Everto Cruor

Child Hood

AGE: 6

     "Dimitrius, go to the elders house and find your father for dinner. He's been gone all night." My mother told me as I finished my homework. "Alright, mother." I replied as i walked out the door. I looked around taking in my surroundings. The night summer air was warm, with a slight breeze. The street lights turned on as i walked down the steps. As I walked down the road I noticed the villagers were all starting to close up there shops. The moon shined brightly as it neared 11:00 PM.  I walked away from the hill our house was positioned upon and headed towards the middle of the village where the Elders house is at. Our home has a view of the whole village from atop that hill, including of the Elders home.

     I walked up the cobblestone path and gazed at the Elders house. The Tall oak colored house seemed so large and mesmerizing in this light. The moonlight reflected off the roof making it seem as if a spot light were hitting the stairs as i walked up them. As i raised my hand to knock on the door, it suddenly opened, and my father took my hand and pulled me into the room and closed the door. He was speaking fast , but I  heard some things, "The Elder found..." more rambling than, "in the woods at night.." more words i didn't understand than, "who would've thought a child..."  After that i gave up on listening until he said "Now, my son you have a very large roll to play.". He than brought me into the foyer where the elder sat, with a child on his lap. I thought something was strange as the Elder was a widower...

      "Ah, Dimitrius." The Elder said with a smile, "Welcome to my home, we were just talking about you, would you like some tea?" He than gestured to a chair across from him as he poured me a cup of tea. "Thank you." I responded happily as i took a seat. I did not feel anxious at all because our Elder has a reputation of being a kind man when needed who often played with children; but a very powerful warrior in times of aungish. I took the cup and sipped from it, than the Elder began to speak. "Dimitrius, what are your views of children?" Before i could respond he spoke again. "I need not ask for I often see you, Serena, and Lance playing with the little ones at the infant day care, so i assume you like them am I correct?" I looked at him and nodded. "I love playing with the little ones." He than looked at me intently. "Than i have come to the right little man for the help I need."

     He than took a sip of his tea and continued. "You see this child?" He gestured to the small child that was grabbing at his finger. "I have come across this child in the Forest today. Near the border of the barrier between the village and the forsaken woods. But he was by himself. He belongs not to any of the families in our village. Normally, I would have taken him to the Orphanage but there is something unique about this child. He is around the age of four but has the same chi ratings as you. You have the highest chi ratings of all your peers, but for a mere child as of this have your chi level, its remarkable. So I ask of you, from an old man to a young man, will you befriend this child, so over the years me and your father may study him. With your help this boy could be a powerful asset to this village."  I looked at him and nodded. "Alright, besides the more friends i have the better." I said with a smile.  The Elder looked at me and grinned.

      I walked up to the child and grinned and said, "Hi, little guy i'm Dimitrius. Whats your name?" The boy looked at me and replied, "I'm Ryumaru.". I looked at my father who seemed to be shocked. "The child wouldn't speak to us, but he speaks to my son.." He said proudly. The Elder than dismissed us saying that he was to take custody of the child. Me and my father walked back home through the night, with a glorious air around us.

      Ryumaru later started school. I was two grades above him. He was very intelligent, but he was a cocky smart ass who often got in trouble. He was nice towards his friends, and was always very energetic. We grew to be close friends. My father ended up spending countless years studying him, trying to find out where he came from and why. My father, even though was just a carpenter was also our towns best scholar. He was never able to find much about him.

AGE: 10-12 

      Today I received my first weapon. It was hand crafted by my father. It was a long bow that was taller than I was. He said i could not use it until i turned 12 and that I would use a short bow until than. He also showed me a special arrow he constructed. It was pure Black with a soothing but powerful aura around it. He told me only to use it to protect the one I love the most. I asked about the arrow, he said it is made with phoenix feather, and it takes 10 years just to make 1 of this kind of arrow. 

       Ryumaru's mind developed well but we seemed to talk less. On his 8th birthday I made him a necklace. It was 2 halves of a moon. I wore one half and he wore the other. Lance moved away to another village...it left Serena shattered because she loved him so much...I don't know what village he moved too. He never contacted us..

     My father taught me some carpenter skills and I learned to make my own arrows. When I was 12, and got used to my long bow, I decided to modify it. When the modifications were done, there were blades at the ends of the bow. This allowed me to slash for close distance attacks. The bow could also be split in two at the handle to be used as duel daggers connected by a rope. My father complimented me for my unique design.

      For Ryumaru's 10th birthday he was given a katana. He practiced with a wooden sword at first. Me and him eventually began sparring each other. I often won, because of my age and I had more experience, but he was powerful for his age. Stronger than all of his class. Ryumaru was built, and tall for his age. 

AGE: 13 

       I was so exciting because the day after my birthday was "The Exam". Serena was so happy for me as well. We hung out the whole day. I told myself that day I would tell Serena my feelings for her. We had so much fun that day. But I chickened out. I told myself if I won first place tomorrow, than I would tell her my feelings. The Day was so amazing everything seemed perfect. I lied down in my bed and sighed happily as I closed my eyes. But little did I know; even with near perfection, everything isn't as it always seems.....