Peace Chapter 3: Instincts Are Always Right, a death note fanfic

Hey! I finally got a new update in on this! I'm really trying hard on this one!

I just wish more people would review...

Review Please

Chapter 2

Almost a year had passed since Peace had received her precious guitar from who she would always call her best friend who rivalled even L. It was true, that though she was great friends with Near, she much preferred to spend time with the overly-emotional Mello, though no one was ever certain why. Not much had changed in the months, in that aspect.

One year was not much time for change. Everything was still the same. Except, however, Peace's intuition.

Her gut always told her that something wasn't right. That something horrible was going to happen. Most told her to ignore it, especially Mello and Matt. Near, however, listened to her fears. It was probably why she was visiting him more often in the week before her thirteenth birthday, much to Mello's jealous dismay.

Yes, there were more outbursts during this time, but they soon were smoothed over with a simple song played gracefully from the guitar strings Peace's slender fingers moved so easily over. Her voice too, could easily be mistaken for someone much older as it was that mature. It was beautiful. Hence why Mello tended to order her, more or less, for these songs as repayment for her 'betrayal'.

Peace would always take it with a smile and do as she was told. She knew that this was just who Mello was. There was no changing him.

Today, was one of those days. Peace's pale and slender fingers plucked and strummed her electric's guitar strings, but for some reason, her voice would not come to her. It was reason for Mello to worry, though he didn't actually say anything. It was Matt who brought it up as he played that blasted gameboy of his.

"Hey, somethin' wrong, Peace? You seem choked up about somethin'." She stopped strumming and her grey eyes lowered to stare at the guitar in her arms.

The Union Jack style covered it with a simple yellow peace sign on the left hand side. On the right, in black magic marker, was Mello's sloppy signature.

She had personally asked for it that day, once she had gotten him alone.

"We're both going to be famous one day. If you sign it, it'll be worth a fortune!"

Her eyes watered and she stood up from the stool, swinging the guitar so that it hung on her back. The way she always carried it.

Peace always had that guitar with her. She didn't go anywhere without it. If it wasn't on her back, it was safely in its case which she still carried with her. Either that, or in her arms where she played it ever so perfectly.

She loved that guitar.

The dark haired girl walked over to a large window and stared out of it, at the rain. A stray tear rolled down her cheek.

"I- I'm getting that feeling again, guys. Something bad is going to happen." Mello scoffed as he bit down on his chocolate bar.

"Stop being so gloomy! Nothing's going to happen!"

"But-"

"I said, stop being so gloomy!" As she always did, Peace relented.

"O- okay." And as she always did, she made her way down the hall to Near's room.

Mello nor Matt bothered to come after her, though the blonde had desperately wanted to. He wanted to knock some sense into her. Yet, he also wanted to hug her and tell her not to worry.

Ugh, damn teenage hormones.

A soft knock.

"Come in." Near whispered and Peace soon showed herself, closing the door behind her.

He glanced up briefly and acknowledged that expression on her face. The solemn one that had begun to show up more and more recently in the past year.

"What seems to be the problem?" He already knew.

"It's back. No one wants to know about it. Besides L, you're the only one that will listen. L's not here. I only have you." And so, she sat down and began to pour out her worries just as she had been doing for nearly every day for the past week or so.

"I see."

"Near- do you think L's going to die?" A tiny smile formed.

"Why would you think that, Peace?"

"I've never had these feelings before this Kira thing. It unnerves me to think it- but I think it's going to happen any day now." Tears now streamed down her face as she spoke and Near forced himself to return to his puzzle.

"I see." Peace continued to cry, wiping at her face with her navy hoodie as she did so.

"L is my friend. My very first friend. I don't- I don't want him to die. I don't want anyone to die. This Kira person- whoever they are, I don't like them. I hate them. I don't know squat about what's going on now in Japan, L won't tell me through his emails, but what I do know- scares me." Peace, scared?

Near silently fathomed the idea.

Yes, she certainly was the opposite of Mello. Perhaps that was why they were together so often. Opposites attract? Yet, that was merely a possibility. Strangely enough, he couldn't fathom the idea of Mello and Peace becoming a couple.

They were TOO different.

It was then that her words sunk in.

"You are in contact with L?"

"Yeah. Through my computer. No one in the house can hack into it though- L himself put up the firewall. Not even Matt could do it."

"I see. Does Mello know about this?" Peace's eyes saddened and lowered to the floor.

"I'm going to be in enough trouble as it is, if L found out I told you. The possibility of me telling Mello this- it would send him off his rocket. I'm under enough stress as it is. He doesn't need to know." Near nodded to her words, then spoke again.

"What type of stress is it that you are speaking of?" Peace flushed and twiddled her thumbs for a moment before replying.

"I- just- no ones seems to hear me, Near. Just you and L. You're the only ones that listen to what I have to say. It's stressful to have to hold everything in all the time. I- don't want to keep burdening you with my feelings."

"You should stop listening to Mello. He gives horrible advice." She shook her head.

"No, this time Mello has nothing to do with it. It's simply- me. I've got everything to do with it. It's part of who I am. In that sense, Mello and I are very much alike. I guess it's why I can understand him so easily. Because I know how his mind works."

"It works similar to yours?"

"Something lie that." She paused and lowered her eyes, biting down on her cheek.

"Mello might not act it at times, but- he does care about me. A lot. He's scared of losing me to you just like those stupid tests. He's very stubborn. All those tests- he's never come to me once for help before them." She smiled.

"He wants to beat you on his own. Without my help. Without anyone's help. Just like- L." Her voice dropped again and her eyes watered.

Near twirled a strand of his white hair.

"Perhaps you should go and speak with him yourself. You seem to wish for his presence more so than mine. It's understandable. You have not seen him for over a year." Peace blinked and lowered her head.

"I- don't want to bother him with such a trivial thing."

"If it is about his death- I'm quite sure he would like to know." She blinked again and then smiled, wrapping her arms around Near who acted indifferent.

He still continued with his puzzle. Just like always.

Peace locked her bedroom door and turned to her computer, sitting down before it. However, before she could log into her email account and begin typing her message to her best friend, his image appeared before her.

Peace's eyes widened as L smirked slightly.

"I'm glad to see that you're where I predicted you to be, Peace." Tears formed in her eyes as she grinned, feeling slightly better if not for that damned feeling in her gut.

"L. I'm glad to see YOU, period. I was about to email you."

"I know. I'm certain that now is as good a time as any to let me know what has you troubled." She blinked and tilted her head.

"How did you-? Ah, nevermind, that's not important." He chuckled.

Peace continued.

"I'm scared for you, L. I know you'd never admit it, but I know you can sense it too. The dark cloud looming over us." The man on the other side frowned as he saw her expression fall.

She WAS concerned, that much was obvious. Yet, there was more.

"Yes, I will admit, I have too sensed it. That's not all, though, is it?"

"Not at all. L, I've been getting this feeling. I don't like it, but I want to ask you if you have the same one. I've always been told to listen to my instincts, and I've always done so. Now, they're telling me to tell you to be careful. They're telling me that- that- you're going to die." His blue-grey orbs widened as she whispered out the words he had never expected to hear from her.

Tears streaked down her cheeks and she tried ferociously to clear them with the sleeve of her hoodie.

He responded with his own voice, strong and soft.

"Peace, I too feel it." Her head jerked and her eyes were wide.

"The bells are ringing especially loud this week. In fact, it is why I have contacted you in this manner. I wish to tell you something."

"You- can tell me anything, L." He smiled.

"I know. Now, in the secret drawer of your desk, there's something I want you to have. Do NOT search for it yet, as I want you to wait until after my death." It was then that Peace realized that he expected to never return.

L never expected to come back. He never expected to live.

"And of Mello and Near?" She whispered.

He wasn't surprised that she had caught on. Not in the least.

"Unfortunately, Peace, I cannot choose. Both have weaknesses and both have strengths. In any case, if you were an option-"

"L."

"- I understand. You have made up your mind." A tiny smile made it's way back to his face.

"Perhaps you would be able to talk Mello into joining forces with Near? It would save a lot of trouble in the future." She bit her lip.

"I- doubt he would cooperate."

"I see." His blue-grey eyes bore into her own storm cloud orbs, seriousness flowing throughout the entity of his expression.

"Peace."

"Our conversations have always been confidential, L. Not a word of this will be spoke to anyone. Not even Roger. You have my word. Until my own life runs out."

"I know." And Peace smiled, offering her best friend the only comfort she could.

"I love you, L. I want you to remember that. Forever and ever, I'll remember you even if no one else does. I think that'll be unlikely, but- to be forgotten is what we orphans fear the most, isn't it?" He blinked and then gave a simple nod.

"Indeed."

"In any case, happy birthday." Again, L smiled his rare smile.

Peace herself didn't often see it, but she knew that when she did- L was truly happy. In the end, she knew that's what he truly deserved to be. She only wished it didn't have to end so soon.

"Happy birthday, to you too. In case I miss it." He whispered.

"I know you wouldn't miss it for the world. Even if you die- you'll still be with me like you've always been. From the beginning and to the end." She paused.

"Tell Watari I said 'hello' and 'goodbye'."

"Of course." Again, another pause.

There was more that needed to be said.

L broke the silence.

"I- care deeply about you, Peace. Because of this, I find it my place to tell you this. Never allow anyone to harm you. Certainly you should put those marital arts I taught you to good use? Before you do get hurt." It was then that the video cut out and Peace smiled, despite her pained emotions.

"Anything for you, L. I'll take your words to heart. Just like always." Her eyes drifted to the window and saddened when she saw that it was raining.

It always rained on the worst of days.

Matt could sense it without even having to look up from his gameboy. Mello was worried.

Not that the chocolate loving blonde would actually admit it, but in the past three days, his concern for Peace had grown. She had stopped playing her guitar and had been spending much of her time outside, staring at the sky.

Perhaps that wouldn't have been so bad, apart from the fact that it was RAINING and she wore no coat. The almost thirteen year old girl hadn't even been getting dressed in proper clothes, either. She simply wore her pink pyjama top and bottoms, donning no socks or shoes. Her hair would hang, as she refused putting in up in its usual ponytail for some odd reason, plastered to her cheeks due to the ongoing rain.

Not one of the boys were sure of what exactly was causing this strange behaviour and neither had asked about it. After all, she WAS smiling when she was staring at the sky. It was an odd smile, but a smile nonetheless. Her eyes also stated, as did her words, that nothing was wrong.

Obviously, Mello didn't believe either. The blonde was working himself up over it, especially since out of the blue- she had stopped complaining about how horrible she felt about this Kira thing. It was- strange to say in the least. Very strange.

"Guh, what the hell is she doing out there, AGAIN?!" Mello exclaimed, sounding extremely annoyed.

Matt knew better.

"I wouldn't worry about it. Peace can take care of herself."

"She's going to kill herself if she keeps it up!" And, as usual, Mello went outside to retrieve her.

The copper haired boy sighed, shut off his game, and followed. Soon, they were out in the rain with a quiet Peace as she stared up at the sky.

"Damn it, you gotta stop comin' out here! You're going to get yourself sick!" Mello snapped at her.

The younger girl blinked once and turned her head slightly to him, her storm cloud orbs piercing right through him.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you." She whispered.

Mello flushed.

"I WAS NOT WORRIED!!!"

"Relax, Mello." Matt murmured, eyes focusing on the girl.

She turned her attention back to the sky while Mello went off on some sort of rant.

"Hey! Aren't you even listening to me?!"

"Do you think there's such a place as heaven, Mello? Matt? I've been pondering about it for days on end, yet I can't fathom the idea." Mello's expression went into one of shock as she spoke, ever so softly.

It reminded him of L in a way. It was creepy.

"Huh? Why're you thinking about something like that?" Mello then questioned.

"You don't just space out for three days over something religious, Peace." Matt added and she tilted her head, blinking.

"I- just want to know if the people I care about will go to such a beautifully described place. And if I DESERVE to go there. Am I a good person?" Now, this caused yet another outburst from Mello.

"What the hell has gotten into you?! You're sprouting nonsense!"

"Hmm? Oh, sorry." Her brow furrowed.

"I just- really want to know. When people die, is there really some place for them to go afterwards? It's a scary thought really, death. To think of nothing being there once I die- it unnerves me."

"Gah! Of course there's something on the other side! Once you die, you go to heaven and live there with friends and family and stuff! God will take care of you when you're dead! Now, shut the hell up about it and come inside before you die of pneumonia or something!" As simple as that, Peace snapped from her daze and one of her true smiles graced her lips.

"Of course. Whatever you want of me." She went inside and to her bedroom, where she got changed for the first time in days.

Matt looked with Mello with a sly grin.

"Dude, you really DO care, huh?" Mello flushed and spluttered out of mere embarrassment of his rash actions.

"J- just shut up before I beat the crap out of you!"

"Like you'd ever-" A punch to the face and a nose gushing blood told Matt that Mello was completely serious.

November fourth. The day before Peace's thirteenth birthday.

She clung tightly to the rabbit L had given her and cried her heart out.

The past three days had been soothing, so to say as her mind had been occupied on something important. However, now that her mind was clear to focus on what she knew was to come- she could do nothing other than sit in her room and cry.

Matt and Mello had tried several times to get her to come out- neither of which knowing what was her problem. In the end, they gave up, assuming that it was just her cycle again.

It wasn't. THAT wasn't to come for another week.

Her face buried itself into the soft cuddliness of the stuffed animal and she inhaled, tears still squeezing from her eyes.

It was then that the door to her room softly opened. She didn't hear it and didn't look up when she felt Near's presence.

"Peace- what seems to be the matter?" Her face remained hidden in the rabbit for a few moments longer before she sniffed and rose her head.

"I- can't tell you." She whispered.

He simply nodded in understanding and sat down on the floor to simply offer her his presence.

In the end, that was all she really needed. Someone quiet to listen to her, even when she had nothing at all to say. It was for that reason that she and Near got along so well.

He knew when she wanted to talk. She knew when he wanted her to be close.

But, she needed to admit it to herself. Her relationship with Near was nowhere near as strong as the bond she shared with Mello. It never would be. It was a friendly relationship, as Near tended to shy away from others in the house, but there was just something much stronger between her and her overdramatic blonde friend.

"Near- tomorrow-" She sniffed.

Near waited for her to continue.

"- tomorrow something bad is going to happen."

"What has been troubling you recently, I assume?" She gave a simple nod and returned to hugging the rabbit as tight as she could.

How would things turn out when Mello found out? Not good at all, she assumed.

L was Mello's hero.

November fifth. Peace's thirteen year had begun.

Her ponytail was messy, as it always was, as Peace walked through the halls silently beside Mello and Matt towards Roger's office.

She hadn't said a thing all day. Her face hadn't changed. It was emotionless.

"What're you sulking about anyway? You've been acting strange all week." Mello murmured, biting down on a chocolate bar.

It was then that Peace spoke.

"I'm just sad." She had her predictions of this visit to Roger.

She didn't like the outcomes of any of the scenarios she had thought up.

Matt and Mello glanced towards her as she turned her eyes slightly to them, forcing a tiny smile.

"I hope nothing bad happened." Hoping was all she could do, but she already knew what was wrong.

This trip to Roger's office was something she had been dreading all week. It was why she lingered in the doorway as Matt held it open for her.

"Peace?" Her eyes drifted up to meet his through his goggles.

They locked for just a moment before she looked away and stepped on through, knowing full well that it was for the best. If she didn't go in now, she would only regret it later. It was for the best that she knew what had happened.

Near was already in the room, sitting on the floor, putting together his blank puzzle. Mello stood off by Roger's desk and Matt stood in a corner playing his handheld. She decided to remain by the door, as it would be easier for her to run if instincts told her to do so.

The older man behind the desk sighed at the sight of the children, resting immediately on the youngest and only girl in the room. His eyes then flickered to his computer and he opened his mouth.

"L is dead." Peace felt her heart skip several beats, but was surprised when she wasn't the one to react.

"Wh- what do you mean?!"

"He's dead. Killed by Kira." Roger repeated, rather bluntly.

He was not a very empathetic person. He didn't care for children.

"Did- did he at least choose?!"

"No. He was killed before he could do so." Mello growled, tears stinging his eyes.

Peace wanted desperately to place her hand on her friend's shoulder, but found herself unable to move at all. Her fists were instead clenched at her sides and for some strange reason, she found herself unable to cry and speak.

"Damn it! What do we do now?!"

"It might be best for you three to work together." Roger murmured, motioning to Peace, Near, and the blonde.

"That sounds fine." Near whispered, but Mello disagreed.

"I AM NOT WORKING WITH HIM!!! I'll do this on my own! I'll be the one who catches Kira first!" Despite saying that, Peace noticed Mello glance to both herself and Matt.

Her stomach was doing flips and it was soon after the outburst that the blonde pushed roughly passed her, grasping her wrist in his hand. Matt also followed, sliding his gameboy away.

"We're leaving." Peace frowned at this and finally regained her voice.

"Mello." He roughly pushed in the doorway to his and Matt's shared room, dragging the small girl behind him.

"Mello." After she repeated his alias, he stopped and looked to her with flaring blue eyes.

She stared back with her storm cloud orbs.

"What?!"

"I- can't go with you."

"Sure you can! I'll kidnap you if I have to!" Her eyes widened and Mello got to packing.

As much as she didn't want to, she needed to.

"I mean, I don't want to." Again, he stopped, eyes wide.

"What?" In the blink of an eye, she was pinned to the wall, his hands roughly on her small shoulders.

It knocked the wind out of her.

"You're on Near's side, aren't you?! ANSWER ME, DAMN IT!!!"

"Mello! Let her go! You're hurting her!" Matt protested.

More like scaring her shitless.

Peace's face was drained of blood as she stared fearfully into the eyes of the boy she now called her closest friend. The only friend that she could even remotely care about in the same way she cared about L.

Mello growled, but listened to his friend. Peace immediately collapsed and stared up helplessly.

"I- I'll only slow you down." She managed weakly and the blonde's eyes softened slightly, though were still full of anger.

"How the hell would you do that?!" He demanded.

"Mello, Peace doesn't want any part in this Kira business. You know that." Matt murmured.

Mello clenched his fists viciously.

"So- you're just going to abandon L?! I thought he was your best friend?!"

"L is dead, Mello." She whispered and he fell silent in surprise.

"What?"

"L is dead. You can't abandon those who are no longer amongst the living."

"How can you say something like that?! He was your best friend!"

"L- is dead. Dead. Dead. Dead. L is dead. I- need to live for him in my own way. I'm going to live for him in my own way." It was then that a hand came across her face and her eyes went wide.

"Shut the hell up you big baby! All you ever do is whine! Toughen up, damn it!" She whined?

Then what the hell was he doing? Sure as hell didn't look like he was roughing it.

"Mello! What the hell?!"

"She deserved it! She's turning her back on all L ever stood for! On us, Matt! As far as I'm concerned, she's just a coward!" Peace looked up, nursing her swelling cheek with her right hand.

She didn't say anything as he glared down at her with disgust before he grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. He then roughly pressed a bag into Matt's hands. The goggled boy hesitantly took it, flashing the girl an apologetic look.

"Come on, Matt! We don't have any time to waste with cowards!" Mello never looked back as he disappeared from his room and Peace's sight.

Matt stood in the doorway for a moment and stared at her sadly.

"Sorry, Peace. I- I'm sure he didn't mean it."

"Mello means everything he says, Matt. You and I- we both know that." Matt allowed his gaze to flicker to the bed for the moment.

"I'm not sure if this is the right time, or day for that matter, but- he got you a birthday present. It's under his bed." And with a short nod, Matt too left.

Peace was left all alone with a swelling cheek and a broken heart as she did all she could to not cry. After a few minutes, she looked up to the ceiling and then to what used to be Mello's bed. Her eyes focused on it for a minute before she crawled over to it and reached under.

Her small hand grasped around a small wrapped box and she pulled it out, staring at the dark blue tissue paper that covered it. Tears stung the corners of her eyes and she let out a quivery sigh before gently pulling on the paper, which ripped easily. Then, she opened the small box and finally allowed the tears to flow down her face when her storm cloud eyes met with the bright red leather choker on the inside.

She gently reached down for the choker and grasped it tightly before reaching up and wrapping it around her neck.

It might not have seemed it then, but that choker was completely her style.

She stood in her room, or what was once her room, slinging her own small purple backpack over her slender shoulder. The hood of her navy hoodie was pulled up to hide her face, apart from several pieces of her messy hair which poked out. Under her arm, she held the bunny L had given her so long ago.

Peace glanced around the room, looking for anything she could possibly need. It was then that she remembered the conversation she had with her best friend. The last conversation.

"I'm scared for you, L. I know you'd never admit it, but I know you can sense it too. The dark cloud looming over us."

"Yes, I will admit, I have too sensed it. That's not all, though, is it?"

"Peace, I too feel it. The bells are ringing especially loud this week. In fact, it is why I have contacted you in this manner. I wish to tell you something."

"You- can tell me anything, L."

"I know. Now, in the secret drawer of your desk, there's something I want you to have. Do NOT search for it yet, as I want you to wait until after my death."

She moved over to her desk and pulled open the secret compartment, eyes soon resting on a single envelope. Her fingers wrapped around it, and though she was desperate to open it, the small girl merely stuffed it into the safety of her hoodie for a later time.

"L."

"You're leaving too." Her head turned and her grey eyes locked with those of Near.

He stood in her doorway, twisting his white hair around his finger casually. As he always did.

"I'm unsurprised. You always follow Mello." Peace smirked bitterly.

"I'm not going after Mello, Near. I thought I made it clear that I want nothing to do with detective work. I'm a musician. That's all."

"Yet, you're leaving on the same day."

"There's nothing more for me here at Wammy's. You'll be leaving tomorrow, right? I'll be all alone and forgotten. I think it's time I made my own life."

"You're hardly old enough." Near whispered.

Peace stared for a moment before shaking her head.

"I'll manage." She grabbed her guitar case and looked to Near again.

"If I matter so much to you, I'm sure you'll find me without trouble. I'll be using the name 'Lily Loliet' and if I leave the country, it'll be for America. I won't be hard to find."

"Peace, this is hardly the way to go about this stressful situation." She responded quickly.

"It was bound to happen eventually, Near. We both know that. Just- promise me one thing."

"Only if you agree to promise me something as well."

"Fair enough." Near continued to stare.

"Be careful."

She smiled.

"I'll be careful. In turn, make a doll of me, okay? I don't want to be forgotten." And then, young Peace left her old room with just a casual glance over her shoulder.

Near still stood there, watching as she left.

She didn't hear the words he spoke next. No one did as no one else was there.

"Happy birthday, Peace." And he turned his back, heading in the opposite direction of the girl forever changed.

The clock struck midnight and November sixth, the first day of Peace's thirteen year, began. By that time, she was long gone into the streets of the city.

On November sixth, Peace, now known as Lily Loliet, didn't cry a single tear.

She didn't care.

She didn't want to be forgotten, but hell did she want to forget.