8:45 a.m.

On the opposite side of town a black, leather covered motorcycle road up outside a night club. The figure on it turned its armored head to examine the neon lights that flashed on the doors. It dismounted and pulled on a tight leather coat ornamented with black raven feathers around the collar, the silver studs adorning all the edges gave his figure a hazy glow. It was split from waist to bottom for riding purposes, yet the visitor didn’t where it on the way over.

Figures moved in the windows watching the mysterious stranger. They saw everything. The small shinny gun placed in the front of his pants, the coat, the glossy leather covered hands that situated the cycle taking the keys from the ignition, and then the figure itself as he came toward the doors, still wearing the helmet.

“If you see him. Let him in!” came the hard voice of the manager of the establishment.

The doors opened from some were just as the figure came up to them. He crossed the floor and stopped just a few feet from the man who sat lazily on a couch.

“It’s stuffy in here.” A smooth voice came from the helmet, as a hand was brought up to wave some smoke from the air. It was a futile move since the whole place was filled with the toxic stuff. Nonetheless he seemed irritated by it.

“Welcome.” The man said gesturing for the slender man to take the seat next to him. When he had done so the, the owner gave him a slap on the back, a warm sign of friendship. “Why don’t you take the mask off? We’ve been partners for years! Why the sudden defensive?”

“Don’t get friendly with me you vulture.” The figure turned and the clad hands came up and grabbed the big mans collar. “Last week we had a raid. I dare you to say you weren’t in on it. I know you were!”

The man’s face was turning red with the pressure on his neck. “Fine! Fine! I was! I confess!”

“What were you after!? The price on my head is too risky for you to take.” The voice snarled, giving the man a fierce shake. “I’ve never fully given you my trust, Bray. Why should you suddenly have a relative pass on and have to attend the funeral!?” Another violent shake. “We looked it up.” A look of pure blood lust shone through the helmets visor. “All your grand’s have passed on, your dads in prison and your moms in the nut house! You lying ass! I don’t tolerate betrayal! And if you’re going to defect, don’t use such amateur tactics! Nothing I hate more than an easy puzzle! I hate it you hear me! I hate it!”

The youth let the man’s limp corps fall to the floor. He turned toward the door facing another man in the way.
“Torch the whole damn place!” He screeched as more men clambered through the halls of the now darkened place. “Kill anyone here! I want them all taken out!”

The figure in front put out his cigarette and marched forward. “Nice call, Mel!” He yelled as he let loose his fury on the men who pulled guns out of places.

The leather devil pulled his hand gun out, shooting a man who got to close for comfort. “I was serious, Matt!” Another shot rang from his gun. “I don’t want any of them- Watch it moron!”

Matt turned just as Mello put a bullet through some guy’s head. Blood splattering onto Matt’s fur vest. Matt himself took the next guy out.

‘Yes.’ He thought, ‘This is how it’s always been. We raid the places of traitors, and kill, and kill, and kill some more.’ His body convulsed with the power of his twin machine guns. ‘We take territory, we lose some. Members flock to us, betray us, or retire.’ Some stray bullet bounced off his bullet proof armor. ‘It’s all the same.’

The carnage continued till dark, the building was burning, and all inside were either trapped or dead.

“What’s the loss?” Mello asked sucking on a chocolate bar. His helmet removed, the blond looked like a regular biker.

“One dead, four wounded. Not seriously though” Matt retorted. Trying to remove the blood from his shirt and vest.

Mello raised an eyebrow. “What’s your problem?”

“I wanna see Near s’all.” Matt lied still trying with no avail to remove the stains.

“Why not?” Mello cooed “I found the address. Let’s surprise him!”

Matt looked up bewildered, Mello was just smiling softly at him. It obviously wasn’t a trick by the way Mello’s eyes had that soft light in them. He knew Matt didn’t care for killing so like all masters, if the pet obeyed they were rewarded.

“You spoil me too much.” Matt purred, giving Mello a quick hug before jumping onto his own bike.

“Yes, I do rather.” Mello said remounting his and firing up the motor.

8:45 a.m.

Near sat at a very long, long table, inspecting the meal in front of him. His white, freshly washed hair was combed, and he was dressed in a simple white, long sleeved shirt and new pants. He missed his normal cloths. They gave him more room to move in. But Mikami thought that it was better if Near didn’t were pajamas to his welcome home bash.

“It will start at 10:00 and end at 2:30.” He heard Mikami, who was now his legal father, tell one of the many servants.

“It’s only been a couple of days.” Mikami beamed as he sat next to Near, taking his fork in his hands. “But, you’ve become quiet adapted to the house already.” He gazed at Near chewing his mouthful of egg. “Are you O.K.? I know the last three days have been a little weird for you, and you’ve been very patient with me.” He rested his hand on the small white one hoping he was making sense to the boy.

“I know what’s to be expected from the average father.”, Near lied. Oh, he understood Mikami’s busy schedule with the moving and the adoption and all. But it’s not like he understood what the man did for a living or anything.

Mikami’s looked like he was taken back. “I don’t want to be the average father. I want…” He didn’t finish. He just removed his hand and resumed eating.

They ate in silence for a while. Mikami read the paper, occasionally leaving to give orders to the maids or answer the phone. Near felt bad. He really didn’t know how to react to the man’s kindness. He wasn’t ungrateful it was that block of never having a family is all.

“Alright. The guest will be arriving tonight. I’ve got to go out for something, do you want to come?”

Near hadn’t noticed his fathers return. “Ummm….” Was all he said before he was pulled up and out of his seat.

“Come on. I want you to come. Your always are pent up some were. I want you to come outside with me to the store.”

Near didn’t argue and followed Mikami out to the silver Nisan. He blinked at the morning sun, not accustomed to going into the elements.

“Sit in the front. Your not a child ya’ know.”

Near took the passenger seat and secured his belt around his slender waist. He then waited till the engine roared before he put on a pair of sunglasses and opened his window.

Passersby looked up from their work at the sound of the hysterical laughter that ensued from the pair of handsome young men driving down the road. The music from the radio blared, but all new that whatever the joke was it came from the pale youth that sat in total opposite from the man in black.

The boy who was usually so reserved was now gesturing and commenting boisterously over the boom of assorted music the other male had played for their entertainment. He seemed to be telling a fantastic tale that sent the darker man into fits of unstoppable hilarity. The man’s long hair was tossed about as he reared his head back to reveal a slightly flushed, sun kissed face, clearly telling all he couldn’t be happier.

When the car stopped at a light a neighbor peered in to smile at the scene. “Who’s your youthful companion?” He inquired. He knew the gentleman down the street well enough to know the man was single. “Someone from work?”

“Huh? Oh! I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you clearly.” Mikami turned the noise down and patted Near’s head. Then he turned his shining eyes back to the man. “What’d you say?”

“I said who’s this?” The man repeated pointing in Near’s direction.

“I’m Ne- um- Nathan. Mikami was kind enough to take me in after he found me ill in the infermery.” Near sifted over to politely shake the hand held out to him.

“Adopted?” the man was already becoming tiresome for Near. The light had changed and he wanted to continue telling his adventure to his companion.

“Yes.” Mikami interjected for him. “I couldn’t turn him out. He’s recovering getting ready for more treatment soon. And I’ve wanted someone to take care of.” He looked at Near for a moment then back to the road. Demonstrating he wanted to go.

“Handsome little devil.” The man said. “You won’t have a hard time getting him married off will you?”

“I’m leaving that up to him.” The reply was given with more than a little sigh. The light had gone red again and Mikami looked miserably at the street.

Before the man could say any more Near pretended to ‘accidentally’ press the window button. They rolled up and the driver took the opportunity to just drive through the red light. Leaving the nosy man to just scratch his head and continue his yard work.

"Well. That takes care of that problem." Mikami sighed smiling at Near.

"Did I say it all right?" Near fiddled with the hem of his white shirt. Mikami was not sure when the boy had untucked it.

"Yes, Near." He ruffled the curly tussles. "You are doing and will always do, just fine." They turned into the store parking lot and climbed out to buy, their stuff.

11:13 p.m.

“Get up.” Mello shook Matt. He watched as Matt simply groaned and turned over. Taking a deep breath Mello positioned himself were he stood at the top of the bed and jumped with all his might on top of the dead man.

“Ohhh…” The red head moaned slowly turning his head to drowsily look at his master. “Wha?” He groaned again trying to move the wait that straddled his bare chest.

Mello complied and hopped off. “Good, boy.” He said patting Matt’s hair; earning a swift glare from the drowsy gamer. “Now up, pup. We have work to do.”

“What!? Now?” Matt crocked out lighting a cigarette. Matt took forever to wake up. But, when summoned he would even leave his beloved mattress to bow to the whims of the holder of his leash.

“Yes, now.” Mello spat watching Matt pull on a black and white stripped shirt. As a compliment to his status Matt pulled out of the top drawer a small dog collar. He turned showing it to Mello, and then placed it around his neck. Mello laughed holding his sides. Sometimes Matt was so funny. Yes, Matt was his property so that made him his pet, his dog. Matt owed Mello his life so they settled it with his service.

“Come on, crazy.” The blond managed between hushed laughs. “We are gonna find out who attacked us.”

“Oh, yippy.” Matt followed Mello to the houses second basement located at the bottom of the first basement but it was designed to branch away some from the home.

It had been designed as some kind of bomb shelter. But once it had become Mello’s base of operations, the houses structure made it perfect for them to give the top to Near for his toys. While the bottom proved the perfect place to hide their supplies and plot the demises of rival gangs and mafias.

They had passed through the first basement trying to ignore the fact that they would not be followed by Near’s shuffled foot steps. It would be hard but nothing would stop the grim yet determined young men from doing their job.

They passed through the dark tunnel that went toward the second basement. The only sounds were the scuffs of their shoes and the tinkling from Mello’s rosary. They didn’t speak till they were closer to a small sliding door. Mello quickly pressed a few buttons, to activate it. With a loud hiss the door slid back.

Bending down Mello crawled into the room. Matt rolled his eyes, Mello made it look easy, but he was considerably bigger so the squeeze was near awful. Not that he was fatter or anything. But, he had considerably wider shoulders. But, he tried anyway, grunting as he felt the walls tighten. “Hey, Mello. Give me a hand.” He said.

Mello gave a loud moan as he help Matt in. With a final pull, Matt came through the tiny opening, knocking Mello to the floor.

“Get off!” Mello gasped as Matt fell on top of him.

“Sorry.” Matt mumbled getting up and rubbing his sore shoulder. “Well now what?” He sighed giving the room a glance.

“Well. Let’s think.” Mello turned on the light and clicked on a radio. He then took his place at the front of a large table. “Who’s the rat that gave us away?” his foot tapped to the heavy metal that pounded out the speakers.

“You think we were tolled on?” Matt reflected turning his chair backwards and sitting down. “I think someone might have just finally found us is all.” He mussed. “We’ve been here over a year, ya’ know? It was a raid after all.”

“Who would be stupid enough to dare and try to take their chances with us?” Mello had his head down. A sign he was thinking pretty hard. His soft blond bangs covering his eyes, casting shadows around his features. “I think we were left hanging. Was every one at their place when we were attacked?”

Sweat formed around Matt’s collar, both the shirts and dogs. It was his job to check on the other members, but with everything going on it hadn’t crossed his mind. He tried to not look to stupid when Mello looked at him.

“Well?” Mello’s looks were completely blank. “Was everyone at their place the night we were attacked!?”

“I … don’t know.” Matt said as calmly as possible. “We’ve been so busy with your injuries and Near’s illness I forgot to see were they were.”

That was all he said before a fist slammed into his face knocking him to the floor. He could hear Mello’s breath come in rasps over him.

“My injuries have nothing to do with the orders your under!” Mello hissed. “And heres a new one for you! You’ve got one week to inspect the troupes and report back here. Or dammit, I swear, you’ll wish I had left you in the gutter! Now fetch!”

Matt didn’t wait for one moment before he was scrambling up, and moving toward an old computer.

Mello watched him for a moment before he took out a chocolate bar and bit into it. The sweet flavor washed over him, calming his anger in one swoop. He knew he wouldn't really throw Matt out. But, the thought gave the red head a good scare anyway. Score one for Mello.

7:34 p.m.

“Yes.” Near said, quietly rising from Matt’s arms. He then took the position he was seen most in. Sitting in a hunched arrangement with his left knee pressed against his chest. His right hand came up to twirl a rather long strand of his white hair. It was as if he had never shed a tear.

“Your results came in and I think you have a right to know.” The man was a little nervous after having seen Nears display in the basement, but the news could not wait. Not if Near wanted to continue living that is.

“Well.” He continued as the others eyes came to rest on him. “You have a very high infection in your chest and stomach areas. Which if not treated properly soon, could cause you to die. We believe it is a form of phenomena. More tests should help support my theory though. ”

Near sustained to stare, his mind whirling with reason for this unwanted aggression his body had inflicted on itself. Why would he die? Just because some white cells had died fighting a common cold? Didn’t the spleen have a job too? Wasn’t it supposed to collect as well as distribute the antibodies? He didn’t like the look on Mikami’s face. It tolled him there was more to come. ‘Well’, he thought, ‘it could or could not get better from here out.’

He gazed at Mikami nodding that he understood what he heard. So, the man unrelentingly made it quick to the meat of the matter. “You’ll have to leave. Come stay with me, and get treatment.”

Both Matt and Near shifted uncomfortably. The thought that their team would always be side by side, even in emergencies, had given them the hope of a normal life. Or as normal as they could get it to be. The brain, the dog and the mafia; it’s all they ever knew about, it was what they had become.

“Why live with you?” Came Nears expected question. Mikami sighed. “Because I can give you more protection than anyone else.”

That was true. Mikami would offer shelter, care, and damn good guard. All of which he would need to recover. The cops would never think to after Mikami Teru. No, but how would he fit in?

“What am I to be to you?” Near could help this vital question as it plaged his frail mind. Mikami broke his gaze and shuffled on his feet hesitantly before answering. “My kid.”

“What!? It’s illogical. Aren’t you single?” Near kept his cool but was bothered by his friend’s proposal. “The very idea that you’ll be bringing me to your house will arouse suspicion. What of your explanations to the cops if they do find me?”

“I’ve thought that all out.” Mikami said looking Near in the face again. “I may not be married, but who’s to question a bachelor adopting a stray boy?”

Near smirked, “True enough.” He then looks at Matt, whose face was the vision of a pitiful puppy. “I guess I’ll need to tell Mello?”

“Yes. Go tell him goodbye, gather your things, Outa will lead you to the car.”

Matt raced from the room. Leaving Near with a sense of guilt in his throat. He didn’t want to leave but all the facts proved logical. His actions were his own, and he would suffer for them, letting his past go. He only hoped he would be able to come back or at least help his ‘brothers’ from a distance.

He turned to the hall and slowly made his way out. Mikami following only to turn up the stairs as Near headed down. Both had a lot of work to do. One had to get luggage loaded the other had to simply walk out.

Half an hour later Mello and Matt stood on the porch watching as the silver Nisan sped down the dirt road and out of sight.

6:50 p.m.

“The morphine was to strong Mello. That’s all” Mikami said. His eyes were like light reflecting off fresh blood. They burned warning to the imposter clearly saying ‘Move and it’s your last foot fall.’

Miheal threw himself into a chair motioning his physician to do the same. Choosing a chair close enough that he could grab Mello at anytime, Mikami took his place.

“Mello.” The man was going to have to be gentle with the enraged German.

“Miheal!” Mello snapped. “I will not be given pet names.”

“But it is your name. The name you earned at Whammy’s.” Mikami urged trying to keep Mello focused. Mello wouldn’t look at the man any more. He instead put his crystals on Matt and Near. Gazing at them, causing them to tremble with fear.

Near shifted behind Matt, “I couldn’t take him if he attacked.” Near whispered. Matt’s hand gave his a squeeze. But he didn’t say a word. Matt hated making choices especially ones like this. All he wanted was his life as it had been for the last seven years. Free.

Taking advantage of Mello’s averted gaze, Outa took Mikami’s bag and filled a syringe with clear thick fluid.

Suddenly Mello flung his seat into the wall and stalked forward. Matt’s muscles tensed as Mello’s fingers stroked the side of his face. “Are you afraid of me?” Miheal purred lightly chuckling at how Matt shuddered. He then moved to Near. “Why so pale?”

Near lunged at Mello. The older boy had hit the one nerve of conversation Near hated with his whole being. ‘Why was he pale?’ Mello knew why. Near was an albino, a child born with little or no pigment in his skin. He used to look all pink and white when he was a baby, but had changed as he got older. His unusual coloring had caused him to be teased royally at Whammy’s. Leaving a permanent scar in the young teen’s pride.

Now Near’s fist pounded any were he could land it. Blind rage filling him completely. Mello did alright blocking the simple attacks, but was tiring fast. Matt pulled at Near not surprised at the resistance he felt.

Near didn’t let people see him emotional, but this was unforgivable. Mello new. He new! And yet he still put a knife in the boy’s heart by bringing up this sensitive topic.

Finally Near tired enough that Matt could remove him from Mello’s heaving chest. As a last action Near ripped Mello’s rosary from his neck and slammed it into Mello’s gut.

“Take it back!” He sneered toward his fallen leader. “Take it and pray.” Now he was taunting Mello. “Pray that your family wasn’t looking down to see your disgraceful behavior. If the living doesn’t want it the dead sure wont.”
Matt brought Near out of the cellar; leaving the three men to sit in the quiet.

Mikami and Outa watched as Mello’s hand came to rest on the old stone beads, his fingers slowly making their way between the cords. The cross dangled in mid air as he brought it up over his face to look at it. Nears words echoed through his brain. With a moan bursting from his throat Mello clutched the rosary to his face turning on his side. For a second time tears fell from his starring lakes. The thought of his family hating him not only in life but in death had shaken him beyond recognition.

Outa injected him with the liquid but didn’t touch him further. They left him to his thoughts and exited to find Near. The result had come in and Mikami knew that what he would have to say would hurt the small boy worse than anything Mello just said.

Out side the study he heard Near sobbing relentlessly into Matt’s shoulder.
“H-He knows I can’t help it!” Near choked between sobs.

“You know he wasn’t himself.” Matt said.

“E-L said it might have been what caused my mother to a-aband-don me.” Near whined. “N-no one wants a f-freak like me a-around. It’s why I stayed away from the others at home.”

“Now stop that.” Matt warned. “If no body wanted you around, why do we have you here, hm?” It got quiet save Nears stifled tears.

Taking a deep breath Mikami entered the room to see the boys sitting on the floor. Near with his arms wrapped around Matt weeping into his shoulder. The other gently rocking and consoling into the mass of white hair.

At the sound of his clearing his throat both heads peaked to look at him.