A/N: Be warned, this is a long chapter. And I really believe there was more to Mello joining the Mafia than they let on. Thus, this chapter.

Reviews Welcomed, and I hope you enjoy.

(Mello P.O.V)

We had driven all the way to what looked like a warehouse. The men who had tied me, Near, and Matt up were waiting on the outside. The tall, skinny guy I had bitten had a bandage wrapped around his hand. When he first noticed me, he cringed away from Ross' car.

Speaking of Ross.

The man – known as Rod Ross – no longer referred to me as 'kid' or 'little shit'. In fact, he took quite a shine to me. Either it was good acting on my part, or he genuinely liked me, I'll never know. Still, having him trust me was all part of the plan. L worked fast, so I had to work faster. And I had to act now or suffer the consequences.

When I hopped out of the car, Rod Ross was right beside me. This caused some attention.

"Boss!" The uninjured man rushed up. "Why'd you untie this kid!? He's a fucking menace! Just look at Jack!"

The man known as 'Jack' took a quick look at me, but ducked away when I mimed a bite at him. I didn't think for a moment that he'd be the one to cause trouble around me.

The guy continued. "And what about the others? Did we kidnap them for nothing?!"

"Apparently." I mumbled, humour clear as day in my voice.

The man stepped forward, as if to attack, but Ross stopped him. "Relax, Miller. Mello and I have come to an understanding. Turns out he's worth a lot more than the other two. All we gotta do is make sure no harm comes to him, and we'll be swimming in cash."

Miller, so he was called, grunted in frustration before backing away. "But can you really trust this kid?"

"Can any of us trust each other?" I added. I was feeling greatly cocky at this point, but that was because I knew my plan would work.

Ross put a hand on my shoulder. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing. Plus, this kid could be useful to us, even if he doesn't get picked up. We need more geniuses around the place." He directed his last statement at the man named Jack before leading me inside.

When we entered the warehouse, I was surprised to see it had all been furnished and loaded with supplies. There were only a few more men to be seen, but the most they were doing was lounging around. There were maybe one or two whores around, but I didn't pay attention to them. They weren't a problem to me.

Ross tried to lead me further in, but I stayed standing where I was. Upon his curious look, I explained.

"You really think I'll take any step further? Please. Not only are you insulting me with your stupidity, but you mock the very idea of 'kidnapping'."

Miller grabbed the scruff of my shirt. "The fuck you say kid?!"

I simply chuckled. Cocky as ever. "One; you don't control me." I emphasized by kneeing him in the nuts. He let go of me straight away to cradle what little manhood he had left. "Second; when you kidnap a genius, don't FUCK with him.

"And lastly; considering your organization here, I would guess you had a specific name to it. I'd say 'mafia', but that would imply you all being geniuses in your own respected workspace. No… you're more like girl scouts. At best."

Some of the men got upset with what I'd said and pulled out a pistol each.

I wasn't worried.

"Ross," I said, looking up at the man, "would you please explain to these idiots that killing me will get them nowhere. In fact, I'm almost too sure if L finds me dead… he'll make sure you suffer for such a crime. He isn't one without mercy, you know."

Ross looked at the men with an intimidating expression. It didn't take long before the guns were being put away. But it wasn't quite enough.

"Actually, keep them out. But take out the clips and pop the bullet in the chamber."

One of the men had had enough. "Capo, are you honestly letting this shit tell us what to do!?"

"You want that payout?" He replied. "Do as he says, and we'll get what we want."

Another minute rolled by before I heard mechanical clicking and bullets dropping to the floor. I wasn't kidding around though.

"Guns in the air." I demanded. They did as told. "Fire."

Many clicked, but there was one that shot. Someone hadn't done what I told. This infuriated me, but I had a better way to take out my anger this time around.

I pinpointed the traitor to a short, lanky man who was looking as guilty as possibly could. It didn't take me long to make my way to the man, but because I was shorter than him I had to stand on the coffee table to get eye contact.

I held out my hand. Hesitating at first, he slowly placed the gun there. Now, at the Wammy house, we weren't allowed anywhere near guns or weapons of any sort. We were kids after all, and L wasn't tolerating any mishaps that happened with firearms or any sort of melee weapon. He taught us to be hands on when it came to a fight. Saying it was more honorable. But that didn't stop me from learning about guns. Besides, I knew well enough before the age of six what a gun was capable of. I'd seen my father fire it enough times to know how and when to use it.

I examined the glock and found no clip. Which meant he was being precautionary with the bullet in the chamber. This kind of betrayal would not suffice.

I pretended to examine it further. "You have a good taste in firearms. I'm almost amazed you could own a beauty like this one. I'm even more impressed that this got through the airport. Or maybe you have your own plane. Nah, I doubt it. Girl scouts don't have planes." I paused, and gave the dark haired man a look.

The grin on my face dropped.

Grabbing the barrel of the gun, I swung it as hard as I could, hitting the man in the temple of his head. He went down like a sack of bricks and writhed in pain.

I kept my eyes on the rolling ball of pathetic beneath me. "How utterly disgraceful. To be pistol whipped by a ten year old. Then again, you did deserve it. I gave you direct orders, under Ross' wing no less. And you go ahead and disobey. Well now… why don't you just stay there, and think about how you can make it up to your Capo."

He looked up at me in fear. A forty something year old man, was afraid of a child. This was just too pathetic for words.

I heard mumbling at that point. "The kid's crazy!"

"WHAT WAS THAT!?"

Silence. They froze in fear of me. And I smiled at that.

"How pathetic you all are. Afraid of a child. Am I really all that scary? Come now, one of you must be brave enough to take me on. So who is it!?" No one stepped forward. Were they really that afraid? "No one? Not one of you?"

Miller, the one that I would guess hated me most, stepped forward. "This is ridiculous! Are you all really…?"

I grabbed his outstretched arm and flung him over my shoulder. I thanked all the gods I knew that L trained me one on one to perfect moves like this. He trained us all to do a lot of things. Especially for moments like these.

I stepped on his back and pulled his arm. The man screamed in pain, but I didn't let go. Instead, I spoke to the rest of the men. "Now that we have this all cleared up, allow me to say a few things.

"First and foremost, I will not be held responsible for what happens to any of you if you cross my path. I've been trained by the best to completely murder people like you. If you want to live just a bit longer," I pulled on Miller's arm to emphasize with his scream, "I suggest you don't follow his example."

I let go of his arm and started walking around the room. "Secondly, all guns remain in my sights until after I leave. I don't expect to be here long as it is, so don't whine like little shits about it the entire time. L won't pay up for damaged product. In fact, he'll down right torture you if he finds even one bruise on me. So keep that in mind."

I walked over to Ross' side, noticing the large grin on his face. "Lastly. If you don't want to end up like Jack or Miller, I suggest you get me some chocolate. What cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol are to you, chocolate is to me. I'd be a lot more forgiving to you morons if I received chocolate after some bad news.

"Do we have an understanding?"

Various nods spread through the room. All were fearful of me. It was almost refreshing to know I could make a mafia bow to me at this very moment.

I looked up at Ross. His smile hadn't left. "Get back to work!" He demanded.

They all scrambled to get away from me, but Ross stayed right beside me. "If I didn't know any better, Mello, I'd say you've done this before."

I scoffed. "You're running a rinky-dink operation with idiots who don't know the sky from the ground. A two year old would be able to lead these imbeciles."

"Then why not stay? You'd be a great help, without a doubt. Keeping someone like you by my side would ensure a lot more for myself and you."

I huffed a laugh at him. "I have bigger fish to fry. Besides, why should I run with you Americans? The territory you want is nothing but a burnt wasteland in my opinion. And only fools fight over kingship of a burning castle."

Ross gave a chuckle. "Alright then. If you're so sure about the path you're on. Still, if you ever want to join, just visit the bars around L.A. That's where most of my men hang around."

"More like the gutter of the bars. I have a feeling they get kicked out more than once when it comes to drinking in public."

Another chuckle. "Well, my offer still stands."

"And now for my offer."

Ross gave me a look of perplexity. "Offer? From you?"

I strode over to the ripped and nasty looking couch where two of the whores were gossiping. They immediately ran off when they saw me, giving me a seat to sit in. "An offer for your life. You see, L is a man willing to pay out if he's in trouble. Not that it's ever happened, but he's prepared for it. But for matters such as this, I can guarantee you that you won't get the money you're looking for. In fact, I believe he's already gone off to fetch a brigade to bring you down."

Ross sat in the chair across from me. "And what makes you so sure?"

I grinned at him then. "Because I called him." I paused for dramatic effect. It was almost humorous watching Rod's face go pale. "And he's on his way now. He's even gone as far as dealing with your 'mole'."

"You're lying. There's no way…"

"Oh but I have. You see, I had a cellphone with me. One I left behind with the other two. One specific button calls for an emergency straight to L himself." I had to keep my composure at this point since I knew I was lying out my teeth. "And once L finds me here, he'll eliminate all of you to get me back.

"The solution is simple though. Let me go, and you all can bugger off back to America, and leave the Wammy house be. But, if money is so important to you, more important than your own lives… keep me here, and see if L chooses to reward you… or kill you. Either way, my life will remain untouched."

Ross was silent for a very long time. I knew… I just knew, that I had won this battle.

"Ross," I said as I leaned in closer to him, "I want no trouble with the Mafia. Not while I'm still ten. So I'll cut you a deal. Let me go, and you have my word, that I will not say a thing as to where you are. Drop me off at a hospital or police station, they'll call the orphanage, and we'll pretend like none of this happened."

"You sneaky little shit." He said quietly. "You planned this right from the beginning, right when I let those two go." He was silent for close to five minutes before a smile crept back on his face. "Well played. I respect a kid with your kind of intelligence. You sure you don't wanna join? You'd be a great help."

"You already know my answer. But what's yours now? Let me go? Or take a life betting chance?"

Ross was quiet for only a moment before nodding slowly. "You win. I can't risk losing my men or my own life. We'll take you to a police station, then we'll leave the country…"

"Tonight." I interrupted. "I won't have you any longer than you have to be. Besides, there's still the fact that that little albino kid called the police on you. Chances are they're already on your trail."

"Fine. We'll be out of the country by tonight. You know, for a ten year old, you sure don't act like one."

"Oh, I can be very childish when it comes to when I want something. But make no mistake, I can handle myself just fine."

"So I've noticed." He said as he stood up, gesturing me to follow. "Listen up!" All heads turned to him. "Turns out we gotta get moving. The cops have been ticked off and they're looking for the kid."

"I TOLD YOU, ROSS!" Miller yelled out, still holding his arm.

"Shut the fuck up, Miller!" I yelled back. "If anything I'm saving your sorry asses!"

"Yes, which is why we have to act now. Get everything packed up and be ready to leave before sunset."

I had done it. I had gotten myself out without so much as lifting a finger. Even better, had this plan not worked, I had Near to thank for the police backup, and L's. Had this not gone the way I planned, I would have had a rescuer in no time anyway. I thought it through to the very last detail. Now, I was getting what I wanted.

It wasn't long before we left the warehouse and I was dropped off a block away from a police station. Knowing them, it was because they didn't want the police to recognize them from Near's description. Again, I'd have to thank him for the extra support.

Before they drove off however, Ross handed me a few hundred bucks. At my curious glance, he explained. "Call it a reward for putting my men back in line. Again, the door is always open for someone like you. We need new blood in our organization anyway."

I only cocked an eyebrow at him as I turned away and head toward the station. The car made a U-turn, then drove off. When I knew I couldn't be seen by them, I dropped to the ground and shook violently. Yes, I was scared. More scared than I had ever been. I had put up a good front by making them believe I was as brave and heartless as could be… but I had been scared.

I tried not to cry as I walked down the street towards the police station. I had gone through all of it to save Matt and Near. Still, the fear of my life being cut short at any moment scared me immensely. I had survived a Mafia kidnapping, had even scared them. All the while though, I had wanted to break down and cry.

I entered the building, and was immediately greeted by a police officer. I suppose Near should have already gotten the word out that I had been kidnapped, but to this magnitude. Of course, they asked questions on how I got away from them, but I kept silent. I would only tell L about this, and the rest would have to deal with it.

L himself picked me up along with Watari – under guise of Ryuzaki and Wammy – and L had even gone as far as picking me up in a hug. I suppose he'd worried for me more than I thought he would. Most of what I told Ross was a lie, since L wasn't exactly big on execution or killing, so to think he'd worried enough to publicly show affection.

Even I chuckled at the thought.

On the car ride home, L asked questions. I answered them all truthfully, and even told him of all the lies I told to get out of that place. Even how I had sucked up my fear and showed them I was a force to be reckoned with.

"I did everything you taught me. I didn't allow them to push me around or make them believe they owned me. Even Rod was impressed by my skills."

"Rod was their leader?"

I nodded. "But I don't know how they found out about us. About the Wammy house and you."

"Well, it's no secret what the Wammy house is, Mello. Most people know it's a school for gifted and orphaned children. How they found out about you, Matt, and Near is a mystery."

"They said they had a 'mole' working for them. Which means someone fed them the information."

"Then we'll have to look into this. Watari, I need you to do a thorough check on all the children at Wammys. Make sure we know who they all are and if any are missing."

"Yes, of course."

"As for you, Mello… well, I suppose you should be rewarded for your efforts."

I cocked an eyebrow. "For beating up Mafia members?"

L huffed out one of his rare chuckles. "No, for saving Near and Matt. God knows that they couldn't have done what you did. Near hasn't got the courage and Matt would have probably made things worse. You got them out so they'd be safe."

"Is Matt okay?" I switched the topic, suddenly remembering he'd been knocked out last I saw him.

"He has a bit of a concussion, but he's conscious again. He's been worried sick about you. He almost jumped in the car with me when I said you'd been found."

I relaxed then. If Matt was alright then so was I. I could rest easy now knowing my Matt was safe. Still, the thought of a fox in the henhouse haunted me. Someone in the Wammy house was leaking information out to L's biggest threats. The men from America were easy to take care of this time. But there were no guarantees on the next time should there be one.

It was a long car ride home, so slept while I could. I surprisingly had no nightmares while I slept. I dreamt only of leading the Mafia I had just tricked into letting me go. I suppose knowing that I took down a few rats of the organization without much trouble made me feel good about myself. I mean, how many kids could say they took on a whole Mafia by themselves… and lived to tell about it?