middaeg | Player Plot: The Salvation of Geardagas, Part 1

[ That which makes a great hero makes a terrifying villain. Light considers himself the former more than the latter, but the principle remains true. If L's life had been different, and he'd turn down an evil path, he'd be a horrifying force to face.

They can't remeet as they should have met. Their history isn't one so erasable or undone so the blows they've dealt to one another remain. Yet, they can work together as they could have should their cicumstances have been different. Two brillant minds focus on a singular problem, working in tandem as if two halves of a singular whole. So far, the challenge hasn't warranted their collective minds, but there's still something satisfying in working with someone of equal intelligence. ]

Then the best lies hold ground in truth. We'll go in together. You're more established than I am so I can play someone more willing to listen with an open mind. I'll have an interest in getting you to go along. We don't know who's been converted, or who will be. You work with the counsel and at the orphange. That's the safest route.

[L is in full agreement. He lies baldly and shamelessly to achieve his ends, but there is always a core of truth to it. The man probably wasn't the British Junior Champion at tennis, but he had the skill to hold his own against Light. He probably didn't lose 40% of his deductive ability by sitting with his feet on the floor, but there's enough security and comfort in tucking his knees against his chest to justify it. He probably didn't consider Light a friend, when he said so earlier in the case... but the admiration was there, the common strains, the notion that he was meeting someone similar enough to engage with as equals.

He doesn't ask that Light Yagami is always honest with him. He's not foolish enough to expect as much. The honest core, and common strain, are enough to sustain him, and he's convinced at least that it's sincere. A perfect diamond in an otherwise pitch-black, perilous mine.]

We're both skeptics, but I agree that you can sell naive curiosity better, given the relative recency of your arrival and your youth.

[L looks young. He also looks like his hard living has caught up to him a bit. Running nearly constantly, lately has not helped his undereye bags or the pallor of his skin.]

I have some guesses among my own circle for who might be in attendance, but it goes without saying that nothing is certain yet, and care is needed in approaching this. For the purposes of our role-play... you should probably ask most of the questions, and we can gauge as we go how cynical my second perspective should be. You wouldn't want to convert unless I was sure, after all, and a cynical counterbalance could coax out more information than they'd give someone open-minded, alone.

Edited 2021-01-24 20:01 (UTC)

[ Ironically, that which originally brought them together doesn't exist in this world. The Death Note didn't travel with Light and instead, waits for his return so that they could finish the plan he put into motion long ago. In this world, they're connected because of the Kira case, but there's no real risk of death from the other outside of extraordinary circumstances. While he'd certainly taken more than his share of lives, Light isn't prone to simply walking the street to find a victim. Instead, he's left with his mind and a challenge of using it to do what he can in this world while he's here. There are complications. L knows Light does kill him in the future, and Light's undoing walks the city streets without Light's knowledge.

And Light still lied. He's been lying for as long as he can remember, though the reasoning was much more mundane. He was someone who realized he was different and not always in the best of ways. If his real personality, the one who wasn't really as social, were to leak, his existence would be much different. Instead of approaching the world earnestly, he did so as a play, playing the part of the perfect everything. That doesn't mean there were never truths. Even with L. Sincere respect exists, even as enemies. Light finds him even more fascinating than he admits, and the ability to work with an equal is more relieving than he can describe. ]

You're right.

[ Even now, they're only saying aloud a plan they've both already started in their head and agreeing on most, if not all, aspects. ]

I'll have to appear interested enough for them to believe I do have a real interest in joining, but if I agree too quickly, we'll get less information, especially as to how much pressure they're willing to assert.

They'll probably try to separate us at some point. It makes a lot more sense to keep me away from you considering your skepticism. When it happens, if we can let it happen convincingly, we should. When we meet up, I want to compare stories.

[There's a reason L hasn't "come down" in days, that Light's arrival lit an elated spark in him that's only grown stronger. It could grow to a destructive blaze, in time, but he can feel his blood moving, his thought process seamlessly completed and carried forward by one who complements it perfectly.. That's worth so much to someone prone to listless boredom and melancholy.

A barb flicks across the Bond. Annoyance, not at Light, but at the prospect of being separated. Light's correct; it is likely, but that doesn't mean he has to be happy about it.]

I trust you not to give anything away intentionally about our true motives, but given the evidence that this church has no real qualms about compelling thought, I insist on teaching you a few techniques for resisting both mind control and mind-reading before we go. They're tied closely enough to Divination that I've made some study of them.

I've done some study on my own, but we don't have much to lose by going over more, even if it might end up as a review.

[ L knows Light well enough to likely know for every plan, Light has a backup and likely a backup to that as well. He's always well-prepared, even when he has to prepare on the fly. While he's confident when making decisions, Light knows that you can't control all of the variables. You predict them as best as you can, but it won't be with 100% accuracy. ]

Even with all of the defenses, we need to be careful with our thoughts. If they manage to get powerful witches, our skills will be tested. I'm also worried about the monsters, especially shapeshifters. Always confirm it's me through our bond; that's not something they can mimic.

At the very least, practicing with a partner is helpful, and there's no replacement for a Bond. If you can hold my prying at bay, you can probably stand against anyone else.

[Spoken like a joke, but his eyes are dead serious. He is curious to know how Light might react to the notion of a more intense effort to read his thoughts from L specifically, and what they might reveal. L knows what the future holds, of course... but Light doesn't. He just knows that he's Kira, and that L may or may not fall shortly by his hand in their world.]

Do you really think I could mistake a shapeshifter for you, even without our Bond? Be honest...

[His tone is decidedly playful, now.]

Unlike you, I'm not sure they'd care that while we do share a bond together and share almost everything, there are pieces of our minds that we use for what little privacy we offer each other from the bond. I'll work on the usual evasion and reflective tactic all the same.

[ It's Light's way of reminding L that not only does he value his own privacy to a degree, but he also affords L some privacy of his own. It would be a bad idea to push against walls that were erected for a very good reason.

The playful question earns a sincere laugh from Light. ]

Before they spoke? I think they'd have a decent chance. I've seen them turn into something more physically complicated than me. After they spoke? It's not a tactic I would try on you. So, if I come up to you suddenly mute, then we'll know it's a trick.

[It's a good save. It would have to be, considering that L really would like a complete excuse to pick at Light's brain more than even the Bond will allow. He struggles with boundaries in relationships to start with, whether it's trampling all over someone else's or fiercely guarding his own space and emotions, seeming to have a difficult time distinguishing when it's correct to relax those standards a little, or ease off when he has encroached too far into unwanted territory. It's probably due to the fact that, as a private investigator, he has long forgotten the discomfort most feel when they trespass somewhere they aren't welcome.

As Near had pointed out recently, his Bonds are not cases.]

I can't think of an instance where I'd prefer you silent to speaking.

[A couple of years ago, maybe it was the prospect of Kira finally receiving the death sentence, witnessing it for himself, a closed chapter and another head for the trophy hall.]

Of course I'll demand a punishing topic that only you could keep up with... and call them out when they can't.

[He actually kind of wants it to happen, now. It would be such good sport.]

[ Light is fine asserting boundaries while explaining why he would need, or want, any information he requests. Even then, there's a realization that there's going to be a tug-of-war between them. As nice as it is to fall into this understanding, Light is also fine with having L against him in a few different areas. He misses the challenge while welcoming the partnership. ]

You want it to happen.

[ He doesn't even need to use the bond to guess that L is imagining just how much fun he would have with the shifter. He'd certainly play along long after he discovered the deception. Light probably shouldn't chuckle, but he does nonetheless. It's not an unamusing thought. ]

It's fine if you can get any information from them, but I won't easily forgive you if you forget the real me is still there.

[He can't even deny that he does. The Bond would give it away past the unmistakable brimming glow that comes with the exciting prospect.

He doesn't try, then.]

Forget you? Perish the thought!

[Mock shock, indignity.]

If I can last for a year in this place and somehow not manage it, it would have to take some kind of shapeshifter. And the kinds of things that would certainly prove it wasn't you, perhaps.

[ That could mean a lot of things. Light was someone with boundary and pride so the list of things he wouldn't do is a long one. However, there's no denying the lighter topic of the conversation, the way the friendship aspect of their relationship is strong. Light's complimenting L's intelligence, L is admitting his refusal to move on from Light. It'd be easy enough to cut it off, even if that isn't really the direction of the discussion. They could get back to work, to real plans and actions. There's certain contingencies to consider.

Instead, Light decides to play tennis with L. Again. ]

And what kind of things wouldn't I do?

[ Serve. ]

[L props an elbow against his knee, resting his chin in his open palm. He regards his adversary-turned-Bond.]

It sounds like I really do know you the best. You can't think of anything?

[Light's default is taking things seriously. It makes him fun to rib and needle, in the way that people can when insecurity isn't on the table, and punching below the belt is distinctly disallowed in the contest.]

You're many things, Light. Impetuous is not one of them. You're consistent, fastidious, and stern, tending not to deviate from those traits, and so... I would know.

I can think of a lot of things I would never do, but I don't think they plan on trying to use my double against me.

[ L does well to describe him. Those are traits he would be proud to carry. Those are traits that made it necessary for him to become Kira. ]

But they shouldn't respond in too many ways so out of character that it would be a distraction to you. Unless they begin trying to murder the perish or seduce the priest, it'll be small inconsistences.

No... it's unlikely. A thought experiment, at best.

[But an amusing one, nevertheless, in a few different ways. L is enjoying this in a more languid, biding way than he's been tearing through the conversations and case materials as of late. It's as though a blur of motion has come to rest for a few moments, properly in focus, if only briefly.]

Truly, Light... it's not so much about the decisions you make. It's how you make them. You decide things quickly, at times, but never impulsively. I don't think it would be beyond you to do either of those things, or myriad others. I think you're capable of anything, given proper reason.

[Being Kira. It's the highest praise, from him.]

[ It's a familiar dance but even here, L knows Light can't just confess to being Kira. It's a secret he guards with a ferocity that hasn't faded in the least. Without knowing Near's connection and subsequent briefing, he can't know just how confirmed L's 'theory' has been. ]

Self-defense isn't murder, and I can't imagine ever committing murder.

[ A complete lie instead of one rooted in truth. L's right, Light will do anything the situation calls for. This one calls for him to obfuscate the truth. ]

... I can't imagine why I would have to seduce the priest, either. If we need a distraction, I'm sure we can think of another plan. After it was finished and everyone was okay, I could appreciate having Matsuda fall from a window. We could try that again.

[L knows Light can't confess. L probably wouldn't want him to even if he could or was compelled to, because it would mark the end of something. He's not ready to let go of it, yet; he has missed it too much to just release it, and like the handcuffs they shared for a period, once, their Bond represents a mutual fate and shared risks.

Near is a factor. Near has also chosen to Bond with both of them. It's a complication, but perhaps not a detrimental one. Certainly an interesting one, though L has to wonder how much of it is motivated by surveillance, the notion that the two of them can't be trusted together. Near literally had his job in their world because the two of them met, after all.]

We can extend or retract meanings as we see fit to serve an agenda, and that's precisely what the law does. Self-defense might not be a murder motivated the same way as a serial killer in search of gratification, but... the result is still a death. Plenty of killers get away with their crimes, and plenty who kill in self-defense are convicted.

[Then, airily]

I'd say it's a problem, if you can't imagine killing someone. A detective has to imagine many motives, take the attitude that anyone is capable of anything, given the proper one. Don't worry... it won't incriminate you.

[Self-defense, then. Allegedly. At least. He's missed this.]

It's interesting that your mind went to a distraction, first. It implies that, even with the caveat that it would be a last resort, this is why you'd seduce someone.

We can twist things t be what we want, but thankfully the law's not determined by just two men, and murder is well-defined. There are some gray areas, and we both know that even when we try, the law doesn't always work perfectly. Sometimes, the innocent are convicted and the guilty are released. I wouldn't be a good detective if I didn't think I could kill in defense of myself or someone else. That extends the definition of self-defense, but the idea is the same. I won't be breaking into homes to kill somebody.

[ He kills through a notebook, admittedly. So far, Light hasn't gotten his own hands physically dirty. Still, even before Kira, he was prepared to kill in the line of duty if that's what was necessary. Not lightly; even his first judgments were very heavy. ]

You don't have to worry. When we're inside, I'll watch your back and do what I have to do to make sure we both make it back safely.

[ Light's offensive magic is growing by the day, and he's very capable in elemental magic. However, shielding and healing seems to be his best thanks to the doubling up of classes. ]

And it's the most likely reason I would seduce someone I'd only met in a room full of people when I'm on a mission with you. Do you imagine I'm the kind of guy who would fall for someone and immediately abandoned something this important in hopes of spending a night with them? I know young men don't have the best reputation, but you know I have a lot more restraint than that.

I'm not worried.

[Just very fascinated. Light has that effect on him, practically regardless of the conversation topic.]

And it's a thought experiment, Light... I'd ask you not to take it too seriously, or too personally. Sometimes, to establish a point's boundaries, it should be pushed to the absurd. This isn't about the reputation of young men, or yours, just a bit of fun.

[He reaches for his coffee, much cooler now, taking another sip.]

No amount of restraint precludes a bit of fun, in the interest of being motivated and staying motivated. We needn't discuss how you would seduce the priest, though, if the topic is uncomfortable to you.

I'd be more disappointed than offended if I thought you really assumed I wouldn't be able to control myself.

[ The idea is absurd enough that he hadn't taken it seriously, but he can be prone to serious answers, even when joking. He does have a critical outlook on life. ]

It doesn't make me uncomfortable. We're both adults, and we're not strangers. You've also spent months watching Misa's attempted sex life with me, and we've discussed yours. 'How' isn't an easy question to answer without knowing anything about them. Compliments and direct interest are probably the easiest way, but some people can see through them if they're not sincere. With you, if a stranger approached and began to praise you, you'd immediately be on guard. Even if they compliment your intelligence, something you agree is your strength, it wouldn't matter if you didn't already have some respect for them.

Besides, a priest is used to being worshipped. You'd need to stand out. They'd be a lot less likely to be interested in someone who didn't believe. If they're smart enough, somebody who asks interesting questions might get their attention. If not, an attractive face is more likely.

As a reminder, I'm not seducing the priest.

I always assume a baseline of admirable self-control, but... as with all things, I also assume a limit.

[There are layers to what L says, as is often the case. Different dimensions, depending on the exposure and the angle. There's enough there to hint at particular implications and suggestions... but also enough to provide him with some plausible deniability, should Light confront him about it.

Interesting, that you'd take it that way. Don't you think so? What do you think it means?

He chuffs a breath of laughter; Light is bleakly correct. L, who does not have an attractive face or a charming bearing, would immediately be suspicious of praise and compliments, in spite of his position of power back home. Misa had only flirted with him as a joke after L had expressed his envy at university, and the joke was that L could be sexually desirable in any way that mattered to her. The joke was that she dangled her own desirability in the face of one who didn't have a snowball's chance, while kissing and cuddling against one who did.]

No... you'll not be seducing the priest, although it would be more than just a bit of fun to watch you try. However, I'd ask you to elaborate more on the worship that a priest is accustomed to. My understanding of the position is that the church, or the figurehead, or the deity is the subject of worship, and not the priest, himself. Is that just the uncorrupted ideal? Would you say that many drawn to positions of power within a church, and especially cult leaders, do so because of their access to ready and willing admirers who fancy them sexually?

[ Light sees the trap, but he isn't going to fall for it. It's interesting enough that L makes the play. They both know what he's saying, and what he doesn't say. It would be like swinging at a foul ball. It's best to ignore it for now. ]

In theory, that's the way it's supposed to work. Sometimes, it does. Even then, they have more respect and recognition than the other members of the church. They're complimented, and the people in the church will usually side with them.

A lot of cult leaders definitely take advantage of the power they hold. I would say that's the biggest difference between them and a priest. A cult leader demands such devotion that he can have sex with any member he wants and convince them it's not only the right thing to do, but that they're lucky to have the chance. Religion is a bit more removed. The priest doesn't have that much power. Instead, when it's abused, the victims are shamed into staying silent. Who would believe someone so high in the church would go against their faith? They're above us so they should also be above our temptations.

I'm not saying that's the case for this church. I don't expect the priest to try and seduce me, either.

[L's certainly not going to fail to keep Light on his toes. Bonded or not, they both thrive on the dynamic.]

When it's practiced the way it should be... that is, ideally... I'm sure you'd also agree that a priest enters his position out of a desire to do good in the world. A cult leader, contrarily, does so out of ego. It really takes a formidable one, to assume that one is entitled to that level of power, that level of worship.

[It sounds like someone they are mutually acquainted with. That's not an accident, not quite... but L has yet to hear Light say directly that he wants to have sex with anyone, at all. The closest he ever came was admitting he had something of a type in Kiyomi Takada, and L didn't exactly live to see the extent to which Light was willing to discard her when his ends required it.]

They're only above us if we believe. I believe you'll be seduced as much as I believe you'll resort to trying it, whether or not a distraction is needed.

[He laughs; the sound might be startling, given that the tone of the conversation or L's voice didn't hint that it was coming.]

[ The implication isn't lost on Light. He's been called a murderer and much worse things in his home world by people who can't really understand the safety and peace he'll one day bring to them all. Normally, he can shrug them off. Admittedly, L managed to strike the right kind of note on television, but Light isn't prone to making the same mistake twice. ]

Hmn. Ideally, there are a lot of differences between a priest and a cult leader, motives included. Sometimes, it's not always easy to tell what is a church and a cult. Tomorrow, we'll find out if that's true for this one, too.

[ Sex isn't any more difficult for him to fake than the things he fakes on a daily basis. It's also not very often a natural urge. His first few months in this world were spent learning magic, as if to cram years of knowledge in just a few months. He'll need to start building relationships now that he has a good foundation. The one person he's closest to...

Well, he sits across from him, and that's a bit more complicated. Until very recently, Light really assumed L had no sex drive. It would be a lie to say he hadn't thought of how that would be useful for him, even if they are allies in this world. Myr is Light's only real point of comparison, and L knows Light and Myr to be two very different people. Still, he also knows there's an intense connection between the two of them, one beyond the bond. They were both splashes of color in a world full of grays. Knowing L, that sense of danger and challenge would be a draw, not a deterrent. ]

Good, we can add that to the list of things that would blow their cover. Besides, isn't there a saying? Dance with the one who brought you?

[L cants his head.]

I'm not sure. The magic of this world occasionally translates things in unexpected ways... you're surely speaking Japanese right now, and I'm speaking something else, but we understand each other perfectly.

[Man of mystery that he is, L doesn't say what he's speaking. He's so multilingual, he might actually be unable to assume with perfect confidence.]

What I'm saying is... I'm not really familiar with the phrase. Could you elaborate, Light?

It's an English saying so I said it in English, even if it's hard to tell with the magic translation.

[ Languages is one area in which L has the advantage, but Light can speak perfect English in addition to Japanese. It does make him wonder if L simply switches between languages all day. He can see L playing small games that no one will ever know about. ]

I don't really know the history of the phrase, but I think it used to be taken literally. A girl would go to a dance with a guy but end up more interested in somebody else. I know it happens in movies, but I don't know how often it was a real problem. Now, a lot of people use it to mean you should leave with the person you came with.

So, I came with you, and I'll leave with you.

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