River of Memories
The road less traveled is a test. Some take it to prove their bravery; however those who are trying to reach their goals stay on the beaten path.
The forest is where we experienced many firsts. The most important of these was meeting Winery. It was the start to many of our best childhood memories, but not all memories are good. The forest was a place of adventure, as well as a place of caution. It held for me the first time I was truly alone.
"Mom, I'm going out to the forest for a little while! I'll be back soon!" I promised her I would return before dark, and headed out to the area near our home compiled of thick clusters of trees. Al and I come here often, but he prefers the river. I have a tree I climb and sit on top of the high branches. This is where I do most of my thinking. The view is great and the trees surrounding me have a comforting atmosphere.
However, I was in no mood to sit still today. Alphonse is sick in bed with some illness, I don't remember the name, and he hasn't moved in three days! I do care about him, but after three days of doing nothing, I was getting restless. The forest was the perfect solution.
Hours passed as I climbed trees, watched animals, and explored. I found a secret cave I have to show to Al! As the sun started to set, I decided I needed to start heading home. I crawled out from the cave, and started to walk back home.
An hour later, darkness covered the once bright sky. The blanket of night snuffed the sun, and the moon was not out. I was still in the forest, all alone and in the dark. I finally had to accept that I was hopelessly lost. In the cover of night, nothing looked familiar.
Every shadow that moved was something waiting for me to lower my guard. Every sound was an enemy, preparing to attack. I tried to tell myself I wasn't afraid. The great Edward Elric does NOT get scared. A rabbit scurrying out of the bushes proved the great Edward Elric wrong.
I climbed out from behind the rock that I hid behind. Stupid rabbit, I thought someone was trying to kill me! I started to walk again, praying for a familiar landmark. I stumble through, and right before I gave up hope, I saw something in the distance. I followed it to a clearing, but it already disappeared. I was crushed. The person looked like my dad. I thought he finally came home. I curled up into a ball, alone once again. Then, I heard it. I heard a sound I thought I would never hear again.
Mom's voice called out to me. The way out is revealed! I blindly run following her voice and don't stop until I am safely in her arms. "Edward Elric, where have you been? I was worried sick about you!"
"M-mom! I'm so sorry! I won't do it again, I thought I was going to die!" Mom's look softened. It's not because I am crying, I just had something in my eye... She knew that! She leads me home and puts me back to bed.
"Don't worry me like that, my little man. Be strong for your younger brother. You'll need each other once I am gone." It was only years later that the irony presented itself as the full meaning made itself known. She smiles as I close my eyes and start to fall asleep.
"Don't worry Mom, Dad was there to protect me." She stops at the door for a moment before turning around.
"Yes, of course he is Ed. Now go to sleep." She closes the door and tears spill down her face. "Keep them safe, Van."
-In the forest-
The shadows in the forest twisted around and eyes and mouths became visible. The shadow was displeased at the loss off his meal. A scraggly, death-like voice echoed through the quiet trees.
"Van Hoenheim, I did not expect to run into you here." A man with blond hair and gold eyes stepped out from behind a tree.
"Pride. Your true form really does look like the original. Then again, you are the first Homunculus."
"Now, now, no need to be harsh. Why are you here?"
The man glared at the man with killer intent. "I won't allow you to harm my sons. This is my battle, they don't have anything to do with it. Leave my family out of this."
"Fine. As long as they do not become involved, I won't." The man seemed satisfied and walked deeper into the forest. "Alas, Hoenheim, they will be involved soon enough. Their mother won't last but a few more months. Those two will commit the taboo and become two very important sacrifices." The shadow grinned as it melted back into the natural shadows of the trees. The grin vanished as the sun rose, filling the forest with light once again.
A/N: Chapter 2 is complete! I think my first one was better, but I liked giving a back story to Pride and Hoenheim. There is a lot of foreshadowing, and Edward wasn't crazy. The shadows did hold a murderer wanting to kill him. The great Edward Elric does not get scared, he notices evil presences. (yeah right) I added some humor, horror (kinda), and foreshadowing. I hope you enjoyed!
Manga-neko signing out! :3