Prologue

"I guess....today is that day, isnt it? After three long arduous years, it's time to put everything into motion."

Fine wisps of smoke rose into the air, dancing and swirling as the young man with bright red hair looked on. Eyes filled with varying emotions gazed upon the four incense sticks that had been placed before him, red hues shifting every so often to the large, silver headstone positioned behind the sticks. Though the wind was rather rough, blowing the youths hair around and ruffling his clothing, the incense remain unaffected as the boy sat there, palms placed together. It looked like he had plenty of things he wanted to say as the figure constantly opened his mouth, wanting to speak despite the lack of audible words that came out.

"Its about time I head out then," Jak Yanda finally muttered after an eternity of struggling to find the right words, begrudgingly bowing his head. "Mom. Dad. Dante. Everyone. Thanks for your guidance. You shaped me into the man I am today. I'll be sure to come and visit you again, but for now, take it easy. You certainly deserve the rest."

The redheaded adolescent pushed himself up from the ground before offering a final bow, dipping low to the ground as he murmured something no one could hear. After that, he stood up straight, tightened the sheathed katana attached to his back hip, and walked away.

It was only when Jak reached the top of an adjoining hill that he looked back, the light from the morning sun making it easy for him see the wide, open landscape.

Rows upon rows of neatly lined headstones filled his eyes as he glanced from column to column. Small lines of smoke rose from each and every headstone, sticks of incense burning away underneath the summer heat, unwilling to be sputtered out by the wild gusts, of which had become even fiercer then before. Surrounding the headstones were lush, green hillsides that were almost picturesque as birds flew from tree to tree and squirrels scurried on by.

"You ready to depart then? Fellow Rookie?"

Jak didn't even flinch as he turned to look at the new arrival, having recognized the voice as well as the sound of his approach long before the blue haired youth had arrived. "Yeah, let's get moving. There's no time like the present."