Nightmorrow gazed lovingly, as any mother would, at her new litter of cubs. Their snow-white fur shined brightly in the new dawn's light.

It would be weeks before they would start to grow a shinny black coat like their mother. It would be even longer before they could forage and hunt on their own. They were now at their weakest point. Where everything their mother did determined their very survival. Their sightless eyes always searching for the nourishment their mother always provided.

Oh, how she loved them all.

This would be the last of her children. Saryk, her mate for so many seasons, perished during the winter. Despite the fact she still had many years left in her life, she believed she was too old to claim another male.

Too old and too stubborn, her former lover would comment. She really missed him.

However, Saryk would be proud of his last litter, seven sons, and four daughters, all in good health. They would sure to be strong powerful hunters like their parents, able to bare stronger children for future generations to come.

But those were thoughts for tomorrow, for right now, Nightmarrow had to make another hunt. It seemed her children were in need of food again, their tiny yelps and small cries signaling their want. How could such small vessels be able to consume so much, so fast always baffled her. Oh, well it was beside the point, it was her duty to make sure they were  strong and well kept.

Nightmorrow rose up in the small dark lair, ready to start her pursuit, when she noticed some small motion from her side. Her green eyes narrowed, as it appeared her son, Moonstrive was scrabbling to his feet, almost ready to join his mom's hunt. If the mother panther could smile she would have, but instead she gave him an affectionate lick sending him tumbling back down into the pen with his brothers and sisters. She gave the rest of her children a small warning growl. To insure she did not have any more surprise followers.

He would be one to pay extra attention to in the future, Moonstrive. She could tell a very strong spirit dwelled in the heart that particular son. She could only wait to see how he and the rest would turn out.

The great panther coiled around one more time making sure all were accounted for. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw they were all peacefully at rest, even Moonstrive draped comfortably underneath one of his sisters.

Nightmorrow would be sure to make this hunt quickly, so to return to her children. She did not like leaving them defenseless but they needed food and since it was only her now, she would have to dance with fate and try her luck.

The panther crouched low and crawled out of her den. Her head scanned around the area, the forest was as calm as like always. No dangers were in sight. Nightmorrow then narrowed her eyes; her ears went down flat as small light started to illuminate her body. Soon her powerful sleek black form changed more to emulate the color of the forest around her. Then in another second, one could not distinguish her from the woodland scenery.

Her now transparent form dashed fiercely through the brush. Her powerful muscles pushed her nine hundred pound body to great speeds and yet she was able to move so swiftly, so gracefully without making the slightest bit of sound. Nightmorrow instantly shifted moods from loving mother to cunning hunter. Her stealthy strides bringing her close to her destination, she decided to go to her usual hunting grounds, which was close by and hardly ever took her long to find a catch.

***

Pale yellow eyes with streaks of red stared on as the once black, now nearly invisible graceful beast fled from the underground lair. The large cat was only a distant memory, gone with its fast powerful strides, leaving the den undefended.

It almost seemed as if the forest moved on its own as another creature cloaked in its own transparent enchantment, appeared from behind a darken shade. The clear outline of his body then returned to its normal hue of blood red, his tall lumbering red body with long tree trunks like arms dragging along side of him. Huge patches of brown hair matted on the beast's palms trailing up to his limbs and down his narrow back.

Mordo blinked once as his stomach grumbled. He had to eat. The magic that sustained his power depended on the blood and flesh of others, not to mention his own unsustainable hunger.

He sent Guliam and the others out to get more, but Mordo could wait no longer. His hunger still kept clawing at him, ruling his thoughts. It would not be long before he would be satisfied. It would not be long before he would feed. The thoughts echoed into his mind, as his fist went crashing through the mouth of the den. It continued to pound as a hole big enough for him to fit through was unearthed. The sides of the hidden lair crumbling around him and he lumbered in.

***

Mordo soon wiped the saliva and blood from his mouth as he exited the lair. It was just as he feared. The panther cubs were not even fit to be considered filling. He just hoped Guliam and the others were able to find more. 

The tall eight and a half foot creature coughed. A piece of bone was wedged in his fanged tooth. Guliam had best to bring more.

***

In all his years of roaming the material plane, Aeon had never really taken care of another soul, much less being solely responsible for their upbringing. Granted he accepted the job stoically, but honestly, the archmage had no idea how to raise properly a young growing boy.

Sure, the archmage could conjure up creatures from both the physical and metaphysical planes. He had spells that could fill the darkest nights with endless arrangements of spellthunder and lightning. Hell, he could even cast spells that could collapse the peaks of mountains. In some parts of the world, the very mention of his name brought cold shivers to the bravest of men and swooning hearts to the fairest of maidens. True all those things were, but all those talents seemed useless in the face of this dilemma.

Gradually, the archmage decided that the boy should learn the basis of all knowledge, and then the wizard would go from there. Therefore, for their early years, Aeon spent teaching the Ryu reading, writing, arithmetic, and finally the common language. The archmage also including any other languages he thought might be useful.

Through their studying, Aeon found that for a young lad, Ryu showed to be a very promising student. His grasp on all the subjects presented to him seemed simply phenomenal. His young mind seemed to absorb all the knowledge that was in place before him with little or no difficulty.

It was a shame the boy showed little interest in magic. With a little bit more proper training, Ryu possessed the makings of a very fine wizard. Ah, well perhaps fate has a different route in store for the young lad.

***

Radiant beams of sunshine peaked through Havenlark's darken forest one mid-day morn, the ray beams gave way to the sight of a small blue haired boy making his way through the blue mist covered forest. The infamous mist that surrounded Havenlark, well known for making intruders lose all-sense of direction, held no power to the young lad as he merrily continued on the trail. The boy was rather small for his age, barely reaching the height of five feet. His bright blue hair was one that always drew attention to him, added by his radiant emerald green eyes. Despite those few differences, he was just like every other lad a few years shy from starting manhood.

He had finished his chores early today. Thus doing so, as a reward he was granted to venture outside for a few hours before his afternoon studies. Ever eager to take any opportunity that allowed him to retreat from the confined walls of the tower, the boy hastily gathered up his travel case and scurried out of the door before there was any mention of when he was to return.  

Branches and twigs snapped under the boy's leather boots as he joyfully moved. The travel bag at his side swinging as the boy went. Ryu rejoiced it looked as though today was going to be another grand day. A squirrel wandered along the same path as the boy. It gave Ryu about a second of consideration, and then hurried along. It had tasks that were more important for the day, besides worrying about the actions of the curious blue haired boy.

The path continued as it came around to that old familiar tree. The forest seemed more alive today; Ryu thought to himself while he walked. Through the foliage of green leaved trees and the dazzling assortment of flowers, he could see other wondering creatures, continuing with their morning just as he was.

This year had marked a full decade that he has spent with Master Aeon. Even though he was too young to actually recall all the events of his arrival, the boy knew that Aeon was not his father. Although, that fact was only miniscule, fore anyone that would ask the wizard, he would proudly claim the boy as his own.

Master Aeon always told Ryu that though blood does governs who art thine kin, the heart ultimately decides who yer true family is. Master Aeon always told Ryu that, and since Master Aeon was never wrong, Ryu never believed anything else.

***

"Ah, here we are," a young Ryu, said as he approached the blue waters. The lake was a place the boy came to often. The peaceful air, the crystal clear waters; it was only place in Havenlark where the boy felt he could be alone with his own thoughts. A place only for him. It was also a place he came to, when he was trying to neglect his chores.

Ryu peered down at the water's edge. He took a brief look at his own reflection. His shimmering green eyes looked back at him under his mess of blue hair. He ran his hand although the water's surface and immediately drew it back with a mild shutter. Cold. Very cold.

Nevertheless, that still did not dissuade the boy from stripping down to his breeches, then diving headfirst into the chilling water. Yes, he would probably spend the rest of the morning here. Eat lunch, and then return to the Tower for today's lesson.

Yet another typical peaceful day waited for Ryu. Granted he had his studies later on, but right now was a time for play. Something the boy loved greatly.

The boy was no longer at the brook of the lake before him, but he was now off in a world of his own imagination. He was traveling to land where he battled Ogres and Orcs. Fighting crazed powerful wizards and legions of the undead. All with the help of his mighty companions the famous Sir Riddick and his own sire Master Aeon as his trusted wizard advisor. A place where he was the famous hero that fought against such incredible odds, instead of the figures from all the tales that Aeon spun.

Therefore, the carefree boy was thoroughly involved with his imaginary world. So involved in fact, that he was not aware of the fact he was no longer alone and that all of his motions were being closely watched.

***

Guliam removed his putrid red hand from the branch. His beady yellow eyes cast a glance to the four others behind him.

They all had been following the boy for some time now. They had heard the tales of the tall magic man of the woods, but they were not aware of any other humans inhabiting the forest.

Humans were a rare delicacy, which were also hard to find. Humans usually kept themselves well armed in groups. However, every so often one came across a few special cases and the very sweet taste of human flesh was so very tempting and always worth the risk.

Guliam turned to the other four get their verdict. He was greeted with several hideous eagerly nodding heads. Oh, the chance to feed on a human again, Mordo would simply have to miss out on this prize.

***

As soon as she cleared the brush to her home grounds, Nightmorrow knew something was wrong. It was an instinct in her. Not, the primal instincts that she learned to hone through the many years of her life. No, it was another more powerful force that set her on edge. It was her instincts as a mother.

She dropped the carcass in her maw then made one striding leap towards her den's grounds; the hairs on her back were standing on edge, as she moved.

So help Etheria if anything happen to…

Her breath ran short as she saw the destroyed waste that was the entrance to her den. Nightmorrow, almost fearful, continued at a slow pace. The reasoning part of her mind knew already what had happen and what she would find, but the emotional side; (the mother side) just hoped that maybe something… 

She then finally found her nest…Or what was left of it. All the ruined young lives that was gone. All that was left was the blood, so much blood. At seeing the blood, Nightmorrow nearly collapsed with grief. It was some time later when she finally abandoned the den and return to the forest.

If it was possible for a panther to cry, it surly would have, but it could only voice the sorrow, the pain she felt with a mournful roar. All of Havenlark was soon aware of the grieving mother.

A foul odor drifted through the forest floor triggering her highly sensitive nose. The identity of her children's murderer, still lingered in the air. Then like the quick sway of the wind, sorrowful green eyes, turned almost red with rage. There was only one feeling left for the mourning mother…Vengeance.

***

All was right with the world. The city of Taris was safe. The armies of Orc soldiers have been defeated. Peace has returned to all of Etheria. Thanks to the heroic exploits of Ryu Blueflame. Now the hero continued to bask in his glory while he continued to lay afloat in the lake's waters. The vivid fantasies of his adventures still playing in his head.

The boy of thirteen years closed his eyes. A gentle breeze ran through the air, the forest for some reason became deathly still. A slight buzzing started to ring in the back of Ryu's mind. It rang louder and louder…until!

A crash of lightning exploded in Ryu's in mind, his emerald eyes flashed open. He scanned all around. There were five of them…but where! Then the waters surround the youth crashed upward in a chaotic fury, as five huge hideous red-skinned humanoid creatures sprang out of the water.

Saliva flowed out of each of their ugly huge mouths. Maws, full of ragged yellowed teeth. With breath that could be more than a match for the horrific odor emanating from the monsters. They were all a good six feet in height, a few were probably more. Making his mere five-foot even height seem diminutive in comparison. All of the creatures then sprang, each trying to make a grab for the stunned blue haired boy. Just as he was within reach of their dangerous crimson hued clutches, Ryu simply evaporated into a cloud of blue smoke. The five all collided into each other. Their heads clunked together like butting rams. Each one of their unsightly faces where now a mask of confusion.

It was a sequencing spell. One, that when activated, would transport Ryu safely to a predetermine location of his choosing. It was a difficult precautionary spell that Master Aeon devised as a sort of test for Ryu a few months back for his birthday present no less. It took hard study, but after a week, the boy completed the task.

There was a little bit of flawed reasoning with the spell though, when Ryu first designed the enchantment, he selected this very lake for the spell's destination. Therefore, when young Ryu vanished right in front of all the Goons eyes it was only moments later when he reappeared, the distance of a mere of twenty feet away.

"Grand, tis a weeks worth of work wasted…" the boy muttered. He had to think quickly and come up with another plan; fore the beasts were closing in fast.

They were Goons. Humanoid creatures that were taller than Orcs, but not as tall as Ogres were. Their shaggy brown hair, red or rust colored skin, and long limbed arms, sets them apart from the other humanoid races. One could say Goons resembled crimson-skinned primates, except they had opposable thumbs. Also, no primate would ever allow itself to attain such a define stench.

Master Aeon warned Ryu of them roaming the forest. He took the wizard's warning lightly, but now he wished he paid more attention. "Once again you were right sire," the boy only hoped he had a chance to say the words in person. That is if he survived the encounter.

Blueflame, started to think hard to formulate a type of plan for battle. Only problem was in that instance, Ryu had a moment of reflection. Though, the boy did have many hours of study learning through various different historical books from all over Etheria. The boy actually knew very little about actual combat. He was not even in possession of any battle spells, despite all the attempts Master Aeon made to correct that fact. Well except that one spell…though he still had yet to perfect it.

Ryu scanned to his sides; the group of Goons broke off into two parties. Two were flanking on his left, the other three were covering his right, who now were only a breath away from consuming him. He then looked in the distance something caught his green eyes…His bag! If only...

The boy did not have the luxury time to ponder his actions; the red beasts started to spring to his area. The group of three Goons was running towards him, all using their primate like arms to propel them even further in their flight.

Ryu did not carry any weapons, so he only could rely on his speed and agility this time. The two hulking masses came at the boy; Ryu swiftly tucked underneath of them then, rolled as they dove overhead. The bumbling behemoths crashed behind Ryu as he continued to move. The third that followed the two stood blockading the boy's path. His feet were firmly rooted to the ground refusing to move and Ryu had not planned on deviating his commitment. The boy simply dove feet first slipping just between the small space inside the Goon's parted legs.

When he returned to his feet, the blue haired boy went into a sprint as fast as he could toward his bag. He remembered he packed one thing that Aeon made him promise always to keep with him just in case fine opportunities like these arose.

Ryu hastily scooped up his bag while maintain his sprint, knowing full well that the hot air on his back was not from a musky spring breeze. He moved to the left rounding a tree closest to him. Too bad the Goon behind him did not see the low branch that was going to rupture his swelling belly. Blueflame did though, while he went around the stump, he held onto the branch, then swiftly let it fly. The branch whipped the red monster hard into the gut, knocking it off its feet and the wind from its lungs.

"Ah, finally!" Ryu cheered. While he was moving, avoiding the Goons, Ryu also was ransacking his bag trying to find a particular item. The boy now was holding four shinny ruby red stones. Every so often, the stones twinkled with light from within, signaling the latent magic they possessed. "Remarkable, four sparkstones and the five of them," the young boy groaned. It would just have to do.

"Blast! What was the enchantment again? Nerf? Noren? Narez!" the stones started to shimmer after he spoke the phrase. Ryu then stopped and held one sparkstone. "Narez!" the boy's voice seemed to echo through the grass.

Ryu blinked then…nothing happen. Was he mistaken? Had it been some other word that activated the stones? No, he was sure of it.

The red stone that was in his hand sparked, then suddenly came to life. The sparkling stone started to spin as a glittering white light began to intensify. Levitating on its own, the sparkstone screeched as it shot forward like a rocket to the nearest Goon, hitting it square in the chest. 

There was a flash, then an explosion. When it cleared, all that was left of the Goon was part of its torso and the two stubby legs that still stubbornly supported it.

Ryu grinned. This would do. This would do just nicely.

The Goon that was standing next to the torso looked down at the body with speechless horror. He frantically turned back to Ryu, just as the boy finished the last syllable to the enchanted word for a second time. Then the rest of the Etheria was lost to the Goon, his head having exploded into a large assortment of meaty confetti. The now headless body sailed to the ground creating a nice lifeless thud.

Say what you must about Goon intelligence but after seeing two of your companions blown off the face of Etheria by a dangerous human boy with blue hair, the few remaining Goons decided to use what little sense they had, to do what any Goon does when faced with a powerful opponent.

They ran.

Ryu continued to smile; he had a hard time deciding, which would be the next Goon to be blasted into sweet oblivion. He sent of one of the stones toward another Goon. This one, the stone detonated a little too closely sending the Goon hurtling in the air into the waiting arms of another one of its brethren. The two only could savor the moment briefly for another sparkling stone screeched, shot off, then detonated, claiming the both of them.

"One, two, three, four…Blast! That was all o' the sparkstones," automatically Ryu crept down into a defensive stance, the emerald glare of his eyes peering side to side. His senses were tingling for some reason. Flaring. Almost as if, it was screaming out to him. Warning him, but of what?

"Where's the last one?" the boy's breath then ran short.

There was a small grunt, followed by a bellowing growl that arose from behind the boy. The growl was pursued by that oh-so familiar obscene odor.

Ryu turned only to be confronted by the huge horrid face of one of the biggest Goons of the group. With speed that was impressive for his size, the towering Goon quickly wrapped his massive hand across the boy's throat, yanking him clean off his feet. The Goon then grinned. Its smile looked as though the god of decay randomly plucked every other tooth from its hideous jaw. And its breath…do not even allow me to begin.

The Goon then balled up his fist and sent a crushing blow to the boy's gut. The red beast then drew back and fired another searing agonizing punch to the boy's mid-section.

Sundering pain flared viciously through Ryu's stomach. He actually had to fight so he wouldn't black out. He was lucky he was far stronger than most boys his age or his body would have already been broken from the strength of the Goon's pulverizing attacks.

'Fight the darkness, fight the darkness,' the boy whispered to himself like a small mantra. Then seemingly, on pure instinct, Blueflame whipped out his leg, striking the Goon on the base of his nose. The discomfort was minimal but just enough to cause him to release his hold on the boy, which was the attack's original intent.

Upon hitting the ground, Ryu clutched his battered gut, realizing it wasn't the time to broad, he part limped part dashed to the side, clearly at least thirty paces to get some distance from his foe. While in mid-stride the boy cast two recovery spells to cure his injures. The bruises healed, though a slight ache remained.

"Ok Ryu, ye slayed the four of 'em, what will ye do 'bout this one?" he narrowed his eyes at the Goon, who only gave a deep throaty growl in response. He still did have that one spell. Heh, if there was ever a time for it to work. Ryu then started to voice the enchantments to the spell. It just had to work this one time…

"Naon…" Ryu looked up as a voice spoke that was not his own. He looked at the Goon before him. It opened its mouth again, his deep raspy voice continuing. "Naon, Odo, Krong, Agos," he grunted again. "T'ey dead, by yer hand human. My brothas… " He then balled up his fists and battered them across his chest. "Guliam will break boy…make you pay!" the Goon sprang from the spot. His arms outstretched his sole resolve to rip the boy to pieces.

Ryu gasped as he saw the Goons fierce approached. Unable to finish the spell he quickly ducked underneath, just as that huge crimson hand would have caught hold of him. Blueflame then leaped to the side again as a mammoth hand came his way.

This would not do. How could he perform the spell if the oaf would not allow him time enough to speak the words?

***

Unbeknownst to Ryu Blueflame all of what occurred this morn past, his playing, the assault of the Goons, his retaliating storm of sparkstones and the conflict he was plagued with now had all been observed by a might interested silver haired archmage.

Aeon peered into the all-seeing globe of Oidis with continual interest. He continued to view the dilemma his ward was facing. He made a promise to himself not to involve himself with the boy's encounter. A first confrontation was very important to the development of a man. How he dealt with issues now, would determined what type of man he would grow to be. Plus, Ensor was just plain curious at how well the boy would do.

Now it seemed though, the battle was at a dead end with only one outcome. That is if a little meddling did not occur. "Ah, a little help ne'er hurt," he concluded as he drew into a pouch from his table and sprinkled a few grains of green sand in his palm. He then blew on it gentling muttering the lines to a spell he had not used in ages.

***

Ryu leapt to the side once again just barely dodging the Goons attack. He was holding his side now, a slightly miscalculated move before had caused him the grazing blow as the outcome. It wasn't something that wouldn't heal given proper time but that was only if he lived past the next five moments.

If only if he had a little more time…

His eyes went to the Goon. The boy could tell the beast was growing tired of the game. His next attack would most likely end the battle. The crimson-skinned beast crouched down low, readying himself to pounce. Ryu was set on the balls of his heels ready to move.

The wind suddenly started to change; Ryu knew it because there was an odd feel to it. He often could feel things. All the things around him. For instance the wind. Sometimes even the wind talked to him, but this time the wind was foreign, strange, yet almost angry.

A left brushed against the back of the head of the Goon. He barely registered the blow. His beady yellow eyes fixed on the annoying boy. His future meal. It mattered not cause in the next instant a small geyser of wind whipped, turned and spun around the Goon. Slashing its red flesh with stray branches and roots.

Ryu stood dumbfounded at the sight. He'd never seen the like of it ever. 'Here's ye're opportunity…' a small voice sounded in the back of his head. He knew not what caused the winds to stir, but he would be sure to thank the god twice, when he was able.

Ryu soon forgot all things as he concentrated on the words to the spell. He had never gotten the spell to work properly in the past, but he was afforded a little time so he would try his best now. 

Searing red lights started to form before him as his continued his chant. The lights collected into small flaming ball that stood before him. Fireball a high-level spell that for some reason, despite the fact he cared not for magic, the spell drew a certain fancy to the lad.

Ryu concentrated as he tried to hurry the last of the spells words, the flaming ball that formed before him started to waver than, simply burst out of existence.

"By the nine!" Ryu cursed, he then refocused on the spell's words. Making sure, he'd paid close attention to every phrase of the spell. There was a flare then a burst of light as a flaming ball, twice the size of the first, had been summoned into existence. Ryu glared his emerald eyes then hurled the fireball the Goon's way just as he fought off the remainder of the winding fury.

The ball of fire ignited the moment it hit the Goon's flesh, consuming the brute in a wall of constant flame. His screams of agony ringing out through the forest. The ashen carcass of the monster falling to the floor. The life gone.

Ryu fell to his knees. The brute of spending so much energy finally caught up with the boy. He rolled on to his back and let out a deep breath. A small smile found its way to the boy's lips as he came to a startling realization; he just survived a real encounter. His very first real battle and he was VICTOURIOUS!

The small boy rolled to his feet and let out shout. "WHOOO-HOO!!!!" he cried for all Havenlark to hear. In that moment, Ryu Blueflame was a champion.

***

"Ah well met, Ryu Blueflame." a voice drifted like the leaves through the air. It followed behind a dancing arrangement of lights. Colors of green, red, and blue glided through the trees. Then standing before the boy stood a blue robed wizard with silvery hair. "Tis a great accomplishment ye've made today my boy." the archmage's grey-blue eyes betraying his own excitement, not to mention the feeling of approval. He looked to Ryu as any father would look to his son, after completing a major ordeal. He looked to Ryu with pride and admiration.

"Master Aeon!" the boy exclaimed at seeing his mentor. Ryu rushed to Ensor's side. "Did ye see my first battle? " the boy eagerly inquired while tugging on the mage's robe. A habit, that Aeon tried to stamp out of him, but whenever he was not thinking, or too excited, Ryu enthusiastically tugged away.

"Aye, young one I did." Aeon replied, placing a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder almost calming the boy's animated state. "As ye know very little happens inside of Havenlark without my knowledge." a disapproving twitching frown crossed the wizard's lips. "Even the days when ye snub ye're chores and go out to the lake."

A tinge of shock fluttered through Ryu's spine. It seemed he wasn't as clever as he thought he was. Aeon merely laughed. "Fear not lad, I too remember how it was to be young."

"Ye do?" Ryu asked. It was almost as if the boy found it hard to believe that the ancient wise old Master Aeon was ever young lad such as he.

That twitching frown returned to Aeon again. "Have I not told ye lad." his voiced dropped suddenly, as a dangerous glint appeared in the wizard's gray-blue eyes. "Tis, never a good thing to get on the wrong side of an archmage. Ye might end up one morn a toad, when the night before t'were a lad." Aeon finished. His words almost sounding like a grim promise.

Once again, that twinge returned to Ryu only this time it was out of pure fear. His sire seldom ever lost his temper and gave into his anger. Incidentally, Ryu had seen Master Aeon fully enraged once in his whole time spending with the wizard. It took them roughly a full year to rebuild that section of the tower. Not to mention the foolish soul that incurred the archmage's wrath had never been seen (living) again.

The laugh returned to Ensor's face. "Anyway, the reason why I sought ye out was ye're required to head off to Sienis. It seems we are in call for more supplies." the archmage arched a silvery eyebrow. "That endless abyss of a belly ye wield always seems to need tending."

"Sorry Master," the boy laughed.

"Don't be ye're a growing lad." the wizard reassured him. "Anyway, here is the zenny for the supplies also more sparkstones. Though, I'm sure ye won't be needin' em." Ryu laughed while sending a hand through his shaggy mop of bright blue hair. "Be sure ye're back 'fore sun down. I do not want ye lingering 'round the lake again. There has been an ill air about Havenlark as of late an' it would be safer for ye to return with haste."

"Yes, Master Aeon."

"Be quick about it now, so ye won't be late for thy evening studies.

"Yes, Master Aeon." the eagerness in the boy's tone dropped. Studying. He was a warrior now. He needed no more books. Only a fine sword, a shield, and a grand adventure. He looked to Aeon. 'Eh…perhaps later.' The boy then continued on his way into town.

Aeon cast a grayish-blue eyed glanced toward the ashen remains of the Goon. Fireball, it took a few years before Aeon mastered the somewhat higher-level spell. Yet, the boy achieved it in his first attempt. "He's strength is improving at a greater pace than even I imagined. Maybe there was some truth to Osirrius' claim."  He could not help sending his gaze towards the heavens.

It had been ten years since he took Ryu in. Ten years of hard work, ten years of constant patience, ten years of…love. Granted, if the wizard was blessed with another ten years of such, he would be grateful. However, he knew that was fastly approaching time when the two of them would have to part ways. Perhaps for good.

"I believe I think too much…" the wizard said to himself. With a twinkle of blue and green lights, the wizard winked out of sight.

****

Author's Commentary:

****

Whew! Man this was a hard chapter and not because it was difficult to write. I had missed a full week of writing because my keyboard broke. Here's a lesson kids. "Keyboards and cereal don't mix!"

Anyway, I hope I'm not boring you people. I know there isn't wall-to-wall action…(well not yet), but right now we're still in the preliminaries. I'm still setting the stage for what comes later. Believe me…if you all will be patient your waiting will be well worth it.

Once again, I must thank my buddy Angelkitty01, even though we've been missing each other lately, when we do hook up its always fun. Thanks for also beta reading for me.

Oh yeah everyone, you'll finally get to see another familiar face next chapter. 

See ya then!