In his entire career he had never that much cases and calls for help at the same time. By now almost every country in the whole world asked for his help, because the authorities didn't know what to do anymore.

L nibbled irritated on his thumb, staring with narrowed eyes at the laptop screen before him on the desk. They could use their brain for once if that's not too much to ask. Not that they would figure out what was happening if they did… even he didn't have a clue about the murders, suicides and criminal killings yet.

First the murders and suicides… since not long ago criminals started dying at a faster rate too. Though none of them die by heart attacks, they still die by things like slipping and hitting the head on the edge of a table. It's like Light and Beyond working together, but that's impossible! I saw them die!

He cringed when he bit too hard on his thumb. L watched a little bit of blood well up from the small wound he made. He sighed deeply. This was going nowhere if he went on like this. Even he knew to admit it when he couldn't handle it and take the hit against his pride.

After he finished the Kira case he promised to take more time to look after his current successors. After Roger collapsed and this new disaster started worldwide L hadn't thought of them once. There was no time. For a small moment he suspected Roger's heart attack to be Mello's doing, but…
L shook his head, shaking his hair in even a messier state. No, Mello couldn't be behind all of this in the world. He knows better.

But he still needed to pay more attention to his successors as he promised himself. Since the workload became even too much for him there was an option that would be better for his current case and his successors.

L pushed a key on his laptop that immediately connected him with Watari.

'Yes, L?'

'I need you to call Near, Mello and Matt and bring them to my office. I have a task for them,' L said.

'I'll fetch them in a moment,' Watari answered and the connection broke.

In about ten minutes there was knocking on the door and a moment later Watari let his successors in the room. It was hard to see, but L could detect a little bit nervousness and curiosity from Near. Mello's face was an open book as usual, though besides the curiosity he seemed a bit tense. Matt's eyes hid behind his goggles, but he seemed more focused than otherwise.

It's rather strange for me to call them like this, especially all three at once. No wonder they seem so nervous.

'First of all, I want you to tell you not to worry. I haven't called any of you because of trouble,' L began. The three seemed to relax when he had said that. 'Secondly, I called you because there is trouble going on in the world. I don't doubt you heard of it, am I right?'

Near answered quickly. 'There are hundreds of cases all around the world of people dying, both from murder, suicide or accidents.'

'But no one seems to know how, why and what to do so all countries asked for your help,' Mello jumped in. L didn't miss the irritated glare Mello threw at Near.

'And that's why you've been extremely busy since you arrived at Wammy's,' Matt ended.

L nodded. 'Yes, everything you said is correct. That's why I want you to help me solving this enormous mystery that is taunting the whole world.'

They all gaped at him in silent awe.

'Wait, you say that we actually may help you solving this case?' Mello said stunned.

'Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying, Mello.' He watched his successors carefully. 'This is one of the toughest cases I've had, maybe even harder than the Kira case. Even I have to admit it's too much for me to do on my own… would you mind helping me in this case?'

Near gave a small nod. 'I'll do my best to help with this case.'

Mello jumped forward so he stood right before his desk. 'Of course, I'll help!' In his ice blue eyes sparkled determination.

L turned his gaze to Matt. The redhead simply shrugged and said: 'Let's get on with it.'

L didn't suspect any other outcome. It was very likely, about 92%, that they would jump at this change to prove themselves. Except Matt, I know he isn't really interested in my job as L the detective.

Maybe with the four of their genius minds combined they'll manage to solve this tough case.

Mello almost couldn't believe it. Almost. When Watari fetched him and Matt he was afraid the Death Note was found out. But when they stopped to fetch Near too, he was thrown into the deep. Now Mello knew why L called them he was so happy he couldn't even feel bothered by the little twerp that would be in the same room as him for a long time since they would be working together solving this case.

In the corner of his eye he saw Light and Beyond finally returned somewhere during the conversation. Both of them grinned knowingly at him.

I know who causes the disaster all over the world. This means I can give subtle hints that lead to solving these murders. If Light and Beyond work with me I can make it look like I'm much better than Near.
Maybe he'll even change my position from second to first successor…

A plan formed in Mello's mind. He thought no one noticed his quick glance to the Shinigami, but Matt was smarter behind his laziness than one would think.