A/N Hello there. Well, it certainly has been a while. I've been thinking about this storyline for a while, now. I've decided to go ahead and write it up. I've been reading a lot of stories that are corrupt-governmenty, so this story is an ode to those. I hope you enjoy it.

My Dearest Maka,

I know you are probably very angry at me for leaving you. Believe me, this decision has been the hardest of my life. Please know that I will find you again one day, after I have done what needs to be done. But that is not what this letter is about. Maka, sweetie, I'm going to tell you a story. Back when I was a little girl, our government discovered something about its people. We were changing...well, genetically. I know you might not understand what that means yet, but you will when you're a bit older. People were developing new abilities. Some were able to do things you've read in stories, like move things with their minds or become extra strong. Others could even mutate themselves into objects. Honey, you know how you've told me you could see colors around people sometimes? I know I always hushed you, but the truth is, you have an ability, too. It will become much clearer as you grow up. I have it too, and it can be very useful. But Maka, I need you to do something for me, even though I do not deserve it. I need you to never tell anyone about your gift. Do not talk to Daddy about it. He knows you have it, but it is still not safe. There are some bad people out there who will try to hurt you if they find out you have an ability. One day, you will find a group who will help you, but until then, please try to live a normal life. That is the best thing you can do for me. I love you so very much, Maka.

Mom

P.S. Dont forget to take care of Willie! You know how he likes to make meses for papa Albarne :-)

I re-read the letter for what feels like the thousandth time, rubbing my thumb over the ink. The last memento I have of my mother. Even though she left six years ago, I can still remember with painful clarity the image of my father sitting at the kitchen table, his head in his hands, crying quietly and handing me a letter. At first I was very confused. Mostly, I just cried for my mom to come home. After that first week, Dad got himself out of bed and returned to work at Chupa Cabra's, the bar he owned with Mom. Since then, we haven't spoken about her.

I sigh and get up for the day, even though it's only 5 AM. I know I won't be able to fall back asleep, anyway. Outside my window, the sky is a dark grey, only the very horizon dusted with pink. I pull on my school uniform and put my blonde hair up in my standard pigtails. It's the way Mom always used to style it for me. As I pass through the living room, I find my dad passed out on the sofa, his bright red hair falling over his face. As always, there's a deep pink light glowing around him; a glow I alone can see. He probably only got back from the bar a few hours ago. I sigh and pull a blanket over him. On my way out the door, I grab a pop-tart and my school bag. If I get to school early enough, I can read in the library for a while.

It's the beginning of September, but in Death City it still feels like summer. The dry vegetation blows in a soft breeze as I pass the yards of my neighbors. At the end of the block is Dry Palm Daycare, our suburb's daycare center. I break into a smile when I see Tsubaki outside, changing the letters on the front sign. "Hey, Tsu!" I call, waving.

She turns around to face me and grins as well. "Maka! What are you doing out so early?"

I step up on to the front yard where Tsubaki stands. She's got her black hair back in a ponytail, as per usual, and wears a light yellow dress down to her ankles. The dress matches the faint yellow glow that surrounds her. Her dark eyes glitter in the rising sunlight.

I consider myself a loner, since I don't have a group of friends. But Tsubaki and I have known each other since we were kids, when we went to Dry Palm Daycare ourselves. Tsubaki has always made a note to find me at school and eat lunch with me, even stop by my house with dinner every once in a while. If I had a best friend, she'd be it.

I shrug casually at her question. "Couldn't sleep. Figured I'd head to school early and rent a few books."

She laughs and shakes her head. "Our first day of junior year and you're already hitting the books hard."

"Yeah, well, I was running out of good things to read at the neighborhood library." I laugh too. "Anyway," I continue, "you still want me to help here after school, right?"

Tsubaki perks up even more. "If you could, that would be awesome! We've got ten new kids enrolling for the fall, as well as the twenty we already know and love." She cringes slightly.

Tsubaki's parents own the daycare, so she and I have helped out since we were old enough. Currently, we've got quite some rascals enrolled here. She and I spent all summer chasing them down and cleaning up after them.

I whistle. "So there'll be thirty now? That's a full class for this neighborhood. Of course, I'll help you." Tsubaki squeals and hugs me. "Thanks, Maka, you're the best!"

I wait for her to finish putting the letters on the sign, then we head off to school together. When I'm with Tsubaki, it's easier to forget how much I miss my mother, or how I have a secret that I can't share with anyone. It's easier to pretend I'm living a normal life, like she wanted.

A/N So upon editing/re-reading, the chapter length seems a little short? I can never tell what a good chapter length is! Please let me know with a REVIEW! heh. See what I did there. This story should be a long one, though. I've got so much in store for you all :)

Thanks for reading!