When...I first lay my eyes on you, I knew you were different. From the moment I recognised...that blazing, crimson hair.

You saw the light in me...when others saw darkness. You had...something within you

—something that makes my blood boil...and my heart pound. It's the reason why I chose you...

Shin-Ah stared at the moon. Its ghostly pale light brightened up the dark sky. It was silent in the forest—except for the gentle rustling of the wind and chirping of insects. His companions were fast asleep, wrapped up in thick wool bankets. Near his feet, Ao was busy chewing a piece of acorn.

The squirrel glanced up at him, large eyes and abnormally large cheeks. "PUKYUU!"

Instinctively, Shin-Ah raised his hand and touched the place where his bell ought to be. The old ringing of the bells had reminded him of the past, but he'd discarded the bells in the caves as he didn't need them anymore.

Carefully, Shin-Ah lowered himself to the blankets to not wake up any of his companions. He lay on his back, looking at the sky as the moon bathed him in its pure light. He closed his eyes and fell into a slumber.

Screams.

Blood.

Cries.

I watched in horror as the people around me died. I could feel the tears stinging at the back of my eyes.

I was five then. Just a small boy who murdered an entire village. I remember looking at myself through the reflective surface of a blade and barely recognised myself. I barely recognised those golden eyes that had stared back at me, full of dread.

"I-it's the Seiryuu!" I heard people shout.

"Monster!"

"Somebody stop him!"

My blood ran cold. No...No...No...I-I'm not a monster! I can't be! No!

Shin-Ah's eyes snapped open. He felt his hands sweating and heart racing fast. It wasn't the first, nor the last time he's had the same nightmare. Over and over again. Silently, Shin-Ah sat up and found himself looking into a pair of wide, amethyst eyes. His heart skipping a beat for a moment, Shin-Ah immediately scrambled away, averting his gaze.

"Shin-Ah?" Yona asked, her voice concerned. "Are you okay?"

The Seiryuu didn't reply for a moment, then he slowly nodded.

He saw Yona hesitate before she reply. "Shin-Ah, you have...tears on your face."

Shin-Ah bought his hand up and lightly touched his face, below the mask. His fingers came away wet. It was tears.

"Shin-Ah," Yona said. Her hand reached forward and grasped his own. "If there's something wrong, please tell us, okay?"

Shin-Ah glanced down at their clasped hand and was reminded of the first time when she gripped his hand like this. Her small hands were still as warm as the first time he felt them. But what was even warmer, was the gentle, coaxing smile on Yona's lips as she glanced at him. It felt so reassuring...

At that moment, Shin-Ah felt his heart lighten, as if a heavy burden has been lifted from it. He felt grateful in having Yona beside him, and seeing her heartening smile. The encouraging words. And somewhere, deep inside of him, Shin-Ah felt himself relax...and a smile rising to the surface.

"Thank...you, Yona," he spoke softly.

Hehe, I'm sorry if that was written badly. But I still hope you enjoyed my work! If you liked it, please let me know!