Sol of Luna: Near and Far

Author: Gakusangi

Author's Notes and Acknowledgements:
RECAP – Last time…Mello and Near emerged from the cave to discover themselves back in a dense wooded area. Near collapses, overwhelmed with sickness, and Mello is forced to carry him. Meanwhile, Light Yagami is made an offer by the Emperor. After the Emperor explains the mysterious pack between the royal family and the death gods, he allows light to see, Ryuk, the creature that secretly supports the Emperor and his bloodline. He then asks Light to slay the mortal reincarnations of the gods of dawn and dusk, since they can kill members of the royal family without having to adhere to the conditions of the death pact. When we get back to Mello and Near, night has fallen, but Mello has found his way back to the trade road, and makes for a town he sees in the distance. However, before he can reach the town, he succumbs to his own exhaustion.

This is a Death Note fan fiction. Many of the characters presented here are not mine, but the legal property of writer Tsugumi Ohba, and artist Takeshi Obata.

Chapter 06: Down Time

"My Emperor," Takada began, "I implore you to reconsider. By allowing Mikami to humiliate Yagami, you are putting the entire mission at risk."

The Emperor turned to her, his lifeless eyes washing over her like cold water.

"Oh?" The Emperor replied.

"Mikami is a fierce commander," Takada explained, "His success as a leader is based on the amount of fear he can provoke in his subordinates. However, it wasn't just Yagami's combat prowess, and talent as a brilliant strategist that made him a threat. He can rally, capture, and motivate. Mikami can divert betrayal with scare tactics, but he could never inspire loyalty. That's his weakness. However, this very thing is one of Yagami's greatest strengths."

"You fear he could wrest the control of Mikami's soldiers." The Emperor concluded. "That is a possibility. Nonetheless, I've found usefulness in Light Yagami's presence. He will act as Mikami's second, and accompany you two on this mission."

"As you wish, my Sovereign." Takada said in defeat. "Do you wish to have the Prince's abductors returned for trial?"

"The Prince's abduction must remain a secret." The Emperor said. "The people must never know that he is missing. Such things send a nation into disarray. Their future is at stake, since Near is my only son, and therefore my successor. It could cause a panic. Not to mention, it will give the impression that the Imperial Order has gone soft, and thrown caution and security to the wind."

"I understand, my Lord." Takada responded, with a low bow.

(XXX)

Takada drifted out of her thoughts as Light Yagami brought his horse up beside hers. He grinned at her with an air of familiarity, as though they were old friends.

"So the High Summoner lends her services to the Empire." Light said with an amused tone. "I guess she hasn't outlived her usefulness."

"Our Emperor favors sorcery over the sword." Takada replied. "He sent a herald for me only a day ago, requesting my skills."

"How could you pass up the opportunity?" Light mused.

Glory seeking witch!

"I'm sure Mikami was overjoyed." Light added with a grin.

Takada didn't reply, she moved on up ahead, leaving Light alone.

"Do you two know each other?" Ryuk's questioning voice broke into Light's mind.

Light jumped slightly, still not used to the sudden appearance of thoughts that were clearly not his own. He glanced around to make sure no one else noticed.

She's from the war. Her and Mikami used to be good friends, but then they parted ways. Mikami was a man of the sword, while Takada took up sorcery. She later became the High Summoner to the Emperor.

"You three make an interesting group." Ryuk mused. "This could prove to be very entertaining."

We live only to entertain you, Ryuk.

Light glanced down at himself, and the new armor he had been given. Not the red-sheen metal of the Akabannin, but a silvery plate with the Royal Crest engraved upon its studded surface. Light had never thought he'd be wearing the symbol of the Emperor, but things had changed. Seven years of confinement had changed him…in the worst of ways.

(XXX)

"Roger, what were you before all this?" Mello knew that the question was vague, but it seemed reasonable enough to him.

Seven years had passed since Mello had first arrived at the Guild. He was now fourteen, and a top class Guild Cadet. The veteran mercenary sat across from the boy, who was currently lying upon the long sofa set beside Roger's desk. Roger stopped cleaning out his dismantled, ivory gripped revolver when the blonde boy asked his question.

"I was…" Roger began, his eyes drifting into space and his voice heavily with sorrow. "No. No, I've always been me."

He resumed scraping out the chard build-up in the barrel of his pistol. Mello set up and set two, bare feet on the floor, his bluer than blue eyes fixing the old man with sharp stare.

"That wasn't what you were going to say!" Mello snapped. "Come on! Don't you trust me at all after all these years?"

Roger set down his gun and looked to the boy, weathered eyes meeting Mello's.

"Seven years isn't so long to people like me." Roger said calmly. "Besides, what does it matter who I was, if indeed I was someone else? I'm me. That's all there is to it."

"Tch, Fine!" Mello huffed, leaning back in the chair and crossing his arms over his chest.

Roger chuckled lightly, catching Mello's attention.

"What's so funny?" Mello demanded.

"Nothing." Roger chuckled. "It's just that, in seven years, you haven't really changed much."

"What do you mean?" Mello snapped angrily.

Roger held up his hands.

"I'll be the first to admit your aptitude, Mello." Roger said quietly, a smile still marking his wrinkled features. "But personality wise, you're still the same little boy that L brought here all those years ago."

Mello only pouted and continued to fume silently in the chair for a moment. Then a sudden thought seemed to grip him, bringing him out of his tantrum.

"Was L always the way he is now?" Mello asked eagerly.

"L?" Roger repeated, thinking for a moment. "No. He was different, once upon a time."

"How?" Mello urged.

"That's really something we don't need to get into." Roger replied, then to help divert the boy's disappointment he added, "But he did change after he brought you here."

"Why?" Mello asked.

Roger had to fight the urge to laugh at the completely dumbstruck expression painted over the boy's face.

"Who knows?" Roger replied.

Silence passed between the two of them. It wasn't uncomfortable. Then Roger cleared his throat.

"A messenger arrived today." Roger told Mello in an absentminded kind of way. "He hailed from the capitol."

"Yes?" Mello leaned forward in his seat.

"He said that Guild services were needed there." Roger replied. "Apparently the negotiations with the Daimyo aren't going well, and many officials fear for the lives."

"So, they need the Guild to cover their asses." Mello concluded.

Roger shot him a hard look for his slip in word choice, but didn't say anything about it.

"I'm going as emissary for the Guild." Roger continued. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me."

Mello stood up out of the sofa.

"When do we leave?" The boy asked excitedly.

"Tomorrow." Roger answered calmly. "Two days to get there."

Mello grinned, finally a real mission.

(XXX)

Mello's eyes opened slowly, and adjusted to the dim light, which still managed to sting them. The room was small, with a table in the center of it, and two chairs. There was a fireplace nearby, and a staircase leading up to the next floor. Mello was lying upon a soft mat, with warm blanket draped over him. His vest, boots, and gloves had all been removed, and his sword lay beside him on the floor. He sat up. His body ached horribly, and the room began to spin. He shook his head to clear it, and took another passing glance at everything, waiting for the scene to settle once again. Then he heard small footsteps echoing lightly down the stairs.

A small girl, maybe a Mello's age at most, came down into the room. She wore a greenish-yellow sweater with short sleeves, and a high collar. Beneath that she apparently wore a long-sleeved shirt that was a pinkish color. She had on a short skirt, with black tights, and long, grey stockings. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tail, with her bangs framing a very young and pretty face. Her eyes fell on Mello, and she gave a big, comforting smile.

"So you're up." She said brightly.

Mello noticed that she was carrying something, which she set on the table. He immediately recognized his vest and gloves, but other clothes were too small for him. They were a blue, long-sleeve shirt, with buttons running down its front, and a pair of faded jeans. The turned back to him, smiled, and gave bow.

"I'm, Sayu." The girl announced with a short, innocent laugh. "What's you're name."

"Mello." Mello answered politely, thankfully do to the dim lighting, Sayu couldn't see the color flooding into his cheeks. "What is this place?"

"Oh, this is my home." Sayu replied, seeming embarrassed. "My husband found you unconscious outside. He's an apothecary."

"Husband?" Mello repeated in surprise.

"He's the only healer in town, so it felt that it was his duty to mend you two." Sayu finished, ignoring Mello's question.

A thought popped urgently into Mello's mind.

"Where's, Near?" Mello breathed.

"What's near?" Sayu asked in confusion, not understanding Mello's question, and assuming that he hadn't said it correctly.

"The other guy you brought in here," Mello explained, "The white haired one."

"Oh, him," Sayu said in understanding, "He's upstairs with my husband. He was in really bad shape. But it looks like he'll be okay. He just needs some rest."

Mello breathed a sigh of relief, and fell back onto the mat. Sayu took a seat at the table.

"So his name is, Near?" She asked. "That's a strange name. Then again so is Mello."

"What's really strange is being married when you're…how old?" Mello asked her.

"A gentleman wouldn't ask a lady." Sayu giggled playfully. "But you don't like the gentleman type."

Her eyes fell on the sword beside the mat.

"It isn't an official thing yet." Sayu admitted. "It's an arrangement our parents made. We're waiting until I'm a little older before we make it legal."

"Do you love him?" Mello asked.

Sayu's soft features became somehow softer, and her eyes seemed to glimmer.

"With all my heart." She replied with a smile.

Mello felt his cheeks flush again. Then he was distracted by the sound of someone descending the stairs again. The new arrival, who nearly tripped on the last step, almost sending him crashing down face first, was young man. He was tall, with should length hair, black in color, and youthful features. Sayu rose from her chair and smiled warmly at him.

"Look who's up." She said the man.

The man turned and spotted Mello. He gave a nervous smile, and a low bow.

"I'm happy you've woken." The man said, rising up from his bow. "I am, Matsuda, and this is my…betrothed, Sayu."

"We've met." Mello replied. "How's, Near?"

"Near?" Matsuda repeated confused.

Mello figured that brains weren't in abundance in this household. Especially since the older of the two occupants couldn't have been much older than he was.

"It's the name of the boy upstairs." Sayu explained to Matsuda.

"Oh, he's fine now." Matsuda replied. "He'll need to stay in bed for a little while, but he should recover."

"How long?" Mello asked. "We're desperate to get back. It's of the utmost importance."

"Well…" Matsuda thought for a moment. "I'd say at least a day."

Mello sighed. They had already lost so much time. But then again, at this point, what was another day?

"Your friends a strange case." Matsuda said suddenly, taking a seat at the table. "I've never encountered someone quite like him."

"Neither have I." Mello admitted. "He's allergic to sunlight."

"Really?" Matsuda asked, seeming a little overly excited.

"Yeah, I'm pretty certain of that." Mello replied, recalling the day they reached the clearing.

"Wow!" Matsuda exclaimed. "I've heard of such things, but I've never actually met anyone…"

Then he seemed to catch himself.

"But it's sad really." Matsuda said, his tone finally dropping. "I can't even imagine what that must be like."

Mello didn't respond. He couldn't imagine it either. An uncomfortable silence passed, until it was finally broken by Sayu.

"When you guys get ready to leave," Sayu said, "I've got some clothes for your friend. His were all torn up."

"He's not my friend." Mello muttered. "He's my charge."

"Oh…" Sayu said, taken aback. "Well, Matsuda was too big for him, so they're my clothes. They might still be a little loose on him, but they should do. I washed your clothes while I was at it."

She handed the vest and gloves over to Mello. Then she glanced down at his bare hands.

"I noticed that you painted your nails." Sayu said.

Mello glanced down at the black polish that covered his nails. He blushed slightly.

"I didn't paint them." Mello said, sounding a little sad. "Someone painted them for me."

"A special someone?" Sayu asked with a grin.

"Yeah," Mello replied, "Once upon a time."

(XXX)

The tracker knelt down in the middle of the trade road, and began feeling lightly around its powdery surface. Another man leaned over him. He was man with long, dark hair, pulled back into a braided tail, and white armor with the image of a serpent on its front. An ivory handed revolver was tucked in his belt, which his hand fell to gingerly as he receded into deep thought. The tracker looked up at the man.

"Someone was lying here." The tracker reported. "But then the trail disappears."

"Is there a town nearby?" The man in white armor asked.

"Further up the road you reach a fort." The tracker replied. "It's a trading post."

The man thought for a moment, fingers running over the smooth surface of the pistol's grip. Dried flecks of blood still spotted the front of his armor. He nodded slowly, reaching a decision.

"We'll make for the fort." The man announced.

(XXX)

Mello sat beside the bed Near was resting in. Night had fallen, but like the previous evening, Near did not wake. The small, white haired boy barely even moved while he slept. Mello knelt in closely to be sure that his charge was still breathing. He was. Mello leaned back and thought for a moment. So much had happened within the last few days that he hadn't had time to look at everything as a whole. It had all been about the moment, until now.

He supposed that everything would calm down once he reached the Guild. No one would ever dream of attacking the place head on. That would be futile effort. Besides, the only people that knew where the Guild was located were Guildsmen, and Guild Cadets. It was a well guarded secret, like the names of its members. Mello had inquired as to where they were, and Sayu had told them that they had reached a small trade post called, Fort Koukan. Mello had then asked Matsuda if he had a map, and the young man had retrieved one. From there, it was all a matter of Mello charting their course. He was surprised, and relieved, to discover that they weren't far. In fact, they should be able to reach the Guild in less than a day.

The only problem was Near. Near needed at least a full day of rest, and Mello wasn't sure if their pursuers had lost their trail or not. Sayu and Matsuda suddenly appeared in the doorway. Mello rose from his chair, and nodded to them.

"You should think about getting some rest." Sayu whispered. "You need some time to recover yourself."

Mello nodded in agreement. Then there was a sound. It was someone knocking at the door. The three of them moved quietly over to the window, and peeked down into the street below. Mello gasped. There stood a man in white armor, with a long braided ponytail. But that wasn't what had caught Mello's eye. It was the glimmering, ivory handed revolver tucked in the man's belt. He would know that pistol anywhere. It was Roger's, and the man carrying it could only have acquired it one way. Mello rushed back over to the chair he had been seated in, and took up his sword. He made for the door, but Sayu jumped in front of him.

"No violence!" She whispered urgently. "Let me get rid of him!"

Before Mello could protest, Sayu was out the door and rushing down the stairs.

(XXX)

The door opened slowly, and the head of a young girl poked out to meet his cold eyes.

"Can I help you?" She asked, a smile crossing her face.

Somehow the smile seemed forced to him.

"I'm looking for some children." The man said coldly.

"You'll have to be a little more specific," The girl replied, "A lot of them that come through here."

It seemed reasonable enough, but somehow to him it felt more like she was stalling.

"These two would be hard to miss." He replied. "One is blonde, and carries a sword. The other is small, and has white hair."

The girl gave a laugh, but it seemed fake, empty and a little nervous.

"I haven't seen anyone like that come through here." She said apologetically.

"Are you sure?" The man asked.

"I think I would have remembered a boy with white hair." The girl replied. "And a kid carrying a sword isn't very common either. Sorry."

"Thank you for your time." The man said, turning to leave.

He heard the door close behind him as another man rushed up to his side.

"Well?" The new man asked.

"I think they're here." The dark haired man replied.

"Why?" The other man asked.

"Because she said a boy with white hair didn't come through here." The dark haired man said.

"And?" The other man asked confused.

"I said children," The dark haired man answered with a menacing grin, "Not boys."

Just then a horse came rushing into the street, its rider, a man wearing dark armor with a veil covering his face, looked down at the man in white armor.

"Commander Deus?" The rider asked.

"Yes?" The dark haired man, Deus, replied.

"New orders," The rider announced, "All units are to report to Kinshin immediately."

"We're in pursuit." Deus replied flatly, turning back to the man standing beside him.

"These orders come directly from Lord Kishin." The rider said sternly.

Deus stopped, and turned to the rider with cold, but understanding eyes.

"We're heading back." Deus said to the man beside him, though his gaze never left the rider.

"Yes, sir." The man replied, hurrying off to inform the others.

"This pursuit is over." Deus murmured to himself.

His hand fell thoughtfully to the pistol tucked in his belt. He felt its smooth, ivory handle beneath the tips of his fingers, and grinned.

"But it's not finished." Deus said before turning to leave.

(XXX)

Mello breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the men below take fight back the way they had come. Matsuda did much the same, relaxing and leaning against the doorframe. Sayu came back up then, still looking a little pale with fright. Mello knew in his heart that this wasn't over. If anything, he was going to eventually catch up to the lead man, and take Roger's revolver back. It belonged to the Guild. It belonged to a good man, a man that had given his life to save two boys, one a complete stranger, for the honor of the Guild. Mello couldn't let it become a trophy, a sign of triumph. That man, whoever he was, did not deserve such a thing.

"It's not finished." Mello said quietly, though he hadn't intended to say it aloud.

Beside him, on the bed, Near stirred with a small groan. Mello looked to the small, white haired boy, and sighed. His vengeance would have to wait.

To Be Continued…

Author's Comments:

Sorry that I had to change this chapter, there was too much at the beginning for me to get all the way to the Guild without breaking it up. The next chapter will have the Guild in it, I promise! I hope that the new scene break thing I'm trying works, this is starting to get frustrating!