Breath of Fire II centres around Ryu Bateson, a young member of the Dragon Clan who is mysteriously separated from his adoptive father and sister at a young age. Orphaned and soon on the run with fellow orphan Bow, Ryu and his friend grow up to be Rangers: an organized form of mercenaries for hire. A job sets them on a path that will ultimately unravel the mystery of the Church of St. Eva, see them fighting against an imminent demonic invasion, and discover the hidden power locked within each of the game's characters.