting session B would wash his wounds and treat them with ointment, not wanting them to get infected. Light was his destined mate after all.

Occasionally, the murderer would leave his victims half dead alone with Light, telling him to have fun. Ah yes, it was the time when the handcuffs went off. The first time it happened the auburn-haired man sat and just stared at the screaming girl. Then, out of pity he crawled to her and snapped her neck. Light felt sick after that. It was the same the second time. Afterwards he did it so they would just shut up, because they screamed and screamed and it irritated him. Beyond wanted him to play with victims but he refused. Despite the fact that he could be called a murderer as well by now, he still didn't want to lower himself to B's level. He wasn't crazy, he was just numb. Light guessed he did the suffering people that were brought to his room a favor by finishing them off. He ended their pain in one swift move.

Perhaps, he tried to justify his own actions. Even he didn't know.

Once in a while he would think about his family. Had his father been trying to find him? His mother and Sayu were surely devastated when they learned of kidnapping. Or had they thought he just ran away? Would he live long enough to see them? Or better, would he care if he saw them again? Sometimes he even thought about Ryuzaki...such a harmless stalker he was. Maybe he should have tried getting along with him? He would have had at least one friend in his life. Afterwards he would remember that that 'harmless stalker' approached him just because of his good looks. Blasted looks. Why wasn't he born ugly? Or at least normal/average gifted boy? No, nature blessed him with face, body and mind many people would die for. But as a price it tried to deprive him of his sanity and humanity.

What was the point in that? His body would have scars all over it now. Possibly he would ask B to cut his face too, so he wouldn't be 'pretty'. He was sure though that the man would refuse angrily. Beyond loved his face. Had that meant he didn't like his body? Oh well, can't please everyone. At first, Light felt disturbed by thoughts that swirled in his head. But that was at first. Now he just didn't give a flying fuck. It also could be entertaining enough to remember the last time he spoke properly. Crying out in pain didn't count. They were just pathetic sounds.

Ah, pathetic. That was the right word he could describe himself with. The prized student, the pride of his family, the genius that hadn't known any rivals, the youngest man to ever solve NPA's cases was reduced to a scarred pathetic being sitting on the cold floor in some hidden blood-stained basement. Wasn't it just hilarious? Those who envied him throughout the school year and university would have the time of their lives, dancing on his grave.

Light stopped this train of thought and saw that B was done with his victim. He rolled his eyes. Finally. It was getting annoying. Those screams were only giving him a headache.

Suddenly his ears picked up a sound of footsteps approaching the steel door. Were they having guests? Beyond immediately straightened and darted to his prisoner, the infamous knife in his right hand. As the captor positioned himself behind Light, the auburn-haired man raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. Intruders? That was going to be interesting. At last something new, that would chase his boredom away. The door slammed open and NPA officers piled in along with...Ryuzaki? What the hell was he doing here? Oh well...

Soichiro, Aizawa, Matsuda and Mogi had their guns out, aiming them at B. Ryuzaki stood to the side, hands in pockets, eyes hard. Yagami Soichiro roared.

"Beyond Birthday, you are under arrest for numerous murders and kidnapping Yagami Light! Release him immediately and put your hands behind your back!"

The blade was pressed to the tanned throat. Light felt blood trail down his neck. Pft, nothing new. He saw how pale everyone became as they took a better look at his body, seeing him bound and covered in scars. The corpse that laid in the middle of the room was plainly ignored in favor of saving the young man. Light giggled. Even in his own head it sounded a tad insane, not that he cared. All the noise died down at the sound he produced. Pairs of worried eyes stared at him. He giggled again. B grabbed his hair and tilted his head back, blade pressed to the bleeding neck.

"What's so funny, Light-kun dearest?"

The young Yagami looked at his captor, amber orbs tinted with dangerous red, shining like rubies.

"You never told me that your full name was Beyond Birthday. Such an amusing name."

At the sight of the murderer kissing his son on the lips, Soichiro nearly went mad. The only thing that kept him from doing something stupid was the knife at his son's neck. Ryuzaki's hands curled into fists in jeans pockets.

"I was planning on telling you later, sweetheart, but they ruined my surprise."

Both the captor and the captive turned back to the group of newly arrived people. Beyond scanned the crowd with amused crimson eyes, which stopped on his look-alike.

"I should have known you would find me, my dearest friend. There are only few that are capable of that."

Ryuzaki's face stayed impassive the whole time. He just stared at B.

"Release Light-kun. He seems uncomfortable with a knife pressed to his neck."

The young Yagami decided it was boring to listen them arguing.

"Dad, for how long have I been here?"

Shoichiro heaved a sigh.

"You were kidnapped 40 days ago."

"40 days huh..."

He shook his head, not caring that the blade dug deeper into his flesh. The length of rope was just enough for one of his hands to rise and stroke Beyond's unoccupied hand in a soothing manner. The gesture pleased the murderer.

"You know, you could have brought a calendar here, Beyond."

"What for, my dear?"

"Because we missed my Birthday."

Light's not very stable mind saw this as a great joke and he roared with laughter. Ignoring the fact that it was a lie. He could hear it, the terrible sound that came out of his mouth: frightening, crazy, dark and malicious.

The NPA officers and Ryuzaki could only stare frozen at those wide ruby eyes that once were amber and belonged to a healthy young man. Now they shone with unadulterated malice. The laughter was something even Beyond found disturbing and menacing. He reeled back from his captive, knife leaving damaged skin. Light's hand that was still placed on B's arm, gripped it and tugged the man down with the force of his whole body. Beyond twisted in the air and fell on his back. Once murderer fell, Light, not wasting any time, grabbed his head and slammed it hard onto the cold floor, making it bleed. Taking advantage of the man being disoriented, he dove for the knife and cut the ropes. With vigor he climbed on B's hips and plunged the blade in the white shirt covered belly all the while laughing madly.

The five people at the entrance were too stunned to react to this new development.

Beyond cried out as Light dragged the blade up towards his chest, his laughter dying.

"You wanted me to like your little hobby, eh, Beyond? Well, I'm enjoying it immensely now. How does it feel to be cut open by your own knife by Light-kun dearest?"

Done cutting the man up, the young Yagami parted the pale skin, painting his hands in red. Then he brought them up to his former captor's line of vision.

"You always wanted to see my hands covered in blood. Look, they are now. Are you finally happy now that you got what you wanted? Oh, I can see your guts. Do you want me to take them out and see for yourself how ugly they are? As ugly as your nature, Beyond-kun dearest. Or I can cut deeper and take out your liver...or would you prefer I take your lungs? Perhaps heart?"

The man stopped screaming and breathed shakily, staring at Light above him. The young man gave the dark-haired maniac a darkly twisted smile, eyes imitating rubies, shining maliciously. Light pulled back his hand and slammed his fist right into the pale face again and again and again. Until someone grabbed him from behind and pulled away from the bleeding B.

"How doest it feel, you fucker, to be toyed with? You're the only one I would plunge my hands in! I'd take your guts and all the innards, leaving only lungs and heart! Then I'd cut your dick off while you're still breathing and shove it down your throat, and while you're choking on it I'd smash your heart to pieces with my own bare hands, laughing right into your face, you motherfucking creep!"

Light screamed and struggled in Ryuzaki's firm grasp, eyes wild with rage and blood-thirst.

"How would it feel to be tortured by your Light-kun dearest? No, before I go for your heart, I'd shove that knife up your ass and twist it there until it's ripped open and you're shitting blood! Pray to anything you believe in that I won't see your fucking face again! I'd willingly break into your jail cell only to kill you the same way you killed all those people in front of my eyes! You fucking monster! You made me a murderer! Because of you I killed them! Remember my words - I'll kill you and go for my own execution with a happy smile on my fucking face!"

During the enraged rant Ryuzaki felt his heart stop a few times at the sight of Light struggling like a wild animal, spouting death threats. He decided to take a pity on the unstable young man and pressed onto a pressure point in his neck. Light fell limp in his arms instantly.

Matsuda dashed into a corner to puke. Light cutting open the murderer's body, coupled with a corpse in the middle of the room which he finally noticed, taking its toll. Everyone was silent, until a choked chuckle ruined it. Every single man turned to the bleeding Beyond. The man sported a slight smile on the bruised and bloodied face.

"At least I'll be the only one on your mind, Light-kun dearest."

Soichiro, tears streaming down his face, smashed his fist onto the man's wound, the action knocking him out from pain. He turned to Mogi.

"Call an ambulance."

The pale officer nodded silently.

...

Light lay in a hospital bed, feeling like a mummy, with all the bandages covering his body. He replayed the events of a week ago, when he took his revenge on Beyond Birthday. He lips curled into a nasty sneer. He didn't regret bathing his hands in the freak's blood. He would do it all over again if he had the chance. He'd even kill the man, not batting an eyelash, given a possibility. He almost cried when his father told that B were to be executed in two weeks' time. Soichiro thought it was out of relief, but he was mistaken. Not that Light corrected him. No. It was in frustration that he wouldn't have the chance to do it himself.

His mind was getting more stabilized. But he knew that the malicious streak won't ago anywhere as long as he lived. Light regained his stoic and detached facade, holding all the emotions under control. Some part of him would always remain dark. Though he wasn't sure if the time spent with Beyond created it or simply brought it out in the open from somewhere deep within his being.

Everyone thought he would be scared shitless of knives or any other cutting objects. Instead he simply stared blankly at the objects, shrugging and turning away so they wouldn't see any sadistic emotion that could accidentally flicker in his eyes. In reality, every time he saw a knife he would remember B's skin giving way as he cut the man with sadistic pleasure. He would never mention that to anyone, of course. He had no intention of being sent to therapy of any sort. He wasn't damaged or broken, he was completely fine just a bit darker on the inside than before.

...

A week after being released from the hospital, his father asked him to come to his office. Upon entering he saw a surprising picture, not that he let it show on his face: his father sitting with Ryuzaki, both smiling and drinking coffee. The latter's overflowing with sugar and a half-eaten piece of cake sitting on a plate before him. He ignored the stalker and concentrated his attention on Soichiro.

"You wanted to see me, dad?"

The older man smiled at his son.

"Yes. Ryuzaki here told me that you know each other."

"We have met a couple of times. Though I fail to see how it is important."

The smile broadened.

"You see, he is a private investigator."

"Is he really now?"

"Yes. He was the one that found the place you were held at." At the lick of any reaction from Light, Soichiro only sighed and continued. "He kindly offered to take you to England where he has a house in the countryside, so you could relax and come to your senses."

Light gave the dark-haired man a dark look. The other simply smiled innocently in return.

"I assure you, dad, I'm perfectly fine. Besides I need to catch up with my studies since I was absent for two months. In addition I don't know Ryuzaki very well."

"Nonsense, Light! I already contacted the University and they gave you the permission to study online. And Ryuzaki saved your life, so I'm sure I can safely leave you under his care. You need a change of surroundings. It'll be better for your health."

"If you want to talk about Beyond Birthday, then I should tell you that he wouldn't have killed me. He only wanted to take a liking to his lifestyle and be his sexual partner. Other than that he would have kept me alive. He WAS trailing me for weeks after all. And despite what you may think I am NOT broken or mentally unhealthy or whatever you may think. So let's end this pointless conversation. I'll see you at home. Have a nice day."

"Sorry, Light-kun, but your bags are already packed and waiting here at the office. We have a flight in three hours."

Light turned his blazing amber eyes with a tint of red to the guiltily smiling father and a very satisfied-looking Ryuzaki.

"WHAT? You didn't even plan on asking for my opinion, did you?"

"Um...your mother and I thought that.."

"You thought what? That I will simply comply with your decision? How could you decide that for me? I am not a child anymore. Even when I WAS a child you never decided for me!"

"Light-kun, your father wants only what's the best for you."

"I said NO!"

"But Light-kun dearest, you..."

The rest of the speech went unheard by the auburn haired man as he blanked out at the now-hated pet-name. A few seconds later he saw red, stalked to Ryuzaki and promptly punched him in the face so hard, that the man fell on the floor. His father jumped out of the seat.

"LIGHT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

The young Yagami ignored the older man and instead towered over Ryuzaki who was holding his cheek tenderly. He hissed at the pale-skinned man.

"Don't you dare call me that, you sugar-addicted freak!"

Ryuzaki calmly collected his slouched body from the floor.

"See, you are not fine, Light-kun. If you were you wouldn't have reacted so violently."

The auburn-haired man sneered.

"I have yet to watch you take my place and see if you ever could react to any pet-name calmly."

"You have a point there."

"There you have it. Besides, today is B's execution and I want to be present when that sick man takes his last breath."

"I'm sorry son."

A wet cloth covered Light's nose and mouth. Again. It was beginning to seem repetitive. As his limbs dropped limp and eyes grew heavy one last thought ran through his mind.

'I hate chloroform...'

Ryuzaki caught unconscious Light and threw the unresponsive body over his shoulder without much effort.

"I didn't want to do it to my own son, but he wouldn't have complied." Soichiro combed a large hand through his son's hair. "I'm sorry Light."

"Don't worry, Yagami-san, I will take care of him. Let's just hope he won't use me as a punching bad once he wakes up. But we have to hurry. Have a nice day."

"You too. Have a safe trip."

...

Yagami Soichiro and the investigating department stood behind a glass window and watched Beyond Birthday being fasten to a chair, mere minutes before the execution. The maniac saw the older man and smiled wickedly.

"Hey, chief-san. How is Light-kun dearest? Does he miss me? I was hoping he would come to see me off."

Soichiro grit his teeth but kept silent. At his side Matsuda jumped a little.

"Say, Yagami-san, when we broke into his hideout, he seemed to know Ryuzaki. Remember, he called him a friend or something."

The older man furrowed his brows and grabbed the microphone. He still had time.

"Beyond Birthday, how do you know Ryuzaki?"

B grinned.

"So you won't answer my question, but I have to answer yours? Tsk tsk tsk you are a rude man, chief-san."

Matsuda grabbed the device from the boss's hand.

"Light-kun is fine. Healthy and ready to study again. Will you answer the question now?"

A somewhat soft smile graced the murderer's features before it turned malicious.

"Good to know. Alright, eye for an eye, so to speak. We were raised together. I know Ryuzaki because he is L!"

At the stunned look on older Yagami's face the smile turned positively wicked.

"And he had his eyes on your son for quite a while, chief-san!"

A bout of insane laughter tore out from the pale throat. It didn't subside even as a needle broke the skin on his arm. Beyond Birthday laughed until the last breath escaped him.

Yagami Soichiro hid his face in his hands.

"Oh my God. What have I done?"

A/N: Sorry, I just had to torture Light :)