49 The beginning of the Eighth

Standing beside the woman happened to be a man, tall and muscular. Raven color hair with a cream complex for the skin. His dark brown eyes looked down softly at the newborn as he stroked his neatly trimmed and well-kept beard. Standing behind him were other people, two nurses, and a doctor judging from their clothing.

"What shall we call him?"

The man would ask as he eyed his wife. Assuming that they were married judging from the rings on their fingers and the fact that their tension started to relax after a good amount of time. The woman would smile softly without allowing her gaze to drift.

"Riyku. Riyku LunarFang."

The woman would answer with gentleness to her voice. The man seemed quite pleased with the name as he repeated it several times. Everything seemed peaceful and nice until a black mist swirled along with the boy which caused both the parent's eyes to widen in surprise.

"Oh my... so he is born with an aptitude for magika as well."

A figure who had been staring outside of a window had looked in the direction of the parents and the boy. When he felt a chill in the air, and the presence of mana it drew his attention. The sole reason he was there, was because he was the town's Magi. Someone who specialized in the usage of mana and Magika. Without approaching the two, he had called out to them.

In return to this gesture, the father seemed to speak up with a serious expression; placing a hand on his wife's shoulder when he noticed she wanted to speak. However, she was in a weakened state and needed to rest up. He didn't want her to exhaust any more energy than she needed.

"What do you mean? Is he like Jaccs?"

The Magi looked from the boy to the father with a friendly smile. "Sir, Ire, I mean no harm by it. Just like your previous son, Jaccs. Your second son has an aptitude for magika. Your first son was born on the morning of a Solar Eclipse which gave him the ability to call to the elements of flame. Your second son being born on this Lunar Eclipse during the dead of night seems to have blessed him with the ability to call to the elements of the shadow. Of course, the reason is as I said before. You two possess an aptitude to control mana directly. This gift has been passed on two both of your children. Jaccs SolarFang and Riyku LunarFang."

"Chief Ire, we can look over Riyku. You and Madam Chastity should get some rest. We need to relocate tomorrow after all. With the coming of the Lunar Eclipse, the Neuromorphic Lycans will be roaming into this territory as well."

The man would look to his wife before looking over the village doctor and nod with an appreciative smile and thanked them before looking to the Magi and thanked him as well.

"Thank you. Master Magi, Please look over Riyku just as you do Jaccs."

A few years had passed; another child was born into the Fang family. Jin NinFang was his full name and then more years went by. The village of nomads had traveled across the land due to many reasons. Climate change, predator territory, war zones, etc. Though everyone seemed to be having the happiest lives possible. Once they finished setting up the village the three children go off to train with the Magi and his grand-daughter who was sent to him almost a year ago. The Magi had joined with the village as their prime wizard, acting as the first line of defense for the village since the village had come to accept him. They refused to allow him to live on his own and treated him as one of their own. Giving him the tribal name of 'Fang'. His full name was Vigor Fallance-'Fang'. Though everyone called him Magi, which was short for Magician; people who could utilize the mana around them in a purified manner.

After a long day of preparing and training the boys were sent back down from the hill-top to the village where they were set up for dinner, had a nice family talk about their day, and what they did during training before being sent to bed. The next day came quickly, everyone was already up and about. Everyone but one small boy with short raven color hair and cute black eyes. Waking up the small child would make his way to the bathroom where he stepped up on a stool to raise high enough to reach over the sink and grab his toothbrush when he needed to. First, he washed his face off before proceeding to reach for this toothbrush, lather it up with some toothpaste and proceed to brush his teeth nice and clean. During this hygiene process, a soft and caring voice called from another room to get his attention. Only to request a task of him shortly after.

"Riyku~ Since you are up can you go get your brothers. I believe they are up on the hill with the Magi. They wanted to get some morning training done before breakfast was finish."

The cute child would spit out the paste and wash his mouth out with some water before calling back to his mother in agreement. "Yes, Mom!" He would then move from the stool, return to the room, and get changed from his simple comfortable nightwear which was a pair of black shorts and a black shirt. What he changed into now, was a pair of black pants, and a white shirt with a black light-jacket. He would proceed to put on some socks then his black shoes, lacing and tying them before heading out the door.

The child would speed down a dirt path passing other villagers who greeted him as he did the same for them with a smile and a wave of his hand. "Ah, young Riyku. Good morning." An elderly lady tending to her garden had stopped the child in his tracks and drew his attention. "Good morning! Do you need any help around your garden today?" The child asked with a warm smile which caused the elderly woman to chuckle softly.

"As much as I would be grateful for it. I would need to decline. Tending to my garden is my only pass time. How else would I keep in shape if not?" The elderly lady chuckled softly at the end and the child nodded in return. "I assume your mother asked you to do something. Tell your brothers, the Magi, and his granddaughter I said hello." The elderly woman would add and the child would nod. "Will do! Take care!" He would race off excitedly and the elderly woman would wave him off while returning to her garden.

Coming up the hill Riyku would steady his jogging pace into a cautious walk. His cute black orbs glancing around here and there as if looking for someone. "I know you are there Mina so come on out already." The child called out. A short time would pass before someone indeed came out throwing a kunai in his direction which landed in front of his feet.

"Awe, you are no fun." A cute pink-haired girl dressed in a pink kunoichi outfit would come from behind a tree. Riyku would shake his head to her remark. "I do not have time to play with you, Mina. Mother asked me to gather my brothers." Riyku would reply as he reached down to pick up the kunai before tossing it in Mina's direction. The girl would catch it before pouting vividly.

"But your brothers are no match for me. Jaccs has all the brawn in the world, but he is the slowest person ever. Meanwhile, Jin is quick on his feet, but can not match in terms of strength. You are the only one who can stand toe-to-toe against me. Well besides my granddad." Mina would comment as she turned from him with an even more pouting expression.

"Hey, that's not nice!" Jaccs' voice would call from the peak of the hilltop. Beside him happened to a shorter boy with silver hair in a lean build. Compared to Jaccs who had a more heavy-set build and was much taller. Behind them happened to an older male wearing comfortable clothing and a bright smile, which was probably the Magi. He was dressed to the part, looking like some kind of magician. "Well, she is not wrong." Jin would add while they made their way towards Mina and Riyku.

"Uhhh huh... Are you sure it has nothing to do with the fact that Mina likes Riyku?" Jaccs would tease which caused Mina's cheeks to flare a bright pink. "It does not!" She exclaimed as she turned towards them. Jaccs' lips curved into a taunting smile. "Suuuuuure it doesn't. Besides, how many times has Riyku beaten you?" It seemed that just before Mina could answer, Jin already had the answer. "Their bouts come to 350-345-40. Riyku leading by five wins on Mina, with the other forty being draws." Mina's brow twitched and when they were close enough to smack both of them upside the head which caused him to groan out.

"Ouch!" Jaccs exclaimed as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Ow." Jin would remark as he massaged the back of his head.

The Magi would chuckle softly, "Now, now. They mean no harm, Mina. Remember what I said about losses." The Magi would reprimand her in a softened manner, like that of a father would their child. Mina would look away shyly as she dug the tip of her sandal into the ground. "That... all losses are ways to improve. Looking back on your mistakes can be used to better yourself and ensure you do not repeat your mistakes." Mina responded lightly which caused the Magi to nod gleefully. "I am happy you understand." The Magi would add, his eyes shifting towards Riyku when the boy approached them.

"I assume you are here for your brothers?" The Magi would inquire and Riyku would nod softly. "Mother said that is also time for breakfast. I am sure she would be delighted if you two joined us as well." Riyku would add with a smile. Mina instantly shifted her eyes from the boy to her grandfather. "Can we!?" She seemed extremely thrilled by this offer which caused the Magi to smile wryly as if in defeat. He could see that there was no way he could say no even if he felt the need to do so.

With a yes the five of them headed back down the hilltop to proceed to have a wonderful breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The table was filled with laughter and teases. A joyous atmosphere that could last a lifetime and more. When breakfast came to an end the boys helped clean up before heading out to do their morning chores. Jaccs usually ended up helping with all of the heavy liftings. Considering he was able to perform just as well as the rest of the adult males he was given a small pay wage of coins for his hard work. Although everyone knew he wasn't helping out for the coin. He was doing it out of a sense of pride and duty as the son of the Chief as well as the fact that he enjoyed helping out. Still, his primary duty was with the Guardian Party. They were the folks that protected the village sort of like a police force. They were also the first line of defense in case of an emergence. As for Jin, he was with the Scouting Party. Their mission and goal were to scout out decent areas to set up in. As well as if any of the local wildlife were moving in. Since the Fang Tribe wasn't one to mess with the local wildlife, they tended to migrate every so often, because of this the wildlife usually saw them as equals and respected them enough to not attack or run through their village. It was the Scouting Parties' job to maintain these relations as well. Some of the members could even talk with the local wildlife which allowed them to gain information that they, themselves normally were unable to gain. They also acted as messengers and relationship builders with other tribes and races, like the Dark and High Elves, as well as the Darwfs and even the Orcs.

Lastly, came Riyku. His affiliation was with the Hunting Party. Their tasks were quite simple. To go out and hunt sometimes even gather. It may seem counter-intuitive to go out hunting, but not all wildlife can be reasoned with. In a lot of cases, there can be Raging Boars and Direwolves that roam around and prey on the local wildlife that their tribe can reason with. Like for example today, the Hunting party was sent to exterminate a pack of dire wolves that had nestled their way into a nearby cavern. A bit closer to their village than they would hope for. It was a request put in by the Scouting Party. The Leader of the Hunting Party was none other than his father. However, his father Ire GleeFang was away on negotiations with a nearby kingdom. So the Second in Command, Apathy Grams-Fang. He was like the right-hand man. Someone that the Chief could trust. Apathy was the one leading them today.

The Hunting Party consisted of five individuals. Apathy Grams-Fang who was Second in Command. Darwin Grams-Fang, the younger brother of Apathy. Christina Grams-Fang, the younger sister of Apathy and Darwin. Lesia Lowe-Fang, an individual who the Chief found stranded and alone one night. As well as Riyku DarkFang, son of Ire GleeFang. Apathy had a wooden spear in his hand, along with a machete strapped to his side. Darwin was carrying a wooden bow in his hand with a leather sack of quivers strapped to his back. Christina wasn't holding a weapon. Instead, her knuckles were strapped with gauntlets. As for Lesia, she was using two daggers strapped to her side, along with a tracking knife strapped to her thigh. Meanwhile, Riyku had... well nothing. It wasn't that he didn't choose to carry a weapon. It was more like he did not need to.

"So, Young Riyku; how are things with Mina?" Christina asked out of nowhere, since she was standing beside him she gave him a light bump with her hips which caused him to almost stumbling to the side. Apathy and Darwin were ahead of them with Lesia covering the rear. Considering Riyku was smaller than all of them it seemed they had him in the center for his own protection. "Umm... good, why do you ask?" It seemed Riyku's innocent self knew not of what Christina meant which caused her to chuckle softly. Questions started to pop around Riyku since he did not get why she was laughing.

"She means are you two a couple yet?" Darwin came out bluntly which caused Riyku's cheeks to flare up a soft pink. "A c-couple? Like, mom and dad?" The child Riyku asked innocently which caused Christina to bump him lightly again. "Of course!" She replied to him which caused his face to become beat red. "I uhh... I mean... I think she is cute." Riyku would reply in a shy manner which caused Christina to giggle softly when she saw how flustered Riyku was. "You should ask her out then." Christina would comment with a warm smile which caused Riyku to look up at her. "Ask her out?" He was puzzled by what she meant. Christina could see the innocent in his eyes which caused her to release a soft breath as if she were witnessing something precious. "Yes. To become a couple like your mother and father. Do you like Mina?" Christina inquired as she eyed the child.

"Like? I am not sure." Riyku would reply as he looked at the ground in thought. Since Apathy was eyeing him he spoke up, "Do you feel different when she around?" He asked while turning his eyes back to the path in front of them. "Different?" Riyku would repeat the question. "Yeah. For example when you are alone with Mina compared to when you with your family or even us. How do you feel?" Darwin would speak up next. Riyku would look up from the ground to the sky, thoughtful expression upon his face. "Well, sometimes my heart beats faster. I get this uneasy feeling in my stomach as well. Other times, I always feel inspired to do my best or try my hardest. When we are alone though I feel... free." This response caused them to fall silent. The silence drew his attention back onto them which caused a puzzled expression. "What, did I say something funny?" Riyku inquired innocently. "Boy... You don't like, Mina." Apathy spoke up which caused Riyku to tilt his head to one side in confusion. "I don't?" He responded. "No, you are in love with her." Darwin some up next which caused Riyku's face to return to a beet red color. "L-L-Love? You mean like how mother and father love each other?" This response caused Christina to smile widely. "Yup! Wow... to be so young and fall in love. Mina is quite a lucky girl. I wonder if Jaccs or Jin have their eyes on her." Christina spoke up which caused Riyku to shift his attention towards her in a hastened manner.

Catching this Christina chuckled lightly and placed her gauntlet hand upon his head ruffling his hair a bit with some pats. "Relax, I was only joking. Besides, it is quite clear that Mina likes you. You should just ask her out. Judging from the way she acts, I am sure she is more aware of her feelings for you than you are of your own for her." Christina would reply which caused Riyku to nod softly, turning his head towards the ground in a shy manner. "H-How does one go about doing that?" Riyku asked innocently which caused the group to smile at him. Lesia who had remained silent the entire time moved up to wrap an arm around him from behind. "Simple, all you have to do is get behind her. Embrace her with both arms as if you were giving someone a hug, then whisper into her ear. 'I am in love with you.'" Just as Lesia was explaining this, she did the exact same thing to Riyku; although she had to hunch over to whisper into his ear the 'I am in love with you.' part. This caused his entire face to flare even more red than before. Which caused her to giggle softly as she moved back. Christina huffed heavily, "Ignore her. She doesn't know what she is talking about. You just need to tell her how you truly feel. Be upfront and honest with her. Remember Riyku, all women love a man who is strong, brave, and honest." Riyku's tomato face started to soften when he heard the heart-felt words coming from Christina. Lesia gave a soft pfft sound in the background, but Riyku was focused on Christina and her words. "Strong, Brave, and Honest... Okay. Thank you, Christina!" Riyku exclaimed gleefully after repeating those three words.

"Shh! Get down!" Apathy called out in a hushed manner which caused everyone's senses to sharpen. The atmosphere going from merry joy to serious in a swift motion when Apathy spoke up. The group moved into a prone state, crouching low to the ground. Darwin already had an arrow knocked with his eyes skimming past the brush into the clearing near the carven. It seemed they had arrived at their destination. "Dire wolves..." Riyku spoke softly, Christina looked at him and patted his head softly. "Let's make this quick so our little boy here can ask out the love of his life," Christina spoke softly to the group which caused them to look back at her and nod with a smile on their face. "On my mark..." Apathy would speak up, as he waited; watching the four Dire wolves prowl around one another, eating scraps of what looked to be deer. "Now!" Apathy called out.