Ameban's World

One detail struck me: while L took care of his people (expensive insurance for the Kira Investigation Team, showing visible signs of distress at Ukita's murder), Near was the only one protected by a mask at the final showdown with Light; all the other SPK members were bare-faced.

I have always found it hard to believe Near was a "personable" leader. To me, his authority rested more on cold competence and intelligence than charisma (which L/Mello had in spades). It could be said that Near did not exactly inspire affection or personal loyalty among his subordinates, and he likely was oblivious to the way he affected people. It had more to do with one's particular cast of mind than calculated cruelty; empathy, as well as its outward expression, was indeed often an acquired skill for the emotionally sparse.

If Death Note were a political or institutional drama, it would be plausible to find undercurrents of resentment inside SPK; Halle would disproportionately bear the brunt of his casual dismissiveness, as women often do in such institutions. This could explain the seemingly mysterious bond between her and Mello: both, in a way, were "victims of Near". I find this to be a much more convincing hypothesis than physical attraction or anything akin to that.

It is not difficult to imagine the cracks in Halle's loyalty deepen, either over time or triggered by a particularly egregious incident. Shakespeare would have found this familiar territory: just picture Near having his own "Ides of March", Halle as Brutus and Mello the "lean and hungry" Cassius.

Near is a quite egocentric individual. His team respects him because of his rank, his skills and his position as L’s heir.

But not on a personal level. 

In many occasions as the story progresses, we’re witness of Near constant -yet almost casual- dismissing the opinions of his own team. He is socially clumsy, to the point of being mean and offensive, and it isn’t a matter of “filter”, but a matter of his own ideas being strongly biased.

To be fair, I’m even surprised he got the conclusion Takada and Misa were being manipulated by Kira bc the two women had a crush over Kira.

Like, seriously? That conclusion is logical, but beyond that, it’s the type of conclusion you get when you’re empathy for others and have a minimum of social skills that allow you to get how human feelings work. And certainly Near is not skilled at that.

The fact Commander Lester just didn’t believe it makes the whole scenario even more stupid. It was Lester who should have realized that, as well Halle. And certainly not Near.

Because Near’s lacks of social skills, empathy and experience just don’t allow him to get those human interactions.

But overall, he uses the SPK members as mere tools. He doesn’t listen to their opinions, and he spend most of the time correcting them.

It may be argued it’s the consequence of a lazy writing by Obah and Obata, but in the context of the story, it has strong side effects.

Halle wanted revenge.

She wanted to get revenge on Kira because, back when Higuchi played Kira's role, somebody important for her (who eventually was told to be her brother) was murdered by Kira. And yes, Halle is aware Higuchi is dead, but she also knows her brother’s death was caused ultimately by the original Kira, the same that killed L.

Sooo, she meant to achieve her objectives no matter how.

When she started to work under Near’s directions, she saw her chance… But, what happened instead? Near dismissed her because “to be a weak woman”, because “Mellow would haunt her because of that”, and Near just used her to get closer to Takada because she was the only woman in the team, but not because of her skills.

old-ish collab with my friend ! they drew crowley , i drew aziraphale , and we just made a magma for the background and did it together .

In the heart of the tree

Barn Owl (Tyto alba), North-East of France near the village of Aoury

Asiatic Wild Dog aka Dhole (Cuon alpinus), family Canidae, Nagarahole National Park, India

"She who, without asking, understood it all and still came to her fate."

Helaena Targaryen trapped in prophecy

Updated and fixed version on Insta

Alicent feels anything but adequate maternal love for her own children. She tries to protect Helaena because she sees in her the part of herself that was cornered for the sake of Otto's political game.

As a result, Aegon finds himself drawn into an identical game, only under the guidance of his mother, who refuses to hear and accept his feelings. It reflects the purpose and duty that Alicent has always been obligated to fulfill for someone, but not for herself.

And finally, Aemond, who becomes a living weapon FOR THE SAKE OF his mother. She is afraid of him, she knows that it was because of him that the war began. As a result, Aemond is the dark side of Alicent, a cruel and furious monster created by her indifference and alienation.

Day Dress

c. 1878-1879