A/N

Inspired by The Last Of Us by Naughty Dogs.

Lake heard unpleasant crying, a cry from a baby's voice. Lake groaned as she sat up from her bed. It was the middle of the night, and she heard crying from her doorstep. She stood up and approached her front door, carefully opening it and seeing a bundled up baby, wrapped up in a blanket. The baby had bright green eyes like Lake's, and when she looked into the baby's eyes, her heart skipped a beat. It's just something that made Lake... feel something foreign.

Suddenly, Lake heard thunder, and she quickly picked up the crying baby and brought him inside. She kept the door closed properly and carefully laid the crying baby on the bed. She carefully unwrapped the blanket and noticed an amulet with a name written on it. "Ember..."

Lake carefully searched if there was anything. And yet, nothing else but the baby and the amulet. Lake figured that the baby's name was Ember. Lake also noticed the burns from the baby's body and from his long hair. Lake whispered. "No wonder his name is Ember... Poor bud... Ok, you're gonna stay here with me until your mother comes back..."

~~~~~

"Okay, okay, you can do it. I believe in you." Lake whispered to Ember, who is now 5 years old. He held the tiny bow and arrow up, aiming for the target hung up on the tree. Ember narrowed his emerald green eyes, and released the arrow before missing the target as it passed the tree. He sighed and looked down. "I failed... again..."

"Cmon, buddy. Focus and believe in yourself." Lake held his shoulders as she lowered herself to balance the height. She glanced over Ember's shoulders and saw the confidence and determination in his eyes. He aimed his bow and arrow up again, aiming and focusing on the target. He released it once more, hitting the target, but not exactly on the center. Ember gasped, and hugged Lake quickly. "I did it!"

"I knew you would..."

~~~~~

"Happy birthday, Ember..." Lake smiles as 12 year old Ember smiles widely to blow the candle from the chocolate cake. It seemed like Lake even taught him to like chocolate. Ember ran to hug Lake again, smiling.

~~~~~

The arrow hit the center of the target. And Ember stood there with a hint of pride. But he's done it before. Right at the center. He grabbed another arrow from his backpack and aimed for the second target, feeling slightly angry about something. That's when it was the last straw.

~~~~~

"You're not my mom, alright?! Why can't you just realize that?!" Ember shouted in front of Lake, who had her fists clenched. "I know! I had no choice!"

"I have my own life, Lake! Why can't you just let me be free and live it?" Ember had plead in his green eyes, which Lake saw her own reflection in them.

"I know that! I just want to be a part of it..."