Author note

Me: I am ready for my punishment.

Serenity (and probably all of you poor readers): Where the hell have you been?

Me: I have no excuse. : (

Serenity: You shall pay for your abandonment! 'proceeds to beat me with my least favorite book while calling me many terrible names'.

Sorry this took so long people, as you know I started like 5 other fics on this site, and am working on my own novels. I know the beginning of this chapter seems pretty rushed, but I don't like taking magical time leaps ahead when it comes to my writing if I can help it. Hopefully this chap still lives up to everyone's standards.

I solemnly swear to never ditch this story for so long again. If the oath is broken, may Kira strike me dead.

And when this is all done I will go back and beta this whole thing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Death not or yadda yadda. Just my OCs.

Enjoy : )

Serenity snapped her cell closed and looked at L.

"I'm going to England, I'm gonna bring you some back up. Its all I can do to help now."

"You are enlisting my successors to help me with this case?" He asked, his tone slightly skeptical.

"You figured that out quick. But yes, don't worry I'll keep them safe, I'll book a hotel room so none of the Task Force know where they are, and I'll transition between them and you, keep you secretly connected so to speak." She explained, hoping he would approve of her plan. Not that she wouldn't just do it anyway if he said no…

"Serenity," He started, pressing his thumb to his lip in thought.

"Yyeeesss?" She asked, dragging out the word as she leaned foreword slightly, waiting for his reply.

"You're amazing." L stated simply. Serenity smiled widely.

"I know." She laughed and launched herself at L for a hug. He breathed deep, taking in the sweet scent wafting from her hair.

"Just make it a quick trip." He managed to get out.

"So you will miss me." She said with a smirk, leaning back in his arms. He tried to give her a pointed look, but it was impossible to take him serious with his big eyes, big bags, and his lack of eye brows, it just made her laugh. "Okay, okay, I get it," She paused. "Be careful." He gave her the closest thing to a reassuring smile that he could and she darted forward, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "Just tell the Task Force that I needed to get out, I'll be back as soon as I can." He nodded and she darted out the door, proceeding to phase through the floor and down into the parking garage. It would be nice to see Wammy's again.

XXX

Serenity jolted awake as the pilots voiced came loudly through the speakers on the plane, rudely interrupting her nap. She grumbled something under her breath and stretched trying not to invade the space of the woman sitting next to her. She could feel the large aircraft begin to descend and her heart raced wildly in nervousness and anticipation to land. S buckled her seatbelt along with the other passengers as the plane got closer to the ground. She used to hate flying in these things, it felt to weird but now she didn't have that problem, being dead and all. She laughed bitterly to herself at her own joke. Her depressing thoughts were halted as the plane jolted as it hit the landing strip, they had arrived, she was home. England may not have been where she was born, but it was the closest thing to home she remembered ever having. She exited with all the other passengers, taking less time to get off due to her lack of baggage. She scowled as she entered the bustling airport, she hated crowds and this one was no exception. Forcing herself to control her discomfort the angel made her way through security once again, and out the glass doors. She closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh air. Free at last. She thought happily. She opened her eyes slowly and headed for the airports bus stop with purpose, mentally preparing herself as she went.

XXX

It wasn't long before the stuffy bus arrived in Winchester and Serenity was more than happy to get off. She took a deep breath and immediately began attempting to flag down a taxi. After what seemed like forever a driver finally decided to be courteous and stop for her, she gave the man directions before he could say anything, but seemingly used to not asking questions he obliged and headed for the beloved orphanage. Unfortunately to Serenity's standards, the taxi driver drove like a little old lady and she constantly asked him to speed up. About a mile or so from Wammy's she told the driver to drop her off and though confused he obliged. Serenity watched as the tax drove away, leaving her alone on the road to her old home. She kicked a stone as she walked along the path, hands in her pockets and eyes staring in front of her. What should I say? How will I be received by the orphans? What will my favorite three think? She stopped on the last thought. What will they think? She had left so unexpectedly all those years ago, she didn't know how they'd feel. She would hate her if she was them, after doing that to them. She shook her head. No, worrying about it won't help. I'll just have to get there and whatever happens, happens. Easy as that. She decided and continued walking. Soon the large orphanage came into view and she smiled brightly, she was home. She ran as fast as she could the wrought iron gate that separated Wammy's from the outside world and just stared, until she worked up the courage to hit the buzzer next to the side of the gate. The old metal was still for a moment and then with a loud creak the gates slowly swung in on rusty old hinges. The sounds of children playing and laughing filled her ears and she let a warm smile touch her lips. I'm home.

XXX

The second she set foot on the orphanages ground she felt warm as fond memories washed through her mind like waves. She walked up the stone path, passing playing children and smiling at good times past. She approached the large doors, glad they were open for the children to go in and out as they wished. She walked through a few familiar hallways before heading up the stairs to where she knew Rodgers office was. When she came to the old caretakers door, she heard muffled voices coming from the other side.

"What do you mean by 'a special guest' wants to see us?" A angry voice asked, she knew who it was instantly.

"It means that there is a special guest that wishes to see you three." She heard Rodger say exasperated. Looks like I showed up just in time. She thought with a smile.

"Well it better be important." The same voice grumbled back. Serenity opened the door as quietly as she could, trying not to disturb the current conversation. However, Rodger had different ideas.

"About time you got here. I've been locked away with these three for an hour." Three heads turned to see the intruder, and three pairs of eyes widened in shock.

"Serenity!" Matt, who had been leaning against the wall, exclaimed with a huge smile on his face. Snapping his Gameboy shut, he practically dove for the detective and hugged her tightly. She laughed as she returned the hug, Matt had always been the most affectionate out of the three.

"S." Near acknowledged neutrally. Her smile faded as Matt released her. She didn't remember Near being so… emotionless. Where was the happy albino who used to love showing her new things he had discovered, or a difficult puzzle he had solved. She turned her eyes to Mello who was glaring at her coldly.

"What are you doing here?" He asked angrily with his arms crossed.

That was not the welcome she was expecting.

I will explain these events in the next chap. I just wanted to get this out before this fic was officially labeled 'abandoned'. I hope you liked it (and I hope you all still read this). Again so sorry for the lengthy update 'grovels'.

Serenity: Had enough yet? 'stops beating'

Me: Mercy! Mercy on my soul!

Serenity: Well readers, should I continue to beat the living daylights out of her with a terrible novel, beat her with some other torture device, or let her go free? Your choice.

Me: O.O

Anyway thanks for reading and don't forget to review!

Love ya all faithful readers!

SS out. : )