AN: Before you press on, I just want to take the time to explain something about this story. It's a dark fantasy. So what does that mean to the average reader? It means there are scenes of death, blood and gore, violence, torture, and rape, all in a fantasy setting. From the prologue to chapter twelve it's relatively clean. However, from thirteen (the first of many 'NSFW' chapters) and onwards, is when the chapters progress into a much darker story full of the violence as described above.

If this is not for you, don't worry; I understand. If you don't think it'll bother you, read up to chapter thirteen, and see how you like it. Because although it has been tempered with fluff, it's still very much a Dark Fantasy. However, if you do like it, and it is right up your alley, then come join us. For I open my arms in welcoming you to our black parade.

Thank you for reading. Please enjoy your stay.

Oh, and this is the cover for the first arc: http://i.imgur.com/Ra4tYdF.jpg

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Deep within the Great Forest of Nu'Bai was a small, hidden village. Within this village was a variety of creatures, each supportive of one another while growing and learning of the world that is their forest. Several individuals could be seen wielding spears, as they watched over the smallest of their children. These children of various hues and characteristics played gaily with one another, even going as far as creating small scaled fights that always ended in laughter. Such is the life for these children, never wanting a thing while the others toiled in their small fields or hunted in the Great Forest.

A loud thump was heard on the south end of the village, which caused the spear wielders to stand in alert. Large ears extended from several of them, whereas a pair flicked their tongues in the direction of the noise. These actions were seen by the children, who then huddled beneath their feet, and a few even went as far as to climb onto a few of their backs.

"Zesschwen," one of the long eared spear holders pointed the tip towards the noise, and a very large scaled spear holder dashed off in the direction pointed.

"Will uncle Zess be okay?" A small voice belonging to a smaller scaled child asked. There were tears in its eyes, as it clung to the leg of the spear holder who ordered Zesschwen to investigate the disturbance.

"Child of the river," came a haunting voice that echoed throughout the village, causing all to become alert and running for their weapons or safety, "fear not, for Zesschwen is safe and among amiable company." The one who spoke with such a voice stepped out from beneath the shade of a tree, and made its way towards the center of the village. Behind it, however, was Zesschwen and a few others whom the village had never seen before. They were carrying baskets and pushing a cart laden with foodstuffs and non-perishable items.

The one who spoke, along with those that carried baskets and pushed the cart wore a simple, plain brown hooded robe with a twine rope tied around their waist area. Once they were in the center of the village, however, they stood side by side as a silver mist began to gush forth from the hood and sleeves. The mist gradually swirled around them, and many with keen eyes could see them beginning to merge with one another, forming a single entity.

Once formed, however, the silver mist became thick and heavy, shrouding the individual from even the keenest of eyes. Several times a few ears picked up bones snapping and grinding against each other, which was followed by a slight grunt of pain. Within moments, the being beneath the mist began to absorb it, creating a massive wind tunnel of force. Curiously, though, those gathered could not feel the force of the wind tunnel, but they could certainly hear it.

As the dust settled around the being, many were surprised to see a golden kitsune standing where once an unknown being had stood and wore only a simple white tunic and trousers. What was more surprising wasn't the fact that there were nine tails behind it, but that it was wholly a male kitsune. This being was a rarity among rarities, and many would covet such a being, even going so far as to wage war until it was within their grasp. For if one were to possess a male kitsune, all others of the same species, which were all female, will be under their thumb.

Before any could think, however, a small blue kitsune dashed out from under one of the spear holder's legs. With a cry of "Fox King!", it jumped into the air, and was caught by the golden kitsune. This kitsune laughed as he hugged the smaller, and kissed its forehead and cheeks a few times.

As the other children heard the cry of "Fox King", they all made a dash towards the golden kitsune with their own cries of "Grandfather," "Grandpa," and "Fox King is back". This kitsune, who was called "Fox King", laughed and smiled before giving each either a hug or a pat upon their heads. Of course, there were many who were unsure of what to do, and so clung to the spear holders' legs in fear.

Once the children affirmed their suspicions, did the village relax, and began to distribute the foodstuffs and non-perishable items. There were many arguments, to be sure, but each was settled before a true fight could take place. A small cough drew many eyes, but shrugged and returned to the baskets and cart. The golden kitsune turned towards the cough, and smiled softly at the one before him.

A pink, female kitsune with three tails greeted him. She wore a long, white one piece dress with a blue and green floral pattern tracing from her right shoulder, down to the left side of her waist. "Kara," he greeted her with a chuckle, "How are you this day?"

There were a few tears in her eyes, as she ran into his arms, softly crying while he stroke her hair slowly. "I'm back," he said softly, while she clung to him even more.

"For how long?" She asked, wiping her tears on his sleeve.

"Half a season," his reply made her sigh, as she pushed herself out of his embrace.

"At least it's longer than a few days like last time," she sighed once more, and lifted the small, blue kitsune who stared at her and the "Fox King" for a time.

"No cry," she said with a pout, "Sister. No cry. Fox King is back." She giggled as Kara ruffled her hair, then purred as her neck was being scratched with expert fingers.

"How was the harvest this year?" He asked while petting the smaller kitsune. He then lifted her high, then placed her onto his head. She giggled, and her tail swayed happily from side to side.

Another sigh exuded from Kara, "Poorly, but we have enough to last the winter. More so, now that you brought more for us. Thank you, by the way."

"Do not worry too much about it," he replied with another smile, "You are all my family, and I always take care of my family." He turned around and, after asking the kitsune on his head a question, headed towards one of the smaller wooden houses.

***

The day rushed by rather quickly, and as night fell, a bonfire was lit in the center of the village. Many cookfires surrounded the bonfire, and soon long tables and chairs found their way near the smaller fires. Wooden tableware sat upon each table, as scaled beings known as Lizardmen began to roast various meats and vegetables over the fires. The smell brought other races out, such as the Lamia, Naga, Kitsune, and various tribes of elf and beastmen. All were welcome in this celebration, as the one called "Fox King" had returned, even if it was for a short time.

Many brought drinks of fruit and wine, while others brought small gifts and tokens for this King. He accepted each that was offered, even though he had once said he needed nothing, and ate and/or drank what was given to him to try. However, no amount of liquid would slake his thirst, and no matter how much he ate, he would never become full. Thus, he limited himself to sampling each, and thanked and refused offerings for him to have more.

"Ah, to be an Ageless must truly be tiring," came the utterances of an old and tipsy wolfman. "I would have gotten bored, if I couldn't become drunk anymore."

With a grin, he replied saying, "It is tiring, but I only have much time on my hands," his hands stretched out in front of him, each with ten fingers ending in a pointed nail, "And time is what keeps me from strangling you younglings. All I have to do is sleep, and when I wake up, you're all gone." He sighed heavily as the black cloud of depression began to form above his head.

The wolfman punched his shoulder as hard as he could, but only made the kitsune sway lightly. This was enough to wake him and disperse the cloud, for which he was ever grateful. "Thank you." The wolfman nodded, slapped his back, and waddled over to where a large barrel of beer was being hoisted onto a rather thick table.

A stone chair began to form under and behind him, so that when he sat down, it wouldn't be on the ground. 'It's the little things in life that makes it bearable,' he thought with a chuckle. The chair rumbled softly, as it turned him towards the bonfire, and he stared into it for a time. With a small sigh, he closed his eyes, and dozed.

Upon opening them, however, he noticed he was in a large room, and a gathering of expectant children were staring at him from his feet. On his lap was the small, blue kitsune, and a blonde haired, blue eyed elf boy. "And who might you be?" He asked the elf.

"Sorin," he mumbled shyly.

"Hello Sorin. I do not have a name to give you, but you may call me as they do."

"Why don't you have a name?" His eyes grew wide, as he stared up at the kitsune.

"Have you ever heard of the Ageless, Sorin?" The elf boy began to nod, then froze and stared up at him with eyes that seemed close to popping out of his skull. "It's good that you know, but what you may not know is one of the requirements. You have to give up something personal to you, before being acknowledge as one."

"What did you give up?" A small voice at his feet asked him.

"I gave up my name, and its legacy," he sighed, then smiled, "Which means, dear children, I have given up on the family before this one, and everything within it." The eyes of the children, even some of the adults, were as wide as saucers. "However, that doesn't mean I don't remember everything." His smile became larger than before, "Would you like to hear the story of my origin?"