Chapter 33

A/N: Mkay, I had Pompeii by E.S Posthumus on repeat while typing this. Listen to it while reading if you can, its amazing. -Though it doesn't start to really need the song until a bit farther in- I had a bit of writers block, but I listened to this and the whole chapter played itself out in my head. Neat, huh? TY! Read on.

"Why is it so quiet?" Matt almost winced at the sound of his own voice. It was beyond lifeless. He hated it. Why did he have to be so weak? Why couldn't he hide what he was feeling the way half the fuckin' world was able to? He shook his head as if to scold himself for his incompetence.

Out in the main room, things had gone quiet. No music was playing. Aaron was no longer speaking, and the vampires excited for the fight were no longer expressing their joy and anxiousness for the battlefield. In the hallway, there was silence as well. Not even an echo to betray the presence of anyone or anything. Just silence. And not the kind of silence, Matt noted with a little unease, that was comforting and relaxing by any means. It was down right unnerving.

Celestria was pacing the length of the 'Red Room' as she had called it. Her expression was worried; it was obvious that this was not something she agreed with. But, as with many events in history, the men had the last say. Aaron had declared war and so it will be so. For a second, Matt thought that maybe the vampire hadn't heard him, but then, she turned her large sea blue eyes on him and said; "The vampires are getting their humans to a safe location.

"They will not accompany us on the trip to Russia. The battle will take place there..." She trailed off, brow furrowing in concentration and then; "Aaron believes that a surprise attack will give us an edge, and gain us the inevitable triumph."

"Inevitable?" Matt echoed with a doubtful tone. A tone that was matched in the blond female vampires expression.

"He believes we will be victorious. He believes that good always prevails." She smiled a slow, sad smile. "My brother," She chuckled but there was no life in it. "he had quite the imagination when we were children. How little he seems to know of reality."

The redhead nodded, why, he didn't really know. Just felt it was necessary. "What are the chances of winning?"

The question seemed to throw Celestria off for a second or two, and Matt felt his heart skip a beat in a very uncomfortable way. She ran a hand through her silky hair and then moved to sit beside Matt on the bed. "Do you want the truth, child?"

That didn't sound too good. Honestly, he felt like saying no. No he didn't want the truth, he wanted to be lied to, at least then maybe it would ease the tension in his bones that seemed to weigh him down like an anchor. But, instead he replied: "Yes."

"Hm," She started in a soft tone. "do you know of the Titanic? How it sank on the 15th of April after two hours of having struck the iceberg?" Celestria wasn't looking at him. She was staring out into space, as if glimpsing into the past once more, watching it all happen. "The possibility of saving the ship was slim. The possibility of saving every passenger aboard...was even less likely."

She made a sound in the back of her throat that sounded a little between a gasp and a sob, then, she blinked and cleared her throat. Her eyes though, were glazed with sorrow. "Do you understand?"

Yeah. He understood. It meant that they were fucked. "Which coven is-"

"Larger? Lights'. We are outnumbered considerably."

Scratch that. They were royally fucked.

"Oh my." Celestria squeaked beside him. It was a sound that made Matt's blood freeze momentarily. He watched as she got to her feet and crossed the room in her superhuman speed. In the same second that she went to lock the door, it shoved itself open and the female vampire squeaked again and had no other choice but to shove back against it. "No, Mello! You're not calm enough yet!" She shouted.

"Let me in." Mello's soft voice floated into the room. "I'm fine now. Let me speak to Matt." And then he shoved the door open just a little bit farther, just to show that her strength was not an obstacle for him. "Matt," He called. "Let me see him, Celestria. Open the door." His voice was calm and to be honest it scared the redhead so much.

Celestria shoved back, but Mello was stronger than her, he pushed the door open another few inches so that his face was visible through the crack in the door. Matt's eyes locked with Mello's and he couldn't help the gasp of fright that slipped past his lips. Why did he feel so afraid? Why didn't he trust that Mello was in control? It was probably just the shock of seeing Mello struggle in his fight to remain human.

The shock of having the blond vampire he loved so much almost strike him, wanting to purposely cause him pain, and maybe even kill him.

"Give yourself some more time to think Mello. Please, you don't want to make a mistake." Celestria pleaded with him, but he only kept pushing the door open further. With a deep breath, she rammed her side against the door and it shut successfully. She was able to lock it, but she kept her weight on it in case Mello decided to break the door down, which was probably a good idea because the blond shouted in rage the second the door closed.

"Open the damn door or I'll break it off its hinges!" The door groaned its protests as Mello banged his fists against the wood. "I'm fine! Just let me see him! You can't deny me that, Celestria. He's mine!"

Matt was shaking. He was so afraid that if Mello came through that door, the blond would try and kill him. Part of him wanted to let it happen, but another part of him was laughing at him for believing that Mello was capable of it. Mello wouldn't kill him. He was in control. Celestria had said that Mello was fighting to keep sane and human for him. For Matt's sake. That had to count for something. But then again...Celestria was the one keeping Mello out of the room away from him. Did that mean that Mello really wasn't in control?

"Let me in!" Mello's voice echoed wildly in the hall, the words tangled together as they raced back to him. Then...when the echoes had gone and the silence grew thick, Matt's heart began to race. Was he gone? Had he given up? Was he coming back? Was he mad?... As much as the redhead was fearing him at the moment, his heart ached to even think that Mello had left without him, because then where would he even begin to look for him? Did Mello even want him anymore?

Celestria's face was still worried. Her eyes were unblinking as she pressed her ear against the wood of the door to better listen to what was going on beyond it. Nothing. Everything was silent and so, slowly, Celestria's brow began to smooth back into knowing ease. She caught Matt's attention, and a comforting smile began to form on her lips. But the comfort and reassurance was short lived, when there came a soft 'click' sound from the door knob.

Both of their eyes flashed to the door knob, and to Matt's horror, watched as the thumb-turn lock slowly began to turn in the opposite direction of which Celestria had turned it.

'Click'

"No!"

The door burst open. It sent Celestria to the floor in a whirl of ivory silk. Mello stood in the door way, a silver pocket knife in his right hand. That was what he had used to undo the lock. Matt's heart was hammering in his chest. This was it. Mello was going to kill him. He was going to die here. But wait...he could fight. If he was going to die he would go down kicking and screaming. He would die fighting...just like his mother had.

Blue met green and Matt had to act. He jumped to his feet, eyes wary but never leaving the pocket knife Mello was still holding. No. He couldn't fight him. Not because he knew he would never be able to win, but because this was Mello...and he loved him. So, he did the next best thing. He made a run for it.

He wasn't surprised to feel the familiar cool embrace but that didn't stop him from crying out in fear. Matt struggled only for a few seconds, before shutting his eyes and burying his face into the blond vampire's chest. Death was always kinder when it caught you off guard. Tears were streaming down his face, staining the material of Mello's costume and the blonds hold on him seemed to tighten.

They stood this way for a long time. Nothing happened. Neither moved, Mello didn't make to slash the blade into him, he didn't move to bite him. Nothing. Then; "Matt," The blond croaked. Matt could feel the melt into sweet surprise, almost relief, but it was too early for that. He stiffened the slightest bit before lifting the great weight of his head so as to let the vampire know he had heard him.

When he did, out of his periph, he saw the silver blade of the pocket knife that Mello was still clutching. Seeing as Mello was holding him with his arms around Matt's neck, the blade was only mere inches from his cheek and it made him sick. He wanted to answer him, was, but the sight of the blade, so menacing and deadly, silenced him.

"I can't believe you thought I'd kill you." Mello said after a long unnerving pause. Matt felt his lips part in surprise at the blonds words. No sound came. He couldn't seem to form words and so he kept staring straight ahead over the blonds shoulder at Celestria who was still sitting up on the floor, watching the scene, frozen. Then, once more out of his periph, he saw Mello open the hand clutching the blade, and watched it fall almost in slow motion to the ground.

When it struck the ground, it sounded like thunder and it was like a signal for everyone to move because Celestria was on her feet and Mello was falling to his knees, taking Matt with him, his arms never releasing the confused yet relieved redhead. "I'm sorry." Mello sobbed. He ran his gloved fingers through Matt's red hair, his whole body shaking, causing Matt to shake with it as well as his sobs continued. "I lost myself, Matt. But I'm back..." His voice shook as he did, and it broke Matt's heart to hear it.

"I'm back." He repeated.

How wrong he and Celestria had been. Mello was in control. He had won his fight with his demons. For Matt.

Matt's arms had been hanging lamely at his sides, now, he moved them to wrap around Mello's shaking body, holding him close in a comforting way. It only made the blond sob harder. "Don't cry, Mello. I forgive you." But the sobs didn't stop. Mello was so thankful that he had such a forgiving lover, but did he really deserve it? Did he really deserve Matt? He didn't think so.

That L boy deserved him more. Hell, Matt deserved a human. Someone that wouldn't try to kill him in a seconds fit of rage. He didn't deserve him, but he was damn glad he had him.

"Thank you." Mello said. "Thank you."

Celestria was there then, a strong comforting hand on Mello's shoulder. "We lead an attack on Light's coven at the stars first light tomorrow night." She whispered. "Russia should not be hard to reach on foot." (1)

Mello lifted his head to look at her. "Russia?"

She nodded in response. "He has remained there and news says he does not plan on leaving any time soon, now that Near is dead. He is sure that you will come to him, but what he won't expect is, not only you but an entire army." Her voice sounded so cold. Matt hadn't heard her sound that way and it chilled him. "Killing another vampire is one of the highest crimes..." She trailed off, delicate hands turning into fists.

"Right," Mello turned to look deep into Matt's eyes. "I'll find you a place to stay, Matt. I promise you that I'll keep you safe."

Mello wasn't even done speaking when Matt was already shaking his head. "No! I'm not going to sit around somewhere and wait for you to march off to war Mello! You're fuckin' crazy if you think I'm letting you leave without me!" Frustrated tears were running down his cheeks but he didn't bother to try and wipe them away. Mello was not going to leave him again. "You're not leaving me, Mello. We left Near and look what happened!"

Matt felt guilt jab at his heart at seeing the wince and pain that flashed across Mello's eyes at mentioning Near. But if it helped in keeping him from getting left behind it was worth a try.

"I think he's right, Mello." Celestria said.

There was a short seconds silence before Mello growled low in his throat and spoke. "Fine. But if I say jump you best better ask how high, Matt. War is not a game, I won't risk you getting hurt just because you think you can play hero at some point, okay? If I fall, Celestria will take you. You do not come after me. Understand?" His tone was dead serious. Matt had no choice but to nod his understanding.

Mello stood, bringing the redhead up with him. He leaned in and pressed his wintry lips to Matt's forehead, letting them linger there for two short seconds before pulling away. "I truly am sorry, Matt." Another kiss, this time to Matt's cheek, then the other and then finally, their lips met.

It was slow, sweet and deep with passion. Mello's arms tightened around the young teen, crushing him to himself, wanting to feel every curve, every beat of his heart. How beautiful it was to him. Musical.

When they parted, Matt's cheeks were flushed a light pink. He lost himself in Mello's eyes and the warm smile that was tugging at the corner of the blonds perfect pale lips. The smile melted instantly though, and Mello's eyes became dark. "We need to go see Near first." Even though Mello was looking at him, Matt was sure that he was speaking to Celestria. "We'll meet back with you in a few."

Celestria nodded in understanding. "Be strong, dear." And she turned and left, her dress rustling as he did so.

Matt could see the pain in Mello's eyes. It was tearing at him. He reached up to cup Mello's face in his hands, forcing him to look at him. Slowly, cautiously, he whispered as he held Mello's gaze. "He was weighed down for years by his guilt. He told me...a-and now, I'm sure he's okay." He flinched a little, half expecting Mello to snap again, but it didn't happen. Mello merely nodded sadly, and kissed the redheads cheek.

"Let's go." Was all he said before taking Matt's hand and leading him out of the 'Red room' and out into the darkness of the hallway.

- - - -

Instead of calling for a cab, Mello decided to run to the hotel. Matt had clung to the vampires back, face pressed into the soft blond locks. It was comforting and it distracted him from the rushing lights and swirling darkness around them that seemed suddenly so ravenous that it felt as though it would devour them.

They arrived in no less than five minutes. Five minutes that seemed to stretch on into eternity for Matt, but eternity came and they rushed into the glass doors of the hotel; past the lobby and into the comfort of the elevators.

As they approached their room, Matt felt Mello's hold on his hand tighten and he did the same. "Shh." He whispered soothingly, though he chose not to say anything else for fear that his voice would betray him. He had to be strong for Mello.

They stood outside the door for a whole minute, just listening to see what they could hear. There was nothing. The bright hall was silent as was the room beyond the door. Finally, Mello seemed to find the courage to turn the door knob. He pushed the door open and quickly worked his way inside only closing the door once Matt was inside too.

The light was flipped on and there, on the ground laying as broken as a wind up toy soldier, was Nears lifeless body. Matt had thought himself strong enough to be able to handle seeing the body, but he wasn't. He felt the tears, and he was running towards him. He dropped to his knees, violent sobs shook him. "Near..." Really, he had tried his best, but he just could not keep his emotions at bay.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mello press his fist to his lips and shut his eyes momentarily. Mello was strong. Matt felt ashamed, but he couldn't help it. He had thought about why Near had kissed him since the moment they left for the Ball and he had been unsuccessful in figuring it out until now. Matt was certain that Near had known his death was coming and he had wanted to say good bye without making it obvious. They didn't catch it earlier! Near could have lived.

Matt felt a strong arm wrap around his shoulders and he couldn't help but move to hide himself in Mello's chest. "I'm sorry, Mello. I-I t-tried." He stammered through his gasps. Mello said nothing, but Matt was sure it was due to the fact that he was trailing his gloved fingers over Near's still body.

"It's fine. Breathe."

When Matt had stopped crying enough to be able to form coherent sentences, Mello helped him to his feet and then he crossed the room to gently pick up the severed head. The snow white hair, the child like features. It was all Near and yet not. Not anymore. Mello cradled it to himself. He was glad that the young vampire's eyes had been closed. It meant that Near had died without fear, like a true man. Maybe not a human, but a man none the less.

Matt looked away from the head in Mello's arms, he felt like he was going to be sick. He only looked once Mello had gently set it down on the bed. "What are you going to do?"

"Wait for the morning." He replied. Mello bent to pick up Near's headless body, then, proceeded to lay it out across the bed. After, he took the head and moved it so that it looked like it was still connected with the neck and the rest of the body. It looked like Near was just sleeping. But Matt knew better. Vampires didn't sleep.

"When the first rays of the sun hit him, he will turn to ash." Mello turned his sad gaze on Matt. "We can go out in sunlight when we are still alive, so to speak. But once we have died again, the sunlight purifies what has once been darkened, and takes us."

Matt's eyes were still tearing up. It was beautiful. Near would be okay, he was sure of that now.

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

"Wonderful! Bravo, bravo! Oh my, Mihael you sure do know how to put on a show!"

Matt swung around and almost bumped into the person who had spoken. He had been standing no more than a few inches from him and he felt the color rush from his face. He ran to Mello's side, who moved into a protective position in front of him, ready to attack. Was this the vampire that had killed Near?

He took in the vampire's appearance. The vampire had deep purple hair; his skin was the color of freshly fallen snow. His eyes...were a dangerous shade of violet. What kind of vampire was he? He had yet to see any vampire like this. This wasn't good. Like many animals in the wild that had various colors to warn people of their lethality, this vampire was probably just as deadly.

"What? Oh! I see, you don't remember me. Tsk, tsk. Mihael, I'm insulted. " The vampire took a step closer, and Mello growled, low and threatening. "Now, now. Be nice. I've come all this way to see you and this is how you greet me?" He shook his head, purple bangs falling over his eyes. When he looked up once more, there was a sly smirk on his lips, like he and Mello shared a secret. "Nothing?"

Who was he? And how did he know Mello's real name? Matt peeked out from behind Mello. It was odd, but, this vampire looked so much like Mello. Only his hair was short. But everything else, the facial structures, the eyes, apart from their color, his lips...

Matt felt his heart plunge deep into his stomach when he saw Mello step out of his protective position. The blond staggered a little, and a sound that resembled a gasp sounded from him.

"Kyosta?"

"Bingo! Happy to see me again are you?"

"I thought you were-"

"Dead! No! Light only drained me to the point of death. Apparently he lied when he said I was nothing more than a meal, HA! Go figure." Kyosta had a huge grin on his face. It made Matt sick. How could Mello be talking to this person with such familiarity after he had killed Near?

"Mello." Matt snapped. "Who is he and what right did he have to kill Near?" It surprised him how hard and even his voice came out.

Mello was silent. His lips were parted to form words, but none came. Not for a long time and Kyosta took this as his cue to speak once more. "About that. Yes, he was nothing personal. It was just a simple order really. He knew I had been following him from New York but he didn't let you know. Boo Who, he wanted to save you. Heh, I don't much care for hero's so, I killed him." He shrugged casually. "Nothing personal." Kyosta then took a step closer and it seemed as though a light had gone on in Mello's head because he returned to his protective stance, fangs bared.

"How could you?" Mello growled. "How can you work for a monster like Light? He's brain washed you, Kyosta! He will use you and dispose of you when he finds stronger vampires! Y-you don't have to work for him anymore. Stay with me. I'm...still your blood." His tone faltered, cracking the tiniest bit. "I'm still your annoying baby cousin."

There was a flash on emotion in the vampire, Kyosta's eyes that Matt didn't really understand. He didn't much linger on it either, for he was still taken aback by the news of their relationship. They were blood relatives. Mello had told him that all his family had been killed. Then again, Mello hadn't known that Kyosta had remained alive, living as a vampire.

"Darling, cousin. I'm afraid I like what Light has to offer. Now, I'll be taking you both, so if you please." He pointed to the open window that they had not noticed until now. "Time is of the essence."

Mello shook his head. "You won't touch us, Kyosta. You won't dare."

Kyosta blinked once, twice, then brushed non existing dust from his black coat. "Clearly you don't know me as well as you think, Mihael." He chuckled. The sound was dark and cold, like a winter night. Then, he was gone.

Matt felt himself gasp and he held onto Mello, who was still in the same position, growling out his warnings as he scanned the room for any signs of his cousin.

Silence.

"Mel-"

"Got you." The back of Kostas' hand connected with the side of Matt's head. The teen fell to the floor unconscious. The blow had not been enough to kill him, just enough to knock him out.

In the time it took Mello to turn around, Kyosta had him by the throat. There was a satisfied smirk on the purple haired vampire's lips. "Hm, I'm stronger than you. Not surprise at all." His Russian accent was stronger than Mello's. Most likely due to the fact that Kyosta had lived in Russia all his human and vampire life, only leaving on errands for Light no doubt.

Mello's fangs were bared. "I'll kill you. If you put another hand on him, I'll kill you. I swear it." He growled. Kyosta merely chuckled at the threat as if it were nothing more than a joke between friends.

"I'd like to see you try." He lifted up a hand gloved in leather, just like Mello always wore, and pressed two fingers against the blond's forehead. The affect was immediate. Mello let out an agonized cry, and then was silent. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body convulsed violently. When Kyosta released his hold on Mello, the blond vampire fell to the floor in a shaking mess.

Then he was still, but his eyes were wide open, unseeing, unblinking. He looked as though he were dead, but he wasn't. Kyosta would not kill him. That was for Light to do.

Kyosta laughed an amused laugh as he moved to pick up Matt's unconscious body. He cradled the teens body like a groom would hold a bride. "You are his mate then?" He asked the unconscious redhead. "I can see why he would care for you so greatly. You are a lovely young child."

He moved toward the open window and with one last look at his unconscious cousin, he grinned and threw himself from the window, disappearing into the deep darkness.

1. - Mkay, Vampire Super speed. oooor plane? Yeah, you pick.

A/N: Wow, this one was long. Hope it made up for last chapters shortness. So...feeling slapped in the face? Yeah? Good, I love it. Geezuz my fingers cramped up typing this up. Be happy -pouts- 'Nywho, erm...yeah, self explanatory. Kyosta has the gift of mind reading, and a little something else that you'll see later on. Keep reading, guys, were almost done. -grins-

Review please. This chapter was a bitch to type up.

Matt.