A/N I hadn't intended it, but i was genuinely surprised by how many simultaneously called out for a part 2. So here it is! And only 6 months later. *chuckles nervously*

I may even end up needing to do a part 3. :)

I should also probably mention this whole story takes place after Hak's confession to Yona.


'To her ladyship of Kouka kingdom, Princess Yona.

I'm sure the current state of the land has not escaped you and your companions notice. The damage caused from the late King Il is far more widespread than even i myself had previously estimated. I am aware of the actions you all have taken to undo this damage and for that i thank you. But still, the people remain restless. We believe assurance is required that the mistakes of the past will not rear its head once more.'

Crowded by her group Yona sat reading with Gulfan-Soo-Won's hawk-perched leisurely on her shoulder as she read his message aloud.

It did not pass her notice the dark, foreboding look Hak wore as she did, nor the death-grip he held on his weapon.

'I know things have passed between us that cannot be so easily overlooked, and indeed may never be forgiven. But then, that is not what i am asking.

I, King Soo-Won, wish to offer a parley of sorts. As a show to all of Kouka that this kingdom's royalty is no longer divided, and thus is more fortified than ever before, i propose a union of two houses. Between the land's current ruler-myself, and their beloved princess of many years-

you, Princess Yona.

Bonded in matrimony, i am con-"

Hak snatched the letter from her grasp, balling his hand and parchment into an angry fist. "I can't stand hearing another word that traitor has to say. Damn him."


Yona stared around the vast span of nothingness surrounding her. How-Where was she? When did she get here? Where was everyone else?

"Princess..."

The red-head turned sharply to the sound of a voice, deep and smooth.

There he stood smiling before her, alive and well.

"Hak..."

Yona dashed into his embrace without a second thought, latching her arms around his waist. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Never thought i'd see those." He stroked the top of her head gently. "You've shed tears over me?"

Yona didn't know how to respond, merely pushing as close to him as possible instead.

"I'm sorry to leave you princess."

"No don't go!" She begged, grip tightening around his waist. "Don't leave me! Not again…" Yona squeezed her eyes shut.

Hak gazed sadly down at his flaming haired friend.

"I'm not really here princess." He softly told her. "It's time to wake up."

"But...you won't be there waiting when i do."

His solemn silence told more than words could have. Yona buried her face into his chest, ignoring the fact she couldn't actually feel his warmth.

"I love you." Her voice broke, thick with emotion. "I should have said it before."

Hak gave a bitter chuckle, his features rapidly becoming a blur to Yona's vision, fading at an accelerated rate. "I wish you would have too."

…...


"...Yona dear?"

The crimson princess stirred at the sound of her friend's voice. Coarse dirt and pieces of earth dug into her knees, the early morning sunlight greeting Yona when she opened her eyes. She hadn't remembered dozing off, nor how she even managed to do so kneeling upright while still holding the glaive hilt.

His glaive.

The events of yesterday came rushing back, clearing the fog within Yona's mind and shaking her wide awake. The hole which had dug itself in her chest ached at the reminder.

"Little Miss," A gentle hand rested on her shoulder. "Zeno thinks we'd best move onward. More bad men are bound to be lurking nearby."

Yona blinked the weariness from her eyes, taking the extended hand Jaeha offered. "Y...Yes, of course."

"We...we should probably begin heading for Fuuga." Yoon prioritized, voice unusually timid. "The Wind Tribe would want to know about what happened with...um..."

"Of course." Kija's expression was somber. "General Mundok is...was Hak's grandfather correct? They will want to know immediately-"

"And he will."

The now company of five men turned towards the princess. "But i'm afraid that will have to come later."

"Little miss?"

"We're going to Kuuto first."

"What's in Kuuto?" Yoon inquired, puzzled.

Yona's eyes held a steady look to them as she spoke. "A proposal i intend to accept."

Shocked silence spoke volumes, the group at a loss for words at her declaration.

Kija was a first to break. "Not the-but that was weeks ago! P-Princess you can't be serious!"

"Yona dear, Kija's right." Jaeha placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's understandable but you're grieving right now, you aren't thinking straight."

"Not thinking straight?! You've completely lost your mind!" Yoon shouted. "Or did you forget the whole reason you turned it down in the first place!"

Yona didn't so much as blink at the outbursts. "On the contrary; i've been thinking about it all through the night."

"Then why-"

"Because i realized, he made a good point. There is more than one way to help the people of Kouka. One that will have a far bigger and immediate impact then our traveling party can achieve."

"But at what cost? Yona this is forever we're talking about!" The beautiful boy genius drove home.

Forever. A lifetime spent beside the man once called a dear friend, and now as the one who murdered her father, King Il, in cold blood.

"You know Hak would never allow you to do this." The green dragon warrior's voice was gentle but held a sharp edge.

"Hak...isn't here."

The painful words finally said aloud hit the Lightning Beast's friends hard. Another hush fell over the companions, more somber than the last.

Hak…

It's so easy to imagine he's just out of sight somewhere and not really gone. Jaeha's thoughts were of a melancholy nature. I keep expecting him to suddenly emerge from the forest trees and complain what's taking so long . Or to bark what a ridiculous idea this is to be even discussing.

I swore to protect Yona no matter what, but i also promised i'd protect him...and i failed. Kija's mind was of a similar set. We are the dragon warriors, the power of the four dragons runs through our veins and gives us strength. So why? Why was i too weak...to save a brother of equal importance?

"I know what i ask is a lot, and i understand if you don't wish to take part," Yona's voice broke though their collective thoughts. "but it's what i've decided. Will you go with me?"

The five companions looked to each other, a silent discussion being tossed back and forth between them. Then as one refocused on the princess they all served.

"My claw is yours to wield Princess." Kija held out the white scaled hand of his. "If you truly believe this is what's best, then i shall follow you without fail."

Shin-ah and Zeno each gave a vigorous nod in agreement.

Yoon crossed his arms, huffing indignantly to cover the rising blush on his cheeks. "Well of course i'm coming. I can't trust to leave you people on your own. Who knows what trouble you'll get into otherwise."

"I will as well. But," Jaeha addressed Yona specifically. "can you promise me you're acting with a level head, and not from a broken heart?"

Yona stood silent as she pondered her friend's words, then met his piercing purple gaze with that of her own. "To be honest, the condition of my heart has nothing to do with it. I chose this simply because it's what i feel is best."

That's a lie, and you and i both know it. Jaeha inwardly sighed. "Then let's be off."

Decision made, the company of six gathered themselves and began their journey east to the Imperial capital of Kuuto.

I'm sorry Hak, i'm sure you'd strangle us all of you knew the decision your princess made . Jaeha guiltily sent a silent prayer to his friend. But...i can't bring myself to stop her. I feel her pain all too keenly. Please understand.