"Hurry, catch me if you can!" A boy around 11 years old yelled as he ran through the grassy field.
Behind him, another young boy chased happily, joy written all over his face. "I'm going to catch you, Jak."
The sky was pure blue with clouds scattered at random places. The field was large and well taken care of. Connected was a small village where peace was maintained and issues quickly resolved.
Paisan's Village is a place far away from other settlements and completely self-sustained—a place where kids can run around without worry of monsters.
As daylight started to retreat, the boys finished their game, ending up in front of the village.
"Jak." Breathing heavily, the second kid said, "How are you always faster than me?"
Jak, who was in slightly better condition, perked up hearing the blatant admission of defeat and said, "I just simply am, but do you wanna hear my true true secret?"
"Yes Yes, but I would win anyway."
In his heart, he knew that he couldn't beat his friend. At least, not for now. He had always been more athletic, however young they were.
With a serious face, Jak said, "Kaiser, I am moving my legs faster than you."
Hearing such a ridiculous answer, he scoffed at his friend and ran off to his house. It was suppertime and he was late.
'I must beat him one day, I will do it.'
Kaiser arrived at the front of his house utterly worn out and sweaty.
'Okay, I'll say I was caught up do-'
"Son, is that you?" A voice called from inside the house. It was stern, but loving all the same.
"Yes, father."
"Come in."
"Okay."
Kaiser walked inside the house. It was small but could fit everyone who lived there. Even though that was only two people.
They both sat down at the table and started eating. Dinner was quiet. The only sounds heard were chewing and swallowing.
Disliking that very much, Kaiser spoke up.
"I lost again today."
The dad looked at his son with mixed feelings, he wanted to speak wisdom to him, but he was just a child.
He decided to try and cheer him up, "It happens, you'll just have to beat him tomorrow."
He wasn't very good at it.
The kid knew that his dad was just trying to cheer him up, but it didn't work. Kaiser was still sad.
The dad noticed his strategy failed and decided to try a different route.
"You know, when you're older, I'm going to show you a very cool sword. If you've beaten your friend before then, I'll even give it to you as a present. How's that sound?"
Hearing this, the boy's face lit up. This was renewed energy, another reason for him to beat his best friend.
"Okay! You better keep your promise. I'll beat him, don't you worry."
With that, he took his dish, cleaned up what he could, and dashed for his room. He needed sleep, how else was he going to get stronger?
--The Next Day--
The sun was bright, and the villagers were bustling about. Since the village was self-sustained everyone had a job to do. Even the young kids had tasks assigned to them.
For the kids, the day started with going to school for basic knowledge. After that, they would eat and then they would go around helping someone older with their tasks.
Lastly, they would have free time to do whatever they would like. This is when Kaiser and Jack would have their daily race.
Today was different though.
"Son, come with me to visit the village head."
"Isn't that just Uncle Daren?"
"Yes, but like how I addressed him, this will be a formal event. Do you understand?"
"Yes, father."
With that, the two of them left for the larger building in the middle of the village. There was a forest nearby so all of the buildings were made using a nice dark wood.
The walk was uneventful. Most everyone knew each other, so there were lots of greetings.
He did hear someone say something odd about the forest, but nothing specific.
Reaching the basic but bigger building, they walked in. It was simple with no extravagant decorations. A modest place.
In the room sat a large circular table, seating 5 people currently. Each of them was in charge of a certain function that ran the village.
'Uncle Daren looks so serious.'
Kaiser had never entered this place and normally wasn't allowed in either. This is where the adults said "meetings" were taking place.
They sat down and began their regular reports and talks about the village. None of it was interesting to him.
'I wonder why Dad told me to come with him. I wish I could see the sword.'
Kaiser was lost in thought when suddenly he heard his name.
"Kaiser. Kaiser. Did you understand what was being said?" His dad asked unhappily.
At that, all eyes were now on him.
'What do I do? I didn't listen to anything they said. Should I play it off or-'
"Answer me, son."
He decided not to lie.
"No, I wasn't really listening. Sorry."
Kaiser's dad spoke to the rest of the representatives, "Sorry you had to see this, but we should take our leave. I'll update you if anything else out-of-the-ordinary happens."
No one stopped him.
'Oh man, I've done it now. Dad's really mad right now.'
His dad didn't say anything on their way to the house, choosing to do the silent treatment.
Once they arrived he walked Kaiser inside and said, "You're grounded for 3 months, meaning no free time."
Kaiser instantly regretted not paying attention. However, he wasn't one to complain or disobey his dad intentionally.
This didn't seem like a fair punishment.
"3 months?" Kaiser asked, hoping it was all his imagination.
His dad nodded.
'How am I going to improve my running abilities?'
Disheartened, he left for his room.
By the entrance of their home, the dad looked at his son with worry. He wasn't truly upset, but he wanted him to the importance of what was said in the meeting.
Recently there was an increase in activity within the forest. The nearest monsters lived in the mountains beyond the forest.
Hopefully, this wasn't a bad sign.