Introduction to Muggle Studies by Yagami Light

[23 May, 2004]

Light read through Sayu's letter first thing Sunday morning. He smiled as he read through his sister's ramblings with a cup of coffee in hand. Light never knew how much he missed his sister and their bond until he had cut it off to become God of the New World and then renewed it after he started recovering parts of himself from the Death Note's effects.

Sayu was pleasant. Sayu was normal. Sayu was boring. Sayu was the sister Light had raised himself, since their father was married to his work and mother too lenient on the only normal child in the household.

Sayu was Light's family.

So, when he reached the part where Sayu mentions 'his Ryuga' glaring at his sister at the wake, Light's first instinct is to send a scathing letter to his first friend to warn him off. Fortunately, letters take longer to compose than a text message and Light has reconsidered his plan of action by the time he has his pen in his hand.

Instead, Light took in a deep breath and composed himself. Very carefully, Light did not reach out for his Death Note for stress relief. The Death Note was a tool. It was to be controlled and used, not controlled by and used. Light forced himself to read on and focus on the letter.

He was glad he did so. Sayu's instincts, like that of a normal person's, were spot on. She said it felt like L wanted to dissect her and read her mind. Light believed her. L knew how close Light was to Sayu. Sayu was good, but not good enough to fool L. L must have read her like the back of his hand. Light should not have told Sayu. Her reaction, if it had been genuine, would have convinced L that he was dead. But Light couldn't do that to Sayu. So, here they were.

It meant that while everyone was fooled by the evidence of the fake death, an empty doppleganger body made from Light's blood, hair, nails and saliva, L was not. L was still firm that Light was Kira. Light was sure of it. For L, the ongoing deaths of convicted criminals by heart attack would only be more evidence that Light was Kira and still alive.

Unfortunately, Light couldn't stop the deaths. Not yet. Not until it was firmly established that the Kira deaths went on even after Yagami Light's death, thus separating 'Yagami Light' from 'Kira'.

However, Light was going to decrease the number of deaths per day till they completely stopped. Kira was too popular and any sudden stop would be met with riots. No, Light needed to handle this slowly and steadily. The ideal situation would be to keep up the deaths till the second Kira was caught and then stop entirely. That would not only prove 'Yagami Light' wasn't Kira, but also work to firmly pin the first Kira's deaths on the second as well.

Oh, L would know the truth. He always did. But evidence would be to the contrary and eventually, the world governments and ICPO would force him to shut down any further investigations. Then, and only then, would Light be truly safe.

Light's real work would start after that. He would start killing criminals again. Except this time, it would be with anythingother than a heart attack. The Death Note can only control a victim for 23 days before killing them. But if there was no controlling involved? Well then, diseases, pre-mature heart attacks, suicides and so on down the line were acceptable. The 23-day rule would not applied in this case.

Killing someone off after giving them a heart disease, a terminal illness, a wasting disease or an ironic accident were perfectly natural causes and difficult to pin on Kira. After-all, Kira's MO was heart attacks.

When, and not if because L was good, the second Kira was caught, the Death Note would come into L's hands. He would know 'Kira' could kill using something other than heart attacks. But his official psychological profile included God-complex, megalomania and pride.

That meant if they went by profile, then 'Kira' would not kill criminals using other methods. He could, but wouldn't. As long as Light avoided heart attacks, it was all good. The world would still be rid of filth. Light can still pass judgements. Kira would be gone for good but peace would remain.

*****

[25 May, 2004]

Light tried very hard not to think about L's reaction to his death. Sayu had written that in great detail. She was an excellent writer and Light sent back a suggestion to pursue literature as a career. But still. He succeeded for three days before his thoughts went back to Sayu's first letter.

L wore a suit to his wake.

L had combed his hair.

L had stayed for the whole time.

L had looked devastated.

Light wanted to- he wanted to-! He didn't know.

All Light knew was that he agreed with Sayu. L was a scary, suspicious bastard. But L was Light's scary, suspicious bastard. His scary, suspicious bastard should be focusing on eating cake and catching the second Kira. Not waste hours being all dressed up and devastated at his wake. That was just not L.

Light had sent Sayu an owl. She had been very happy with his gift. He was tempted to send something to L too. His friend was just not suited to depression. Maybe a gift would cheer him up. Or maybe a punch.

Yes, Light wanted to punch L. Unfortunately, he could not. He satisfied himself with throwing a pillow through Ryuk instead.

It was all Ryuk's fault Light couldn't punch L.

*****

[26 May, 2004]

It was, perhaps, the most disappointing day of Light's life.

"I told you, Light-o," Ryuk said hanging upside down in the air. "As long as I possess you, you can't be controlled, killed or hurt with the intent to kill. And that drink comes under 'control'."

Yes, Light supposed, it would. Potions that could be used to increase his rate of learning, like the 'Wit Sharpening' did not work on Light. Because of Ryuk. If Ryuk was also not responsible for Light's invulnerability to magical means of death, then Light would have cursed him.

Ryuk, as always, remained a double edged sword. 

"So it is because of your Being?" Sato asked from besides him, curious. Light nodded.

"Yes." Light sighed. "It is one of his Blessings. I cannot be controlled by any Potion or Spell as long as he possesses me."

"That is very versatile. I wonder then, would you be immune to the Imperius Curse?" Sato thought out loud. That was another spell he had not heard before. So, Light set about to grilling his current guide at Mahoutokoro again.

"Imperius Curse?" He asked and Sato shook her head.

"One of the three Unforgivables. We haven't reached that topic yet. If you're naturally immune to it, then that would be very impressive. Your Bring must be a powerful yokai," Sato smiled. Light smiled back, a fake humble smile. Sato blushed and continued her explanation. Light listened to her, remembering her words but not listening. His mind was on L.

Witches and wizards were not much different from normal humans except having magic. They were just as boring as Light's classmates had been. Once he removed the interesting filter of 'magic', they became just as colorless as everyone else around him.

Light missed the splash of color that was L. His mind worked like his own, talks with him were both informative and interesting and he had a mean serve. L could capture his attention and hold onto it unlike anyone else.

L was-

Light abandoned that train of thought and focused back on Sato. He only had till the 30th to catch up on general knowledge. Then, he would be focusing only on the three areas of magic he could use without being an active practioner of the art- Runes, Arithmancy and Potions. History of Magic was a necessary field that Light would be learning more of through rote learning.

Memorization that would not require much of his time or brain. But it would tire him out. Overheat his brain.

And if Light was too tired to think, then he would finally be able to stop thinking of L.

*****

[12 June, 2004]

"You are very skilled at this, Yagami-san," Sato complemented bitterly. The Professor standing next to her nodded as well. Light looked down at the basic Runic Array he had drawn for a controlled fire. It was a skill taught to students learning Runes in their first year. Usually, it took them six months, one whole semester, to get to this point. Light did it in two weeks.

"I suppose so," Light acquiesced. "Runes are just another language, joined together in logic using arithmetic principles. And arithmancy is a form of mathematics." Thus, to Light, it felt like a form of programming using a different language and format. All programming languages, including runes, had one thing in common: logic. "I've always been good at both." Was what Light explained away his talent as.

"If you keep this up, you can go for a Master's in Runes in two or three years after graduation," the elderly Professor said. He looked impressed but Light could also see the light of greed in his eyes. "If you decide on it, I can recommend you for the test. You are eighteen, correct?" Light nodded. "If you could graduate by, say, twenty, then at twenty two you would be the youngest Runes Master in three decades!"

Ah, Light could understand the Professor's motivations then. He wondered if he got his IOWLs and INETWs in six months and focused on his Master's for the next six, then would he be the youngest Runes Master in a century at nineteen?

Light didn't miss the flash of jealousy in Sato's eyes at those words. He'd have to tread carefully here. Antagonizing Sato could make things very difficult for him at Mahoutokoro. He would have to make nice with her. Perhaps go to her for History tutoring? Light was still behind in that area, and had little to no knowledge of international political blocks. Sato was clearly both knowledgeable and passionate about the later. She would eat his praise right up.

*****

[17 June, 2004]

Arithmancy really was just mathematics, adding an additional variable of magical principles to the equation. Light had scored top of his generation in Japan and full-marks at To-Oh's entrance exam. Mathematics was easy. Calculus was easy. Light would have Arithmancy done by the 25th and sit for his IOWLs and INEWTs on the 30th June and 30th July respectively. That was one down.

Potions was a mix of chemistry and cooking. Light had always been good at both. However, it was a subject requiring patience and Light was in no hurry. The side-effects detailed in his books about people who hurried about or took short-cuts in Potions were an effective deterrent. Mahoutokoro had a reputation for Potions. So did Hogwarts. It was a subject he could continue taking instruction in at both of the schools at his leisure.

Runes, however, Light loved Runes. They were interesting. They were engaging. An amalgamation of several languages, several calculations, several flows of logic, all colliding into one. Runes kept his attention from L. They were complex constructs of logic that got into his personal space and demanded his full attention.

Always right next to him, whispering in his ear, sitting so close that he could feel the warmth of his body. Mind so dangerous, wit so sharp that Light could cut himself on it. 

Runes reminded him of L. Runes were like L. Nothing ever challenged him like-

No. 

Light had slowly reduced the number of names written in the Death Note. Now, he only killed ten per day. He kept busy and had no time for thinking about Death Notes and detectives who reminded him of Runes.

*****

[18 June, 2004]

Light stood in the shop, looking around curiously. Most witches and wizards used wands or staves. Their body had natural channels for their flow of magic. For Possessed Humans like Light, however, a blood bound artifact was needed to draw the magic out of them.

Beings possessing humans changed their biology to a certain extent. For muggles who turned into werewolves and Possessed Humans, their body adjusted to absorbing magic. Over a period of time, they gained many physical changes that wizards and witches possessed. Unusual colors, an increase in durability and health being the shared trait. The extent of the change and time taken also depended on the density of magic in the environment they lived in.

For example, eventually Light would be durable enough that a couple of bullets wouldn't be enough to kill him. People usually die more from the momentum of the bullet shot than blood loss. Just like wizards who play Quidditch. They get hit by speeding Bludgers some fifty foot high in air, shake it off and get back in the game. Normal humans, muggles, couldn't do that. 

Light would be able to do that in the future. If it was only him and Ryuk, it would take five to six years. Living at Mahoutokoro and Hogwarts? It would take him barely a year.

Light wondered if he would experience changes in hair and eye colors as well. He hoped not. Light quite liked how he looked. It would be a pain to adjust all his clothes and accessories to change according to his new colors. Being perfect was part of being Yagami Light and that took effort. Not to mention, he would have to dye his hair if it turned to have some outrageous neon color.

Sayu would laugh.

L would laugh at how low the perfect Yagami Light had fallen.

"You want a pen, yes?" the shopkeeper asked and Light blinked, back in the moment. "For Runic inscription. Blood bonded."

"Yes," Light said. "That was what I thought. I am looking to further an education in Runes and a pen would be most useful." Also, symbolic. Light had spent days and nights writing names in his Death Note using his pen. Getting a magical Fountain Pen would not only feel like home in Light's hands, but also double as an acceptable alternative to quills.

Because come hell or heaven, which Light had on good authority would not be for him, he would never use sharpened feathers as a writing instrument.

"Did you already get your INEWTs? WOMBATS? Going for a Master's?" The shopkeeper, a graying man in a green kimono asked. Light shook his head.

"Not yet but give me six months and I will," Light faked a smile. "And using quills is just," he held his palms open to show calloused fingers and ink stained hands. "Awkward."

"Understandable." The man nodded. "I find it the same way. Many people never understand that using an instrument with an internal container for ink is neater than dipping a feather or brush in ink constantly, no matter the enchantments. The rationale behind my questions being, would you like one pen or a set?" Light blinked.

"Is there a difference? Any advantage I'm unaware of?" Light asked curiously.

"Different woods have different effects and affinities," he explained and stood up to take out different sticks of wood from behind the counter to place in front of Light. "Since yours is going to be blood bound, it needs to be of a metal and wood having an affinity with you. Like wand woods and cores. One person can have an affinity for several woods and cores. Hence, a set made of different pens, all having an affinity for you and a varied affinity for different types of runes."

Put it that way, it made sense to Light. Then again, this man was an expert in his profession and Light was paying a pretty heavy price for something long lasting. A proper magical focus, blood bound at that, was a long term investment. One only goes for the best for long term.

"A set then," Light said. "Right. Do you accept yen, dollar, euro or gold?" The shopkeeper paused. He looked over at Light with a new glint in his eyes. He took one of Light's hand in his own and looked at the palm.

"Oh, you are interesting," he said softly and drew Light's hand to stick of light red. The wood felt odd under his fingers. "People usually pay in gold without asking. It is the one common currency around the wizarding world. But I do accept all of the above. Surprise me." The man looked down and smiled. "Fir. Favors owners with focused, strong-minded and often intimidating demeanor. Not a perfect match. But this gives me a baseline for what does suit. Yes, oh yes, you are interesting."

Light just gave a bland smile in return. He knew he was interesting. He knew he was better. Whether muggle or wizard does not matter. Yagami Light always stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was a fact of nature, not vanity or narcissism. 

The shop keeper looked up, as if he could read Light's mind and moved his hand to a white wood. Despite looking as cold as it did, this one felt surprisingly warm.

"Yew," the man laughed. "It will never choose a mediocre or timid owner. You certainly fit the bill."

"What else would you be choosing in addition to the woods?" Light asked, wanting the man to move on from this showmanship. Speaking the way he did, saying the words he did, was certainly a tactic Light had heard several times from salesmen before.

"A metal, a binding agent," the shopkeeper shrugged. "Your own blood will be the core." So, Light would have to bleed, and more than a few drops at that, for getting some custom pens. The day just kept getting worse and worse.

Light ignored the old man pulling his hand over to different woods to think on what he should get for Sayu's upcoming birthday. She liked clothes and that model, Amane Misa. Maybe he could get a black witch's dress, complete with a pointed hat? Something like what McGonagall wore, except the magical girl version? It would certainly fit her tastes.

Thirty minutes, and several thousand dollars poorer (paid in a mix of all, but not gold), Light had placed an order of a set of five diamond tipped pens made from elder, hornbeam, pine, vine and yew, to be delivered within a week. The man had frowned, seeing him matched with pine but gave him a ten percent discount for the curiosity. Light was all too glad for the decreased bill. 

Then, he spent the rest of the evening shopping for Sayu. Authentic witch clothes were much higher quality than cosplay or decorative pieces from Tokyo. Light bought three in different colors, just in case.

A set of black gloves with only index finger and thumb uncovered lay at the bottom of his trunk, not sent to it's intended recipient.

*****

[22 June, 2004]

The number of names written in the Death Note dropped to five per day. Everything was going according to plan. Then, one day-

Sayu had invited L to her birthday party.

Sayu had invited L to her birthday party.

Oh, by the Death Note and Kami, Sayu had invited L to her birthday party.

Why did Sayu drop such news on him after the fact?! 

On one hand, Light worried L would interrogate Sayu for information on him. On the other, he worried L would not go at all and Sayu would be sad. And if L made Sayu sad, then Light would be obligated to take action. Punch him, maybe. Send hate mail. Maybe take out pages from his Death Note, bind it into another book and tell Ryuk to drop it on some unsuspecting fool so as to make an even bigger headache for the detective. If L was busy with a new Kira, then surely he wouldn't have time to go after Sayu?

Why did Sayu invite L to her birthday party?!

*****

[29 June, 2004]

Sayu's letter was devoid of any details except the fact that L had attended her birthday party, L had gifted her a black notebook, L had eaten most of her birthday cake and L did not like Sayu's bastard for some reason.

There were many alarming things in that statement. Light did not know which one he should worry about first. The fact that L had actually attended Sayu's birthday party, that L had apparently found that incompetent second Kira and gifted Sayu a mockery of the Death Note, or that L did not like Kagami Taro?

The last one, Light decided. Sayu was safe because there was no reason for L to go after her except for information on Light. Light was accepted as being 'dead', and thus not Kira, by everyone other than L. So, his father would not allow any harm to come to Sayu for those reasons. Only the fact that L did not like Kagami Taro was of immediate concern.

Light did not like Taro. There was just something about him that felt off to him. But then, Light did not like a lot of people. L, however, was different. Light trusted L's judgement. That man was able to pick Light up as Kira from within hundreds of suspects at first sight. He had experience of several years as the World's Greatest Detective, putting various criminals behind bars. So if L did not like Kagami Taro? There really was something wrong there.

Sayu wouldn't listen though. Taro was Sayu's friend like L was Light's friend. Sayu had invited L to her birthday because if her bastard was coming, then it only made sense Light's would too.

"What am I going to do with you, Sayu?" Light groaned and held his head in his hands.

Light stopped writing names in his Death Note. Evidence wise, it would all point to the second Kira as being the first since the deaths stopped after L caught him or her. But unofficially? L would know. The deaths stopped only after L clued Sayu, and thus Light, in to the fact that he had caught the second Kira. 

Light stopping at this point was just giving L all the confirmation he needed. Light did not care.

That bastard! Could he just not be a bit more incompetent? Did he have to go and solve the Kira case a month after Light faked his death? Why was the second Kira so stupid?

*****

[30 June, 2004]

Light was still stuck on the Sayu problem by the time his Arithmancy IOWL's come around. He finished the test within an hour. Unfortunately, he still didn't come to a solution about Taro.

Fortunately, thinking about 'taking care' of Kagami Taro kept his mind off of taking care of L. How? Light was not sure. Should he punch the guy or pat his head for finding the second Kira so quickly? Maybe both? Maybe-

No, no. Keeping busy was the key here. Light wondered whether he should go for the Muggle Studies IOWLs and INEWTs just to pad his numbers. 

A pack of Sugar Quills was added to his 'unsent gifts' collection. 

*****

[18 July, 2004]

In a turn of strange circumstances, Sayu had met Amane Misa. They hit it off like old friends and apparently, Amane had liked Sayu's witch-y clothes so much that she wanted to order a custom set. Sayu had wrote asking for the shop's address.

Light did not believe in coincidences. What were the chances Sayu would meet her favorite model, Amane Misa, in the middle of Aoyama? At the place where the first and second Kira were supposed to meet? And at a coffee shop called 'Note Blue'?

No, this was all arranged by L.

Amane Misa was the second Kira. L knew Light was the first. L knew Light was alive. L knew Sayu was somehow in contact with Light.

And now L was trying to get Light out of hiding. Or figure out where he was hiding.

Joke was on him. Light was going to be off Minami Iwo Jima and in London, England in three hours.