Sol of Luna: Near and Far

Author: Gakusangi

Author's Notes and Acknowledgements:
RECAP – Halle, Gevanni, and Rester discover the relationship between Light and Princess Misa, however, they have no clue as to the real meaning behind it. L offers to make Naomi the new Guild Master, but she needs time to think. Ryuk explains to Light that by killing people he can become stronger. Light tests this theory, and uses his new Shinigami powers to slay a member of Mikami's unit named, Ill Ratt. The test is a booming success. Naomi finally decides to, reluctantly, take up the mantle of Guild Master. Later the senior guild members, along with the newly appointed Guild Master, discuss the situation regarding Near. L decides to send him with a small entourage to see the Emerald Sage. Mello, Matt and Linda volunteer to be his protectors.

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 12: Goodbyes

"You'll take the quickest route, to insure that you will arrive at the abode of the Emerald Sage in a relatively short period of time." L told the children, as they sat gathered around a large map set in the middle of the long table.

Linda, Matt, and Mello leaned in eagerly. Near was sitting beside Naomi at the head of the table, seeming uninterested, curling a lock of his hair nonchalantly.

L traced a line with his finger, listing off the locations and sites as he went. The three listened intently.

"You'll follow the path into the woods," L began, "Keep near to the stream that feeds into the lake. It may attract animals, but there are worse things near the heart of the forest. The stream will keep you at the edge."

The children nodded in understanding. L looked at them for a moment. It seemed to Naomi that he was reluctant to add something. Finally L sighed, and looked back at the map.

"Your first stop will be a small town just outside the forest." L told them. "It's called, Kanetoshi, and you can stock up on supplies there, since we won't be sending you with too heavy a load when you leave. Don't stay long, a day at most, and then move on."

He moved his finger further, the children's heads moved along the map, following it closely. Naomi thought it looked very amusing.

"Just north of Kanetoshi," L went on, "You'll find a harbor, whose name has been forgotten, since it hasn't been used in years. Take a boat across, you should be able to find one that won't leak, and get to the other side quickly."

Naomi leaned in a little closer. The more she heard, the less she liked the idea of sending the children off on this mission. She could tell the L was neglecting to mention things. Every time he came to a spot on the map, he would hesitate just before speaking, as if to make sure of what he was going to say. It made the newly appointed Guild Master very uncomfortable.

"After you're across," L continued, "Head west. You'll enter a region called the, Scarlet Hills. Proceed with caution. If you hear drums or horns in the distance, stay far away, and keep your heads down."

"Why drums and horns?" Linda asked suddenly.

"The tribe's people are constantly warring with on another." L explained. "They aren't great in number, but they can be quite dangerous, so stay clear at all costs. Keep going west…"

L paused here for a moment. Naomi had tensed a little at the last part. This was getting worse by the minute.

"Until?" Matt urged.

"Keep going west, until you hit the border." L said slowly. "And then go across it."

The children all looked at each other in shocked disbelief. Near ceased in his curling and looked up.

"What?" Naomi exclaimed, leaning in to see where L had indicated on the map.

"You want us to cross into the Daimyo Territories?" Linda breathed.

"You'll hit a desolate region soon after that." L said grimly, ignoring their reactions. "The old ones called it, The Barrens, it's a massive desert. Make sure you take plenty of water in with you."

"Hold it, Rue–" Naomi began.

"Continue straight, until you come to a dried up river bed, which now resembles a snaking canyon." L spoke over the Guild Master. "The natives call it the, Serpent's Nest. It is a holy place for their people, but you shouldn't encounter them there."

"Rue!" Naomi continued to protest.

"Eventually you come before a massive cave mouth." L said, ignoring her. "That is where the Emerald Sage resides. But you'll have to navigate through the cave in order find him."

"How hard could that be?" Mello said confidently.

"It's a maze of rough stone, which has protected the sage for hundreds of years." L replied. "In fact, only a gentle few have ever gotten through it."

Naomi rose suddenly, slamming her hand down on the table, getting everyone's attention. She glared at L.

"I don't think this is such a good idea." Naomi said quietly but severely.

"They can do it." L said, looking directly into her eyes, so she could see his confidence there.

L then glanced to the children, looking at each one in turn.

"I know you can do it." L said calmly.

The children gave a slow nod, and Naomi sank back into her chair. She didn't like this plan, not in the least.

(XXX)

Everyone was standing outside, and the sun was just beginning to sink on the horizon, casting an orange-red glow over the landscape. Because of Mello's account, L had determined that they would leave, and travel during the evening hours, so that they didn't have to worry about carrying Near around, and potentially slowing their progress. Matt was off to the side, while Mello and Near stood together, L standing before the two of them. Nancy was busy double-checking Linda's traveling pack, just to be sure that she had everything she needed.

Linda had dawned stealth-gear, with a black and grey camouflage texture. It had a high collar, which could be pulled up to cover the lower half of her face, and a hood, neither of which were up to mask her appearance. Mello was back in his leather pants, quilted fencer's vest, and crimson, black-fur trimmed jacket. Near was wearing Sayu's clothes, which had been washed by Nancy, and Linda had lent him one of her jackets, a greenish-brown one. He too wore a travel pack, just like the rest, though his was a much smaller and lighter load, even when compared to Linda's. Matt was in a red and green striped shirt, with his fur lined vest, almost knee high boots, and his goggles resting atop his head. Resting on his shoulder was long spear, which, Near could see, was of exquisite craftsmanship.

"I'll have to finish the mural after I get back." Linda told Nancy while the older woman finished checking the young girl's small travel pack.

Nancy sniffed, and wiped the corners of her eyes. She was always the person to get worked up in moments like these. It was part of her motherly nature. Regardless, she gave Linda a bright smile, though her eyes were bloodshot with tears.

"Don't worry," Nancy said, "We won't have the memorial service until your back."

Linda nodded, and then wrapped her arms around the elderly guildswoman, pulling her into a tight embrace. Nancy returned it. They stayed that way for a moment, until Linda finally broke away. It was a little sooner than she had wanted to, but if she had kept it up, she too would have fallen into tears. Nancy sniffed again.

(XXX)

"Hey, Stripes!" A young boy called to Matt.

Matt turned around to see a boy much shorter than him rushing forward with something in his hand. It turned out to be two things. They were large, leather pouch, and a small wooden barrel. The boy held them out.

"Our mutual friend wanted you to have these for your trip." The boy said.

Matt took the pouch and opened it slightly. Immediately his nostrils were greeted with the sent of fresh tobacco. Matt looked at the smaller boy and smiled happily. The boy offered the barrel, seeming a bit urgent. Matt took the barrel, and looked at the boy questioningly.

"It's about two pounds of black powder." The boy explained. "He thought it be a nice parting gift."

Matt looked at the barrel with mingled surprise and delight.

"Tell our friend that I appreciate his farewell presents." Matt told the boy without looking at him.

"I think he already knows, but I'll tell him anyway." The boy said.

The boy turned to leave, but then hesitated.

"Good luck." The boy said, and then he was off.

(XXX)

"Remember to stick close to the stream when you hit the forest." L repeated to Mello. "Approach everything with caution, take no chances."

"I will." Mello replied.

L regarded the blonde boy for moment. He had know Mello since the he was a very small boy. He had grown up. Not just over the past seven years, but in the brief time he had left with Roger to capital. He had grown up fast, and L had missed it somewhere. Just like that, the boy had become a young man, his eyes seasoned with understanding, yet still lacking in experience. But he was no longer a boy anymore, and L couldn't help but feel a slight tug at his heart when he realized this. He nodded approvingly to the boy.

"Keep them safe, Mello." L said. "Bring everyone back home."

"I will." Mello repeated, his voice edged with determination.

L left silently then, Nancy stepping up to fill in his place in front of the two boys.

"Here." Nancy said, her voice quivering slightly.

She held out a small burlap sack, with bulging sides. Mello took it questioningly, and peeked inside. The whole back was full of carefully wrapped chocolates, fresh from the kitchens. He looked up at Nancy in surprise.

"I thought you could use something to tide you over." Nancy said with a smile.

Mello threw an arm around her shoulders and gave her a hug, which she returned a little more tightly.

"Stay safe." Nancy whispered into his ear.

"I promise." Mello replied.

They released each other. Nancy reached into her pocket and held out something to the blonde boy. He looked down into her hand, and saw a coiled rosary resting in her palm.

"Something Roger wanted you to have." Nancy explained. "He was saving it for your birthday, but I thought it might be nice to give it to you now."

Without taking his eyes from the beaded necklace, Mello accepted it from Nancy and set it slowly about his neck. The silver cross dangled in the center of his chest, reflecting the sunset. Mello fought back the tears that were threatening to brim in his eyes, and nodded approvingly at the guildswoman. Nancy knelt down in front of Near, so that she was eye level with the smaller boy.

"We didn't have much time together, but it was great honor and pleasure to meet you." Nancy said to Near. "I only wish I could be of more help to you, but you're in good hands."

She draped her arms around the white haired boy and hugged him, just as tightly and affectionately as she had the others. To Mello's great surprise, Near returned the embrace, laying his head gingerly upon the old woman's shoulder.

(XXX)

L stood before Linda, looking her over. Linda made it a point to avoid his dead eyes. She had never been comfortable with them. L knelt down, to Linda's great displeasure, so that he could look directly at her. She couldn't avoid his glance any longer, and so she conceded and returned his stare evenly.

"I know we've never been–" L started.

"It's okay." Linda replied quickly.

L nodded.

"I just want you to know," L said, "That I wouldn't have half the confidence that I do in this mission, if you weren't involved. Thank you, Linda."

Linda nodded in surprised gratitude. L reached behind his back and brought a worn, leather pouch between them.

"Here." He said, unrolling the pouch to reveal two long knives with snaking blades.

Linda gasped.

"The Kris Knives!" She breathed, and then shook her head. "No, I can't."

"Please, take them." L urged. "Your kunai and shuriken are good at a distance, but up close you want something with more reach, and bite."

He offered her the knives, which she reluctantly accepted.

"Bring them back to me, Linda." L said quietly, and then he looked at the boys that would accompany her. "Bring them all back to me."

Linda nodded in understanding.

(XXX)

Nancy looked at Matt with odd sense of approval, concern, and suspicion. Her eyes were drawn to the small wooden barrel he had tied to his pack. He was obviously trying to angle himself in order to block it from her view, none to successful in his attempt. In the hopes of deterring her attention, Matt spoke up.

"Well I'm any good at goodbyes, but–" Matt began.

Nancy grabbed him and pulled him into her, cutting off his last words as buried her face into his slender torso. She lost herself in that moment, her tears flowing freely, and her voice quaking with each word.

"I'll be okay, Nancy." Matt tried to assure her, gently patting her head.

"I know you'll be fine." Nancy sobbed. "You always land on your feet. I just can't help it."

Matt could feel the warm tears soaking into his shirt. Nancy sniffed, and remained glued to him until she had regained small amount of her composure. Then she withdrew herself and looked at him. Her eyes were glistening, but her expression was happy, and even proud. Matt pulled his goggles over his eyes, to keep her from noticing the tears that were beginning in his own eyes.

"I want you to be safe." Nancy said, in a very motherly manner. "I want you to keep the others safe."

"You can count on me." Matt said with a grin.

Nancy wondered for a moment, but then seemed to reluctantly accept his answer. This was the boy who had managed to blow the same statue day after day, year after year. He was resourceful, persistent, and very intelligent. But he had that mischievous streak, which made her very nervous. Still, he was one of the Guild's top ranking cadets, and now that he was officially a guildsman, she couldn't very well stop him from going through with this little venture.

(XXX)

The children had already vanished out of sight, and yet everyone still stood outside. L was set between Naomi and Nancy, staring into the distance, as if seeing something well beyond the horizon. Night had fallen over the land, and the purple gloom, and star filled sky seemed to press around them, blanketing them in its elegant beauty.

"Nancy, please send for my coach, I'll be leaving soon." L announced.

"Why?" Naomi asked suddenly.

"They won't be doing this alone." L explained. "I'm going to make some arrangements."

Nancy seemed greatly relieved by this news, and disappeared back into the Guild. Naomi looked to L.

"What's the plan?" Naomi asked.

(XXX)

"That was the hardest thing I've ever done." Matt remarked as they slowly made their progress through the forest.

It was dark, not only because of the night, but because the trees were so close together, that their leaves blocked almost any light. The sound of the rushing stream was close by, which helped keep them to their path.

"They mean well." Linda offered. "What's with the barrel?"

"It's for a rainy day." Matt replied.

"Oh, no." Linda responded, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

"Keep it down!" Mello snapped. "I don't want to be ambushed because I was too busy listening to you two."

Then he tripped on a root he hadn't noticed and nearly hit the ground face first. Linda came up beside him.

"You should really watch where you're going." Linda said cheekily.

Mello growled and leapt to his feet, dusting himself off vigorously. Near walked by the two of them silently. He came up beside Matt, who had taken point.

"Hey, Near." Matt greeted brightly. "What's on your mind?"

It was a joke of course, Near never spoke, and Matt didn't expect him to any time soon. Matt pulled out a cigarette he had rolled prior to their departure, and lit it, taking a long, slow drag. Behind them, Mello and Linda continued to argue. Near curled a lock of his hair with one finger. Maybe it was just to have something to do with his hands. Matt sighed, exhaling a plume of grey smoke as he did so.

"You know," He began, "Between their arguing and your wanting to talk all the time, I might not notice if a bear were to suddenly–"

As if on cue, there was a thunderous roar, and sudden crashing in the brush up ahead. The bear was massive, at least twelve feet in length, and easily weighing a ton and a half. It bellowed, and everyone's nostrils were filled with the scent of blood and decay. Its fur was black, with a silky quality, and it was missing one eye, undoubtedly lost during a fight with one of its kin. Matt roughly pulled Near behind him, the smaller boy sent sprawling to the ground. Mello and Linda were beside Matt in an instant, their weapons flashing out. The three of them were the only things separating Near from the rabid animal.

The bear rose on its hind legs, and issued another thunderous roar. Linda's wrist snapped, and one of her knives buried itself into the animal's torso. It quickly dropped back to all fours, surprised, injured and angry. Matt leapt over to a nearby tree, kicking off its trunk and pulling himself up into the higher branches. Mello grabbed Near and pulled him off to the side, Linda following along. The bear turned to them, growling throatily, and stalking closer. It was going to charge. Linda and Mello could both see that. They had to protect Near at all costs.

The animal bellowed again, and then made to move forward. In the same moment, Matt suddenly dropped out of the tree, riding his spear down, letting the tip lead his descent. With the momentum of his fall, and all his weight, his pushed the spear into the animal's back, severing its spine. The bear dropped limply to the ground. Matt, leaving his spear planted, leapt off the bear and rolled off to the side, popping quickly back to his feet. They all waited a tense moment. The bear didn't move. They all relaxed. Matt came forward, brushing a bit of dirt and leaves from his shoulder.

"Well, I guess we're having bear tonight." Matt grinned.

As soon as the last word had left his mouth, the bear popped up and made for him. There was a bone rattling explosion which filled the air, and made their ears ring. The lead slug passed through the bear's remaining eye, and lodged itself firmly in its brain. The animal dropped again, this time to remain motionless. Everyone turned and looked. The smoking barrel of the flintlock clutched tightly in Mello's hand quivered with each shaky breath he took. Matt face was priceless, never before had he looked so surprised as he did now.

"Thanks." Matt breathed once the shock had worn off.

"Any time." Mello replied, tucking the pistol back into his belt.

Linda came forward, reaching under the bear and retrieving her knife. Matt hopped atop the creature and pulled out his spear.

"I'll start a fire." Matt said, his voice trembling slightly. "Then we'll get to skinning this bad boy."

"It's not going to be very fitting for food."

The voice didn't belong to any of them. It wasn't recognizable by any of the former cadets. But they knew from which direction it came. In utter surprise, the three of them all turned slowly, their eyes falling on Near as he dusted himself off.

"It's foaming." Near said. "It's rabid, and it would be hazardous to eat."

"Holy crap," Matt breathed suddenly, "It can talk!"

To Be Continued…

Author's Comments

Phew, that was difficult, I'm glad that I managed to fit in some action! Well here we are, Chapter 12. I hope I haven't lost any readers with all the waiting. Sorry about that. This is like the halfway point, I only planned for about 25 chapters in total, but there's still so much to tell.

I probably won't be updating for a little while, we've got a really bad snow storm over here, and I might not make it to the library. But I'll try to post the next chapter ASAP!