(Author's Notes)
Much Thanks to those who reviewed.
Don't Particularly Care: I agree with how revealing the Cast takes away from the fiction. After a few more reviews I plan on removing that chapter. As for why Ryu is always a kind person I have no idea. Maybe they should make a game where Ryu is a bad-ass. ^_^
Fatman: The idea of another Nue which leads to another character is interesting. I may consider it and I may not.
Haytham: I liked your fan fiction a lot. It's a great start and I hope you continue it. I did review your story just to let you know. ^_^
Don't own Breath of Fire although I do have the game. Don't own Ryu and Nina. Rest is all mine.
Chapter 2: Meeting Someone New.
A soft breeze gently caressed the land as the long tender grasses swayed back and forth. Birds in the air flew and called out to one another. The sun kissed the sky and painted it an exotic red and gold. Below, a tall cloaked figure walked slowly through the gentle fields. The figure's steps stirred little since the dirt was rich and soft. The day was beautiful and all was serene. The figure continued out of the fields and stopped at a nearby stream. The individual knelt and filled a flask with the sparkling, crystal clear water that flowed steadily. A sip was taken and some water dripped from the individual's chin and onto the earth. The cloak hood was folded back and beautiful blue hair was revealed. A few soft tendrils rested upon the figure's forehead. He brushed them back and looked up at the sky. His cerulean eyes shimmered with the rays of the sun. The figure's countenance displayed a youthful yet mature spirit. The youth sighed and sat down with his legs out in front of him. The sun warmed his skin and he lay back and relaxed. Just as he was getting settled a rustling noise alerted him. The youth stood and began stretching out his arms.
"Whoever you are, come out already." The youth said. More rustling and several men clad in armor appeared. They drew their swords and approached the youth.
"You are the survivor from Kalm aren't you?" The lead man asked. He pointed his sword at the youth. The youth sighed and turned to face the man. He smiled and calmly said. "And if I am?" The man ordered his men to trap the youth. "You are wanted by order of Judgment. You are to come with us without any resistance, otherwise…"
"Otherwise what?"
"Death." The man replied. By now all of his men were surrounding the youth. The youth shook his finger at them and jumped high over one of the guards.
"Now now…I can't just let you guys take me away. I'm a bit busy right now so why don't you try again some other time?" The youth began walking away from the surprised guards. The lead man was angered by the insult of the comment.
"Attack!" The soldiers charged toward the youth. The youth sighed once more and stopped walking. Just as the men were about to slaughter him he drew a sword hidden in his cloak. The sound of ringing metal echoed throughout the fields. The youth moved swiftly, knocking out all the guards in his path. He returned his blade to its sheath and walked away. Surprisingly, there was not a single bit of blood shed in the battle.
It wasn't until another day that the youth finally arrived at his destination. He looked in the distance and saw a town.
/That must be Wyndia./ he thought. He started down the dirt path. The lights of the town were said to be even more beautiful during the evening. They glowed with homely luminosity. /Saiyo…/ The youth continued on.
*******
Nina dragged a not so eager Lee down the path to the forest. She was determined to find, in her terms, the REAL source of the ferocious roar. The two finally arrived at the forest entrance once more.
"Nina! We've been through this before. It was just a big scary Nue that made the noise!" Lee said with frustration. Nina shook her head and pouted.
"Nuh uh it could've been something else. Besides, what about that bright light the townspeople saw? " She asked while using both arms to continue dragging Lee with her. Lee struggled but to no avail. Once more, the two ventured deep into the forest. There was little sound and it was less terrifying since it was still light out. The duo continued on and finally came to a stop at a clearing. A fairly large hole was noticeable in the ground and something was in it. Nina and Lee stepped forward silently and peered inside. A sound-breaking roar smacked into them and at suddenly the Nue from before jumped out. This time though, Nina and Lee were a bit more prepared.
"Frost!" Lee shouted. The cold rush of air zoomed toward the Nue. Instead of cowering back as before though, the Nue simply charged forward. Lee was caught off guard and flung straight into a tree. He cried out and some blood dribbled down his chin. Nina rushed to Lee and tried to help him up. Again, the Nue charged forward.
"Ice Blast!" Nina quickly chanted. A large glacier formed around the Nue, stopping it in its advance. Nina breathed a sigh of relief and proceeded to help Lee up to his feet. Just as she did though the Nue broke free. Now enraged with fury, it charged forward with its horn ready to pierce the two. Nina screamed and covered herself and Lee as she awaited her painful death…..it never came.
*********
A loud roar alerted the youth as he was striding toward the town. Instinctively, he ran into the forest to the origin of the roar. The youth saw a large beast like monster attacking two defenseless people. The beast had charged forward with his deadly horns ready to impale its victims. The girl of the two screamed as she waited the inevitable. The youth rushed forward and grabbed the horns of the beast, mere inches away from the girl and her companion. The girl opened her eyes and stared in awe at the youth holding back the beast. The youth managed to throw the beast to the ground and quickly grab the girl and her companion away to a safer distance.
"Are you alright?" The youth asked the girl. She stared back and stammered.
"Y..yes…but my friend is hurt badly." She indicated to her unconscious companion. The youth nodded and turned back to face the Nue. It stomped around angrily and once again began preparing to charge. The youth drew his sword and dashed towards the oncoming Nue. With one quick swipe the youth broke the horns off of the beast. It shook its head and cried out. Then, it slowly backed into its cave and fled. The youth sheathed his sword and walked back towards the two. He extended his hand out to the girl. She took it and he helped her stand.
********
Nina thought she and Lee were done for. Until…this boy came along. He single-handedly stopped the Nue with ease. His graceful movement, stunning looks, along with exotic blue hair and cerulean eyes were so…attractive to Nina. She felt herself blush when the boy extended his hand to help her. She quickly however, regained her composure.
"Thank you very much for helping us." Nina sincerely said. She watched as the boy picked Lee up carefully. He smiled at her.
"Don't worry about it. I wanted to do it so no need to thank me." He replied. Nina nodded and then quickly explained what had happened. The boy nodded and he and Nina began walking to back to the town while supporting Lee. As they walked, questions of all sorts began forming in Nina's mind.
/Who is this person? Where is he from? He can't be from Wyndia; I would have already seen him then. He is very cute though/ Nina froze and felt another blush coming along. She quickly shook her head and put the concern for her friend first.
"Is something wrong?" The youth asked. Nina said it was nothing and to not worry. They arrived at the town and quickly, with Nina's directions, entered the castle. The boy gazed in awe at the change of scenery. The castle was certainly well made. Stone and marble were its foundations. Perfectly carved pillars and statues decorated the majority of the chambers. Gold and Silver was definitely not forgotten and lined the walls with artisan designs. Nina led the boy to an open guest room and called a maid to urgently get a doctor.
Lee was placed on a bed by the boy as he and Nina waited for the doctor. Nina could not resist the temptation any longer and decided to ask the boy for his name.
"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. My name is Nina." The youth looked back at her and smiled.
"My name is Ryu. It's a pleasure to meet you." Nina put a hand to her mouth and giggled softly.
"Silly, we've already met each other in the forest." She continued. Ryu put a hand to the back of his head and laughed.
"Yeah I guess so." They're short conversation was interrupted by the doctor coming in. Nina quickly told him the events that happened and he nodded thoughtfully. He moved to the bed and examined Lee. After a few moments of hmmms and ahhhs the doctor casted a 'Rejuvenate' spell. The sparkling energy covered Lee and a few seconds later he stirred. Lee's misty-gray eyes opened. He rose up from the bed and saw a exceedingly happy Nina jumping up and down.
"Lee you're okay!" She caught him in a hug. He hugged her back just as happy. Realization struck him and he immediately questioned Nina about the Nue and all that had happened. She patted his shoulder and said there would be more time for that after he got some rest.
"Oh by the way, Lee this is Ryu. He's the one who saved us." Nina indicated with her hand. Ryu walked forward and smiled at Lee.
*********
Ryu smiled at Lee. Lee acknowledged with a small smile of his own. However, Lee couldn't help feeling a little strange about Ryu.
/Why does looking at him make me nervous. He saved our lives after all. So then why?/ Lee thought as he shook Ryu's hand. There eyes met and Lee perceived a better look on Ryu. The doctor then said to let Lee rest. Nina mouthed a see you later and Ryu waved back at Lee. Lee rested his head on the soft downy pillow and tried to relax.
/….did his eyes turn green for a moment there? No…I'm just hallucinating. Just get some rest…/ Slumber overtook Lee.
Does Lee suspect something about Ryu. Hmmmmmm… wonder what it is. (As if you people didn't know already. ^_^)
I've already removed the cast listings so that the characterization won't be spoiled for future readers. I am very happy that people commented and I encourage to please continue doing so. Thanks Much!