Disclaimer
Ragnarok Online belongs to their respective copyright owners. The only ones that belong to me are the character names and the scenario that they all get involved with.
This work is totally fictional. Any resemblances to people, associations, and names are totally coincidental. No profit has been made by creating this fan fiction.
Notes
This is my first fan fiction, even though I have already created short stories and novels in the past, I don't consider them as fan fiction in general. I am always open to any kind of criticism and review, so feel free to do so after reading the first chapter. I take into consideration my reader's thoughts and feelings as well.
I found it disturbing that there is but a few Stalker-related fan fiction as I searched through the files. I decided to create one, since the Stalker class had always been my main character throughout the years. It deserves recognition as the most versatile class.
Psychographics
Prologue
The silence of the night was broken by the sound of a grumbling stomach coming from the most unexpected member of the Stalker's Desert Party.
"I thought you've eaten a lot today, Red." Seventh mumbled, obviously irritated.
"That's what you think, Seventh. I'm not fond of eating that much during the night. It ruins my figure." Red explained to his trusty comrade.
"Your figure? You're a guy, Red. A guy! What is going on with your head? Why would a guy be so conscious of his figure?" the irritated Stalker complained on and on, until he noticed that his friend was no longer talking at all. In fact, he wasn't laughing like the usual.
"H-hey… Red. What's the matter? You're really not yourself these days. Even the other guys are worried that our leader is becoming someone else! If you have a problem, man… feel free to talk to us about it. We may be idiots compared to you, but we have feelings as well."
"Seventh, you're overdoing it." Red replied to the Stalker who was now attempting to pinch his cheek as if it was some kind of rubbery material.
"Snap out of it, Red. I know it's not fun being a leader, but you can at least tell us if something's wrong." Seventh continued the conversation with visible concern.
"I will… don't worry. I try my best to be transparent when it comes to personal issues. One of these days, we'll all talk about it. Just tell the other guys to bear with me for the time being." Red replied, as if he was trying to cushion a deadly blow that the others might not be able to handle. "You'll all know everything."
"We have faith in you Red. Always." Seventh said sincerely. "The world may betray you, but we won't."
"You only think you're ready, Seventh… you only think you're ready." Red told him pessimistically.
"H-hey… what's that supposed to mean?" Seventh replied in confusion. "You're freaking me out boss!"
"Don't think about it too much. Sooner or later you will understand. It will come naturally." Red consoled his comrade.
"If you say so… then that's it. I'll go and tell the other guys about your "mysterious" demeanor as of the moment… and see if they'll accept your proposal of a meeting this week." Seventh mentioned while preparing to leave.
"Yes, please do. Thanks, Seventh." Red replied in gratitude.
"No problem. Just call us and the guys when you need anything. See you." Seventh turned and left.
There was silence for about fifteen minutes after Seventh left Red alone in his quarters. There was nothing to do during the cold desert nights. Morroc was very hostile to almost any life… and only a few will be able to thrive and live as if the heat and cold didn't affect them at all.
Again, his stomach grumbled.
Red decided to check his belongings before going to sleep. Everything was still in his bag. Everything he had lived for and everything that he will live for was all inside. "No one must know its contents… ever." Red thought. "I may be forced to kill them all if that happens… and I wouldn't be able to finish my mission at all."
After hiding the bag, the boss of the Stalker Desert Party finally decided to sleep. With the preparations for the next day done, Red crept slowly under the sheets.
"You only think you're ready." A voice whispered in Red's thoughts.
"I don't want to be hasty, Grey. I never wanted to. That's the difference between us. Always remember that." Red answered back.
With a heavy sigh, Red closed his eyes and slept.
