As he heard Nina's scream, Ryu's mind immediately switched from brooding to
full alert and he took off in a full run to where the scream had come from.
Branches whipped through his face as he ran, but he paid them no heed. He
had to get to Nina and quickly! Finally after what seemed like forever, he
burst through the dense foliage. What he beheld looked very grim indeed.
Two gigantic scorpions had cornered Nina and they were preoccupying
themselves by snapping their claws at her and lashing out with their
stingers. Nina had erected a barrier to ward off the blows, but Ryu could
tell spell fatigue was setting in, and the barrier was beginning to weaken.
Unsheathing his katana he yelled, "Nina get out of their now!" Nina's head
turned to see who had addressed her and when she saw it was Ryu, relief
flooded her face. Unfortunately in that split second her concentration
broke and a scorpion's stinger lashed out. Nina let out a small gasp as
pain shot through her shoulder as the stinger penetrated it and she
immediately crumpled, the venom already at work. Ryu paled and cried,
"Nina!!!" Then the fury came, his eyes glazing over. With a snarl he leapt
forward his katana lancing out in a deadly arc. With that one swipe one
scorpion's tail was cut cleanly off, its green blood squirting out onto the
sand. The other scorpion, caught off guard turned and tried to snap at
Ryu, but Ryu was faster. With inhuman agility he nimbly avoided the attack
and turned his blade lancing in a sideward arc. The blade struck home
again, this time slicing the second scorpion's claw off. More green blood
hit the sand and the scorpion squealed in pain and anger.
It was at about this time Kray broke through the foliage, his pace a tad slower than Ryu's. Seeing the scorpions and Ryu, the knives at his side were out of their holsters before one could blink but then Ryu intervened yelling, while he blocked slashes and lunges from both scorpions, "Get Nina! She's been stung!" Kray nodded replying, "Gotcha!" and with that he sprinted over to Nina's unconscious form. Frowning he checked her out. Her breathing was shallow and she was sweating profusely. Kray could tell that she was to need help if she was going to live. Looking through his things he checked to see if he had any antidotes left. He swore. They were out, and he had forgotten to restock in Wyndia! As best he could he bandaged Nina's shoulder then yelled to Ryu, "Hey bro we got to get her out of here! She needs aid, and we're fresh out of antidotes!" It was Ryu's turn to swear.
The scorpions were getting more aggressive and had put Ryu on the defensive. Despite missing a stinger and a claw both were still dangerous and the fact that hew as worried over Nina hindered his fighting abilities. Jumping backwards Ryu ducked an oncoming stinger, and then his eyes went wide as he spotted an open spot. With an impressive flip he agilely got over the stinger as it retreated, and then leaped into the air. As he came down with downward attack from his katana he yelled, "YAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The katana came down right on top of the scorpion's head. With a sickening CRUNCH the blade passed through the head and into the ground below. Green blood flowed freely and got all over Ryu. "Ugh," he moaned, "just what I need, scorpion blood." With that he pulled his blade free. The scorpion gave one last death squeal then was still. Seeing its companion fall, the second scorpion launched a counter attack, attacking with both pincers and trying to bite Ryu. Ryu dodged all three then flipped his katana into the air. His eyes blazed and went reptilian as he yelled, "Nova Strike!" With that the sky darkened and his body became almost a blur as he leapt up and grabbed his katana. As his hands touched the blade, lightning streaked from the sky hit the blade. The blade absorbed it and flash bright white. The scorpion didn't even have time to react. With three swift slashes of his katana Ryu appeared on the other side of the scorpion. And as he opened his eyes the scorpion literally seemed to explode in a shower of green blood, guts, gore, and energy. As Ryu stood from his kneeling position, all Kray could do was say, "whoah.."
The battle had been won. Ryu sighed as he wiped himself off, trying his best to get out the blood and guts on his clothes. Looking over at Kray he looked at Nina and said, "How is she?" Kray shook his head, "not good, she needs medical attention, I managed to stabilize her bleeding, but the scorpion's poison will kill her unless she gets antidote." Ryu sighed, worry crossing his face, then said, "how far until the next town?" Kray replied, "about a coupe hours away, I took the liberty to check out the map while you went back to Nina. Its called Farhain, a small trading village where travelers can stop to rest up and get supplies, this desert can be very treacherous to those who are not prepared." Ryu nodded, "then I guess that's where we got to go.." Kray stopped him before he said anything else, "one problem bud, the place was occupied by Imperials a month or so back, and knowing us, they'll probably be on the lookout." Ryu swore again, things were going from bad to worse. Then he sighed saying, "we need to get help for Nina, so we have to go, despite our hate for the scum." Kray nodded, "agreed, we'll need a disguise." Ryu said, "The cloaks we have are designed specifically for desert use right?" Kray nodded and Ryu grinned, "perfect, how do you fancy yourself as a desert nomad?"
A few hours' later three figures could be seen approaching Farhain. They were heavily robed and the cloaks hid their faces. As they approached the guards at the gates stopped them saying, "Halt! State your name and business!" In a croaky voice the taller one said, "We are travelers traveling from Wyndia to Capitol, we have come to replenish our gear for the long journey ahead." The second guard looked them over and then saw one was being carried. "Oye what's wrong wit 'im?" he asked gruffly. The tall one answered again. "Heatstroke, he needs a rest before we can carry on." Both guards looked at each other, then the first sighed and called up, "Open the gates!" Instantly the gates creaked open and the second one said to the three-cloaked figures, "Awright ya may pass, long live the Imperial Empire!" The taller one nodded and croaked, "aye, many thanks.." then he and his companions walked through the heavy gates shutting behind them. "Funny thing that," said the first soldier to his companion, "the shorter one seemed rather quiet." "Ach," replied the second guard, "es probably just as loony as the rest of them folk who travel this way, what with this 'eat and all." His companion nodded saying, "I guess so, and still something bugs me about those two."
Looking around as the gate closed behind them the cloaked figures quickly disappeared into an alley right near the gate. The shorter cloaked one then said in a hushed voice, "we need to find a healer Kray." The taller one nodded and replied in an equally hushed voice, "yes, and quick, I don't know how much longer Nina can hold out in these conditions." Suddenly an old man emerged from the shadows. "Excuse me gentlemen, is their something I can help you with?" Ryu gave a start and replied, "did you hear what we said old man?" The old man smiled and his eyes twinkled as he said "perhaps I did perhaps I didn't, but now is not the time for discussion, come I have a house not far from here, come and I will help you with your needs." With that he motioned for Ryu and Kray to follow him, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. After a minutes walk, Kray, Ryu and an unconscious Nina were inside a small house. It was nicely decorated: flower pots arranged over the fire hearth, which had a roaring fire going. A carved table with gargoyle heads at the feet, huge bookcases taking up most of the wall space, and a nice kitchen from which the strangest of smells emanated from. It was warm and cozy, not too hot, and not too cold. It was definitely what Ryu considered a nice home and it took him back to the days of warmth and comfort with his grandmother. The old man calling, "Yeven I'm home and we've got guests!" broke his nostalgia. An old lady poked her head out from the kitchen saying, "Who is it Josef?" Josef as the man was apparently called, called back, "We have a Wyndian, Woren, and..a Dragon.." Ryu started when Josef called out his race. "H, how did you know?" he stammered. Josef's eyes twinkled again as he replied, "all in good time m'boy, all in good time." Ryu nodded a bit uncertainly then said, "we have a sick person with us, could you by any chance help us out?" The old man smiled, "Of course! Always willing to help those in need, not to mention on the run from the Imperials!" Ryu blinked again, how did this old man know so much about them? It seemed everything they said he already knew about! Kray brought forth Nina and propped her up in a chair. Nina moaned a bit and shifted her small form, pale and weak. Ryu winced. Seeing her like this made something inside him sad and angry with himself for not getting to her in time. Josef put on some glasses and peered at the wound as he un- bandaged it. "Ah, desert scorpion, sting." He muttered, then he checked the wound, "good, no infection, you did a very good job with this young man, if infection had set in chances are she would be much harder to treat." Kray grinned saying, thanks; I have some small healing training, but not enough to curse the poison.." Josef nodded, "very dangerous stuff desert scorpion venom, you're lucky you got her to me!" then he turned and said to the woman, "Yeven go get me the bottle of antidote salve from the cupboard will you?" The woman nodded, put down her duster and went back into the kitchen. She emerged seconds later carrying a bottle with a green liquid in it. Handing it to Josef she said, "here you go!" then she turned to Ryu and Kray saying, "now dears let Josef work on your friend while we have some tea, OK?" Ryu nodded, and he and Kray let themselves be led back into the kitchen.
Time ticked by as Ryu anxiously watched the clock. Minutes seemed to take hours and every minute that ticked off the clock was agonizing. Yeven noticed his anxiety and smiled saying, "relax child, Josef is one of the best healers I know, he'll fix up your lady friend right proper!" and with that she smiled. Kray grinned and sipped some tea saying in a teasing tone, "yeah Ryu your 'lady friend'" Ryu shot him a glance that promised bloody murder and Kray just smirked, but then shut up. After a few more minutes Josef came through into the kitchen smiling. "She's responding well to the antidote, she'll be fine!" Ryu heaved a sigh of relief and said anxiously, "Can I go see her?" Josef nodded saying, "yes, but don't be long, she needs her rest!" Ryu nodded and went back into the next room. Looking over at the couch Ryu saw her, stretched out, bundled under some blankets sleeping peacefully. Walking over he kneeled down and brushed a strand of blonde hair from her eyes. She sighed a bit, smiled, and slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Ryu she smiled again, "Hey you." She said quietly. Ryu smiled back, hearing her voice felt good again, and somewhere deep inside him, something tugged at his heartstrings. Brushing it aside he said quietly, "I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough..And I'm sorry, for everything, if I hadn't run off you'd.." Nina shook her head and placed a finger over his lips effectively silencing him. Ryu started back a bit, but then stopped, something had him rooted to the spot. He couldn't back away, it wasn't right. Nina smiled a bit then said quietly, "Its alright Ryu, I forgive you for all that..I know what you're going through is hard, I shouldn't have done what I did." Ryu shook his head, "no, it is my fault.." Nina shook her head, "please don't blame yourself, you have so many more things on your mind, please don't let anything else drag you down!" Ryu shook his head saying, "I'm sorry Nina I can't do that..look, I'll talk to you later, right now you need your sleep, plus Josef said he would like to talk to us all once you're strong enough, so rest now." With that he bent over and kissed her on the forehead, got up and walked back into the kitchen. Nina smiled and touched a hand to her forehead, then snuggled back under the covers a slept again.
Nina was up and about the next day, chipper as ever. They were in the kitchen eating breakfast when Josef came in from his Study carrying a giant book. Smiling at them all he said, "Good to see you are all up, so now I guess I can start explaining things." Ryu pushed his plate forward, indicating he was done and nodded as he wiped his mouth. "Yes, you do Josef, my friends and I thank you for your hospitality but we would like to know HOW you know so much about us, and me." Josef smiled and put the book down on the table. For a short man he seemed to have no trouble easing the book onto the table and opening what looked like an extremely heavy cover. "To be frank," Josef began, "I have been expecting your arrival for some time now." Ryu gawked replying "What?! How?" Josef smiled his enigmatic smile again saying, "simple my boy! You've heard of divining right?" Ryu shook his head, Nina interjected, "Isn't that the ability to foretell the future using Magic?" Josef smiled again, "correct my young Wyndian! I indeed am a magic user. A while ago I was dabbling in some arcane magic and spells when I accidentally spilled a bowl of water! In the puddle that formed suddenly I saw flames and fire, and heard a Dragons roar. Then the image shifted I saw tall grass, and cat's eyes, then a cat's growl! Then finally I saw the clear blue sky, and heard a bird chirping then taking flight!" Josef continued, "I consulted my library of books and from it I deciphered the vision. It told me that a Dragon, Woren and Wyndian would one day be coming. Everyday I scryed those who came and went with no luck, there was no match. When I saw you three enter the gate yesterday afternoon, I scryed your magic auras expecting to find nothing. They matched what I had seen! So I made my way to you and here you three are!" Nina nodded a bit and said, "I see, its obvious your abilities are far beyond those of a normal mages power, just who EXACTLY are you?" Josef smiled and bowed, "Josef Carlyle Tuvar at your service!" Nina's eyes went wide. "I've heard of you! You're one of the Ten Sages! I read about you while in Magic Study." Josef grinned again saying, "Correct my young Princess Nina, wait let me guess, what am I doing here right?" Nina nodded. "Well," Josef said, "as you all know the Empire has been rising to power very quickly," the group nodded and Josef continued, "Well as a direct consequence of this we Sages have fallen under intense pressure to help the Empire fulfill its goals," shaking his head he sighed, "unfortunately because we refuse the Empire has declared us outlaws. They've burned our studies, our books, and tried to rob us of everything we hold dear," Josef paused then went on, "however because they still see us as valuable they dare not try and take our lives, seeing it more fit to torment us wherever we go, and force us into hiding, like rats." Ryu frowned, "like what happened to the Dragons?" Josef shook his head, "No young broodling, not like the Dragons, the Dragons were hunted to extinction because of their power.." so saying he looked Ryu directly in the eyes. "Tell me young Ryu have you ever BECOME the Dragon? Felt the pain and the suffering and then the surge? The great surge of tremendous power a Dragon wields? Have you? Have you ever felt that you could conquer worlds, destroy entire civilizations with a mere whim?" Ryu blinked a bit, then looked away murmuring, "yes.." Josef leaned back in his chair and nodded, "that's why they were hunted. People feared the Dragons and what they could accomplish. They WERE the superior species. Not Humans, not Worens, Wyndians, or Grassrunners, only the Dragons wielded such power and control that they were the ultimate being. It was said 'he who could controls a Dragon could control the world' this saying had much truth in it. So people feared them, and when people fear things.." Josef shook his head, "they can turn into barbarians, and that's exactly what happened. Great armies were raised; men united along with the other clans of the planet and they declared war on the Dragons. Despite their awesome powers, Dragons were no match for the united-whole of the other clans. They fell, and the planet ran red with their blood. Instead of living in peace with mankind they nearly destroyed it. Many lives were lost, and because of the war, many Dragons were slain, the rest forced to live where they could, constantly on the run. The proud Dragon clan was no more.." Josef shook his head, "it was a sad day when the Dragons fell indeed."
Ryu had been quiet the entire time, "so that's how it happened." He murmured quietly. Josef nodded, "yes, and now do you know WHY the empire is interested in you Ryu?" Kray replied, "He who controls a Dragon can control the world." Josef nodded, "yes, Ryu, they want you because they want the world, and if they succeed things could get very grim." Ryu eyes narrowed dangerously and his slammed his fists onto the table, making everything shake violently. "I WILL not allow that to happen, I will not stop until the Empire is destroyed permanently!" Josef nodded, "You do have the power Ryu, inside you, buried, living like a human has made your powers go into hibernation, they only just re-awakened so they are still very rusty, as it stands now, you can only transformed when extremely enraged, and that's VERY bad." Josef shook his head, "if that were to happen you wouldn't be able to tell friend from foe, you'd be berserk, and very dangerous." Ryu's hand lanced forward and he grabbed Josef by the collar shaking the poor man violently. "Then show me how to transform old man!" Josef squeaked, "This is no way to act! Doing this only makes it harder for your Dragon to be controlled! The more anger, hate, and sorrow you hold in your heart the more you slip away!" With that he gave Ryu a rap on the knuckles. Ryu yelped and dropped him. Nina frowned saying, "he's right Ryu, you're dragging yourself under, and if you become to far gone then you might just loose grasp of your humanity! Ryu growled, "pah humanity! What has humanity done to me except invite death and suffering into my life?!" Kray grimaced and said, "How can you say that Ryu! Remember back home? Lida, Faren, Kira, and all the others of our village THEY were human! Don't say they've done nothing for you! They did more for you than you can ever realize!" Ryu hesitated, and then looked down. "You're right Kray, I'm sorry..I didn't mean to forget. I just got so angry I couldn't help it, it all just came.." "Tumbling out," finished Josef, "yes I know that's how you'll feel, but you must remember Ryu you are never alone, hold your friends dear, they will never abandon you.." Ryu nodded and then Josef smiled as he closed the book saying, "well then, I actually have a favor to ask you all, I know you're on the run from the Imperials, I've seen the wanted posters all over here because the Empire occupies this town. However, anti-Empire sentiment is VERY high here, if you three would be kind enough to help us, please, up-root the Imperial seat of power here, if you do that then the Imperials will loose precious ground in their bid for ultimate power, and their reach toward the east will be greatly slowed." Ryu looked at Nina, and Nina looked at Kray, then all three nodded. "We'll do it!" said Ryu. "Excellent!" squeaked Josef. "The Inn is where they are stationed as makeshift barracks! May the Gods watch over you!"
It only took the trio a couple of seconds to reach the Inn. It stood their looming and imposing. Not because of its size, but more because of the immense amount of Imperials around the inn. As they approached the steps, the chatting Imperials stopped and turned their heads to look at them. On muttered to his friend, "aren't those the ones wanted for Murder?" His friend took a look at the group then back to his friend saying, "You mean the blue haired boy, blonde haired Wyndian and brown haired Woren?" The other guard nodded saying, "yup that's the description!" then he turned and yelled, "men to arms! Intruders to GACK!" A dagger thrown directly into his neck silenced him, pinning him to the wood and allowing blood to spurt onto the wood behind and around him. With a roar the other Imperial soldiers attacked. Kray disappeared in a streak of light was seen between the Imperials seconds later. His knives bit hard, deep and straight. Imperials fell left and right around him grievous injuries. A couple of Imperials got their necks caught in the path of the daggers and all of them had their heads cleanly severed from their body, blood spurting from the wound as their lifeless bodies collapsed. Ryu was faring rather well as well. His katana and movements were a dance of death for all his opponents. As on imperial attacked him high he ducked under it and brought the katana upwards, slicing the man right up the middle. He died even as his internal organs spilled onto the floor. Another Imperial advanced his sword lashing at Ryu's exposed side. Ryu blocked it easily with an overhead parry then with a huge swing cleaved though the mans blade and right through the unfortunate soldier as well. He collapsed into two pieces on the floor. The numbers of Imperials kept piling up as ryu and Kray continued there bloody assault forward, the ground-becoming slick with the blood of fallen Imperials. Nina kept the two protected as best she could with protection spells, she being too weak at the time to use attack magic's. One Imperial who faced Ryu said, "d..damn..you, you're going to pay!" WIth that he raised his sword. Ryu brought his katana forward and grinned maliciously saying, "bring it on little man.." The Imperial then dropped his sword and Ryu could have sworn the Imperial wet himself. Shrugging he paid it no heed. A quick cleave to the shoulders brought a quick end to the man his head went spinning off and hitting the wall, blood spraying as it did so. Ryu laughed coldly. Finally they reached the main Commanders room. Kray knocked. A voice from within said, "go away, I'm busy!" Kray then growled, "Well we're going to make time for you!" and with a mighty smash with his body felled the door. As the three walked in the Imperial commander stood their, sword in hand grimacing. He looked them over and said with a malicious chuckle. "Oh the murders have come to surrender have they?" Ryu smirked, saying, "Guess again asshole, we're giving you a one way ticket on the ride to hell, along with your men!" with that he took the head he had been hiding from behind his back and brought it forth. The Commander studied them then smiled evilly saying, "bring it on little man!" Kray said to Ryu, "let me take him!" Ryu shook his head, "No this ones mine.." Kray sighed, "alright.." With that the Commander and Ryu lunged at each other.
Sparks collided as blade met blade. The Commander grunted as he quickly spun around aiming low. Ryu's blade was there to meet it and he parried neatly, countering with an upward slash. The Commander sidestepped, the blade missing him completely, and Ryu swore at his misfortune. The Commander noticing an opening brought forth a low kick and connected with Ryu's side. Ryu stumbled backwards, exposing himself to the next attack. His opponent smirked and lunged, blade intent on driving through him. This was not to be at the last moment Ryu executed a back flip and as he landed came forward with another upward slash. The Imperial was too slow and too committed to the lunge and a leg went flying. The Commander collapsed howling in pain as blood flowed from the wound. Ryu mercilessly continued the mutilation. Spinning around his katana blade arced forward and chopped off the mans sword arm. Another howl came from the wounded Imperial. Ryu then stood facing the man, katana at his side, watching the blood flow freely. Smirking he said, "you humans are so frail and weak, it's pathetic!" Then he turned as if to go, but with a sudden motion turned around and threw his katana straight into the Imperials chest. The man screamed, thrashed a bit, then lurched upward and was still. Kray and Nina watched aghast. Had Ryu just done what they had seen him do? Kray frowned and folded his arms as Ryu retrieved his blade and wiped off the blood. Ryu seemed different, and things didn't look good for his friend. Shaking his head he murmured, "Ryu, please, don't end up like so many others who give in to hate." Nina said nothing just stood their, shocked and silent, horrified by Ryu's display of sudden brutality. As Ryu walked by them he looked at them saying, "C'mon we got ta go meet Josef tell him the city is no longer ruled by Imperial scum.."
Josef took the news in strides. He expressed his utmost thanks to the group, but privately in a meeting with Kray and Nina lone expressed concern over Ryu's well being. "Sounds to me" he had said, "That Ryu's falling deeper into his own private hell..he must get out before the force he controls turns on him, and turns him into a monster!" Nina had sighed nodding, "we understand Josef, but he seems to shut us out at times, even I can't get to him.." Josef smiled saying to Nina, "keep trying child, remember patience is a virtue, the boy harbors much pain inside, if what you say is true, you must not give up on him, remember, like I said, you are his friends." Turning to Kray he had said, "Keep him close, you two are like a fish and a shark, one cannot live without the other, for one must sustain the other and if the one did not sustain the other, then the one would die.." Then he had turned to Nina. "Remember to hold him close, he may not realize it now, but you two are seemingly destined for each other..love him as much you can, only that way can he forgive the ghosts of the past and let them go.."
The following morning, they packed up their gear and prepared to head out. Josef as well as many other villagers met them at the gate eastward. Josef smiled, "farewell my friends.." he said smiling, "our paths will perhaps meet again some day soon, but until then remember you are a group, you are friends, and as long as this remains true, you will be a force to be reckoned with!" Ryu nodded and smiled, "thank you for everything Josef..perhaps we will see you again, soon.." Josef smiled again, "yes, perhaps we will..good luck on your journey, may the Gods watch over you, protect you, and guide you..until another day farewell!" with that they set out, headed toward the east and The Great Forest.
It was at about this time Kray broke through the foliage, his pace a tad slower than Ryu's. Seeing the scorpions and Ryu, the knives at his side were out of their holsters before one could blink but then Ryu intervened yelling, while he blocked slashes and lunges from both scorpions, "Get Nina! She's been stung!" Kray nodded replying, "Gotcha!" and with that he sprinted over to Nina's unconscious form. Frowning he checked her out. Her breathing was shallow and she was sweating profusely. Kray could tell that she was to need help if she was going to live. Looking through his things he checked to see if he had any antidotes left. He swore. They were out, and he had forgotten to restock in Wyndia! As best he could he bandaged Nina's shoulder then yelled to Ryu, "Hey bro we got to get her out of here! She needs aid, and we're fresh out of antidotes!" It was Ryu's turn to swear.
The scorpions were getting more aggressive and had put Ryu on the defensive. Despite missing a stinger and a claw both were still dangerous and the fact that hew as worried over Nina hindered his fighting abilities. Jumping backwards Ryu ducked an oncoming stinger, and then his eyes went wide as he spotted an open spot. With an impressive flip he agilely got over the stinger as it retreated, and then leaped into the air. As he came down with downward attack from his katana he yelled, "YAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The katana came down right on top of the scorpion's head. With a sickening CRUNCH the blade passed through the head and into the ground below. Green blood flowed freely and got all over Ryu. "Ugh," he moaned, "just what I need, scorpion blood." With that he pulled his blade free. The scorpion gave one last death squeal then was still. Seeing its companion fall, the second scorpion launched a counter attack, attacking with both pincers and trying to bite Ryu. Ryu dodged all three then flipped his katana into the air. His eyes blazed and went reptilian as he yelled, "Nova Strike!" With that the sky darkened and his body became almost a blur as he leapt up and grabbed his katana. As his hands touched the blade, lightning streaked from the sky hit the blade. The blade absorbed it and flash bright white. The scorpion didn't even have time to react. With three swift slashes of his katana Ryu appeared on the other side of the scorpion. And as he opened his eyes the scorpion literally seemed to explode in a shower of green blood, guts, gore, and energy. As Ryu stood from his kneeling position, all Kray could do was say, "whoah.."
The battle had been won. Ryu sighed as he wiped himself off, trying his best to get out the blood and guts on his clothes. Looking over at Kray he looked at Nina and said, "How is she?" Kray shook his head, "not good, she needs medical attention, I managed to stabilize her bleeding, but the scorpion's poison will kill her unless she gets antidote." Ryu sighed, worry crossing his face, then said, "how far until the next town?" Kray replied, "about a coupe hours away, I took the liberty to check out the map while you went back to Nina. Its called Farhain, a small trading village where travelers can stop to rest up and get supplies, this desert can be very treacherous to those who are not prepared." Ryu nodded, "then I guess that's where we got to go.." Kray stopped him before he said anything else, "one problem bud, the place was occupied by Imperials a month or so back, and knowing us, they'll probably be on the lookout." Ryu swore again, things were going from bad to worse. Then he sighed saying, "we need to get help for Nina, so we have to go, despite our hate for the scum." Kray nodded, "agreed, we'll need a disguise." Ryu said, "The cloaks we have are designed specifically for desert use right?" Kray nodded and Ryu grinned, "perfect, how do you fancy yourself as a desert nomad?"
A few hours' later three figures could be seen approaching Farhain. They were heavily robed and the cloaks hid their faces. As they approached the guards at the gates stopped them saying, "Halt! State your name and business!" In a croaky voice the taller one said, "We are travelers traveling from Wyndia to Capitol, we have come to replenish our gear for the long journey ahead." The second guard looked them over and then saw one was being carried. "Oye what's wrong wit 'im?" he asked gruffly. The tall one answered again. "Heatstroke, he needs a rest before we can carry on." Both guards looked at each other, then the first sighed and called up, "Open the gates!" Instantly the gates creaked open and the second one said to the three-cloaked figures, "Awright ya may pass, long live the Imperial Empire!" The taller one nodded and croaked, "aye, many thanks.." then he and his companions walked through the heavy gates shutting behind them. "Funny thing that," said the first soldier to his companion, "the shorter one seemed rather quiet." "Ach," replied the second guard, "es probably just as loony as the rest of them folk who travel this way, what with this 'eat and all." His companion nodded saying, "I guess so, and still something bugs me about those two."
Looking around as the gate closed behind them the cloaked figures quickly disappeared into an alley right near the gate. The shorter cloaked one then said in a hushed voice, "we need to find a healer Kray." The taller one nodded and replied in an equally hushed voice, "yes, and quick, I don't know how much longer Nina can hold out in these conditions." Suddenly an old man emerged from the shadows. "Excuse me gentlemen, is their something I can help you with?" Ryu gave a start and replied, "did you hear what we said old man?" The old man smiled and his eyes twinkled as he said "perhaps I did perhaps I didn't, but now is not the time for discussion, come I have a house not far from here, come and I will help you with your needs." With that he motioned for Ryu and Kray to follow him, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. After a minutes walk, Kray, Ryu and an unconscious Nina were inside a small house. It was nicely decorated: flower pots arranged over the fire hearth, which had a roaring fire going. A carved table with gargoyle heads at the feet, huge bookcases taking up most of the wall space, and a nice kitchen from which the strangest of smells emanated from. It was warm and cozy, not too hot, and not too cold. It was definitely what Ryu considered a nice home and it took him back to the days of warmth and comfort with his grandmother. The old man calling, "Yeven I'm home and we've got guests!" broke his nostalgia. An old lady poked her head out from the kitchen saying, "Who is it Josef?" Josef as the man was apparently called, called back, "We have a Wyndian, Woren, and..a Dragon.." Ryu started when Josef called out his race. "H, how did you know?" he stammered. Josef's eyes twinkled again as he replied, "all in good time m'boy, all in good time." Ryu nodded a bit uncertainly then said, "we have a sick person with us, could you by any chance help us out?" The old man smiled, "Of course! Always willing to help those in need, not to mention on the run from the Imperials!" Ryu blinked again, how did this old man know so much about them? It seemed everything they said he already knew about! Kray brought forth Nina and propped her up in a chair. Nina moaned a bit and shifted her small form, pale and weak. Ryu winced. Seeing her like this made something inside him sad and angry with himself for not getting to her in time. Josef put on some glasses and peered at the wound as he un- bandaged it. "Ah, desert scorpion, sting." He muttered, then he checked the wound, "good, no infection, you did a very good job with this young man, if infection had set in chances are she would be much harder to treat." Kray grinned saying, thanks; I have some small healing training, but not enough to curse the poison.." Josef nodded, "very dangerous stuff desert scorpion venom, you're lucky you got her to me!" then he turned and said to the woman, "Yeven go get me the bottle of antidote salve from the cupboard will you?" The woman nodded, put down her duster and went back into the kitchen. She emerged seconds later carrying a bottle with a green liquid in it. Handing it to Josef she said, "here you go!" then she turned to Ryu and Kray saying, "now dears let Josef work on your friend while we have some tea, OK?" Ryu nodded, and he and Kray let themselves be led back into the kitchen.
Time ticked by as Ryu anxiously watched the clock. Minutes seemed to take hours and every minute that ticked off the clock was agonizing. Yeven noticed his anxiety and smiled saying, "relax child, Josef is one of the best healers I know, he'll fix up your lady friend right proper!" and with that she smiled. Kray grinned and sipped some tea saying in a teasing tone, "yeah Ryu your 'lady friend'" Ryu shot him a glance that promised bloody murder and Kray just smirked, but then shut up. After a few more minutes Josef came through into the kitchen smiling. "She's responding well to the antidote, she'll be fine!" Ryu heaved a sigh of relief and said anxiously, "Can I go see her?" Josef nodded saying, "yes, but don't be long, she needs her rest!" Ryu nodded and went back into the next room. Looking over at the couch Ryu saw her, stretched out, bundled under some blankets sleeping peacefully. Walking over he kneeled down and brushed a strand of blonde hair from her eyes. She sighed a bit, smiled, and slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Ryu she smiled again, "Hey you." She said quietly. Ryu smiled back, hearing her voice felt good again, and somewhere deep inside him, something tugged at his heartstrings. Brushing it aside he said quietly, "I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough..And I'm sorry, for everything, if I hadn't run off you'd.." Nina shook her head and placed a finger over his lips effectively silencing him. Ryu started back a bit, but then stopped, something had him rooted to the spot. He couldn't back away, it wasn't right. Nina smiled a bit then said quietly, "Its alright Ryu, I forgive you for all that..I know what you're going through is hard, I shouldn't have done what I did." Ryu shook his head, "no, it is my fault.." Nina shook her head, "please don't blame yourself, you have so many more things on your mind, please don't let anything else drag you down!" Ryu shook his head saying, "I'm sorry Nina I can't do that..look, I'll talk to you later, right now you need your sleep, plus Josef said he would like to talk to us all once you're strong enough, so rest now." With that he bent over and kissed her on the forehead, got up and walked back into the kitchen. Nina smiled and touched a hand to her forehead, then snuggled back under the covers a slept again.
Nina was up and about the next day, chipper as ever. They were in the kitchen eating breakfast when Josef came in from his Study carrying a giant book. Smiling at them all he said, "Good to see you are all up, so now I guess I can start explaining things." Ryu pushed his plate forward, indicating he was done and nodded as he wiped his mouth. "Yes, you do Josef, my friends and I thank you for your hospitality but we would like to know HOW you know so much about us, and me." Josef smiled and put the book down on the table. For a short man he seemed to have no trouble easing the book onto the table and opening what looked like an extremely heavy cover. "To be frank," Josef began, "I have been expecting your arrival for some time now." Ryu gawked replying "What?! How?" Josef smiled his enigmatic smile again saying, "simple my boy! You've heard of divining right?" Ryu shook his head, Nina interjected, "Isn't that the ability to foretell the future using Magic?" Josef smiled again, "correct my young Wyndian! I indeed am a magic user. A while ago I was dabbling in some arcane magic and spells when I accidentally spilled a bowl of water! In the puddle that formed suddenly I saw flames and fire, and heard a Dragons roar. Then the image shifted I saw tall grass, and cat's eyes, then a cat's growl! Then finally I saw the clear blue sky, and heard a bird chirping then taking flight!" Josef continued, "I consulted my library of books and from it I deciphered the vision. It told me that a Dragon, Woren and Wyndian would one day be coming. Everyday I scryed those who came and went with no luck, there was no match. When I saw you three enter the gate yesterday afternoon, I scryed your magic auras expecting to find nothing. They matched what I had seen! So I made my way to you and here you three are!" Nina nodded a bit and said, "I see, its obvious your abilities are far beyond those of a normal mages power, just who EXACTLY are you?" Josef smiled and bowed, "Josef Carlyle Tuvar at your service!" Nina's eyes went wide. "I've heard of you! You're one of the Ten Sages! I read about you while in Magic Study." Josef grinned again saying, "Correct my young Princess Nina, wait let me guess, what am I doing here right?" Nina nodded. "Well," Josef said, "as you all know the Empire has been rising to power very quickly," the group nodded and Josef continued, "Well as a direct consequence of this we Sages have fallen under intense pressure to help the Empire fulfill its goals," shaking his head he sighed, "unfortunately because we refuse the Empire has declared us outlaws. They've burned our studies, our books, and tried to rob us of everything we hold dear," Josef paused then went on, "however because they still see us as valuable they dare not try and take our lives, seeing it more fit to torment us wherever we go, and force us into hiding, like rats." Ryu frowned, "like what happened to the Dragons?" Josef shook his head, "No young broodling, not like the Dragons, the Dragons were hunted to extinction because of their power.." so saying he looked Ryu directly in the eyes. "Tell me young Ryu have you ever BECOME the Dragon? Felt the pain and the suffering and then the surge? The great surge of tremendous power a Dragon wields? Have you? Have you ever felt that you could conquer worlds, destroy entire civilizations with a mere whim?" Ryu blinked a bit, then looked away murmuring, "yes.." Josef leaned back in his chair and nodded, "that's why they were hunted. People feared the Dragons and what they could accomplish. They WERE the superior species. Not Humans, not Worens, Wyndians, or Grassrunners, only the Dragons wielded such power and control that they were the ultimate being. It was said 'he who could controls a Dragon could control the world' this saying had much truth in it. So people feared them, and when people fear things.." Josef shook his head, "they can turn into barbarians, and that's exactly what happened. Great armies were raised; men united along with the other clans of the planet and they declared war on the Dragons. Despite their awesome powers, Dragons were no match for the united-whole of the other clans. They fell, and the planet ran red with their blood. Instead of living in peace with mankind they nearly destroyed it. Many lives were lost, and because of the war, many Dragons were slain, the rest forced to live where they could, constantly on the run. The proud Dragon clan was no more.." Josef shook his head, "it was a sad day when the Dragons fell indeed."
Ryu had been quiet the entire time, "so that's how it happened." He murmured quietly. Josef nodded, "yes, and now do you know WHY the empire is interested in you Ryu?" Kray replied, "He who controls a Dragon can control the world." Josef nodded, "yes, Ryu, they want you because they want the world, and if they succeed things could get very grim." Ryu eyes narrowed dangerously and his slammed his fists onto the table, making everything shake violently. "I WILL not allow that to happen, I will not stop until the Empire is destroyed permanently!" Josef nodded, "You do have the power Ryu, inside you, buried, living like a human has made your powers go into hibernation, they only just re-awakened so they are still very rusty, as it stands now, you can only transformed when extremely enraged, and that's VERY bad." Josef shook his head, "if that were to happen you wouldn't be able to tell friend from foe, you'd be berserk, and very dangerous." Ryu's hand lanced forward and he grabbed Josef by the collar shaking the poor man violently. "Then show me how to transform old man!" Josef squeaked, "This is no way to act! Doing this only makes it harder for your Dragon to be controlled! The more anger, hate, and sorrow you hold in your heart the more you slip away!" With that he gave Ryu a rap on the knuckles. Ryu yelped and dropped him. Nina frowned saying, "he's right Ryu, you're dragging yourself under, and if you become to far gone then you might just loose grasp of your humanity! Ryu growled, "pah humanity! What has humanity done to me except invite death and suffering into my life?!" Kray grimaced and said, "How can you say that Ryu! Remember back home? Lida, Faren, Kira, and all the others of our village THEY were human! Don't say they've done nothing for you! They did more for you than you can ever realize!" Ryu hesitated, and then looked down. "You're right Kray, I'm sorry..I didn't mean to forget. I just got so angry I couldn't help it, it all just came.." "Tumbling out," finished Josef, "yes I know that's how you'll feel, but you must remember Ryu you are never alone, hold your friends dear, they will never abandon you.." Ryu nodded and then Josef smiled as he closed the book saying, "well then, I actually have a favor to ask you all, I know you're on the run from the Imperials, I've seen the wanted posters all over here because the Empire occupies this town. However, anti-Empire sentiment is VERY high here, if you three would be kind enough to help us, please, up-root the Imperial seat of power here, if you do that then the Imperials will loose precious ground in their bid for ultimate power, and their reach toward the east will be greatly slowed." Ryu looked at Nina, and Nina looked at Kray, then all three nodded. "We'll do it!" said Ryu. "Excellent!" squeaked Josef. "The Inn is where they are stationed as makeshift barracks! May the Gods watch over you!"
It only took the trio a couple of seconds to reach the Inn. It stood their looming and imposing. Not because of its size, but more because of the immense amount of Imperials around the inn. As they approached the steps, the chatting Imperials stopped and turned their heads to look at them. On muttered to his friend, "aren't those the ones wanted for Murder?" His friend took a look at the group then back to his friend saying, "You mean the blue haired boy, blonde haired Wyndian and brown haired Woren?" The other guard nodded saying, "yup that's the description!" then he turned and yelled, "men to arms! Intruders to GACK!" A dagger thrown directly into his neck silenced him, pinning him to the wood and allowing blood to spurt onto the wood behind and around him. With a roar the other Imperial soldiers attacked. Kray disappeared in a streak of light was seen between the Imperials seconds later. His knives bit hard, deep and straight. Imperials fell left and right around him grievous injuries. A couple of Imperials got their necks caught in the path of the daggers and all of them had their heads cleanly severed from their body, blood spurting from the wound as their lifeless bodies collapsed. Ryu was faring rather well as well. His katana and movements were a dance of death for all his opponents. As on imperial attacked him high he ducked under it and brought the katana upwards, slicing the man right up the middle. He died even as his internal organs spilled onto the floor. Another Imperial advanced his sword lashing at Ryu's exposed side. Ryu blocked it easily with an overhead parry then with a huge swing cleaved though the mans blade and right through the unfortunate soldier as well. He collapsed into two pieces on the floor. The numbers of Imperials kept piling up as ryu and Kray continued there bloody assault forward, the ground-becoming slick with the blood of fallen Imperials. Nina kept the two protected as best she could with protection spells, she being too weak at the time to use attack magic's. One Imperial who faced Ryu said, "d..damn..you, you're going to pay!" WIth that he raised his sword. Ryu brought his katana forward and grinned maliciously saying, "bring it on little man.." The Imperial then dropped his sword and Ryu could have sworn the Imperial wet himself. Shrugging he paid it no heed. A quick cleave to the shoulders brought a quick end to the man his head went spinning off and hitting the wall, blood spraying as it did so. Ryu laughed coldly. Finally they reached the main Commanders room. Kray knocked. A voice from within said, "go away, I'm busy!" Kray then growled, "Well we're going to make time for you!" and with a mighty smash with his body felled the door. As the three walked in the Imperial commander stood their, sword in hand grimacing. He looked them over and said with a malicious chuckle. "Oh the murders have come to surrender have they?" Ryu smirked, saying, "Guess again asshole, we're giving you a one way ticket on the ride to hell, along with your men!" with that he took the head he had been hiding from behind his back and brought it forth. The Commander studied them then smiled evilly saying, "bring it on little man!" Kray said to Ryu, "let me take him!" Ryu shook his head, "No this ones mine.." Kray sighed, "alright.." With that the Commander and Ryu lunged at each other.
Sparks collided as blade met blade. The Commander grunted as he quickly spun around aiming low. Ryu's blade was there to meet it and he parried neatly, countering with an upward slash. The Commander sidestepped, the blade missing him completely, and Ryu swore at his misfortune. The Commander noticing an opening brought forth a low kick and connected with Ryu's side. Ryu stumbled backwards, exposing himself to the next attack. His opponent smirked and lunged, blade intent on driving through him. This was not to be at the last moment Ryu executed a back flip and as he landed came forward with another upward slash. The Imperial was too slow and too committed to the lunge and a leg went flying. The Commander collapsed howling in pain as blood flowed from the wound. Ryu mercilessly continued the mutilation. Spinning around his katana blade arced forward and chopped off the mans sword arm. Another howl came from the wounded Imperial. Ryu then stood facing the man, katana at his side, watching the blood flow freely. Smirking he said, "you humans are so frail and weak, it's pathetic!" Then he turned as if to go, but with a sudden motion turned around and threw his katana straight into the Imperials chest. The man screamed, thrashed a bit, then lurched upward and was still. Kray and Nina watched aghast. Had Ryu just done what they had seen him do? Kray frowned and folded his arms as Ryu retrieved his blade and wiped off the blood. Ryu seemed different, and things didn't look good for his friend. Shaking his head he murmured, "Ryu, please, don't end up like so many others who give in to hate." Nina said nothing just stood their, shocked and silent, horrified by Ryu's display of sudden brutality. As Ryu walked by them he looked at them saying, "C'mon we got ta go meet Josef tell him the city is no longer ruled by Imperial scum.."
Josef took the news in strides. He expressed his utmost thanks to the group, but privately in a meeting with Kray and Nina lone expressed concern over Ryu's well being. "Sounds to me" he had said, "That Ryu's falling deeper into his own private hell..he must get out before the force he controls turns on him, and turns him into a monster!" Nina had sighed nodding, "we understand Josef, but he seems to shut us out at times, even I can't get to him.." Josef smiled saying to Nina, "keep trying child, remember patience is a virtue, the boy harbors much pain inside, if what you say is true, you must not give up on him, remember, like I said, you are his friends." Turning to Kray he had said, "Keep him close, you two are like a fish and a shark, one cannot live without the other, for one must sustain the other and if the one did not sustain the other, then the one would die.." Then he had turned to Nina. "Remember to hold him close, he may not realize it now, but you two are seemingly destined for each other..love him as much you can, only that way can he forgive the ghosts of the past and let them go.."
The following morning, they packed up their gear and prepared to head out. Josef as well as many other villagers met them at the gate eastward. Josef smiled, "farewell my friends.." he said smiling, "our paths will perhaps meet again some day soon, but until then remember you are a group, you are friends, and as long as this remains true, you will be a force to be reckoned with!" Ryu nodded and smiled, "thank you for everything Josef..perhaps we will see you again, soon.." Josef smiled again, "yes, perhaps we will..good luck on your journey, may the Gods watch over you, protect you, and guide you..until another day farewell!" with that they set out, headed toward the east and The Great Forest.