Chapter 1: Reunion

"Where did you hide my sandals, Liramme? You stupid-" screamed Vivienne as she was frantically searching for her missing footwear. She has looked everywhere in her room and the most she found was a ratty pair of socks that she was sure belonged to her sister.

"I didn't hide your stupid sandals, idiot. I wouldn't be surprised though if you couldn't find it. Your room sure is allergic to cleanliness" Liramme rolled her eyes as she goes down the stairs.

"Why aren't you packed yet? Liramme. I don't think it will wait for us if we are late."

"I'm not going with you, father. I need to review for my exam in Alchemy." Liramme rolled her eyes. "They added this subject as a requirement to hone our skills in Alchemy. At least those who were planning to pursue it. Meh! This is all soooo hard! How did you even manage to pass the exam with flying colors, father? ", she sighed. She have always wanted to be an Alchemist like her father but the Alchemist Guild is not making it any easier for aspirants like her.

After all this headache, I'm gonna have my hair dyed pink. That sounds like a plan.

"Found it!" Vivienne happily announced as she put on her sandals.

"Vivienne?"

"Yes, Father?"

"Have you packed your things yet?"

"Yes. I'm all set. But I don't think Liramme's things are ready yet. All she ever did this afternoon was stare at her books full of crazy symbols."

"Number 1, I'm not just staring, I am studying. And number 2, it's not a bunch of crazy symbols, you freak. "

"Your sister won't be coming with us this year." Her father answered.

Vivienne shrugged. She was disappointed that her sister wouldn't be able to visit Prontera but...if it can't be helped, then she can't do anything about it. Besides it's they'll finally be able to travel in piece. Her sister always screamed bloody murder whenever she see those Agriopes roaming about.

The brown-haired acolyte mused. She has always loved Prontera. It was always a treat to see and the city was definitely pulsing with never-ending rhythm. Plus, she'll be able to do some mad shopping! Everything and anything is sold there!

I'll buy a Poring Hat. No, a pair of Earmuffs, but wait.. I think I need a new Muffler. Maybe I'll settle for a Staff.

Finally, after 2 days of travel, they made it in in the Northern Gate where Kallikrates and Tobias are waiting.

"Tobias!"

"Vivi!"

"My, my! You've grown taller since the last time I saw you! Vivienne happily said as she embraced her acolyte best friend.

She still can't believe that Tobias chose to be an acolyte. Actually, she can't believe that Prontera Parish even let him to become one! After all, he's like, the grandmaster of crazy antics together with Dragon, a thief he met while battling a Rocker monster from way back.

"Dragon will be coming here! Why don't we go to the Orc Village and run like hell from those hot pieces of meat! Hahaha!"

"Are you sure about that?" her eyes widened as she imagined what it'll be like to run like hell from those orcs. It was not exactly a pretty sight. Having her life cut short by such an ugly a creature is not how she envisioned what her future will be.

But I do need some training. Taking a long break after that incident in the Juno fields is making me rusty.

"Yeah! Then we'll visit Geffen! That town sure is fragrant! I went there once. Actually, I got accidentally warped there by an absent-minded acolyte. Anyway, I bet it's the herbs. The town probably has like, a billion of them!" Tobias cannot stop blabbering since he's obviously excited.

"Then, you should go to our house in Al De Baran! You'll get more than a noseful!" she joked as she carried her bags and walked towards the fountain in the center of Prontera

"Here. Let me help you." Tobias said as he grabs one of Vivienne's bag, "Jeez, did you bring a rock or something? This is so frigging heavy!"

"I brought... my stuff."

"No, you brought ALL your stuff. Anyway, ask for your father's permission as soon as possible and by soon I mean tonight! Odin, finally! An acolyte in the group!"

"But you ar-"

"I know, I know. I am one. But my support skills suck. Like, big time."

"Whatever you say."

He's so cute when he's engrossed like that. And he grew his hair long too! I bet a million acolytes have a crush on him now.

They stayed at Kallikrates house near the western gate. It was a fairly large house that's been converted into an inn amid the bustling city and Vivienne had always loved staying there. Madam Franny always prepared the most delicious of dishes. Food in Al De Baran was also good but it's not as yummy as compared to the food in Pront. Partly because she and her sister are bad cooks. Her sister can easily fire up a bar but when it comes to good actual eatable food, they all rely to Madame Helen's ready-to-eat goodies near the Clock Tower.

"Father?" Vivienne asked her father

"Mmm?" Andre looked at Vivienne.

"I was wondering if you would allow me to go with Tobias and Dragon tomorrow..?"

"Dragon? What a... fascinating name! " his father commented. "Where are you going anyway?"

"In the Orc Dungeon...?" Vivienne replied with a nervous smile

"If I say no, you'll probably sneak out anyway. At least now, you actually ask for my permission first", he sighed. "And yes, I do realize that you are now sixteen, and not six. Therefore, I am no longer in authority to tell you where to go and where to not go. Just be safe ok, sweetheart? "

"Thank you!" she grinned before kissing her father good night.