Title: Forsaken Memories
Author: Atarashii (kitsune_atarashii@hotmail.com *or* inarisama@yahoo.com}
Pairing: LantisxEaglexHikaru (not 'til later on in the fic, though)
Warnings: None in this chapter ^^;;
Rating: Mou, PG
Category: Alternate Universe

Disclaimers: Magic Knight Rayearth 2 is the property and idea of the very talented group, CLAMP. All characters associated with MKR2 also belong to them. But Shinigami was my made-up character thrown into the mix. ^_^;; This is based on the anime mainly, so...MKR2 also belongs to whichever groups hold claim to them. Please don't sue me, I have nothing worth suing for. x_x;;

Notes: This is the prologue for the story, which is called Forsaken Memories. I *really* need to thank Ryoko-chan for giving me this story idea. ;) Arigato gozaimasu, Ryoko-chan! (and I promise to try to write some more to Remember)

I hated the fact that Eagle died. Thus this story came about. It's an alternate universe, one where Eagle hadn't really 'died'. It could be said to take place two years after the end of MKR2. (Hikaru-tachi are considered to be in high school by now)

If you want a rough estimate on the timeframe, I would say 1998. x_x Since MKR2 ended in 1996. ^_^;;;


***

Forsaken Memories : Prologue

***


Vaguely, he was aware of someone else in the room with him.

"Omae wa...dare?" his voice sounded thick, hoarse from lack of use. He struggled to sit up, succeeding half-way before collapsing back onto the bed. A hand reached out, brushing aside silverish-grey bangs.

"Sssh, daijoubu, Washi-kun," a feminine voice, laced with worry murmured soothingly, and Washi allowed his eyes to flutter open. At first the woman above him was blurred, but then the features slowly cleared. He blinked, staring at the woman with confusion.

"Omae wa dare?" Washi repeated again, voice strengthening somewhat. His brows furrowed, and he started to say something else when his eyes widened as a shock of pain shot throughout his body. With a small whimper, he turned over onto his side, curling in on himself as his slim frame was wracked with coughs. A few minutes later, the attack passed and his eyes opened once more, hand shaking as he removed it from his mouth.

The red which stained his hand frightened him, but he quickly wiped it on the dark hospital gown he was wearing, exhaling sharply. "Daijouibu ka, Washi-kun?!" the woman exclaimed, violet eyes wide in fear. The voice now rang a note of recognition in his mind, and slowly, Washi nodded.

"H-Hai," he murmured, turning back over and managing to rise into an awkward sitting position. He raised golden-amber eyes up at the woman, "I feel as if I know you from somewhere?"

The other nodded, brushing aside black strands of hair as she made herself comfortable in one of the chairs besides the bed. "Yes, you do know me, Washi-kun. Yet that memory is one which will never become entirely clear. I'm surprise you even realised that you have met me before. Or more accurately, I've met you before." She gave a sad smile, gesturing with one slender hand the room which the two were. "This. This is the hospital room in which they admitted you into after the crash. Your parents didn't survive, Washi-kun. And frankly, I'm surprised you survivied. As it was, you were to...die along with your parents. But apparently fate intervened."

She paused, before adding, "Again."

Brows furrowed in confusion, and Washi stared at the woman blankly, "Nani?"

"To answer your question from before, I am Shinigami. Goddess of Death. [1]" she raised a hand to still any response, "Yes, I know many believe Shinigami to be a male, but well..." a bitter laugh escaped her lips and she narrowed her eyes, "As you can see for yourself, I'm all female. And, what I was mentioning about before is the truth." Leaning forward, she pointed a finger directing at Washi's chest, causing him to slightly flinch away from the intensity of her gaze. "*You* were supposed to die that day in Cephiro. That was the first time you were snatched from my grasp, being reincarnated into this world. You're the same age as you were then, Washi-kun. Only about a year has passed since the first time you died. Demo..."

Shinigami's voice took on a hint of distaste, "When I finally had yet another chance to claim you as my own, once again you were saved." she snapped, letting her hand fall to the pristine white sheets, "I came here to warn you, Washi-kun."

"Warn me?" Washi echoed, still in disbelief on what Shinigami was saying.

"Yes. Tread carefully, Washi-kun. Your memories of the past are close to the shattering point. Once that happens, you'll have to find your two most beloved before they end up in my clutches. Yet, if you're not careful enough, you, once more will find yourself in my domain. And when that happens, there's no way I'm letting to go once more. I will not allow you to escape thrice."

"Why were you worried about me just earlier?" Washi queried, looking at her, gaze piercing. She turned her head away, muttering something under her breath before standing up abruptly, starting towards the door. "Matte, Shinigami-sama!"

Shinigami stopped but didn't turn back around. Her voice echoed strangely in the hospital room, and with a sharp gasp, Washi clutched at his chest, eyes shut tightly once more. "Until we meet again, Eagle Vision of Autozam."

With that, Shinigami left, the door slamming upon her exit.

Still clutching at the fabric of the flimsy gown, trying to control his breathing, Washi blinked. "Nan da?" he managed to get out, before darkness overcame his senses and he crumpled onto the bed.


***


[1] Shinigami, for the purpose of this story, was characterised to be female. I know, to many, Shinigami is considered the *God* of Death. But...I thought it to be better that Shinigami be the Goddess of Death for Memories.

o_o; Hai, hai, that was short. But...at least I got it out finally! *beams cheerfully* This was the Prologue, thus the next upcoming installment wiill be Chapter One. ^_^ Also, the reason why Shinigami's female...well...*sweatdrop* Hard to explain my reasoning. *lol* Anyways, any and all feedback, whether it be good or bad, can be sent to kitsune_atarashii@hotmail.com *or* inarisama@yahoo.com. I would appreciate any comments I get, and suggestions if any.


***


Translations:

Omae wa...dare? - Who...are you?
Daijoubu - it's alright
Daijoubu ka? - are you alright?
Hai - yes
Nani? - what?
Matte - wait
Nan da? - what was that?/what?