This does NOT belong in the BL subforum!
*ahem* Yes, now that I got that little tidbit out of the way, I want to discuss a theory about L's heirs, Mello and Near. I don't want to do it on the Gaia A/M/C forum because there's already way too many Death Note threads. This is a theory of mine I came up with based on the actions of both Mello and Near in the manga, a.k.a. the original written storyline.
Mello and Near both appear to be rivals whom want to out-do one another in hopes of carrying on L's legacy by capturing his murderer, Kira. However, my deductions of their actions lead me to think that the two don't really hate each other even though they are in competition.
My little hunch is that Mello and Near really have a friendship, maybe even a sort of brotherly love between them.
Think about these events in the manga...
Mello's actions:
-Although he had the chance to, he doesn't order his mafia member whom has the notebook to kill Near.
-When they encounter one another, Mello doesn't shoot Near. (It may be because Hal interfered, but if he was really bent on killing Near because he hated him, he would have just shoved her aside)
-Mello gives Near valuable information on Kira. If he really loathed Near, he would have probably just took his picture and left.
-He kidnaps Takada. I know that doesn't seem like it has to do with his rival in any way, but in my eyes, it's like this. Mello did this so Near wouldn't have to, thus keeping him out of danger, but leading to his own end.
Near's Actions:
-Near got a hold of the last photo of Mello in the world which was at the Wammy's house. This shows he didn't want him killed by Kira.
-He also made sure everyone who knew Mello in the past didn't hold on to any photos or information of his real name. (That's a lot of trouble to go through for someone you hate, isn't it?)
-Near prevents his subordinates from killing Mello even though he's being threatened by him.
-In the end, Near admits that he wouldn't have been able to have the evidence against Light if it weren't for Mello. He wouldn't have said such if he really hated Mello, and probably would have taken the credit himself.
Now, what do you think? Is it brotherly or friendly love, or is it hate between L's successors?