Chapter twelve:

Jack finally sighs softly. "Let us go. Let's give him a chance."

"Thank you." L speaks with such gratefulness in his tone. He allows the other to take the lead to head towards where Light is being held.

They are almost there when shouting of the leaders name can be heard. They stop and turn towards where the shouting is coming from. They spot Near racing towards them with a very fearful and shaken look.

Jack is the first to move as he dashes towards the young member; who slows to a stop to try to catch his breath. "Near! What happened?! What's wrong!?"

"Barens." Near manages to pant out looking up at the other. He is hunched over as he is trying to catch his breath. "They were coming. They chased me." He keeps talking despite not having fully caught his breath yet. "Then Jason helped me… But he got killed! I got away and ran away to come to warn you all. The Barens are going to attack. Some kind of sneak attack! They really mean business!"

Jack glances in the direction of the tent where Light is being held. He closes his eyes with a sigh and finally turns to L. "They've started long before we could." He states the obvious. "So we're going to need those that will stand at our side more than ever."

L smiles at this then he watches Jack head over to the tent.

"Release him. Let him come to me." Jack orders and though the two guards glance to each other for a moment they do as told. He smiles at Light who turns to him when he is brought out of that tent. "Greetings. I am the leader Jack. I do hope that you'll truly be able to help us like L told us you would." He slightly glances away. "For you see the Barens are already beginning their attacks. We need someone who knows them more than ever."

L and Near join Jack and Light over by the tent.

L dashes over to the other and they share a hug then a quick kiss before Light turns to Jack.

"I would be all too happy to help you out." Light informs Jack who gives a nod of thanks.

"L if you could take him to the living room area of our home to prepare for planning." Jack requests in which L gives a soft nod to confirm that he will do that. He turns away to look to the outskirts of their home. "I have just a few things to do then I will be joining you there." He heads off going around to one group of his members while L leads Light away.

Near on the other hand looks back the way that he had came from worried about Mello.

Jack notices the others look right at him as soon as he had approached. "I need all of you to do something for me." He informs them getting the nods and looks of confirmation that they'll do what needs to be done. "I want you to scout the area around here. Barens are on their way. Keep hidden as much as possible to try to help keep them from knowing that they are close to this place. As well as to not engage in a fight quite yet. If you do spot anyone then to notify me at once. Also do not forget to send at least one picture. Once I get the text and the picture I will order you on how to move next. I might have you to follow them, to retreat, to bring them to me or to attack them. However do all that is within your power to not give away your position. I have already lost one of our dear members to the group. I do not wish to lose anymore if I can help it. So if you understand then go and do as I asked please."

The group nod then dash off to go do as they were ordered to do.

Jack glances back wanting Near to be there with them when they plan for the attack. He watches him for a second in concern as he sees Near seemingly waiting anxiously. He approaches the other who seems to hear him and turns to look to him. He gives him a soft yet reassuring smile. "I want you to be there when we do our planning." He informs the other who glances away in concern.

"What about Mello? I haven't seen him yet." Near blinks as a thought comes to mind. "What if… What if they found out and captured him?!"

Jack places a hand on Near's tense shoulder. "Hush. It'll be alright." He says in an attempt at soothing him. "I have some members keeping an eye out. They'll send me a picture and if it is Mello he will be brought to us. Okay?" He adds the okay when Near turns to look to him meeting his eyes.

Near finally gives a soft 'okay' in agreement then after Jacks small pat on his shoulder he follows the other.

Elsewhere…

Mello is racing through the land having heard enough information that he feels he should go to find Near now. He has to warn them before anything happens. He needs to make sure that Near will be okay. He feels as if he has to do this to save as many lives as possible. He simply refuses to let Near down. Not yet. Not when he is needed the most. He continues to move on through the land trying to remember where it is he is supposed to go. He would call out hoping someone might hear him… But he worries that one of Baren groups have already been sent out… If he calls out and it's them then he will be dragged to the side he doesn't wish to be on. He will be forced to fight with them or face their wrath and die. He is well aware that any sign of possible treachery, or thoughts that the Feather Freedoms are good, won't be tolerated.

Not with a war rearing its ugly head.

Mello ends up having to skid to a stop when he spots a dead body. He doesn't recognize it and he manages to spot the feathers. "No." He moves closer then falls to his knees by the body. He shakily reaches over letting his hand hover a little over the others body. "I'm sorry. I couldn't prevent one death already…" He pulls his hand back swearing that he gets the feeling that he has no right to even touch the other. He closes his eyes with a sigh. "I will do my best to ensure that no one else will share the same fate as yours." He opens his eyes and gets up hand at his side. He begins hurrying along then he notices something on the ground. He can tell it's footprints and that they are familiar. "Near." He gasps softly then hurries along letting the footprints lead the way. His heart pounding hard and loudly as he hopes and prays that his love is alright. He doesn't want to lose Near.

Not after all that they've been through together.

So he has to find Near and make sure that he is okay.

That he is indeed alive.