Chapter 4: Assault at Mt. Boumore

The following morning, Ryu and Nina packed up the tent, relieved that they were not discovered during their sleep. The desert air was cool and crisp, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat of the previous day. With determination in their hearts, they resumed their journey across the desert and towards the looming mountain in the distance.

As they reached the base of the mountain, a weathered wooden sign greeted them with the words "Welcome to Mt. Boumore." Ryu looked up, craning his neck to take in the sight of the mountain's massive, rocky expanse. It was clear that scaling this mountain would be no easy task.

"It's going to take us the rest of the day to reach the cable car at the top," Ryu noted, squinting against the morning sun. "But we need to find someone up there who can help us."

Nina nodded, her eyes reflecting both determination and the faintest hint of apprehension. "At least the road seems paved for carts. It should make the climb a bit easier."

They started their ascent, following the smooth stone path that wound its way up the mountain. Despite the relative ease of the paved road, the climb was still arduous, and they were constantly on alert for any dangers that might lurk along the way. It wasn't long before their vigilance was tested.

A small number of monsters, drawn by the scent of travelers, intercepted them. Ryu and Nina fell into a rhythm, fighting side by side. Ryu's sword flashed in the sunlight as he struck down one creature after another, while Nina's magic crackled through the air, providing both offensive power and defensive support. Together, they made quick work of the monsters without much trouble.

"You're really good with that sword," Nina complimented, catching her breath after the last monster had fallen.

"And your magic is amazing," Ryu replied with a grin. "We make a pretty good team."

As they climbed higher, the scenery began to change. They started to see signs of human activity—crude stone steps carved into the mountain, and tools left abandoned by the roadside. It became evident that Mt. Boumore was more than just a natural obstacle; it was a quarry. Large sections of the mountain had been cut away, revealing veins of precious minerals and stone.

"I wonder who works up here," Nina mused, peering into one of the small caves they passed. "Maybe they can give us directions or help us get back to Windia."

Ryu nodded. "Let's keep going. If there's a quarry, there must be people around."

As they neared the summit, the path became steeper and the air thinner. Their progress slowed, but their spirits remained high. The promise of reaching the cable car and finding help spurred them on. Finally, as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the mountain, they spotted a small group of workers toiling away near a mine entrance.

"We're almost there," Ryu said, his voice filled with renewed energy. "Let's go talk to them."

With a mixture of hope and determination, they quickened their pace, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead on their quest to find Ryu's friends and return to Windia.

As Ryu and Nina approached the group of workers, the men paused their labor to look at the newcomers. Their faces were streaked with dirt and sweat, and their hands were calloused from years of hard work.

"Excuse me," Ryu began, trying to catch his breath from the climb. "Can you help us? We're trying to get back to Windia."

The workers exchanged glances before one of them spoke up. "You need to talk to the foreman. He's up at the cabin on the peak. He can help you with the cable car."

Nina thanked the workers, and they continued their ascent. The final stretch of the climb was the steepest, but the sight of the cabin at the peak spurred them on. When they reached the cabin, they paused for a moment to catch their breath, then Ryu knocked on the door.

A few moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and a weathered face. His eyes widened in surprise as he looked down at the two children standing on his doorstep, their clothes dusty and their faces weary from the hike.

"Who's knocking on my door?" he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.

"We are," Ryu answered, looking up at the man. "I'm Ryu, and this is Nina. We need help getting back to Windia."

The man raised an eyebrow, then introduced himself. "Name's Mason. I'm the foreman of this quarry. What brings you two all the way up here?"

Nina stepped forward, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. "We were captured by some bad people and escaped. We need to use the cable car to get back to Windia. Can you help us?"

Mason's expression softened as he listened to Nina's plea. He nodded and opened the door wider. "Come on in. Let's hear your story."

Inside, the cabin was modest but warm. A fire crackled in the hearth, and the smell of stew filled the air. Mason gestured for them to sit at the wooden table, and he poured them each a cup of water.

"Start from the beginning," Mason said, taking a seat across from them.

Ryu and Nina took turns recounting their journey—their escape from Balio and Sunder, their trek through the desert, and their climb up the mountain. Mason listened intently, his brow furrowing as they spoke.

"Sounds like you two have been through a lot," Mason said once they had finished. "You're lucky you made it here in one piece."

Ryu nodded. "We just need to get back to Windia. We have friends to find, and we need to warn the royal family about Balio and Sunder."

Mason scratched his chin, considering their words. "I can get you on the cable car, but it's not running right now. We've had some issues with the machinery. It'll take a bit of time to fix."

Nina looked worried. "How long will it take?"

"Not long," Mason assured her. "A couple of hours, maybe. Most likely tomorrow. We have a room in the back for workers to nap. You two can rest here while I get my men to work on it."

Ryu and Nina exchanged relieved glances. "Thank you," Ryu said earnestly.

Mason stood up and clapped Ryu on the shoulder. "Don't mention it. You kids stay put and get some rest. We'll have you on your way to Windia before you know it."

As Mason left the cabin to gather his workers, Ryu and Nina goes to the back room, feeling a sense of hope and relief wash over them. They were one step closer to safety and to finding Ryu's friends. In the back room, dimly lit by a single oil lamp, Ryu and Nina settled onto a worn but comfortable sleeping mat. The sounds of the workers tinkering with the cable car machinery drifted faintly through the walls, a soothing rhythm against the silence of the room.

Ryu, trying to distract himself from the gnawing worry about Balio and Sunder finding them, turned to Nina. "Hey, last night I asked something about the Brood Clan. I never got hear more about it. Can you tell me what you know?"

Nina nods, her eyes lighting up with the chance to share her knowledge. "Of course. The Brood Clan is a legendary group of dragon people. They were known to be powerful and wise, capable of transforming into mighty dragons. My people, the Windians, have stories about them working alongside the Brood to protect our lands from great dangers."

As Nina continues, her voice grows animated, painting vivid pictures of ancient battles and heroic deeds. "The Brood were not just fighters; they were guardians of the people. In times of great peril, they would transform into dragons and rain down their power upon the enemies. My ancestors, the Windians, flew alongside these dragons as great birds, their wings beating in unison, striking down gods and demons alike."

Ryu's eyes widen with excitement as he listens to these tales, each word igniting a spark of pride within him. He can almost see the majestic dragons soaring through the skies, their scales glistening under the sun, and brave warriors riding on their backs, brandishing weapons imbued with magic. He imagines himself among them, a fierce warrior capable of transforming into a beast of legend.

Nina, noticing his enthusiasm, acts out dramatic battles, her arms sweeping through the air as if wielding an invisible sword. "There were times when the very fate of the world hung in the balance, and it was the Brood who tipped the scales. Their roars could shake the heavens, and their flames could turn the tide of any war."

Ryu's curiosity grows. He feels a deep connection to these ancient heroes, a sense of belonging to a lineage of power and honor. "But if they were so powerful, what happened to them?"

Nina's expression turns somber, the light in her eyes dimming slightly. "I don't know. All I know is that they all died in the Great War. That happened so many years ago, nobody really remembers."

The weight of her words hangs in the air, a reminder of the tragedy that befell his people. Ryu feels a mix of sorrow and determination. The legacy of the Brood Clan is now his to uphold. "So, if I'm one of them, it means I'm part of this extinct clan?"

Nina nods, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "It seems like it. You have the potential to change into a dragon. That makes you incredibly special."

Ryu looks down at his hands, the memory of his transformations still vivid in his mind. "I never knew any of this. It feels strange, like I'm carrying a part of history I didn't even know existed."

Nina places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You might be the key to learning more about the Brood and their legacy. Maybe, with time, you can find other survivors or learn more about your family."

Ryu smiles, appreciating her encouragement. "Thanks, Nina. I just hope I can live up to whatever destiny the Brood had."

As they sit there, sharing the quiet moment of understanding, the door creakes open, and Mason's voice calls out. "The car will be ready in the morning. Why don't you go to sleep, I'll wake you two up early in the morning."

Ryu and Nina nod, then lay on the mat next to each other and quietly drift off to sleep.

In Ryu's dream, he is soaring through the sky as a mighty dragon, his powerful wings beating rhythmically as he glides over vast landscapes. Nina rides on his back, her arms wrapped around his neck, her laughter echoing in the wind. They are on an epic adventure, facing formidable foes and defending the innocent.

Their first challenge is a massive shadow beast terrorizing a peaceful village. Ryu roars, his breath igniting in a blaze of fiery magic, scorching the beast as Nina casts protective spells to shield the villagers. Together, they defeat the creature, its dark form dissipating into the air.

Next, they encounter a towering titan of stone, its colossal fists threatening to crush everything in its path. Ryu dives and weaves through the titan's blows, his agility unmatched. Nina, with her magic, creates barriers and distractions, giving Ryu the opening he needs to strike. With a mighty roar, he channels his dragon breath, shattering the titan into rubble.

As they continue their journey, they come across a serene forest where a dark sorcerer has cast a spell, trapping the spirits of the land. Ryu lands gracefully, and Nina dismounts, her eyes fierce with determination. They confront the sorcerer together, their combined powers breaking the spell and freeing the spirits. The forest comes alive with vibrant colors, and the spirits express their gratitude before vanishing into the trees.

Ryu and Nina fly higher, their bond growing stronger with each challenge they face. They laugh, their friendship deepening with every moment. They battle demons, confront mythical beasts, and thwart sinister plots, always emerging victorious.

In the dream, they are unstoppable, their courage and unity making them a formidable team. Ryu feels an overwhelming sense of purpose and belonging, his heart swelling with pride and joy. He knows that with Nina by his side, they can overcome any obstacle.

The next morning, Ryu and Nina wake up bright and early. The air is crisp and cool, and the early light casts a golden hue across the mountain.

As they get ready to continue their journey, Ryu checks the cable car while Nina goes to the front to find Mason and ask if there is anything they can eat for breakfast. Ryu steps outside, feeling the strong winds tugging at his clothes. The air is chilly, and the cable car rocks slightly with each gust. His blood chills as he looks down the mountain, unable to see the ground far below. The sheer height is dizzying, a stark reminder of the danger they face.

Ryu meticulously inspects the cable car, ensuring everything is in working order. The metal is cold against his fingers, and the cables creak ominously in the wind. "Ryu, come here!" Nina calls, her voice tinged with urgency.

He quickly makes his way back to the cabin, finding Nina standing in front of the thick, sturdy door. "What's wrong?" he asks.

Nina points to the door, her expression worried. "It's locked. I can't open it."

Ryu frowns and tries to force the door open, but it doesn't budge. The door is solid, and despite his best efforts, it remains firmly shut.

"Let me help you up to the window," Ryu suggests, cupping his hands together to give Nina a boost. "Look inside, see what's going on." She nods, stepping into his hands. Ryu boosts ger up to peek through the small window on the door.

Nina gasps softly, her eyes widening. "Ryu, it's Mason. He's talking to someone… it's Sunder!"

Ryu's heart sinks. They've been tricked. Mason has betrayed them, and now they're trapped, held hostage until Sunder arrived to capture them.

Ryu lets her down, "We have to find a way out of here," he says, urgency and determination in his voice. "We can't let them take us."

Nina nods, her face pale but resolute. "Let's see if there's another way out."

Ryu looks around the cabin, searching for any possible escape route. The windows are small and high up, the walls solid. They need to act quickly before Sunder arrives.

Seeing no other choice, Ryu and Nina rush to get the cable car working. The wind howls around them, whipping Nina's skirt as she holds it down with one hand, her other hand shielding her face from the dust.

Nina quickly finds the control panel. "Ryu, get in the car! I'll activate it!" she shouts over the wind.

Ryu hesitates. "Do you know how to operate it?"

"I'll figure it out!" Nina yells back, determination blazing in her eyes.

Ryu boards the car, his heart pounding. Nina frantically examines the control panel, her fingers hovering over the buttons. She spots a large green button and, taking a deep breath, slams her hand down on it.

Nothing happens.

A sense of dread washes over them as they hear a door crash open. Sunder storms out, his eyes locking onto them. He laughs maniacally, the sound echoing ominously in the cold mountain air. "You think you can escape?" he sneers. "You're not going anywhere."

He strides towards Nina, his intentions clear. "I'm not interested in you, boy," he growls at Ryu. "I only want the princess."

Ryu's blood boils with anger. Without a second thought, he draws his sword and charges at Sunder. With a swift strike, he slashes Sunder across the arm, causing him to scream in pain. Blood splatters on the ground as Sunder recoils, clutching his wounded arm.

"You'll pay for that!" Sunder snarls, his eyes burning with fury. He kicks Ryu back with a powerful blow, sending him slamming against the guard rails of the cable car.

Nina gasps, her heart racing as she watches the scene unfold. Desperation fuels her as she searches the control panel again, her fingers trembling. She can't let Sunder take her. She won't.

As Ryu continues to distract Sunder, Nina frantically pushes random buttons, wondering why the car won't start. The tension in the air is palpable, every second feeling like an eternity. Desperation pushes her to open the maintenance hatch, hoping to find the problem. Her eyes widen as she quickly notices that the panel is missing Chrysm, the magical mineral used to power machines.

She looks around but doesn't find any Chrysm. Inspiration strikes her as she remembers that Chrysm is just crystallized magic. Determined, she decides to use her own magic instead. Summoning her rod, she enchants the top with magical power, her hands shaking with urgency. "MOVE!" she shouts before sticking her rod into the panel, causing the controls to short circuit and explode, forcing the car to move.

Sunder stops strangling Ryu, realizing what's happening. He panics and jumps out of the car, rushing towards the princess. Nina tries to reach for Ryu's hand, but Sunder grabs her, feeling triumphant. "You're not going anywhere!" he snarls.

But Nina, with a fierce determination, opens her jaw wide and bites his hand hard, causing him to scream in pain and forcinghim to let her go. Seizing the moment, she jumps off the ledge, hoping for Ryu to catch her hand.

Ryu leans over, stretching his arm as far as he can, his heart pounding. He grabs her hand, using all his strength to pull her in. The effort strains his muscles, but he doesn't let go. With one final pull, he brings her safely into the car.

Nina, catching her breath, turns around and sticks her tongue out at Sunder, who is left behind, furious and defeated. The cable car begins its journey across the mountain, carrying them away from danger. The wind howls around them, but for the moment, they are safe.

Ryu and Nina exchange relieved smiles, their bond strengthened by the harrowing escape. They sit side by side, the adrenaline slowly fading as they realize they have survived yet another challenge. The journey is far from over, but they are ready to face whatever comes next, together.

As Ryu and Nina take a deep breath after their narrow escape, the relief washing over them like a gentle wave, Nina turns to Ryu. "I'm so glad we escaped," she says, her voice filled with gratitude.

Ryu, his eyes filling with tears, looks at her and says, "I was so worried about you back there, especially when Sunder had you in his grasp." The fear he felt in those moments resurfaces, evident in his quivering voice.

Nina, feeling the weight of his concern, places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Ryu," she says softly. "If I had been captured, I know you would have done everything in your power to rescue me." Her words are filled with confidence in his dedication and bravery.

Ryu's face turns red with embarrassment. He did think he would do whatever it took to rescue her, but hearing her say it out loud is unexpectedly overwhelming. He looks away, trying to hide his blush, but Nina catches it and laughs gently.

"You're really something, Ryu," she teases, her laughter easing the tension between them. "But thank you. I feel safe with you."

Ryu, still blushing, manages a shy smile. "I'll always protect you, Nina. I promise."

Nina's eyes sparkle with warmth as she looks forward, seeing the next mountain coming closer. "It looks like we've got another challenge ahead," she says, pointing to the looming peak.

Ryu nods, his resolve hardening. "We'll get through it together, just like we've been doing."

As the cable car reaches the other mountain, Ryu and Nina rush out, wondering where they are now.

"Where are we?" Nina asks, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Ryu scans the area. "I don't know, but we need to keep moving."

Soon, the car begins its trek back to where it came, indicating that Sunder will be on his way soon.

"He's coming!" Nina exclaims.

"We have to hurry," Ryu says, urgency in his voice.

They sprint out of the cabin and start descending to the base, but halfway down the mountain, they encounter a massive steel gate blocking their path.

Nina gasps. "This gate... how are we supposed to get past this?"

Ryu clenches his fists, transforming into his whelp form and slashing at the gate with his claws. Sparks fly, but the gate remains intact.

"It's too strong," Ryu says, frustration evident in his voice as he reverts to his human form.

Nina looks around, desperation growing. "What do we do now?"

Realizing they have no other option, they move back up the mountain, hoping to find a clear path to the other side.

"We have to find another way," Ryu says, determination in his eyes as they rush through the mountain paths.

As they reach the peak, they find nothing but a steep drop to the base.

Nina peers over the edge, her face pale. "There's no way down from here."

Turning around to find another way down, they are suddenly confronted by Sunder and a gang of henchmen.

Sunder grins wickedly. "Going somewhere?"

Nina and Ryu ready themselves for battle.

"We're not afraid of you," Nina declares, trying to muster courage.

Sunder laughs. "You should be. You're surrounded. Even if you somehow escape, there are more people waiting for you below."

Ryu tightens his grip on his sword. "We'll find a way," he says defiantly.

Sunder's smile widens. "I'd like to see you try."

The gang of henchmen closes in, leaving Ryu and Nina with their backs against the cliff. The tension in the air is palpable as they prepare for the fight of their lives.

As the gang gets closer, Ryu looks down the ledge and feels that he has no other choice. He reaches out to Nina and asks, "Do you trust me?"

Nina nervously nods and takes his hand. Without hesitation, Ryu jumps off the ledge, taking Nina with him. As Nina's scream fills the air, Ryu embraces her tightly, concentrating with all his might to transform into a dragon. This time, his dragon form is much larger, with massive wings that surround Nina, protecting her from the fall.

The dragon hits the side of the mountain, letting out a thunderous roar. Despite the continuous impact against the mountainside, Ryu refuses to let Nina go, using his dragon form to shield her. They tumble and crash, hitting rocks and ledges, but Ryu's determination and strength keep Nina safe.

Finally, they crash into the ground with a powerful thud. Ryu's grip loosens, causing Nina to fly off and land on a patch of grass. Nina trembles as she gets up, patting the dirt off her dress. She is dazed and confused but okay.

"Ryu?" she calls out, her voice shaky.

She looks around and sees a massive wounded dragon lying on the ground nearby. The dragon isn't moving, which causes Nina to rush to it, fearing the worst.

"Ryu! Please, get up!" she pleads, her voice breaking. "You can't die. Not now."

No matter how much she shakes the dragon's body, it doesn't move. Desperation fills her heart as she begins to cry, feeling that she has lost her friend to the fall while protecting her. Her tears fall on the dragon, and suddenly, it starts to glow brightly. She stands back as the dragon's body begins to shrink, transforming back into Ryu's original human form.

Ryu stirs, his head hurting, but he is okay. He looks up at Nina, who has tears streaming down her cheeks. "Nina, are you okay?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.

Nina rushes to him, striking his chest with her fists. "You scared me!" she shouts. "I thought you were dead!"

Ryu winces slightly but wraps his arms around her, trying to soothe her. "I'm sorry, Nina. I'm okay. I promise."

They both take a moment to calm down, realizing they have successfully escaped. They look up at the mountain, knowing Sunder and his men are still up there.

"We need to move," Ryu says, his voice steady. "We can't stay here."

Nina nods, wiping her tears. "Let's go before they find us."

Without wasting time, they gather their things and run off, their hearts pounding with the adrenaline of their narrow escape. They navigate the rough terrain, heading towards the forest they can see in the distance, hoping it will provide them with cover.

Later, as the sun begins its descent, Sunder stands on the edge of the mountain, his eyes scanning the landscape below. His patience wears thin as his subordinate returns from the search for the children.

"Did you find them?" Sunder demands, his voice a low growl.

The subordinate shakes his head, avoiding eye contact. "No, sir. They weren't where they landed."

Sunder takes a moment to think, his mind racing. If their corpses are not where they crashed, that must mean they are still alive. "Which direction did they go?" he asks, his tone icy.

"I don't know, sir," the subordinate stammers. "They were gone before I got there."

In a fit of rage, Sunder pulls out a dagger and stabs the subordinate in the gut. The man keels over and lies on the ground, gasping for air before dying in a pool of blood. The other subordinates tremble with fear, hoping that Sunder won't turn his fury on them next.

Sunder paces around, his fists clenched. "Find them!" he roars. "I don't care how you do it. Offer a reward if you have to, but find them! I will not accept failure!"

The subordinates nod frantically and scramble to obey, knowing that their lives depend on it. Sunder watches them go, his eyes burning with determination. He will not rest until Ryu and Nina are back in his grasp. The hunt is far from over, and he vows to bring them back, no matter the cost.