Ch.6 Past, Present, Future

Author note: would someone please tell me if I'm making a Mary Sue or not, I really want to avoid that! Besides that, I hope you all enjoy the chapter.

Opening: Wild Side by ALI

*Insert 'Liar's Smile' .hack G.U. Trilogy*

*flashback*

A little Sarah plays in the backyard of her childhood home, a classic-style Japanese home. She spins and jumps as if she is trying to dance. She sometimes falls but doesn't seem hurt as she giggles in joy.

"Sarah, lunch is ready." A female voice calls her as she turns to see what looks like an older version of Serah wearing a white shirt with a dark blue knee-length skirt and a frilly apron standing in front of the back door to the house.

She replies "Coming, mom! Hey, I think I can finally do that spin you do in the festival." Drag then tries to spin four times but trips up at the third spin she falls on her but.

Sarah's mother laughs and replies "Maybe a little more practice and you can do it. But I think you need a full stomach for that, so please come in for lunch." Sarah does as she is told and runs inside while almost tripping at the first step due to a slight elevation. She recovers and heads to the dining room to see an adult white wolf doing static stretches.

His black tracksuit fits nearly tightly on his large muscles, his body looking about the size and shape of a professional bodybuilder. Rotating his arms in a small circular motion while keeping them straight, he warms up his muscles and makes sure that his body doesn't get stiff.

Sarah calls out with excitement "Papa!" She then runs up and hugs his large calve.

The white wolf looks down at the child hugging his leg, picks her up, nuzzles her cheek, and says "How is my little cub today."

She replies with a smile trying to stifle a giggle "Great, I saw kawagatamushi today in the garden."

He replies with a curious expression "A stag beetle? Did its pincer horns look cool?"

Sarah nods in excitement and replies "It does, it does! It was using its pincers to eat a leaf!"

He replies with a playful amazed expression "Really? Amazing! My little girl is a bug watcher!" He then lightly tosses Sarah up before catching her and nuzzling his muzzle on her cheek. This tickles Sarah which causes her to laugh.

A chuckle is heard from behind them and the wolf runs with Sarah in his arms and sees her mother with an amused smile and a pot with a lid on.

Sarah's mother says "It's good to see you playing, but lunch is ready, so let's sit down and eat, okay?" They do just that and sit down on chairs with the dinner table in between them with Sarah sitting on a booster cushion. Her mother lifts the lid from the pot which reveals sesame teriyaki shrimp and takes out a rice cooker as a side.

The shrimp is covered in sesame seeds and soaked in broth with small chopped vegetables. The smell has an almost sea-like smell, with a small amount of spice in the mix.

Sarah's mother pours some of the food into a bowl with some cooked rice and a spoon while she and Sarah's father put the dish on plates with rice and use chopsticks.

Sarah takes a bite of the shrimp with her spoon and enjoys the chewy and juicy shrimp that she is eating. Gulping down the chewed-up shrimp, she puts her free left hand on her cheek which has a happy blush.

Sarah comments happily "It's really good mommy."

Sarah's mother replies with a warm blush "Thank you, sweetie, I wanted to make something from a family recipe."

Sarah's father comments cheekily to Sarah "Your mother's cooking is magic!"

Sarah then replies happily with her arms raised "Mama's magic! Mama's magic!" This elicits a happy laugh from Sarah's mother as she enjoys the playful banter of her husband and youngest child.

Sarah asks after taking another bite of her food "When do you think Kaito's gonna visit?"

Her mother replies with a thinking expression "I think he's going to try and come back during Golden Week. So we should have 5 days until he has to go back."

This elicits an excited cry from Sarah as she says "Yay, big bro's visiting!"

Night

Rolling thunder and flashing lightning rule the sky as rain pelts down on the ground. Sarah, asleep on a small futon, wakes up because of a crashing sound. Not entirely awake yet, she sits up with a whine and rubs her eyes.

A scream shocks her as it sounded like Sarah's mother was in trouble. Causing fear to slowly spread in her mind and tighten her chest. She slowly gets out of bed, wearing a yellow nightgown, and slowly heads out towards the hallway of the second floor.

Sarah then slowly woke down the stairs, fear, dread, and anticipation colliding and swirling into a pit in her stomach. Upon reaching the first floor she is greeted by a sight that shakes her to her core until it's about to shatter like glass.

Blood on the floor, a body on the floor with missing pieces, and a large shadowy figure obscured by darkness. Lightning flashes and a silhouette is seen by Sarah, the mysterious beast makes eye contact.

In the end…nothing.

The world turns gray, color blotched away, and life stagnates.

Flashback End*

Present time

"That was when everything I knew was gone, and my father was blamed for it. But I knew the truth, someone else killed her, and they got away." It's strange to let the floodgates open like that, but right now, all that leaves is the final test.

Will he believe me, or will it be like last time?

I can't see his expression, all I'm doing is exposing my truth and hope. Hope that I'm understood and believed, without any rejection.

I can feel his arms wrap around me tighter and I hear Legoshi say "I…think I'm finally starting to understand. Whenever I looked into your eyes, there was always this sadness. Thank you…for telling me." I need to see his face and discern the truth in his eyes.

I pull back in our embrace, and I look into his eyes…yes…I was right. His eyes show a gentle light, yet I must hear him say it, genuinely and truthfully.

I ask, almost pleading "Do you…truly believe me…or is that just sympathy?"

He replies while increasing his embrace "It hurts you so much…how can I not believe you…when there was so much pain in your voice. I could tell your mother and father loved each other so much. It's hard to imagine that a loving father would kill your mother in madness."

I don't know if I can hear the conviction in his voice, but somehow his words pushed me over the edge. The tears in my eyes overflow and fall in a constant stream. We embrace again, I'm almost borderline sobbing, but keep it in to try and not fall apart.

Legoshi then says in a whisper "I guess it's my turn to share."

Legoshi says "I am…"

I say "And I am…"

"We are here."

*Insert: Re-Install - Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth*

The next day

We talked almost all night, it was borderline easy, I guess my big brother was right. In the embrace of another, walls don't exist, and words can be genuine and truthful again without a doubt.

We left the hotel in the morning and are walking down a road to head towards the station. We walk in comfortable silence and a relaxed pace while basking in the morning sun. The city in the distance has an apparent glow to it that I admire.

Before I forget, and while we're alone, I stop in my tracks which has Legoshi stop in confusion.

I turn to him and say "Before I forget anything." I move next to him, pull him down to my head level, and kiss his cheek. I chuckle at his surprised face and explain "The reward for a hero." I then start running toward the top of the hill to feel the wind on my skin.

Legoshi then walks next to me and stares at me from the corner of his eyes. I could tell he wanted to ask me something, right now I'm feeling willing to do most things within reason.

*music stops*

Legoshi asks "Could you…sing something? I wanna hear you singing…just one more time." So that's it…I guess it won't hurt to sing a short song. This could help me with my new goal.

I take a deep breath in through my nose…and I sing a song I remember from when I was feeling sad.

*Insert Your Everything (English version) - Code Vein*

Legoshi POV

In the sunlight, we walk together, just as if it was an ordinary day. Listening to her sing is a calming breeze that surrounds my heart and sways it so. The song sounds so melancholy but I can feel a growing hope emerging from it.

I guess I wasn't the only one who changed from this, it's good to see her like this. It's like there's this vibrant energy that was different from before the kidnapping.

When she finishes, I compliment her by saying "You have a beautiful voice, I'd be nice to hear it more." She blushes as we continue walking back to the school.

She replies "It's been a while since I sang in front of someone, I'm not good with crowds and such, but I hope to change that. Although if I'm being honest, I don't think I want to suddenly become an extrovert. I just want to be able to stand in a crowd without feeling overwhelmed."

I reply without thinking "That's not a bad thing, I like my alone time too." Alone together we walk down a bright and sunny path, after the darkness of night and near death. This moment of peace will become my treasure to share with her.

Daytime - Cherryton Academy

Sarah POV

After all the stares people have been giving me since we came back, I feel like I need some privacy. Luckily I was planning to visit the nurse out of concern for the chloroform the Shishi-Gumi used on me.

Unfortunately, a surprise waited for me in the form of a gray wolf exiting the infirmary. She seems surprised by my appearance, and then she gives me the stink eye.

…She seems lovely.

She then puts on the nice act and says "Oh, excuse me. Are you going in?" I can feel the jealousy and malice oozing from her like honey.

I answer with a flat look and a casual tone "I was gonna visit the nurse. But if she's not in right now, I'll come back later." I need to split, while never experiencing it, I remember watching movies about girls where jealousy can turn the simple female into a rabid monster. I'm not staying near the grenade blast when that pin is pulled.

Unfortunately, the grenade has legs and a temper…wished I had a blunt heavy object.

I try speeding up my pace but this girl just won't…take…the…hint!

By the time we reached the stairs, I had just about had enough, she just doesn't realize how she looks right now.

I turn around and yell without thinking "Do you realize how crazy you look right now? I get that you're jealous, but you look ready to snap and act like a rabid animal! Can't you just get some self-control and use your words like everybody?!" Why does it feel so good to vent…I guess it's just like a balloon with too much air, the air just wants to get out.

After the grey wolf gets over the surprise she says with a jealous look on her face "Do you really believe you can make Legoshi happy?"

…Huh?

This is about Legoshi…Legoshi is getting crushed on?

…Good for him. It's almost like a teenage boy's achievement.

But back on topic, I reply dryly "That's a little random considering we just met. My name's Sarah Seikatsu, I'm a senior. Who are you exactly?"

She seems to revert to a more reserved stature and says calmly "I'm sorry. I'm Juno, a freshman." There, now she's not a coach moneyed stranger, now to straighten this out before I have to use a paper fan on her head. As a wolf, she is very pretty but could use a couple of lessons on maturity and restraint.

Juno asks "I have to know, were you the one involved in the incident with Legoshi?" Ugh, my another one, I already had enough people asking about it last night. I'm this close to just ignoring them and hiding in a secluded area until they take the hint.

I reply flatly with a tired expression "Yes. And no, we didn't sleep together." She look surprised by my answer and was about to ask another question when I answered for her "You're not the only one who asked today."

I lean on the nearest wall with my arms crossed and say "I'm not sure if I can make Legoshi happy like that. I just honestly want to stay connected to him. He's really nice, and I find myself able to talk with him easily. Beyond that…I'm not sure."

Juno then corners me with her arms, trying to seem intimidating…unsuccessfully. She just doesn't have any real malice towards me, only envy. She starts sniffing me, probably to make sure we haven't had sex last night. I'm this close to hitting her, but that would be rude and borderline abusive.

Juno says "You're right, you didn't have sex with him. I should've guessed." She then goes up a few steps, most likely to appear superior, and continues "I won't do anything underhanded to you. But I won't lose to you as a woman."

She turns her head towards me to try and act more intimidating and finishes "And I'll prove it to you at the Festival of the Meteor." She then walks away while I have a blank expression on my face.

…..

IS EVERYONE IN THIS SCHOOL CRAZY?!!!

…Isn't it also Legoshi's choice?

Festival Grounds - Evening

I'm surprised that this yukata fits me, my grandmother told me that this was made when I was young. I guess it was made to ensure it fit me no matter my size or shape. I'm just glad it's comfortable enough to wear, sandals notwithstanding.

The only other unfortunate case of this yukata is that those who pass by the stand can't help but stare at me.

…And that's when Haru strikes for their wallet, I'm bait…at least it's going to the club. But I'm going to get back at her later.

I tell Haru while she's busy handling a customer "I'm going to walk around the festival."

She turns to me with a cheeky smile and says "Have fun." She sounds like I'm going on a date or something. I honestly want to see the statues the art department made.

I also need to see Legoshi, I made a promise after all. I worry that if he didn't let me hear his feelings…he might regret it later in life.

I was walking towards the ankylosaurus statue when I noticed a familiar grey wolf walking around as if searching for someone. I guess getting out of the way sooner is a lot easier than waiting.

Then Legoshi starts heading towards the large crowd viewing the drama club dance recital. I guess his nose is still a little messed up from yesterday's yakuza brawl. I follow him to the recital and I see Juno's performance, wearing a beautiful red dress and doing a very graceful and fierce dance. Even if it's a rehearsed dance, a part of herself can be revealed by her movements, her self-confidence, and her ferocity while trying to hold onto elegance and gentleness.

She is proud of her carnivore strength and wants everyone else to recognize it. But right now I got another wolf to find, in which he was only a foot away from me.

I walk up behind him and tap his back as the crowd cheered at the end of the performance. He turns around in surprise and we make eye contact again, he then squats down a bit and holds my right hand.

Legoshi says hesitantly "Sarah, I…"

I help him along "It's okay, I'm not gonna run away."

He then tries to speak but Juno interrupts him "Thank you all so much. And now, I'd like to introduce someone. He's a courageous member of our club. Our hero." A spotlight suddenly shines on us, and his hands slowly let go of my hand out of shock.

So this is her gambit, but it's still Legoshi's choice.

Legoshi POV

How is this happening, I was this close. What is Juno doing? I wasn't told about this, this is too sudden.

Juno continues "You see, he risked his life and rescued a student at our school who had been kidnapped. As a carnivore, it was a courageous act for him to do. Now, Legoshi please, will you come up on stage?" Before I could even react or reply, one of the dancers takes my open hand which held Sarah's, and drags me onto the stage in front of everyone.

Everyone is staring at me, and I'm not sure that I like it.

I look at Juno and comment in a whisper "Hey Juno, I wasn't told about this."

She then takes my hand and continues to speak into the crowd, showing the bandage "That's right, Legoshi went and risked his own life. And saved our only human student who was in great danger. Regardless of what you may think, carnivores are always here to help the powerless herbivores. In any way they can. It's called compassion."

She is very wrong, I've seen it with my own eyes.

She continues her ridiculous speech "I want to tell each and every one of you…"

The terror of carnivore instincts.

"There's a lot of potential with our strong physique, it's a precious gift. That is the true nature of carnivores."

I drowned her out, I drowned out everyone else away…except Sarah. She is the only one within my sight, the only one I want to see and be with.

It's almost as if her voice can reach her ears, or maybe it's my imagination, cause I can hear her say to me from afar without shouting "I'll wait for you, so find me as soon as you can get a moment away. I know you'll be able to find me." She then walks away from the crowd in a random direction.

Juno then says to me which catches my attention "I'm so happy right now. All I want to do is continue making this world a better place to live in. It's been my dream ever since I was a kid." This seems a little much, does she really want carnivores to be respected like this?

She then says "Oh! Hey Legoshi, let's light the fire together." She then starts dragging me out of the stage and towards the meteor sculpture as I try to protest.

What is she thinking right now, aren't we just friends?

We stop at the meteor sculpture and I comment in alarm "This is supposed to be for lovers. The others will get the wrong idea! Especially after all that."

Holding a candle, she says "They're not getting the wrong idea." She then takes my left hand and puts the candle on top of my palm and continues "Listen Legoshi, the true strength of a carnivore simply can't be recognized in the darkness. You should understand. No matter how much we continue to fight in the darkness, it's only going to become more of a burden on you. They're either afraid of you or hate you, it's your own strength that will bring you down. But I refuse to see you like that. So then, let's be in the light together."

…I need to get out of here.

Sarah POV

City Park - NightTime

The moon looks pretty tonight, I wanted to get a better look at it without the other distracting lights and sounds.

Legoshi didn't look comfortable on that stage, he never got to say what he wanted to tell me. I hope he can find an opening out of the crowd and Juno to find me.

She pushed the limits with that manipulation bit, almost Machiavellian of her. But even still, Legoshi will make his choice, and that will be the end of the chaos…I hope.

I just want to stay a part of his life, even if it's just friends.

I can hear my name being called from a distance, I could barely hear who is calling me until it gets closer.

"Sarah." I guess he found an opening, glad I didn't have to wait long.

Legoshi says behind me "Sarah, it's dangerous to walk alone in the dark like that." I guess he's still worried, I didn't mean to do that.

I turn to him and reply "Sorry, I just wanted to get a better look at the moon."

Legoshi then asks "Then how about we go together?" I nod and wait for him to get to the same step as me and we continue up towards the park.

I ask "So what's your relationship with her, that wolf you were standing with?"

He replies casually "We're both part of the drama club. We're grey wolves, but we don't have that much in common. I'm more of a dark-natured guy, so it doesn't matter if I'm in the dark or the light, I'll always worry. So if I'm always worrying, I'd rather it be about things that have to do with you Sarah, you know? It's more important to me that I focus on that." I don't understand what he's talking about, it just sounds like another soliloquy.

I reply "I don't like worrying others, it feels like I'm inconveniencing them because I want my problems to be the focus."

Legoshi replies "I think everyone thinks like that, a lot of times."

I add "After all, you almost got killed because I inconvenienced you by saving me."

He chuckles and replies "I guess, but I honestly don't mind or regret doing it. I didn't want you to die, so I saved you. It makes sense to me." I chuckle, the strange way for him to put those two points together, it's almost ridiculous. But I can't help but find that warm and kind.

We both stop at the top of the stairs and Legoshi says "Actually, when you were kidnapped by Shishi-Gumi, I felt like they had stolen my prey. Honestly, that got me confused and scared. I have doubts about…about what motivated me to save you. But, it's pretty clear to me now. I would never eat you, Sarah. Because I…"

We look into each other's eyes, and he puts his right hand on my left cheek and finishes "…I love you, Sarah." I could already tell that these are his true feelings, by the light in his eyes, how they sparkle like stars.

I gently take his hand off my cheek, walk up another set of stairs and ask "Are you sure you wanna risk your life like that? It may be possible that my curse will try to take your life away again."

I can hear his footsteps behind me as he says "That won't happen! I won't die so easily!"

I reply almost yelling "How can you know, how are you so sure you won't die because of me?"

He replies with assurance "I'll get stronger, I'll obtain strength so that nothing can keep us apart." I reach the balcony first, I can feel my tears start to fall again as I can hear him behind me.

I turn to face him and plead "Please…don't make me fall in love…only to have my heart shattered again. I don't think I can take it, that kind of pain of loss again. It's already too much after Mom died and Dad was sent to jail. I haven't seen my brother in years…I don't want to lose more. I don't have much of anything left."

Legoshi stares at me, then walks up to me and uses his right thumb to wipe away my tears and says "I love you Sarah, and I will get stronger. I won't let this society, my instincts, or your past win. I just want to make you happy. I will obtain the strength to protect what matters." He then takes my left hand in his right as we stare down at the city in front of us.

We take in the scenery for a few seconds until I add "It won't be easy, being in a relationship with me."

Legoshi replies "I've accepted that, and will do everything I can do to make it work."

I then look to Legoshi and ask "Would you…like to dance?" Legoshi looks back at me and nods, in which I take my phone out of a small bag I have tied with a string around my right wrist. I put on my favorite piano piece, and we start doing a slow dance in each other's arms.

*Insert Claire De Lune*

We embrace the night, uncertain of the future. But right now, this moment belongs to us and no one else. Under the glow of moonlight, our hearts are bare and our truths are shared.

No matter what awaits us, even if we're unprepared…we won't live without regrets.

Ending: Sakura Nagashi by Utada Hikaru

Author note: don't forget to comment and vote and I hope you enjoy my OC and fanfic. Now it's time to tackle a fan made mini-arc…this is only going to get weirder, isn't it?