In a village, an old man was surrounded by a dozen of kids. The village was located in a forest, surrounded by a wall made of mud. The houses were arranged in a circle so there could be a wide space in the middle of the village.

The youths were listening to an Elder. The Elders were the old people who couldn't work anymore. The men hunt, the women cooks and the Elders educates. It is known in every village that the Elders were the lord of words and the children were the lord of work. The Elder was short with long white hair and beard, wearing an old malabary. He is called Koto the favorite Elder of the children.

He was telling an angano to the kids. Anganos are stories/tales which are the education of everyone.

"Kids, deep in the forest lies a dangerous monster. It is so hairy that it could be mistaken as a bush. The Volovolomanana(Hairy one) preys on children alone in the woods. It hides patiently and throws his long hairy hair to them. He pulls them to his lair and eat them. We won't even be able to bury you because its favorite snack are bones."As he finished storytelling he gave a warm smile to the children who were frightened by the story.

He noticed that all of the kids were scared other than one:Hery. His body was full of black line like tattoos. He gave a ridicule look saying 'you think I believe your nonsense'.

The Elder got angry and hit Hery's head:"You know nothing! These angano are teachings passed down from our Ancestors who even created the awakening of runes!"

He sighted and looked at the bunch of kids. They were all bare-chested with brown skin colour.

"Ok kids the lessons are go play somewhere else and don't forget to never go in the forest."

As soon as they heard Koto they dispersed like monkeys who just saw a banana. All the kids were gone other than Hery.

The Elder stared at him and asked:"Why aren't you going to play with the others? Don't try to act tough you're still 7."

Hery's face darkened and answered " I have no friends. They all say I am cursed because my parents died by the hands of a Kala Noro."

He got teary when he looked at the tattoos on his body.

Hery's dad was the most powerful rune warrior and his mom was a the strongest Dadarabe. They went on a quest near a waterfall that was said to be the dwelling of a Kala Noro, the Noblest of the Vazimba. In the ancient angano the Ancestors passed down, it is said that they were there before the Ancestors. They had powerful mysterious powers that made the Ancestors retreat. But one day, they went underwater and took a long slumber. It is said that the mystic powers of the Dadarabe were derived from them.

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After Hery's parents died, dark tattoos started appearing on his body. Not only the children even the grown ups were sure it was a curse because the Ancestors' word warned to stay away from all mystical creatures.

He never believed his parents were killed. They were hero in his eyes.

His eyes started to get teary and shouted at Koto:"Mom, dad, .... I miss them so much. Why did they die.... why did the leave me?!! You were with them, why didn't you save them?! If you saved them, I wouldn't be alone!!"

Koto's expression was full of guilt as he slowly hugged Hery."I also wanted to save them Hery ... but I couldn't I was to weak. All I can tell you is that even if no one likes you here, you still have yourself."

Koto stood up and wiped Hery's tears:" Smokes and tears are easily known, what is not seen is the heart. Find the answer in your heart. I will not always be there to support you child because you are cursed. Rather get chased by a enraged cow than your thoughts. Stand up! You we are the mighty Ancestor's descendant! We do not cry!"

Hery got a little motivated and stood up straight. " Thank you Elder Koto. I'm sorry for what I told earlier."

The elder smiled as he looked at the sky" It's fine child. The depressed will never have... go now it is getting dark. Prepare yourself tomorrow will be a hard day, you're 7 this year. You will receive intense training until the age of 10 where we will awaken your Rune. "

Hery returned in his mud house. He laid on his lonely bed as he stared at the ceiling. He put his hand on his chest and thought:'Find the answer in my heart. I am just escaping the reality... these tattoos are the explanation. They killed my parents and then curse me!'

He clenched his fists and put on a resolute look: ' I will get stronger ...and avenge them'