Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or Sailor Moon whatsoever. The characters and series belong to the owner(s) and creator(s).
Author's Note: Japanese words are used.
Dedication: To my the best oneesan out there, Usa-oneesan! If it weren't for her, I probably wouldn't even have finished this prologue so soon.
*********************************
The Right Kind of Wrong
Prologue - When I Last Saw You
Author: Krys Yuy
*********************************
"Usagi, I want you to meet my good friend, Nancy Ishida," introduced a woman with wavy purple hair.
"Hello!" chirped a young girl of five.
"Konnichi wa, Usagi," greeted a woman with shoulder length blonde hair. "This is my son, Yamato." A 'hmph' sounded behind the woman's legs. "Now, Yamato, don't be rude. I want you to meet my friend Ikuko Tsukino and her daughter, Usagi."
A young boy came out from behind the woman. He had bright blue eyes, which held slight annoyance. "Ossu," he said gloomily.
Mrs. Ishida looked apologetically at Mrs. Tsukino. "Gomen, Ikuko-chan. He's just in a bad mood because Takeru is with his father at the zoo. I didn't let him go because of his bad behavior yesterday."
"That's all right," Irene said. "Wakatta. Usagi sometimes gets in bad moods herself."
"Kaasan!" screeched Usagi with some embarrassment.
Yamato winced and covered his ears. "Can you please shut up?!"
"Musuko!" gasped Nancy. "That was very rude. Please apologize to Usagi now."
Usagi's eyes had already begun to fill with tears. She turned and buried her head within the folds of her mother's dress while her tiny body trembled as she cried. Yamato's expression of irritation quickly changed to that of guilt. He stepped towards the crying girl and with a push from his mother, was right next to her. He tentatively reached out to pat her on the shoulder.
"Gomen nasai," he apologized, eyes filled with concern. "Please don't cry. I didn't mean it."
Chibi-Usagi stopped shivering and slowly turned to face him. "Soo ka?" Her eyes glistened with left-over tears but they held innocent hope.
"Hai," Yamato replied uncomfortably, while he shifted from foot to foot.
She placed her hands to cover her face and he began to panic that she might cry again. He wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. He was shocked when she immediately responded enthusiastically. He glanced at her face to find all traces of her previous tears had disappeared. She was now smiling brightly from ear to ear.
"Arigato, Yama-kun!" she exclaimed.
Yamato blushed a light pink as she called him that. Nancy and Ikuko were watching them tenderly and giggling to one another. He saw them and blushed brighter.
"So you wanna be friends?" asked Usagi with a sincere face. 'I wonder why he's turning red. Is he sick?' she thought. "Are you okay?" she inquired, bringing a hand to feel his forehead as her mother had so many times before when she felt ill.
"Hai, I'm fine," Yamato replied, beginning to cheer up that he wasn't with his father. "And I'd like to be your friend... Usa-chan."
It was Usagi's turn for the blood to rush into her face. 'Why do my cheeks feel warm?' she asked herself, not noticing that she was still hugging Yamato.
The two mothers looked upon the scene tenderly. Then, as if by pure coincidence, they were both struck with the same idea. They looked at each other, then at their children, then back at each other. Wide grins spread across both their faces.
"Do you think-"
"Maybe it will-"
"Do you wanna-"
"Hai!"
"So, we'll meet frequently, ne?" asked Ikuko.
"Of course," Nancy agreed. She glanced at the children. "They'll be a fine couple, don't you think?"
"Hai," answered Ikuko. "A very fine couple. Oh! I can just imagine it!" She sighed while her eyes glazed over. "They'll both grow up to be very handsome and beautiful, I know they will."
Nancy sighed along with her friend. "To be young again... and to fall in love all over." The mothers giggled like school girls at the thought. When they recovered from their fit, they found two very confused children staring at them. They had broken apart from their friendly embrace when their mothers started to laugh.
"Daijoubu ka?" asked Usagi with a worried look. "Maybe you're sick, kaasan." She tried to bring her hand to her mother's forehead, but unfortunately, her mother was too tall. Usagi pouted adorably, wisps of golden hair falling into her face.
Ikuko laughed lightly at her daughter's unsuccessful attempt. "Daijoubu, musume-chan," she answered. "I'm not sick. Nancy-chan and I were just talking about something funny."
"What was it, kaasan?" asked Yamato, staring up at his mother.
Nancy giggled nervously, looking flustered. "Oh, it was nothing, musuko-chan. So, when do you two want to meet again?" She changed the subject.
"Soon!" squealed Usagi.
"Whenever," Yamato shrugged, but received a glare from his female friend. "Oi! Fine... soon, soon."
Usagi nodded in approval, pigtails bouncing. "Yah!" She gave Yamato a bone-crushing hug, which turned his face a color dangerously close to blue.
"Usa-" Yamato wheezed. "-chan! I can't- bre- ath!"
"Oops!" Usagi quickly let go of him and watched as he turned back to his original color. "Gomen nasai, Yama-kun! I didn't mean it!" She had a guilty look in her eyes, which were holding back tears because she had hurt her new friend.
"Hey, it's okay, Usa-chan!" Yamato exclaimed. "I'm fine."
"Thank goodness!" she replied. She hugged him again but was careful not to do it as hard as before.
"Arigato, Usa," he said.
"No problem," she replied with a bright smile.
"Well, we have to go now," Ikuko said to her daughter.
"Do we have to?" Usagi whined.
"Hai, musume-chan," her mother replied. "Say good-bye to Yamato and Nancy-chan."
"Okay," the girl sighed in defeat. "Sayoonara, Nancy-san."
"Sayoonara, ojoosan, Ikuko-chan," Nancy said.
"Bai-bai, Yama-kun!" Usagi said, jumping up and down. "I'm sure we'll see each other soon."
"Bye, Usa-chan," Yamato said, a smile touching his lips. He turned to her mother. "Bye Ikuko-san."
"Sayoonara, Yamato-kun, Nancy-chan," said Ikuko.
Mother and daughter walked away hand in hand with Usagi skipping. Yamato watched her as she started to fade away in the distance. As if feeling his eyes on her back, she turned her head and gave him a wink with a grin. Then she turned back around with her mother, humming a tune, which somehow floated back to Yamato's ears. He grinned and started to hum it himself. He turned to his own mother and grabbed her hand.
"Lets go, kaasan," he said.
Nancy smiled down at him. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as the small blonde girl disappeared around a corner. "Okay, musuko-chan." She glanced over her shoulder one last time and then walked in the opposite direction. 'I have a good feeling about all this...'
* * * * *
Two years later...
A seven year-old Yamato winced and covered his ears as he heard his parents' yells through the door of his and Takeru's room. He heard a whimper coming from the bottom bunk and he looked over the edge. Takeru was huddled in his blankets, shivering. He climbed down the ladder quickly and jumped in next to his brother. He made comforting noises and started to rock the younger boy to sleep.
"It's okay, T.K.," he said. "It's gonna be all right."
"Really, oniisan?" the boy asked, tears in his eyes.
"Hai, otooto," Yamato replied. 'At least I hope so...' His prediction was wrong.
Things had been getting worse in the Ishida household since the previous year. Yamato's father had lost his job, which he had worked hard at. In sorrow, he spent some of their remaining money on alcohol, coming home drunk and disorderly. The two parents began to drift apart with their children in the middle of it all. Pretty soon, the two parents began to quarrel every single day. It seemed now was the breaking point.
The voices grew louder as Takeru finally succombed to a dreamless sleep, leaving Yamato alone. He cuddled up to his younger brother, wrapping his arms around him. He brought the thick comforter over their bodies, trying to get warm. It was a futile attempt. Yamato felt cold, too cold. The voices began to drift through their door.
"I can't believe you!"
"What do you want from me Nancy?!" demanded a deep voice.
"To stop wasting our money on those drinks! We need the money for other things that are essential!"
"I'm the one who worked for it!"
"Not anymore! That was a year ago! I've been working two jobs to try to keep this family together! It seems it's not working anymore..."
"What are you saying?"
Nancy was quiet for a long time and that frightened the older boy. Then, just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, his mother spoke in a cold, serious tone. "I WANT a divorce."
Yamato Ishida's world came crashing down in that one moment.
* * * * *
Days later...
"Ohayo, Yama-kun, Takeru-kun!" Usagi greeted with a wave.
"Ossu, oneesan!" T.K. replied, referring to her as his older sister.
"What do you want?!" Yamato snapped, glaring at her.
Usagi's smile fell quickly and she stepped away from him. "What's the matter, Yama-kun?" she asked. She moved forward and tried to hug him, but he shrugged off her attempt. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing," he growled.
"Oniisan-" started Takeru.
"Be quiet, Takeru," Yamato hissed.
T.K.'s eyes filled with tears and he ran to Usagi. She wrapped her arms around the younger boy, while matching eye for eye to Yamato's glare. "What is your problem?" she inquired in an angry tone. Yamato said nothing and continued to look bitter. "You know, Yamato," she said, her eyes softening, "if you tell me what's wrong... maybe I can help. I might be able to understand."
That seemed like the wrong comment to make. "You can't help me, Usagi," he spat out, eyes flashing. "You don't understand! You'll never understand!" He took a step back as she advanced towards him. "Just LEAVE ME ALONE!" He turned and ran away from her brother and friend, not noticing the tears falling from his own eyes.
Usagi stared after him, while hugging the body of Takeru closer to her own. She felt the sobs soak her sunflower dress and she tried to soothe him. She rubbed her palm on his back in circles, trying to calm him down. "It's okay, otooto," she cooed. "It's okay... He didn't mean it. He loves you..." Her eyes were sad as the wind ruffled her hair. "Yama-kun...."
* * * * *
Days after that, at night time...
"Agumon digivolve to... Greymon!"
Usagi gasped as the dinosaur looking creature became even larger and scarier. She tried not to run inside and tell her parents. Something told her that things would be okay. She watched as it battled with a giant bird. She glanced down and found that Takeru and Yamato were staring as well. She looked at all sides, even up. She found that her friends, Koushiro, Mimi, Jyou, and Sora were out on their balconies as well. Taichi and Hikari were below on the ground, getting a full view. Suddenly, she felt someone touch her on the arm. It wasn't human skin, actually, it felt sharp with fur. She resisted the urge to scream as she faced a creature with blue and white stripes and a horn on its head.
"Don't be afraid," the creature said. "I won't hurt you."
For some reason, she trusted the creature and moved forwards a bit. "Who are you?" she asked hesitantly.
"My name is Gabumon," it replied with what looked like a smile.
"What do you want?" Usagi asked in a whisper.
"I want to give you something..."
"What is it?"
"This." The creature held out its paw and she moved closer to him, figuring that it was a he. She took in a sharp intake of breath as she looked upon a delicate silver ring, strung upon a single silver chain.
"It's beautiful," she whispered. "May I touch it?"
"Of course," Gabumon replied. "It's yours."
Usagi picked the chain up delicately, bringing it up to her eyes. The ring dangled and turned. "What do those signs mean?" She pointed to the various symbols decorating the band.
"You'll find out later," Gabumon said and turned to leave.
"Matte! At least tell me what this sign means," she pleaded. She held the ring in front of her, showing him the diamond crescent moon with its points facing upwards and a sapphire insignia resting on top of it.
"I can't answer that either, oojo," he replied.
Usagi's cheeks were covered with a pink tint. "I'm not a princess, Gabumon."
The animal chuckled but seemed to remember something. "For now, wear that ring around your neck with the chain. When you find the real crest, that is when the ring will fit you."
"Where do you come from?" Usagi inquired, her curiosity taking over.
"I come from a place that you will not yet discover," he answered mysteriously. "I had digivolved before my companions had so I could send you this present."
"Digivolved?"
"All in due time." He glanced at the battle. "It's time for me to go." He began to float in the air.
"Matte! Matte!" Usagi begged. "Arigato for the ring! Will I ever see you again, Gabumon?"
"Perhaps," he smiled. "But you will not remember me now, oojo. You will forget this event. Sarabada..." Gabumon disappeared among the clouds.
"Wh-?" Usagi didn't get to finish her question as sleep set in.
* * * * *
"Ikuko-chan, did you hear there was a terrorist attack last night?" asked Kenji, her husband.
"Hai," Ikuko answered, worry lines creased on her face. "I don't think it's safe to stay here anymore, Kenji-kun. I don't want Shingo or Usagi to get hurt."
"Wakatta, Ikuko-chan," he replied. "Maybe we should move."
"Hai, that's a good idea," she replied. She turned around and began to wash the dishes in the kitchen sink. 'Usagi isn't going to like this...' She watched out of the corner of her eye as her daughter entered the apartment with Takeru. 'Gomen nasai...'
* * * * *
Moving day...
Usagi knocked on the door of the Ishida's household. Mr. Ishida had already moved out and she wasn't able to say bye to him. She thought it was a shame, since he was really kind before he lost his job. Unshed tears were gathered in her eyes because she couldn't stay with her friends anymore. She had said good-bye to the rest of the gang and the only ones left were the Ishida brothers. She was greeted by a cheerful Takeru.
"Ossu!"
"Hello," Usagi replied gloomily.
"Daijoubu ka, oneesan?" asked Takeru.
"Iie, otooto," she said. "I'm leaving in a few minutes. Remember I told you and Yama-kun about this last week?"
Takeru's eyes widened and he wrapped himself around her. "IIE!" he yelled. "You can't go!"
"I have to, T.K."
"No you don't!"
"Yes I do."
"Please!" he begged with innocent tears. "Don't go, oneesan! I love you!"
Usagi's heart practically broke. She looked into his eyes, which were so full of sincerity and hope. "Gomen nasai, Takeru..." she whispered. "Gomen nasai..."
"Let her go, otooto," said an emotionless voice.
She looked up and she smiled a bit. "Yama-kun..."
"So you're leaving today?" he inquired.
"Hai."
"Well, hope you have a nice life."
"Matte! Aren't you going to say good-bye?" she asked, the sobs about to come.
"I don't need to."
Usagi shook her head, a lone tear escaping. She broke away from Takeru and dashed towards Yamato. She hugged him with all she had, just like she had done when they were five years old. "You're being stubborn, Yama-kun," she whispered. "Good-bye..." He pushed her off of him and disappeared behind the door of his room. She turned to face his younger brother, who was still crying. "I'll be back again someday, Takeru."
The boy sniffled heavily. "Promise?" he choked out in his childish voice.
"I promise," Usagi vowed with a tearful smile. She gave him one last hug, which he returned with the same force. "Good-bye, Takeru..."
"Good-bye, oneesan," he murmured. He gave her one last glance, then with a strangled sob, ran away from her.
Usagi stared down the empty hallway, sadness reflected in her blue orbs. She walked out of the apartment and down the stairs. For some reason, she clutched the necklace around her neck. She couldn't remember where she got it from, but it comforted her. As she entered the parking lot, she saw her mother and father getting into the car. Shingo was already buckled in and playing with his new toy. Ikuko saw her daughter and frowned at her sad expression.
"Come on, Usagi!" she called. "We have to go!"
"Hai, kaasan!" Usagi replied. She ran to the car and went inside.
As the car started, she glanced at the building to find all her friends waving. They all knew her, but they didn't really get to know each other. Memories of fun times came rushing back to her. The times when they played pranks or games. Or just when they were together. She looked at them, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"Bye, Usagi-chan!" they called to her.
She rolled down the window and leaned out. "Bye minna-chan! I'll miss you!" For a split second, the ring glowed but then stopped. Her eyes turned sad as she realized Yamato wasn't there. Then she gave her friends a forced smile and waved one last time. "Good-bye!" Then she sat back in her seat and buckled in as the car disappeared down the busy streets and construction work.
* * * * *
Yamato ran down the stairway, going as fast as his seven year old legs could carry him. He found some kids from the apartment complex waving to a car that was quickly disappearing. "Matte! Matte!" he called desperately. "Wait! Matte..." The car was swallowed up in the traffic. 'Usa-chan...' he thought with remorse. 'I didn't get to say good-bye to my best friend.'
"Did you know Usagi-chan?" asked a girl with short red hair.
"Hai," he answered.
"What's your name?" asked another girl with chestnut brown hair.
"Gomen, but I have to go," he said in a rush. He walked back up the stairs, while Takeru followed him. "Please, leave me alone for now, otooto," he said. Takeru nodded sadly and collapsed on the couch. Yamato closed the door and then stared out the window.
"Sarabada..." he whispered.
* * * * *
Usagi glanced behind her, only able to see the top of the building of where she used to live. For a split second, she could've sworn she saw her best friend's face. She gripped her necklace tighter as the sapphire symbol glowed, then died out.
"Sarabada..." she whispered.
End of Prologue - When I Last Saw You
Coming Next - Chapter 1 - D3
Note: Please, in any way shape or form, do not complain about why I haven't gotten the next chapters to my other fanfics out. Especially "First Loves." I have seen people mention that I haven't bothered working on it. Exactly, I would like to know how you know that? Anybody? No, you really have no idea if I have been working on it or not. In all honesty and truth, I *HAVE* been working on my fics. Certain things have held me back and so forth. Inspiration seems to have abandoned me, and stress is setting in. I am definitely no D-chan or like my oneesan, Usa-chan, no matter how much I wish to be. They have the unique gift of writing a wonderful chapters in merely a day. *bows* Gomen nasai if I don't update as much as you would like, but I'm sorry to say my personal life is usually more important nowadays. That and the fact that I'm entering high school soon. I repeat, please do not complain. It will not change anything and will only increase my urge to just let it all alone for a longer period of time.
Author's Note: Japanese words are used.
Dedication: To my the best oneesan out there, Usa-oneesan! If it weren't for her, I probably wouldn't even have finished this prologue so soon.
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The Right Kind of Wrong
Prologue - When I Last Saw You
Author: Krys Yuy
*********************************
"Usagi, I want you to meet my good friend, Nancy Ishida," introduced a woman with wavy purple hair.
"Hello!" chirped a young girl of five.
"Konnichi wa, Usagi," greeted a woman with shoulder length blonde hair. "This is my son, Yamato." A 'hmph' sounded behind the woman's legs. "Now, Yamato, don't be rude. I want you to meet my friend Ikuko Tsukino and her daughter, Usagi."
A young boy came out from behind the woman. He had bright blue eyes, which held slight annoyance. "Ossu," he said gloomily.
Mrs. Ishida looked apologetically at Mrs. Tsukino. "Gomen, Ikuko-chan. He's just in a bad mood because Takeru is with his father at the zoo. I didn't let him go because of his bad behavior yesterday."
"That's all right," Irene said. "Wakatta. Usagi sometimes gets in bad moods herself."
"Kaasan!" screeched Usagi with some embarrassment.
Yamato winced and covered his ears. "Can you please shut up?!"
"Musuko!" gasped Nancy. "That was very rude. Please apologize to Usagi now."
Usagi's eyes had already begun to fill with tears. She turned and buried her head within the folds of her mother's dress while her tiny body trembled as she cried. Yamato's expression of irritation quickly changed to that of guilt. He stepped towards the crying girl and with a push from his mother, was right next to her. He tentatively reached out to pat her on the shoulder.
"Gomen nasai," he apologized, eyes filled with concern. "Please don't cry. I didn't mean it."
Chibi-Usagi stopped shivering and slowly turned to face him. "Soo ka?" Her eyes glistened with left-over tears but they held innocent hope.
"Hai," Yamato replied uncomfortably, while he shifted from foot to foot.
She placed her hands to cover her face and he began to panic that she might cry again. He wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. He was shocked when she immediately responded enthusiastically. He glanced at her face to find all traces of her previous tears had disappeared. She was now smiling brightly from ear to ear.
"Arigato, Yama-kun!" she exclaimed.
Yamato blushed a light pink as she called him that. Nancy and Ikuko were watching them tenderly and giggling to one another. He saw them and blushed brighter.
"So you wanna be friends?" asked Usagi with a sincere face. 'I wonder why he's turning red. Is he sick?' she thought. "Are you okay?" she inquired, bringing a hand to feel his forehead as her mother had so many times before when she felt ill.
"Hai, I'm fine," Yamato replied, beginning to cheer up that he wasn't with his father. "And I'd like to be your friend... Usa-chan."
It was Usagi's turn for the blood to rush into her face. 'Why do my cheeks feel warm?' she asked herself, not noticing that she was still hugging Yamato.
The two mothers looked upon the scene tenderly. Then, as if by pure coincidence, they were both struck with the same idea. They looked at each other, then at their children, then back at each other. Wide grins spread across both their faces.
"Do you think-"
"Maybe it will-"
"Do you wanna-"
"Hai!"
"So, we'll meet frequently, ne?" asked Ikuko.
"Of course," Nancy agreed. She glanced at the children. "They'll be a fine couple, don't you think?"
"Hai," answered Ikuko. "A very fine couple. Oh! I can just imagine it!" She sighed while her eyes glazed over. "They'll both grow up to be very handsome and beautiful, I know they will."
Nancy sighed along with her friend. "To be young again... and to fall in love all over." The mothers giggled like school girls at the thought. When they recovered from their fit, they found two very confused children staring at them. They had broken apart from their friendly embrace when their mothers started to laugh.
"Daijoubu ka?" asked Usagi with a worried look. "Maybe you're sick, kaasan." She tried to bring her hand to her mother's forehead, but unfortunately, her mother was too tall. Usagi pouted adorably, wisps of golden hair falling into her face.
Ikuko laughed lightly at her daughter's unsuccessful attempt. "Daijoubu, musume-chan," she answered. "I'm not sick. Nancy-chan and I were just talking about something funny."
"What was it, kaasan?" asked Yamato, staring up at his mother.
Nancy giggled nervously, looking flustered. "Oh, it was nothing, musuko-chan. So, when do you two want to meet again?" She changed the subject.
"Soon!" squealed Usagi.
"Whenever," Yamato shrugged, but received a glare from his female friend. "Oi! Fine... soon, soon."
Usagi nodded in approval, pigtails bouncing. "Yah!" She gave Yamato a bone-crushing hug, which turned his face a color dangerously close to blue.
"Usa-" Yamato wheezed. "-chan! I can't- bre- ath!"
"Oops!" Usagi quickly let go of him and watched as he turned back to his original color. "Gomen nasai, Yama-kun! I didn't mean it!" She had a guilty look in her eyes, which were holding back tears because she had hurt her new friend.
"Hey, it's okay, Usa-chan!" Yamato exclaimed. "I'm fine."
"Thank goodness!" she replied. She hugged him again but was careful not to do it as hard as before.
"Arigato, Usa," he said.
"No problem," she replied with a bright smile.
"Well, we have to go now," Ikuko said to her daughter.
"Do we have to?" Usagi whined.
"Hai, musume-chan," her mother replied. "Say good-bye to Yamato and Nancy-chan."
"Okay," the girl sighed in defeat. "Sayoonara, Nancy-san."
"Sayoonara, ojoosan, Ikuko-chan," Nancy said.
"Bai-bai, Yama-kun!" Usagi said, jumping up and down. "I'm sure we'll see each other soon."
"Bye, Usa-chan," Yamato said, a smile touching his lips. He turned to her mother. "Bye Ikuko-san."
"Sayoonara, Yamato-kun, Nancy-chan," said Ikuko.
Mother and daughter walked away hand in hand with Usagi skipping. Yamato watched her as she started to fade away in the distance. As if feeling his eyes on her back, she turned her head and gave him a wink with a grin. Then she turned back around with her mother, humming a tune, which somehow floated back to Yamato's ears. He grinned and started to hum it himself. He turned to his own mother and grabbed her hand.
"Lets go, kaasan," he said.
Nancy smiled down at him. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as the small blonde girl disappeared around a corner. "Okay, musuko-chan." She glanced over her shoulder one last time and then walked in the opposite direction. 'I have a good feeling about all this...'
* * * * *
Two years later...
A seven year-old Yamato winced and covered his ears as he heard his parents' yells through the door of his and Takeru's room. He heard a whimper coming from the bottom bunk and he looked over the edge. Takeru was huddled in his blankets, shivering. He climbed down the ladder quickly and jumped in next to his brother. He made comforting noises and started to rock the younger boy to sleep.
"It's okay, T.K.," he said. "It's gonna be all right."
"Really, oniisan?" the boy asked, tears in his eyes.
"Hai, otooto," Yamato replied. 'At least I hope so...' His prediction was wrong.
Things had been getting worse in the Ishida household since the previous year. Yamato's father had lost his job, which he had worked hard at. In sorrow, he spent some of their remaining money on alcohol, coming home drunk and disorderly. The two parents began to drift apart with their children in the middle of it all. Pretty soon, the two parents began to quarrel every single day. It seemed now was the breaking point.
The voices grew louder as Takeru finally succombed to a dreamless sleep, leaving Yamato alone. He cuddled up to his younger brother, wrapping his arms around him. He brought the thick comforter over their bodies, trying to get warm. It was a futile attempt. Yamato felt cold, too cold. The voices began to drift through their door.
"I can't believe you!"
"What do you want from me Nancy?!" demanded a deep voice.
"To stop wasting our money on those drinks! We need the money for other things that are essential!"
"I'm the one who worked for it!"
"Not anymore! That was a year ago! I've been working two jobs to try to keep this family together! It seems it's not working anymore..."
"What are you saying?"
Nancy was quiet for a long time and that frightened the older boy. Then, just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, his mother spoke in a cold, serious tone. "I WANT a divorce."
Yamato Ishida's world came crashing down in that one moment.
* * * * *
Days later...
"Ohayo, Yama-kun, Takeru-kun!" Usagi greeted with a wave.
"Ossu, oneesan!" T.K. replied, referring to her as his older sister.
"What do you want?!" Yamato snapped, glaring at her.
Usagi's smile fell quickly and she stepped away from him. "What's the matter, Yama-kun?" she asked. She moved forward and tried to hug him, but he shrugged off her attempt. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing," he growled.
"Oniisan-" started Takeru.
"Be quiet, Takeru," Yamato hissed.
T.K.'s eyes filled with tears and he ran to Usagi. She wrapped her arms around the younger boy, while matching eye for eye to Yamato's glare. "What is your problem?" she inquired in an angry tone. Yamato said nothing and continued to look bitter. "You know, Yamato," she said, her eyes softening, "if you tell me what's wrong... maybe I can help. I might be able to understand."
That seemed like the wrong comment to make. "You can't help me, Usagi," he spat out, eyes flashing. "You don't understand! You'll never understand!" He took a step back as she advanced towards him. "Just LEAVE ME ALONE!" He turned and ran away from her brother and friend, not noticing the tears falling from his own eyes.
Usagi stared after him, while hugging the body of Takeru closer to her own. She felt the sobs soak her sunflower dress and she tried to soothe him. She rubbed her palm on his back in circles, trying to calm him down. "It's okay, otooto," she cooed. "It's okay... He didn't mean it. He loves you..." Her eyes were sad as the wind ruffled her hair. "Yama-kun...."
* * * * *
Days after that, at night time...
"Agumon digivolve to... Greymon!"
Usagi gasped as the dinosaur looking creature became even larger and scarier. She tried not to run inside and tell her parents. Something told her that things would be okay. She watched as it battled with a giant bird. She glanced down and found that Takeru and Yamato were staring as well. She looked at all sides, even up. She found that her friends, Koushiro, Mimi, Jyou, and Sora were out on their balconies as well. Taichi and Hikari were below on the ground, getting a full view. Suddenly, she felt someone touch her on the arm. It wasn't human skin, actually, it felt sharp with fur. She resisted the urge to scream as she faced a creature with blue and white stripes and a horn on its head.
"Don't be afraid," the creature said. "I won't hurt you."
For some reason, she trusted the creature and moved forwards a bit. "Who are you?" she asked hesitantly.
"My name is Gabumon," it replied with what looked like a smile.
"What do you want?" Usagi asked in a whisper.
"I want to give you something..."
"What is it?"
"This." The creature held out its paw and she moved closer to him, figuring that it was a he. She took in a sharp intake of breath as she looked upon a delicate silver ring, strung upon a single silver chain.
"It's beautiful," she whispered. "May I touch it?"
"Of course," Gabumon replied. "It's yours."
Usagi picked the chain up delicately, bringing it up to her eyes. The ring dangled and turned. "What do those signs mean?" She pointed to the various symbols decorating the band.
"You'll find out later," Gabumon said and turned to leave.
"Matte! At least tell me what this sign means," she pleaded. She held the ring in front of her, showing him the diamond crescent moon with its points facing upwards and a sapphire insignia resting on top of it.
"I can't answer that either, oojo," he replied.
Usagi's cheeks were covered with a pink tint. "I'm not a princess, Gabumon."
The animal chuckled but seemed to remember something. "For now, wear that ring around your neck with the chain. When you find the real crest, that is when the ring will fit you."
"Where do you come from?" Usagi inquired, her curiosity taking over.
"I come from a place that you will not yet discover," he answered mysteriously. "I had digivolved before my companions had so I could send you this present."
"Digivolved?"
"All in due time." He glanced at the battle. "It's time for me to go." He began to float in the air.
"Matte! Matte!" Usagi begged. "Arigato for the ring! Will I ever see you again, Gabumon?"
"Perhaps," he smiled. "But you will not remember me now, oojo. You will forget this event. Sarabada..." Gabumon disappeared among the clouds.
"Wh-?" Usagi didn't get to finish her question as sleep set in.
* * * * *
"Ikuko-chan, did you hear there was a terrorist attack last night?" asked Kenji, her husband.
"Hai," Ikuko answered, worry lines creased on her face. "I don't think it's safe to stay here anymore, Kenji-kun. I don't want Shingo or Usagi to get hurt."
"Wakatta, Ikuko-chan," he replied. "Maybe we should move."
"Hai, that's a good idea," she replied. She turned around and began to wash the dishes in the kitchen sink. 'Usagi isn't going to like this...' She watched out of the corner of her eye as her daughter entered the apartment with Takeru. 'Gomen nasai...'
* * * * *
Moving day...
Usagi knocked on the door of the Ishida's household. Mr. Ishida had already moved out and she wasn't able to say bye to him. She thought it was a shame, since he was really kind before he lost his job. Unshed tears were gathered in her eyes because she couldn't stay with her friends anymore. She had said good-bye to the rest of the gang and the only ones left were the Ishida brothers. She was greeted by a cheerful Takeru.
"Ossu!"
"Hello," Usagi replied gloomily.
"Daijoubu ka, oneesan?" asked Takeru.
"Iie, otooto," she said. "I'm leaving in a few minutes. Remember I told you and Yama-kun about this last week?"
Takeru's eyes widened and he wrapped himself around her. "IIE!" he yelled. "You can't go!"
"I have to, T.K."
"No you don't!"
"Yes I do."
"Please!" he begged with innocent tears. "Don't go, oneesan! I love you!"
Usagi's heart practically broke. She looked into his eyes, which were so full of sincerity and hope. "Gomen nasai, Takeru..." she whispered. "Gomen nasai..."
"Let her go, otooto," said an emotionless voice.
She looked up and she smiled a bit. "Yama-kun..."
"So you're leaving today?" he inquired.
"Hai."
"Well, hope you have a nice life."
"Matte! Aren't you going to say good-bye?" she asked, the sobs about to come.
"I don't need to."
Usagi shook her head, a lone tear escaping. She broke away from Takeru and dashed towards Yamato. She hugged him with all she had, just like she had done when they were five years old. "You're being stubborn, Yama-kun," she whispered. "Good-bye..." He pushed her off of him and disappeared behind the door of his room. She turned to face his younger brother, who was still crying. "I'll be back again someday, Takeru."
The boy sniffled heavily. "Promise?" he choked out in his childish voice.
"I promise," Usagi vowed with a tearful smile. She gave him one last hug, which he returned with the same force. "Good-bye, Takeru..."
"Good-bye, oneesan," he murmured. He gave her one last glance, then with a strangled sob, ran away from her.
Usagi stared down the empty hallway, sadness reflected in her blue orbs. She walked out of the apartment and down the stairs. For some reason, she clutched the necklace around her neck. She couldn't remember where she got it from, but it comforted her. As she entered the parking lot, she saw her mother and father getting into the car. Shingo was already buckled in and playing with his new toy. Ikuko saw her daughter and frowned at her sad expression.
"Come on, Usagi!" she called. "We have to go!"
"Hai, kaasan!" Usagi replied. She ran to the car and went inside.
As the car started, she glanced at the building to find all her friends waving. They all knew her, but they didn't really get to know each other. Memories of fun times came rushing back to her. The times when they played pranks or games. Or just when they were together. She looked at them, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"Bye, Usagi-chan!" they called to her.
She rolled down the window and leaned out. "Bye minna-chan! I'll miss you!" For a split second, the ring glowed but then stopped. Her eyes turned sad as she realized Yamato wasn't there. Then she gave her friends a forced smile and waved one last time. "Good-bye!" Then she sat back in her seat and buckled in as the car disappeared down the busy streets and construction work.
* * * * *
Yamato ran down the stairway, going as fast as his seven year old legs could carry him. He found some kids from the apartment complex waving to a car that was quickly disappearing. "Matte! Matte!" he called desperately. "Wait! Matte..." The car was swallowed up in the traffic. 'Usa-chan...' he thought with remorse. 'I didn't get to say good-bye to my best friend.'
"Did you know Usagi-chan?" asked a girl with short red hair.
"Hai," he answered.
"What's your name?" asked another girl with chestnut brown hair.
"Gomen, but I have to go," he said in a rush. He walked back up the stairs, while Takeru followed him. "Please, leave me alone for now, otooto," he said. Takeru nodded sadly and collapsed on the couch. Yamato closed the door and then stared out the window.
"Sarabada..." he whispered.
* * * * *
Usagi glanced behind her, only able to see the top of the building of where she used to live. For a split second, she could've sworn she saw her best friend's face. She gripped her necklace tighter as the sapphire symbol glowed, then died out.
"Sarabada..." she whispered.
End of Prologue - When I Last Saw You
Coming Next - Chapter 1 - D3
Note: Please, in any way shape or form, do not complain about why I haven't gotten the next chapters to my other fanfics out. Especially "First Loves." I have seen people mention that I haven't bothered working on it. Exactly, I would like to know how you know that? Anybody? No, you really have no idea if I have been working on it or not. In all honesty and truth, I *HAVE* been working on my fics. Certain things have held me back and so forth. Inspiration seems to have abandoned me, and stress is setting in. I am definitely no D-chan or like my oneesan, Usa-chan, no matter how much I wish to be. They have the unique gift of writing a wonderful chapters in merely a day. *bows* Gomen nasai if I don't update as much as you would like, but I'm sorry to say my personal life is usually more important nowadays. That and the fact that I'm entering high school soon. I repeat, please do not complain. It will not change anything and will only increase my urge to just let it all alone for a longer period of time.