Ello darlings! Please comment and review! Check out my avatar for a picture of BB and CC. The full version of the picture is on my deviantart username Shmekana.

~Mekana

Have you ever wondered what happens to the children L decides won't be his successor? It's never anything good. Most end up working in a fast food joint; some, like Mello, join a mafia; and far too many meet death.

I'm not judgmental but I am observant, very observant. When Quillish came to collect me and my things from Bristol Orphanage to bring me to the Wammy Institute, he had a glitter of hope in his eyes and smiled brightly. Quillish had no clue what harm his program could ever cause to a child. He honestly believed he was just a grandfather-figure helping a homeless child to a better life. The Wammy house was much better than the orphanages I'd been in. The tall, ceilings were clean and not covered in grime and instead of children on their hands and knees scrubbing the floor I was pleasantly surprised to see maids doing the job. The cleanliness was much more sanitary and the food was in more decent portions.

I really believed that staying at Wammy's would be living like a spoiled rich girl free to roam around the large mansion with no chores and never-ending fun, but I don't believe the first impression is always a lasting one. Mr. Wammy prompted me to my own bedroom where only a single bed sat versus a row of crammed together bunk beds and a bright yellow sundress lay on the dresser. He'd asked me to change into it before meeting L. I stared at the outfit questioning why he'd ever assume I'd wear such an outrageously frilly thing when my current clothes were much less feminine. I searched through the drawers of the dresser for a pair of black shorts and a blue t-shirt with polka dots around the hem and collar. I then hung the sundress up and exited the room.

"Is there a problem with the dress, Ms. Allen?" Wammy stood outside the door with a disappointed frown on his face.

"Yes, actually. The dress is lovely but it isn't suitable for me. I don't like to wear things so impractical. Also, dressing in such an outfit should no more impress L than if I show up in a trash bag. Putting me in that dress would have only brought upon an image of someone I am not. I would like L to approve of me for my intelligence and not my appearance."

He had taken a moment before consenting to my notion, obviously displeased but unable to argue. "As you wish, dear. I will keep that in mind."

I was led to a well furnished living room to meet my idol, so to speak. L sat perched like a crow in a white plush chair shoveling strawberry cake into his mouth. Crumbs dropped from his lips littering the sparkling surface and I frowned at his poor manners. Of course, in my mind I had pictured L as a well taken care of man always dressed in a business suit with hair groomed to perfection. I'd also imagined him sitting properly, reading an encyclopedia next to a regal fireplace instead of a computer screen but none of those were met, either. I was actually disappointed that he hadn't fit into any of my imageries.

L was only a boy, around four years my senior, making him fourteen, with disheveled hair and clothes even less professional than my own. I held back the stereotypical thoughts rushing to my mind and held my hopes high reverting to my theory that his intelligence and reputation were what mattered.

He rose from his seat and slumped his shoulders as he shuffled his feet across the floor.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, L. I'd never believed I'd be able to work in such an honorable position as working as your successor." I reached out my hand which he looked at in disgust before raising drooped eyes to my own. They lacked the sparkle of interest that most everyone had in their eyes, as if a mere sentence and a look at my face dismissed his need to care who I was. It was at that very moment when it happened , his frown deepened a fragment, his eyes left mine, and a sigh escaped his nostrils in an attempt to hide his disappointment.

"Yes," He paused, another sign of his rejection, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." He had attempted to sound polite but failed to hide his disapproval. He'd known from that moment that I wouldn't succeed him, though he would never admit it. " Your paperwork is rather impressive. I've met very few who have succeeded to graduate university at such a young age. I believe with a little training in the criminal justice field," He returned to his seat and sipped at a cup of tea, " You will produce some fine results that will benefit the Wammy Institute. There are conditions though." He motioned for me to sit across from him. "You'll be known as C here. We have complete control over every record ever signed or created under the name Mable Allen. For your safety, as well as all of Wammy's, we are separating your life as Mable from your new life as C. Do you understand?" Of course , I understood. That would be a very basic procedure for the security of everyone who lived in Wammy house along with myself. L could see I knew that but asked as if he thought I were daft. I wanted to yell a "duh!" at him but politely replied with a nod. "Don't cause any problems. This institution is a workplace, not a play land and I expect you to act as an adult. And don't get attached to anyone. There is no place for such silly things as emotions and friends in a detective's work."

"Yes, sir." I frowned.

"You're excused." He bid me goodbye. I felt like I was going to cry for his sake. He was so lifeless, like a robot built to solve cases and never have fun or make friends or fall in love. He forced himself to be forever alone. I was tempted to pity him until I remembered that he'd ordered me to act the same way. I couldn't. I wouldn't let myself be so heartless.

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~Mekana