Author's Note: Hello everyone! As it says in the description, this is a sequel to one of my fanfics called 'My Friend'. For those of you who skipped that and came straight to this, Let me give the basics. Katsumi, OC, was married to L before he died, in secret. She has been his childhood friend ever since he was still in Wammy's house. She a computer geek and a genius in the technology world. She is closely associated with Near and Mello. Now I hope you enjoy the sequal. Reviews are very much wanted! Don't be shy!!

Chapter 1

For years, no one had heard word from Katsumi. Only a few people knew any whereabouts of her. Light had taken charge over the investigation team. Misa was still killing many people with her shinigami eyes. Rem had long since been dead. Light Yagami was gaining more power in the police world. He had joined the NPA at 23. It was almost impossible for anyone to suspect him now. Kira was being accepted all over the world. Yagami was winning.

Near had managed to gain a foothold in the United States, convincing the President to create the SPK under his command. Near had relayed all the information on Kira to the President, along with the news of L's death. Mello had left Wammy's house on the day of learning L's death and knowing he and Near could never share the job of taking his place. Sayu Yagami was kidnapped and returned successfully. The Death Note that Light Yagami had with his team was gone now. The events crawled by, there was no sign of Katsumi. Near and Light's battle had just begun; and Katsumi was still grieving.

Near was tossing some little airplanes around and watching them crash into the walls. There was a beeping sound on the monitor.

"Hmm?" He looked up. A small red dot flashed on the screen.

"Security? Huh... someone must have forgotten the code again..." The doors behind him opened. Near turned his head and froze. Katsumi was dressed in dirtied clothes, hair shaggy and long, a cigerrette hanging from her mouth.

"Hey Near..." Her voice was scratchy. He stood up.

"Where have you been? Do you have any idea what has been going on while your were gone? Because you left, Light Yagami has made himself the second L! He's taken over the Task Force." Katsumi let out a puff of smoke.

"I know exactly what has been going on... Sayu Yagami was recently kidnapped, wasn't she? She's been recovered... right?" Near nodded.

"Yes..." Katsumi peered at the monitors.

"You've been trying to keep up to date with the technology... I see..." Near lightly touched her shoulder. She jumped a bit.

"You haven't been talking to anyone, have you? Just from your reaction... are you afraid of contact?" He asked. Katsumi smirked.

"Afraid? No... Actually, I just... have been finding myself to be a bit jumpy... I haven't slept well at all..." Her hair moved from her eyes when she was peering at the monitors. Near saw the bags under her eyes. Black lines highlighting her sleeplessness. He sighed and crouched back down, fiddling with a lock of his hair.

"You need to stop with the grieving, Katsumi." She froze.

"It's destroying you. Can't you see it? You're turning into one of those insane people..." Katsumi's knuckles cracked as she closed her hands into fists.

"I am not insane... I won't ever stop grieving, Near... Not until Kira is killed."

"Killed? First it was caught, but killed? Katsumi... don't you hear yourself?" She walked past Near to the door.

"I'm going to rejoin the task force investigation team, Near... I'll be able to get closer to Kira..." Near smirked.

"Light Yagami, I presume? You suspect him still... I understand that completely... I cannot presume something like that... for you see, I haven't had the pleasure of going through what you have. I don't know what you know. But knowing you, you're probably right." Katsumi stood in front of the opened door, resting her hand on the doorway.

"Near... don't try to act like you know me personally. Light Yagami can easily kill me... I know most of your team has died already and that Mello has gone rouge. I'll try to keep in touch with you..."

"Of course... I'll work with you as much as I can. You are a great mentor after all... second to L himself..." She walked out silently. Near stared at her back and waited for the door to close.

"Poor Katsumi... she's torn herself apart over his death..." He whispered.

Light Yagami carelessly walked outside of the hotel, thinking over the case so far. His sister had been recovered and the Death Note was gone. His father was making sure Sayu was home safely. But they would stay in L.A. until their problem with Near and this new Kira were settled. He had his back turned as Katsumi walked up the street behind him, her eyes swollen from no sleep and face with a blank expression. She walked inside the hotel, silent and unseen.

She opened the door to the room the team was meeting in. Everyone expected Light.

"Light, we managed to put the information Near gave us into the computer-" Mogi stopped. Aizawa glanced up and froze.

"Guys, what's wrong...?" He looked up and saw Katsumi. The entire team was silent. She walked forward, passing by each of them and claiming the seat in front of the computers. She began to click and browse through all the contents the team had put in on the new Kira case and Near. The entire room was in silence. She quickly went to the internet and started browsing the news sites. Light came in.

"Things are probably going to get a bit chaotic now, guys... we have no idea who this kidnapper is, and neither does... Near..." He saw her sitting in 'his' seat. He stared at her head. She didn't acknowledge his presence or his comment. Light gulped and thought over his words.

"Katsumi...? Y... You're... back..." He said. She paused in her typing.

"I'm here, aren't I? Thought I was dead? Idiot..." She continued typing. Matsuda smiled.

"T... This is good news, though! With Katsumi back, we can... well... we can use her technology smarts and it can really help us with the case like it did back then!" He exclaimed. Aizawa nodded, still unsure; sensing the air around her as uncomfortable.

"Yeah... that is really good news." Light walked to Katsumi and looked at what she was viewing.

"Kira news sites? Katsumi... that's sort of... extreme... isn't it?"

"Not at all... we're in the United States now... don't you know? Almost everything is fact on the internet..." She said sarcastically. He gave her a brief death glare.

"You're saying you're going to trust fan sites?"

"No... read the bottom..." She pointed at the publisher.

"'United States Kira Association'. So? That's still just some big named fanclub!" Katsumi smirked.

"Sure... you don't know very much outside of Japan... That 'fanclub' was created by the government, and it's informtion is supplied by the government. The little statements on here that the people believe are false or are really, really stupid... those are the ones that are a part of the 'top secret' section of the Kira case..."

"Katsumi... you were investigating this while you were gone, weren't you!?" Light exclaimed. She nodded.

"A bit... Not a lot... Enough to keep up with the times..."

"This is great! Katsumi is on things as usual! Finding things we wouldn't have dreamed of seeing until the end!" Matsuda said, excited. She clicked on the timeline of Kira. She scrolled down.

"There... that's what the American government has of the entire Kira case... starting when the first American victim died in American territory... and ended with... hmm... another killing... of course..." Light studied the timeline.

"Katsumi... this thing can be edited so anyone can add anything. We can't just assume it's right!" Katsumi clicked on the edit button. A small screen popped up. She typed in 'Task Force comes to America to investigate Kira' at a section on the timeline and pressed 'enter'. The information appeared; but only for a brief moment. It was erased immediatly.

"See? The government keeps a tight eye on this website. That was a fact... but the government doesn't know it, now do they?" Light had a smug look in his eye.

"That doesn't prove anything. It just proves that the site is monitored." She sighed.

"Alright... fine..." She quickly brought up the same box again and typed in 'Kira kills the Prime Minister of France'. She pressed enter and waited. It was immidiately erased.

"Satisfied yet?" She hissed. Light opened his mouth to argue.

"Guys, we have something from Near. He says it's really important," Aizawa announced. A large N appeared on the screens of the computers.

"I have found out from L that the kidnapper of Sayu Yagami and your Director... has demanded L's identity. I am also aware that you all wish to know who I am. I can say this... I know exactly who the kidnapper is." Everyone gasped.

"Really Near?? Are you serious? Why haven't you done anything to arrest him yet?!"

"Well, I know who he is, but do not know where he is. That's a big problem. I also have no idea what his real name is..."

"Real name? You mean he goes by a code name?" Light asked.

"Yes. He is called Mello. I do realize you are curious about my identity as well. I have arranged that two hand drawn sketches be presented to you. One will have my picture. The other will be Mello's. A few people on your team have found out about a place called Wammy's house... and how I am from it. I believe you will all keep quiet about this. I don't like having my identity spread around a lot." The N disappeared. Katsumi sighed.

"He is smart to do that..."

What a dumbass! Near!! I realize trying to get trust in these people is important... but showing a picture of yourself is stupid! The bell rang as someone approached the front door.

"That must be him..." Light muttered. Katsumi examined him. He seemed fimiliar.

"I'll get him..." She muttered, standing up. She walked to the elevator; waiting patiently for it to reach the lobby. She exited quickly and found him.

"Hello... I presume you are Near's special man?" She asked. He peered up at her. She didn't show it; but she was surprised. Gevanni was standing in front of her.

"Yes. I am. Would you like to just take them now or shall I come with you?" He asked. Katsumi leaned in, reaching for the briefcase in his hand. Gevanni quickly took the opprotunity to whisper something.

"He says to not base your options on your emotions... careful..." He whispered. She took the briefcase in hand and tested it's weight.

"Well, sir... it doesn't seem like this is a bomb... nice try on the lock... easy to pick. How naive... You should be more careful. Let's hope you don't get caught up in this mess too much; it'd be really, really messy. Not that it's going to be pretty... I mean this is a secret case after all..." She said. Gevanni forced a smile and bowed.

"Thank you for your time." He quickly left. Katsumi went back to the elevator.

When she arrived at the floor, she quickly started opening the briefcase. No cameras were face her directly. She had to see what Near had provided. Two sketches; rough ones; and a small profile page on Mello. Fom what she saw; it was pretty useless. Only containing his fake name, hair color, eye color, approximate age and weight. She closed it and smirked. Near was smart. With these sketches, anyone with Kira's abilities wouldn't be able to see their real names. She entered the investigation room and handed the briefcase to Light.

"Well? Any luck in there?" She asked. Light opened the case and spread the sketches out.

"Well... at least we know what they look like..." He had an uneasy look on his face.

I bet he's thinking that Near is like a clone of L... hmph... he'd better feel that way... Near is L's successor... along with Mello... Good luck catching him, Light. The entire team was examining the sketches. Katsumi decided to break off from the team for a while. Now she had to keep up her act in cooperation in order to keep them thinking she was only with their views.

A few days later, Mello had called up once more. He demanded the identity of L. He wanted no other answer than that. Soichiro was argueing with him, saying that there was no way he would do anything like it. The entire team wanted to shout and scream at Mello.

"If you don't tell me his identity, then I will start killing people with the note!!" Katsumi had listened to everything Mello had said, but she couldn't let this pass.

"Really now? Soichiro... move..." She took the microphone over and cleared her throat.

"Mello... what was this I just heard?" She said. There was silence for a few moments.

"Who is this? I didn't know that there was a female working with L. And to let her talk to me; my... you all have become so stupid!"

"What a sexist comment! Mello, that is so low of you! And here I thought you had changed... well... you have... but you've become even more childish. What... does being number one mean treat everyone like crap?" Mello paused.

"Now I see... what is your name?"

"My name is K." Mello chuckled.

"I thought it was. I haven't spoken to you in ages... now you're working for L? Such an improvement and disappointment! I thought you'd be working alone."

"You never know what I'll do next."

"Yes... like how you disappeared for a few years, showing no signs of return? Like that?"

"Oh Mello... childish comments like that won't do a thing to improve your situation..."

"You know, I thought that I'd be caught by you, K. But I guess I was wrong. You're so submissive when it comes to L. It's like he's your master." Katsumi laughed loudly.

"Master? Oh please! If anyone is the master here, it's me."

"Really? Why haven't you been talking to me first since the very beginning?" She let out a sigh.

"Now a question like that won't get you anywhere in life. Why are you doing something so childish?"

"This is a dirty way of finding out what I want. Mister number one is doing the clean way. I don't care what you do, K; just as long as you don't get in my way, I'll treat you with the upmost respect." She smiled.

"Mello. You are a child still, but your manners to those you actually respect are quite well; just like the old days. At least it's nice to know you still have manners."

"Hmph! Manners. One thing I really don't respect. Well, K. It was very nice talking to you. But it seems I will go now. I don't want my party to be ruined. Enjoy yourself. I'm certain you will..." He hung up. Katsumi switched the microphone off and stared at it with calm eyes. Mello wasn't one to agree with things like this. But he was so emotional. He let his emotions judge his actions; that made him irrational. It also fogged his common sense. Near and Mello working together did make an almost unstoppable team; but Mello had been competing with Near for years and never like to be anywhere close to him. She knew Light would personally try to get rid of him himself. If Mello acted like this the entire time; and L's suspicions were true; Light would take matters into his hands as Kira and try to kill Mello.

"Katsumi... it really seems like you know him..." Aizawa said. She didn't answer.

"What was all this about you talking to him fi-"

"Mello is so stupid... I can't believe he'd go to such lengths..." She muttered.

"W... what?" She blinked, snapping out of her daze.

"Oh... sorry... I was just thinking out loud..."

"Do you know him?" Katsumi shrugged.

"Well... he was at the stupid orphanage thingy when I was 'working' at Yotsuba. You remember, right?" Soichiro nodded.

"I remember that... Maybe that's why Near knows about us. You were trying to establish some sort of connection over there with the president, right?" Katsumi nodded.

"Yeah... you could say that..." She stood up and sighed.

"Even though I only knew him for bit, Mello is one smart cookie... almost as sharp as Near... You all had better look out for him. He's Near with a... a much more illegal side." She walked out of the room and left.

"W-wait! Katsumi!! Hold it!" Aizawa glanced around out of the door she had gone through.

"Huh... well... I guess she was in a hurry..." He said, closing the door.

"What's the matter?" Light asked.

"I was going to ask her to stay. If she runs off all the time; who knows what will happen next..."

Katsumi made sure the bike lock was correct. After looking around to see if anyone was following her or spying on her, she took out her cellphone and dialed up Mello.

"Hello. This is Black Den's branch in L.A. Who the hell is this?" A rough voice said. She grunted.

"May I ask who the fuck is this?" She hissed.

"Shut up girl! Just because you're a woman, doesn't mean I won't send boys out to kick your ass!"

"This number is that of a friends. Why does some monkey like you have it?"

"Monkey!? You're just asking to be killed, aren't ya!? Well I'll just track this, and kick your ass myself!" She heard voices in the background.

"Who the hell are you yelling at now!?"

"Mello can't concentrate with your yappin!"

"Look! Some idiot woman is saying this phone belonged to a friend and she's insulting me over here!"

"Just ask her her name, dumbass!" Katsumi sighed and waited.

"What is your name, girl?"

"How about a monkey wearing a chicken suit. That's a good name." She was getting impatient.

"A mon...?! Dammit!! Now I am gonna hunt you down and kill ya!!"

"Who the fuck are you talking to!?" That was Mello, Katsumi knew it. He finally got mad. She waited patiently, listening to all that played out.

"Some girl who is looking for a friend. She said this phone belongs to a friend of hers! And she is insulting our branch!!"

"Give me the phone."

"Mello, you can't-"

"Give me the god damn phone. Or I'll kill you too." There were a few sounds as the phone was being passed.

"Who is this? Where did you get this number?"

"Who is this and why did you give up your phone?" Mello chuckled.

"Well well! You didn't forget this number! I think I'll take this to a more private room... knowing you, you're wanting some inside deal."

"Look, cut the crap and listen, Mello."

"My ears are bending to your words."

"L is probably thinking of hunting you down. He'll probably send in some sort of raid to capture or kill you guys. Now, do you know about this thing called 'The Deal?'"

"The deal...? Oh! You mean the eye deal!"

"Eye deal?" Katsumi was puzzled.

"Yeah! The guy who's here and doing the killings for me made the deal so he can read names with just a photo. He doens't need anyone to tell him."

"So... this eye deal... it lets you see a persons name?"

"Yeah! Some shinigami came down, saying this Death Note was his and agreed to work with us as long as I gave him chocolate."

"Him? Well... what's it's name?"

"Uh... hmm... Think it was Shidoh." She paused. It wasn't Rem? The notebook they had in their possesion belonged to that Shinigami named Rem. Why wasn't she with it? She said the notebook was hers and would follow where ever it went.

"Shidoh, huh? Well... can he touch people?"

"Oh yeah. That's how he revealed himself to us. He just flopped to note onto all of our heads and showed himself."

"That's good, because I want you to make him do something whenever this raid is. They'll probably come in through some hallways. Make sure you filter them to one hallway; where ever Shidoh will be placed. I'm certain he's out 'guarding' for you?"

"Katsumi, I've thought this out already. The cameras are up, the guy is watching them closely. If people come through with helmets, Shidoh will take them off and the guy will kill them. No problem! But the filter thing is different. I'll work on it myself. I'll make it so only one hallway leads to the main spot. Nice thinking... but why exactly are you helping me? And in such a dark way!"

"You know the current L isn't actually him, right?"

"Yes... unfortunately... I wanted to say it earlier but I didn't have the chance... I am sorry for... your lose... Katsumi... is this you trying to get back at whoever made him die? It isn't like you. Yes, if Kira killed him, then I'll agree with you all the way. If your suspect of Kira is the new L, then I will cooperate with most everything you tell me."

"Good... now let me tell you who L is. You can't mention this to anybody. Not even that shinigami. His name is Light Yagami. He is the Kira suspect and was ever since L... ever since he managed to narrow down his search to just one suspect. I know Light is Kira. L told me..." She paused to hold back a few tears.

"L... he told me that... if he died, Light was Kira. He knew that... Light... he was going to try and kill L... so he wouldn't be chased anymore... But since Light was nowhere near a notebook, and he was in the same room as L when he... died... The suspicions on him are gone... But I know... he is Kira!" She whispered. Mello was silent, respecting every word she had just said.

"Mello... you and Near... you are the last traces of L, next to me. You are important to this whole thing. I'm certain Light already sees the similarity between you and L. This will make you a danger to him. I've given you good reputation, so please help me set him up."

"I understand, Katsumi. Don't worry. You have my full support. Of course, I can't promise that this halfwits will obey everything I say. I'm the only real smart guy here..."

"Yeah... I understand... thank you..." She hung up.