Chapter 1: The Dream, The Meeting and the start of a journey

The sun was shining over Prontera city, the streets bustling with activity as merchants, blacksmiths and alchemists were lined up on the sidewalks, selling their wares to the populous. Young novices could be seen asking more veteran citizens of the town for money or help with their training. A couple of hunters were asking a priest to warp them to the gloomy dungeon, known as Glast Heim. Thus is a normal day in the capital of Rune-Midgard.

A swordsman, with green hair tied up in a ponytail, was resting on a bench near the exit to the town. He was wearing the standard swordsman getup, his broad sword in it's sheathe, and his helmet was on top of it and a bag sitting with them, which were all set next to him. His blue eyes focused on the knights and crusaders walking by, one day hoping he'd be able to join them in their ranks. He sat up, clenched his fist and raised it in the air, thinking to himself 'One day...I will become one of them!' With that, he put on his helm, grabbing his weapon and tied it to his belt, and picking up his bag, flung it over his shoulder and ran out of the city to train...only to bump into a merchant's booth, knocking it down and making the merchandise go all over.

The merchant could only yell, "hey watch where you're going!" as he picked up his wares. The "swordy" quickly bowed in apology and continued running. The merchant just sighed as he fixed up his makeshift shop, mumbling "people these days...always in a rush" under his breath.

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The Fields of Prontera, a vast plain outside the said capital, from here, people traveled to the other countries of the large continent...

The same "swordy" was seen running through the fields, headed toward Prontera's sister city, Izlude.

'My name is Shoichi Takeno...and I'm on a quest to join the elite chivalry of Knights...' he said in his head, running past the trees and various monsters such as Porings and Chon-Chons. 'This quest may take a long time...but I know it will be worth it...and someday, I will be the be- OOMPH!' his train of thoughts was stopped when he ran straight into a tree and fell down, seemingly knocked out.

Bystanders and other travelers couldn't help but chuckle at the sight as some walked by while others just stopped and wondered what the hell he was thinking not to notice a tree in his way.

Minutes later, Shoichi awoke to the uneasy feeling of being poked in the ribs with a stick. He quickly sat up and yelled, "Alright, alright I'm up!" grabbing the stick away from a female acolyte and throwing it somewhere into the distance.

This caused the "aco" to jump back, startled. She then asked the now awake Shoichi "Um...excuse me sir...but are you feeling alright?" The acolyte was wearing the traditional robes given by the sanctuary, her blue hair in pigtails, and her amber eyes were looking at the hapless swordsman with a hint of concern.

Shoichi looked at her and smiled, rubbing his forehead "Well, other than the bump here I'm fine...but you didn't have to poke me with a stick you know" he then stood up, dusting himself off.

She just blushed and quickly said, "I just thought that you were dead..."

He laughed in response, saying, "It will take more than that to kill me..." he then stuck his hand out and said, "I'm Shoichi Takeno, nice to meet ya'."

The acolyte looked at his hand quizzically and then bowed, saying, "I am Misako Yokoue, it's a pleasure to meet you Takeno-kun"

He sighed, rubbing the back of his head, as he thought, 'Not the type to shake hands I suppose.' He then said, "No need to be so formal...just call me Shoichi."

Misako nodded and replied, "OK...Shoichi-kun."

Shoichi waved in a goodbye type manner as he resumed walking to Izlude, when the girl suddenly grabbed his arm. He looked at her and tilted his head, letting a small "Hm?" out

She then asked him "Well...if it isn't any trouble...can we travel together? I mean...my healing abilities can help you know..."

Shoichi replied, "If you really want to..." stopping to think for a moment, before he nodded and said "Sure! Although...I'm headed to Izlude, and getting on a boat to the Isle of Byalan...are you up to it?"

Misako only smiled and let go of his arm.

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Half an hour passed until they finally reached the gates of Izlude. Shoichi ran ahead quickly towards the harbor. Only to find that the boat for Byalan had already left and it won't be back for another two hours.

Misako came running after him, stopping for a moment out of breath, before saying to Shoichi, "H-Hey..." panting in between, "Why did you take off so suddenly Shoichi-kun?"

Shoichi sighed and simply replied, "I was going to see if we could get on the boat, but it turned out it already left"
She finally caught her breath and patted him on the shoulder, reassuring him, "We'll get the next one...when is it coming anyway?"

He shook his head and told her, "In two hours...well, I'll get the tickets at least..." as he walked up to the ticket booth near the harbor.

Misako walked up to the docks and sat along the edge, watching the sea.

Shoichi asked the attendant, "How much are two tickets for Byalan?"

The guy there simply pointed to a sign next to the booth

It read: "Byalan Isle 150z, Alberta Marina 500z"

Shoichi nodded and got his wallet and handed the man 300z. In return the man gave him two tickets, which Shoichi took and placed in his wallet for safekeeping.

He then spotted Misako resting on the docks, so he decided to join her. He walked up to her, standing next to the acolyte, hands in his pockets.

Misako smiled and said to him, "How much were they? So I can at least pay for mine"

Shoichi told her, "They cost 150z Misako-chan...but you don't have to pay me...you can say that this time...it's on me" smiling at his new companion.

She shook her head, getting 150z from her money pouch and handing it to him, "No...I just couldn't..."

He slowly shook his head, telling her, "Keep it...besides...you'll be healing me a lot on this trip...consider this as a small token of appreciation." Sitting down and staring into the horizon, where the Isle lies.

She then looked down and asked, "So...what are we going to do to pass the time?"

A sweat drop formed, and he said flatly, "I have no clue"

She laughed in response and told him, "Well...why don't we at least get to know each other better?"

He nodded in response, and told her "Let's see...where to begin..."

They started talking in order to pass time...but in the background a cloaked figure was watching them silently, keeping himself well hidden.

Just who is this cloaked man? What interest does he have in our heroes? What dangers await them? Find out in the next chapter.

To be continued...