Chapter 3: Memories

Ryu

My head was spinning and I could feel myself falling in and out of consciousness. I knew I was out of commission for now but I just felt so helpless. I knew I had to heal but I didn't know how. I was slightly aware of my condition from the constant pains that ran up and down my back where the majority of the wounds were.

I could feel the wind on my face showing they were moving quickly and I could guess one of two people who was carrying me, but I figured it was Cray considering Woren's are very strong. My ears could catch the soft whimpers of a feminine voice that I could easily describe to be Nina's.

I always hated myself when I saw or heard her crying because I always felt like I was the one responsible. And every time I felt like this all I would want to do then would be to help her feel better. Such a young and innocent girl doesn't deserve to feel such sadness over anything, she's to pure for that. But right now I was powerless to do anything for her and I cursed myself more for not being able to hold her like I wanted to but then something crossed my mind that threw me off my train of thought.

"Why was she crying?" I couldn't understand why she was crying and soon another question crossed my mind. "Is she crying...for me?" With my thoughts forming to many questions for me to understand I let myself fall into my light sleep focusing more on recovering now.

Cray

I couldn't believe what was happening, Ryu was nearly sliced to ribbons and Nina's ankle is broken. I admitted to myself along time ago when I first saw Ryu transform that I could never measure to be a proper protector to Nina and Ryu's courage in risking his life for her was proof enough to me.

But not Ryu's life is in our hands now and for all he did to protect us, its our turn to protect him. I owe him a great debt for being there Nina, and I aim to pay him back in full, no matter what I have to do.

I stopped a moment panting a little then turned to the group which had been following right on my heels. We were all exhausted but we still had a little ways to go. I had a quick mental debating on whether to continue on or stop here and rest for a few minutes.

I turned my head to Nina who seemed to be thinking the same and slowly nodded as she wiped away a stray tear that still glistened on her wet cheek. I nodded in return and turned to the others.

"Ok were going to rest here for a few minutes, gather some thick leaves and get out a spare blanket to cover Ryu with." they nodded and started to do this quickly and I could tell there willingness to help there fallen comrade. It made me happy to know that even though we all didn't see eye to eye at times, but when a friend needs help were always willing to put our differences aside to insure there safety. This boy, Ryu, really was something special to all of us, even though we had our own ways of showing it.

Nina

I could barely tear my eyes from Ryu's face while everyone was gathering everything. Ursula let me sit with Ryu, who was put on some big soft leaves. I gently maneuvered myself though my ankle still stung as I dead but I didn't care. All I wanted was to be closer to Ryu right now.

I gently lifted his head and rested it upon my lap as he slept. The leaves were acting as a temporary patch sense we had none and it was stopping the blood flow from the open wounds a little. I tried hard not to break down crying but it was becoming so hard remembering what Ryu did for me at the cost of his own life to save mine. Trying to put these thoughts aside for a few minutes, I let my mind wander back to when we first met.

I had insisted that I should go and get the parts for the sandflier because if we both did there was a big chance it would get stolen. I could tell Cray was skeptical about this but I still wanted to do this to show I wasn't a little girl anymore. With a little persuasion he finally let me go and he gave me the King's Sword. I left not quite sure why he gave me this at the time but I pushed that thought aside too.

I had been walking for a little while and my feet were starting to hurt. But no sooner did I think to stop and rest did I notice a large crater near by. I ran over to it and looked down in it noticing there was an overturned merchants stall and the merchant himself was fleeing from the area screaming something I couldn't quite make out.

But of course clumsy me, I slipped right into the crater. I was always clumsy, even as a child I sometimes fell over my own feet. I got up and looked around for a moment then noticed something moving in a smaller crater. I only took one step closer before its appearance became known and I literally froze in my tracks. I could only think that I was going to be its next meal but then noticed that it wasn't making a move at all. It just stood there staring at me. Then it made what sounded like a painful cry as a pair of transparent wings sprouted from its back and it floated up but in mid flight it caused so much dust that I had to cover my eyes.

When I uncovered my eyes I saw it was gone but something else was laying where the dragon was. I took a few steps closer then watched it slowly sit up showing it a was boy that looked no older then me. He stood up and I immediately blushed when I noticed he was stark naked and I quickly turned away. I had never seen a naked male before, but this was embarrassing. I could only spat out for him to find some clothes quickly because I was feeling kind of funny.

When I felt it was safe to look, I turned around and to my relief he did find clothes that fit him rather well. I was at a loss for a moment because I didn't know what to say right away but soon managed to ask his name.

I could tell by his actions that he was having troubles remembering so I was guessing that maybe he had amnesia or something. But soon after he answered his name to be Ryu. I could only smile at his name and his soft voice, both suited him perfectly.

When we finally got out of the hole I let him use the King's Sword since he didn't have anything to protect himself. When we got this valley I started to wonder if he was afraid of heights but he looked ok to say how quiet he was. When we reached an assortment gorges that we had to jump I could tell he was a little more worried then, but his worried seemed to be directed me.

The first jump was easy but the second was a little further this time and I wasn't sure if he could jump it much less myself. But then he jumped ahead of me like his fear had vanished then waved back to me. I just giggled and looked over the side looking how far down it was and just as luck would have it my clumsiness got the better of me again and I slipped falling down the side of the mountain. At this point I used my wings to stop my fall but what I didn't count on was Ryu coming down at me and soon after seeing me hover did he lose his balance and fell to the ground with a thud. I cringed at what I saw and floated down landing beside him and worry already clenching my heart as I kneeled to help him up, but much to my own surprise he just sat up and laughed a little looking pretty embarrassed about his own clumsiness. I just smiled with the worry vanishing when I looked at his happy and embarrassed expression on his face.

It amazed me that even in danger he was willing to help someone he barely knew only to laugh at his own mistake which was actually mine since I forgot to tell him I could fly. It was already dark and we hid in a cave to rest for the night. We gathered some twigs and cave moss and made a fire. Ryu gave me the small blanket he found while back at the crater site. I could feel it getting a little cold out and I started to wonder if he was going to be ok with the little clothing he had.

I explained to him why I was here and where I was going and upon doing this did he show an eagerness to help in his eyes. He was really a caring person and his willingness to help was amazing. Soon after talking I went to sleep but Ryu stayed up a little longer. I don't know why but I felt safe with him even though he could've done anything he wanted while I slept.

The next morning when we reached the town I remembered what I had to do but I knew he might have something to do too. I felt a little sad as we parted ways because I didn't really want to be alone but I figured it was for the best. I started asking around hoping to find the parts I needed but I was having no luck.

Then this one person said he had a lot of parts and all I had to do was give him the money. He looked like a nice person so I did but then he pushed me to the side and took off running. I couldn't believe what had just happened; I was tricked and now I had failed Cray.

I did my best not to cry as I started to leave deciding going back to Cray was the only thing I could do right now and just as I reached the main gate I just stopped and broke down crying. I couldn't look Cray in the eye again because I knew he would give me a big lecture about how he should've done it and such and such. I couldn't even move for the time, all I could do was cry. I felt like Cray would never trust me with anything important again and at that moment, I was scared to go back.

Then I noticed a shadow lingering over me. I froze almost afraid to look up but then a heard a soft voice that seemed so familiar to me but I couldn't quite place it. I slowly looked up and noticed a familiar blue haired boy. I could see so much worry in his aqua blue eyes that almost made me forget about my present problems.

His soft lips curved to a soft smile as his fingers brushed a finger from my cheek and I managed a little smile in return. I explained to him why I was so sad and the look I saw next confirmed that he really cared and the words following concreted that thought. He promised to help me get the stuff I needed and even get the guy that robbed me.

I couldn't believe what he said, but I felt that he was telling the truth. It really didn't matter if I didn't got the money back, all I really needed was the parts to show I hadn't failed Cray.

We spent a little time in the town, picking up some needed supplies and thanks to the money Ryu had some how gotten, he bought me a new wand. I couldn't believe that someone I barely knew was buying things for me but nothing for himself.

Soon after our stay we had gotten the information we needed and where to find the parts out in an old junk yard. I felt my spirits lifted when I found I was one step closer to getting the parts and that I had met someone so kind and wonderful as Ryu. I then remembered to ask if anyone in the town had known who he was but he merely shook his head. I felt horrible at that moment because I could see so much hurt in his eyes but it quickly changed and he smiled at me. Its like his problems didn't matter to him, he was focused on helping me.

Soon after we got the parts we headed back to the town only to find army troops from the enemy nation was here. I didn't understand why they were here but as long as they didn't know who I was maybe we could get in and out before they noticed.

When we got to the Pub we saw a bar fight going on and someone who looked like the leader of the small army dispatched here. I saw him attacked several of the bar patrons and I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to step in no matter if I got hurt or not.

But when I did I found out he was from the Imperial army and his name was Captain Rasso. As I tried to persuade him to stop this senseless violence he called a monster that sent a chill down my back. I was so scared and I wanted to run but I felt that I had to face this monster.

Soon after I found this monster wasn't very strong but I was also so very tired. My legs were weak causing me to drop to my knees and I could hear footsteps approaching me and the unsheathing of a sword. I felt helpless now and my end was drawing near. I could hear Rasso's voice saying my time had come and I closed my eyes fearing the worst but all I heard the faint wisp of hair gliding over my cheek and I opened my eyes, and turned my head to see a tall figure standing before me.

My eyes widened when I saw that it was Ryu, his right hand was gripped the blade of Rasso's sword and in the other the hang, King's Sword raised up to Rasso's throat. I couldn't believe what I was seeing; Ryu, someone I barely knew, was protecting me. It took me a moment to realize that Ryu had the upper hand in this little bout because all he had to do was push the sword a little further and Rasso would be dead. But he wouldn't do it; he was giving Rasso a choice and I could tell Rasso wanted to live when I saw the fear in his eyes.

Soon Rasso slowly stepped back and sheathed his sword but only grinned a little as Ryu turned to me. Ryu was letting his guard down to help me and that's when Rasso struck. But its almost as if Ryu knew it was coming and immediately spun around clashing his sword against Rasso's. But the strain and force they both used caused there swords to break and he yelled for me to run. I couldn't move for a moment but I quickly got up and ran out of the pub with Ryu right behind me.

Ryu had saved me, even at the cost of his own life, and I owed a great debt to him. Even though the King's Sword was broke, even though we didn't get the right parts we needed, I really didn't care at that moment.

I smiled a little to myself as I looked down at the sleeping Ryu. He had done so much for me and I had done nothing in return for him. But why? Why did he do all this for me? He's been with me from the very start of this journey, and every time I was in trouble, or felt sad, he always did his best for me.

I owed him so much, and he wanted nothing in return. He was truly unselfish and so innocent. It's hard to believe that such a kind and loving person would settle for so little. He is always so gentle to us and to me. But in battle, he fights for us, he doesn't fight to prove he is stronger, he fights to protect us. Its like his life has no moral value to him, all he really cares about is us. I snapped out of my train of thought when Cray spoke up.

Cray

I stood up clearing my throat after poking some small logs in the fire we made. "Ok its getting dark and there's no telling what is out there, so we have no choice but to camp here for tonight." I looked at them and sighed as they apparently didn't agree to the idea but they nodded all the same.

I looked to Nina who still had Ryu's head in her lap. She looked at me with the teary eyes though she managed a little nod too. "Alright....as soon as the sun rises, were leaving to get Ryu to town and get him some help" They all nodded and I sat down and leaned back against the tree. I looked over at Nina again noticing she was trying to use a heal spell but for some reason it wasn't working. What was wrong with this forest? Its like our magic was being blocked from use. I looked down deciding that where ever we were, it was going to be hard to get out considering our current shape.

"Hang in there Ryu, as much as it pains me to wait, we are vulnerable at night so just hang in there man." I sighed again and closed my eyes and soon nodded off to sleep.

Chapter 4 being written