L's question. Near now understands. When he heard those words come from Roger's mouth, he knew. He remembered the conversation he had with his mentor. He remembered the confusion when his mentor asked the question. But now he knows what he meant.
Maybe if he figured it out before hand he could've— no. The outcome would remain the same. Even if he had been able to see the answer, there was no way to avoid it. He and Mello wished to become L's successor yet they didn't know the consequences of becoming it.
Unlike Mello who was going on and on about the absurdity of the event, Near sat quietly in his chair, monotone eyes staring at the puzzle. His mind went back to conversation he and the detective had. Though only having met in person once, his mentor gave a long lasting impression on the albino. Sighing, Near remembered that day.
Silent admiration was first minute of the conversation. At least on Near's part, for the detective it was more curiosity and amusement at his actions. Assuming his regular sitting position, L broke the silence, "the reason I brought you in here, is to tell you that you are in the running to succeed me." The only sign that the boy heard him was the slightest twitch on the end of his lips and L continued, "Any questions so far?"
The young albino looked into the eyes that were so similar to his then asked, "What would it take for me to be the successor?" There was a pause. L placed eight sugar cubes is his tea and began stirring thoughtfully. It was obvious to Near that L is going deep into thought to answer him as much as possible. The child's eyes continued watching L as he gently put the cup to his lips for a sip then turned to him to tell him the answer.
"Detective work takes skill which, you obviously have much of. Also no matter what situation you must stay calm and think before you act, rash actions get people killed. You must be dedicated to your work, and to become my successor…" L trailed off his sentence and sighed. Near tilted his head and gave him a look to go on. L put his thumbnail between teeth and went on, "Well lets put you in another situation. Say you going to inherit a manor how would you get it? And how would you get to be the next L?"
"Interesting scenario… I would have to say you must've had to be next in line for the manor to obtain it or chosen by the owner to inherit it." Near explained, his eyes never leaving the older male. Still confused the white haired boy twirled a piece of hair on his finger, "What do the two have to do with each other? All you must do is choose you successor, right?" L stood up and ruffled the white locks, "In time you will understand little one. Anyways I must be off. The Kira case will not solve itself." Near watched him leave and pondered the question. 'How would you get to be the next L?'
Entering the present, Near set a hand on Mello's shoulder, "Enough. As a possible successor you should have expected this." The blonde smacked his hand away, "What the hell would you know?" Near frowned at the chocoholic then moved to sit at Roger's desk and open a word document. Grumbling to himself, Near mumbled "to become the next L…" his fingers typed 'L's question. Near now understands…' It didn't take long for Mello to figure out the code in the document and storm out. Leaving Near to his thoughts. 'To become the next L…'
Author note: okay I probably already gave it away what Near was thinking but if you wanna know the answer to the last sentence…. Look at the beginning of each letter of the paragraph. What does it spell? You guys must've already got it! XD so I am currently a fan of death note. i need to brush up on mah riddle skillz. ANYWAYS Crimson out!