I sat and glared at the computer screen, accusing it with my eyes. Why do all of these games have to be so damn easy?

"Suzume? Time for dinner sweetie." My mother called up the stairs. I glowered at my computer one last time before retreating down the stairs. I arrived at the dinner table, and promptly sat down, barely making a sound when I tucked my chair back in.

"Is father not home yet?" I asked, without even glancing at the table. My mother scowled.

"Why is it always about your father with you? Can't you just be grateful you still have me?" Mother lashed her words at me like a whip. Instead of wincing, I remained emotionless. I was used to this. My mother suffered from a personality disorder, but I don't know what. It's… well, it's too much for a 14 year old to deal with.

"You know what? Go to bed! Now! I don't want to see you! I'm so sick of you! You can go hungry for all I care!" My mother cursed my existence yet again. I was getting sick of this.

"Shut up! For once in your life, think about me!" I shouted at her. I was at my wits end. Why does she always blame me for the problems in her marriage?

My mother advanced on me and slapped me hard, drawing blood. I took it in my stride. It's not like this was uncommon. There was nothing I could do except take it and get revenge some other way. The last time I made her hair go bright blue and she got fired from her job. It's not like we're poor, so we survived.

"Just because you're adopted doesn't mean you get to act like a brat!" She retorted.

I felt my blood run cold. I was… adopted? I suppose it makes sense. I mean, I have ginger hair and flat black eyes. My 'mother' has blonde hair and bright blue eyes, my 'step-father' a brunette with emerald eyes. Realistically, there's no way I am their child.

But… still.

"I… I'm going to bed now. Night." I stumbled up the stairs, holding my hand to my face, tears leaking out of the corner of my eyes. I needed to get away…before something happened to me.

I woke up in a cold sweat, a nightmare plaguing my thoughts. I sat up and held my knees close to my chest, holding in the shivers that threatened to wrack my body. Suddenly, I heard soft footsteps advancing towards my closed door. I quickly lay down and pretended to sleep.

"Suzume, you little wretch. I'll sort out my problem, then I can be free!" someone whispered. I opened one eye slowly, glancing at the person. It was… mother. And… she held a butchers knife.

Oh, god… she's finally going to do it.

What could I do?

The footsteps got closer and closer to the bed. I was so scared. I felt fear pulsate through my tiny body… my blood was pumping through my veins, soon to be leaking on the floor if I didn't act.

But… I don't want to kill her.

I have no one to call… no one to turn to. I have to save myself.

I saw the knife get closer and closer to my throat. An evil chuckle echoed through the room. She brought the knife down my body, not touching my delicate skin. She hovered over my chest and dug it in.

I screamed loudly, the pain excruciating. I hadn't acted quick enough.

And now…? My reward was death.

She carved a heart into my chest, the blood staining the knife.

"You're gonna die Suzume…slowly and painfully…" she whispered maliciously into my ear. The heart bled into my white night gown, staining a crude design.

All of a sudden, she grasped her chest, her breathing coming out in shallow gasps. My eyes widened, the knife clattering to the floor. However, she still had some strength left.

"I hate you! I hope you die! So, I curse you! And it can never be broken! I curse you… curse you that your true love will die! Everyone around you, gone!" she screamed at me, her body writhing in death throes.

Blood splattered onto my face. She had stabbed herself in the chest, creating a bloody mess. I stood up, my vision blurring, growing dizzier by the second, and ran out of the house, as quickly as I could.

The last thing I saw before I passed out was a red haired man, with a Nintendo in his hand, his eyes glowing in the darkness.

I woke up on a white bed, in a green bedroom. At first, I was disorientated and scared. How..? Why am I here? I'm sure I fell asleep in my hello kitty bed…

Then, my mind slowly came to terms with my situation. I remembered. I cast a quick look down at my chest. I noticed two things. One: I had no top on. Two: I had bandages around my chest.

I raised my heavy arms to touch the bandages on my chest. I winced from the pain. It was like being stabbed all over again. I closed my eyes, trying to think of who my real parents were. My mother… completely unknown. But… I'm sure I remember my father. I'm sure his name was…

Hmm…

Someone knocked on the door.

"Come in!" I shouted as loudly as I could… which was still rather pathetic.

A boy walked in. He had…red hair. In one hand he held a Nintendo. I sat straight up, yelling out loud in pain.

Suddenly, blood started leaking through the bandages.

"Young lady? Are you okay?" The boy asked worriedly. I responded with a grunt. He walked over to me, pressing my shoulders down.

"Don't…don't touch me." I whispered quietly. Ever since my mother had started abusing me, I'd had difficulties with human contact. Of any sort.

"What's your name?" The boy asked me, his intense emerald eyes boring into mine for a split second.

"Suzume. Yours?" I asked politely. He smiled widely.

"Matt." He responded, smirking. "Think someone's gonna have to fix you up before you bleed to death. I'll call Roger."

I nodded, not knowing what he was on about. Matt picked up his Nintendo and walked out of the door, leaving it slightly ajar. I lay down on the pillows, wondering if they had duck feathers in them. I hope they don't kill ducks for their feathers. Cause that would be awful.

A man with a hunch walked into my room. Instinctively, I played dead, lying completely still with a vacant look in my eyes. The man shuffled towards my bed and put his hand on my shoulder. I jerked away like I had been electrocuted.

"Who…are you?" I asked hesitantly. I was scared of adults. I mean, he seemed alright but… I couldn't afford to be hasty.

The man looked at me, his onyx eyes almost challenging mine. His black hair was artfully spiked, in a way that screamed metrosexual.

"Me? I am Ryuzaki… or L." He responded arrogantly, expecting me to have heard of him.

I looked at him, confused, pulling the blanket closer around me for comfort. 'L' removed his hand off of my shoulder and stared me dead in the eye, in such a manner it was impossible for me to look away.

"Suzume… I am your father."