Forest of Horrors

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Synopsis: A dive into Ryouma's past. A child who just wanted someone to love him but instead got everything besides that. Until he finally met someone who cared for reasons other than their own gain.

CW// mentions of abuse, torture, and very slight hint at csa

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Even from a young age, Ryouma didn't know what it was like to be loved. His parents didn't ever seem to care about him. All he was to them was an accessory to flaunt around to their friends. They're brilliant child.

Ryouma was only eight years old when he ran away from home. He couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't stand to remain in that house a moment longer. Nothing but pain and suffering was there.

He didn't have a plan when he ran away. Ryouma just wanted to get out. Wanted to escape from that suffocating environment. He figured he could find what to do later.

Unfortunately, he ended up getting caught in a rain storm. Ryouma was shivering as he tried to find cover. He pressed himself into a small hole that was covered by a roof. He curled up and tried to stay warm.

He didn't know what to do now. He didn't know where to go. Would anywhere let a kid in without his parents? Would they just make him go home? He didn't want to go home. He never wanted to see that place again.

A shadow loomed over him, making him look up. A man stood before him. There was a gentle expression on his face as he stared down at Ryouma.

"Are you lost?" The man asked, kneeling down.

Ryouma shook his head.

"Are you all alone?"

He nodded.

"Would you like to come with me? I can give you a home. I'm sure you'll fit right in." The man held out a hand to him.

Ryouma trusted the man. Despite the countless warning to never trust strangers, he felt like he could. This man was kind. He wanted to help him. Everything would be okay.

He took the man's hand. They walked together for a while. At least he had an umbrella. Ryouma was still cold, though.

"What's your name? You can call me Amagi."

"Ryouma."

"It's nice to meet you, Ryouma. I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

If only he knew just what those words had actually meant back then...

...

Ryouma and Amagi arrived at a building. Ryouma was ushered inside quickly before he had a chance to try and read anything. Whwn they got inside, he was met with kids. There were other children here. Ryouma wasn't sure what to think.

He was taken elsewhere. There was another area. Amagi brought him inside and showed him to a room. There was not much inside. Just a bed and a dresser. There did seem to be a bathroom attached to it.

"Why don't you get settled in and dry off? I'll get you some fresh clothes to wear." Amagi prompted.

Ryouma nodded. "Thank you, Amagi-san."

Amagi smiled at him. "You're welcome, Ryouma. Welcome to your new home."

Getting settled in was easy. He was given some new pairs of clothes he could wear. He was given food that he had never even heard of before. Everything seemed like it was finally going his way for once. Maybe he found a place that would give him the love he never had?

Unfortunately that hope was crushed before long. Just as Ryouma had become accustomed to the new place and freedom, it was all ripped away from him in an instant.