Chapter four:

"The truth is that yes I am working with people on the dark web. But only because I have to since the people rescued me and my siblings from our home town, a place that got bombed and destroyed right after we were taken from it. However they weren't there to actually help us. They took my siblings and are getting me to do their work with my siblings, the only family I have left, being used as ways to have me do what they want. They helped me get sent here so I could try to spy on L as much as I can. I have been trying to figure things out like where they are keeping them in secret. Hoping I might be able to end this and save them. I haven't been able to find where they are keeping them yet. The only reason I am here is because they want access to Matt's computer. To use Matt too."

Mello and Matt glance to each other allowing their eyes to meet. Honestly the two can believe Near's story based on the fact that there is the picture that was sent.

A picture of two white haired people, one that looks like Near and one that looks younger, tied up with a message reminding Near to do as they say.

Mello closes his eyes taking a breath then turns back to Near opening his eyes. "Okay. We do believe you." He unties Near and helps him up.

"We'll help you save them." Matt adds to Near giving him an assuring smile. "And I think I already know how we can still get you to complete what they want without risking our attempts at figuring things out. I have one laptop not connected to the rest. We will use that one and they'll think that they have me. In reality I will use my other laptops to work on finding them, and even finding out things to help take them down."

"It's dangerous." Near points out and Matt scoffs.

"It is fine. They can try to get me but I am pretty good at what I do." Matt informs Near and Mello speaks up afterwards.

"Besides. If they do try to come after us then we can stand them together. They will find that they'll end up way over their heads. We can even bring L in this if we need to. Not to mention that we have those emergency signals that will alert L. So they'll be in trouble if they do try anything." Mello gives Near a confident smile when the other turns to look at him. "We're fine with going into this danger with you to be able to rescue your siblings and free you from this. Then you and me can compete for the number one spot as good natured rivals instead of just rivals."

Near gives them an appreciative smile. "Thank you."

"With that settled let us get this thing started." Matt grabs a laptop that looks a little older. He opens it starting it up and he plugs in the flash drive. He watches along with the other two as the screen flickers before a black screen pops up with a bunch of text coming up scrolling on the screen. He gives a thumbs up once that screen disappears.

Mello hands Near back his phone just in time for a text to come through telling him that he did good, and that they will send proof that they will hold up on their side of the deal.

"They got it." Near confirms and the two nod to this. He finds that it isn't too long later that he gets sent a picture. His siblings cells changing from prison like cells to a windowless room that is more like a bedroom of a house. He can even see that there is a TV in there playing todays news to show him that it was taken today. "And they sent proof of their end being held up." He smiles gratefully to the two.

"Alright." Matt cracks his fingers. "Then let us get this started."

"How do you plan to track them?" Mello inquires remembering what Matt had said about the dark web not being someplace he can track activity.

Near blinks at Matt also curious about this.

"Well allowing them into that laptop was the first step. That microphone is broken so they can't hear us. I can't find them on the dark web. However with a laptop that is infected and streaming back to them directly opens a passageway for me. I can track them through that and if I do this right then monitor them. I've got this. I got some of these laptops working again because I hacked around any corruption that was on them. It won't be too different from that." Matt smirks at this and sits down pulling another laptop closer to himself. "Just let me work in peace for a bit and I should be able to get a good amount of work done on this."

"Okay. And Matt?" Near's inquiry gets the red head to glance to him. "Thank you." He smiles as he gets a nod from the other then he follows Mello as he is lead out of the room.

"I will come find you when Matt contacts me." Mello informs Near who nods softly. "And you come find me if anything comes up on your end with those jerks." He gets another nod and the two of them go their separate ways for now. He is really glad that he gets to help out with this since it is like he is doing the work that L does. He is helping those that are in trouble which gives him a good feeling inside of himself. He also doesn't want his competition against Near dirtied by any of this so that will be a bonus on being able to help with that.

In Matt's room…

Matt turns as his phone gives him a notification and he checks it. He finds that it is a text with threatening messages about how they have access to his computer and how he should do what they say. He smirks since they have no idea that this is an old phone with him having a newer one. He just still had this one because it was connected to his older computer. He texts back demanding who this is and how they got past his security systems.

They respond rather quickly.

You do not need to know who we are. All that you need to know is that your services are required. And if you do not comply then perhaps we shall send your hacking activities to the police or even L himself. Oh what disappointment L will have to see what you use your hacking skills for.

Matt almost wants to laugh though he holds back on it. He does see them send proof that they are able to access his computer using a picture of a screen with the familiar desktop. He messages back ready to go along with this game.

Fine. You have convinced me. What do you want?

They once again respond rather quickly.

Great. Glad to have you onboard. Right now you are to act like everything is normal and you don't tell anyone about any of this. We are watching you and keep our threats in mind if you want to speak of this to anyone else.

Matt types back a quick message of agreement before putting the phone to the side to return back to his hacking work.

So far so good in setting up this trap for this group.