and goodness knows, we know what goodness is

[terusagoodboy]

*Teru's in the fish room, readingHe looks a little pale, and he's frowning in concentration as he follows the words. Even with the Mansion's automatic translation, it's hard to understand everything in places. L was right that these papers might be a bit advanced for him. But he's trying. He needs to know this

Comments

[coordinated_n]

I recognize that. It's a study-

[terusagoodboy]

Yes. Red sweater-L gave it to me.

*he's looking at the page, so if there's any sign that Near might not be helped by that description, he hasn't noticed*

[coordinated_n]

I'm not sure who that is.

[terusagoodboy]

He - *looks up, realises* oh. Sorry. He's a bit younger than the Ls usually are. He was at a school for magic before he came here.

[coordinated_n]

Not an L in the conventional sense of the title, but still with these sorts of interests?

[terusagoodboy]

No, he - he's from one of the worlds with... Kira, and Wammy's House, and everything. He got taken from there to the school, and then he came here.

[coordinated_n]

Interesting. I wasn't aware that universes could layer.

[terusagoodboy]

It happens sometimes. One of the Matts was here and in a big room at the same time, but he left here and now he's only there. And there are other people from red sweater-L's world here. His Matt, and -

- um. Do you know who I am?

[coordinated_n]

No, I don't recognize your voice.

[terusagoodboy]

Um. You might not have got to me in your world yet. But maybe it's because I'm nine and the others are usually grown up. I'm -

*quickly* - do you know about someone called Mikami yet? Because that's me. I mean I'm him.

*he's not usually this nervous about giving his name any more, but the Nears are the ones who know.*

[coordinated_n]

Teru Mikami. Yes, I know you in your future. How much do you understand about what's going to happen?

[terusagoodboy]

...I know about Kira. I know what he does, and I - I know I help him. But not me. I - I'm not going to.

[coordinated_n]

Congratulations, *Near says, very sincerely.*

Hopefully, you'll make a difference in your world.

[terusagoodboy]

*He looks away, and blinks a few times, even though Near can't see him so it doesn't matter what he looks like*

...thank you.

*which may sound a little teary, despite his efforts*

[coordinated_n]

*Near is a little taken aback.*

It obviously means something to you. Odds are, you will do a great deal of good.

[terusagoodboy]

I'm going to. I'm going to try.

...um, sorry. I just - didn't expect you to say that.