The River village is hidden and cut off from the greater world. Several generations ago, the River Clan moved into this hidden place in search of a simpler life. Since its founding, the members of the River Village have relied on one another for survival. Every person in the village trusts each other with their lives. It is only because of their unity they have been able to survive for so long.

Staring into the lush mysterious depths, Mist wonders what things lay hidden inside the mysterious forest. He"s heard many tales about the Forbidden Forest. He knows all kinds of dangerous animals and insects are inside.

The elders, his parents, and even other children constantly warn him against going into the Forbidden Forest. Mist can"t describe it to anyone but to him, it feels as if something is calling to him. The calling started when he was five and it has only gotten stronger. He often finds himself staring trance-like into its depths.

Standing up he slowly walks to the dividing line between the safe area of the village and the tree line, the doorway into the Forbidden Forest. Lifting his foot he moves it forward about to cross the boundary line. Just as his foot is about to land he feels the back of his shirt being grabbed and someone roughly pulling him back.

"Mist, what do you think you"re doing, son?!"

A large man standing just over six feet towered over Mist. He wore the typical gear of the village"s hunters. Every bit of his skin was covered with the course and heavy shirt and pants colored in forest colors to help him hide when hunting.

The pants are covered by the shoes which look almost like boots. His elbows and knees have special padding; while his face is painted in dark forest colors to help him blend in. His head is wrapped by a special hat that covered over his ears. A quiver filled with arrows and a strong bow was slung over his back. An intimidating knife was sheathed on a belt. This hunter even carried a heavy club on his back while holding a fearsome spear.

"Nothing, Father," Mist said. Looking at his father, River Snake, he couldn"t help feel a little fear. This wasn"t the first time Mist"s father barely caught his son before he stepped into the forest. River Snake is not only Mist"s father; he is also the strongest hunter of the River Village.

"Do you know why it"s called the Forbidden Forest? It"s because everything there can kill you! Even experienced hunters such as myself only go in after extensive preparation. Do you see this helmet? It covers my ears to keep the brain-eating beetles out. My ankles are protected from the vicious snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and other toxic animals in the forests. The poison most of these creatures produce is so strong they can kill a two-ton spirit beast! Every piece of clothing is meant to help me survive.

Look at you! What are you wearing? A short-sleeved shirt and shorts! Are you trying to get yourself killed?! You"re mother and I have had six sons and three daughters. Out of our children, all of them have died except for you and your baby sister. Do you know what else your siblings have in common? None of them died due to stupidity!

Do you not want me to pa.s.s on my bloodline? Do you want your mother to cry over one more child? Who will protect your sister Fairy? Are you an enemy to my bloodline?! Get back to the house I"m going to beat your moon red! Maybe that will help you remember going into the Forbidden Forest is bad!" River Snake yelled.

River Snake didn"t want to spank his child, he loved him dearly, but he didn"t know what to do anymore. This child seemed determined to get himself killed. Pushing Mist forward, River Snake escorted his son back to their home.

What neither father nor son noticed when they left the glowing red eyes watching them from within the forest.

After his spanking, Mist laid on the bed in the room he shared with his sister Fairy. He was still crying. He didn"t want to make his parents sad. He knew the beating he just received was a result of his father"s fear for his life. The problem was Mist couldn"t help himself. The Forbidden Forest kept calling to him. No matter how much he tried to resist it he always found himself drawn to it.

He would try to stay away but then he would suddenly find himself at the edge of the forest. He was never scared of the forest. All of the adults feared the forest, but not Mist. He felt like he would be safe no matter what. His father didn"t believe this.

Mist wasn"t able to lay on his back, he could only painfully lay on his stomach. His mother came into the room with the remains of tear streaks on her face. She came to treat her son"s backside with a healing balm.

"Little Mist, every time you almost enter the forest your mother cries her heart out. I cannot lose you. I have lost almost all of my children. If I lose you and my little Fairy I will die of a broken heart. When you risk your life, you aren"t just risking your life but mine as well. Do you want mother to die?" She asked with new tears falling from her face.

Mist loved his mother and got up and hugged her. He was crying, he didn"t want his mother to die the idea of his kind and loving mother dying made him scared. He decided from now on, no matter what, he would never go near the Forbidden Forest again.

After having his hindquarters treated, Mist lay in bed and fell asleep. Night fell and the entire River Village drifted into sweet dreams.