The Catalyst

Chapter One

Dreams Denied

The sun danced high in the sky, casting gleeful rays down onto the quiet city of Alberta. Unlike the other cities of Rune Midgarts, Alberta was filled more with regular town's people rather than adventurers busy fighting for King Tristan and his Holy War. To come to Alberta was to seek refuge in by its tranquil port and was a common place for those who had fought for the King to seek retirement.

"Nothing ever happens here…." Zakia giving a bored sigh, she moved her long strawberry pink hair out of her emerald green eyes. She was sitting by the waters edge as sailors moved around her. "Stupid port town, stupid merchants, and stupid novices….that is all that's here."

It was her 15th birthday, and her parents hadn't even noticed. Her father was probably busy with his blacksmithing and her mother would be tending to her younger brother, Jumi and the new baby, Aionus. She didn't want to bother her parents with something as silly as her birthday…a party wasn't really her concern; she wanted to join the adventure offered by the King. To her, it was the most important thing in the world.

"It's not silly!" she shouted, and jumped up with a determined look in her eyes and standing in a ridiculous pose. A few people stop and stare at her, but most walked on. Zakia was well known for her spontaneous behavior.

Archer, swordsmen, mage, merchant, thief and acolyte….which class would she choose to be? Turning 15 in Alberta meant leaving home to begin your novice quest and sooner or later making it to your first official job class. Most of Zakia's friends had chosen Merchants as their job class since Alberta, after all, was the home of the Merchant Guild. Since Zakia's birthday was later in the year her friends were already gone; they didn't' remember her birthday either.

She walked past Necko who was giving his speech to eager young merchants about the 'Crazy Uproar' skill; he waved and smiled to her wishing her a Happy Birthday. Zakia smiled back and gave a small wave as he continued to tell on about the items he needed to teach the skill. She was surprised he wasn't flirting with the local Kafra girl.

"Alberta has nothing but scamming merchants." a female Knight said from a green bench where two others sat. She then rolled her eyes at Necko.

"It's a very rich city, too." A male Wizard commented. He sat down the book he was reading, and began talking to the Knight. A female hunter with short blonde hair wearing an angelic headband also sat with them on a bench, they were all apparently from the same guild. The hunter's grey eyes followed Zakia as she walked past them, but said nothing.

Zakia looked at the girls and the boy curiously; rarely ever did you see 2-1 classes in a city as lame as Alberta. She watched them talk and wondered if she'd be any of those classes after she completed her first job class work. She already talked to her parents, they wouldn't let her—they avoided the subject whenever she brought it up. They wouldn't let her, and she knew it.

"Zakia!" she turned her attention forward and was bum rushed by Jumi who tackled her happily, "Zakia you have to come! Hurry! Mommy and Daddy have a big surprise for you!" he grabbed her hand and ran towards the house.

"J—Jumi!" she said, trying to keep up with her energetic brother who was now dragging her along. With his strength and loads of energy he'd be a mighty Crusader someday, she thought to herself. She didn't' particularly like the Swordsmen-Knight-Crusader classes because most people who chose that class were loud, stupid, and arrogant. Well, everyone she ever met of those classes were, and she didn't' like people with those personalities.

Jumi swung open the door to their home and let go of Zakia, running behind their parents. Zakia stood there, her eyes shined proudly. She had talked many times with her parents about joining the Kings Holy War and now her parents were granting her the thing she most desired! Now she would be presented with her Novice uniform and bag of goodies and sent off into the world!

"Your father and I have a present for you today on your birthday." Her mother rocked baby Aionus in her arms with a proud smile on her face.

Her father stepped forward, with a gift in his hand. "Its something you've always wanted," he said, presenting her with a large decorative box, "You know I had to go all the way to Lutie to get the packaging for this and the gift!"

Zakia frowned, Why would he need to go to Lutie to get novice gear? She asked herself, but gratefully took the gift anyway.

Her heart thudded loudly in her head; she trembled with anticipation until the final piece of wrapping was ripped off. She sat back, confused at what she saw.

Zakia had been wrong…

"It's a Lunatic, big sister!" Jumi said, giggling. Zakia cocked her head to the side, starring at the small white rabbit like critter that looked back at her with frightened eyes.

"She's not loyal yet, dear, you'll have to take it with you and train it well." He mother said gently. A few moments passed, and Zakia just starred at the Lunatic who starred back.

The birthday girl frowned, "Is this all?" she asked in an unpleased tone.

Her father grumbled, "Is this all? If there's one thing your mother and I taught you, it was to be grateful for anything given to you! Why, remember when I was a novice! I always said please and thank you, I was grateful for anything donated to me! Young lady I am—"

"Why can't I be novice? Why can't I go out and fight monsters and stuff like you and mom did?" Zakia asked, looking up at her parents, "Today I should start my novice quest…"

Her mother sighed, "We've had this talk before, the world is a far too dangerous a place for you. You'd wind up hurt and alone, who would take care of you?"

"I would take care of me!" Zakia stood up, tears welling in her eyes, "Everyone else is off on their great adventure and I'm stuck here in Alberta! This isn't right! This isn't fair! I should be given a fair chance just like everyone else!"

Her father slammed his fist against the wall, the Lunatic and Jumi jumped, frightened, "You don't know the horrors that are just outside the city walls. You don't understand the horrible kinds of things out there. We want to protect you and your siblings from those things. You will not go on a quest; you will not join this ridiculous Holy War. Do you understand me, young lady?"

Zakia stumbled back letting her tears fall freely down her tanned face. She shook her head no, as if that would change her father's decision, and fled the house. Her mother weakly reached out her hand as if to stop her from running off. Zakia's father turned and walked into the kitchen saying nothing, and Jumi quietly followed behind him.

The Lunatic hopped to the front door, and looked back to the house. It wiggled its little pink nose, catching a scent in the air, and hopped down the cobblestone road after Zakia.

It wasn't too hard to find her; she was sitting on a bench sobbing and sniffling. She felt happy that her parents cared so much, but it really wasn't fair to her to keep her from knowing the world and all the things it had to offer; both good and bad. Her father was always so mean to her, as if he didn't like her or something…

Zakia looked down at the Lunatic who gently brushed against her leg, as if it sympathized with her situation. She had always wanted a pet, and Lunatics were her favorite because they seemed so cute and cuddly. More than anything else, though, Zakia wanted to experience job classes and guilds and battles. She wanted to help people, and now she couldn't.

She wiped her eyes with the long sleeve of her red jacket, and picked up the Lunatic hugging it close to her. "It isn't fair…" she said softly, the Lunatic nudged against her, "I bet I'd be something great if I went out into the world."

The Lunatic showed its agreement by licking her face playfully. She giggled, and pondered what to do now. She wanted to run away and do all the things she wanted to…but she was partially afraid of being all on her own. Most runaways ended up being thief's…and that was certainly one job class she didn't want to be! The GM's would certainly have a bounty on her head, and she'd bring such shame to her family.

"So then what do I do?" she asked the Lunatic, looking into its big brown eyes. It gave a little squeal of glee and Zakia shook her head smiling, it had no idea what she was saying but was happy to have her full attention. She sat the Lunatic on her lap, and stroked its fur gently…it calmed both of them down.

Zakia began to softly hum; she was quiet a good singer but really didn't want anyone to find her just yet. She needed to make up her mind on what she would do….stay and live a life of a common girl or run away and have a great adventure. Some would call her attitude a bit too optimistic, but the behavior suited her personality so well.

Sighing, Zakia looked up to the sky and met the eyes of a Wild Rose. It was perched so perfectly over her; she hadn't even realized the threatening feline had spawned. She scrambled off the bench holding the Lunatic close to her body.

The Wild Rose scratched at itself playfully and mewed at Zakia. "St—stay away!" she cried out. Wild Rose spawns had been the cause of death to many of the cities curious children. Bloody, slashed up remains were all that were found and it was hectic to try and get rid of the wild beast. Most of the time, her father (being a noble and rather strong Blacksmith) would be the one to deliver the final blow to the beast.

The Lunatic hissed at the Wild Rose, commonly in the wild a Lunatic served as food for the pesky feline. It was just instinct for the Lunatic to hiss…

…and instinct for the Wild Rose to spring forward, baring teeth and claws at Zakia to give it its meal from her. She let out a scream and fled from the Wild Rose which was close at her heels. It clawed at them and taking pleasure in hearing her scream from the pain; even licking her bloody heals when it could get close enough to.

The screams rang throughout the quiet town, and as usual the curious inhabitants left their work stations and houses to see what was going on. They watched Zakia run by with the cat at her heels and instantly began screaming and calling for her father to come and save her.

"Drake! Help your daughter!"

"Zakia is in trouble Drake!"

"Help! Someone help her!"

The Wild Rose, in its wild dash, delivered another slice at Zakia's delicate flesh and the Lunatic continued to growl at it.

"You're not eating my pet!" Zakia called back to the Wild Rose as it toyed with her. She really needed to train this Lunatic of hers…taunting such a strong monster was really stupid.

She was on the other side of town. There was no way her father would be able to save her in time.

Zakia ran down to where the common respawn place was, alarming many novices who screamed and ran out of her way. The only other person there, besides the few scared novices, was a priest who turned—immediately alarmed, and ran to help the damsel in distress.

"Get behind me!" he shouted as she neared him and he cast a quick heal spell on her. He clasped his hands together and prayed; casting blessing on her and increasing her agility as well. As she ran past him, he took his Bone Wand from where it was fastened to his waist, and cracked the Wild Rose on its head. The cat stopped chasing Zakia and plopped onto the ground, pawing at its head and crying.

"Watch out!" a girl cried, from behind Zakia, drawing back her bow and pushing her romantic leaf to the side of her mouth; she began summoning power from within herself. It was the hunter who had been watching Zakia from before….The frightened teen and the Lunatic looked up stunned as the arrows tip began to glow with energy. She released the arrow and the Wild Rose let out a cry and fell back, disappearing as suddenly as it had appeared.

The town's people cheered and the priest looked around at them curiously, he shrugged their attention off as the hunter basked in it happily; he then walked over to Zakia checking wounds.

"Are you alright?" he asked, kneeling check to her out. Zakia blushed as the silver haired, pointy eared boy checked her legs. The red Fashion Sunglasses he wore above his head matched his priests outfit perfectly, he had to of been rich to own something like those! She realized, then, her skirt was a bit too short, perhaps why the Wild Rose had clawed at her heels so eagerly.

"You seem to be fine now." He said, standing up from her and smiling sweetly. "You have to be more careful, or you'll end up hurt with no one to take care of you!"

Zakia's eyes narrowed, that was the same thing her parents had said to her, "I can take care of myself!" she said, she and the Lunatic stood up as if defending themselves.

The boy raised his hands laughing, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. Let's star over…" he held out his hand to shake her, "My name is Roose, what's yours?"

Zakia stretched out her hand welcomingly and smiled, "I'm Zakia. Nice to meet you." They shook hands, and both found themselves blushing as they drew away.

"Hey, hey, hey!" the blonde hunter girl said, whisking her short hair side to side, "No loot dropped, Roose, sucks ass huh?" she patted him on the back and he stumbled forward a little.

Roose shook his head and sighed, "I guess so Sailita."

She stomped her foot, "Don't call me by my full name! You know the drill priest boy, call me Sai or I'll kick your ass!" she laughed and Roose shook his head, smiling.

Zakia smiled at the duo, finally some interesting people in Alberta! Both Sai and Roose had to be just around her age and they already advanced to their second class! She felt hope in her heart and the Lunatic jumped happily at her side.

"We have to get going," Roose said, "We're off to Prontera to buy some supplies and such. It was very nice to meet you, Zakia."

Sai stomped her foot, "We can't go! I haven't had a chance to meet the girls who life I bravely saved!" she began to laugh again in a loud and arrogant manner.

Roose sighed and shook his head, "Oh no, your not embarrassing me again." He reached into a pouch at his waist and pulled out a blue gem. Zakia watched as he chanted the summon for a warp portal.

She turned hearing someone call her name, and watched as her father ran down the street, "What the hell have you done this time, girl!" he shouted, waving his fists.

Zakia gulped in, and heard the portal open behind her. Sai looked at her father, and then back at Zakia.

"You gunna stay here and let your old man tell you how to live your life? ...or are you going to choose your own destiny?"

Many thoughts ran through Zakia's head as Sai disappeared into the portal. With her father advancing closer she snatched the Lunatic up from the ground and hopped into the portal. Roose's mouth dropped,

"B—but your father is—"he turned and looked up into the eyes of her enraged father which boiled with anger. Roose laughed nervously and stepped back into the portal which closed after he entered.

Zakia's father grasped at the portal which was no longer there, his look changing from anger to sorrow. His daughter was no longer in his protection. If the GM's found out…it would be the end of him…it would be the end of her. He starred forward with a blank gaze.

At that moment, a GM with short brown hair and an eye-patch appeared besides him. "Drake." He said, his arms were folded across his chest, Zakia's father said nothing.

"Drake. It seems I have come just in time to see yet another one of your fuck ups. Now that she is out of Alberta she is harm to the entire world, she must be stopped using all means necessary. You failed as an undercover GM, and most importantly as the guardian to the Catalyst. If this girl brings any harm to anyone, it will rest surely upon your head and you will be severely punished."

Drake put his head down and sighed, "I understand." Was all he could manage to say.

The GM turned from him and continued. "You are stripped of your rank as Sub GM due to your inabilities now and in the past to manage the Catalyst. Please turn in your items to your local Kafra, because if necessary we will forcibly take them from you. Live your life here as a common man, and do not ever mention to anyone you were ever a GM. Failure to comply by these rules will result in your immediate execution. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir." Drake said standing and walking back to his home depressed and needing to collect his special GM items.

The GM looked at the spot where the portal had been, the spell had been cast by a very powerful priest, making it hard to trace. He would find this priest who had taken the Catalyst; then he would take the Catalyst back to the GM headquarters. She would be dealt with accordingly.

He held out his hands, casting his own portal, and set warp to the capital of the Rune-Midgarts—Prontera.

Authors Notes: I just got over a writers block so I wanted to test myself out. Please leave a review, I'll be eternally grateful. The only actual person from this fic is my character Zakia. No one else is anyone I actually know and any resemblance to anyone is purely coincidental. I had to upload this fic twice because I messed up the first time…enjoy.