Ryu Shinra's Journal

9th of January, Year 989

Today, on my birthday, I met a beautiful girl whom was able to make me smile. Her name was Beatrice, her father was the Knight of Ten and was known all throughout Scaradia for his accomplishments in battle. I was shy to approach her but in the end, I managed to gather enough courage to go up to her and say "Hi". Man am I pathetic, everyone proclaims me as some prodigy who is confident in whatever I do yet I couldn't muster up the courage to talk to a girl for almost two weeks. Still, I guess all that matters is that I got to talk to her.

18th of January, Year 989

I went to one of the regular balls that my father hosted most of the time. These were useless, a waste of Scaradia's resources. Through the crowds of nobles I got to see Beatrice and spend the night talking with her the whole time, her father approved of me being friends with her; probably because I'm next in line to the throne. Regardless, her father has a weird presence, his aura seems to be fluctuating for some reason. Whatever the case, as every one left the ball, I proceeded to master Kuangdi's nocturnal training as I always did in the dark. And as I stood in the darkness of the frost dragon caverns with my eyes close, I waved my hand and summoned a blizzard of black ice. Master Kuangdi was surprised and knelt before me holding my hands as he looked at me in the eyes and spoke.

When I got home to finally get some rest, I sat on my bed and looked at my hands as I thought back on the words of Master Kuangdi and as I then lay down to close my eyes, I remember his words which will be remembered forever...

"Ryu, you have such a beautiful gift only found in very few people...Please do not waste such a talent boy, in time you will grow into a magnificent warrior, most likely even stronger than your father and myself at that." He said as he smiled wanting to cry. "But Ryu, please do not let out your rage on those who do not deserve it. Such a power should only be reserved for those you think are worthy of your effort. Do not forget this...Emperor of Dragons"

27th of January, Year 989

Today I was told by my father that I would be taking part in a battle against Lunaria. I would be escorted by one of my mentors, Master Qinra. And as the morning went by with my sitting with Master Qinra and learning about philosophy and world politics, I asked him a question.

"Why is it that Scaradians can't live peacefully with other nations?"

He simply smiled at me and rubbed my hair as he spoke.

"My boy...You will learn in time, once you learn from Master Huanglong, then everything will be clear." And when he said that man's name, he frowned a bit. We then stood up to return to the castle and as he dismissed me after we bowed in towards each other, he knelt and tapped by shoulders telling me wise words just like Master Kuangdi.

"Ryu, it is inevitable that everyone changes, me, your father, and even you. But do not let that change destroy you, you must flow with your inner self like the winds. For if you cannot and cause yourself to clash against your changes, then it is like two winds clashing against each other creating a hurricane."

With that he left me, reminding me that we leave early in the morning tomorrow for the battle that I will take part in, my first battle that is.

28th of January, Year 989

As I left the castle being awaited by Master Qinra, we left to catch up to the soldiers that had already left. And as we rode on, Master Qinra briefed me regarding the battle that our numbers were that of 800 soldiers and the Lunarians were at 1000 strong. The Lunarians were stationed in two nearby forts as well giving them more of an edge in the battle but Ryu believed that the battle was possible, he had a plan and believed that this battle would be easy because of the Knight of Ten leading the battle.

Arriving at the battle sight however, Master Qinra and I were shocked to see that the we were on the defensive and the Lunarians were the one's attacking. As we both looked for Grantz, the Knight of Ten, bare witness to the bloodshed of our people.

"My lord! It's a disaster! The Lunarians took us by surprise and launched an attack instead of defending!" Yelled Grantz. "You must retreat!" He added.

It was then that I felt a moment of anger at how unprepared a knight could be. I was calmed by Master Qinra however and he looked at Grantz.

"You fool, how dare you ask of him to retreat!" Said Master Qinra angered.

They continued to argue, but I instead chose to get off my horse and ignore their stupid debates. It was then that I roared at the Scaradians telling them that living was a choice that they got to decide and should not be taken away by anyone. Many of them yelled that I was in combat and suddenly the morale rose on our side. The prince of the empire had just arrived of course, so in their eyes they didn't want to look like fools. It was then that I felt a strange feeling of anger as I saw the many dead bodies of my fellow countrymen.

It was then that I waved my hand and the winds suddenly shifted. I was shocked in my mind but at the same time calm, I knew that I could use the wind but also I knew that I wasn't the best right now. The arguing behind me, the screams and yelling of the battlefield, they vanished to me for a moment as I raised my hand and threw my arm down.

I then opened my eyes to see our forces run to the sides as the Lunarians become victims to a sudden twister rushing at them. I felt a glint of power from there and wanted to enter the battlefield only to be stopped by Master Qinra. He told me that we were all ready to retreat as the Lunarians were sending in more soldiers to aid them. Master Qinra waved both his hands together and clapped only to separate them aside which resulted to a strong force of winds pushing the Lunarians back away.

And as we arrived home, I see our people roaring in anger at the Knight of Ten for coming home defeated as well as the other soldiers. I wanted to cry when I then saw some of the people searching for their husbands or sons who I knew were actually dead. I hated my father and Grantz because of this, for going to battle without even planning everything through. It was only because of Master Qinra that I managed to be strong at this moment. I would forever remember his words for it was just the things I wanted to hear at that moment of anger.

"Ryu, you showed great qualities of a leader today. Even showing the other soldiers that you had great power causing the Lunarian soldiers to fear you. Don't cry, for the men that fell today would cry wherever they are at the sight of you crying. For you showed not only the spirits of the fallen, but all those in the battle, that you are a strong prince as it is, and eventually you will become emperor. When that happens...you will be the one, to help raise Scaradia into a nation that will be strong. so until then, don't cry my boy, instead...help those who are crying by showing them the hope of this nation, which is you."

Now as I sit in the darkness of my room, closing my eyes. I flick my finger and hear the curtains of my balcony blow aside...

6th of February, Year 989

Today I trained with Master Runsela, we trained till the afternoon in the battle grounds where the other Scaradian soldiers watched us from time to time. Honing my strength as well as my earth elemental skills. And as we took a break, I bore witness to a man get harassed by two Magnian soldiers. Magnux had recently spared our nation in the last war and has resulted in our proud nation bowing to them. I rose to try and help the man but was stopped by Master Runsela. Her words would forever be one of the mighty pillars of strength that would shape my mind to what it will be.

"Don't get involved Ryu, a Scaradian must stand up for himself in his own home in order to be called a true Scaradian. It may seem harsh just watching your fellow countrymen get pushed around like that, but it's even harsher to protect them when they can't protect themselves for they will never learn to be the proud Scaradians they deserve to be."

I understood her words and turned to see that the man getting harassed started standing up for himself only to start getting beaten. Master Runsela told me to stay where I was as she walked to the Magnians telling them to leave, they at first refuse and call for more help and everything soon escalates to a fight. But the fools they were, Master Runsela made easy work of them, beating them to the ground. But as a Magnian general tried to fire an arrow at her, I couldn't just watch anymore. I then stomped the ground and watched the general fall on his feet due to the ground shifting forward. Master Runsela then saw the general and picked him up and told him to leave before she killed him; to which he did in fear.

Soon as our training for today ended, Master Runsela told me that I shouldn't have helped her and I told her that she had proved her strength and protected the man and so I in turn wanted to protect her, a proud and strong Scaradian. She smiled and patted my head and told me to rest well. But before I went into the castle, I had went to the castle training grounds and stared at the center smiling. It was then that I stomped the ground just like earlier only harder and instead of moving the foot forward, I aimed to crush the ground. I then bore witness as I saw the castle grounds shatter as if a heavy object had smashed into it. Now as I lay in my room smiling, I promise myself, that when my time comes, I will pay the Magnians back.

14th of February, Year 989

Today was the celebration of love all throughout Terra. I got to see Beatrice again after so long, despite my anger towards her father I couldn't bare to redirect that anger at her. We got to go around during the festivals the entire morning, we even played in the games like catch the chicken; which I won. The festivities were only temporary however, for I still had a scheduled training session under Master Shun. I told Beatrice that I had to go and she seemed unhappy about it and told me I had to make up for it next time, to which I promised. Before I left however, she told me to stop calling her Beatrice and to just call her Bea. She found it more comfortable and I agreed.

As I was training with Master Shun with the sword, he knocked my sword aside during our training and pointed his sword at my face.

"Ryu, while I am not against you having fun and all, you should remember your priorities." He said as he gestured for me to pick my sword up and we started over.

After swordsmanship, we went on to a lecture while resting regarding politics and soon after we went on to practice other forms of magics. As the day came to and end, before dismissing me Master Shun told me some words that would always remind me to never lose my focus.

"Ryu, it's alright to be happy. It's alright to have fun. But there's a time for everything my boy, you must always be prepared to throw away your emotions when the situation demands it, no matter the opponent. Understand?"

I replied to him agreeing. And as I now lay on my bed ready to sleep, I overhear my father and some soldiers talking. They spoke about a traitor a midst our army...

23rd of February, Year 989

The investigation as to who the traitor is in our military is still on going. Apparently the traitor leaked information regarding the Dragon's Chamber. I was pondering as to what the chamber is and why it's such a big deal when Master Kuangdi told me that our break time was over. I immediately returned to practicing my water and ice elemental magics which ate up most of my day. As we ended our training for today, I asked Master Kuangdi regarding the Dragon's Chamber, to which he replied only in a vague manner.

"You'll find out in time...and when you do...everything will change." He said smiling at me.

I asked him if he has ever gone in and he answered with a nod. I wanted to ask more about it but he told me I had to go home otherwise the castle guards would be worried looking for me.

As night drew closer, I watched the sun set wondering. How important was the Dragon's Chamber to Scaradia to the pont, any knowledge leaked regarding it resulted to the penalty of death...

4th of March, Year 989

I was told that my training with the four Dragon Kings, my masters, would happen in 4 days. It was custom of the royal prince to undergo such a thing. Now as I went around the city to savor the feeling of freedom before I am stripped of it for a length of time even I was not told of. I managed to run into Bea in front of a store to which she told me that she planned on getting me a sort of amulet to ensure I don't forget her while I was gone. She bought me an iron amulet which was shaped like a dragon spiraling inwards. I spent most of the day with her wanting to tell her how I felt about her, but I couldn't. And as we parted ways, she yelled out to me words that were able to melt my heart.

"Make sure to come back Ryu!" She yelled. "I'll be waiting for you, so don't keep me waiting!"

I smiled and yelled back telling her I promise I won't keep her waiting.

When I got back to the castle, I was told my some guards that my father wanted to speak to me to which I walked to the throne room. He told me that I would have to be strong while I was away and all the regular things a parent would say to their child who would be going away. When that was over, I headed to my room to rest. And now as I lay on my bed, I close my eyes and hold onto the amulet given to me by Bea, wondering...What was in store for me?

2nd of January, Year 991

I come back home after almost 2 years only to see my people in suffering. It seems that the Magnux Empire has truly sucked the life out of my home. I don't head for the castle immediately, instead I go to meet an associate that has been writing to me while I was away. When I met him in an underground basement of a building as promised, I was greeted by a large crowd of people. They had told me that traitor was identified as well as all the mistakes my father had made while I was away. I had to sit down to take this all in and after a while, Ren, Shuichi, and Nelerad managed to have the people give me some time alone. After a while I told them all that I would accept the role of leader at which they wanted me to be, a leader of a rebellion.

We would overthrow my father's reign and flush out the Magnians from Scaradia. I was ready for this, It was my time. I am so much stronger now.

The organization of the Scaradians who were going to be part of this rebellion was headed by me. Shuichi would lean the vanguard in eliminating the Magnians. Nelerad would lead the ambush attacks against any reinforcements that proved a threat. And Ren with the remaining troops would accompany me in overthrowing my father...as well as slaying the traitor who caused the deaths of my masters...I will never forgive him...I will never forgive all those who have caused my home to be in such a state...

Now as I ready myself to turn in, I look up at the full moon and shed a tear as I hold onto the iron amulet given to me so long ago...Bea...

It was then that I gently waved my hand causing the winds to shift making the sounds of howling echo throughout the city. I then turned to go back to my quarters clenching my fists...the traitor...was Bea's father...

3rd of January, Year 991

As I walked towards Castle Scrade from the City of Scara, Scaradian soldiers who were chatting with Magnian soldiers took notice of me and they wondered who I was and told me to halt. It was from here that everything began, with a wave of my hand they were incinerated from an explosion of black fire which could be seen from anywhere in the city. This was the signal. Shuichi would begin his attack and Nelerad would cover any weak points the enemy tried to take advantage of. Sounds of roaring and explosions echoed everywhere and as I am confronted again by more Magnian soldiers, they tell me to stop and are immediately beheaded by Ren, who appears from the shadows.

No mortal man is permitted to stop me. I would not halt for anyone right now. And as I continued my march towards the castle, Scaradian soldiers joined the Magnians in trying to stop both myself and Ren. I told them who I was and a few Scaradians tried to shift to our side but were stopped by their fellow soldiers, my father was still emperor of course. I then told them that I had warned them, it was then that Ren charged at the enemy while I continued my march. The enemy was surprised to see that they were surrounded by our troops, we used ourselves as the distraction for that very reason.

As the day ends, we all set up camps surrounding the main gate which leads to the castle grounds. I am now sitting on top of a building staring at the castle and am approached by Ren. He told me that there was a messenger who wanted to speak to me and I asked who the messenger was and it was then that a cloaked person walked out from the stairs to be noticed. Ren looked at me as if wanting to say, see for yourself.

I asked the person to reveal their self and as I rose seeing the hood of the cloak come off, I am stunned to see a beautiful girl with brown hair smile at me.

"It's been so long..." Is all Bea said as she stared at my empty eyes.

4th of January, Year 991

We attack the main gate only to be met with great resistance. I wasn't in the battlefield due to my mental instability from last night. Bea had asked me to help her spare her father from my rebellion and that she would tell me who it was that sent the men to attack my masters and myself while training in the Dragon's Chamber. I hesitated and looked to my close friends for their opinions and it was Nelerad himself who asked in anger who it was that caused the death of his father. We complied with her terms and we found out that my father sent them...all because he was afraid that I would overthrow him...

Now as both sides begin to withdraw and recover from today's battle, I am confronted by Ren.

"How'd Master Huanglong's training go?" He asked trying to bring me back.

It was then that I recalled my training under him...I was beaten around like a bag of sand. The man was amazingly strong. He was everything I wanted to be, physically and mentally powerful. He bested me in everything. I only spent a week with the man but it felt like an eternity's worth of time.

"Ryu?" Ren said bringing me back from my flashback.

I apologized to him and went to see the men. We didn't lose much today and I had promised myself before them all that I would personally destroy their defense all on my own....

And as the night began, I receive a letter tied to a messenger bird.

"Tomorrow we make our escape." Is all Bea wrote...

5th of January, Year 991

I joined the vanguard this morning and slaughtered many Magnians, as well as my own brethren who followed their orders true to the end...We managed to find Bea and her father and we helped them escape. Once they were away from the battlefield, we pressed on towards the castle interior.

We were met by numerous Magnian soldiers, who knew they had this many within our castle. Nevertheless, they told me I was going against the will of the Scaradian and Magnian Emperors themselves by simply revolting. It was then that I felt anger, plenty of it. I then clapped by hands to summon a bolt of lightning that struck a large number of soldiers dead. We pressed on...Killing many...and it was then that I faced my father in the throne room with many warriors there. Everyone else stopped to watch us both; father and son. He told me that what I did is unforgivable and I told him the exact same thing. I then challenged him to Ryukai; he accepted.

We both threw our capes aside and I taunted him by telling him that he can throw every element that was possible at me and that I would counter it with great force. I can replay this scene in my head for all of time with clarity...

He roared at my arrogance and summoned a large sea of fire which formed into a dragon, trying to engulf me. I simply did the same, only summoning one of black fire which overwhelmed his. The only thing left as a result was the remaining black fire all around us.

He grew angrier and summoned one element in the shape of a dragon after another. I overwhelmed them all in response. I then told him that I had enough and it was then that I summoned all of my power, Ren, Shuichi, Nelerad, My father, and all other warriors, were unable to move or simply died on the spot. It was then that my father's face was full of fear. I roared at him and all the others around us. I proclaimed all that need be known and who I was from there.

"You are nothing." I said as a dragon which could not be described circled around me. "You sit on the throne which does not belong to you...a throne that is rightfully mine..."

He yelled in protest. It surprised me a little, I didn't know he could speak given the situation.

"Silence!" I roared causing the dragon around me to roar resulting in my father to lose his will to speak. "That belongs to me!" I roared pointing at the throne. "I am the King!" And with that my dragon charged at him. The sight was as if time had stopped for everyone, even for me for a moment. My father had completely vanished; not a trace left. I then walked towards the throne and turned, waving my hand and ordered for every Scaradian to purge our home of every Magnian. And so the purge begun, screams and roaring echoed all throughout Scaradia as I took my seat on the Dragon Throne.

But before the day was to come at an end, Ren received word from another soldier and seemed in shock. I too fell in shock when he told me what he learned.

Bea and her father were no where to be found, and that letters were found in Grantz's office. Letters which showed he was selling secrets of Scaradia to Magnux. I was then given a letter by Ren, it was one where my father and him had issued for the attack on the Dragon's Chamber...

I then burned the letter and rose from my throne and marched across the sea of fighting and fire, the Hydra by my side as they ask me for any orders.

"Find them both...bring them to me alive...drag them close to death if you have to..." I said in anger.

And with that, we exited the castle and the three of them ran off, leaving me to close my eyes and sense the whole of Scaradia to search for them...

6th of January, Year 991

After a whole night's worth of searching for their aura, I managed to track a faint trace of Grantz's aura. Upon sensing him, I called for Ren, Shuichi, and Nelerad who had my horse ready and we rode off.

It took almost a day to reach the border near Magnux, but we caught up to them both who were riding on horseback. Upon seeing them, Nelerad stood on his horse and leaped in front of their location, slamming the ground with his halberd resulting in the ground shattering and their horses to halt in fear. We surrounded them from there.

I then disembarked and told Grantz to prepare for combat to which Bea pleaded for me to change my mind.

Silence was all I roared in response to her pleading. Everyone seemed to look at me in fear when I finished roaring to which Grantz drew his sword. He said that he would want to die in a fight; like a Scaradian should.

As he charged at me, timed seemed to stop for me and possibly for everyone at that point. I didn't realize I took a step and appeared behind him, throwing him to the ground until he had tried to slash at my face. I then caught his sword and punched his face, blowing him away while I still held on to his sword. Everything was slow from there. I walked to him, his sword in my hand, and upon standing before him, slashed. Blood smeared all over. Bea screamed as she was restrained by Ren, capable only of watching her father die slowly as I had slashed his chest enough so that he may die of blood loss.

He begged me to end it, to which I declined. I told him that he didn't deserve a quick death. And as I ordered for us to return to the capital, Bea pointed her father's sword at me, the sword I had left beside his body. She told me that I would have to kill her or she would kill me. I turned and faced her to which her eyes widened. She said that my eyes were no longer that of the kind young boy that I was, but rather those of a hungry beast. I told her that she wasn't worth my effort and it was then that she rushed at me. Ren, Shuichi, and Nelerad closed their eyes at what had happened then. I impaled her body using my hand and I held her close as she dropped her sword.

I wanted to cry, I wanted to frown, I wanted to tell her that I loved her. But my heart didn't allow it at that point.

"Goodbye." Was all I told her.

She smiled as she cupped my face and cried smiling.

"I'm so sorry...for everything...I hope you find happiness." Were her last words as I pulled my arm out and carried her over beside her father.

Shuichi dug graves after a while. He and Nelerad burried their bodies and looked at me as Ren asked me whether I was ready to head back or not.

I looked up at the sky, ignoring his words.

"It's going to rain."

"It is." Ren said gently as tears fell across my face.