----- Adrian -----
Chrip chrip
Birds were chirping, accompanied by the scorching smell of fire.
Opening my eyes, I saw a fabric roof that I had never seen before. I slowly raised my body, feeling aches all over my body. Suddenly my head was assaulted by a stinging feeling of pain, exposing the painful memories of that night.
"Ugh."
Holding my head, my eyes suddenly watered and teardrop after teardrop fell onto my thigh.
'So.... Mama and.... Papa already ....'
As I contemplated my loss, the cloth in front of me unfolded to reveal the girl whose name I remembered was Zenith. Seeing me sobbing, she then gently embraced me while stroking my hair.
"Shhh, it's okay baby, you're safe now."
Feeling his hands gently embracing me, my crying slowly began to subside. Zenith, who sensed this, slowly released her embrace and wiped my cheeks that were wet with tears.
"Don't cry anymore okay, we are here for you." She said smiling gently.
I just nodded with her sincere words.
"Come, I'll introduce you to the others." He said as he picked me up and carried me outside.
The tent door was opened, revealing five people sitting around the fireplace. I glanced at them curiously.
On the far right was a familiar face, an animal-eared woman who calmly sat with her arms folded under her chest. I think her name was Ghislaine.
Followed by a short, middle-aged man with a long orange beard who was shaking his head at the two people arguing in front of him.
And then I saw the two people who were fighting, a beautiful young woman with golden hair and long ears and a well-built young man with a handsome face.
And the other one was in front of the fireplace, with a face that if described roughly like a monkey, with a nose that looked big and a pair of big ears too. Occasionally he stirred the pot on the hearth without caring what was going on behind him.
"Hey Paul, Lina, I told you to stop fighting. Adrian woke up because of you."
With a shout from Zenith who was still holding me, the woman and man stopped their argument and looked at her.
"Cih, Lina started it. Why should we keep that brat anyway, we could just leave him at the orphanage in town, right?" The man said irritably while turning his head.
Hearing this, the woman who had been arguing with him hit him on the top of the head.
"I told you not to say that in front of him." She said then walked towards us leaving the man called Paul behind.
"Adrian right? don't listen to what he says okay!. He's a..... bit ignorant. And remember we won't leave you okay." She said with a sweet smile while stroking his head.
"Un." I said with a nod.
"Hehe you're a smart boy aren't you." She said continuing her stroking.
"Oh yeah my name is Elinalise, you can call me Lina, or Mama Lina if you want, hehe."
He said introducing himself, then he pointed to each of his group.
"The man I hit was named Paul."
"Hey, weren't you the one who spoke harshly to him."
Ignoring Paul's ramblings, Lina then pointed at the man with the thick beard.
"The man with the thick beard is called Talhand. You can call him uncle Talhand, are you okay with that Talhand?"
"Well, I'm fine with that."
Then he pointed at the beast-eared woman.
"And next is Ghislaine, although she is a bit creepy she is a good person, try to get along with her okay?"
Ghislaine just silently nodded, well maybe it suited her personality.
"The one who is cooking is Geese. You can ask him for some delicious food later."
The man named Geese then waved his hand with a smile.
"And the last one holding you is Zenith..."
I then looked up at her, revealing her smiling gently at me. Seeing her with that smile, I thought of my mother again.
"W-what's up, Sweetie?"
Perhaps because my face showed signs of sadness, she worriedly asked me.
"Where's Papa and Mama?" I asked in a sad tone. Even though I knew what was happening, for some reason I wanted to keep asking. Maybe it's because of a child's inner instinct.
Zenith was silent for a while, then turned to Lina who answered with a small nod.
"Alright, Adrian. I'll take you to your parents' place." She said confidently but with a note of sadness in it.
Then she led me to my house, the sadness deepening with memories of my father and mother in the ruined house. Zenith continued to walk to the side of the house, where two mounds of earth with a pair of wooden planks stuck on them. He then set me down slowly while kneeling in front of the mounds.
"S-sorry Adrian, we buried your parents without you here. Because we couldn't bear to let them...."
For some reason, Zenith's voice that spoke right beside me just went in and out of my ears. I weakly approached their graves, helplessly kneeling right in front of their graves.
"M-mama.... P-papa..... forgive me, I could.... couldn't save you two ..... forgive me.... forgive me." I shouted helplessly, trying to hug the two wooden planks in front of me with tears falling heavily on the ground.
Moments later I felt the warmth of hands enveloping me from behind, a soft feeling then pressed against my head. Zenith's soft voice then entered my ears.
"It's okay sweetheart.... It's okay..... I'm here for you, let out all your sorrows."
I then turned around and hugged her very tightly, soaking his shirt with all my tears....
After a while, my tears stopped flowing and I felt a little calmer. I then released my embrace and wiped my tears away.
"T...thank you, for being here with me, ma'am."
"Anything for you dear, and at least... I must apologize to you because of me, your mother can't be around...."
Before she could finish, I silenced her mouth with both hands and shook my head.
"Umm....it's okay ma'am. The most important thing is that I'm safe thanks to you guys."
Zenith then smiled at that.
"....Thank you... thank you Adrian. But.... calling ma'am is a bit unnerving to hear. Call me Mama now okay, because I promise to take care of you from now on."
"U-um... Okay. .... M-mama Zenith." I said while shyly looking away. I knew calling her Mama was still difficult for me, especially since she was still this young.
"Uuuhh, you're so cute when you call me Mama, but next time don't call Mama by my name okay ." Mama Zenith said as she pressed her cheek against mine. I don't think I can do that for now, since we're also new to each other.
"Oh yea..." then she reached into her pocket, taking out a miniature wooden statue in the shape of a wolf and a pendant.
"I... found them while checking your house and I thought... they meant a lot to you, so I kept them."
Taking the object from her hand, I remembered when my father made the statue and the pendant that my mother always wore. Remembering those days made me smile happily and sadly that I couldn't see them anymore, well at least there was a reminder as their memory.
"Thank you Mama Zenith."
Growl
Suddenly, the sound of my stomach beeping signaled that my stomach needed to be filled.
"Ah are you hungry already dear. But... I can't breastfeed you, maybe I should ask Lina to..."
"I...it's okay, Mama Zenith. I... can eat porridge now." I said cutting her off.
"Oh is it? I'm surprised you can eat regular food. Are you sure about that? I'm afraid a toddler your age can't eat porridge yet. "
"...About that, my mom used to give me porridge sometimes, so I will be okay."
"Okay then if you sure, but, if you still can't eat it, maybe we can ask Lina later."
"Well then, let's go back for now. I can't let you starve in here."
"Wait Mama Zenith, I want to say goodbye to my Mama Papa first."
Hearing that, Mama Zenith nodded with a genuine smile.
"Alright, I'll say goodbye to them too."
With that I turned to face their graves while stroking their graves.
"Mama... Papa... I promise, I will be stronger in the future. To protect my family now and in the future. Thank you for everything and... goodbye, Mama... Papa... I love you all."
I reluctantly released my grip from both of them, then Mama Zenith began to say her goodbyes.
"S-Sister Hannah, I'm sorry I couldn't save you and your husband. But I promise to take care of Adrian as my own flesh and blood. Goodbye Sister and thank you for helping me all these years."
Then Mama Zenith stood up and turned towards me.
"Alright, let's go back to our group." She said while carrying me.
'Hmm brother, do Mama and Mama Zenith know each other?'
Out of curiosity, I asked him about it.
"Ummm Mama Zenith, why call Mama Sister?"
"Ah me and your mama are practically relatives from the same kingdom and we used to travel together. Well I can't tell you more so, wait for you to grow up and I'll tell you everything, okay!"
Responding to that confusion, I can only surrender and think about it for the future. For now I have to fill my stomach.
A while later we finally arrived at the campsite with the same atmosphere as before.
"Geese, can you make some porridge for our little one." Mama Zenith said as she arrived in front of everyone.
"Huh, are you sure you're feeding him porridge, a child his age should still need breast milk, right?" Geese said in surprise.
I then interrupted her by shaking my head.
"It's okay uncle, I can eat porridge."
"Well if you say so, one porridge coming right up." He said excitedly
Lina then approached us with a smile on her beautiful face.
"I didn't expect Adrian to be able to eat regular food, I honestly already wanted to volunteer for you."
Well even though I wanted to, I was too shy to do so.
"Ohh are you still able to take it out, hehe maybe I'll try later ma... Ouch Zenith what's that for?"
Suddenly Paul approached and interrupted which was met with a punch right in the stomach by Mama Zenith. Well from the looks of it, he's that kind of person, so I wasn't surprised by him.
"Don't say dirty things in front of Adrian, or you want another beating." Mama Zenith continued
"Alright alright, but are you sure you want to take this child with us. We are adventurers you know, let alone the many dangers that will befall us later." He said in an annoyed tone but there was a little worry in it, at least he still had a conscience even if it was a little.
"I... I can't leave her, especially since I promised sister Hannah to take care of her so..." Mama Zenith words were cut off by Lina.
"It's okay, after all, I'm also experienced in taking care of a child so it'll make our job easier, and he'll be safer with us than leaving him behind, right?"
She said as she picked me up in her arms.
"Haah, fine if you insist, but don't blame me if anything happens to him in the future." She said resignedly.
"Stop arguing, our little one needs to be fed." Geese said while carrying a bowl of porridge that Lina received and started feeding me.
"Alright open your mouth wide, ahhhh!"
I happily opened my mouth to accept his mouthful.
And that was the first day together... you could say my new family, I experienced a lot of sadness and relief.
To be honest, I was both excited and anxious about the future that awaited me. But I was confident that I could live my life with confidence because I knew Mama and Papa wanted me to do so.
As for what the future holds, that will be answered in due course and for now, I just want to enjoy being with them, my new family.
----- Adrian ------
It's been a year and a half since I was born again. And one year has been spent with Mama Zentih's group.
During that year I found out that the adventurer party was called "Fangs of the Black Wolf" which I thought was cool and weird at the same time, fangs of the black wolf? Where did they come up with that name, was it from their first kill or was it just a fleeting thought that crossed their minds?
Anyway, I also found out that they are an S rank party, something of a peak rank for adventurers. Indeed, with the abilities of each member that I've seen over the past year, that title is indeed suitable for them.
In the eyes of others they are considered a very admired group, but .... in my eyes they are just a group of silly people, really, I don't understand why they are so admired by many people with their strange behavior.
While thinking about my experience so far, I heard Paul's voice coming down from the second floor of the inn.
"Whoam, Good morning guys. Have you seen my pants? I couldn't find it this morning."
"Pants .... no, maybe you should ask Zenith, haven't you been spending the night with her lately?"
"L- Lina, don't say such embarrassing things."
Well, as usual Paul was Paul, who I could say was quite ignorant every morning. Even so I didn't really mind it, because it was his trademark that was my comfort in the morning and also sometimes being fed by Mama Lina on her lap. Which is today the same as usual. I don't know why Mama Lina really likes to lap me, maybe because she misses having another child....I don't know.
Regardless, during this one year, I got to know this party better.
First up is Paul Greyrat who is now sitting with us. He is the leader of this Party group, who serves as the vanguard of this group. Unlike what I expected like other leaders he is someone who is overconfident, narcissistic, and playful. At least he still has a dashing attitude and is skilled as a swordsman.
Despite his seemingly incompetent behavior, he's actually quite a capable leader. And also I didn't expect that he was a former noble, I was surprised when Mama Zenith told me earlier about this, People like him? A nobleman? I don't really believe that.
Despite my disapproval, the truth is that he is someone who is highly ranked in the Asura kingdom called Notos.
"What are you talking about?" Mama said walking from the washroom.
"Zenith, did you take my other pants?" Asked Paul
"Well, I put it away while cleaning the room this morning."
"Ah well thank you then, but if you remember last night it was a fun night wasn't it Zenith?" He said smiling mischievously to which she responded with an affirmative shake.
Another striking trait is that .... he's a pervert. There wasn't a night I didn't see him bring a woman into his room. Whether it was Mama today, Mama Lina the next day, and even Ghislaine the next day. There were even a few times I saw him take someone I'd never seen before. To be honest, he was a cheater who was always changing women. I could only sigh at the logic on his mind or even this world. What was surprising was that for the past week he spent more time with Mama. Maybe they were in a relationship or something.
"Hah, you young people are very lucky to be able to have fun at night, while this old man can't find an interesting man to play with." Uncle Talhand said.
Talhand is someone who is.... interesting and also different.
He is a Dwarf who left his village because he has different interests than the average dwarf or rather he is an outcast from his village for studying magic rather than blacksmithing. By leaving his village, he decided to become an adventurer and after traveling for a long time he found his place in this party.
And yes, judging from his words, he was also gay. Which is quite strange in this medieval world, at least he's not too discriminated against in this world. As for me, i also respect him if he doesn't touch me.
"Hmm not really Talhaand, I saw some young men yesterday. Hehe, maybe I'll ask them to 'play' tonight." Mama Lina said while licking her lips.
As for Mama Lina herself, she is an Elf and like the elven race in general she is a form of beauty itself. Even at her age of over two hundred years, she still maintains her teenage charm. Unfortunately she has a curse, a curse that will force her to routinely quench her sexual thirst making her someone who is..... free?!
Because of her curse, she has had many children in the past. Which makes her a good nanny for me in this group. I'm even forced to call her Mama Lina, well although I don't mind that.
Despite her fragile appearance, she is the main tank-like vanguard of the party, someone who is tough and resilient, contrary to her nature and appearance.
"Well at least I'm having fun at the gambling establishments in this town, because those young men are easy for me to play with, keke."
And Geese himself, he's someone who's pretty private about himself. He is a Thief in this party, and as the name suggests he won't be fighting, just lurking and checking for traps.
At least he's also helping the party's income by doing odd jobs. Also, he's a good cook so I don't mind this guy.
"Haah you guys, how many times have I told you not to say bad things in front of Adrian." Ghislaine said as she approached me and stroked my head.
"Don't listen to them Adrian. They're just idiots."
"You're just the same Ghisline, not much different from them." Mama said as she lifted me onto her lap.
"At least I didn't say anything perverted." Ghislaine's reply
"Hey." Paul and Mama Lina shouted at the same time.
As for Ghislaine herself, she is a quiet person.
But her character will be different when she fights, like a predator preying on its prey. That's the kind of description I can make.
At least she learned to entertain me or occasionally play with me, her character is what made me call her big sis.
"Are you still hungry dear?" Mama said while stroking my head
"No Mama, I'm full."
And the last one is Zenith Latreia, or what I call Mama. Although I was a little embarrassed to call her mama, I finally happily called her Mama with the love and attention she gave me while I was in this group. After all, I knew that this was what my real mother wanted.
Zenith herself is the group's Healer, and while she is true to her role, gentle and caring, she often shows her harsh nature to Paul. Adding evidence to my hunch that they liked each other.
Well, Paul does need to be taught a lesson about his love of sleeping with multiple women.
She also shared that she used to be a nobleman in the Holy country of Millis, which she said was the largest Religious country in the world with its own religion, the religion of Millis.
Because of her arranged marriage at the age of 15, she rebelled and ran away from home. Making her an adventurer. And because of her new-found naivety, she was tricked by other adventurers and ended up being rescued by Paul.
Seeing this cheerful atmosphere, I looked up at Mama and stared into her eyes.
"Mama....can I learn magic?"
Ever since I discovered that there is magic in this world, I've always wanted to try to learn, because I'm also probably still a child, I've always been rejected.
"Haah... here we go again, I told you dear to wait until you were at least 5 years old."
"I just want to try it Mama, just for a little while and if I can't, I won't ask you again."
"I'm not sure about that." She said skeptically
Well if Mama insists I can only use this move, at least I've practiced before with Mama Lina and it worked.
With that I tightened my grip on her, bringing my lower lip forward while vibrating it slightly. Then looking into his eyes closely with a little water in the corners of my eyes.
"....Please?"
No face can resist this face, especially not Mama's.
"Gah... Alright, but try with healing magic first, I don't want you to make a mess with other type magic, okay." Her grumbles
"Yeaaay, Mama is the best."
Don't underestimate the charm of a child Mama.
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Trivia Time :
Fangs of the Black Wolf
Fangs of the Black Wolf is a Rank S Adventurer Party led by Paul Greyrat in his youth. The party had varying personalities and was one of the most famous parties in the Central Continent before it was disbanded after Paul and Zenith quit to settle down. All members of the party were outcasts in their own house, family, or village. Except for Geese, who is not a true outcast but rather is the last living member of his tribe.