Chapter 4: Red is Passion
The first thing Kija noticed of his crimson hired master was how she seemed to be so attached to the one named Hak and though that annoyed him at first, he now saw why. Hak was kind, when he wasn't calling him a white snake. That nickname just grated his nerves and made his blood boil. Every time that man called him that it was like his very being was boiling with anger and bis emotions were already so close to the surface that, that one thing easily set him off. Bride's Hak's kindness, he was a very good guardian to his mistress. However it soon became evident to Kija that Hak was very much in love with Princess Yona and at first that concerned him; until he saw that Princess Yona was completely oblivious to it and soon after that Kija really didn't mind it, he just wanted her to be happy.
Then came the heart-stopping moment when they lost his master within the labyrinth of tunnels that was the Seiryuu's village. They searched for her and it wasn't until he saw those dark red curls that he could feel at ease, if only for a moment, for in the next he saw him; Seiryuu. Finding one of his brothers was like finding a missing piece to his very being. He wanted to chase after him, but knew he needed to protect his master and he refused to lose sight of her ever again! When the villagers turned on then, Kija was prepared to die defending his master, then the earth shook and the ceiling of the cave fell; trapping them. Fear caused the villagers to lash out, and it was Seiryuu who calmly, if not too calmly, began to dig a way out; though he did frighten Kija, making him believe he was coming at him with that big hatchet.
It turned out they weren't the only ones digging, as Hak literally dug a way to them; though a boulder did hit Kija on the head. His master was so joyful at getting out that Kija forgave Hak on hitting him with the boulder. They were free and one last time his master tried to gain the Seiryuu's trust and get him to come with them. It seemed she had said the right things this time as they now gained him as an ally and friend.
After gaining the last two dragons as part of their merry little band Kija found that Yona smiled more, laughed more and even become more passionate about the well being of the people in different tribes. First they became The Dark Dragon and The Happy Hungry Bunch, a name chosen for the bandits they were to become. Bandits? Really? Sure they stole the tax money and gave it back to the villages that it was taken from in hopes they'd be able to use it to get food for their people. Then they gained the seeds needed that would ensure survival of these villages in the Fire Tribe. Next came their journey through the northern part of Earth Tribe, this is where they fought Kai soldiers who were fleeing a battle with Su-won and the Earth Tribe General, Lee Geun-tae. They defended a village, but because they were so far away from Hiryuu Castle their powers weren't strong enough to protect their master. Poor Yona, his beautiful master, had to discover Ouryuu's power, they all did and it left Kija gasping at the sight of his brother being torn apart only for his body to sew itself back together.
After that incident Kija swore to become stronger so Ouryuu wouldn't have to do that again.
Years passed, and as they did, the bond of the dragons with their master became stronger. Yona became the center of their world and that was just fine by them, especially to Kija. She went from an exiled Princess to the Queen of a glorious Kingdom. Su-son's deeds were found out and he was exiled, though Yona never excommunicated him. She spoke to him in his solitude, but she never left her dragons behind.
Yona began out as nothing and became everything to them and those she considered her true friends. Her passion, became their passion. Her joy, their joy. Her sadness would make them want to kill the one who caused it. Kija grew because of her. He found a way to unite the three dragon clans, with the help of his brothers; of course. He never wondered too far from his masters side. Always there, even if she was too busy ruling over a kingdom to notice him.
Then one day, years after he had first begun to follow her, Kija noticed how tired and weak she'd begun to be. He saw Zeno staying closer to her, the golden haired dragon's eyes were sad and Kija suddenly knew. Her time was ending soon.
It was the night before that she'd asked him to do something for her. "Don't let Zeno be alone." she had said. "Promise me you'll keep them together." she said softly. "Don't leave each other. Keep...keep the family together."
"I promise." he spoke with conviction, his voice deeper than it had years ago.
When morning came, she was gone. His master, his sweet red haired, passion filled, loving friend and master; was gone. Her spirit had left this world, but he knew she'd return. She'd been Hiryuu's incarnation and one day his and her spirit would return once more. The question was, when? It wasn't something that would ever be answered in Kija's time, he already knew that.
M-Angel: Originally I was going to start this chapter with child Kija, but I decided to do it this way. I haven't decided if I'm gonna do Mundok next or perhaps I'll do Tae-Jun. Not sure yet. ^_^ Hope everybody has a great evening!
