the tense atmosphere in the room. Or rather have her father and Light disappear because their incessant staring was really making her skin crawl.

"You're obviously an insomniac," she began, deciding to throw her consciously polite demeanor to the wind and examine him as brazenly as he had been doing to her mere minutes ago. "You seem to have forced yourself into detachment from your emotions considering the ever present monotone. Obviously you don't get out a lot, hence the almost sickly paleness and blatant lack of socially expected manners. My guess is that you sit like that to increase blood supply to your brain, allowing you to think at a much faster rate than normal. Although you're fluent, your accent in Japanese gives away your English or American descent and upbringing.

"I've seen you at the university, but I'd say you're in your mid to early twenties. Although your posture is horrifying, you seem to be quite flexible, so I'm assuming you frequently practice some form of martial arts involving your legs. You're a part of the case, obviously, but you definitely do not belong to the NPA, meaning that you're an external helper, but judging by the respect with which my father addresses you and your careless accusation of my brother in his presence, you're obviously more than important. My guess? You're actually L."

Silence followed her thoughtless rambling, and she inhaled deeply to regulate the oxygen supply in her body once more, feeling out of breath from the continuous talking.

"Remarkable," L murmured quietly, first to break the silence. "I'd received your files and almost perfect track record, but I must admit that I'm impressed."

Turning to Light, L addressed him, "Your sister has already reasoned as to my identity."

"That's correct," Soichiro confirmed. "This man is L. To protect his identity, we, on the Task Force, call him Ryuzaki, but make no mistake. It's really him."

(Y/N) could see how this statement sent the gears in Light's head spinning all the while L looked absolutely unbothered by those surrounding him. Seemingly coming to a conclusion, Light turned back to their father.

"So, Ryuzaki," the Yagami patriarch began, "now that you've had the chance to talk to my son-- is he cleared as a suspect?"

The three Yagamis waited with baited breath for the response that came after barely a moment of thought. "When I say that I suspect him, you should know that it's very minor," L informed, resulting in (Y/N) almost scoffing. She highly doubted the likelihood of that when she knew of what many agents had to say about him in the FBI after his involvement with them in LA BB murders. To put it simply, L was a liar and barely within the legal limits to get what he wanted.

"We've already gone over this and how Raye Penber's death points to Light," the insomniac added.

Crossing his arms, Light leaned back in his chair. "I understand. It only makes sense I'd be a suspect." Turning to look briefly at L, he amended, "No. To be more precise-- there's no one else you could suspect."

Of course, it could just be her imagination, but she could've sworn she saw the barest hints of a smile on L's face at Light's reasoning. "I find Light's deductive powers quite impressive," the man commented. "He's always quick and to the point."

"Ryuga," Light began, "I'd like to help with the investigation. My father has erased any doubts I might've had regarding your true identity. Also, I'd like nothing more than to catch Kira so I can prove once and for all that I'm not him."

The declaration brought some surprise to her-- she didn't think he would get this involved in such short time.

"No, Light," Soichiro interjected. "This is a time in your life when you should be studying to become a police officer. It won't be too late to join us once you are done."

Watching the scene unfold as a third party that was aware of all sides of the situation was honestly quite interesting, (Y/N) found as Light opened his mouth to protest. "Come on, Dad, what are you talking about? Who knows how many years that will take?" he argued. "Besides, don't you remember my promise? If something ever happened to you, I would find Kira and make sure he gets executed."

Her eyebrows rose slightly when this came forward. Evidently, this conversation must have taken place in her absence, but she expected nothing less of her brother. Light was awfully dramatic after all, and being this cheesy must've been his default setting when it came to their father.

"Light, listen to me," their father spoke, prompting the youngest among them to lift his head. "Kira is pure evil-- we can all agree on that. But recently I have started seeing this situation in a different way." Soichiro closed his eyes while (Y/N) mentally remarked on how he'd just unintentionally called his own son evil. "What is truly evil is the power to kill people, and any person who is able to obtain this power is cursed. No matter how use it, no true happiness can be obtained like that. Not by killing other people."

But didn't they all have the power to kill? It was a choice above anything else, and the subsequent results were what decided how a person would be remembered-- as good or as evil. Personally, she didn't believe that those were the only two categories. Nobody could conform to truly good or truly evil-- there were so many different types of intentions that no one could be exactly categorized within only two labels.

"I think you're absolutely right," L vocalized his agreement, staring at Light. "If Kira is just a normal person who somehow obtained this power, I would say he is cursed."

And just this once, she found herself in silent agreement. Realistically, crime could never be completely wiped out. People would simply get better at hiding their wrongdoings and, instead, this little mission would cost Light his sanity and those who genuinely care about him. But she would see her brother on that figurative throne if only to ensure that he stay alive.

"Ryuzaki, I'm sorry for all this mess. I'll be back at work as soon as they let me out of here," Soichiro assured, but (Y/N) was quick to shoot him a pointed glower.

"This time, however, you will be more considerate of your health. Honestly, Dad, this scare alone was terrible. Try not to be so hard on yourself," she asserted, standing up just as a nurse came in to ask them to leave, saying visiting hours were over ten minutes ago.

It was silent between the three of them as they exited the hospital building together. Light was deep in obvious contemplation, and neither (Y/N) nor L made any moves to engage in conversation.

Finally, it was the tall brunet who spoke first as the mysterious detective shuffled over to the car waiting right outside. "Ryuga," he called hesitantly, "what would it take to prove to you that I'm not Kira. Please. Isn't there something?"

Instinctively, the (h/c)-haired woman reached out and gripped his bicep as L turned to look at the siblings. "If you are not Kira, then it won't be necessary. Let things take their course, and the truth will be revealed," he answered.

Beneath her grip, Light tensed, prompting her to tighten it while silently wishing he would just shut up already. "I can't take this anymore! Put yourself in my position. How do you think it feels to be accused of being Kira?" the boy exclaimed.

Honestly, (Y/N) thought he should have pursued a career in acting instead of this detective business.

"It would be one of the worst feelings ever," L responded thoughtfully.

"What if you were to lock me up for a month in a place with no TV or any other access to the outside world, and keep a constant watch over me?" Light suggested, and this time, (Y/N) looked at him incredulously, stepping pointedly on his toes.

It seemed to have definitely gotten to L as the man looked to be deep in thought. (Y/N), on the other hand, only wanted to reprimand Light for maybe taking it too far this time. Logically, anyone innocent would be secure in the knowledge that they really weren't to blame and eventually, this would be proved. To go to such lengths seemed shady as hell to her, but given that L was hardly normal and wouldn't have the same idea, maybe her brother would get away with his careless remedy.

At last, L tilted his head. "That's no good," he drawled. "I can't do anything that would deprive you of basic human rights. And, furthermore, it's complete nonsense for the investigator to take suggestions from his suspect."

Looking stumped for a moment, Light was quick to gather his bearings and straighten. "I understand," he muttered while L was helped into the car by an elderly man.

"Don't worry so much," the raven haired man attempted at consolation. "Be patient; it will become apparent to us if you're not Kira. Listening to that conversation between you and your father, I was almost convinced that you might not be him. Light, please take good care of Mr. Yagami."

Leaning down to look through the car window, Light cut in before they could drive off. "Uh, one more thing. I know I said I'd help with the investigation, but I don't think I could do much until my father's healthy again."

(Y/N) stood right beside him, carefully watching the man who could very well be responsible for her brother's death.

"Yes, of course," L accepted before turning to the (h/c)-haired woman who seemed to be analyzing him. "I would also like for you to consider joining the Task Force, Ms. Yagami. Your current employment will not be a problem if you do join us."

Pursing her lips, she nodded. "I'll think about it," she muttered.

The car's engine was started up and L turned to face forward. "Well, then," being his parting words, the vehicle drove off, leaving the two siblings behind.

"I can't believe you just offered that," the woman snapped as soon as the car was a reasonable distance away from them. "Do you have any idea what that would do to Dad? Or the rest of us for that matter."

"Relax," the boy told her. "He said it himself-- he couldn't have done it, and I knew that."

She clenched her jaw, but accepted it all the same, not having the energy to argue with Light when he was feeling more arrogant than usual. "Do you think I should join the investigation?" she asked instead, dully noting that Ryuk had rejoined them from wherever he had been.

In response, Light shrugged. "I am going to join for sure. Having you around as well could be helpful," he muttered to himself, and she sighed, knowing that everything was a possibly compromising move to her genius of a brother.

(Y/N) had always known Light was dangerous with his intelligence, cynicism and tendency to find his surroundings boring. She should've foreseen that it could (and most likely would) lead to his downfall. For now, all she could do was hope to prevent it.

"I never once felt cursed ysince I picked up the Death Note," Light remarked, eyes wandering back to where the car had disappeared down the street. "In fact, the thought never even once crossed my mind. I'm happier than I've ever been- all thanks to this power." He looked skyward, and she followed his gaze to the full moon, shining down brightly through the dissipating clouds. "I'm going to create a perfect world."

Glancing at him from the corner of her eye, (Y/N) sighed through her nose. If only perfection existed in the sense you're looking to achieve, Otouto, she thought to herself.

"Honestly," Ryuk grunted, "I could care less whether you feel cursed or happy to have picked up a notebook. I'll leave that sentimental crap to you humans. But, normally, humans who come into contact with a Shinigami have nothing but misfortune."

Sparing him a glance, Light turned to begin walking home, and (Y/N) sighed at the prospect of having to cover all that distance by foot. "That's interesting," her brother was saying, "but I have no intentions of repeating that pattern."

"Well, I hope you're right about that," Ryuk chuckled, leaving her to give her silent agreement.

They could only hope.