Chapter 1: Home
Slowly he breathed out. The mistake he had made was still on his mind. He couldn't believe he messed up his first hunting like this. Alone Reku sat in the cave meant for cubs and teenagers. Today he'd become seventeen, and although he didn't feel like an adult, this was going to be his last time in this cave. He stared at the red paintings on the walls, representing an old legend. Many daily rituals were still based on that very legend, however associating with other prides made their original faith fade away bit by bit. Reku didn't knew any different than how it was now, however he was taught the tales. Tales about deities, one of each element, that protected the earth, and about fierce monsters that dragged you out of your cave and ripped your soul out when you tried to harm nature. They were mere bedtime-stories to teach cubs not to do wrong, though still they managed to fascinate him every time he looked up that wall.
Whatcha doing?. His sister, Kali, stood behind him, smiling happily. Her skin was tan, however her hair was pitch-black, just like his hair was, before it turned silver years ago. He smiled back at her.
Just..thinking. That's your problem, you think too much. She said semi-serious,
I guess it'll get worse now that you're officially 'mature'. She chuckled as she walked further towards him. She stretched her back before sitting down. He only smiled. Kali always managed to make him forget his trouble by just sitting next to him. Even his parents never managed to do so. Their father, the former protector of the pride they live in, sacrificed his life for his family a long time ago. Reku and Kali barely have memories of him. He had pure silver hair, which was quite rare. Reku was glad to have at least one feature in common with his dad.
So, how does it feel to be old like that? She smirked at him.
Not different than yesterday to be honest. He took one last gaze at the paintings on the wall.
I think I'll go to bed early today. Kali nodded.
I don't understand how you get tired this easy, hm? It's typically you not to be present at the best part of your own birthday, she laughed as she stood up.
Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. She turned around and walked towards the exit of the cave. One last time she turned around.
Happy 17th birthday! After saying this she ran out of the cave, towards the others, sitting around a small fire. Their pride wasn't too big (the surroundings didn't allow them to have big numbers), but cozy. Everyone knew each other well, and could usually get along well. The only thing that was a problem was guarding at night. There were so less members that the guards had to switch posts every 2 hours to get some sleep themselves too. Reku expected to be asked to help guarding in a few days. He was, according to the traditions, mature now.
To be continued. As you can see I didn't have much time to write.
Name: Reku
