Normal POV

Wammy's House was just as it's always been. The children of all ages working on their own projects or simply wasting the day away without any cares.

Only today had a slight charge in the air. Even though the children and the staff of the orphanage tried to go about their normal business, there was no denying the fact that something big was about to happen.

Because L was coming.

Before the man known as the world's greatest detective had always communicated through the computer provided by Watari, the man that spoke when L was unable to.

But today, for some unknown reason, L would be coming in person to visit the children who admired him most, who lived to carry on his name, who held onto his every teaching and tried to be as much like him as they could. The man who's face they'd never seen, who's voice came through a computer...He would be among them today.

The detective had made the announcement in a letter that was read to the children last week. Near, sitting in his room and setting up puzzles, seeming blank faced, was actually doing his best to maintain his composure in an effort to hold back his excitement as the words of said letter repeated in his mind over and over:

To Whom it May Concern,

I've sent this to announce that, rather than sending Watari on a regular visit, I will coming to see the children and staff in person. That is, without the aid of the computer so I can see for myself the progress of the children who are hoping to take my place.

Please have things ready so there will be no interuptions to my visit. I do not plan to stay long.

I will arrive on June the six and, given my choice of travel, I should be there by about 3:47 pm.

If I suspect that things are not secure when I get there, I will leave. Please do not disappoint me.

Sincerly,

L

After it had been read, the children had cheered at the idea of finally meeting their hero. Even Near had to fight to keep his breath from coming out in sharp gasps.

And today was the six of June...3:40 pm.

Near sighed as he tried to mentally prepare himself and made his way to the front entrance.

He wasn't at all suprised to see a large group there already. All of them the older children who had always gathered to listen to L talk when he sent Watari and a computer. No surpise then when he saw Mello there.

The blonde was grinning madly, practically bouncing like a dribbling basketball.

Near moved to stand next to his competition, Mello ignoring him, and looked at his watch.

3:46 and 50 seconds...

55 seconds...