Author's Note

Writing this is bringing back memories I'd almost forgotten entirely. Talk about a blast from the past. More like a Hadouken or X-Buster to the face.

Understanding

By the time Harmonic's fifth birthday rolled around, Ian and Atmospheric began teaching him martial arts techniques to improve his health. It was difficult for him to understand at first, but through their guidance, he was eventually able to emulate their instructions with relative ease. The years of Harmonic's assault passed without incident, freeing Ian to complete his education. After his brother found employment through an electric company, Atmospheric became Harmonic's primary companion. Before she could devote herself to pursuing their future, there was one order of business left to take care of...

On the night of July 5th, 2005, Atmospheric disappeared to an undisclosed location. She watched from the rooftops as those below shifted between buildings. At eleven o' clock on the nose, she spotted the car she was looking for.

"Better make this quick."

The moment the driver disappeared from view, she disabled the vehicle's security. She crushed the keys upon removing them from the ignition.

"Sorry, Matt. This is for your own good..."

With her job done, Atmospheric returned home...

Atmospheric stayed home from school the next day. Harmonic found her waiting for him by the shrubbery.

"Are you okay? They said you were sick at school today."

Atmospheric tackled him in a tight embrace. He felt her tears seep into his shirt.

"What's wrong...?"

"Nothing. I'm just happy to see you."

"Me too. Let's go inside."

"Yeah..."

Harmonic grabbed a few snacks from the refrigerator. He and Atmospheric talked for a while while he finished his homework.

"How's Ian doing?"

"Okay, I guess. He works late."

"Does he like his work?"

"I don't know."

"Maybe I can stay the night one of these days. We can catch up then."

"You'll have to ask mom."

"I figured."

"Ian bought me a memory card so we could play while he was gone. You wanna play when I'm done?"

"Sure."

The pair went silent. Atmospheric reflected on everything that had happened. Now that she could experience life from the beginning with the one she loved, she would miss these days when they were gone...