middaeg | Quest Log: JULY 2021

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a. the fight - closed to L

They should be here somewhere.

[ Light and L are best when they're using their brain, but both have become powerfully adept in magic. While the business is doing well, there's nothing to lose by taking on missions to help them gain additional funds as well, especially now that they're both confident in their skills. ]

Be careful; even if there's no mention of camouflage, it sounds like they'd naturally fit in with the flora.

[ Oddly enough, for enemies, they're also capable of trusting each other with this much. Likely, it helps that neither has made a move to hurt the other in spite of their now extended stay. Perhaps they just have so much confidence in themselves, that they assume the other needs them too much to strike a fatal blow.

Maybe a part of them has actually fallen into a partnership.

Whatever the reason, Light doesn't hesitate to go into enemy territory with L, going over what information they have on the 'dragons'. He's at least thankful that they're not of the larger variety. ]

Besides being dragons. That should stand out.

b. hallucinations (1) - OTA

[ It wasn't a flawless fight but when the duo finished, Light felt fine. The rest of the day, Light felt fine. When he leaves the house, he felt fine. There's no reason to be on guard or to question his eyes. As odd as the world can be, hallucinations aren't common enough that he can't trust his senses.

In this case, he shouldn't have.

For a moment, the world wavers. Blinking, it's enough to cause him to stagger and bump into the person closest to him. ]

Sorry.

[ Is he working too hard? While Light does pull some long nights, he's always careful to care for his body. It shouldn't be...

Pulled from his thoughts, he realizes the person in front of him isn't normal. Instead, as the world comes back into focus, the very normal face begins to morph into something more demonic than he's seen, even in this world. Instantly, he staggers back, not realizing his mind is playing tricks. ]

What are you?

c. hallucinations (2) - network post

[ They've gotten strong enough to mess with his mind, and Light's unsure what's real anymore and what isn't. All he knows is that he can't do very much research himself. Instead, trying his best to compose his mind, Light makes a post. ]

I noticed that the North Outpost is infested by a creature capable of messing with someone's mind. It's a scary thought, and it made me curious if it's common. Either way, does anyone have practice in combating the effects?

[ He's asking for a friend. ]

(ooc | I can also do wildcard hallucinations if you'd like to interact with Light but none of these work. Just hit me up. )

You know that I'm always careful.

[L's actually someone who vacillates between paranoia and recklessness, with little middle ground. They're both well aware; there's a sort of ritual in the cocksure affirmation, though, something playful, tongue-in-cheek, self-aware.

He shifts his bag aside, hands glowing a pale blue. The air around them cools noticeably.]

We're in agreement that freezing them is the way to go, I'm sure... not only is it the most accessible option we have, but it lessens the chances for exposure to spores.

[As does the heavy scarf L has pulled up around his mouth and nose, muffling his speech, reducing his visible face to a pair of huge eyes under a mop of dark and shaggy hair.]

[ With matching fashion sense, which correlated to matching common sense, Light wears the homemade mask over his face. Both detectives did their research before coming on the expedition, which is one reason that, while cautious, Light isn't worried. If he ruled this as too dangerous, they could've made money by safer means. ]

It's not safe to use fire out here, anyway. There are too many ways for it to spread, but you're right, ice is the best method.

[ Knocking them unconscious would mean having to be on constand guard of them waking up. ]

I'm curious about the spores. If there's a fight, and there are damaged scales, don't just leave them. I read sometimes, they can put people to sleep. I could use it in alchemy. But, it's not worth prolonging the fight so don't make it an objective.

[L dislikes the touch of anything over his face, as much as he hates the touch of anything over his feet... but necessity dictates this. He's not going to make a fuss over it when his and Light's lives could well be on the line.

L's phylax, shrunken to the size of a herring, loops tight circles around his left shoulder. Perhaps it's an indicator of his underlying, fidgety anxiety.]

You're saying that should we just happen to knock some loose, it's a good thing?

[He'd gladly test a sleep aid, even experimentally. Reliably, L is eager for ways to hack a body that frustrates him with its limitations.]

I can work with that.

[He takes a slow, sweeping step forward, on his guard, before kneeling to scry in the leaves and bracken at their feet. Tendrils of ice spread from his fingers, freezing the way the twigs have fallen for even easier reading.

His eyes are closed, but his answer sounds certain.]

There's one not far from here, and a clutch of young. Seventy paces or so, northeast.

[ Even after all of this time, L still excels at deviation, even when compared to Light. The latter is hardly lacking in talent, and he's become very adept in the art, but his focus is broader, whereas L has chosen to focus on more specific skillsets, honing them so finely that it's a reminder of how scary he can be as an enemy. While Light's level is high enough to manage this simple task, it still stands true that if there's anything to hide and one of them will uncover every hidden secret, it will be L.

It still strikes him at times. Growing up, he lacked for nothing. A loving family, financial stability that boarded on excess when measured by the average means, and the kind of skills that made life exceedingly easy all made for something so idyllic that it belongs in a fairytale. Even as a child, Light knew his life could be so much worse, and the idea was cemented when he began to study crimes. Most are committed by those close to the victim, largely family and close friends. In comparison, he was a boy with a successful father that really did do his best to balance career and family, a stay-at-home mother who couldn't have held more pride, and a cute little sister who never failed to show how dependable she found her big brother.

Ironically, it backfired in some ways. It'd be impossible to be Kira without feeling better than those he plans to reign over once he achieves real god status. At the very least, Light does consider his goal good, and he sees it as selfless, sacrificing his life of success and ease in order to create a protection so absolute that those with evil thoughts will be too frightened to make a move. He's Kira because only he can be Kira, only he can balance the emotional burden of killing with the empathy of someone who wouldn't do it for his own selfish purposes. It's difficult to say if the confidence came from a life of such ease or from the constant reminder of just how good he is. The world expects a modest reply without being too modest; just modest enough to be believable, so those are the answers he gives, but in reality, how can he not believe it when constantly told? So, he's spent much of his life feeling so above the world that he can't connect with it, leaving little choice but to act.

Until L. Oh, more than anyone else, L requires a web of lies and deceit. It's only recently that the truth was acknowledged between them. But, when spending time with L, it doesn't feel so imbalanced. Outside of the harsh truths of his realities, Light's able to speak frankly and honestly without holding back on his answers. It's refreshing while being polarizing. There's something both horrifying and liberating by feeling the most human only with your greatest rival. Maybe that's why L's also so capable of sending him through the entire emotional spectrum.

And L stayed. Even with the truth in the open, no longer hiding in plain sight. L stayed, and their chemistry is slowly sliding to the forefront, feeding on their hatred and competition instead of being drowned by their intensity. They say there's a fine line between love and hate, and neither L nor Light seems to be very good at staying on either side of the line.

In small, everyday moments like this, it translates, with even irony, into trust. Light doesn't need to be the one to deviate because he can fully truth L's ability. Instead, he can stand watch, focusing on their immediate surroundings in case something approaches with more speed than either expects. Anyone who only has a singular plan is putting themselves in undue danger. ]

How much can you tell about the young?

[ That might be an unexpected complication. Are they so young that they might not be able to survive without the mother? Are there so many this particular target isn't worth the danger. ]

How large is the group?

[ Oddly enough, sometimes the young in a species are more dangerous than the older, more trained elders. ]

[There are advantages to needles. They're sharp and precise, stainless, focused. They're also fragile, prone to pricking, not suited to every purpose equally, and it's the same with L. Hands pressed against the ground's scattered leavings and the ice spreading from his fingertips, his head is bent forward, narrow shoulders curled. His back is to Light; there is no present or urgent reason to worry.

He exhales, his breath puffing in a soft cloud in front of his face. Even on relatively warm days, the temperature seems a little cooler around L in general, and plummets when he's actively practicing ice magic.]

Some things. The clutch hasn't hatched. It won't be long, though... I count eight heartbeats, including the mother.

[All that, from a few pinecones and twigs. He truly does have a gift when it comes to divining. Furthermore, there's a part of him that always relishes the opportunity to push a little further, show off in a way that can impress Light.]

It could be risky moving them, but if we could... the Coven would prefer to have them, I'm sure.

Then we should hurry so that we're only dealing with one plus the eggs.

[ L's brilliance is a double-edged sword. He's impressed with the detective as a whole, a rarity for someone who has such high standards. Nonetheless, if you appreciate intelligence, it's impossible not to be occasionally amazed at someone on L's level.

Light should think as he considers them, at the very least, equal. Their values are too interconnected at this point, and the comparison continues to be reinforced on an almost daily basis.

However, those high standards do mean things that would normally impress him are taken as expected actions if they're performed by L. Of course he knows how many will be involved. Light's sure if he pushes hard enough, he might even be able to guess the genders. ]

We can use my coat as a sling to carry them back if they're not too big. If they are, we'll have to be creative about teleportation. She's our main target.

[ Her first; the eggs if possible, though Light isn't going to be quick to abandon the eggs if there's any kind of choice in the matter. ]

But her mate might not be too far out so we need to work fast.

[ Light smiles, somewhat teasingly at L. There's definitely been a shift in their relationship since the kiss. ]

If they're that connected, he probably stays close. They might even share a nest.

[ Live together. Like two other people. ]

[L nods, accepting the plan. His brows raise, though, as he brings his hands toward his mouth to warm them, preparing to stand. Boldness impresses him as a general rule, and Light’s implications don’t go unnoticed. They’re not exactly subtle; Light wants him to notice.

His response is sly, made to sound more innocent than it is. They’re on the same page, though their names were certainly written on different ones.]

Two creatures can share a nest without being mates, but it’s uncommon in the natural world. At least, it’s been my experience…

[He stands, brushing the leaves and twigs from his trousers, brushing intentionally close to Light. Either of them could just come out and say it, declare desire and intention, but the game is such a rush for both men. No sense spoiling it.]

On, then. No sense wasting time, when we could be returning to our own nest that much sooner.

Hm. It's a natural place to want to be.

[ It's Light's reply in response to L's. If it's uncommon for two people to share a nest and not be mates in the natural world, and their nest is natural... L can put the pieces together. Somehow, it's more fun this way. He isn't too shy to say it; Light's pursued when he's needed to pursue, though he's admittedly had an easy time considering he's often pursued. The words, the confession, and what comes after, hang in the air, always ready to add context to their odd relationship, but the word games and not-so-hidden meanings fit in with their relationship better. Somehow, the end is a given. Somehow, Light knows that they will give in, they will find solace and pleasure in each other, if bits at a time, but not yet.

Maybe they're waiting to see who breaks? Even if the breaking means they both win.

Leading the way, he keeps an eye out, unwilling to let the flirtation distract him. They'll have a few more steps yet, but it's close. Already, as he pushes forward, the nest is obvious. ]

It's there. I don't hear anything that sounds like a mate, but that doesn't mean he's too far away.

[A sidelong glance at that word, natural. Innocuous enough, with musky and panting implications. In a cave, perhaps; something dampened, breathing, swelling, groaning, nestled deep in blood and bones.

Gooseflesh always raises on L's neck when Light is this close. He doubts that Light knows what to do with it, but he's a fast learner. Good with his hands, deft with his mouth in more ways than one, surely. Framed as conquering, the two of them could dispatch each other quite thoroughly, he thinks, perhaps after he's taught Light the very basics.

They could go about it that way, rote and practical. They could also shove each other down, nestled deep in blood and bones, and just as their souls call out to each other, their flesh would, too. L's actually breathless at the thought of it, giving himself entirely over to instinct along with another, letting what is natural take the wheel.

He does not even touch the other man. The long game is its own kind of gratifying, and the color in his cheeks is higher and brighter as he steps to keep close with Light's forward paces. He won't break first, at least not today.]

He's far off, unless he's airborne. That's the only thing my divining didn't account for.

[It's also, rather unfortunately, a likely place for a dragon to be.]

Offense is my strong suit. I'll cover you and handle the mother, if you want to go for the eggs.

Edited 2021-07-16 05:58 (UTC)

[ Perhaps incorrectly, perhaps not, Light assumes it will go not so different than their relationship. As his rival, his enemy, L came into his life with experience and resources far beyond what Light had achieved. The result was some missteps, some mistakes, but a learning curve so steep that only L would suspect it could come from someone who'd never committed a single crime before. While the detective didn't teach Light in the traditional sense, his intelligence was impressive enough that Light had to learn, had to adjust, how to grow.

Why should the sex be any different? When one, or both of them, breaks, when flesh tangles in flesh in a replica of their minds that meet so often, Light will know what to do. Inexperienced as he may be, he plans to allow his actions and his skill to tell a story far from the truth. With something to prove and a rival to match, it will be a failure if L is left anything more than a panting, satisfied mess.

Not today. Not tomorrow. They're both waiting for the thread to fray, playing a dangerous game to see who's grab first. Neither is there, but the atmosphere is shifting, preparing for the day. When it happens, the door will open, never to close again.

For now... dragons. Light doesn't need to point out that the dragon may be flying; L already knows. ]

Work fast. She won't be happy to see somebody approaching her eggs.

[ Sliding off his coat, he begins to work as he walks, turning it into a makeshift sling. ]

There.

[ She stands out, even in the dim lighting. Though she seems prone, the dragon's chest rises and falls, signal the opportunity for her to wake up at any moment. In preparation, Light's voice already drops to a whisper. ]

[By the time they get around to having sex, it goes without saying that they'll both know what to do, if only because they've both spent so much time thinking about it.

Anticipating it. Hoping, perhaps, that the other one breaks today, or tomorrow.

For now, dragons.]

Rushing it could be just as bad. Consider that every second her attention is on me is one you could be using to secure the eggs. I'll strike a balance in this regard.

[He nods briskly, starting off at a loping gait to approach the dragon. It doesn't notice him right away, because the treeline appears to be moving closer in a strange, abrupt way. It's a convincing illusion, commanded well, and the dragon seems disoriented and confused, bristling and growling as though the forest itself is a threat.]

[ Illusions are useful that way. Light only hopes her mate stays away, and that she doesn't realize there's something going on with her eggs. One bit of relief is that the eggs do seem small enough that he won't have any problems bundling them up.

Splitting his attention between his task and the mother, his own illusion hides him from her eyes, but Light's also not directly in her vision. Choosing a wide angle for his approach, it's nonetheless impossible to get close to the eggs and remain completely hidden. It's also a very slow approach, not wanting to add sound cues to the something that seems off. They're not in familiar territory, and she'd know the woods more than him.

Finally, he's at the eggs. Widening the illusion to make an exact copy of the eggs over the real pile, Light slowly begins to move them into his coat. That's when the sound becomes audible: flapping wings approaching fast. ]

[L's attention is focused more on disorienting his target than cloaking himself. It's grand, flashy; it leaves something wanting in terms of defense. That's pretty typical for the detective, and all who know and work with him regularly are aware.

No matter; he's set up to be the distraction, and they planned it this way. No backing out, now, and it's going well...

...until he hears the fierce, sharp cut of wings above them, swift enough to draw his gaze upward. The mate is in view, and he's terribly unimpressive. Small and squat, toadstool-like, deceptively unintimidating.

L, of all people, knows to distrust that.

He lays a track of ice, harsh and firm. It's not fast enough to prevent a spray of spores that could have been worse, but still spreads over the area.]

[ Light's at a skill level that requires neither words nor gestures to create the shield that covers him, but it's also not literally instant. The spores shoot toward him, filling the air, and surrounding them. He can only hope he managed to shield himself in time.

Of course, the noise is going to wake the sleeping mother directly behind L, putting him in a pincer. Their plan has to change; one person can't fight them both, not with one at his front and one at his back.

The female dragon roars, angry to realize someone's in their nest. ]

I'll handle him!

[ Light doesn't drop the eggs, but they are placed back into the nest. ]

You take care of her.

[ The male dragon is still approaching, the female dragon is right next to him; it makes sense to have L grabbing the dragon closest to him.

Without giving L time to respond, ice shoots around the flying dragon. It may seem like a miss, but in reality, Ash is trying to force the dragon to land, to make flight too dangerous. After all, turning it to ice mid-air and knocking it to the ground could possibly kill it.

Behind L, teeth snap at his arm, sharp fangs ready to bury into his skin and tear the flash apart. ]

[L coughs; the scarf is enough to keep many of the spores out of his lungs, but as close as he is, some of them are bound to slip through. Hopefully to no effect tremendously ill; best to work fast, now.

As wondrous as his talents are, Light's right; he can't take on two dragons.]

Understood!

[He raises his voice to be heard as he reaches for the small blade he always carries with him. He'll have to borrow some life for this, as he often does. The man is chronically anemic for a reason, but at least he's learned to gauge what's truly needed, what would be otherwise wasteful to spill.

He slices before the teeth can, turning and dancing backward, calling on his other elemental specialty. It's dangerous and volatile; of course it had appealed to him.

Lightning wreaths both arms. He's a livewire, now, and the dragon couldn't touch him without receiving a powerful shock. She tries, recoils in agony, one wing twitching limply like wet paper at her side.]

Can you handle him alone?

[Because L can cover; it just might hurt more than he intends it to.]

[ It's going to require trust. Just as L can't handle both, neither can Light, and his opponent is in the air. If his attention is split, the dragon might win, so he has to trust L to handle her on her own.

The next shards of ice are closer, enough to graze the wing. The male dragon cries out, a loud sound that's only slightly swallowed by the thick foilage. While he doesn't land, he dives, and that's good enough for Light if he can time it right. Freezing him closer to the ground will reduce a lot of the risk. ]

Don't worry about me. I can take him.

[ It's confident and self-assured.

Light Yagami is no martial artist, but he's also not without some athleticism. Tennis requires fast reflexes. The dragon is small, making it easier for the creature to turn, and reminds Light that the moment he dodges he has to act.

Finally, it happens. Throwing himself out of the way, another shot of ice erupts toward the beast, freezing a wing. With better aim now that flight has been stopped, the small body is covered in ice, causing the dragon to stop in place.

His clothes are dirty; slightly ripped from the impact he took when dodging, but overall, it's hardly a big loss considering what they're fighting. Covering his lips to hide the cough, hoping it's just from the dust that erupted from the fight, he looks back to L. ]

[Trust; that thing between them that fails and falters, always wary of a knife in the back, when everything else seems to flow so naturally. They'll be lucky to make it out of this alive, won't they?]

You're sure?

[Already, L clearly doesn't trust Light. Both on a very basic level, as the great detective would not trust a murderer, and also in that he doubts that Light can take the beast alone, as confident as he sounds.

He exhales tensely, trying not to let himself get pulled in Light's direction to provide backup by abandoning his own post. His own post is important, after all; it's at least equally vital to the success of the mission.

Painful, though, to everyone within a certain radius. Light had better stand clear, and he voices a warning as the air crackles with heat and splintered ozone. L's an artist with ice, but a chaotic and destructive force with lightning; it's better, for the spells that are violent in a tight spot.

There's a kind of beauty to it, just as much as there's agony. He falls to a knee, caging the female dragon in a cruel static grid, clenching a fist to bring it closer, hotter. She shrieks and then shudders, nervous system overtaxed, and she collapses into bracken. L remains on his knee, not able, for the moment, to rise. Stamina is not his strong suit; his dragon is managed, but he may need a moment, or else help to stand.]

[ Stupidity doesn't come naturally to Light and so, he keeps some distance, the forest now silent save for another cough. While it seems under control, he doesn't quite trust that there won't be a stray bolt of energy that emerges and the dragon's screams were painful enough that he has no desire to echo the sound. ]

Liden?

[ A fake name, a false identity even miles from others. Neither of them made it quite so far without an abundance of caution.

It's possible L needs help. It's also not a risk he's taking considering he doesn't seem fatally injured. ]

Is it clear over there?

[ 'Stay back' was the general command. For once, Light is listening. Still, he wants to get back before any of their friends decide to stop in for a visit. ]

[L remains right where he is, crouched and tense, breathing shallowly. The air around him still carries an unmistakable charge, and he twitches guardedly at the other man's approach now that forest is newly still.]

Clear... but don't touch me, yet.

[The warning is very clear. The qualifier is also deliberate; just because L doesn't want Light to receive a powerful electric shock doesn't mean he wants to avoid contact forever.]

It can take a minute or so to discharge. Gather the eggs, while it does?

[He believes he may have killed his dragon. He's not one hundred percent sure. Incapacitation at least is certain, however, and it should last long enough.]

I have them packed and ready to go.

[ It's not a warning L needs to give; Light has good self-preservation instincts. Even considering they decided to go against two dragons.

He does take a moment to gather them again; while ready, they'd been released so he could handle his own fight. ]

We have two to take back. The male's thoroughly frozen, too.

[ Which might mean additional funds.

Did the spray get him? He covered himself as well as possible, but it was so widespread and so sudden... No, Light tells himself. He's fine. A cough isn't an indicator for infection, at least not by definition. He'd taken a rough landing and rolling on a forest floor doesn't invite the best health.

While L rests, Light can do the same, leaning his body against the nearby tree. ]

Linden, next time, let's choose a single dragon.

[L nods, satisfied with their spoils, but his gaze turns wry and amused at Light's suggestion.]

Now that we know we can take on a pair? Light... you disappoint me.

[His breaths continue to sound shallow, buried in his chest. He deepens them, briefly, but something rasps and catches when he tries a full inhalation. They fall back to their quick soft rhythm quickly.]

Next time, let's choose to take on three.

[He crawls a foot or so to the nearest tree, using a low knot in the trunk for support to pull himself to his feet.]

We shouldn't escalate that fast.

[ The fact they're able to joke about the fight speaks well of their condition. As good as both men are at playing a game, neither of them is perfect if they're injured or in danger. It seems the pair is slightly worse for the wear but not dangerously so, especially considering their opponents. ]

I'll let you take on the next two by yourself next time and if that works, we'll look at taking on a trio.

[ Pushing himself off the tree, Light works to fasten the coat around in a way that allows the sleeves to hold the weight so that his arms are free enough to carry the dragon. ]

Do you think you're ready to walk yet?

I am. I'll take the eggs, I just have to first...

[He has been dreading this. He grounds himself by touching one of his boots' metal-capped toes; the contact with the conductor sparks sharply. A moment of pain, but the charge dissipates fully at last.]

I don't expect I'll ever get used to that. Knowing that it's coming doesn't make it better.

Did you get any burns? I can heal them before we leave.

[ No reason to have L walking around injured in an area where they know it's theoretically possible for other dragons to show up. Joke or no, Light has no desire to see how easily he could take on two dragons alone. Probably, if the one wasn't as angry as he was, he wouldn't have fallen for the dive so easily. ]

Only if it's immediate. If I wait a bit before a discharge, the shock is lesser, and I can at least avoid a burn. Still, it's thoughtful to consider that. Do you...

[His slight hoarseness, that rasp. He taps a closed fist against his ribs over his jacket.]

You're feeling alright, yourself?

[As he lifts the bag with the eggs, he thinks, uneasily, that the masks were not as effective as they'd hoped.]

I was a little worried when I saw how many spores he could produce, but I think I'm okay. I feel fine.

[ For now, he does. Light can only take it as a good sign.

With their targets acquired, it's much easier to return and get their pay. Their business has grown but so has their savings thanks to good money management, being good at their job, and the occasional side task like this.

In spite of what it seems, Light and L do spend time away from one another. It's not the best night to be apart, but neither could know when L left. Light still feels fine when he eats dinner and retires to his room.

He's not alone. Physically, it's only him in the room, but the whispered voice doesn't belong to Light but the phantom that waits for him. It's a familiar voice, one strong but not without a sense of caring. Light would recognize his father's voice anywhere.

That's the beginning, but it's not the end. It's roughly two hours after L leaves that his device beeps with a text. ]

Answer already.

[L's out. He has his errands and his obligations outside of Light, in spite of the pull he feels toward the very soul of the other witch. Their Bond makes it more powerful, even as he remembers feeling something similar back home when they were working together.

Truly, he could lose himself in their Bond like an addict in an opium den. He could do it easily, blithely, happily. He puts forth an effort to ensure that it does not happen, and this is part of his way.

He takes out his phone when he's still out, not ready to head home quite yet.]

You messaged?

[As far as he's aware, there's nothing to actually answer. Light's sent him this text, as though he's sent many others, and that's not the case. Always attuned to Light, L would know.]

Why the sudden abruptness?

[ Finally, there's a reply. The chain of texts on Light's end looks different from that on L's.

Linden, are you free?

If you're near your device, call me.

It doesn't feel like something is wrong. It's important. Call me.

Answer.

Answer.

Answer already.

Only one of those messages actually exist. ]

It's not sudden at all.

[ Light's angry. In his mind, L's ignored very real texts indicating things weren't as they should it. It's ironic to feel betrayed by a man that he kills, but it felt like a certain trust existed between them. Maybe not a perfect trust, but one strong enough for at least this. ]

I'm infected after all.

I'm free, soon. I'm coming home.

[L's puzzled, openly, by the urgency in the messages he's privy to, that Light is not merely hallucinating. Isn't he the one who's prone to this kind of thing, petty insecurity manifesting over text? This is unlike Light, who always has something better to do, seemingly, making it feel like his time really is a blessing even when they're Bonded.]

Are you? I'm too tired to teleport but I'll be home soon.

[He's waiting out a storm, wholly hallucinated, inside a coffee shop. He's exactly as at-ease with his hallucinations as he typically is with his perception of reality. Suffice it to say that it's fairly different from what most people experience on a regular basis.]

Edited 2021-08-11 04:43 (UTC)

[Myr's been predictably scarce around the cottage Light and L share since coming into his own powers as a Witch; there has, after all, been an awful lot of catching up for him to do. (An awful lot of self-imposed catching up for him to do. Not a little of it having to do with how one Light Yagami's been a Witch nine months longer than he has, and therefore is far more versed in Aefenglom's magic, even if not more experienced as a mage generally.)

Even in the throes of his intense study, though, he still remembers to take breaks--not for him L's self-obliterating intensity of study--and attend to other matters. Tonight, "other matters" include bringing home a variety of groceries and loose parcels, the odds-and-ends of errands picked up in silent support of the other two Witches gone out all day on their mission. Not bothering to announce himself--he's got a key, he's known to all their wards, and Light and L might be in and sleeping, after all--Myr nudges the front door open to admit Crookytail, who slurms through laden with her panniers of groceries, then follows after the wormipede. He doesn't (of course) bother to turn on any of the lights, but does tap an inscribed rune by the doorjamb to set it chiming, and awake an answering chime from the kitchen.

However quiet he is about putting everything he's brought away, there's no masking the sound of opening and closing cabinets or his offhand, running commentary to his familiar as he works. Nothing loud enough to awaken a sleeper, maybe, but disturb someone who's already very awake and on edge and just in the other room...?

Might be.]

[ Myr is a familiar enough sight that if he knows L to be gone and hears someone inside, it doesn't immediately cause panic. While he'll peak out to make sure they're not being robbed — how embarrassing would it be to sit by and allow a detective's home to be robbed? — the general assumption is that Myr's stopping by. So, that should have been the assumption tonight. When the sounds play from the kitchen instead of coming toward his bedroom, Light should be able to put 2 and 2 together to get an obvious answer. Instead, tonight, he's already arrived at an answer and seems willing to bend the formula to reach the conclusion he wants.

It's L. It has to be L because he needs someone else to tell him the hallucinations aren't real and to help him distinguish reality from the fiction being written by his mind. The voices and phantoms are bearable but when reality itself causes Light to question what he is and isn't doing, it becomes too heavy of a frustration to handle.

How many times has L come home since receiving the text? Three. He's disappeared every time so Light knows it isn't him, and just as he's sure it's L inside of the house now, he's just as sure it's nothing.

Maybe the text exchange didn't even happen. ]

L?

[ It's not a name he uses even when they're alone. Always paranoid, L is Linden even in privacy, but Light's mind isn't in the headspace it should be in. Instead, he peers around the small section of the cottage that houses their bedrooms.

It's not. Myr. Maybe. Maybe it's Myr, maybe it's nothing, maybe they're really being robbed and his mind is making excuses. ]

No.

[ Maybe Light should actually offer a greeting, but why? Why speak to figments of his imagination? He's not insane. He just feels insane right now. ]

[Myr's been Bonded to L long enough to know full well the power of a name, so to hear that one from Light's mouth gives him pause on one level--while on another, he goes on stacking apples in the fruit bowl.

Something must be very wrong for Light to let that one slip. The question's whether it's a calculated slip, or something that's gone and scrambled the other Witch's mind. (What's more likely? What's the use of faking?)

Were he still a Faun, his fur and tail would both be bristling up with the force of the unease he feels. Funny, how much easier it is to keep things on a surface level now that he's back to being no more than an elf. Useful.]

No, [he echoes, not turning away from his task.] Linden's still out; it's just me.

Are you feeling all right?

[ It might be real, Light has to remind himself. Already in a few hours, he's started to doubt enough things that he finds it horrifyingly easy to dismiss everything as a hallucination. Maybe Myr is real; maybe it's L but his mind is twisting it to look like Myr; maybe it's another party that's being twisted; maybe there's nothing there at all. So far, the small interaction seems like Myr, but Light's mind has always picked up on small details so recreating them wouldn't be hard either.

Relax. Focus. There's nothing to even hide here. It's obvious that something is wrong, but it's Myr, not...

Who? Who here would he have to hide from? Mello would be the obvious answer if Light knew his true nature but instead, only L's name comes to mind and he's the very person Light called.

The laugh doesn't sound unhinged except for the fact Myr can't hear his thoughts and thus, likely doesn't understand why he's laughing. He calls the one person who wants to destroy him most and then worries an obviously kinder man might do what? Paranoia isn't new, it's what kept him out of L's hands. Still, Light can tell it's pushing against boundaries.

Besides, why lie? The first time he starts talking to the next imaginary person who walks in, any illusion will be broken. If there's any illusion at all. ]

I thought you were Linden.

[ Linden. The right name this time. It would be more of a worry that the real name slipped if he had any doubts that Myr knew it already. Myr's reaction proved it. It's still a reminder that he has to be more careful. ]

I'm...

[... taking a seat, it seems. He can better watch for L in here. Even if the open space somehow feels more dangerous. ]

No. [ At the very least, he keeps his voice strong as if he's only admitting to having a bit of a cough. ] But it'll pass. We inhaled too many spores on a quest we finished today. I'm just wait for... [ Someone to do a crazy check every time he sees something odd. ] ... Linden to get back.

Something funny?

[The question's absent, not hostile, even though Myr's visibly a little disconcerted by the laugh. It shows in how his chin jerks up a fraction, the way he drops an apple on the counter and has to scrabble to find it again. Once he does, he spends a moment rolling it over in his hands--then, finding it bruised, offers it mutely to Crookytail. She rears up to take it with greedy glee, slithering out of the kitchen with her prize and brushing past Light's chair on the way.

I thought you were Linden. --Well, that's probably enough of an explanation for the laughter. Maybe. Myr'll take it as one, at least, for now, along with the rest of the younger Witch's answer.]

Ah. That was the request to deal with the little mushroom dragons, then. [He'd heard about it, even though he hadn't intended to go himself. He turns back to the remainder of the groceries, touching each carton to ascertain what's still left to put away.] You've got your reasons for not having the Coven check that out, I assume? [His tone is flatly disapproving. Take better care of yourself, young man.

Another part of him is walking through his memory tower, dragging fingers along signs and signifiers for what he'd set down about those little dragons and their spores. L and Light had inhaled them. What were they in for tonight, if--no, not if, Light's the responsible one; L wasn't going to have suddenly decided to get treated for his exposure out of the blue.

Both of them would be affected.]

Edited (minor text fixes ... to fix the minor text fixes) 2021-08-11 21:18 (UTC)

[ Agree with his logic and thoughts or not, Light's mind would normally be easy enough to understand if one had access to his brain. He's a logical man with the occasional show of emotion but with a more pragmatic leaning than anything overly emotional. While the result is somehow the same, it's likely the opposite of L who's brain seems just as logical, just as intelligent, but a bit more chaotic.

Now, Light's getting a glimpse of it, if perhaps more severe due to its intensity. He sees things that don't exist; he doesn't see things that do. Voices whisper in his head, voices that seem to be coming from beside him, behind him, even above him. Myr isn't the only person in the room with him right now, but he's the most corporeal, lending to the idea he has a higher chance of existing in reality than the others. ]

I don't even know if you're real right now.

[ And there's no test that can prove it. The results could lie. A fake Myr would say he's real as sure as the actual Myr, and touch neither confirms nor denies anything. ]

Maybe you're not.

[ How long is this supposed to last? He can't even remember now. His mind is working far too hard to recall some of the more important details. How annoying. ]

If I tried to make a trip that long, who knows where I'll end up?

[ Admittedly, Light has his pride, but he's also sensible. He has no problem with eating well, sleeping right, going for his checkups, and other responsible actions. Getting there? It's impossible right now. Myr doesn't need to know about some of the more embarrassing actions of the night. ]

And anybody who could offer to take me might be fake, too.

[ Maybe it's punishment. The thought definitely isn't his own, but he recognizes the voice is does belong to. Dropping his face forward, Light rubs at his temples, as if trying to erase the phantom in his head.

Get out.

Punishment for Kira.

Kira was the punishment for people who were wronging other people. Kira was the result of a system that was so broken, murderers were able to walk free.

Did Myr say something else? ]

What?

[ Light can't actually confirm if L is hallucinating; he hadn't asked. But, they'd both inhaled the same spores and it's likely they're both suffering to a degree. Since he's able to function, the conclusion, right or wrong, is that if he's suffering, it's to a smaller degree. ]

[Maker grant me strength, Myr thinks to himself as he listens to Light catalogue his own departure from reality; there is, undeniably, an opportunity here even if Myr'd be a fool and a villain to take it.

Still, it's tempting. But so's a less dangerous form of mischief--the kind Myr would be inclined to try out even on people he likes, who'd gotten themselves into similar straits. Curious as he is, it's hard not to have a little bit of a sadistic streak when there's an opportunity to pry.

He gives a shake of his head, tossing off some thought.] Where you'd end up or who you might talk to on the way, huh?

[He extracts several small boxes from his pile of shopping, stacking them together before working his way over to the cupboard to put them away.]

Which I s'pose would keep you from making a house call, too. Healer's seal of confidentiality or not, you and Linden have secrets to protect.

[It is, and isn't, an innocent line of conversation. Light had confessed the entirety of his crimes to L when muddled, previously. Myr doubts he'll get the same concession--the situation and their dynamics are entirely different--but it will be interesting to see where this goes.]

Do you know where he is right now? Linden, that is.

Quest Log: JULY 2021

QUESTIONS

OOC PLOTTING

Light Yagami | Fun Guys | One Closed; Some OTA

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to the future

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let's wildcard up some hallucinations

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