Five year old Yuko sighed as she scrubbed the dishes, standing on a step stool as to reach the sink. Bruises littered her thin pale arms, and a bandage covered her right cheek, while another was wrapped around her left forearm.

She flinched as she heard the front door open and close. Swallowing, she continued her chore, choosing not to address the male that entered the kitchen.

He was tall maybe around 5'9" 1/2, with a slight stubble on his chin. He had brown hair, with green eyes. He wore a pair of jeans, with a black T-shirt, showing him to be well built.

Masashi Aikawa, a supposed friend of Yuki Toshiro, her father.

Masashi headed straight to the fridge, pulling out a six pack of beer. He grumbled, as he glanced at the small female, before making his to the living room.

Once she was alone again, she gave a hushed sigh of relief. She didn't want another beating, and after her chores, she was going to for sure lock herself in her room, now knowing Masashi was going to drink.

Yuko, though only five, was well aware of the affects alcohol can have on people. They could be aggressive, joking, or soft, Masashi being in the aggressive category.

She quickly, but carefully, finished her chores, before hurrying to her bedroom down the hall. Entering, Yuko locked the door behind her, quickly curling onto the futon, and bringing her blanket to her chest.

She knew he was probably on his tenth beer by now, having seen him grab another six pack out of the fridge.

Her nails dug into the skin on her knees, as she stared at the door, her chin resting on her arms that sat on her knees, which were currently curled up to her chest. She sang softly to herself, repeating a soft lullaby, something she read from a book.

"Hush now dear, it's alright

let the dragon sing tonight

he will soar, through the sky

till he hears your soft cry"

Her breathed hitched as she heard a bottle shatter, followed by Masashi's muffled yell towards the T.V. She once again began to sing softly to herself, momentarily entering her own world. Her own safe haven.

"A fiery look, and glowing eyes

A fire filled breath, and a smoky sight

Don't you worry now my dear

for he will not let you fear"

Her eyes squeezed shut as she heard loud thumping coming towards her door, praying he wasn't coming for her.

She went over her list of chores in her head, hoping, praying she did them all.

Dishes-check

Vaccum-check

Clothes-

Her eyes widened, as dread filled her being. She had forgotten to put the clothes in the dryer after she washed them. Tears welled in her eyes, knowing no matter the amount she prayed, she wasn't going unpunished for her mistake. Surely, he had already noticed, so she couldn't fix it.

Just as that last thought crossed her mind, she heard a angered yell, which shook the house.

"Yuko!"

The five year old swallowed back a sob, beginning to crawl backwards, until her back hit the wall. Why she did that, she didn't know. Maybe she thought it'd held her escape the angry and drunk man. Help her escape another gruesome beating.

She flinched as Masashi began beating against her locked door, yelling curses and threats from the other side.

She didn't dare try to escape as the door was finally pushed open. The man loomed in the doorway, green eyes holding insanity and malice.

She once again choked back a sob as he neared her, she instinctively held her hands above her head, hoping for some type of protection from the never ending hell.