Chapter Text
Light's teeth grazed through the apple's skin with a satisfying crunch. Today had been a good day. Well, for him. Not necessarily for the criminals left dead in jails across Japan. Today was a little slow- only a few hundred names in the notebook. Research had been slow yesterday. He'd have to pick up some slack tomorrow.
His eyes scanned the black binding of the Death Note before sliding it smoothly back into his jacket. He stood up from his seat at the dinner table, spinning his pen between his fingers. The stench of coffee and eggs flooded the air, accompanied by the sounds of news reports on Kira's latest - his latest - "killing spree."
Once Light exited through the café's glass doors, a wheezing laugh caught his attention from behind. "That's, uh, that's some neat trick you got there, kid."
Quickly, Light steeled his emotions and turned around. The man was old; in fact, his apparent age seemed almost comical. He wore a black and white suit, complete with a tie and dress pants- all the hallmarks of an upstanding businessman. A large, black over-the-shoulder jacket hung from him, finishing the look with a black leather eyepatch. The closer Light looked, the more intricate the small designs on the outfit appeared, featuring Nordic-looking runes carved into the fabric. Finally, blue tattoos of various designs and sizes adorned the skin beneath the eyepatch, crawling down his neck as they vanished beneath his clothing.
Light was confused, to say the least, but he spoke regardless. "Sorry, sir, were you speaking to me?"
The old man smirked, oddly reminding Light of himself when he had been forced to lie. A coldness permeated his gaze, an ancient sharpness that belied his frail appearance. He opened his mouth again. "There's no use playing games with me, son. I mean, not many were better at chess than Wilhelm Steinitz in his time, right?" His voice was heavy yet strangely enticing at the same time.
Light felt sweat beading in his palms as he squeezed his pen. "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about, Mister."
"Still playing around, hmm, Kira?"
Light’s heart skipped a beat, and his eyes narrowed. He kept his composure, forcing a neutral expression on his face despite the sudden surge of adrenaline. "Excuse you?"
"No use hiding it. I'm aware of how the note works." The man lazily paced around Light, the younger boy's eyes never leaving his swaying form. "Well, a little. I'm not particularly familiar with the spirits of this region. I bet you think you're really smart, huh? Playing everyone around you, making them believe you're this nice little boy?"
Light's eyes fell, glaring daggers at the man as they bounced off his armor. "What's your game, old man?"
"The same one you're playing, Yagami. You think you're untouchable," the old man continued, his voice laced with quiet amusement, "But take it from me and my experiences: power's always got a price."
Light turned to walk away. "You have no idea walk you're talking about, old man. I'm the answer to every problem facing this world." Deep down, Light relished not having to pretend that he was who he was not, just for a little bit.
The man simply smirked. "Then I think we'll get along just great." He turned to leave before turning over his shoulder, a majority of his face hidden by the coat on his shoulders. "Oh, right. Names. Call me Alfodr." He turned back and began walking away with a flip of the hand, seemingly causing two crows to land on his shoulders. It was only then that Light noticed that the powerlines and rooftops were crowded with hundreds and hundreds of corvids. "See you soon, Kira."