MELLO: Pt2

I don't know how long I had been walking until I reached the closest town to my house. Well, it was more of a small city. But not like the ones you'd see in America. My mother would take me here when she could, if only to get away from the beatings. I had wondered if she was there that day, but I didn't go looking for her. I was too afraid about what she might say.

The town's crowds were beginning to die down as the sun got lower. The air became cooler and my feet burned from running through a dense forest of sharp twigs and leaves. I was only dressed in my grey pajamas – blood washed off from a nearby stream – and they weren't exactly the warmest of my closet. I knew I was getting stares too, but I hadn't had cared. I was too angry to care.

I think this is when my anger flooded into uncontrollable. All I could think of was, 'I'll never see my mother again,' or 'this is all HIS fault! Julius and that disgusting father of mine!' I don't know if it was possible I could've hated them more at that time.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I found the closest wall to me and punched it. Thankfully, as a small fiver-year-old, the punch was not as hard as I had thought it'd be and I didn't break any bones. It still hurt like a bitch but I held back the tears. I wouldn't give anyone reason to take me home… not that I had one.

That's when… he found me.

I was still cradling my arm when I heard his voice. "Are you alright?"

I turned around, and saw someone who looked to be close to my brother's age. Maybe younger. His eyes were dark with circles under them, while his hair was black as night. He looked very pale and hunched over as he walked. All in all, at first sight, he seemed rather… odd.

He kneeled down in front of me and took my arm gently. At this point I had become so accustomed to my beatings that I flinched when he touched me. He seemed to take notice of this.

"I won't hurt you. I saw you punch that wall and I got concerned for your hand."

Although I am translating what he said into English, his German was spot on and very fluent. Though, I could tell he wasn't from around here.

He inspected my arm when I calmed down a little, and it wasn't long before he found the bruises decorating it like a tattoo. He seemed very saddened by them. He didn't even have to guess why I had them. It was scary that he knew right off the bat… for the age I was at.

"How long have these beatings been happening?"

I was quiet for a long time. If I told him… no, I had to tell him. He could help me get away, maybe.

I spoke in the most innocent voice I owned at the time. "I don't know. I-I mean… he started when I was young, and never really stopped. Though, these are more from my brother than my da."

He nodded, then let my arm go. It was the first time anyone but my mother was actually gentle with me. I inwardly thanked him for being so kind… but, now what would he do? Call the cops? I shuddered at what my father would do if he found out I got him arrested.

The teen stood up then, and offered a hand. "Would you like a place to stay? I'm sure my guardian can make you something to eat as well."

Now, before you say anything, let me be clear. Yes I was aware of the whole "Stranger Danger" crap they teach you when you're little. But I was starving, cold, and in pain. So, I took his hand and went with him.

Best decision of my life.

When we had gotten to a luxury hotel and into the warmth of his rooms, I was instantly bombarded by the smells of cooking. When I looked, I had seen an older gentleman, dressed as nicely as could be, and preparing what seemed to be a German delicacy. I was surprised to find that it was better than my on mother's cooking. Even more, the elder man seemed none too surprised at my arrival. In fact, he smiled kindly at me the entire time.

While I was eating, I learned their names were L and Watari, though I wasn't allowed to repeat this to anyone. Actually… I was really only half listening. I was so hungry that the food was more on my mind than who I was with. But yes, this is how I met L… and where my respect stems from.

After we ate, Watari had left to go get something – on L's behalf – while we made ourselves at home. He asked me a lot of questions while I was there. He asked me my age, about my family, and my name. I never told him my real name though. I think I feared that he would take me back if I did. But, really, only one question really stood out to me.

It was right after he had gotten up from his crossword puzzle to get some sweets to eat. I almost immediately stepped in and began finishing it in no time. It was always a skill for me to be able to finish crosswords, though my father hated it when I stole the paper to do them. He never understood that it was the only thing quiet enough that he wouldn't kill me over it. I found I was almost too good at them.

When L had come back, he looked at the finished crossword in – what I would call – amazement. He had only done a few puzzles out of boredom, and I had finished the rest.

He looked at me then, and I apologized. I didn't want him to throw me out on the street because of my skill. I liked it where I was, and I didn't need to be tossed away… not again.

L, in his odd little way, grinned at me. "Don't be sorry. I'm impressed at your ability. Do you do a lot of puzzles?"

I nodded. "But… my da doesn't like me to. He and my brother call me a freak when I do them."

"Well, I think it's a splendid gift… actually…" he seemed to trail off, looking at me with curiosity. "Would you mind answering my next question?"

I gave him a glance, the nodded. He was always full of questions, but I never mind answering them.

He began. "A woman goes to her mother's funeral, and as she continues throughout the service, she sees the man of her wildest dreams. She falls instantly in love with him, but is too late and doesn't learn his name or how to contact him…"

'I thought he was asking me a question…'

I suppose he saw the confusion in my eyes, and grinned at me again. "Three days later, this woman murders her sister. But, what's the motive?"

Really? This was his question? I was Five, and he somehow knew that I was able to solve this… question? Who was he?

Finally, I sighed and answered it. Maybe my answer was too fast or without much thought process, but it was correct.

"The woman thinks she'll be able to meet the man she fell in love with at her sister's funeral."

"Why's that?"

"Well, the man of her desires was at her mother's funeral. So, it stems to reason that she would quite possibly meet him at her sister's funeral."

And, just like that, my fate was sealed.

"I want you to know that I have asked many people this same question, but only you were able to get the correct answer. I would've thought you'd take some time with it, but you got it right off the bat. I'm very impressed."

I smiled at him at this point. No one had ever complimented on my cleverness before. This only made my meeting with L all the more special.

At this point, L offered me a chance to leave Germany and go to England to a place called the Wammy house. He explained that it was an orphanage for young – and very gifted – children. He also explained how it was also a chance for me to become his successor… if I worked hard enough and became top of the class.

It was ideal. I wouldn't be second to anyone, and I got to show off my cleverness. Even more, L himself asked me. I wouldn't be beaten daily, or be treated like dirt. So, I happily accepted by hugging L with all my might. He hugged me back, but was careful of my bruises.

It was then that I vowed to make myself better than I was when I lived with my father and brother. I wouldn't be a pushover or weak. No… I would be strong, resilient, and above all strong. No one would treat me like a meek little boy anymore. I would make sure of that.

As soon as the hug ended, L spoke once more. "You'll need a name that we are able to call you. Since you won't tell me your real name, this might suffice for the both of us."

An alias? It was difficult to decide what to name myself, but the privilege was nice.

I only had to think for a moment before I came up with one. I honoured it to my mother, and to who I was when I was around her and her alone.

'Mello'.

A/N: Gaaaah, Cheesy, I know. But hey, that's all I got.