Sorry for this odd layout. For some reason, when I uploaded the chapters with corrections, I lost all my paragraph breaks and sections of sentences. Must be a layout issue. Please bear with me as I fix these issues... Chap 2 edited.

My first Death Note fanfic, so don't be too harsh! This chapter is mainly about getting to the main parts of the story, so you could consider it of a sort of prologue...kinda. Well anyways, if you can stick around for this first kind of dull chapter about an OC than just wait about a week, and the real good stuff with some Mello Jello, Near and Matty, will be coming up. I just couldn't fit it into this chapter...it's too long XD So enjoy, please, and bear with me. Hehe.

Chapter 1

A Tragedy at Best

Ding Dong... The door bell to a simple two-story house rang as a little girl stood at the entrance, arms full with a sleeping bag and a pillow, while a mini van in the drive-way backed up into the dreary rain. She stood there, clad in a light blue, silky nightgown and tried to get the best grip of her bags. A dog's scampering and barking was heard behind the door, and the little girl heard it scrape at the door as if it was begging her to come in.

"Scooby! Down boy! Let me open the door, you silly pup!" The girl heard her best friend say happily to the pooch inside as the big red door opened up. An 8-year-old curly, brunette stood there, smiling in her pink pajamas, complete with slippers, at her friend. "Come on in Kana-chan!" she greeted her and held Scooby by the collar, struggling to fight back the massive grey Doberman puppy. It's amber eyes glowed playfully towards Kana as she walked in and patted its head.

"Silly, Scooby! I knew you'd be excited to see me," she said between giggles as her friend took her sleeping bag and pillow, letting go of Scooby, who was now tackling Kana down to the floor.

"Oh, don't mind him Kana-chan. I'll put this stuff in my bedroom, and then we can get ready for the movie! My mom got us three movies to pick from, so hurry to the kitchen and I'll meet you there so we can decide!"

"Mm'kay, Tori! I'll be right there as soon as I get Scooby off of me! Geez! He's practically as big as me and you combined! Are you sure he's a puppy?" Kana replied as she rolled over and got up, freeing herself from the Doberman's massive paws.

"Yeah! He just grows fast!" Kana heard Tori shout as she made her way back down the stairs.

Kana walked into the kitchen, where Tori's mom was making something that smelled like hot chocolate. She took a seat at the breakfast bar that jutted out of the counter and said, "Wow Mrs. Elwood! That smells good! Are we having hot chocolate tonight with our movie?"

Mrs. Elwood nodded, "Yes, Kana. I thought that on a rainy day like this, you girls would enjoy some hot chocolate." She paused. "Oh! I forgot the marshmallows! Will you go down to the basement door and just yell down to Scott that he needs to bring in the marshmallows from the car. I must have forgot them in there."

"Hai!" Kana replied as she jumped, delicately, out of her seat and skipped to the cellar door.

Just then, Tori walked in and asked, "Whatcha' up to, Kana-chan?"

"I'm getting your lazy Nii-chan, Scotty-boy, to get the marshmallows out of the car. Scotty Boy!" Kana yelled down.

As she did so, they could hear some sirens outside, but thought nothing of it and shrugged to each other. "What now?" a boy's voice replied. Noises of exploding things and crashes were heard as the door was opened.

"Your Okasa-san asked me to get you to bring in the marshmallows from the car!"

"Damn it! And stop it with your friggin' Japanese crap. I get it that you learn fancy words from your mom, but do you have to go bragging around about it?" Scott complained as he stomped up the stairs. He noticed that Kana looked a little hurt by the remark, and he winked as he said, "If you're gonna go speaking Japanese, call me your handsome brother then!" The thirteen-year-old ran to the garage door and paused as he said, "Ma! You didn't tell me it was pouring out!"

Tori laughed and looked over to a smiling Kana."We'll call him 'baka no nii-chan.' It means, 'You're an idiot brother!'"

Tori laughed at this. "So," Tori said, "which movie did you pick?"

"Ah! I haven't even seen them! Where are they?" She said as she looked around the kitchen table. "Here they are! Let's see...Ghostbusters the original, nah. Umm, Spy Kids, or The Aristocats? Tough choice, but I'll have to go with Aristocats. You know me and my love for kitties," Kana said.

"Aristocats it is!" Tori cheered. "I like that movie, too! Oh, hey! I have a present for you, Kana-chan!"

"Ooh! Really? Now I feel bad that I didn't get you anything..." Kana replied. Tori was always thinking of other people, and Kana felt like a moocher for always taking her gifts.

"Here!" Tori said after rummaging through some plastic bags. "I got you this ribbon! It's black and red, though it glows pink in the sunlight!"

"Oowaii! Arigato gozaimasu, Tori-chan! Or, thank you very much Tori!" Kana squealed as she took the gift.

"You always give things to me, so this time it's my turn!" Tori smirked and placed her hands on her hips in a triumphant manner.

Kana thought differently of this. Sure she gave Tori things, but not nearly as much as Tori gave her things. Suddenly, the garage door flung open as Scott came in soaked. He held a plastic bag in his hands, and the expression on his face was of excited shock.

"Guys! You'll never believe this! As I came out to get your precious 'mallows, Drake was walkin' his dog and he said that on his way home with his folks, there had been a huge car crash down a couple of miles! He said he'd never seen such a huge crash like that in real life, only in videogames! And! He said that the police and five ambulances were down there! It was insane, and we can even see the lights from here!" Scott explained exuberantly, waving the bag around in his excitement.

"Well then, if that's what made you take forever to get the marshmallows... I just hope nobody was injured too badly. It's not too bad outside, but with all those drunk drivers out nowadays, you just can't be too safe," Tori's mom said grimly as she took the bag from her son, who ran back downstairs to his game domain.

"Weird. Well, I'll start the movie! Mom, is the hot chocolate ready yet?" Tori questioned as she waltzed into the living room.

"Yep, it's right here girls. Enjoy!" she replied as she poured two mugs of hot chocolate, and opened the pack of mini marshmallows for them to have easy access to.

"Thank you very much, Mrs. Elwood!" Kana chimed as she happily took the mug and cupped up a handful of marshmallows, plopping them into her cup. Tori, finished with setting up the movie on the DVD player, did the same and the two girls quickly spread out the blanket on the couch and sat side-by-side as Tori pressed 'play' on the remote.

Kana awoke the next morning on the floor of Tori's room. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and looked over to see Tori sleeping soundly with a Scooby separating the two. He had come in after they fell asleep, and woke them up, but neither obliged at having him there. She poked Tori right in between of her eyes and said, "Wakey, wakey, sleeping beauty! The sun is up and it's already ten!"

"Ten? That's it?" Tori mumbled, groggily. She sat up after a couple seconds, and smiled to her friend. "So, whatchu' dream about? I dreamt that a could fly and that Sam from gym class was my prince!"

Kana laughed half-heartily. "My dream was kinda scary...it was about death and explosions. All I can remember is sirens, lights, and screaming..." she trailed off trying to already forget the horrible images that played in her mind.

Tori made a pouty face and said, "Well, good thing it was only dream, eh? Now, cheer up," she added, playfully punching Kana in the arm, "Let's catch some breakfast. My mom said she was making pancakes!"

"You mean buttermilks?" Kana said, laughing at their little inside joke. They both rose from the make-shift bed on the floor, waking up Scooby, and he jumped up immediately, launching himself at the door.

"Someone has to go potty," Tori giggled, and Kana laughed as they headed downstairs. Scooby's paws thlunked heavily down the wooden stairs as the girls padded softly downward. In the kitchen was Tori's parents, with grim expressions on their faces. Mrs. Elwood was finishing up a conversation on the phone, as Mr. Elwood was watching the morning news. It was about last night's crash, with all the details and pictures from that night. "What's going on?" Tori asked as her mother hung up the receiver.

"Girls, I have some terrible news. Kana, dear, you might want to sit down." Mrs. Elwood said solemnly, looking at them with eyes that read of nothing but sympathy and sadness. The two girls looked at each other with frightened expressions, and took a seat beside themselves at the table. Mr. Elwood simply turned off the television and stared at its blank screen which still hummed.

"Last night, that crash that your brother, Scott, told us about." Mrs. Elwood started. She took a seat across from the girls, next to her husband, who shook his head as if in disbelief and left the table to go upstairs. "That car crash involved three cars. One of the drivers in the accident was drunk driving. He sped through a red light and three stop signs, and hit two cars on the way, completely flipping one of them over into a ditch and the other skidded right off into a light post."

Kana and Tori, their eyes wide, stared at the woman and wondered why she would tell them this, since it had nothing to do with their eight-year-old lives. Well, technically eight, since Kana was turning eight in a few months. Or did this crash have something to do with Tori's life? Kana pondered. What if one of her relatives was in the crash and was injured or even...killed?

Mrs. Elwood paused for just a moment, looked at both of the little girls faces, and then turned to Kana."Kana, dear... Your parents and sister were involved in the crash."

Kana's eyes widened as her heart skipped about three beats. What? Nonsense! This can't be! How could this happen? They weren't even going to be out for long! They just dropped me off! None of it made sense to Kana. She couldn't believe it. It couldn't be true. There was no way her parents and sister could have been involved and...died.

Elwood continued, fighting back tears as Kana stared blankly at her, disbelief clear in her dark umber eyes. "They were driving back to your house when the driver hit them and they were sent flipping in the air. Your parents and sister were sent to the hospital immediately, but..." She trailed off not wanting to continue nor knowing how.

"But? But? But what! Tell me!" Kana screamed, now sitting up with her small hands slammed against the round glass table's surface. Tears were swelling up as she thought of the unimaginable.

Tori looked down, not knowing what to do or say. She couldn't believe this either. Mrs. Elwood looked at Kana, "Your mother died at the scene, and your father died later at the hospital. Your sister, Azril, was the only survivor, but she's been partially paralyzed..."

Kana gasped searching for the air that had mysteriously disappeared from her. Her head fell down as tears were released, streaming down her face and making oceans on the table. Tori started to silently cry as well. How could this have happened? Why, why? How? I need to know...I need to know...I need to...see Azril! Kana thought. She looked up at Mrs. Elwood, who was sitting there with tissues at hand.

"Mrs. Elwood! Please take me to the Hospital to see Azril! I need to see her! She needs me!" Kana said, desperately. She wiped the tears that kept forming and Mrs. Elwood nodded.

The elevator seemed to hum up the floors for an eternity as it played its mocking music. The happy tunes meant nothing to Kana as she stood next to her friend, waiting for the stupid thing to finally get to floor six. The elevator made a ding as the doors opened, much too slowly for Kana, and she shot out of the elevator to room thirty-nine A. She saw a nurse enter the room, and Kana ran past her, nearly making the nurse drop the platter she had in her hands. Kana dashed to the curtains that concealed the bed, and whipped them open as she saw her younger sister in the hospital bed. Azril seemed to be hooked up to so many machines and plugged with so many tubes and viles. It sickened Kana to see her five-year-old sister in this state.

Azril was half-asleep when the curtains were fiercely pulled back, and she saw her sister standing there, mortified. Azril perked up a bit as Kana ran to her side, panting. "Kana-nee-chan. You're here? Am I dreaming, or have I joined Ha-Ha and Chi-Chi in heaven?" Azril asked in a weary voice, her vision slowly coming back, as everything was still a blur to her little mind.

"No! No! I'm here, with you Azril! You're alive and I'm here with you in the hospital!" Kana said, nearly screaming as her desperate efforts to remain calm failed. "You survived that horrible crash and you're alive! I'm so happy you're not dead like..." her voice trailed off as she grabbed Azril's tiny hand and hugged it, trying not to think about the reality. For the truth was something her mind could not handle right now.

"Kana-chan, am I going to die like mommy and daddy?" Azril asked, with much emotion in her little voice.

"Of course not! No, never! You're going to have a long, happy life, with me by your side, always," Kana replied, tears returning. "We'll be fine. Someone will take care of us, I know it. We'll be happy and you'll recover wonderfully."

"I won't walk again will I, Kana-chan? The doctor's say I'm para-parla-paranized?" Azril asked feebily.

"No, you're paralyzed. But, just from the waist down! It's sad and scary...I know, but you'll still live a happy life! You'll be able to do many things still!" Kana said, trying to convince Azril as well as herself that things would be alright. In fact, things would be fine. Kana could take care of herself and Azril, even with her new condition. But, it's not like she can't read, write, or hear anymore. She just can't walk. I could take care of things just as well as mom or dad would be able to. Sure money would be a problem, but I'm positive someone could help us out a little until I'm old enough to work, Kana thought, with new hope coursing through her veins. She knew she had a strong determination, and she wasn't the dumbest stick out there. She was actually one of the top students in her school. She'd do fine, and Azril would, too, since she's smart as well.

Tori was present the whole time, recovering herself as she witnessed this touching moment. She felt guilty in a way. Thanks to her, Kana had come over, even though they hadn't really planned it, and her parents had been out and killed. And now, little Azril was partially paralyzed! All this wouldn't have happened if she hadn't been so selfish about having her friend come over.

"Hey, Tori," Kana called out over her shoulder. "Please don't blame yourself for all this. I don't want you to think that this is all your fault and that because of you, my parents were killed and my sister like...this," Kana said softly, turning around to face her friend, who was now in tears. Tori lifted her sleeve to wipe away the oncoming tears and Kana hugged her. "It's not your fault. It was just dumb ol' fate screwing up my life that's all. Please don't try to hate yourself, or think that I would hate you and blame you. I don't. I can feel your guilt and pain just flowing out of you, so please, stop this sadness. All of this sorrow will turn us into a bunch of weirdos like on those shows on TV," Kana said, adding that tidbit to lighten the mood, which helped a little bit.

"You're so mature for our age, you know, Kana-chan?" Tori managed to say between tears, "That's why I admire you so much."

Three Weeks Later

Azril rolled her way through the huge hospital doors. Her wheelchair had been 'tricked out' as Scott put it, by herself, Kana, and Tori. The pink and blue stripes along with the ribbons made it more comfortable to her five-year-old customs. In her lap was a small white puffball of a stuffed cat. It was the one that her parents had given to her, and it was her favorite. Kana strolled behind her, handing Azril a balloon, and then proceeded to push her sister to the cab that was handicap accessible. The two were on their way to Venice, where their cousin, Julius lived. He was twenty-two, and cared deeply for the two newly orphaned girls. They were his favorite lil' cuzs' as he put it, and he was the only relative who was willing and able to take them in. Not that nobody on either of their parent's sides wouldn't take them. It's just complicated; their father's side had a horrible grudge against their family from the start, due to the fact that their beloved son had married some foreign, Japanese woman, when they wanted him to marry another Italian, or English women.

Their mother's side was out of the question since that would mean that the two girls would have to move to Japan, learn a new language completely, and start new lives over with another family. Of course, it wouldn't have been all bad. They would have had their Aunt Yuri there in Japan. She knew English and Italian fluently, and she always sent them gifts during holidays, just because she loved them, as she said. She was always very determined at having her nieces dress in a gothic-lolita style, which was popular in her part of Japan, and she sent them clothing in this style. Kana appreciated it, because thanks to her, she looked different in school, and she loved these boots particularly. They looked like shiny leather, and had a little heel. She loved heels, though her mom preferred her to wear flats.

Therefore, Julius was the only choice, naturally. He loved his two cousins, and came over frequently to their house in London. He only recently moved to Venice, where he could study art more, and he gladly offered to keep and look after them. So, that was that. Kana and Azril were to live with Julius in his new condo in Venice. They were happy about it, for they really liked their cousin, Julius. He was, well, different from other guys. He always had a fun, crazy outfit on, and he always stood for what was right. He didn't really like anything but cake, and he reminded Azril of a child the way he would "persuade" people with his poubting. He never ceased to make her and Azril smile, so she thought he was perfect.

Kana and Azril spent about a year with Julius. He was a crazy individual, and helped them get over the traumatic experiences that happened many months ago... With all of Julius's jokes and fun coupled with plenty of laughter and happiness, Azril was able to overcome the fact that she was stuck in a chair, and Kana felt useful. She was also able to overcome some of her own personal struggles from the loss of her beloved parents. They both seemed to excel when it came to education. All of a sudden, things were clicking in Kana's brain that had never clicked before. She knew she was always smart, but not this smart! She was top in her class, put into fourth grade curriculum, while Azril went from kindergarten to second grade studies.

The director of the board of their school asked to speak with them and Julius about important matters regarding the girls' future. "I believe these two are very gifted children. They seem to have a natural gift to catch onto things abnormally fast.." he explained with admiration and authority.

Abnormally? Does that mean we're deformed or something? Kana thought as she sat in a fold up chair next to Julius.

"...and I think that these two should go to a special institute, known as the Wammy House. The Wammy House is an orphanage for gifted children, such as yourselves, and it is a very prestigious home. I believe that they would do much better at that institute rather than here. There skills would be used for the greater good and their true potentials could be accomplished."

"What? You can't just tell us where we can and cannot go! Or rather where we should be! Julius! I don't believe this guy! You agree with me, right? That Azril and I should stay here with you? We don't need to go to any special place, let alone an orphanage for smarty pants, 'abnormal,' kids!" Kana shouted, standing up in her chair, and turned towards her cousin. He was sitting in the chair sideways, with one leg over the arm of the chair and the other leg over it, crossed. He was staring at his hands, as his fingers twirled in weird formations.

"Julius, what do you think?" Azril asked calmly from her spot on the right of Julius in her wheelchair.

"I honestly believe, that with the help of my good friends, Watari and Roger, these two will succeed beyond our expectations, and become great at anything they choose," the director tried to persuade them and Julius.

Julius was silent for what seemed like an eternity to Kana. She stood there, glaring at the director with pure hate at his mentioning of splitting them up, breaking the only bit of happiness she had in this world. She also stared at Julius, with pleading eyes, to try and persuade him to tell that director guy to jump of a cliff and keep their family together...or what was left of it.

Then, he spoke, "Well, I gotta say, it's a pretty hard decision," Julius yawned, "but I'm gonna have to say that I'll have to talk it over with my girls first."

"I understand," the director said. "The offer is still up. I'd like to hear your response in about a week, okay? Wammy House prospectors don't take an interest in every bright individual. It truly takes someone special to catch their eye."

"Yeah, yeah, we'll let you know. But I can't promise anything!" Julius chimed as he led the girls out, grinning.

"Julius! The nerve of that guy thinking he could split us up! What a pathetic and outrageous idea!" Kana said, arms crossed in the passanger seat of Julius' porshe.

"Well, to be honest, I thought that we might like it in the Wammy House. It sounds like a nice place, and I really think we could surpass our own imagination if we went there," Azril stated matter-of-factly, while looking out the window, and twisting some of the strings that were attatched to her folded wheelchair.

"Azril! Listen to yourself! Do you really want to go to some orphanage and become a homeless orphan! I don't even want to think of myslef in that situation!" Kana retorted, flailing her arms to add emphasis.

"Now Kana, don't be so biased. Just because you don't like orphanages, doesn't mean you won't like the Wammy House. You're lucky you've got an offer to join them. You shouldn't think of it as an orphanage, but as a... well, as a dormatory! Yeah!" Julius said, smiling.

"You've got to be kidding me," Kana said, staring at Julius with an eyebrow raised and pursed lips.

"No, really! It's not like you've got no one to take care of you. I'm here, I took you girls in, and I do care for you two. I personally think you two should join that educational facility and grow pass your own potential. You two are bright; you'll manage there fine. And, before you know it, you'll be smarter than even me! The great Julius of all knowledge!"

The two gilrs laughed and Julius looked at them in a comical way, "No, really! You two should know that I'm pretty smart and that I get high scores on tests all the time in art school!"

"But I bet you couldn't find your way out of a paper bag," Kana joked. "I've seen you at work when it comes to math and science and stuff. You aren't that smart," she teased.

"Hey now! Don't go dissin' your cuz," Julius complained, as Azril and Kana giggled jubiantly.

When they returned to the condo, Azril and Julius watched some TV as Kana left to go outside on the terrace. She looked over the setting sun on the sea. It's so pretty out here, and we have so much fun with Julius here with us. I really don't want to go to that awful orphanage. But...it could be of some use to us. I guess we could learn more and excel as they say. But I just don't want to leave our picture perfect life that we have right now. I suppose we could try it out. This is a big decision for me, and I may only be eight, but I've made up me mind! Yes, me mind, not my mind! Kana thought and giggled to herself. She jumped from her spot on the swinging chair and ran inside. Azril was studying flashcards for math with Julius. He was just holding up the cards, but he was making it fun as Azril was just laughing along the whole time.

"I've made up my mind," Kana proclaimed with the utmost dignity, as she stood by the patio door.

"Ok, so what's for dinner, my homecooking, or take-out?" Julius joked.

"Oh, please don't choose his cooking! He burns everything!" Azril pleaded.

"Hey! I don't burn most things..," Julius defended himself as he scratched his head with the corner of a flash card.

"No! Not that you idiots! I've decided that me and Azril should attend and live at the Wammy House in England!" Kana explained.

Both Azril and Julius widened their eyes, and Julius said, "I thought you didn't want to go."

"Yeah you said, 'nu-uh!'" Azril put in, making a little face and crossing her arms.

"Well, that was then, and this is now!" Kana said, clenching her fists at her sides.

"Oh yes, about two hours later, eh?" Julius teased, smiling foolishly.

"Ah! Yes, yes! Now call that stuffy guy up and tell'em we're going!" Kana said, chucking her sandal at Julius, which was a direct hit.

"Ow...okay! Okay! Just no more pain!" Julius pleaded, half ducking and halk slinking to the phone with his hands over his head.

Azril turned her wheelchair around and smiled at her sister, "I knew you'd choose the right choice for us. The Wammy House will be a good place for us to evolve and stuff. Add some big words here and there, and I can sound smart, too!" Azril grinned, squinting her eyes as her short blonde hair bobbed.

Kana laughed at her sister, and walked over to give her a hug. She wasn't so sure she'd like it there, but it was for the better, if anything. And they wouldn't be leaving Julius after all. They were merely going for a vacation, kinda. Nothing harmful, and Julius would be right here, waiting for them at home. Home.

Well that's the beginning. More of a prologue thing, but it's wicked long I've realized. I don't even know how it got so big, but here it is. There will be more fun stuff along the way though, it won't all be sad and stern. Hopefully, I can have the next chapter up and finalize some other things. Reviews and Comments are always accepted! Thanks for reading it all 'til the end!

Lani