Chapter 5: Repsol Plant

For the next several days, Ryu and Nina travel through Eastern Windia, following the main roads and hoping to reach the city of Windia soon. One evening, as they set up camp, they sit in front of the campfire, tired and exhausted from traveling for so long. The stars twinkle overhead, a silent witness to their journey. Ryu checks their supplies and finds that they have just one apple left.

"Here, Nina, you can have it," Ryu says, holding out the apple.

Nina takes the apple, readying herself to take a big bite. But she stops when she hears Ryu's stomach rumble with hunger. Feeling bad for taking the last apple, she tosses it in the air and summons her wind magic to cut it in half.

"Here, you need to eat too," she says, handing Ryu his share.

"Thank you, Nina," he says, taking the half. "I know it's not much, but we'll find more food soon. We just have to keep moving."

As they eat the last apple, the fire casting flickering shadows around them, Nina asks, "Ryu, do you think we'll make it to Windia Castle?"

Ryu nods, his eyes filled with determination. "We will, Nina. Just don't lose hope. We need to find a village soon to restock on food and ask for directions. But we must lay low. We never know when Balio and Sunder will show up next."

Nina looks into the fire, her face reflecting both hope and worry. "I just wish we could rest somewhere safe, even if just for a little while. This constant running is wearing us down."

Ryu reaches out and places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know it's hard, but we have to keep moving. Windia Castle is our best hope. Once we're there, you'll be safe, and we'll have a better chance of finding out more about my powers and my past."

Nina nods, drawing strength from Ryu's resolve. "You're right. We'll find a way. And when we do, I'll make sure you find a place to call home, Ryu."

Ryu smiles, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, Nina. Let's get some rest now. Tomorrow is another day, and we need to be ready for whatever comes our way."

They settle down for the night, the warmth of the fire and their shared determination keeping the fear and exhaustion at bay. As they drift off to sleep, the promise of reaching Windia Castle fuels their dreams and fortifies their spirits for the journey ahead.

The next morning, Ryu and Nina continue their journey to Windia, the early sunlight guiding them to their next destination. After several hours of walking, they find a sign for a coffee shop, a common rest stop for travelers. Their spirits lift at the sight of it, and they cheer, knowing they've found a place to eat and purchase supplies for the journey.

They rush inside, greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and spices. The shop bustles with activity, travelers chatting and laughing as they enjoy their meals. Ryu and Nina order the local specialty: curry. The owner, a jovial man with a thick mustache, seats them outside where they can enjoy the gentle breeze and the view of the rolling hills in the distance.

As their plates arrive, Nina tries the curry first, her eyes lighting up with delight at the rich flavors. "This is amazing!" she exclaims, savoring each bite.

Ryu nods in agreement, enjoying the savory dish. Beside his plate, he has a bunch of apples he bought from a vendor nearby, adding a touch of sweetness to his meal. "It's really good," he says between bites. "I'm glad we found this place."

They eat in contented silence for a while, enjoying the moment of respite from their arduous journey. The tea they ordered complements the meal perfectly, its warmth spreading through their bodies and rejuvenating their spirits.

"This feels like a dream," Nina says softly, looking out at the horizon. "It's so peaceful here."

Ryu smiles, feeling a rare sense of tranquility. "Yeah, it does. But we can't stay too long. We need to keep moving if we want to reach Windia."

Nina nods, though she seems reluctant to leave. "I know. But it's nice to have a moment like this."

As the children eat, a waitress approaches them with a warm smile. "Is everything okay?" she asks.

Ryu and Nina nod, both appreciating the hospitality. Ryu sees an opportunity and asks, "How far is Windia from here?"

The waitress nods as she replies, "Windia isn't too far away. There's a bridge a few miles to the north. Once you pass the bridge, Windia is just to the northwest."

Ryu looks hopeful. "How long is the walk to Windia from the bridge?"

"It's about a half-day's walk from there," the waitress answers.

Nina, filled with excitement at the thought of returning home, almost jumps out of her seat. "Can we leave right away, Ryu?"

Ryu glances at the position of the sun, estimating the time. "It'll be too late to travel," he says, considering their safety. "We should camp nearby and head off in the morning."

The waitress chimes in helpfully, "We have rooms for rent, if you'd prefer sleeping in a bed tonight."

Nina's eyes light up at the mention of a bed. "Can we, Ryu? Please? I miss sleeping in a real bed."

Ryu chuckles and nods, feeling the same weariness from the road. "All right, we'll stay the night."

"Very well," sais the waitress. "I'll help you two get checked in as soon as you finish your meal."

Nina claps her hands in delight. After their meal, the waitress leads them inside to arrange a room. After checking in, they ate taken to their room, grateful for the chance to rest and sleep comfortably.

Once inside the room, Ryu and Nina's eyes brighten as they realize they have the freedom to do whatever they please without adult supervision. And what do any children do when adults are not around? They start to jump on the beds! For hours, they bounce on the beds, hopping back and forth between the two mattresses, their laughter filling the room. For the first time since their capture, they play like children should be.

After exhausting themselves with jumping, Ryu decides to teach Nina a game he once played with Rei and Teepo during their travels. He pulls out a couple of dice from his bag along with a cup. "Here, Nina," he says, placing the dice in the cup and giving it a vigorous shake. He then places the cup on the ground. "Guess what number landed."

Nina eagerly guesses, but time after time, she gets it wrong. Frustrated yet determined, she takes the dice and cup from Ryu. "My turn!" she declares, shaking the cup and placing it on the ground. "What number?"

"Eight," declares Ryu. Nina frowns and tries again. Each time Nina shakes the cup with dice, Ryu guesses correctly. "How do you do that?" Nina asks, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Ryu grins. "I listen closely to the dice in the cup and make a guess based on the sound."

Nina pouts, feeling a bit more frustrated. "That's not fair. I don't have the same experience with dice."

Seeing her disappointment, Ryu gets an idea. He takes out several more dice and places them in the cup. After placing it on the ground and shakes the cup vigorously, he lifts it to reveal all six dice stacked neatly on top of each other. Nina's eyes widen in amazement.

"How did you do that?" she asks, her frustration replaced with wonder.

Ryu smiles mischievously. "It's magic."

Nina laughs, catching the playful tone in his voice. "Magic, huh? Well, maybe I should teach you some real magic then."

They both burst into laughter, the tension and exhaustion of their journey momentarily forgotten. The room fills with their joy and camaraderie, a small haven of happiness in their otherwise perilous adventure.

As the evening turns into night, they finally settle down, the day's excitement giving way to peaceful slumber. Nina sleeps on her back, arms wide as she snores softly. A mucus bubble forms on her nose, inflating and deflating with each breath, as she dreams of returning home and playing games with Ryu in the castle. Her face is serene, a small smile curling at the corners of her lips.

Meanwhile, Ryu sleeps on his bed as a dragon whelp, his small, scaled form curled comfortably over the blankets. His tail curls around him protectively, and he breathes deeply, lost in dreams of finding his friends and living in the city of Windia like they once imagined. In his dreams, he soars through the skies as a magestic dragon, free and unburdened, with his friends riding his back, and Nina waving from the castle below.

The room is filled with the quiet sounds of their slumber, a peaceful interlude in their journey. The stars outside the window twinkle softly, as if watching over them, promising new adventures and the hope of a brighter future.

As dawn breaks, the first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, gently waking Ryu and Nina from their peaceful slumber. They stretch and yawn, rubbing the sleep from their eyes before preparing for the day ahead. After a quick breakfast, they pack their belongings and set out toward the bridge, eager to continue their journey to Windia.

The morning air is crisp and cool as they follow the main road, their steps light with the promise of getting closer to their destination. After several hours of walking, they finally spot the bridge in the distance. However, as they draw nearer, they notice a group of ruffians guarding thebridge, their rough demeanor evident even from afar. The ruffians are interrogating travelers and handing out flyers to those passing through.

Ryu and Nina quickly duck behind a large bush, observing the scene from their hidden vantage point. Their hearts pound as they watch the ruffians questioning people with an intensity that suggests more than just routine checks. A discarded flyer flutters in the breeze, catching Nina's eye. She swiftly snatches it up and unfolds it, her eyes widening in alarm.

The flyer depicts crude but recognizable sketches of Ryu and Nina, accompanied by a bold headline: "WANTED: 5,000 ZENNY REWARD." The bounty is significant, enough to make anyone eager to turn them in. Ryu leans in, his face growing pale as he reads the details. While the pictures are far from flattering, they unmistakably resemble the two of them.

"They've put a bounty on us," Ryu whispers, his voice tense with worry. "Anyone who sees this flyer will know it's us."

Nina nods, her expression grim. "We can't risk being seen. We need to find another way across the bridge."

As Ryu and Nina ponder their next move, they observe a horse-drawn cart filled with produce approaching the bridge. The cart receives minimal scrutiny from the ruffians before being allowed to pass through. Ryu squints to read the label on the boxes: "Repsol Produce Plant."

"That cart must come from a farm nearby," Ryu murmurs, a spark of inspiration lighting his eyes. "If we can get jobs at that farm, we could ride one of those carts through the bridge without raising suspicion."

Nina nods, her mind racing with the possibilities. "But how do we find this farm?"

Ryu points toward the direction the cart came from. "We follow the road back. It shouldn't be too far. Once we find the farm, we'll offer our help and try to get on one of the next shipments."

With a plan in place, Ryu and Nina slip away from their hiding spot and begin retracing the cart's route. The road winds through rolling fields and patches of dense woodland, the landscape gradually shifting to reveal sprawling farmland. After some time, they spot a sign that reads, "Repsol Produce Plant – 1 Mile Ahead."

As Ryu and Nina approach the Repsol Produce Plant, they are treated to a vision that is both fascinating and bewildering. The plant is not a traditional farm, but rather a hybrid of agriculture and technology. Fields of crops stretch out around a central complex, but towering machines with Chrysm crystals embedded at their peaks dominate the landscape. The hum of machinery mingles with the rustle of leaves, creating a symphony of industry and nature.

Farmers in overalls tend to the crops, their faces weathered and hands calloused, but among them are scientists in white lab coats, jotting down notes and inspecting the machines. The air is thick with the scent of earth and the faint, metallic tang of Chrysm energy. As Ryu and Nina walk through the plant, their eyes widen at the sight of treadmills laden with oversized crops, each more enormous than the last, riding conveyor belts that snake through the facility.

Nina points to a row of massive tomatoes, each as large as a watermelon. "This is incredible. I've never seen anything like it."

Ryu nods, his eyes scanning the bustling scene. "They're using Chrysm to enhance the crops. That's why they're so big."

As they continue to explore, Ryu's gaze falls upon an apple rolling down one of the belts. The fruit is enormous, its vibrant red skin glistening under the fluorescent lights. Without much thought, Ryu reaches out and grabs the apple, its size forcing him to use both hands. He takes a hearty bite, expecting a burst of sweetness, but instead, his face contorts in disgust.

"Ugh, this tastes terrible!" he exclaims, spitting out the bite. "It's nothing like a real apple."

Nina giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. "I guess not everything enhanced by Chrysm turns out better."

One of the scientists nearby hears Ryu's complaint and walks over, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Is there a problem with the apple?"

Ryu nods, still grimacing. "It looks amazing, but it tastes awful."

The scientist takes the apple from Ryu, examining it closely. "That's one of our experimental batches. We're still working on perfecting the flavor. The Chrysm enhancement process can be a bit unpredictable."

Nina looks around, her curiosity piqued. "What exactly are you trying to achieve here?"

The scientist smiles, gesturing to the various machines and conveyor belts. "We're using Chrysm to boost crop yields and growth rates, aiming to produce more food with fewer resources. It's still a work in progress, as you can see."

Ryu wipes his mouth, the taste lingering unpleasantly. "Well, good luck with that. But maybe you should focus on making them taste like actual food."

The scientist chuckles. "Point taken. Thank you for the feedback."

As Ryu continues to wipe the foul taste from his tongue, Nina approaches a nearby scientist. "Excuse me, do you have any jobs available at the plant?" she asks politely.

The scientist looks down from his clipboard. "You'll need to speak to the head scientist, Palet, about that. He handles all the job assignments."

"Thank you," Nina replies with a nod, and she and Ryu continue walking around the plant.

As they continue to walk the plant, they discover even more fascinating things about it. Greenhouses filled with crops that they have never seen before. Some of the plants seem to move around on their own. Conveyor belts carry oversized produce from the fields to various processing stations. The air hums with activity and the occasional whir of machinery.

"Look at all this, Ryu," Nina says, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's like a blend of magic and science."

Ryu nods, still trying to rid himself of the apple's unpleasant taste. "Yeah, it's pretty impressive."

They continue their search until they spot an older scientist in a white lab coat talking to a young woman with long orange pigtails. The young woman listens intently, nodding occasionally. As soon as their conversation ends, the scientist turns and notices Ryu and Nina.

"Well, it's unusual to see children in the plant," the scientist remarks with a friendly smile.

Ryu steps forward. "Are you Palet?"

The scientist nods. "Indeed, I am Palet, the lead researcher here. What brings you to our plant?"

Ryu introduces himself and Nina as travelers seeking work. "We were hoping to get a job loading and unloading the carts. We're in need of supplies and thought we could earn our keep."

Palet considers this for a moment, then shakes his head. "I'm afraid we have no need for additional workers in that capacity; we already have too many. However," he continues, noticing the sword at Ryu's side, "we do have another position that might suit you better. We need guards for an important shipment."

"We'll take it!" They shout in unison.

Palet stops them on their tracks, "But first, you'll need to prove your strength."

Ryu's eyes light up with determination. "What do we need to do?"

Palet thinks for a moment, then nods decisively. "We have a dumpsite nearby where we dispose of any mutated plants. Sometimes these plants… evolve in unexpected and dangerous ways. If you can defeat one of the mutants that has been giving our workers trouble, the job is yours."

Nina and Ryu exchange a determined look. "We'll do it," Nina says firmly.

"Excellent," Palet says, pleased with their enthusiasm. "Follow me."

About a mile west of the plant, Palet leads Ryu and Nina to a mountain with evident volcanic activity. The entrance to the cave reeks of decaying vegetation, making Nina wrinkle her nose in disgust. "This is the place," Palet says, gesturing to the dark mouth of the cave. "The mutant is at the end. You'll know you're close when you see the vines overgrowing the walls."

Ryu and Nina exchange uneasy glances. "We'd rather not go in there," Nina admits, "but if this is what it takes to get to Windia, we don't have a choice."

Palet nods solemnly. "Good luck. I'll be waiting here for your return."

As they enter the cave, the air grows warmer and thicker, carrying the smell of sulfur and rot. Strange wildlife skitters around them—mutated bugs with glowing eyes and twisted plants that seem to reach out toward them. Some of the creatures attack, but Ryu's sword and Nina's magic make short work of them.

"Stay close," Ryu says, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

"Right," Nina replies, her rod glowing faintly with magic.

As they venture deeper, the smell of volcanic activity intensifies. They come across numerous conveyor belts loaded with crates of waste, all headed into the glowing magma below. The sight is both fascinating and eerie.

"Look at all this," Nina says, pointing to the conveyor belts. "It's like they're using the volcano to dispose of the crops."

Ryu nods. "Let's keep moving. We need to find that mutated plant."

After what feels like hours of navigating the labyrinthine cave, they finally come upon a room where thick, pulsating vines cover the walls. The air is dense with humidity and the stench of decay.

"This must be it," Ryu whispers, tightening his grip on his sword.

Nina nods, her eyes scanning the room. "Be ready. We don't know what we're up against."

They step cautiously into the room, their senses on high alert. The vines seem to pulse with a life of their own, and in the center of the room, they see the source—a massive, grotesque plant with human characteristics such as arms and eyes.

"There it is," Ryu mutters. "Let's take it down."

As Ryu and Nina stand ready, the mutant plant senses their presence and reacts, its thorn-covered vines thrashing wildly. "I'll cover you," Nina says, her rod glowing with magic. "Transform now!"

Ryu nods and focuses, feeling the power of his dragon form surge within him. His body begins to shift, scales emerging, and his form grows larger and more powerful until he stands as a fearsome whelp. His eyes burn with determination as he roars, flames flickering at his maw.

Nina casts her Simoon spell, sending blazing winds toward the plant. "Take that!" she shouts, her spell burning through the thick vines.

Ryu, now fully transformed, zips from side to side, his flaming claws slashing at the plant. Each strike sends burning chunks of vine flying. The mutant plant screeches in pain, its movements becoming more frantic. Nina continues her assault, casting Simoon over and over, her magic burning deep into the plant's twisted form. Nina pauses only to dodge the incoming thorny vines, her movements quick and precise.

Ryu takes advantage of the opening, his whelp form breathing a torrent of flame at the plant's core. The heat is intense, and the plant begins to blacken and wilt under the onslaught. He charges forward, his claws ablaze, and slashes at the plant's main body with all his might. The mutant plant lets out one final, agonized scream and collapses, its once formidable form melting into goo.

After Ryu changes back into his human form, he joins Nina standing victorious. "We did it," Nina says, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Yeah," Ryu agrees. "Let's get back to Palet."

As they turn to leave, a faint, unexpected sound stops them in their tracks—a baby crying. They exchange puzzled glances and cautiously approach the remains of the monster. Amidst the goo and wilted leaves, they find a small, onion-like baby plant creature with feet, its tiny form trembling and crying softly.

"What is it?" Nina whispers, gently moving a leaf aside.

As the baby plant creature's cries echo through the cavern, Ryu instinctively pulls out his sword, ready to strike. But before he can make a move, Nina steps between him and the baby plant, her arms outstretched protectively.

"Ryu, wait!" she pleads, her voice urgent.

Ryu hesitates, his sword still raised. "Nina, why are you stopping me? It's a plant monster like the one we just fought. It could grow up to attack us!"

Nina shakes her head, her eyes filled with determination. "No, Ryu. We killed its mother. It's just a baby, and it doesn't deserve to die because of that. We should raise it."

Ryu lowers his sword slightly, still skeptical. "Raise it? What if it becomes dangerous?"

Nina's expression softens, and she gently cradles the baby plant in her arms. "If we raise it with care and love, it won't become dangerous. It could even become a valuable ally."

Ryu studies the tiny creature, its small leaves trembling in Nina's grasp. Slowly, he sheathes his sword, sighing. "Alright, Nina. We'll take it with us. But if it shows any signs of danger, we have to be ready."

Nina smiles, relief washing over her. "Thank you, Ryu. I promise, we'll take good care of it."

As they begin their walk out of the cave, Ryu glances at the baby plant. "What should we call it?" he asks, trying to understand the strange new addition to their group.

The baby plant creature makes a soft, endearing sound: "Puukyuu."

Nina's face lights up. "Did you hear that? It said 'puukyuu'. Let's call it Peco!"

Ryu nods, a small smile forming on his lips. "Peco it is then. Welcome to the team, Peco."

With Peco nestled in Nina's arms, they make their way back to the plant. When Ryu, Nina, and Peco arrive back at the plant, Palet is waiting for them by a cart full of hay. The older scientist's eyes narrow slightly as he takes in the sight of the small, onion-like creature in Nina's arms.

"We defeated the mutant," Ryu reports, standing tall.

Palet nods approvingly, but his gaze lingers on the baby plant. "And what is that?" he asks, pointing at Peco.

Ryu quickly interjects, "It's our pet."

Nina frowns at Ryu, clearly displeased with him referring to Peco as a pet, but she bites her tongue, knowing they need to stay undercover.

Palet feels that they are acting suspiciously, but he soon shrugs it off and dismisses the matter. The plant is none of his business anyway. "Very well," he says, "Congratulations on a job well done." He gestures to the cart full of straw. "This is your first job."

Ryu looks puzzled. "Our first job is ready already? And why is hay so important?"

Palet waves off his concerns with a dismissive gesture. "This hay is meant as cow feed for a wealthy businessman. You're too young to understand the intricacies of business."

Ryu shrugs and decides not to press further. He helps Nina and Peco climb onto the cart, and soon they start moving towards the bridge towards Windia.

As they leave, Palet chuckles to himself. He pulls out a crumpled flyer from his pocket, the one with the hefty reward for the capture of Ryu and Nina. "The five thousand zenny will be mine," he mutters, a sly grin spreading across his face. Unaware of Palet's treachery, Ryu and Nina ride in the cart, ready to continue their journey, oblivious to the danger that still looms over them.