Chapter 1

Ryu wakes up in Bunyan's home. His head hurts, and he is covered in bandages. He has no idea how long he has been there, and his memory of how he got there is quite foggy. The room is dimly lit by the soft glow of a dying fire, casting long shadows on the wooden walls. The scent of herbs and wood smoke fills the air, mingling with the faint, metallic tang of blood.

Bunyan, a large, burly man of the woods, stands up from a worn wooden chair beside the bed. His rough, weathered face is etched with concern as he leans over Ryu, his calloused hands surprisingly gentle as they check the bandages. "You're awake," Bunyan rumbles in a voice as deep as the forest. "Are you okay? Do you remember what happened?"

Ryu sits up slowly, wincing as pain flares through his head and body. His memories are a jumbled mess, but as he focuses, the fog begins to clear. Flashes of fire, the sound of crashing wood, and the cruel laughter of Balio and Sunder come rushing back. He remembers the terror in Rei and Teepo's eyes, the way they clutched their weapons with trembling hands. And he remembers drawing his own sword, standing defiantly before the gang leaders despite the fear gnawing at his heart.

"We were attacked," Ryu says, his voice hoarse. "Balio and Sunder… they set our house on fire. Rei and Teepo… we tried to fight them off, but they were too strong. We didn't stand a chance." His hands clench the coarse blanket covering him, frustration and helplessness burning in his chest.

Bunyan nods, his expression grave. "I found you outside the ruins of your home. You were barely alive. I brought you here, tended to your wounds. It's been a few days."

Ryu's eyes widen. "A few days?" Panic rises in his throat. "What about Rei and Teepo? Are they… are they okay?"

Bunyan's silence is heavy, and Ryu's heart sinks. The burly man finally speaks, his voice thick with regret. "I don't know. When I got there, you were the only one I found."

Ryu's mind reels. His friends, his family—gone, or worse, left to the mercy of those brutal thugs. Tears prick at the corners of his eyes, but he blinks them back. He has to be strong. For Rei. For Teepo. For himself.

"I have to find them," Ryu says, his voice steely despite the pain. "I have to make sure they're safe."

Bunyan places a heavy hand on Ryu's shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "You need to rest and recover first. You won't do anyone any good if you're dead on your feet. We'll figure this out, together."

Ryu nods, though his heart aches with worry. He knows Bunyan is right, but the urgency to find his friends and make things right gnaws at him. As he lays back down, exhaustion pulling him under once more, he makes a silent vow: he will find Rei and Teepo. He will make Balio and Sunder pay for what they've done. And he will uncover the power within himself to protect those he loves.

The next morning, Ryu jumps out of bed. His wounds are not fully healed yet, but time is limited and rest is not an option anymore. Determination fuels his every move as he quickly scans the room. His weapon and leather armor rest nearby, a vision to the battles yet to come. The armor doesn't fit well, hanging awkwardly on his small frame, a reminder that it was made for someone much larger. Despite being only ten years old, Ryu can hold a sword well, thanks to the training from Rei and Teepo.

Until he finds his friends or learns their fate, he will have to navigate this world alone.

Ryu fastens the armor as best as he can, the leather straps digging into his skin. He secures his sword at his side, the familiar weight bringing a sense of comfort. Taking a deep breath, he opens the cabin door and steps outside. The morning air is crisp and fresh, a sharp contrast to the heavy scent of smoke and blood that still haunts his memories.

As Ryu walks towards the edge of the clearing, Bunyan's voice calls out to him. "Where are you going?"

Ryu turns to face the burly woodsman, his eyes steely with resolve. "I'm going to Windia. I need to search for clues about Rei and Teepo. We promised each other that we would go there once we made it big and had enough money to move to a better place."

Bunyan's stern expression softens. He knows he can't keep Ryu here against his will, not when the boy's heart is set on finding his friends. "I understand," he says, his voice gruff with emotion. "Be careful out there, Ryu. The world is a dangerous place, especially for someone your age."

Ryu nods, grateful for the man's concern. "Thank you, Bunyan. For everything."

Bunyan reaches out and places a heavy hand on Ryu's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Take care of yourself, boy. And remember, you always have a place here if you need it."

With a final nod, Ryu turns and heads into the forest, the path ahead uncertain but his resolve unwavering. The journey to Windia will be long and fraught with peril, but he knows he must press on. For Rei. For Teepo. For the promise they made together.

After battling with some easy-to-defeat enemies such as Goos and Rippers, Ryu steps out of the Cedar Woods and into the open field. The light from the sun is almost blinding as it filters through the trees, casting shadows on the grass. Ryu squints against the brightness, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. The open field stretches out before him, dotted with wildflowers and the occasional tree, a welcome change from the dense, shadowy forest.

He sets his sights on the nearby village of McNeil, a small cluster of buildings nestled in the distance. The journey is uneventful, save for the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. As he approaches the village, he feels hope and anxiety; neither more, neither less. This is the first step on his quest to find Rei and Teepo, and he needs to be prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Entering the village of McNeil, Ryu heads straight for the item shop. The shop is a modest building, its wooden exterior weathered by time and the elements. Inside, shelves are lined with various goods: potions, herbs, and travel supplies. The scent of dried herbs and leather fills the air.

Ryu approaches the counter, where a middle-aged woman stands. She looks up briefly, her eyes flicking over Ryu's battered appearance before quickly darting away. She busies herself with arranging items on the counter, her expression unreadable.

"I need to stock up on healing herbs and food," Ryu says, his voice steady.

The shopkeeper nods and begins gathering the items he requested. She moves with practiced efficiency, placing bundles of herbs and apples on the counter. Despite her outward calm, Ryu can sense a tension in the air.

As she totals the cost, the shopkeeper finally meets Ryu's eyes, her gaze lingering for a moment. "That'll be 50 zenny," she says quietly.

Ryu hands over the coins, feeling the weight of her unspoken questions. He can see the curiosity in her eyes, the unasked questions about his friends and what happened to them. He wonders how much she knows, if the rumors have reached her ears.

The shopkeeper hesitates before speaking again. "Be careful out there," she says softly. "There have been… stories. Rumors about Mayor McNeil and some trouble at his mansion. People are saying he sent ruffians to deal with a couple of boys a few days ago."

Ryu's heart skips a beat. This is the first real lead he's had. He nods, gripping the supplies tightly. "Thank you," he says, his voice filled with determination.

As he leaves the shop, he feels purpose resonating through his veins. The journey to Windia will be long and difficult, but he has a direction, a glimmer of hope that he can find his friends and uncover the truth. Ryu steps out into Yraall Road, ready to face whatever challenges come his way, the sun casting a warm glow on his determined face.

As Ryu walks on Yraall Road, he steels himself for the journey ahead. He knows he will need to pass through Mt. Myrneg, a treacherous path known for its rough terrain and the numerous monsters that inhabit it. The mountain looms in the distance, its peaks shrouded in mist, a silent voice in his head ready to face the challenges that await him.

As Ryu approaches the base of the mountain, he notices a figure sitting by the roadside. It's a member of the Manillo Clan, a race of fish-like people known for their knowledge and trading skills. The Manillo merchant is seated on a rock, surrounded by an array of goods displayed on a colorful blanket.

Curiosity piqued, Ryu approaches the merchant. "Excuse me," he says, "I'm about to climb Mt. Myrneg and could use some information about the wildlife up there. Can you help me?"

The Manillo looks up and smiles, his wide mouth curving into a friendly grin. "Of course, young traveler. For a small fee, I can provide you with all the information you need."

Ryu reaches into his pouch and hands over a few Zenny. The Manillo's eyes twinkle with satisfaction as he accepts the payment. "Thank you. Now, listen carefully."

The Manillo merchant leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Mt. Myrneg is home to many dangerous creatures. You'll encounter enemies like Nut Folk and Tarmen, but the most important thing to remember is this: fire is the key. Many of the creatures on the mountain are vulnerable to fire. If you can find a way to use it to your advantage, your journey will be much easier."

Ryu nods, absorbing the information. "Thank you," he says. "Is there anything else I should know?"

The Manillo strokes his fins thoughtfully. "Stay on the main path as much as possible. There are hidden caves and treacherous cliffs. And keep an eye out for any signs of recent activity. Word is that ruffians has been spotted roaming the mountains lately."

Ryu thanks the merchant again and continues on his way, his mind racing with the new information. As he begins the ascent up Mt. Myrneg, he keeps the Manillo's advice in mind. The path is rough, with jagged rocks, uneven ground, and cliffs that he can fall off of if he is not careful. Ryu presses on, wondering if the ruffians of the rumors are the same ones that attacked him and his friends.

The mountain air becomes thin and cold, and the higher he climbs, the more the terrain changes. The once lush greenery gives way to rocky outcroppings and sparse vegetation. Shadows stretch across the path, and Ryu remains vigilant, his hand never straying far from his sword.

True to the Manillo's word, Ryu encounters several monsters along the way. The first is a group of Nut Folk. The Nut Troops carrying swords glistening in the bright light, and Nut Mages wielding their magic. Ryu draws his sword and engages them, remembering the merchant's advice. He casts the burn spell on them, a skill he learned from the Mage Goos from Cedar Forest. Something Teepo made him learn to be able to protect himself in the event they become separated. The magic may be weak, but it does it's job well in this instance. The Nut Folk immediately burn up, as the others flee. The Tarmen fell to the same fate.

At the summit of Mt. Myrneg, Ryu's breath catches as he spots a familiar figure standing against the backdrop of the setting sun. Sunder, the anthropomorphic unicorn, stands there, his bulging muscles and shirtless torso sending chills down Ryu's spine. Sunder's imposing presence and casual stance, as he gazes out into the distance, remind Ryu of their previous, devastating encounter. The desire for revenge burns within Ryu, but he knows that challenging Sunder now would only lead to his death.

Steeling himself, Ryu tries to slip past unnoticed, hoping to avoid a confrontation. However, a voice cuts through the air, cold and mocking. "Hey, Sunder, look who we have here."

Ryu's heart sinks as Sunder turns around, his eyes narrowing upon seeing Ryu. From the shadows emerges Balio, his brother, equally menacing and cruel. They surround Ryu, their expressions filled with cruel amusement.

"Well, well," Balio sneers. "Look who decided to show up. We thought you were dead, kid. How did you survive?"

Ryu's grip tightens on his sword, but he remains silent, his mind racing for a way out.

Sunder steps closer, his voice dripping with malice. "You're lucky to be alive, runt. But don't worry, we'll fix that."

Ryu's blood boils at their taunts, his vision blurring with anger and grief. "Where are Rei and Teepo?" he demands, his voice trembling with emotion.

Balio chuckles darkly. "Oh, those two? We killed them. They were nothing but pests anyway. But don't worry, you're going to see them real soon."

The words hit Ryu like a punch to the gut, and he feels a white-hot rage ignite within him. He loses control, his senses overwhelmed by a primal fury. His vision fades, and he feels an immense power surging through him.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning strikes Ryu, engulfing him in a black sphere. The world around him disappears into darkness, and he can feel the transformation taking over his body. His bones crack and shift, his skin hardens into scales, Horns forcing their way out of his head, his nails turn into razor sharp claws, and the intense heat building up in his chest.

When the darkness fades, Ryu is gone. In his place stands a dragon whelp, small but fierce, with eyes burning with unbridled rage. The sight of the dragon sends a wave of shock through Sunder and Balio, their mocking expressions replaced by surprise and a hint of fear.

The dragon lets out a roar, a sound filled with anger and sorrow, shaking the very ground beneath them. Balio and Sunder exchange a wary glance, suddenly aware that the boy they thought they had defeated has become something far more powerful and dangerous.

The transformation has changed everything. Ryu, now a dragon, knows he has the strength to fight back, to avenge his friends. He lunges at Sunder and Balio, determined to make them pay for their cruelty and lies. The battle that follows is fierce and brutal, a clash of wills and strength as Ryu unleashes the full extent of his newfound power.

After an intense fight, Ryu opens his maws and lets out a fiery whelp breath, scorching everything in sight. The flames roar and crackle, devouring the landscape and sending waves of heat rippling through the air. Balio and Sunder narrowly escape the dragon fires, desperately beating out the flames that threaten to engulf their tails. The sight of the two powerful adversaries fleeing from his attack gives Ryu a sense of grim satisfaction. For the first time, he has injured them, something that he and his friends couldn't do before.

But as the battle rages on, Ryu begins to feel the toll of his newfound power. The exhilaration of the dragon form is intoxicating, the raw strength and elemental fury coursing through him. Yet, with every breath of fire, every swing of his claws, he can feel his energy draining. The power is addictive, but it comes at a cost. His movements becoming slow, his vision blurs, and the strength in his limbs begins to wane.

Seeing an opportunity, Sunder pulls out a dagger and, with precise aim, stabs the dragon under his wing. Pain explodes through Ryu's body, and with a pained roar, he crashes to the ground, the fire in his eyes dimming. He tries to rise, but the strength is gone, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.

Balio approaches cautiously, a smirk playing on his lips. "Is he dead?" he asks, peering down at the fallen dragon.

Sunder kneels beside Ryu, pressing a hand to the dragon's chest. He feels the faint rise and fall of breath. "No," he says, satisfaction in his voice. "He's alive, but unconscious."

They stand over Ryu, the dragon that was once their adversary now lying helpless at their feet. As they deliberate over what to do, a sinister idea forms in Sunder's mind. "We could kill him now," Balio suggests, his tone casual.

Sunder shakes his head, a dark grin spreading across his face. "No! I have a better idea. We'll cage him and sell him to the king of Windia. A live dragon is worth a fortune, and the king would pay handsomely for such a prize!"

Balio's eyes light up with greed. "A dragon for the king of Windia… That's brilliant! We'll be rich!"

They move quickly, binding Ryu with rope and securing him in a makeshift cage. Despite his unconscious state, the rope is reinforced with magical seals to ensure he cannot break free should the dragon wakes up. Balio and Sunder laugh, their victory complete, as they begin the journey to Windia, carrying the cage with Ryu's limp form inside.

As the sun sets, casting dark shadows across the land, Ryu's mind drifts in a sea of darkness. Dreams of fire and loss, of battles fought and friends lost, haunt him. The journey to Windia has taken an unexpected turn, but even in his weakened state, the fire of resolve still burns within him. He will find a way to escape, to continue his quest, and to make Balio and Sunder pay for their cruelty.