Chapter 3 - Still here in the morning

I knew what Thanatos had warned me about many years ago...not to reveal myself to this child; the potentiol savior of Amestris. But due to the previous events; a band of thugs who had desired to bury this boy along with the other unnamed corpses and dark secret deeds they carried out on Yock Island...I didnt have any other choice. I wasnt used to protecting others however; especially ones soo young and innocent. And now I was slightly regretting my violent behaviour on those savage brutes for their attempts to silence the young Edward forever...for the boy had seen it all unfold before his eyes from where he had hidden himself. I could sense he was scared of me; yes most people werent exactly used to my eccentric appearence. Even the vampire Vorador had claimed I looked more demon than vampire in his eyes. Though I could also sense that he trusted me, after all I did save him from the slaughter he nearly endured. It might take abit to keep him from thinking I'd attack him..but that small amount of trust he held was a start. And no matter how small it was; it was still something to work with.

Edward blinked a few times in confusion as he looked at the knife the wraith had just handed him back. His eyes then rested on Raziel as he quirked a brow. "You..you mean you arent going to kill me and eat my brains or anything like that?" he asked curiously, causing Raziel to give a confused look now at the statement.

"Why..would I do that? I seem to recall that I eat souls...not brain matter. Besides, as I just explained; I am a friend, no harm will come to you from my hand little one." Raziel then stated with a chuckle; however it was short lived when a foot came smashing into his face. Yelping he keeled over flailing; the young blonde standing on his face snarling like a savage animal.

"DONT CALL ME SMALL YA ANEREXIC SMURF!!" Ed barked out, snorting as he stomped on the wraith's face one more time before backing off and looking away, irritation oozing from his aura now. Raziel tried to see straight after this, stunned at how fast the young boy had moved despite his injuries. Not to mention he had flattened the immortal in a second...he was just glad Kain hadnt been there to see that; he'd have never let the wraith live it down at being clobbered by a mere child.

"Right...I'll keep that in mind since I like to keep my face footprint free." Raziel muttered weakly, sitting back up as he rubbed his forehead a few times. Getting up quickly then, he moved over to the boy's side as he reached out for his left arm. Edward backed away, giving him a weird look.

"I'm fine back off." he growled out, though was obviously lying as Raziel sent him a stern look.

"No you arent. I can smell the blood from your one ankle and your arm is broken." Raziel said, taking Edward's arm carefully before he examined it. Indeed it needed to be fixed up and fast, it was already starting to swell at the break points.

"Even if I'm not; what are you going to do? You arent exactly a doctor." Ed asked, looking to the wraith with doubt while Raziel shrugged.

"I may not be an expert healer...but I can try to mend your wounds to the best of my ablities. Now stay still, I have to set your arm just right for this to work...hopefully." Raziel then said as Ed gulped, not liking the confident ending statement the spector said. Being as gentle as he could, Raziel then held the young Elric's arm out infront of him. Then waiting a few moments, he quickly snapped the boy's crooked arm the best he could into being straight once more. Ed of course howled in agony at this as he then bit his bottom lip; fighting back the tears as the wraith quietly apologized. "The hard part is over, I felt the bones scrape against one another so lucky for you it was a clean snap when you fell into that hole and no bone fragments were chipped off. Now that the bones are connected like puzzle peices...there's the part of glueing them back together." he then said, Ed blinking at this.

"W..what do you mean?" he asked weakly, meeping when Raziel summoned up his white specteral blade as he then began to struggle. The wraith quickly holding him down by the shoulder with his free hand.

"Easy now...this blade can heal too. But you have to stay still so I dont miss. As I said...im a better fighter than healer." Raziel then said, looking to Edward with a calmness to his tone. Edward looked up at the strange creature before him, somehow he knew he wouldnt bring harm to him as he then nodded and calmed down. Once he began to cooperate again, the blue fallen vampire then charged the energy of the blade as it glowed brightly; lighting up the dark dank walls of the cavern, basking them in a soft white glow. Then placing his left hand on the broken arm right where the bones had snapped beneath the skin of the young Elric, the energy from the blade slowly traveled up his right arm and through his chest...before finally reaching his left arm as it moved it's way down into his hand and onto the boy's arm. A weird tingling sensation shot through Ed's arm before it began to grow warm..then cold..and finally it numbed and faded entirely. The young blonde blinked in surprise as he then carefully flexed his arm a few times.

"H...how did you do that?! Is..is that alchemy?" Ed asked in shock, wincing as he grabbed his arm again as Raziel reached out holding his wrist.

"Nay..it is a magic foreign to you child. And dont flex your arm soo much, like cement; it will need time to bond your bones back together fully. I will need to set it with something until the bond is complete. Also we need to get that bullet out of your ankle; it will get infected and make it hard for you to finish your training." Raziel then said sternly, raising up Edward's right ankle to inspect it now as Edward blinked and gave him a suspecious look.

"How long have you been following me mister? You some sort of spy or somethin?" he asked in an irritated tone as Raziel tuned him out, trying to sense where the bullet was exactly in his ankle so he could take it out with ease. When he didnt get his answer, he proceeded to kick the wraith in the face with his other foot. "Hey I'm asking you a question Jack Skellington Smurf!" he then growled out.

Rubbing his nose, Raziel gave a weak sigh before pulling his cowl back up around his face due to the previous kick knocking it down.
"As I said before, I'm a friend plain and simple. And I may have overheard your teacher telling you why you are on this island. Now be still once more unless you want this to hurt more than it has to. I have to be quick and percise so you wont suffer soo much." Raziel answered back, a bit of irritation in his voice too. He felt that this boy was much easier to watch without him knowing than with it...he had the temper of a wild bull it felt like. Edward merely gave a snort before obeying again, bracing himself as the wraith flexed the claws of his hand that wasnt holding his ankle up. Then with a quick flick of his digits, the bloodied bullet yanked itself out of the boy's wound, causing Ed to cry out again and double over as the wraith snatched the bullet from mid air, then tossing it aside. "Now we need to treat those wounds. Cant have animals smelling the blood." the wraith then said, sitting down as he then tore peices of the bandages from his own arms. Gathering enough that would suffice in covering the bleeding wounds, he then bent down and began binding them around Ed's ankle and left arm. All the while Edward kept a stern glare looking outside while sniffling every now and then.

"Do not be soo weepy child...your pain is gone now and only healing is left for them." Raziel then said when he heard the sniffling of the young Elric who then glared at him some.

"Im not crying from my wounds. It's Al I'm worried about. He's out there all alone!" Edward exclaimed fiercly as he then wiped the tears away and looked off to the side. When Raziel finished tending to his wounds, he attempted to run for the exit of the cave, only for the wraith to block him with his arm.

"You are not to go out in that. Or did you forget that bolt of lighting that nearly struck you and your brother? Plus it is flooding in most of the island." Raziel said sternly as Ed glared at him more now.

"I dont care, Al's out there all alone! I need to save him I'm his big brother. Storm or not I'm going!" Ed then hollared, more tears streaming his face as Raziel glared back before shaking his head.

"I wont risk you dying. It's my job to protect you Edward. Now sit out this storm like a good boy and pray to your god that Alphonse is ok. In exchange I'll tell you why I am here, how's that sound?" the wraith then stated hoping this would peek the boy's interest. Edward eyed him abit, curiousity evident in his gold hues. After a few minutes passed between them he then planted himself back on the cave's floor.

"Fine..but this damn storm better pass quickly cause as soon as it does im looking for my little brother." Edward growled out.

"Do not fret young one. For it cant rain all the time." Raziel then stated gently, sensing Edward was relaxing alittle. "And do not worry for your brother..." he then added, of course Ed pondered this, but not for long when the wraith turned and flicked his forehead, knocking the young male out. "Because I'll save him for you." he then added, chuckling as he then headed out into the storm. It took forty minutes of searching before he could track down the younger Elric. Finally he found him clinging helplessly to a tree branch that had managed to jar itself between a rock and a cliffside in a roaring overflooded river, a powerful undertowe threatening to drag the boy down into it's murky depths. Wasting no time, the spector leaped over towards the closest spot near the shore as Al squinted through the roaring waves.

"Wh...who's there?! Please be someone helpfull!" He yelled out weakly, crying out in panic when his grip slipped alittle on the thick tree trunk. Deciding not to waste time answering, Raziel moved his hands out infront of him and focused on Alphonse's body. Carefully then, he lifted the young boy up from out of the violent waters that yearned to claim him with his telekinesis as he squeaked and struggled in the air, very confused by this ablity the wraith was using. Raziel then slowly levitated him over towards himself before disabling his telekinsis, Alphonse dropping safely into his open arms. Once Al got a good look at his savior, he could only pale in fright before passing out.

"Your welcome. Then again I dont blame you...I'd probly be frightened of myself too. Actually I think I was." Raziel then said, recalling back when he met his former human self who had looked at him with pure terror when they crossed paths in Janos's mountain retreat. Merely letting out a chuckle, the wraith carefully carried Alphonse back to the cave where Edward was as he then placed him beside his older brother. Afterwards he then snapped a few branches off small trees from the outside entrace to the cave, using most of them to start a warm fire, and two firm strong ones to set Edward's arm so it could heal properly. Ed of course sensed someone was messing with his arm and replied with a punch to the face, luckily the wraith had finished up setting his arm even though he got a bloody nose out of the deal. "That's a fine way of saying your thanks." he muttered. Ed glared at him before blinking, looking to his one side he saw why as he then sweatdropped, feeling guilty now.

"S..sorry. BUT WARN SOMEONE NEXT TIME YOU'RE GOING TO KNOCK EM OUT!" Ed then barked out, snorting as Raziel chuckled once more. This child indeed had a fire to him. Rubbing his nose and praying it wasnt broken, he merely shrugged.

"If I had warned you...you'd have avoided getting knocked unconcious young one." Raziel pointed out playfully as Ed twitched.

"S..shaddup smart @$$!" Ed hissed out, the wraith sweatdropping.

"Such a mouth on you." he said, not used to children being soo vulgar and violent..yes this child was indeed something, he had noticed this even when watching him from afar.

"Yeah, least I have one!" Edward then shot back, Raziel megasweatdropping at the burn the boy just put on him insult wise. "But anyways, a deal is a deal. Tell me all about you smurf man and why you are stalking me!" Ed then added, folding his arms as he gave Raziel a firm glare. He did have a point, he did stay in the cave while Raziel went to help his brother to safety. Sighing, the wraith then moved over to sit by the fire, facing Edward while he folded his arms.

"Alright then, I guess it's fair to tell you now. For what I am; I'm not a zombie, not a...smurf as you call them...nor am I an alien as you are thinking. I was once what you call a vampire. A vampire of a world known as Nosgoth..hence why my appearence is different from the vampires you see in your movies and shows on that v.t set. However due to being wrongfully killed...I was brought back to life by some unknown forces and made into a soul eating wraith." Raziel started as Ed gave him a bored look.

"It's called a t.v. first off, and second..you ARE what's called an alien if you come from a different world. And third...if you are brought back to life that DOES make you a zombie!" Edward pointed out, Raziel shooting him an annoyed look with his glowing white hues.

"Do I look like I fly around in a UFO, and eat brains to you?" Raziel asked, sounding alittle insulted as Ed grinned playfully, walking over to the wraith as he jabbed at his ribcage a few times.

"Well, you did heal me with your hand like that E.T. fella...and you are scrawny and zombie-ish looking to me." Ed retorted, Raziel murring as he twitched at these actions, gently smacking away the boy's jabbing fingers.

"I'm ten times smarter than those braindead walking stench factories that cant hold onto their limbs. And I'll have you know I'm far from the ablity of stretching my neck to impossible lengths like that ghoulish looking E.T. thing. Nor do I get sick if im far away from my planet...infact im happy to be away from it actually. How you humans thought that thing was cute...I'll never know." the wraith then said, huffing as he looked away, which caused Edward to laugh for the first time since they encountered one another. Of course this caused him to look back at the blonde curiously. "What? What's soo funny?" he then asked, Edward grinning as he rubbed at his eyes, due to how hard he was laughing he was leaking tears.

"You are...it seems you cant take a joke...but that accent and how easily you got insulted is just a riot." Ed replied out, smiling in amusement then as Raziel was further confused.

"Accent...? I dont have an accent...do I?" Raziel then said, blinking in confusion as Edward nodded.

"You damn well do. You sound like some tea sipping hoity toity upperclass rich dude who munches on crumpets. Which is weird cause you look well...nothing like that no offense. And when you got insulted and started spouting off you sounded soo...funny. Mom was right...it IS hard for guys with your accent to sound insulted." Edward then pointed out, still trying to keep from laughing soo much as Raziel sweatdropped, feeling silly now.

He never did realize he had an accent, due to the fact most of the beings from his world had the same english accent to their tones. Kain and Janos defiently having accents besides Raziel himself. Though Janos had more of a spanish one...not an english one like them. Well now he knew why Kain laughed at him back in the past when they were younger and he was still a fledgling vampire and would get insulted and start ranting...he must have sounded amusing to the elder vampire when having a hissy fit. He had to remind himself to kick Kain if their paths were to cross again for never telling him why he laughed at him back then. And he would have to make a mental note not to sound soo...english as this boy put it bluntly with his stereotyping description.

"Well it is good to see you are calmer now. I am glad I was of some amusement to you." Raziel said with a murr, Ed chuckling more at this before he sat back down and grinned.

"Yeah yeah a riot...but tell me more, dont try to slink out on our deal. Cant get without giving after all." Ed then said, Raziel sweatdropping. Damn, the kid was a sharp one for being soo young. Usually children would lose their train of thought at this age soo quickly and either want to go back to sleep or complain about being hungry.

"Point taken. Alright young one I'll tell you more. The reason I am here is due to the fact higher forces summoned me to watch over you. I am not allowed to say who..but they claim it is of dire importance that I be your guardian. I know your name and I've watched over you since the day you were born. I have also watched out for your brother too considering how close you two happen to be." Raziel then continued, Edward giving him a wierd look as the wraith shrugged. "I myself dont really know why, but they said it would be much better than having my soul sucked into the sword of my wicked father of sorts." he then added, Edward thinking for a few minutes as he looked at him. Then giving a light shrug he grinned.

"Fair enough...pretty cool though to have a zombie alien bodyguard though. Just as long as you dont peep on me in the shower im fine with that." he said, Raziel twitching at this.

"I'm a wraith! Or to be more percise..a soul reaver. And please...last time I checked I prefer women and wasent a pedofile." Raziel retorted while snorting, causing Ed to giggle in glee at annoying the blue spector again as Raziel murred.

This brat gets under my skin just as badly as Kain. Ugh it's no surprise if they end up being related! Raziel thought, feeling a headache coming on..and it wasnt anywhere NEAR sunrise yet.

"So...Mister Soul Reaver; how'd you get that way anyways? I doubt it was by choice...unless you like to streak yet freak people out that is." The young Elric then asked curiously, tilting his head to the side while he poked idly at the small fire with a stick he had found lying nearby, helping to keep it going so it wouldnt dimish too quickly. Raziel chuckled at the boy's choice of words for his condition before shaking his head, staring into the fire that Ed was prodding now as he recalled the painfull events of his damnation as a loyal vampire...and rebirth as a devourer of souls bent on revenge.

"No it wasnt by choice young Elric. Though I wish I could change the events in a heartbeat if I could. That I could have flown far far away from the sanctuary of the clans instead of facing my inevitable demise and rebirthing in this vile carcass im forced to inhabit." Raziel started, Edward sending him a curious gaze as Raziel then started to explain is tale of his death and rebirth.

"You see Edward..the vampires of Nosgoth are very different than those of you read of or watch on t.v.. Rather than evolving slowly over time, vampires of Nosgoth experince periods of accelerated metamorphosis, entering dormant states from which they emerge transformed. When I, first among Kain's Lieutenants, revealed my latest evolution- a pair of batlike wings after entering the state of sleep first before Kain, I should have known then to run. But my blind loyalty kept me from thinking that my vampiric father Kain would ever bestow harm to his firstborn son. How wrong I was...." Raziel then trailed, looking down some as Edward watched his reactions, frowning some.

"W..what happened?" the younger male asked softly as Raziel gave a weak sigh.

"My eternal damnation...Kain responded with an act of seemingly egotistical sadism. Tearing my newly fledged wings from my back, he then ordered me to be cast into the Lake of the Dead, where I would burn forever in the roiling abyss. Now keep in mind...vampires of my world are harmed by water...it burns us like acid does to most things. That isnt the case anymore with me now..since I devoured the soul of my brother Rehab to gain immunity to water. But back before that...well you can see what it did to me. After an eternity of torment, my ruined body came to rest- and as the pain receded, I realized that I had not only survived the descent, but had been delivered to the very seat of the Underworld. I was save from the brink of oblivion by a mysterious benefactor- a preternaturally ancient god dwelling in the depths of the Abyss, who transformed me into a devourer of souls, and released me back into the world to take my revenge on Kain and my brothers." Raziel then stated, his fists clenching some as he recalled the incidents.

"Did you ever get it?" Edward then asked, Raziel shaking his head some.

"Yes..and no. The yes being that I hunted down each of my vamperic brothers and took their powers for my own when I ate their souls...the no being Kain still walks Nosgoth unharmed. For you see...due to our meddling in time...it had caused me to kill my past self with Kain's powerful signature weapon..the Soul reaver. But before that it was called the Blood Reaver and devoured the life blood of it's victems. I had ended up sucking my soul into the Blood reaver unknowingly and it thus the weapon turned itself on me. Kain showing abit of mercy saved me from the blade...though it was foretold that I was destined to trapped within the sword and serve as the soul devouring entity within it. And whenever I cross paths with Kain; there is very high risk the sword tries to devour me even if I merely touch it's hilt or it's blade cuts my flesh. I managed to escape this horried fate due to the being that seeks your safety. I offered to watch over you at their request...considering it's much better than my fate at Kain's hands." Raziel then finished, Edward nodding some to this in thought before frowning.

"Seems we both have bastards for fathers...and our lives suck." Edward stated sadly, Raziel shaking his head at this as he patted Edward on the shoulder.

"No young one...my life is far worse than your's. You had a loving mother and a little brother who looks up to you. Well I did have ONE brother that cared for me, little Melchiah; but all the others I felt envied me for being the favorite amongst Kain's brood. Still though...I'd say your's was much better." Raziel pointed out, Edward glaring some at this as he stared into the fire.

"Then how come my dad ran out on me and Al...and why did our mom get taken away?! I really dont think that's a better life...least you had a mother and a family long enough to remember until you died, were turned vampire, then died again!" Edward then snapped, Raziel flinching at this.

"I dont remember if I had blood siblings or a mother or father Edward...before Kain ressurrected us; he wiped our memories of our human lives. He thought it was better to start with clean slates and get rid of our bothersome human memories no doubt." Raziel then said, Edward blushing some at this as he looked away, feeling guilty at his rash outburst.

"Sorry....I didnt know." Ed mewed out, rubbing his one arm some as he stared at the ground, Raziel patting his head a few times.

"It's alright, you didnt know. And for your earlier statement...life's not fair young one....all those who exist and struggle know this well as they grow and travel on their rocky crooked road of fate. But at least keep this in mind...your's will be a tad easier; with me there to catch you when you stumble or fall. I may not be your mother or father...but think of me as a good substitute." Raziel then said gently, Edward smiling up at him some before his mood lifted alittle. Rubbing at an eye, he then stretched alittle, showing signs of fatigue.

"You arent going to baby me are you? Last thing I want is a smurf zombie running after me before school giving me my bag of lunch and telling me not to talk to strangers. Plus you'd probly give Winry and Auntie Pinako a heart attack." Edward then exclaimed, Raziel sweatdropping at the strange image the young boy had painted for him in his mind as he then had a turn at laughing. Strange...he hadnt laughed in soo long, yet here this boy was punching his funny bone when he was mostly a dark and brooding being who hardly trusted anyone. Indeed this child was something. Calming his laughter he then cleared his throat.

"No..though I will eliminate anyone that dares to harm you or your brother. But that means no sicing me on people who annoy you or make statements about your height. I'm a Soul Reaver...not an attack dog." Raziel replied, Edward murring at this...his hopes of terrifying the bullies at his school going right out the window. When Raziel caught sight of Edward trying to stifle a yawn, he then chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Alright...enough bed time stories...I think it's due time for you to sleep like your brother." Raziel then instructed firmly as Ed pouted, showing his childlike nature for once as he then jumped and clung to the wraith's leg when a crack of thunder rumbled through the heavens.

"How am I supposed to sleep with this damn storm going on? I dont sleep like a rock unlike Al!" Edward whined out, shaking as Raziel couldnt help but chuckle, wishing once more he could smile as he pondered.

"Well...what would your mother do to help you sleep during rough times like these?" he then asked, Edward looking up at him as he then looked out at the storm, sadness gracing his gold eyes as he thought back to when his mother would help him and Al sleep during storms.

"She...she would sing us to sleep with a lullaby. Her mom taught it to her when she was little and she passed it down to mom and so on." Edward said sadly, Raziel sweatdropping. The sheer thought of singing a child to sleep felt odd to him. He didnt exactly sing in his spare time...though he did hum when he was bored. However, when he caught sight of that sad look on the young Elric's face, he couldnt help but feel for him.

"Alright, let me read your thoughts so I know the song. That way you dont have to teach it to me." Raziel then said, resting his hand on Edward's head as he listened to his thoughts...reading the memories Edward presented him. Once he got the lyrics memorized he then nodded. "Right...got them. Now go lay down next to your brother...cant exactly get comfy enough to sleep sitting up can you?" Raziel then said, a kind tone to his voice now as Ed nodded, moving over to lay next to his still slumbering brother next to the warm fire, getting situated in the large leaves and grass Raziel had collected earlier along with the firewood. "Now dont laugh...I'm not exactly a singer. So try to be kind if I'm not very good at this." Raziel then said as Ed gave a nod while the wraith sat down beside him and Alphonse, patting him on the head when another loud thunder clap rang through the air, the young boy whimpering as he held onto the wraith's one ankle tightly with his right hand out of reaction.

Well...here goes nothing. Raziel then thought weakly, praying to the highest orders Kain would never find out about this. Closing his eyes, the wraith then began the lullaby that the Elric's mother would sing to them on nights like these.

"Little child, be not afraid,
Though rain pounds harshly against the glass
Like an unwanted stranger, there is no danger,
I am here tonight.

Little child, be not afraid,
Though thunder explodes and lightning flash
Illuminates, your tear-stained face,
I am here tonight

And someday you'll know,
That nature is so,
The same rain that draws you near me.

Falls on rivers and land,
On forests and sand,
Makes the beautiful world that you see
In the morning.

Little child, be not afraid,
Though storm clouds masks your beloved moon
And its candlelight beams, still keep pleasent dreams,
I am here tonight.

Little child, be not afraid,
Though wind makes creatures of our trees
And their branches to hands, they're not real, understand
And I am here tonight.

And someday you'll know
That nature is so,
The same rain that draws you near me.

Falls on rivers and land,
On forests and sand,
Makes the beautiful world that you see
In the morning.

For you know, once even I
Was a little child,
And I was afraid,
But a gentle someone always came
To dry all my tears, trade my sweet sleep for fears
And to give a kiss goodnight

Well now I am grown,
And these years have shown,
That rain's a part of how life goes.

But it's dark and it's late,
So I'll hold you and wait
'Til your frightened eyes do close.

And I hope that you'll know,
That nature is so,
The same rain that draws you near me.

Falls on rivers and land,
On forests and sand,
Makes the beautiful world that you see
In the morning,

Everything's fine in the morning,
The rain will be gone in the morning,
But I'll still be here in the morning...."

When Raziel finished the soothing lullaby, he peeked his eyes open, hoping the Elric hadnt waited to laugh at him, or was still awake to tell him that's not how she sung it or something to that degree. To his surprise the melody had done it's work...due to the fact the young Edward was fast sleep, his right hand loosely holding onto Raziel's ankle now as his breathing was steady and relaxed, a slight snoring escaping from him.

Well, he either fell asleep from boredom or from how well I sang it. Either way I got the desired result so I'm not complaining. Raziel then thought, sighing in relief as he then carefully snuck over towards the fire, sitting next to it to get warm while his eyes then watched the young boys resting. He didnt feel tired so he decided it would be best to watch them like he always did. During the middle of the night however, they both started showing signs of being cold, shivering as they huddled up more to get warm. Looking around for what he could use as a cover, the wraith came up with nothing, and the leaves were soaking wet so they wouldnt do any good to them, except maybe get them sick. Then getting an idea, Raziel then removed his cowl; seeing that it was long enough to cover them both, he walked over and gently placed it over their shivering forms. It did the trick as both of the boys instantly calmed their shaking, nuzzeling up to the warm burnt cowl that had once served as a cape to the fallen vampire turned Soul Reaver.

"Rest well little ones. I'll still be here in the morning; promise you that I can." Raziel then whispered to them from where he sat, sitting there as he watched for the dawn to peek out from the thunderous clouds.

Hours had passed as the wraith had then set out to grab some fish and other foods nature provided before the boys could wake. As dawn creeped over the horizen, Ed and Al were stretching and yawning as Raziel walked into the cave with the fish and berries he had obtained. Having still left his cowl with the two to keep them warm, he had forgotten how much of a shock he was on Al appearence wise...so it was rather unfortunate the boy screamed and passed out once more from fright upon seeing the scarfless spector.

"Damn you're such a wuss Alphonse. Sorry about him..he kinda doesnt mean it. He isnt used to seeing you." Edward said as he sweatdropped, prodding at his unconcious brother as Raziel chuckled and shrugged, placing the food infront of the two before he took his scarf back and proceeded to wrap it back around his face.

"No worries...I'm rather used to people being startled by my visage. Though it puzzles me as to why you have adjusted soo quickly when most children your age would well...pass out like your brother." Raziel exclaimed, Ed shrugging as he grabbed one of the fishes and began to chomp down on it, due to Raziel having already cooked the fish courtesy of his fire reaver.

"You are creepy looking no lying there...but I know... you are also good so I'm not bothered by your... freaky appearence." Edward pointed out, explaining this between bites of his fish, showing his appetite had defiently not dimished at all. Raziel quirked a brow at this. This child was as sharp as a whip. He may have looked young and feeble...but he had an old soul in him no doubt there.

"You defiently has a voice of reason that belies your age young one. You have great promise to exceed where others cannot." Raziel then said with a light chuckle, Ed smiling some at this.

"Thanks....and uh..how come you can talk but have no jaw? That's been bugging me eversince I saw you last night eat that guy's soul." Edward then asked, Raziel sweatdropping at this before shrugging.

"Very supple throat muscles to put it simply. I mean my hair survived not getting burnt off too during my descent." Raziel explained, Ed nodding at this.

"True...plus you'd look real silly bald. And you'd just blend in with the other zombies." Ed then said, taking another big bite from his fish as Raziel facepalmed.

"Wraith young one....and yes I guess my hair makes me unique. Not like my personality and intellect distinquishes me from other mindless undead or anything." Raziel then muttered, Ed snickering as he sent a grin Raziel's way.

"Learn to take a joke Mr. Reaver."

"Eat your breakfast...and save some for your brother for when he wakes up."

"Yes Papa Smurf."

Later that morning, the wraith had helped re-wrap Edward's wounds since the bandages had bled through alittle and had forced him into cleaning up in the nearby pond since he was filthy from falling into the mud multiple times the night before trying to escape the thugs. Well it wasnt much of a task, since he used telekinsis to knock him into the shallow part of the pond when Edward refused to go in willingly. And of course since Edward, though tempted to use alchemy, couldnt for fear of Izumi finding out; decided to just curse out the wraith after he dried himself off and then knocked him into the water when the wraith had chosen to tune him out while sitting on a rock near the deep end of the pond with his back to the child. Sure the two may have seem annoyed with one another; but it was obivious they were bonding like siblings usually would when bossing each other around or squabbling. After a few more hours passed, (And Alphonse passing out yet again from sheer fright of Raziel), Raziel had helped Edward back towards the original spot him and Alphonse set up camp.

"You know...for a dead guy..you sure are alright with me. I mean you arent eating my brains or anything...plus you are kinda cool. I just didnt think I'd have a undead zombie for a guardian. Weird if you think about it. We just need Al to stop fainting at you." Edward said, leading the way to the campsite as Raziel followed close behind holding Alphonse, nodding at this.

"He'll adjust eventually. And i'm a wraith Edward...very different from zombies. And again I eat souls. I'd eat yours...but's alil too small." Raziel retorted, ducking when Ed threw a stick his way as he chortled.

"Learn to take a joke Edward." The wraith said slyly, Edward snorting in irritation at this before he stormed on ahead.

"I'm NOT small!" he barked out, causing the wraith to laugh in amusement, that being the hundredth time he had laughed that morning into mid afternoon. However, his laughter was cut short when he heard Edward yelp. Running forward, he pushed the leaves and underbrush aside when he saw the young Elric holding his knife ready, pointing it towards a male with jet black waist length hair streaked purple with his back to them, sitting infront of the firewood Ed and Al had made days before that was now lit and holding fish. "Hey who the hell are you and why you raiding our campsite?!" Ed yelled angerily. Turning, to look over his shoulder, the man tilted his black sunglasses down, swirling silver eyes resting on the tiny blonde male. Raziel's breath caught in his throat, it was the man he met when he first came here...well man is not exactly what he was to be exact.

"Well arent you a firecracker. What I cant have a snack before meeting with my servant? Besides you ate already chill kiddo; not like I was stealing your fish or anything." The man said, giving a shrug as he got to his feet and dusted himself off, towering over Ed at the staggering height of 6,8ft tall. Ed had to strain his neck to look up at the man adorned in the black trenchcoat with matching shirt and boots as he then ulped, ducking behind Raziel now. "And my name is Thanatos. But you can call me T. R. for short...well when you remember that is." Thanatos then said, Edward blinking at this confused as he looked to Raziel, noticing the expression he was giving the tall male.

"You know him?" he asked, remembering the male's earlier statement as Raziel gave a nod.

"He's my boss. I think I'm in trouble for revealing my presense to you hence his arrival." Raziel said, actually uneasy for once when facing one who controlled him. That was due to the fact that unlike Moebious or the Elder God...this man could back up his statement of being a God and proving it rather well when other's doubted him. Thanatos just gave a chuckle before waving a dismissive hand.

"Relax Razzy I aint going to punish you or anything like that. You did a damn good job keeping yourself hidden for quite a long time from this kid and the rest of the world. Plus I dont blame you for your actions the night before...I probly would have done the same if I were in your shoes. However...I do have to do something about this situation. The kid's still alil too young yet and not the type to keep a secret rather well. It's still not yet time for him to know about you or things that go bump in the night." Thanatos then said, his tone becoming serious now as Ed looked between the two, his confusion growing greater and greater with each word spoken.

"What exactly are you implying?" Raziel asked, unease in his voice as he unknowingly moved his free hand that wasnt holding Alphonse over to Edward's shoulder. Ed of course tensed at this too, moving to hide behind Raziel's frame more now.

"Nothing drastic. As I said; this kid is important to us all. Just that I'll put him down for a nap and do a memory wipe of the encounter between you both." Thanatos then explained, both of their eyes widening as Edward mewed.

"What?! That isnt fair, I just got to know him, and he's my guardian too. I wont tell anyone I promise!" Edward yelled out, anger in his voice as Thanatos sighed while putting his hands up defensivly

"Sorry kiddo but that's the way it is. Rules are rules. I'd love to let you guys bond but I cant or I'd be in trouble myself. Dont worry though...not like you'll forget Raziel completely or anything like that." Thanatos then stated, a light smile to his face as Edward tilted his head, Raziel now speaking up.

"You mean...there might be a chance he'll remember all this?" Raziel then said, Thanatos nodding as he leaned his tall frame against the base of a nearby tree.

"Yes. Not remembering something doesnt really mean that it's gone." he stated.

"What do you mean? You arent making sense here Mister." Edward said as Thanatos smiled in amusement at the boy's utterly confused expression as he scratched his head in confusion.

"Let me finish kiddo. Anyways, when you remember one thing, that leads to remembering another, and another, and then another. Our memories are connected. Many peices are linked together like they're in a chain- that makes up each of us. I dont actually erase memories you see- just take apart the links and rearrange them. You still will have all your memories of this encounter buried deep within you. But you wont be able to remember anything about what happened here these past few days. I'm sorry, it's the only way I'm afraid." Thanatos then stated, a slight frown to his features as he saw the heartbroken look cross Edward's face as he then looked desperatly up at Raziel, who also happened to be unhappy with this news.

"But...but when I wake up...I wont remember you anymore. So how am I going to thank you and be friends with you?" Edward asked sadly, Raziel's heart nearly breaking at the boy's utterance of the word "friend" when he referred to him. Then an idea struck his mind at what Thanatos had said earlier before he pat him reassuringly on the head.

"No worries, the time will come when you'll see me again. And I'll make sure you remember me next time of this event." Raziel said gently, looking to Thanatos as the man nodded, knowing what he would plan what to do due to reading his thoughts as he approved of it.

"Oh good, that makes me feel a heck of alot better. Goodnight then...?" Edward then asked, sweatdropping since he forgot to even ask the wraith his name.

"Raziel's my name. And goodbye Edward." Raziel then said, patting him on the head as Edward puffed his cheeks in annoyance.

"No, not goodbye! When I wake up, I'll find you. And then we'll be friend's again! Promise me, Raziel." Edward stated firmly, Raziel chuckling at this before sighing.

"You're going to forget making that promise Edward." Raziel pointed out as Edward shook his head.

"If the chain of memories comes apart, the links will still be there right? so the memory of our promise will always be inside me somewhere. I'm sure of it." Edward stated firmly as he gave him a confident grin. Thanatos quirked a brow, impressed at the kid's sharp mind at such a tender age as he gave a chuckle.

"Kid's got a point Razzy." he said, looking to the wraith with his own grin as Raziel folded his arms and shook his head, rather impressed.

"Yeah. You're indeed true about that...alright young one...it's a promise." Raziel then said, before Edward held up his fist, Raziel nodded and crouched down, bumping his own fist with the young Elric's; their way of sealing the promise as he then rose up to his full height again.

"Good. Until later."
Turning then, the young Elric walked over to where Raziel layed down Alphonse on their makeshift bed of leaves as Thanatos then walked over beside the boy, starting to prep the spells as he chanted softly.

"A promise...huh." Raziel said to himself, surprised at how deep an impact this boy had had on him to where he saw him as a younger brother. Then walking over, he noticed Edward was growing a tad nervous and unsure as Raziel nodded to him. "Don't worry, you might forget about me...but with our promise I can come back." Raziel then said reassuringly as he stood beside Edward, leaning down as he purposely messed up the blonde's hair as he murred and fixed it, though showed a grin nonetheless.

"A promise is a promise." Edward stated, Raziel nodding once more.

"Til then, the memories of our meeting will be in your heart." Raziel said afterwards to this as Ed nodded, giving him a thumbs up.

"Right. Forgotten- but not lost." He said.

Ten minutes had passed after this, Edward fast asleep beside Alphonse as Raziel and Thanatos stood at the highest peek of the island's one hill that was not too far off from the shore. "You'd think with those claws you'd carve faster." Thanatos stated in a bored tone, Raziel ignoring the ravenette as he then finished up his note on a nearby tree that was in plain view of the shore and campsite.

"Calm yourself, I just finished. You know it's not easy to write with three claws. Plus I hadnt had a soul in awhile so I'm abit famished." Raziel retorted, dusting his hands off as Thanatos nodded.

"Well that could be why you were shaking earlier...though the leaking from your eyes you'll have to explain to me." Thanatos replied, sneering as Raziel looked away and rubbed at his face a few times murring.

"I got wood particles in my eyes is all! Now let's be off before they wake up or anyone else spots us." Raziel said in a hurried tone, Thanatos snickering..sensing that Raziel's pokerface was about to cave in again as he summoned up his scythe and tore a portal through the air.

"Alright let's be off. You can watch them once their training is over on this island. Shouldnt be too long now. Besides that masked fella is here watching em for Izumi...so they arent entirely abandoned." Thanatos then said when he sensed Raziel's hesistation. The wraith looked back towards the two slumbering Elrics, giving them a look of worry...as if they were of his own brood before he nodded and began to follow the god of death through the portal.

"Take care Edward...look out for your brother and yourself. But remember..I'm still here for you too like I promised." Raziel then whispered, turning as he headed fully into the portal, unaware of Alphonse waking up and catching a glimpse of the wraith walking into the portal before it vanished.

"E....ED!" Al cried out, clinging to his brother as he mewed in fear, the older Elric yowling before he shoved Al off him.

"W..what the heck is it Al cant you see I was napping?!" Ed barked out, murring as he rubbed at his eyes while Al whimpered.

"I thought I saw something...it looked like a blue skeleton...he vanished into some freaky portal but he was just there I swear it!" Al said, pointing towards the spot where Thanatos and Raziel had previously stood, the blonde making a face.

"Al you just had a bad dream...blue skeletons? No more spotted berries for you tonight oi. There's no such thing." Edward then said with a loud yawn, Alphonse mewing as he looked at the spot again before giving a weak sigh, following after his brother as they went to search for some food for the day.

Meanwhile, now standing on the shore to Dublin, Thanatos and Raziel looked towards the now small island, Raziel staring at it quietly before glancing to his new master.

"Do you think we did the right thing? I mean...the boy could have kept my secret you know." he said in a hopefull tone, Thanatos shaking his head while he smiled.

"Too risky Raz. No worries though...you can watch em after their training is over as I said before. But stay to the shadows this time ok?" Thanatos said sternly, the wraith giving a weak nod as the raven haired god eyed him curiously. "Heh...you act like they are your kids or brothers. Didnt think a fella like you would have such feelings." he said, Raziel chuckling weakly as he shook his head.

"No...they are my friends." Raziel said. Thanatos smiling and nodding to this as he signaled for the wraith to follow. Watching the island for a few more minutes, Raziel gave a faint chuckle as he then turned and followed the god of death.

I never knew I still had such emotions myself....I who had struck fear into the hearts of many on my bloodsoaked quest for revenge against Kain. I who trusted soo few in number due to others using me like a rug to wipe their boots on after a hard day's work. I had only trusted one other; my mentor Janos Audron...he who looked to me as a son..only to be possessed by the Hlyden lord; the fiendish enemy of the vampires due to my own careless actions of self preservation, only for him to attack me and fly off to unknown areas. After that I thought I had lost all faith in the word...trust. But this mere little boy with an inner fire to challange that of a volcano's in pure might...had taught me that not all are out to hurt you...that not all are out to make you to be a monster. No..this child...in an eternity of manipulations, torment, and strife...had givin me the one thing I longed for more than my freedom from my dark destiny as the soul within the Blood Reaver.....peace.

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