Death Note: The Next Kira (Part One)

Chapter 104: Luring Near

APRIL 12, 2006

TOKYO, JAPAN

AT 7:00 AM 

                                                                                   NEAR (NATE RIVER) 

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I got my phone off of my nightstand, flipped it open, and placed it to my ear. "Hello," I greeted the person on the phone. "Hey," I heard Marie greet me back. "What?" I asked. "Marie?" I sat up on my bed. "It's so nice to hear from you again." "It's been a while," I heard Marie say. I made a confused look on my face. "What are you talking about?" I asked. "It's been over a week. Anyway, why are you calling me? Is something bad going to happen to me?" 

MEANWHILE...

                                                                                      MARIE 

I hesitated and tried to think of a lie to tell Near. "No," I answered. "There isn't anything bad going on. Nothing bad this time. I just wanted to see if you are willing to hang out sometime." "Sure," Near answered. "For how long?" I hesitated again. "Marie, for how long?" I heard Near ask. "About three days," I answered. "Three days?" Near asked. "What do you mean by that?" "Well," I began. "Maybe I should talk to you about it later." Near stayed silent for a little bit. "Well, okay," he said. "I guess I'll see you later." "Okay, see you soon," I said to Near before closing my phone. I heard footsteps coming from downstairs. I turned around and saw Light with Ryuzaki by his side. "Good morning, beautiful," Light greeted me. I was surprised to hear Light say that since I knew that I was bringing him back to Misa. "Good morning, Light," I greeted him. "Good morning," Ryuzaki greeted me. "Good morning, Ryuzaki," I greeted him back. "Any plans today?" Ryuzaki asked. "Yes," I answered. "I'm going to be hanging out with Near for three days." Light and Ryuzaki looked at me with their jaws dropped. 

"Why?" Light asked. "Because Near and I are friends," I answered. "I know that, but why three days?" Light asked. I shrugged. "Why not?" I asked. Light got up and placed his hands on his hips. "Three days is a little excessive considering that you guys are just friends," he commented. "What's the cause? Did you make a deal with Ursula in exchange for him to kiss you?" I gasped and did my best to make it look like that was not the case, but in reality, it was only that Ursula was the Boogeyman. "Why in the world would you assume that...?" I asked. Light laughed. "I'm joking," he told me. "When will you be back?" Ryuzaki asked. I looked past Light and looked at Ryuzaki. "I'll be back on Saturday after sunset," I answered. "Calm down, Ariel," Light commented. "Is Near really you're idea of your Prince Eric?" "Light," Ryuzaki said with a slightly mad look on his face. "Shut up." I watched as Ryuzaki looked at me with a smile on his face. "It's alright," he assured me. "If you like Near, then maybe this is necessary." 

"Stop it, you guys," I told them. "I don't like Near that kind of way and he doesn't like me that way either. We're just friends." Light scoffed. "Then why do you need three days to be with him, Ariel?" he asked crossing his arms. "Would you please stop calling Marie, "Ariel"?" Ryuzaki asked. "I'm not calling her that to be mean, Ryuzaki," Light reminded him. "I'm just saying that because she's staying with Near for three days." I chuckled. "I love Ariel," I commented. "But I'm more of a Belle person." Light nodded. "I can see that," he commented. "Who doesn't see that?" Ryuzaki asked. I chuckled. "You both are so sweet," I commented. "Anyway, I'll go pack my bags and get ready." I ran upstairs so I could be able to leave soon. 

                                                                                        LIGHT 

I was left speechless after Marie left like that. I turned and looked at Ryuzaki. "I wonder why she's doing that," I commented. Ryuzaki shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "I think she may have a crush on Near." I began to think what it'd be like to have Marie and Near kissing. To be fair, it would be pretty weird. I chuckled. "Nope," I said out loud. Ryuzaki shrugged. "I don't know," he replied. "They might be a great couple just like Ariel and Eric." I shook my head knowing that Marie was Kira and if Near were to find out about that, he wouldn't be happy. "Not on my watch," I commented.