(Mello P.O.V)

The whole plane ride to Germany I was nervous. For the first time in what seemed like forever I would be seeing my mother. Of course I had Matt there to help me not be so scared, and L's presence helped a lot as well. I didn't even care that we had to bring Near along with us – on L's request – just that I was going to see my mother. Maybe after this, everything would go back to normal. Matt and I would be happier, and my anger issues would decrease. It was worth a shot.

At that moment, we were driving through Germany on our way toward the manor I once lived in. I wondered if it had remained the same throughout the five years I had been gone. Matt was trying to make everyone laugh with his stupid jokes, but I had been concentrating on finding my old home. The only thing that worried me, was my father. There was no way in hell that man changed over the years, but I was willing to risk becoming a punching bag yet again just to see my mother.

My heart was like a drum. It was almost as if excitement and nervousness rolled into one to create the feeling I had now. It was both painful, yet soothing. And it only intensified when we got nearer to my old home.

We got to a familiar road that lead up a gravel path. We were closer now.

"Hey!"

I jumped at Matt's voice, but soon calmed down after the realization. "Yeah?"

"Can we all meet your family? I mean, they should know about the people who adopted you away from them, right?"

"Erm… well…"

"I think Mello has to do this alone, Matt. At least for now." L cut in. Thankfully the man knew how to rationalize.

I nodded, and Matt just shrugged. Carefree as always.

The car stopped on the dirt path, and I saw my old Manor standing not far from us. It had been well kept by the residents, as per usual. It was this that indicated they were still there. And that only made me more nervous than before.

I hesitated at first, but soon stepped out of the vehicle. I suppose L was worried for me going on my own against my father since he tried to follow me, but I stopped him.

"I want to do this on my own, L."

"Mello, I don't think you…"

"Please."

I never once begged L for anything more than attention. So I suppose he was taken aback by my sudden pleading. He respected my decision though, but warned he would be close by should he hear anything. I couldn't argue with him for that. After all the bruises my father inflicted upon me, I'd have been surprised if L didn't follow me right to the door.

I took in a breath and headed for the door. I knew L and the others were all watching me from the car, but I didn't expect this to take long at any rate. Especially if my father was there.

It all looked the same as it had five years before. The door, the windows, even the paint had remained the same. Everything was clean and nice. It even had the aroma it did back then; my mother's own cooking. It was like being sent back in time to all the good moments I had while living here. All of them with my mother.

Speaking of which.

I was just about to knock on the door when I heard a sudden laughter ring out in the backyard. Curious, I ran to the gate to see who it was. It was definitely feminine, and it sounded almost familiar.

I thanked whatever god watched over me that I was top in stealth class, a very important piece to being a great sleuth, because I was able to scurry up a tree and onto the roof to look down at who was laughing.

Although… I wished then more than ever that I had just turned around at the door and left.

I saw her. My own mother, smiling and laughing along with a few other ladies I knew nothing about. With them, a group of small children were playing. One of the children was a small, blonde, girl who carried the resemblance of my mother. In fact, it almost looked just like her. Wide blue eyes, perfect blonde hair, and fair skin that was smooth to the touch.

I ducked when I hear the familiar voice of my father approach the group. My heart sent shivers down my spine, but it calmed when I heard how different it seemed in comparison to the one I had heard as a child.

"There's my princess!"

"Daddy!"

My heart broke. 'Daddy?'

"Hello darling." Said my mother.

'Darling? But he's…'

The little girl threw her arms around my father's neck and he started to coddle her. There wasn't an ounce of anger or resentment.

"My sweet child, are you enjoying your day with mommy?"

"Of course! We picked flowers, and made crowns with them…"

'They've forgotten me. My own mother… replaced me.'

I watched in complete sadness as the little girl started hugging my mother. My anchor… my heart and soul… had replaced me. And I came all this way…

I couldn't take it anymore, and I began my decent. I didn't care about seeing my mother any longer. It was clear she had forgotten me all together. Yet still… after all this time… I still remembered her. I think that was what hurt the most. My family was happier without me… yet I was miserable.

"There really isn't a god." I mumbled when I landed on the ground.

I wasn't angry anymore. I wasn't furious, or mad, or even miffed. I was depressed. The thought ripped my heart into a million pieces; I had been replaced.

When I got back in the car I was met with some concerning faces, but I said nothing to them. All I said was to drive back to the hotel. I kept my calm around them all. I kept the tears from flooding. But when I was alone, under my covers and hugging my pillow close, I cried. In truth, this was probably the worst feeling I had ever experienced. But then… it was probably the worst day of my life to count. And I had a lot of bad days.

A/N: I promise the next chapter will be happier than this one, but it was sort of requested by a bud of mine so, I apologize for any sad faces out there.