(Guard):"OI!!...Stay focused. There is no telling when or when disaster will strike. Keep your eyes sharp for anything suspicious."
One guard said to another as they were all a little on edge. Some of the kingdoms best fighters were out conducting the monster extermination. There was no telling what would happen if they were to be suddenly attacked. As they continued to patrol the wall, they saw a group of figures approaching them from the distance. Optimistically, they would have been the monster extermination unit that was dispatched a few days ago but the group appeared to be too small to have been that. They could only keep their guard up as well as offer warnings towards one another in preparation for the worst. The figures only drew closer, as did their worried hearts.
(Unidentified group):" Open the gates! Let us through! "
(Guard):" Identify yourselves! These gates open for not just any man!"
The unidentified group did not respond to the command but instead only persisted further towards the gates.
(Guard):" Stop right there! Did you not hea..."
Before he could finish muttering his sentence, he was brought to a halt as he made out one of the figures that approached him. He was after all a rather famous person within those gates.
(Guard):" I greet Sir Ian of the royal guard!"
At his exclamation, the other guards present quickly moved to open the gates. The gates slowly opened as the figures made their way towards the open path. Curious towards the identity of the other figures that approached together with Sir Ian, one of the guards peered at the other members of the group. He could quickly make out another famous character in the group. Princess Veronica, accompanied by an unknown person were the other people. Looking at the state of their attire, one could surmise they had been in the midst of a heated battle. Although towards the mysterious character, they were puzzled as to who he was and why he was travelling together with royalty.
(Princess Veronica):" I am thankful for your greetings, but we must hurry towards his majesty. Quickly let us through immediately."
They of course heeded her highnesses request, but they were left to answer questions from their own imaginations. What had happened to them? Where was the army that left here a few days prior? Why were they in such a rush? These questions were all unanswered.
(Princess Veronica):" Ah! Yes! If you could show him around town, that would be most appreciated."
She said while pointing towards the unknown youth. She left in such a hurry that they could not even ask who he was.
(Vlad):" Hey you, why don't you tell me where I can find something to eat around here. Hahaha"
(Guard):"Right."
...
(Guard):" Before we go into town, answer a few of our questions first."
(Vlad):" Heh? What a pain. Let's just go eat and we will do all this pointless stuff after."
(Guard):"(annoyed tone) I understand you being tired but there is certain procedure we must follow when unidentified people wish to enter our town. I hope you can cooperate to the bast of your ability."
(Vlad):" Hmm... * stands up *... I don't want to waste time doing pointless and boring stuff. I'm hungry so I'm just going to go where I smell food."
The guard quickly noticed his plain clothing and surmised he had no means of paying for whatever food he was planning on eating in whatever establishment he went to. Even though it was forced on to him, if the person the princess assigned him to be responsible for were to get into any kind of trouble while under his care, things would not turn out well for him.
(Guard):"*sigh* Alright, I'll treat you to someplace with good meat. In return, please cooperate and answer a few of our questions."
(Vlad):" EH... so you do get it old man."
(Guard):"(annoyed) I'm only in my mid-twenties, that hardly makes me an old man you brat."
(Vlad):" ...You are pretty shameless, aren't you?"
(Guard)"*snap*"
...
They then proceeded into town and Vlad took in the sights best he could. One could see the enthusiasm in his eyes as well as that spark in his eye that could only be seen in adventure and discovery. Although in his teenage years, Vlad had never really left the hill he grew up on. His mother would tell him stories from time to time but seeing things and taking them in was an entirely different experience. They proceeded past all sorts of monuments and shops. For the first time, Vlad was taking in the culture of the town he always looked at from a distance. The guard could see the astonishment in Vlad's eyes and could not help but ask, "First time in this town?"
(Vlad):" Haha, I guess it is. I have always wanted to see what it was like here. I wanted to take it in at least once before I set out on my journey."
(Guard):" Oh ... which town did you come from then?"
(Vlad):" Town? Never been before. I just used to live alone with my mom. This is the first time I have been to a town. I must say it really is quite something."
(Guard):" Never been to town before? Haha what are you saying. Turns out even you can tell jokes. Hahahaha! Anyways, were here."
Vlad looked up after hearing that remark and say a well calligraphed sign with the words " FOODIES BLISS" written on it. The thought of eating good meat was enough to insight Vlad into drooling over his own imagination. He quickly opened the door and entered the room and was instantly paralyzed by the smell of good food. BE it the pie, rice, meat, everything was intoxicating to him and only drove him closer towards the counter.
(Guard):" Hahaha, what I say kid, good food right?"
(Vlad):" Never doubting you again old man."
(Waitress):" Ah, if it isn't Kingsley, what can I do for you today Mr. hot shot Guard of the kingdom. "
(Guard Kingsley):" Hahaha, the usual for me, as for this guy right here it's on me."
(Vlad):" Bring me meat..."
(waitress):" That all?"
(Vlad):" As much as you can."
(Waitress):"Heh?"
(Vlad):"I'm hungry..."
(Waitress):" ...Ok sir."
Plate after plate was cleaned up and plate after plate was brought forth. Where was the food going? Anyways, after a somewhat proper meal things finally settled down on Vlad's end while Kingsley was left somewhat bankrupt. The tears were flowing on one end of the table while happiness was on the face of the other.
...
(Guard Kingsley):" Now that that has been settled, why don't we proceed with those questions."
(Vlad):" Alright, now that I'm fed this will be my number one priority. If you have any questions, then shoot."
(Guard Kingsley):" Ok, what is your name?
Who are you?
Where are you from?
What are you doing in this town?"
(Vlad):" My name is Vlad Petti.
I am a teenager as you can see.
I am from the forest where I met that girl and the older man.
What am I doing in this town? Well, if I had to say, beginning my adventure, I guess?"
(Guard Kingsley):" Oh is that all? (sarcastic tone)"
(Vlad):" Oh I'm also going after the first creation."
At that declaration, all the eyes within the walls of FOODIES BLISS were drawn towards the youth. Not many of the stories remain, but those that do speak vividly about the horror the pursuit of the myth brought. Fathers would abandon their children; mothers would sell off anything they could get their hands on. The stories of people being blinded by the unclaimed treasure were numerous and for thousands of years the story never changed. It was not until a thousand years ago when a group of powerful fighters established order and abolished the various religions that speak of the myth. Their philosophy drove them to never trust in anything other than themselves and what their own hands could get for them. In a war-ravaged world like that, many did not hesitate to declare their noninvolvement with the first creation. The only thing it became known for was the pain it was inflicting on others. Its pursuit was declared taboo and any man, woman or child who declares involvement was to be arrested and then executed. The organization was to be later known as LAST. Back at the food joint, all the people's eyes were on the unknown youth. Does he understand what he just said? Does he know what happens to people who male such declarations? They were astounded at what they heard and could only chalk it up to ignorance. Guard Kingsley was even more astounded. This wasn't just empty bravado this kid was spewing. He could see the unshaking and unhesitant look in his eye. But he couldn't help but wonder, do you really understand? Vlad simply stood as he understood, the chain was off now.