Hibisha: okay, so I was supposed to update on Suzuno's supposed birthday, but I couldn't since I didn't have the computer. *I still don't but I decided that I'd post this through the mobile so if any errors, please forgive me!*

TOBF: There will be general lack of line breaks...apologizing in advance for any inconveniences it cause the readers.

Hibisha: Now for the usual, I don't own IE blah blah blah. I own the OCs and the plot. On we go! Oh, and for those who reviewed the previous chapters! *distributes Shirou plushies* As promised!

[NOTICE: I GOT THE COMPUTER SO YOU WILL SEE THE NEWLY EDITED CHAPPIE FROM HENCE FORTH. ENJOY.]

"Chapter 8"

I looked at Mr Kawashima with surprise etched across my face. The man seemed to have changed so much. He looked haggard and downright terrible. For some reason, my mind did not trust him. Dismissing the thought immediately, I chastised myself. The man had been my only friend.

He looked at me with a certain glint in his eyes which I couldn't identify. If I had to make a very wild guess, I'd say it was greed.

"Mr. Kawashima!" I exclaimed, "What are you doing here?" I shifted from one foot to another, looking back at the swing set where my friends were waiting for my. Kuki Sayan and Amiko Ranmaru waved at me and I waved back, distracted.

"I was looking for you." He said and my head snapped back in his direction. I stared at him dumbly while my mind whirled at a million thoughts per second. "I heard your mother left you so I wanted to adopt you into my house." All the air my lungs was gone and I felt my chest tighten. Had this man stood before me and told me the same thing a year ago, hell, half a year ago, I would have jumped up and down and flung my arm around him screaming yes. Now however-

"I can't go with you." I said, feeling really sorry indeed. But I couldn't leave Nagumo. He might not have been in my life for a really long time but he was now my brother. I couldn't leave him. I would never abandon him. The effect my words had on Mr. Kawashima was kind of funny. His mouth slackened and his shoulders drooped drastically. His eyes widened quite comically as the mas struggled to form some coherent words. Then he did something which made it all seem a lot less funny-made the situation quite dire in fact.

He slapped me.

The man slapped me!

He fucking slapped me!

Holding my cheek and wincing as the place stung mercilessly, I felt tears fighting their way out of my eyes. Confused, I looked at the man in front of me. His eyes flashed dangerously.

"You stupid lousy brat!" He began yelling, "How dare you refuse my generous offer? Do you know how hard I worked for this? That company will be mine one way or the other!" My eyes widened. What? What company? "Shiki promised that he would pass over the company to me!" Mr. Kawashima let out a cold laugh bitterly.

"I knew if he died, all the money would be mine! I killed him with my own hands, and let me tell you he deserved it, that weak sentimental fool!" Another laugh before his eyes began flashing again. My body had gone slack and I was on my knees. Mr. Kawashima glared at me dirtily as if my mere existence was a crime-which in his eyes probably was. "You ruined all my plans. You were born and that changed everything. You became the rightful owner of everything. And then I decided to do away with you." A cold smile crossed his face and my body shook worse than ever. Suddenly, the park seemed more deserted than ever. Kuki and Amiko were gone and there were only a few passerbys. I felt my mind fly into panic mode. Mr. Kawashima continued mercilessly, destroying whatever nice memories I had of the past. "Yes you pathetic whiny blubbering idiot. I only pretended to be your friend. I want to kill you but I couldn't...your mother, that whore, kept you safe. When I heard your mother deserted you, I rushed to get you but you had already gone. I pulled all strings that I could to place you with people who had the potential to kill you but you kept defying fate." My mind was reeling. I could hear what he was saying but nothing was making sense. I wanted to get up and run but I knew my legs wouldn't carry me past the jungle gyms.

"Did you think anyone else will ever want you? Your own mother didn't want you! You're in an orphanage for a reason! No one will ever ever love you!" My body was trembling badly. He was right. No one would love me. Ever. I was the abomination.

"SHUT UP!" I cried out, running as fast as my little legs would carry me. I heard Mr. Kawashima give out a cry of surprise and heavy footsteps indicating that he was chasing me-well, I wasn't called Gazelle for no reason now was I?

Swiftly, I made my way to the orphanage and ran indoors, up to my room and slammed the door behind me. Only then did I collapse on my knees, sobbing, clutching my head in my hands, trying to force the voices to stop talking.

It wasn't true.

No one will ever ever love you.

It had to be a lie.

Your own mother abandoned you!

Mother...

He was a weak sentimental fool!

Daddy...

I killed him.

Please, make it stop.

You pathetic whiny blubbering idiot!

"I AM NOT WEAK!" I screamed. Getting to my feet, I threw myself into my bed and sobbed my eyes out.

Nagumo, I wept bitterly, I need you Nagu-chan. Please come back...please.

Suddenly, everything around me froze. Time stilled as realization dawned upon me. This had to stop. Relying on other people to help me out had to stop. I dragged myself to the mirror and stared at my own reflection. For the first time, I saw myself as I was- a weak sentimental idiot. Angrily, I did the only thing that came to my mind-I punched the mirror. Shards fell to the floor as it shattered to a million pieces. Somewhere in my mind, I felt it take me down with it. Millions of tiny pieces surrounded me and reflected my face back.

My eyes had dried and hardened, giving me a more mature look. I calmly walked back to the door where Hitomi-chan was banging because she had heard something break. Opening it, I gave her no answers as she stared at me, asking me a trillion questions.

I didn't need to. Because from now on, the only person I was answering to, was me.

Hibisha: Well, that's it folks!

TOBF: I miss Loony Toons.

Hibisha: Everyone does...which is why I still watch it.

TOBF: Bugs and Daffy and Sylvester! 3

Hibisha: okay people, please review. I really need your opinion on this. Because I am working on three separate segments and if no one is reading, its kinda pointless. Love you all!