This story uses characters from the online game Ragnarok Online. So basically, every skill, class and monsterslisted here belongs to them.

(CHPT 1)This story took place 1500 years ago, before the Great War between the Gods, demons and mankind. Before the world was split asunder and distrust sowed between humans and Monsters. This was a time when humans and monsters still lived in relative harmony, a time when peace still reigned. However, the uneasy calm was about to end, with the help of an insignificant insect. It was a thief bug.

Now this was no ordinary thief bug. Its father was the chief male thief bug of the colony in the caverns on the outskirts of Prontera. (The sewers were not built yet during that time.) It came from a long line of respectable thief bugs, the chief hero being its Great-great-great-great-great grandfather, who led the thief bugs on a successful skirmish to drive out the tarous (white mice-like creatures) from these caverns. Ever since, the thief bugs have been living in their coveted 'promised land'.

However, this little thief bug was not content to stay in the caverns, scurrying round and looting whatever the farmiliars (bats) happened to drop. It wanted more, adventures like the ones its more illustrious ancestors used to have. And the only way to get that was to enter the outside world.

"Mama, what's it like outside?" it would often ask.

"You're too young to comprehend the complexities of the big world outside yet the dear! Wait till you're older." Its mother would often reply.

The little thief bug's mother was not being mean. She knew exactly how curious her son was and its tendency to explore unknown places. If she told it about the outside world at this tender age, who knows what it will do?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

One year later

The little thief bug blinked its six eyes in the sunlight. Unlike other insects, thief bugs take a relatively long time to mature, needing almost five years to reach adulthood. Therefore, our friend has now barely entered its teens.

"Whoa! So that's how the sun looks like!" He gaped, using the most clichéd line available.

Having never been outside, the little thief bug ran about excitedly. Eager to explore and take in this amazing new environment that is a polar opposite from the place he emerged from.

"I wish mum had allowed me to come out earlier…/sob"

Then, something happened that would change its life and the lives of everyone in Rune-Midgard forever. The little thief bug's meeting with its eventual master and best friend.

"Double Strafing!"

A hunter released two arrows into a creamy. The unfortunate monster gave a despairing shriek before finally dissolving into nothingness. However, it left a certain shiny card behind.

The hunter's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief. He simply could not believe his luck. That card could easily fetch him a million zennies in the market! As he walked triumphantly towards his prize, his euphoria changed into utter disbelief as a thief bug suddenly appeared and looted the card just before he could reach it.

In a moment of sheer anger, the hunter took out his bow and reached into his quiver, preparing to annihilate the pathetic insect that ingested his million zennies.

"Double… what the hell!" he exclaimed.

His own son stood in the way, shielding the thief bug with his own body.

"Dad, please don't kill it! We should respect monsters and their right to live." The boy pleaded.

"Get out of my way son! That bug is holding on to a million zennies. Think of how many things we can buy with that amount of money." The hunter replied, his eyes glistening dangerously.

"We might be able to remove the card naturally, without hurting the thief bug!" He argued. "Please Dad…"

The hunter pulled the bowstring back a few inches, taking aim and ready to fire at the insect. "I'm giving you three seconds. Three.. two.. " The hunter counted down.

However, his son stayed his position, knowing fully well that his father will not shoot him, no matter how greedy he may be.

"Oh shit son! You're in deep shit when we reach home!" The hunter exclaimed, deflated. "And bring that looting piece of shit home with you!"

Having said that, the hunter stalked off.

"Whew… I'm a goner. What was I thinking?" The boy said to no one in particular. However…

"Thank you sir for your kindness! How can I ever repay you?" The thief bug said to the boy.

"/OMG! You can talk!" The boy exclaimed, shocked.

"Of course I can talk!" The thief bug exclaimed nonchalantly. "You mean I'm not supposed to?"

"Oh no! Its just that I have never heard a monster talk before, even after so many years of interaction with them." The boy answered.

"Oh well, maybe I'm special/heh" The thief bug joked.

Unexpectedly, the boy took this question seriously. He examined the thief bug carefully and held it close to his lips before whispering…

"I think that you're the monster the fables are talking about." He said softly, as if afraid that someone would eavesdrop. "I think that you may be the fabled Golthibu. The monster that would be the catalyst for destruction…"

"HAHAHAHA… what are you talking about?" the little thief bug asked, perplexed. "How can I be some legendary force of destruction? I can't even win against a poring…"

"Maybe not now… but then again…" the boy hesitated, "maybe I might be wrong.' He finished. "Oh ya! What's your name?"

The thief bug regarded him critically. "I don't know. My mum calls me by screeching very loudly… should I have one?" the thief bug asked. "And what's your name?"

"My name is Ret Carahc. You can call me Ret." The boy answered. He placed his hand on the back of the small monster and said, "I think I'll give you a name. I shall call you Loot! After what your species does best!" he exclaimed triumphantly. "Ok?"

"Ok... Loot… I like that name." The little thief bug said, a little wistfully. "I shall be known as Loot from now on!"

"Haha, ok Loot. I'm sorry but you'll have to follow me home." Ret said. "Otherwise, my father would skin me…"

As the two new friends started on their way towards Prontera,A certainfemale thief buglooked out of the caverns. She knew that male thief bugs would have to leave the colony after their first year in order to learn more about the outside world and find a mate. However, she still felt insecure about her son's future.

"I'll just have to believe in him. He came from a long line of heroes after all." She consoled herself.

That night in the Carahc's residence, Ret was having an argument with his parents.

"Son, since you insisted that the thief bug be spared, you are responsible for removing the card. If it was a worm peeling I would not have minded, but that is a MILLION ZENNIES we're talking about!" Ret's mother chided him.

"Yeah. Dig his shit or whatever but just get the card out!" His father added.

"Yes Mum, yes Dad." Ret said glumly. He turned towards Loot and shot him a nasty look. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Ret brought Loot to his room. As he closed the door, the boy slumped tiredly onto his bed. The thief bug jumped happily onto Ret and tried unsuccessfully to get him to play with him. "I'm not really in the mood right now Loot. Especially if I have to check your excrement everyday until I find the card…"

Unfortunately, Loot actually laughed.

"Its not funny! By the way, why didn't you help me to explain my situation just now?"

"I did!" Loot replied. "But your parents seemed as if they cannot hear me… I think only you can understand and hear me… if that is even possible."

Ret thought about it. "I guess you're right. Maybe only I can hear you speak." As he placed Loot gently onto the floor, Ret pondered about the implications of this new discovery. "Hey, do you mind staying here for the time being?"

"Of course! Especially if I get to experience some adventures as well!" Loot thought happily.

As he lay contentedly on the floor, he daydreamed about the different adventures that they may encounter together. Unknown to him, his daydreams would soon become reality.