Chapter 1: Elsword

"I wish I was there right now…" Elsword sighs as he watches Elysion's annual Draft Champions program, sponsored by the El Masters.

"For the 1st draft pick of the night… the Elder Mercenaries select… Add!" The Television announcer said. The white-haired genius stepped up to the stage and held up his Elball Jersey and flashed his devious grin at the camera.

"Man… I've had it with this," Elsword complained. He turned off the program and collapsed onto his bed. "How did some punk like that get the first pick? And he's 16… the same age as my sister…"

Elsword remembered the time where he saw Elesis off as she left for Velder to join the Captains. It was a sad day, considering Elsword now had incredibly high expectations to meet. There was no slacking off for him. If Elsword was to make it big he'll have to make it into the league at 13 years old or younger. Unfortunately, Elsword now 12 years old, must wait until next season. If he doesn't make the league then, all of his hard work in the last 2 years will mean nothing.

A frustrated Elsword leaves his drab apartment shortly after the television program to hit the cozy town of Ruben, home of the El tree, to practice Elball on the local training field. On the way to the training field, he was stopped by Anne.

"Hey Elsword! Why the long face?" Anne asked. She was concerned for the boy, as she was the only mother figure for him after Elesis left.

"Nothin', don't worry about it." Elsword groaned.

"Come on Elsword, you expect me to believe that? Is it about Elball? How did you guys do this year anyway?" Anne pestered.

"I don't really want to talk about it – and just so you know we made it to nationals… and lost." Elsword shook his head. His school team, the Ruben Red Knights played the other best EJL (Elball Junior League) team in Lurensia, the Besma Rockies, last week was humiliated 7-1. The one point for the Red Knights was by Elsword within the first 5 minutes of the match.

"Oh… sorry to hear that. I bet that's only a small part of your problems. I'll stay out of your way." Anne stepped aside and let Elsword trudge on his way. Before he was too far gone, Anne shouted, "Oh Elsword, I forgot to tell you that Altocross came by, he might be looking for you!"

Elsword looked back briefly and continued to walk off. He didn't want to think about what Altocross had to say to him. The two haven't spoken since nationals. Elsword automatically assumed Altocross wasn't too happy about his performance, and quite frankly, he wasn't too happy either.

Elsword made it to the field and it was surprisingly empty, which is quite strange at midday. Elsword thought it might be because everyone was watching the draft. Elsword summoned a practice El crystal and started smacking it around with his trademark great sword. He worked on a few shots and used some basic actives and special actives to keep the momentum up. Elsword's playstyle is based on slow, but heavy hits. There is nothing too flashy about his offense, but it gets the job done. He can launch the ball from one side of the field to the other without much effort, a style previously used by Altocross.

Elsword practiced until nightfall and decided to call it a day. Before Elsword could pack up, someone shouted, "Hey!" Elsword turned to see that is was Lowe, followed by his friends. The pack approached Elsword and blocked his path.

"What do you guys want?" Elsword asked. He didn't want to stick around and chat.

"Oh, we were just worried about a little kid like you out here at night all by yourself. If we didn't show up, the monsters would've gotten you!" Lowe teased. His friends followed with laughter

"Making fun of me cause I'm small huh?"

"Oh no, we really care about you – we'll walk you home if you'd like, even hold your hand. We always look out for our rookies." Lowe was really pushing it now.

"What did you just – Rookie? I've been here practicing! Something you all should be doing for next season!" Elsword snapped.

"We aren't worried about practice, remember we're bigger, stronger, and heathier than you."

"Oh yeah? Then why did we lose nationals? If you had passed the ball more and played defense we would've scored more points!" Elsword cried.

"We lost because you got too cocky out there!" Lowe argued.

"Says the tough guy who's been underperforming for the entire post-season!"

Lowe leaned in closer to Elsword, "You sound pretty tough yourself Elbrat, why don't I show you how to use a sword?" Lowe threatened.

"Bring it on!" Elsword grabbed his sword.

"I'll wipe that look off of your face!"

"That's enough!" Shouted a voice from afar. Elsword, Lowe, and crew yielded their squabble at the sight of Altocross who stormed down the field to their location. Altocross scowled and said, "What the hell is going on here?"

"Nothing, I was just leaving…" Elsword began to run off.

"Elsword!" Altocross called out, but Elsword kept on running.

Altocross turned to Lowe and company, "You were picking on him again, weren't you?"

"We were just having a little fun, Cross." Lowe tried to play if off with a nervous grin.

"Is that so? And if Elsword tells me otherwise, I tell your mother. Then we'll see who will be having fun."

"Whatever… Come on guys." Lowe and his friends wandered off in the field.

Altocross let them go, and chased after Elsword. Altocross searched around town for him, he wasn't at home or anything. Then Altocross remembered Elsword's favorite place to go to end his sorrow, Lake Noahs. Altocross guessed right and found Elsword sitting on an El tree branch overlooking the lake.

"Elsword… wait, we have to talk…" Altocross said while out of breath.

"About what? How much of a failure I am?" Elsword snapped.

"No Elsword… I'm here to congratulate you!"

"No point in congratulations, we lost remember?

"Elsword, sometimes it's not about winning… I know that more than you. The fact that you went out there, played your heart out, and scored one for the fans without showing weakness is commendable in my book."

"It's just that I'm tired of this," Elsword was teary-eyed. "I keep trying and trying, but I feel like I'll never be anything good. I'm too small, too slow… argh!" Elsword sobbed.

"Elsword…" Altocross climbed the tree and sat next to Elsword as he cried.

"I'll never be better than my sister." Elsword sighed.

"Elsword, I know there isn't much I can say, but the only one with expectations right now is yourself. Everyone else, including me is proud of you, even Elesis although she's not around. You're doing extraordinarily well in this game for someone your age. You're taking it so hard on yourself after a loss that it's corrupting your vision. As long as you accept everything for what it is, you'll do well. Do not beat yourself up, because the game will only make it worse." Altocross consoled.

Elsword remained silent for a while. He thought about the important things in life. Elball is just a game, and games are meant to be played to have fun. Elsword wasn't enjoying the game anymore days, and only worried about winning. Elsword concluded his thoughts with a simple, "You're right."

"That's what I like to here. Keep your head up high, Elsword." Altocross smiled at him.

"Thanks, Altocross." Elsword mustered the will to smile.

The two gazed up at the night sky and stared at the moon and stars and suddenly a bright, beautiful comet flashed by.

"Good glory of Ebalon, Elsword did you see that?" Altocross enthused.

"Yeah, and I already made my wish."

On that note, Altocross took Elsword and called it a night. Ever since that day, Elsword started to enjoy Elball much more, and with that, he saw miraculous success in the next season. The Ruben Red Knights would go off to internationals to face the other best EJL team in the world.