Disclaimer: I do not claim any aspect of the Breath of Fire series as my own. All characters, places, concepts, and areas belong to Capcom. Due to creative interpretation, the versions depicted in this story of Ryu, Nina, Garr, and other characters, concepts, and places are my own.

Breath of Fire: The Twin Prophecies

by

Aegis Runestone

Prologue

Garr never liked rain. The gloomy atmosphere brought back too many foul memories—ones the Guardian had tried to bury countless times, and yet the vision of every rainstorm or thunder storm would unearth them.

He rose from his large chair. Forget them, those days are past. And the past cannot be changed. The rain pattered against the window next to him, taunting his attempt. There was a flash of lightning followed by a rumble of haunting thunder.

He frowned and turned away, walking into the kitchen when he heard a knock on the spun. Who would be foolish enough to...? Another knock. Garr's curiosity peaked as did his suspicion. He grabbed his spear from the fireplace mantle and the placed it opposite of the front door. He placed his hand on the knob and slowly opened it.

A robed figure stood before him; soaked to the very edges of his hood, and his face barely visible. Yet Garr froze upon what little he could see. "You really need to live somewhere with better weather," the man said. His voice sounded middle-aged, but Garr knew better.

"My Lord? What are you doing here?" He asked, astounded. He beckoned inside. "Do you wish to come in?"

The figure shook his head. "No, I'm fine. Here." The man handed him a wrapped, cloth bundle. "Take him."

"What...?" Garr paused, and pulled back one of the flaps on top to reveal the head of a sleeping infant boy. Barely a bit of blue hair on his head and... "that mark!" Garr gasped, gazing at the forehead. It was a red mark shaped like the claw of a dragon.

"I entrust him to you, my Guardian friend," the man said. Lightning flashed behind him.

"You entrust The Last to me?" Garr said. He stared at the man. "What are you thinking, my Lord? I have slain hundreds of dragons in my life! Innocent blood which can't be easily washed away!"

"You are no longer a dragon-slayer, Garr, but a demon-slayer," the man said pointedly. He raised a hand at him. "The past is behind you, keep it there! You have been clean of the Dragon Clan's blood for decades now, don't dig up their bones." He lowered his hand.

Garr worked his jaw, and then nodded soberly. "It isn't easy—"

"No one said it ever was; only that it is worth it," the man said. He pointed to the infant. "I leave his life in your care because I trust you. Is that not enough?"

The Guardian's muscles relaxed. "It is enough." he said. He looked at the boy and then back to the figure. "Would you have me train him then?"

"I would have you do what you think is best, Garr," the man said. "Our enemies are already looking for him, and his birthmark will make it difficult to seclude the child."

Garr scratched his chiseled chin. "I know what to do then. What is his name if he has one?"

"Ryu." He said. "When the boy is twelve years of age, bring him to me. I will be residing where I live now." He turned, his robe flapping the wind like the wings of a dragon. "And... oh, before you come, wait until he meets and befriends the girl with black wings; she, too, must go with you. Understood?"

Garr nodded and then bowed himself while carefully holding Ryu. "I understand, my Lord. Is this about the—?" He looked up and man had vanished. Garr rose with a sigh.

I hate it when he just leaves as such. He heard a sniffle from below. He looked down to see the little Ryu stirring. Quickly, yet quietly, he closed the door and took Ryu near the fireplace. I will guard this child with my life, My Lord. Garr stared at the mark on the infant's forehead. Yes, he would guard him; he had to.

Thunder rumbled in the distance; Garr faced it with a defiant glare. The times foretold were at the world's doorstep.