"What did he mean, Light?"

"Nothing."

"What was he talking about?"

"Nothing."

"But-"

Light stopped suddenly, Kai almost slamming into the back of him. The boy's eyes were wide at the no-nonsense look on his companions face.

"Drop it, please. It's something I have to deal with on my own."

"How can I drop it?" Kai demanded. "That guy just hauled off and hit you for no good reason!"

Light groaned, putting a hand to his head. He really didn't need the aggravation right now. To be honest he was still coping with the whole L being a shinigami thing. Hell, he was still coping with the whole him being a shinigami issue for starters.

Now this, his rival was back. Watari was with him.

Looks like they're back in action, Light. Ryuk laughed in his mind, the true shinigami's voice echoing cruelly in the depths of his consciousness. What about you?

"Of course." He grumbled under his breath, shrugging it off when Kai gave him a strange look.

"Look Kai – "

"Light Yagami." A stern voice from the side called him as Sho stepped from a side corridor. "I need a word with you."

Excusing himself gladly from Kai's company Light followed the officer into the side hall.

"Hey. About today."

Does he know? Light wondered. And just how much?

You in trouble Light?

I don't think so, but-

"I know. I saw it all. And I must say – "

He gave Light a thumb up.

"Congratulations on not dying!"

Light felt a cold sweat on his head. "Is that all you have to say?"

"We warned you, this is trial by fire. You either have it or you don't."

After a moment Sho turned away.

"Oh, and by the way – I'm impressed. And a little curious." He murmured, looking over his shoulder slyly- a glint in his golden eyes.

"How is it that a newb like you knows the name of his Zanpakuto already?"

With a slight jerk, Light tried to keep calm under Sho's watchful gaze.

"Like I said. I saw everything. Including that other boy who seemed pretty pissed at you for some reason. He an old friend?"

Light returned the look. "We had a falling out, difference of opinion."

"Hm." Sho mused.

"In any case, just keep your nose clean alright? Being so close to your Zanpakuto already gives you a great lead on the pack – just don't screw it up."

"I won't." Light assured him with a smile.

You can count on that.

As L walked a few steps behind Ichigo he felt himself lost in thought.

I'm still a little surprised to have seen him. A little more than surprised at myself though.

"Hey."

L looked over at Ichigo who had stopped – golden-brown eyes watching him carefully from a distance.

"You alright?"

"As well as I ever am."

Giving a nod Ichigo continued in his usual, relaxed way. "So that guy. Who was he anyway? An old rival?"

With a noncommittal shrug L continued up the long stairway.

"I suppose you could say…he was the only friend I ever had."

"Friend?"

Without answering the question that hung waiting in the air L passed his walking partner by, leaving Ichigo standing still. As he watched L ascend alone, the substitute frowned – deep in thought.

What could have happened between them? They were friends once? But L said that guy had killed him. But I'm looking at him and he's alive and well! And that thing about becoming a captain or whatever. What exactly is going on here?"

Watching the mid-day sky Ichigo was at a loss.

"I don't know…I don't know if I want to find out."

"I will?"

"Yes."

L looked over at Ichigo and waved.

"Well, see you around then."

"Uh…yeah." Ichigo responded a bit confused, waving back as he left the two alone at the store owner's request.

Urahara and L watched his receding back - a silence coming between them to be finally broken by the detective.

"What's this really about?"

"Would you believe I just wanted to spend more time with an interesting guy like you?"

L stared at him. Urahara lowered his hat with a soft grin.

"Guess not. No reason in covering it up then. Some stuffs about to go down between Ichigo and his comrades, I need you to lie low for now. This is their fight and they'll have to handle it. But in the meantime I can send you to an old friend of mine who's pretty good in a fight. You should learn a lot."

"Thank you."

"And one more thing." The shop-keep stopped him, a fan obscuring his face until only his eyes could be seen in the shadow above it.

"I heard from Ichigo about a mysterious Shinigami you had a fight with. Someone you know?"

"Very well."

"Could you tell me a little about him?"

L paused, looking across the flat plain. The wide desert-like expanse seemed to hum with latent energy. He had already become fond of training here.

L. A calm voice issued from within.

Now is not the time to dwell on what will soon be lost – we should inform Mr. Urahara about Light Yagami while we have the opportunity.

Of course. Was the silent response.

"He was my greatest enemy, and my only friend. In the end he became my murderer."

Turning his head to look at Urahara, L's face was serious, despite the slightest of smiles.

"It's a strange truth. But that's what it is."

Growing solemn he added.

"However; the crimes he has committed are too numerous and heinous to go unpunished. It is my duty to bring him to justice. As of right now I'm stronger than he is – but I can't guarantee that won't change. That's why I'm grateful for your help."

"Don't mention it." Urahara grinned.

"Glad to do what I can for those in need. I'll get you the location you'll need to go to – try to get some rest upstairs for the night because it'll be hard training when you get there."

L nodded. "Thank you once again for your hard work Urahara."

He smiled. "Like I said before, don't mention it. After all- "

The man gave a devious smirk.

"I may well call you on a favor of my own in the future, and I'll expect you to deliver."