Prologue

...though it seems long ago...

The rain had given the city a fresh, vibrant smell, and had washed away the early summer pollen and dust. The air was clear; the smell was clean; the sight was grand. There was a faint rainbow, blurred behind the grey clouds, in the sky, and Nait's bare feet splashed through the many small pools scattered about the city as he made his way.

Nait dashed through the wet streets, heading towards a certain field on the outskirts of town. He kept only the eastward path until he saw the river. He turned north, and followed the river until he came to a bridge. Then, he saw, in the distance, two objects: a tree, and a girl. Nait grinned, and picked up his pace when he saw her. He was only about a hundred and seventy yards away now, and he called out, "Myakio!" The maiden looked up, her brown hair wet and clinging to her face.

"Nait!" she returned his greeting, walking forward to meet him.

"I have to tell you something!" he yelped, taking breaths in short gasps.

"What's that?"

Nait came rapidly closer, and he was only about twenty feet away when he laughed, "I love you!" He rushed up to her, and lunged playfully at her. He was all smiles when their lips suddenly collided.

Myakio was shocked for a moment. But then, she felt only joy when he suddenly and jubilantly held her close. Her first instinct was to bring her arms around his neck, but it was rather awkward when she did so. She almost laughed with joy as he struggled to lift her off the ground.

After a little while, Nait attempted to set her down, but it was more of a drop. He helped her back up again, receiving a quick hug from her in return. Myakio giggled. "I bet you can't catch me," she laughed, turning her head, her long hair swinging around her face.

"Really?" He ran after her as she dashed off. Without warning, she turned on her heel and bounded onto him. So surprised was he that he fell over, and she laughed, poked him playfully, and ran off again.

"Catch me if you can, slowpoke!"