Sol of Luna: Near and Far

Author: Gakusangi

Author's Notes and Acknowledgements:
RECAP – Medics confirm that Ill Ratt died of heart failure, putting Light in the clear. However, Halle, Gevanni and Rester still find the whole thing to suspicious. Ryuk tells Light that the Emperor intends to kill him after his job is done, but Light has plans to beat the Emperor at his own game. Meanwhile, Near hasn't said a word since is comment on eating the bear. Mello frustrated at his silence storms off. Matt and Near discover that the forest is decaying, and quickly meet up with Mello and Linda so they can leave. Kanetoshi isn't in any better shape. The whole town is falling apart. Mello rents a room, but he and Near are soon after attacked by a young barmaid named, Lilly, who is actually possessed by the spirit of the daemon they fought with earlier. They manage to escape, and flee from the dying township.

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 14: Yagami

"Battle positions!" Mikami shouted at his men.

Light's head shot up, sudden jarred from his train of thought by the call of impending danger. The raiders seemed to bleed out of the surrounding brush, invisible until they were descending upon the troop. Light's sword was out in a flash, his eyes darting about, assessing the situation with practiced ease.

"Defensive parameter around the coach!" Takada shouted to the men nearest to her. "Protect the Princess!"

Then the battle commenced. Mikami charged into a large group of bandits, his blade whizzing through the air and slicing effortlessly into flesh. Blood speckled his armor, and his eyes were alight with almost maniacal glee. He continued to call out orders as he plunged into combat with feverous fervor. His passion was intoxicating, and seemingly contagious, as Light leapt from his mount and dove into the fray. Light was surrounded. There five of them, all bearing down on him like rabid dogs.

Who's the first to move?

Light's timing had to be perfect. The first blow was parried, and Light quickly countered, feeling his blade scrape across the man's ribs, the eat into the meaty flesh. Light could sense the next man coming behind him. He reversed his blade and pushed it behind him, into the assailant's torso. With the blade still reversed in his hand, Light removed it from the second man, and brought it across his third opponent's exposed throat, nearly decapitating him with his swing. Light corrected the direction of the blade, and pivoted on his heel, so that he could meet his next attacker face to face. The man lunged forward quickly, but clumsily. Light pushed the tip of his would-be killer's weapon out away from his body, and gripped his sword-wielding wrist with his free hand. Light fell back to the ground, pulling his opponent down with him, and onto his sword. Light the man's thick, warm blood pooled in the center of Light's breastplate, and Light quickly rolled the man's corpse off of him.

Gevanni watched in stunned silence. One moment, Yagami was standing with five men descending upon him, and the next, there was only one left to face off with the former commander of the Akabannin. It was amazing, the precision, the speed! No over assertion, no wasted effort, quick, precise, and cold. Yagami was indeed a warrior, and admirable one at that. Light's intense stare froze his opponent, who had just witnessed how quickly four of his comrades had been dispatched. He now knew what kind of man he faced…a killer, skillful and merciless. The man retreated a few steps from Yagami, before a cold voice rooted him to the spot.

"No, not for you." Light said with a chilling that was not his own. "There is not running away. You die here, and now. It's already been decided upon."

The man tried to scream, but his voice caught in his throat, right at the same moment that Light's blade shot out and pierced through his jugular, making whatever did issue from his lips gargle pitifully in his own blood. Light removed the sword's tip from the man's neck, and his opponent crumbled to the ground, dead. All this Gevanni saw, and he was filled with a cold terror, that set beep in his heart and ran chills throughout his entire body. He now knew the kind of man he was observing, and he desperately wished that he hadn't. Light flicked the weapon in his hand, droplets of blood flinging from its edge and onto the ground. Then he moved on. There were more people to kill…

(XXX)

Light pushed open the flap and stepped into his tent. He immediately crossed over to a small water basin that someone had left for him, and began washing the blood from his face, neck, and shoulders. Red droplets ran down his cheeks and dripped into the basin, coiling violently within the clear liquid. Light took a long slow breath to clear his mind, and ease the tension in his muscles.

What the hell is Mikami doing?

"He actually looked pretty impressive out there." Ryuk remarked within Light's mind. "He can fight, and none of his men were killed."

But he didn't act until they were practically on top of us! He didn't expect an attack! He should have, considering where we are, and the fact that we're pulling that coach behind us! A good leader should know of an impending battle long before it's begun. Battle sense is a necessity, and Mikami doesn't possess it.

"Why didn't you notice?" Ryuk asked.

Because I'm too busy watching whoever's keeping an eye on me. The Kagabannin isn't my responsibility. I have to look out for myself.

Just then, the sound of some commotion outside broke into Light's train of thought. He moved over and pushed open the front of his tent to see what was going on. Outside, only a short distance away, three of Mikami's men were wrestling a shackled bandit off to holding area. Light smirked at the man's futile efforts, and shook his head at Mikami's decision to take prisoners.

"You can't do this to me, you bastards!" The struggling man shouted angrily. "Do you know who I am? I'm, Takuo Shibuimaru!"

"Save it, you waste of air!" One of the soldiers replied, kicking the man in his undefended ribs. "You're lucky to still have breath enough to shout!"

Light watched the men carry the bandit off. Then he saw the other three captives come into view. One in particular caught his eye. It was a young man, with shoulder length, raven hair, piercing eyes, and very handsome features. Light gasped with the sudden recognition that accompanied the man's face.

"Lind L. Tailor." Light breathed.

"Huh, you know that guy?" Ryuk asked.

During the war, he was one of my most loyal supporters…This whole situation, just got a lot more interesting.

Light grinned, the front flap of his tent falling closed. In his mind, he could hear the Shinigami chuckling…and so was he.

(XXX)

They arrived at the trade post soon after the battle had ended. There were plenty of wounded, but nothing too serious. Mikami had been fast enough to save the lives of his men. But Light knew that the Commander was slipping, and that he was now under serious pressure. The only reason they had come here was because the trackers had lost the trail, and Mikami didn't have any better ideas. Light was certain that the Emperor was intelligent enough to draw the same conclusions, and wondered how he would react to Mikami's report…He figured that the Emperor wouldn't do anything, since he was the Emperor's inside man.

He trusted me enough for this secondary objective. Why would he interfere?

Light didn't mind stopping though. They had been riding for a long time now, and he had been in captivity for so many years. It would be nice to mingle with everyday society for a few hours. It might also give him the opportunity to have a few words with Tailor, and maybe give himself a greater advantage. But these thoughts were quickly interrupted when Light was nearly tackled from behind. In an instant he managed to recognize the assault for what it was, and avoided any violent response. Misa looked up into Light's face and smiled brightly, her arms wrapped snugly about his middle. She was dressed a long, black cloak, her face slightly obscured by a matching scarf.

"Misa, what are you doing?" Light sighed.

Misa giggled.

"Misa managed to sneak out." She replied.

I'll never get used to that third person thing.

"If they find us together–" Light began.

"Don't worry, they think I'm napping." Misa said reassuringly. "They won't bother checking on me for a little while."

So much for my plans. I know I won't be able to shake her off. I'll just have to put up with her for a little while.

"So…" Misa prompted.

"Let's check out the market." Light suggested. "Maybe you'll see something you like."

Misa looped her arm with Light's.

"Okay." She said brightly.

Even though it was a larger town, the trade post wasn't very crowded, which made Light a little nervous.

We're practically out in the open. If any one of Mikami's lackeys spots us…

"Hey, Light?" Misa asked suddenly.

"What is it, Misa?" Light asked, not bothering to cover up the annoyance in his tone.

Misa didn't seem to notice.

"Is, Yagami, a common name?" Misa asked.

Light thought for a moment. It was an odd question to ask out of the blue…but then again, this was Misa after all.

"No, I don't think so." Light replied.

In fact, I think it's pretty rare.

A confused expression crossed Misa's face, and she hummed thoughtfully.

"What is it?" Light asked.

"Well, that girl's name is Yagami." Misa said pointing towards a row of carts. "Is she a relative of yours or something? …Light…Hello…Light?"

But Light was frozen by the sight of the young girl looking over the items in the carts ahead. She was wearing a green sweater with short sleeves, a high collar, and a long-sleeved shirt beneath it. 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 set around her young and round face…a face that Light could never forget.

Sayu!

(XXX)

"Commander Mikami!" A soldier called, coming up beside Mikami.

"Yes?" Mikami asked.

"A man claims that the local apothecary treated two young boys some days ago." The soldier reported.

"Did he say anything about the boys?" Mikami asked.

"It was something he heard." The soldier replied regrettably. "But apparently the boys weren't from around here, and left soon afterward."

"Does he know which way they went?" Mikami asked.

"No, sir." The soldier answered.

"Where is this apothecary?" Mikami demanded.

"Just a short ways down the road." The soldier responded quickly.

(XXX)

Light watched, ignoring Misa's questions as he shadowed Sayu, and the young man accompanying her, through the market.

Sayu, what are you doing here? If they discover you, they'd have leverage over me! Even more so than what they already have! More importantly, I can't risk them harming you!

"Light, who is she?" Misa asked for maybe the hundredth time.

What has my imprisonment done to you, Sayu? How many sleepless nights were you left to wonder whether or not I was gone forever? More importantly, who is this fool that's following you around like some lost puppy.

"Matsuda, I've found the herbs you were looking for." Sayu said brightly, pulling a handful of leafy plants from one of the stands.

Light quickly ducked behind a nearby cart to avoid being seen, dragging the confused Princess with him.

Matsuda…His name even sounds weak and feeble. But I need his full name to do anything about it.

"Light, why are we hiding?" Misa whispered.

"Shhh!" Light shushed her harshly, causing her to pout like a whiny child.

I don't have the time, nor the intention to explain this to her.

The man, Matsuda, handed off some coin and then took the plants from Sayu. Together they made their way out of the market, and back onto the main street. Light and Misa followed along silently, crouched low to avoid detection. They soon found themselves across the street from a small house with two floors. Sayu and Matsuda both stepped inside, and Light found that his insides had turned in disgust.

Are they living together? Sayu and some man, who's obviously an idiot…not while I'm still around!

Light was about to step out of hiding and storm across the street, when suddenly Mikami and small compliment of soldiers came into view, forcing him back down into his hiding place. Mikami approached the door of the house and knocked loudly.

What's going on? Why are they here? Did they follow me?

He suddenly remembered that they had stuck Gevanni on him.

Damn it! If I put her in danger…if they harm her, it will be the last thing they ever do!

In his mind, Ryuk began to laugh.

"This could be interesting." Ryuk remarked.

(XXX)

A young girl answered the door, but Mikami didn't show his surprise. Instead he leaned in and spoke very low.

"I heard that two boys were treated here." Mikami said.

"We treat everyone." The girl replied innocently.

"These two weren't from around here, or so I'm told." Mikami continued. "One would have been very peculiar."

The girl thought for a moment.

"No one in particular is jumping out at me." She said. "Can you be a little more specific?"

"He would have had white hair, and dark eyes, very small in stature." Mikami described.

The girl chuckled lightly.

"I think I would have recalled someone like that." She laughed.

Mikami thought that the laugh had come to soon, it seemed to shake slightly, as though she were nervous, and it was too loud to appear genuine. Mikami had a knack for seeing through lies. It was part of his profession. He grinned.

"I heard that there was a young man living here, that I might have a word with." Mikami suggested.

"You can talk to him if you want." The girl replied, once again too quickly to avoid suspicion. "But we both treat the same patients."

She withdrew into the house for a moment. When she returned, a young man accompanied her. He seemed flustered, and twitchy. Mikami's grin broadened. The same line of questions commenced, followed by the same, unconvincing answers. Mikami was dead certain now. The Prince had been treated here, and these two knew something.

(XXX)

Light watched from across the street, panic drenching him like cold water. Misa was crouched silently beside him, conscious of his tension and unwilling to draw his attention away from the scene before them.

This isn't going well. Anyone could tell they're lying. Mikami…don't you do it! If you hurt her…

"Misa, hand me your scarf." Light demanded.

Misa looked at him and blinked in confusion. Then she removed her black scarf and placed it into his outstretched hand. Light used the scarf to conceal the lower half of his face.

"Wait here, until I come and get you, understand?" Light asked.

Misa nodded, though the puzzled expression remained painted across her pretty face. Light removed his breastplate and set it down on the ground. Then he dashed off to the side, and quickly vanished from sight, leaving Misa to sit and wonder.

(XXX)

"Since you're being so…forthcoming," Mikami began, "You wouldn't mind if I came in and had a look around."

"We have nothing to hide." The girl said, pushing the door open to admit him.

Mikami and two of his men stepped into the house. Mikami's eyes passed casually over the place. He wasn't looking for anything. There wasn't anything here to be found. It was a cozy little set up, but he was far fonder of the more luxurious comforts of noble life. It was what he had always known. So really the whole thing was just for show, since everyone was playing their part in this little charade, he felt that he should follow suit for a moment. But now, the show was officially over. Mikami took a small oil lamp from the table, and lit it.

"It's a little dim." Mikami said lightly.

The two residents both shrugged in response. They tensed slightly as the two men who had accompanied Mikami stood closely on either side of them, pinching them together.

"It's a chilly too." Mikami said with an exaggerated and entirely fake shiver.

"I'll light a fire." The young man offered, seeming eager to move out from between Mikami's soldiers.

Without warning, Mikami threw the lamp across the room and into a curtained window. The flames raced up the cloths and onto the ceiling, slowly beginning to fan out above their heads. The floor too was beginning to go up from the splash of fiery oil that sprayed it on impact. The young man and the girl both went to move forward in alarm, but the two soldiers grabbed them, and bound them in an instant with rope. Then they were thrown roughly to the ground, Mikami leering over them, his broad frame silhouetted by the fames dancing across the ceiling, giving him a demonic appearance.

"Now, let's be honest with each other." Mikami said slowly. "Where are the boys you treated?"

"There weren't any boys!" The girl shouted desperately. "I swear, I'm telling the truth!"

"You can't do this!" The young man shouted. "We don't know anything!"

"That's a shame." Mikami said darkly.

Then he and the two soldiers left the burning house, leaving its occupants inside the go down with it in fiery ruin.

(XXX)

Light was on the rooftop across from the small house. He could see that the flames had already spread to the top floor, and where beginning to consume the upstairs bedroom. Light didn't have time to think. He dashed across the roof and leapt over the alleyway that separated the two the structures, clearing it far more easily than he had expected. He crashed through the upstairs window, and rolled across the floor. Flames bit at the edges of his cloak, but he ignored them and barreled down the stairs, taking them four at a time. He one the first floor, his eyes darting frantically about.

I'm stronger, and faster. This is more than just adrenaline. Ratt's soul has augmented my body…but please let me be fast enough.

He came around the corner, and spotted the two people tied, and lying on the ground. They were lucky enough to be lying down, so that they didn't have to worry about the smoke too much, but there were flames growing on the ground, reaching out for them hungrily. Light dove across the room and came down lightly beside the two squirming occupants. He quickly cut the ropes, and tore off his cloak, wrapping them in it to help shield them from the fire. His face still hidden behind Misa's scarf, Light surveyed the house for a possible exit. Just then there was a crashing sound, a part of the back wall fell away, revealing the alley behind it.

The structure's giving! I have to hurry!

Light rushed towards the opening, pulling the other two along with him. He pushed them up front, so that they would clear the opening before him. Light had just leapt through when there was another resounding crash, and the rest of the house came down into fiery ruin. Sayu and Matsuda gasped on the ground, desperate for air. While they were still preoccupied, Light slipped away, but not before stealing on last glance at Sayu, and meeting her eyes for the first time in seven long years. There was recognition in her eyes as Light rounded the corner and came out into the street.

(XXX)

"Wow!" Misa gasped as the house came crashing to the ground.

She had done as Light had instructed, and waited patiently, watching Mikami and his men make their way back down the street until the collapsing house caught her attention. She was just beginning to wonder where Light had gone to when he suddenly reappeared next to her, panting, sweaty, and his skin blackened in spots from the smoke. Light peeled the scarf away from his face, and had a brief coughing fit, until clean air had replaced the smoke in his lungs.

"Light, what happened?" Misa asked with concern thick in her voice.

Light shook his head, unable to respond verbally at the moment. The Princess began dabbing away the sweat from his brow with one black sleeve. He accepted it, too weak to protest otherwise.

"Who was that girl, Light?" Misa asked yet again.

Light took a few breaths to clear his head before he spoke.

"My little sister." Light said.

(XXX)

The coach came to stop suddenly, and L stepped out into the blisteringly hot day. The coachman leaned over the side and looked to the guildsman apologetically.

"Sorry, but this is as far as I go." The man said.

"Thank you Ukita." L said. "Here."

He pulled a small envelope from the pocket of his jeans and held it up to the coachman.

"Deliver this to the Guild Master for me." L told Ukita.

The coachman took the letter, slipping it into the satchel slung across his shoulder.

"Well, guess I'll see you around." Ukita said with a grin.

He turned the coach around and drove off in the direction they had come, back towards the Guild. L watched for a while as the coach faded from view, kicking up a cloud of dust as it went. Then he sighed and turned around to face in the opposite direction. Here it was, the border, the end of the Empire. Across it, the Daimyo territories, and the wasteland known as the Barrens. At its center, the Serpent's Nest, and the dwelling of the Emerald Sage. L sighed lightly, and then started to walk. He had a long ways yet to go.

To Be Continued…

Author's Comments

Man, this took me a while to submit! Sorry. It was New Years, and my best friend's birthday is on New Year's Eve, and I got so hammered on Wed. and Thur. that I needed my little brother to carry me around the house, while I kept stealing other people's beers...It was good holiday.

Chapter 15 is well on the way, so stay tuned...