This is the prologue to my Danny Phantom story, "Pieces of Me," which has been highly inspired by the rock band known as "RED." This story will primarily be dark and is rated M for violence and profanity, but there will be parts that don't seem to fit that standard for the sake of progression in the story. I only hope that you, my readers, enjoy this as much as I did writing it. I try to keep a couple chapters ahead to stay on schedule of updates.

Enjoy.

Somewhere, I will find
All the pieces torn apart, you just left behind
In your mystery

~Red "Mystery of You"

"I'm sorry Sam. It's something… something I have to do," Danny said softly, brushing a rebellious strand of my raven hair behind my ear with his faintly glowing, gloved hand. He kept up a sad smile, while I was too busy crying to even try to look supporting. "You know I would never leave you if I had the choice-"

"You have the choice!" I cried out in between sobs. My fingers rolled into tight fists and I lowered my gaze down to the ground. "Don't go… Please, don't leave."

Danny was silent for several agonizing seconds before he stepped forward and placed a cold hand on my shoulder. Almost out of reflex, I leapt towards him and wrapped my arms around his torso, burying my face and sobbing into his suit. The chill of his being sent a small shiver down my spine, but it was a comforting feeling all the same. Eventually he returned the embrace was stoically as he probably could with me on him.

"I promise I'll be back. I don't know when, but I will be," he finally spoke, "I'm doing this for everyone- for you. Without me… there's not much hope left."

I forced myself away from him and scrubbed my eyes with the back of my hand. I nodded slowly and muttered, "Yeah…" When I returned my attention towards Danny, he forced another smile. Despite knowing it was fake, it made me feel a little lighter.

"Just try to stay out of trouble- or keep Tucker out of trouble, anyway- while I'm gone." He touched my face with his fingertips. I smirked a little.

"I can't guarantee anything," I responded in the best casual tone I could. It was difficult with those circumstances. "But I'll try."

"That's all I ask," Danny whispered, bowing his head and pressing his lips against mine. I hardly had time to return the kiss before he began pulling away. He floated a little above the ground and slowly traveled backwards, his face stirring with different emotions- most of which fairly depressing. I told myself to stand still, even with my intuition screaming at me to chase after him as he rose higher into the air.

"Goodbye, Sam," he said with a slight wave before turning away from me and shooting off in flight. I could only watch him grow farther and farther away until he melted into the clouded sky, the mere image of his beautiful green eyes staring into mine- stamped permanently into my brain and flickering through my mind.

I heaved a long, relieving sigh. Danny was gone, and I still doubted that it would be soon before I saw him again. I feared what sort of battles he would put himself into, and how he would handle everything on his own, without me or Tucker. He was strong, though, and I knew he'd do alright…

"See you later, Danny," I said finally, much belated as I turned and headed off against the uncomfortable wind towards home. Around me, life continued as usual and there was the chatter of people along with the roars of passing cars. Everything was in its place, and I knew Danny would make sure to keep it that way.