AN! IMPORTANT!

How To Read:

Basically, this isn't yaoi although I might write one later if requested! I thought it'd be funny if my character had a crush on Near too, just because he doesn't get nearly enough lovin'!

This is the prologue and the first chapter, you can skip the prologue if you like, but it explains a lot about Beth's life before she joined the SPK, which I might refer to later. It's your call. If there's a star like this * beside something, it's probably a reference to something, you will find the definition at the end AN! Bits written like this are Beth's thoughts, apart from prom prologue of course.

There will be more How To Read rules in next chapters too.

If there's anything you don't understand don't hesitate to PM and ask me about it! Most of all enjoy,

Prologue:

I was 13 when I was transported to Wammy's. Back then I didn't know what happened to my Dad or why I was brought to what seemed to me like a prison at the time. All I knew was: he was never coming back. Let me explain a little.

My mother died of lung cancer (she was always quite the heavy smoker) when I was about 11, leaving me in the care of my father. I was an only child but my father didn't know how to take care of me really, since most of the care was done by my mother. After she died, we moved into a two bedroom apartment in Liverpool where we stayed until that horrible day: the day my father died.

I remember awaiting his return from work after a long day at school. I was quietly studying in my room (yep that was my social life! Ever since we moved I hadn't managed to make friends at my new school). One hour past. Then two. Still no sign of him. I was beginning to get worried. I knew he worked long hours, but he usually came home straight after work, or at least called to tell me he will be delayed. Something wasn't right. The time finally approached 11 at night. I had school the next morning and a few dismissed phone calls on his part later, decided to call it a day. The next morning I woke up at the usual time to an empty house. I remember assuming my father had gotten home after I fell asleep and leaving early in the morning. I went throughout my day as usual and returned to a usually empty apartment. I only just put my bag on the ground when my doorbell rang.

'Who is it?' I asked, looking through the peep hole. There appeared to be two men in police uniforms and one grey haired man in the middle, who kind of reminded me of my long dead grandfather.

'Ma'am we're from the local police force, please open the door.'

I felt a flash of fear. Did something happen to my father? NO. It couldn't have. 'I will need to see some form of verification before I can let you in. After all I don't know if you are really from the police, do I?' The men on the other side of the door looked impressed and pissed off at the same time. The one on the left fumbled in his jacket pocket, taking out an ID and holding it up to the peep hole. I examined it for a second and opened the door.

The man in the middle spoke. 'I'm Roger,' he introduced himself. 'I'm afraid I have some bad news. May we come in?'

'Of c-coarse,' I shivered. Suddenly I knew. 'It's my father isn't it…?'

'I'm afraid so.' Roger shook his head.

That evening I was told my father was found dead, although nobody told me the cause of his death. I was told I was going to have to move to Wammy's. An orphanage for gifted children, which Roger now ran. 'Me? Gifted?' I questioned. I was smart but… surely just your average middle school student, nobody ever called me 'gifted'. Without further explanation, the next day I was on a long drive to Winchester.

Although I learned much about the Wammy's house, I could never really call it home. It seemed unusual to me. Before I could settle in I had to take a provisional IQ exam. I was also told to keep my real name a secret my new name was Beth, I didn't mind though; in fact I quite liked it. The classes were all so unusual, everything was taught at a much higher standard than in my previous school and I have to admit I found it hard to keep up! The class I was excellent at was something they called 'Lateral Thinking', where we were taught of to 'expand our way of thinking', we often played interesting games. The kids I've met were all much more intelligent than me. It's like I was always in everyone's shadows. I cannot say I didn't make friends though. My first real friend at Wammy's was a girl, Linda was her name. Despite being a year older than me she was nice enough to show me around on my first day and introduce me to everyone. From then on we were inseparable. Three uneventful years passed. Linda left the orphanage and I was beginning to feel lonely all over again. One day I was called into Rogers's office. I wasn't a trouble maker or anything, although I did dose off in class quite often, so I was more than confused.

I entered the room. Roger sat with his hands clasped together in front of his face which held a serious expression. 'As you know,' he began 'you haven't been with us for as long as any of the other kids.' That was true, most of these kids grew up here, including Linda. 'Do you remember Near?'

Did I? Linda told me about him. He left about a week after I first arrived at the orphanage, along with that crazy boy Mello. I heard rumours of the two of them being the two successors of L, although according to Linda, Near was slightly ahead of Mello. 'Sure, I didn't know him much. He left shortly after I arrived, yes.' I beamed.

'He is now investigating the Kira case and is head of the SPK.' Roger informed me. I wandered why he was telling me many questions I was about to ask when he lifted his hand to gesture for me to stop talking. He continued, 'Truth is, you are old enough to be leaving Wammy's now.' Leave? I was only 16. 'You have been chosen to help Near with the investigation. You have proven very impressive over the three years you've spent with us. We have arranged a flight to New York for you to join their investigative team.'

I had to take a second to process the information. 'Wait, wait….. WHAT?'

'I know it's a lot for -'

'You want me to succeed L!? With Near!?' I yelled, unable to keep my excitement hidden.

'No no, I never said that, you are simply to help Near with the investigation and meanwhile to train to become a professional FBI agent-'

'Why was I chosen for this?' I said, a little quieter now. This was a valid question. 'What happened to that Mello kid that was supposed to help him?'

'I didn't choose you, Near and the SPK did.' And with that, my second question never answered, next thing I knew I was working under Near, before I could ask 'What the heck is the SPK?'

2 years later:

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

I woke up to the loud buzz of my alarm clock. 'Ugh!' I groaned sleepily. Do I HAVE to get out of bed? I thought. Yes, yes I did, why am I always so lazy? I got out, dressed myself, brushed my teeth, put my makeup on and ate breakfast, you know the usual morning routine, before making my way down to headquarters. It's been two years since I began working for the Special Provision for Kira. They made sure I had my own apartment in New York and all. But not only was it annoyingly close to headquarters, they also wouldn't let me stay there completely unsupervised and sent one of the members to check up on me at the end of each week. I also had to attend college on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

After going through all the security processing, including scanning your eyes, fingerprints and showing the two large security guards at the front door my ID (I wasn't officially in the FBI or the CIA but was in training. There's apparently a lot you needed to do to actually become an agent. I found it extremely demanding and stressful most of the time! I did have an ID to say I was officially working with the SPK though although it did not have my real name, but an alias I used Bethany Green), I made my way down the long corridor towards the heart of the headquarters, where the other members were currently gathering.

Near sat on the ground playing with what looked like action figures. I looked over the people in the room and met Halle's eyes. She and I never properly got on, from the moment we met. Not that we hated each other, there was just something about her that deeply annoyed me. I nodded at her and she nodded back. Maybe it's how protective she was over Near, who I actually had a big crush on. Oh c'mon, he's kind of cute! And okay, a bit weird but… Also the only guy my age I had social interaction with for a whole of 2 years.

'Ah, Beth. Now that we're all here,' I could tell Near smiled, even though he was facing away from me. 'I've got some good news for you and the rest of the team.' I immediately wandered what it was. Usually when he said he had good news it was a lead on the Kira case. 'We have been able to locate Mello's whereabouts. It seems like he and the mafia are centred in LA.'

Right. Mello. L's second successor. We've been trying to locate him ever since I first arrived at headquarters. No luck until now apparently.

'So what do we do now, Near?' One of the members asked.

'Mello is stubborn. Knowing him he is probably thinking of ways he can be ahead of me right now. He might end up hurting someone in the process. I think we ought to make sure that doesn't happen.' Near put down his action figure and- that's right- stood up. He stood with his back to us for a moment in silence. I once again exchanged glances with Halle. The other members started to whisper to each other but nobody spoke or defied Near. Nobody but me of course.

'So you are suggesting someone has to spy on Mello to make sure he doesn't mess up? Like a little baby?' I giggled a little, 'C'mon that's ridiculous.' And as much as I hated to defy Near, it all seemed a bit childish to me.

'That is exactly what I am saying. However it is not to insure he' Near turned around so only one side of his face was facing towards me. He lifted his fingers to use as quotation marks, '"doesn't mess up". It is to ensure he doesn't put human lives at stake to reach his goal. And, of course, that goes for his safety. Plus it could largely benefit our investigation seeing as we will also be able to obtain the mafia's information.'

'We can't just steal their information, that's immoral!' I was starting to get worked up. Since when did Near care about Mello so much?

'And how can we be sure they aren't stealing ours as we speak? That they haven't set up spies in the SPK?' Halle took Nears side. SEE? This is why she annoyed the crap out of me.

'Because if they did then they would know that we're sending someone to spy on them. That means we wouldn't be making these plans in the first place and if we were we'd do it in secret.' I snapped back at her. Way to be stupid Halle.

Unlike me, Halle kept her cool composure and regular tone of voice 'And how would we know that they know?'

'Enough!' Near cut in this time turning and facing us. He then crouched down into his usual position on the ground and took an action figure into his hand. He looked so cute- I mentally slapped myself. No! 'I have made up my mind about this, Beth?' He looked up and smiled at me, the smile he usually did every time he spoke to me directly. The one I found so irresistible. Oh for the love of-

'Yeah?' I smiled right back at him.

'I think you're just the girl for the job. I want you to fly to LA and to spy on Mello, can you do that?'

'But... Why me? What about my training?' I moved a step closer to Near, but Halle stood in front of me before I could get too close.

'Near, surely you could consider a more experienced agent.' Halle objected. She didn't take her eyes off me once when she said that as if to point out I was still a minor comparing to her. Still incompetent. Weak. Don't be dramatic B.

To my astonishment Near completely ignored her. 'Let's call this a part of your training to officially become an FBI agent. I have already cleared it up with your teachers; of coarse I couldn't tell them what kind of mission you were on, but you have full permission to stay off college for as long as you need. You will be leaving for LA this evening. We will make sure you have a hotel room and all the essentials you'll need for your stay. But remember, you're not on a holiday, you're on a mission.' He decided.

This was all just too sudden? I have spied for the SPK before and was quite successful even though I say so myself, but they want me to go all the way to LA? By myself? They didn't even trust me to live alone how was I suppose to travel that far on my own and spy on the mafia? I've never been to any other parts of the US either! I don't know why but I muttered 'Alright, I can do it.'

'All I can say to you is be careful, try not to get caught. Mello can be, well… Temperamental. If you do get caught just, don't get on his bad side.' Aww he's worried about me. I felt a blush spread across my cheeks. I quickly let some of my hair cover my face so nobody will notice. I nodded, but before I turned to leave, he stopped me 'Oh and Beth?'

I stopped. 'Yeah?'

'I have faith in you.' He said simply, monotonously the way he usually does. Nevertheless it felt special to me. He was special to me. And he had faith in me! I smiled to myself before leaving the room. What is wrong with me?

The flight to LA was long and very VERY boring. I was on one of those planes with the TV's on the seat. Sadly I was not in first class. This was my second time on a plane like this, my first being when I was flying from Heathrow in London to JFK New York. I didn't take many belongings with me, just my usual make up, toiletries, a book to keep me entertained, clothes, my leather spy suit I bought when Near first asked me to spy on a strange group of Kira supporters, and a bunch of hidden cameras, bugs, radios, listening equipment and as my favourite, *fully supressed AK 47 Semi-automatic Assault Rifle. Of course I didn't expect to use it, but the SPK agreed I should bring one, just in case. After all, this is the mafia we're dealing with. I couldn't put this spying stuff into my hand held bag either, or my suitcase, so I was to receive it from 'Rester' as Near said once I was in LA. I have heard the name but the guy never appeared at headquarters.

The airport was larger than I thought and I ended up getting lost a couple of times before finally retrieving my bag, I took down to the place where I was supposed to get all the equipment. I gave the taxi driver the address, and ended up in a shabby looking hotel. Didn't even think they had those in LA! I stepped out of the car. Just then, somebody bumped into me from behind.

'Are you Beth?' A quiet voice asked,

'Yes,' I shivered. Something about the way he said that made me think I was getting assassinated or something.

'I have the uh, stuff.' He whispered again. I felt a hand on my shoulder as I was gently pushed into an isolated part of the hotel. Now I was begging to really get scared. Surely there had to be cameras in this place. Would they think I'm getting kidnapped? Once we stopped walking I turned around to face a man three times my size and four times my weight. He handed me a hand held suitcase. 'Everything you need is in there. I will let Near know I gave it to you. What I need you to do is go to your hotel room, he will contact you then.' Suddenly I felt like I was in some kind of gangster movie. Say, was this illegal? It couldn't have been I mean, were with the government after all, trying to catch Kira.

'Oh, right. Thank you.'

I did as the man said and checked in at the main reception. They gave me the key to my room. My room was on the very last floor. I looked around for an elevator. Seems the hotel didn't have one, and to think this was LA. I groaned 'Maaaaaaaaaaaan!'

The woman at the reception desk snickered, which I chose to ignore. I then made my way up the many stairs. By the time I got to my room I got to my room, half an hour must have past. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but it took a very long time with my suitcase which I had to drag behind me the whole way, and it was not as light as I thought either. My room didn't take me that long to find. I entered it; it was quite small but in its own way looked cosy. A single bed was in the middle of the room, a small bedside desk and a small TV was in the corner with the remote on top, a wardrobe was beside it. There was also a small bathroom to my left. Hey, this isn't so bad!

I quickly locked the door, set the briefcase onto my bed and opened it. It was impressive! The bugs didn't look like anything I've used before, they were so much more high-tech! All of it was. I traced my fingers along the AK 47 model. I haven't had much of a chance to use a gun in New York, but something about this item deeply fascinated me. I of coarse had training on how to use one and actual shooting lessons when I first joined the SPK, don't ask me what for, I didn't even know. Suddenly my phone rang.

'Beth?' The familiar voice on the other end asked. I smiled.

'Near!' I squealed, a little too excitedly. Just keep your cool, you don't want him to think you're not able to handle yourself.

'I take it you arrived safely, how are you liking your hotel?' he made a bit of conversation.

'It's alright, apart from like a billion stairs I had to go up. Could you not send me to a hotel with an elevator?'

'It was the most ellegible one I could find without going over the budget.' He remained serious and got straight down to business 'Have you already opened the suitcase Rester gave you?'

'Yes.'

'Good. You will see complex spying equipment on the right. I'm sure you already know how to use most of it,' Yeah right 'but just in case, there is a manual underneath the first compartment.' God bless manuals ' On the right there's a gun, I opposed the idea of you owning one but the rest of the members seemed it was a good idea so... I want you to listen to me very carefully. You are NOT' He put emphasis on the word not 'to use it. It is for emergencies only. Ill repeat, emergencies only!'

'Okay okay, I understand.' I rolled my eyes. I already knew that far anyway.

'Look at inside of the lid. Do you see a pocket on the left hand side?'

'Yeah,'

'Put your hand into the pocket.' I did as he said and ended up taking out what looked like a map of LA. I opened it. 'This map will show you the exact location of the mafia hideout. Make sure you know where that is, do not attempt to make your first trip there on your own. You will have to take a taxi to the street circled in red' I saw where he was pointing at, it was an empty looking part of LA somewhere in the middle of the mountains. 'However we suggest you rent a car once you are much more aware of your surroundings. You will contact one of us twice a day, once before you make your way to the base, and once you are finished. The second time you will also send us any information you have managed to collect. Have you got all of that?'

My brain felt like it was slowly freezing but I said yes anyway.

'Good. I hope you enjoy your stay in LA, you are free to walk around and whatever else you want in your spare time, which you won't have much of, I'm sorry to say.' Oh wow what great news, 'Just do not make much social contact and use an alias at all times.'

'I understand, and when will I be allowed to come home?'

'We will have to see how things go first, do not worry about that just yet. There's a belt I want you to wear at all times, you'll find it in briefcase. If you are ever in trouble, press the button on it twice and an alert signal will immediately go to our headquarters. We have men in LA who can rescue you.'

'Okay, cool! Thanks for letting me know!' I chuckled. He never talked so much, it was great hearing his voice even if it was just over the phone. I was already started to miss seeing him.

With that we had a small conversation, 'The reason I chose you for this is because I trust your abilities. I believe this will be good experience for you but please be careful,' he added as we said our goodbyes and hung up. I put the suitcase on the floor and lay on my bed.

I wander what my life would have been like if I never came to New York… Suddenly the room got very cold. I turned off the lights and immediately fell asleep in my clothes, after all I was jetlagged like crazy! Tomorrow would be my first day at the base, and I already had a bad feeling about this.

AN: alright, phew! That took ages to write! Hopefully you like my OC and she wasn't too Mary Sue-ish, and Near and the others aren't too out of character… This is kind of just foundations for chapters to come I promise it'l get more exciting!

Review review review! Till next time!

* A handheld gun/pistol