Author's Note: I realized that my chapters might be a bit too short, but I was just excited to get my story out there. Also I don't like dragging on and on about needless details. I will however make an effort to make longer chapters...when I feel like it.

Chapter 4: Adventure time

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Gale woke up early. He had hardly slept. This was the day, the day he had been waiting for. Today was Gale's 16th birthday. The day he would finally embark on the adventure that he had been waiting for. Done playing with wooden swords and endless training and being scratched by pigs, today he would finally leave his home.

"Arrrrgh" Gale yawned.

His eyes, adjusted to the gloom of his shared bedroom, fell upon his sleeping younger sister. A soft smile comes to his lips. His life had been hard for the past 16 years. Not because he wasn't loved, not because his family didn't care for him, not because his family beat him or mistreated him. None of these things happened, his family was loving, and nice, and full of happiness. They were at peace with their place in the world and didn't strive to rise from their station.

That's what made it hard. They didn't understand him. They didn't understand why someone would want to take on the risks of the world, they didn't understand why he wouldn't be satisfied with his place in life, they didn't understand him. A young man who coldly looked at the world like it had turned against him. A young man who refused to call his family by name, but instead by their relation.

While his memories of his past lives were hazy, he understood that this world could take him at any second and any bonds he made with his family could be immediately broken. What was the point for caring for a family when, like his last life, it could go away in a blink of an eye.

That was until his sister was born. Cynthia came into the world shining like the brightest star. That never happened of course, it was more screaming and gross liquids but that's what his mind remembered it as. She was wonderful, a delight, a small bundle of joy, and she was now 3 years old and loved her brother dearly.

This scared him. He had already died twice in this world. The only way he knew it was the same one was by the two suns in the sky. But he felt nothing good would come of trying to keep his loved ones in his heart. What would be the point if after 1000's of years he shared a bloodline with everyone. Did family mean anything after this. These were the thoughts that haunted his sleep. He had decided to forego all family relations. And merely enjoy people for who they were.

But his sister was his world.

Gale sighs, and then softly mutters "I'll just try and go back to sleep until the sun comes up. It's not like I'll be leaving before then anyway."

The sun rises. His sister jumps on her older brother.

"Big brother! Wake up! Wake up! It's your birthday" Cynthia squeals.

"I'm up, I'm up." Gale groans.

After a helping meal of breakfast in the from of a bacon and potato based soup, his father looks him the eyes.

"Son it's that time. Happy birthday to you, now lets go out to the shed." His father speaks

Outside and by the shed his father slowly opens the door, revealing sheers and other tools a pig farmer might use. Rummaging around near the floor he pulls out a lengthy box. Opening it, a simple double edged sword and scabbard are inside.

His father opens his mouth, "Here you go lad, can't be sending you off with just your two fists. It's a dangerous world out there and I'd rather not have you go, but I know that I can't stop you. So take this sword and my blessing and stay safe. If your mother was still here, I know she'd be proud of the man you've become. So when will you be leaving?"

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Gale stutters, "S-s-soon father. I plan to leave immediately."

"I figured as much" His father shakes his head, "You never wanted to stick around. Well say your goodbyes to your sister and be on your way. The nearest city is about 200 miles away in the opposite direction of Foucher, and is called Austeria. There you will find the adventurers guild. The way is dangerous but stick with the road and you should be safe. I know you'll become a great adventurer."

Gale nods his head and proceeds to go inside. He finds his sister at the table, eyes bright as she attempts to spoon the soup into her mouth

"Brother!" She exclaims.

"Hello Cynthia, I'm going to be leaving now. I'm not sure if you will remember me when I come back, or if I will come back. I love you." Gale speaks, his eyes watering.

"Brother?!" Cynthia looks at him questioning, not understanding the implications of the words spoken. But knowing her brother is sad.

"Good bye Cynthia." Her brother says and then turns around. Heading out the door.

Gale walks with sense of purpose. Sword by his side, a knife strapped to his chest. His clothing is simple. A belt around his waist holding a few bags. A shirt and pants. Boots.

*Clank* *Clank*

His sword rattles as he walks. Gale shivers.

He heads to the main road that leads out of town. Going west, away from the town of Foucher and through the forest. He doesn't look back. He doesn't say good bye to anyone else.

The road continues on towards a forest. Gale's eyes are alert. Watching the trees and what's beyond them, he doesn't slow down but he proceeds with caution. At the edge of the forest he stops. Quickly observing his surroundings. He loosens the sword in it's sheathe.

Taking in a deep breathe in and then exhaling out, Gale walks under the shade of the trees.

He continues on for an hour or so until the sound of a breaking twig alerts him. To his right are a pair of glowing yellow eyes.

*Shiiiiing*

Gale draws his sword and turns towards the presence, keeping the yellow eyed beast in his eyesight while scanning around him. He senses it, from his right. A blur. In a wirlwind of motion Gale stops, his right foot forward towards what had been the blur. His sword infront of him and aimed slightly up. It's red with blood.

Immediately after the yellow eyed beast runs forward, taking the appearance of a large grey wolf.

"AAaahhh!" Gale yells, thrusting his sword towards the open maw of the wolf.

The sword goes through the roof of the wolf's mouth and out the top of it's head. The momentum makes gale stagger back and he and the dead wolf come to the ground. Struggling, Gale pushes the wolf off of him and scampers to his feet.

Breathing heavily he waits. Alert, but tired. After 10 minutes go by and no more attacks he begins to calm down. Pulling out the hunting knife he had on his chest.

"The claws should go for a decent price, and hopefully it will have a monster core." He tells himself.

He lays eyes on the other beast, it was another wolf. This one smaller but a darker grey. Cut from it's mouth down it's throat towards it's shoulder. Too make sure he stabs through the eyeball. The wolf spasms.

"Tricky bastards." He mutters.

Finished with harvesting any worthwile loot, 4 claws and 1 monster core. He continues on.