Preface: Risembool Station

The train pulled into the station, the steam from the engine hissing as it came to a stop. After a moment, people began to step off the train and onto the platform. The sun slanted onto the concrete tiles that early morning, as young man and a boy made their way out of the train station.

The man had long blonde hair tied back in a braid, the tip just touching his shoulder blades. He was tall, taller than he used to be, and handsome. His tanned skin, due to traveling so often, was flawless and still retained a boyish appearance. His eyes flashed amber in the rising sunlight, giving him a cunning and sarcastic air.

The boy who walked next to him was a head shorter. He had the same blonde hair, only lighter, and his eyes were a deep blue. He was eyeing his surroundings with awe and happiness. He would occasionally say something to his companion and point to a familiar sign or person. The young man would present a small smile and nod.

The two had just taken a long train ride all the way from Central to Risembool. They'd sat together the whole way in a relaxed and peaceful silence. The young man had worn a look of contentment the entire time while the older boy had been sitting on the end of his seat, watching the land pass by them, his blue eyes alight.

And now they were finally making their way back home. The two of them couldn't be more pleased, but the young man with the braid was nervous about something. The boy noticed this and decided to cheer him up.

"Brother, isn't it great to be home again?" The young boy asked as he half skipped, trying to keep step with his older sibling.

The young man smiled widely, the nervousness momentarily gone, as he continued walking. "Yup, Al," he replied softly, "It sure is."