-Chapter 7: Dondruma-

"-Yawn- Xan, when are we getting there?" Zakca complained.

"In a few hours. we don't have much to go," assured Nathaniel.

"What are we even supposed to do when we get there? What's so special in a city like Dondruma?" asked Zang.

"We can get the supplies there needed to capture and take down almost any monster." I informed, "plus there was a guild there, and if they still have any activity in there, we can use that to alert everyone that the monsters are back."

"-sigh- alright...Man, why are we the ones to do this?" Zang complained.

"Because we are the best the world has right now to defend against these creatures." I answered.

"THE WORLD! REALLY!" he asked astonished.

"I guess you can say that, yea." I said unsure. *Who knows how far the world goes, but whatever the world is to us is what we have to defend*

"Wow. Pressure," Zang said.

"Hahaha, yea. Let's just focus on spreading the word. we can't afford to lose anymore towns." I stated.

"Alright. Then, onward to Dondruma!" Zang announced pointing into the air like a dork.

For two hours we crossed over streams and canyons. We would find groups of Genprey and Bullfango, but every time we would fight them off and just continue on to our destination. We passed valleys and open fields, the more vegetation there was, the closer we were getting to the mountains, and the closer we got to the mountains, the closer we would be to the town. By now, we are at the foot of the mountain and we decided to take a break.

"AWW! COME ON! WE HAVE TO CLIMB THAT?" complained Zang.

"Yea, we do. Jeez, I didn't think anyone could complain more than Zakca." I stated

"Heeeey!" whined Zakca.

"See? there he goes again," I said and we all began to laugh.

We began our hike up the mountains a few moments later and throughout the whole way, Zang was complaining. But it was easy to ignore since he was the furthest behind and hardest to hear. The higher we went, the thicker the white fog would get, until it was impossible to see anymore.

"HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO SEE THROUGH ALL THIS FOG?" whined Zang.

"Just stay close and keep your eyes peeled for either the town or any creature," ordered Nathaniel

We did just that and continued on to the town. After a few minutes, we had finally found the entrance to Dondruma.

"WE'RE HERE! FINALLY!" exclaimed Zakca.

"Alright, let's start heading in and getting all the supplies." I said.

"Yea!" shouted everyone.

We began to buy all our supplies and I drifted off to rent us a room in an inn. After I got us a room, I tried to look for somewhere to upgrade my weapon. No luck. So I began asking around the town.

"Hey, do you know where I can improve my sword? H-hello? Can you help me?" I continuously asked, but got no response.

I had just about given up, until I saw a beautiful young girl. She had a large katana that seemed very new, maybe she knew someone that could help me.

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"Sorry, don't have time to talk to travelers," she said.

"Ouch, cold shoulder. I just want to ask you something." I explained.

"I do not want to go on a date with you, if that is what you're asking." she said.

"Wha-! No! Haha, that was not what I was going to ask. I wanted to know if you knew where I could get my blade upgraded." I told.

"Hmph, Why would you need a sword upgraded? There are no monsters around anymore," she asked.

"Hm. Really? You don't seem to believe it, by carrying that katana." I stated.

"For all you know, I could be a collector," she insisted.

"Yea, I'm sure," I said sarcastically, "this is going nowhere, do you know anyone or not?"

"Yea, I do. This guy and his sister run a place up at the top of Dondruma." she answered, "Just tell him that

Moonwind sent you."

"Moonwind, huh?" I said, thinking *hm…her name suits her*

"Yea. Well, guess I'll see you around," Moonwind said, "Maybe I'll even be able to hunt with you soon"

She winked and left. She knew what I knew…that the war had begun and it's going to be a long time 'till it ends.

I began climbing steps, dodging civilians, and crossing streets until I finally arrived at the old weapons shop.

The word "weapon" was crossed out and replaced with "antique." The shop was filled with cracks, broken with age, and the remnant of the structure was misshapen in various ways. Keeping the building up were recently placed support beams and attempts of re-cementing.

I knocked twice on the hard, wooden door and waited for a few moments until a young well-built man came to the door. He was slightly pale with really loose brown hair and a strong face.

"Uhh. Hello. Can I help you?" he asked.

"Yea. Moonwind told me you can upgrade my weapon," I informed.

"Ah, Moonwind sent ya. Hmm...Well this blade seems pretty basic. Maybe my sister can figure something out," he said.

"Your sister? Aren't you the one that upgrades weapons?" I asked.

"I do, but I'm better at hammers, bowguns and lances. My sis does swords, dual blades, great blades and Katanas,"

he informed.

"Ah, nice." I said.

"Yea. Here, come in." he offered.

I entered his home and we sat down and talked. His name was Gunner and him and his friend who he called "Sis"

both lived in his uncle's old weapon shop, where him and Sis would sell the weapons his uncle used to.

"Hmm..." Gunner wondered.

"Hm? What's wrong?" I asked.

"Sis should be home by now...I'd hate to ask, but can you help me look for her?" he asked.

"Uh..sure. But why would you need my help to find her. Isn't she old enough to find her way back home?" I asked.

"Yea, but she's not too old to get herself into trouble anymore," he said looking down.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I'll help you look for her," I assured.

"Thanks. You don't know how much I appreciate this," he said.

I began my search by going to the darkest areas of the town. I was hoping I'd at least get some answers down there.

I looked through all the alleys and found nothing. When I was about to lose hope, I heard a muffled scream. I turned around the corner and looked into the alley and saw a man and his friend slamming a young girl onto a wooden crate.

"Someone didn't remember! Someone's going to pay!" the man shouted, covering the young girls mouth and holding a knife on his other hand. I knew where this was going and needed to stop it.

"Hey! Get away from her!" I shouted and charged at them.

His friend charged first and as he got closer, I noticed that they were both taller than me, but I knew I couldn't give up because of that. He threw the first punch, but I dodged and swiftly punched him in the stomach. Now he was my height and I could easily give him another blow. I turned around and nailed the back of his neck with my fist.

I knew he was already out, and now was time to face off against the main guy.

As I turned around, I saw he was ready to attack. It was too late to dodge and I took a hard blow to the side. I stumbled for a second, and quickly tried to recover. But the man had the right opportunity to attack again. He punched me in the face and I toppled over. He was ready to end this; he drew out his knife and dove for me. I swiftly jumped to my feet, dodged to the side, turned, drew my blade and stabbed backward. I removed my sword and knew what had just happened. But there was nothing else that could have been done.

I looked over to see if the girl was alright. All across her back and arms were cuts and scars of various shapes and sizes. I knew I needed to get her help, and fast. I picked her up and began to carry her back to Gunner's house. I looked down at her and saw she was still conscious.

"T-thank you..." she said.

"Come on. Don't give up. This isn't over yet." I said, giving her an assuring smile. She smiled back.

"I-i'm Ran..." she said as she was fainting.

I have a feeling something is awaiting us both in the future...