This is my first attempt at a funny multi-chapter fanfic. A lot of lines (with the exception of the hero's) taken from the game are used until later on. The hero's name is Joey because that was the name I went with in the game (and the fact that it's my nickname!). I hope that you all enjoy this!

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Quest VIII or any other series mentioned or hinted at in this story. There's probably a good reason why.

Day One (Part One): (Not-So) Dynamic Entry!

The clearing in the woods was tranquil and inviting, a perfect place to rest before continuing a journey. In fact, a short green creature was snoozing away while a recently former bandit stood silently, every once in a while picking his nose. Then there was a guy wearing a bandana sitting on a tree stump, vacantly staring at a small yet beautiful patch of flowers that varied in different colors such as orange, white, and purple to name a few. A mouse went and hopped into one of his pockets after being scared off by a now awake and cranky green monster. The furry rodent sighed and took a drag of his blunt. All the mohawked mouse wanted was to share his stash!

At some point the former bandit began to speak but in all truth no one was listening, especially the guy sitting on the stump, who was imagining that the flowers were singing Especially In the Month of June. He even started dancing to the joyful tune… which was, of course, all in his head.

"Shake a leg, guv!" the former bandit encouraged. The one who he called "guv", the guy that was oh-so entertained by the patch of flowers, finally turned his attention to him with a blank look on his face. The other two in the odd group stared at "guv" expectantly, waiting for him to stand up. He didn't. For two whole minutes. They wanted to berate him for stalling like an idiot but something – the weather, the air… the Goddess only knew – stopped them from pointing that out.

"Oh yeah! I forgot," the guy wearing the bandana realized, standing up. The former bandit and the green creature looked at him as though he had just randomly cackled like a hyena while planning the world's demise.

Feeling the need to explain himself, he stopped his laughter and said, "The flowers were really pretty," and pointed toward the little flower patch like a guilty five-year-old. This only seemed to make the other two's tempers flare even worse, yet the guy wearing the bandana appeared to be oblivious to it. "What's wrong Yangus? King Trode?"

"I've prob'ly said this before, but it beats me 'ow you ended up workin' for an old codger like 'im!" the former bandit, Yangus, chuckled, attempting to change the subject.

"Easy, I needed the money and I dig his daughter. Oh, did I also mention that I'm an orphan?" the guy with the bandana responded.

"Not that I could talk, though, eh?!" Yangus continued. "Guess people say the same thing about me workin' for you."

"Aaaand you just completely ignored me. Good job!" bandana-head flashed Yangus a thumbs up, entirely serious about the gesture.

"Hm? Old codger!? I do hope you're not referring to me!" the small green monster called King Trode raised his voice carrying his regal tone, obviously not flattered by what he was just labeled as.

"Oooh, Pissy Man Syndrome!" the guy wearing the bandana called out like an antagonistic school kid.

"Be quiet Joey!" King Trode before royally bitching out Yangus, pun intended.

After exchanging death glares with Yangus, King Trode realized that something was missing. "Enough dilly-dallying! Joey! Where's the Princess? I can't see her anywhere…"

Everyone suddenly jumped at the rapid rustling noises coming from the bushes, something quickly advancing towards them. Joey reacted to the sounds by dropping to the ground and hysterically screaming, "Killer horses! Save me!"

Yangus, Trode, and the three bouncy blue Slimes that erupted from the lush green bushes could only stare and sweat-drop at the sight of Joey being a moron. Sensing the stillness of the atmosphere, Joey looked up at everyone with curiosity just before getting up and rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

"Joey, for the love of the Goddess start fighting!" King Trode hastily commanded.

"What? They do-"

A Slime hit Joey on the head from behind, causing him to fall over.

This was going to be a long journey…