Me: Okay, so we're back with Chapter Nine. I promise you all that there will be more Shin-ah interaction later so please bear with me until then *bows*. In other news today our wonderful "hentai" is here with us.

Jae-ha: I'm not a hentai!

Myra: Someone's in denial, but you may just need a filter.

Me: *nods in agreement* I concur. Anyway Jae-ha could you please say the disclaimer?

Jae-ha: *flirty* I just can't refuse a kawaii girl like you.

Me: Just shut up and say it.

Jae-ha: So cold. Very well, Brightcloud0915 doesn't own YotD but she owns Myra and could possibly own some others in the future. Now how about we go and… *gets kicked and punched by me and Myra*

Me: You should quit while you're ahead.

Jae-ha: *grimacing* Duly… noted.

Myra: Well, with that out of the way please enjoy Chapter Nine!

Chapter Nine

"This is the first time I thought of myself as an idiot. When I was little, I finally broke out of the Green Dragon's village. It wasn't like me to, but many times I lied low," the green dragon said, "suppressing my presence so the other Dragons wouldn't find me. Finally, I found my safe haven. I was confident that I could keep running. But the punch line was my butt stuck in a vase, unable to move! I don't care about anything anymore!" as he said this he smacked the vase with his hand. It was almost as if he were a spoiled child who hadn't gotten his way.

"Are you quite finished?" I asked bored. He gave me a look that said 'not quite', and I sighed. Kija was staring at him with an expression of awe.

"Kija-kun you shouldn't stare its impolite. Besides this guy…" I was cut off by the Ryokuryuu speaking up again.

"So, what was it? Hello, little White Dragon," he started, "I never wanted to see you, but like me, you don't have the Dragon's blood for nothing. I never thought the Hakuryuu would be such a beautiful young man."

Kija smiled his head falling to the side. I sighed, but was not expecting my companion to lift the vase holding the Ryokuryuu captive, and begin running with it. He took off so fast I wasn't able to follow right away. Instead I stood bewildered for a few moments looking after the retreating Hakuryuu. It was also apparent that the Ryokuryuu himself was surprised by Kija's actions. Finally I shook myself and began following them.

"Wait, Kija-kun!" I called. Who would have thought that Kija could run so fast? I pushed myself, but even so I was only able to catch up after Kija had already been stopped for a few moments. It appeared that he was talking with the Green Dragon about something. As I got closer I heard snippets of their conversation.

"Our master awaits," Kija said the Ryokuryuu looking down at him, "My Four-Dragon brother, let us protect our master together."

I stopped panting next to them. I was bent over so I couldn't see the Green Dragon's expression when he spoke up.

"What do you mean protect? Is he a king or something?" he asked. I fumed, though it went unseen. Why must they always assume someone is a guy? Hak assumed I was one, of course I'd done nothing to correct that. But that was to see how long it would take them to realize I was female, and another; bigger reason. So far no one had seemed to know. And now this guy was assuming that Yona was a male too. It was utterly frustrating, but out of breath as I was I couldn't say anything.

"No, not right now, but she…" Kija started but was cut off as the Ryokuryuu smashed the vase with his leg. Kija flinched away from the flying clay, and I grunted slightly when a piece hit me on the head.

"Unfortunately," he said leaping down and landing gracefully, "I like my lifestyle right now, and I have things I want to do. So I have no intention of going just because a stranger says so," he lifted his right hand as he said this, "Sorry," and then he stuck his tongue out.

"What a kid" I muttered under breath. Neither of them heard me thankfully.

"Wait! Aren't you a Dragon?" Kija asked clearly upset, "Dragons should live and die to protect the master. After thousands of years, finally… Finally, our master has come for us," as he'd been talking he was following the Green Dragon so of course I had to follow him, "We are not just Dragons passing on the blood. The long-cherished dream that the past Dragons could not realize…" here he was cut off as the Ryokuryuu stopped and spoke.

"Good grief, of all the Dragons, the one that came for me is like a marionette," he said looking back at Kija, "Is your own thought a part of that cherished dream of the past Dragons? If you blindly wish to protect your master just because you were told to, then that's not a cherished dream, it's a nightmare," the look on Kija's face was honestly shock, "I feel sorry for you."

"Kija-kun…" I didn't have any clue what to say, and so placed a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. Then I glared at the Green Dragon. I walked up to him and poked his chest.

"Listen here mister…" but with no warning I found myself being lifted up into his arms. I let out a cry of surprise when he leaped into the air, soaring high over the buildings. He looked down at the ground before spotting something.

"Oh, there he is," and I knew he was talking about Hak. We landed lightly behind the Lightning Beast.

"Hey," the Ryokuryuu greeted after setting me down, albeit with one arm slung over my shoulder.

"Ew," I laughed at the reply Hak gave. Then I was being pulled along as the Green Dragon followed Hak.

"Hello, hello. Sorry about before. I just want to talk to the two of you," he said.

"Grandpa's last words were 'don't talk to a stranger'," Hak replied.

"Words of wisdom master," I said alerting Hak to my presence. The man smiled slightly as the three of us continued walking. I could tell that Hak was looking out of the corner of his eye at the Ryokuryuu.

"My name is Jae-ha. I'm also a pirate. There now you know me," Jae-ha said. He almost seemed bored. Finally Hak stopped and turned back around.

"What do you want?" the Lightning Beast asked.

"Our captain wants you and your apprentice. I fell head over heels for your strength. We'd like to have you two join…" Jae-ha said.

"Please filter your words, sir," I said in a bored fashion.

"No," Hak answered. Jae-ha looked desperate, but I really didn't care at the moment. I was debating on whether or not I should reveal who he really was to the dark haired teen, but the Ryokuryuu interrupted me before I could.

"I want you both to meet our captain just once. You can bring your master with you," he said. I figured this would only make Hak less willing to go. And I was right.

"An even bigger no."

"Your master must mean a lot to you. Don't worry…" here Jae-ha was cut off by Yona's arrival.

"Sorry to make you wait, Hak. Oh, who's this? And why is Hikaru here?" she asked. Jae-ha's expression revealed that he felt something when Yona showed up.

"Yo, I was dragged here against my will," I answered. The Ryokuryuu had turned and was facing Yona. His one visible eye widened in surprise. He dropped onto one knee gritting his teeth. It was obvious he was hearing the voice of the Dragons.

"Hey what's wrong?" Hak asked. I was about to tell him, but then Yona spoke up.

"Are you alright?" she asked. Jae-ha looked up eyes wide. Sweat rolled down his face, and it was slightly red as though he had a fever. I wondered if I'd looked that bad. Yona reached out her hand and placed it on the Ryokuryuu's forehead after moving his bangs. He seemed surprised by her actions.

"You have a high fever," Yona commented. I watched as Jae-ha's hand twitched. I had a feeling that he wanted to get away from Yona, but he didn't seem able at the moment.

"Thank you, little lady. I'm fine now," he said, of course he was lying. Then Yona seemed to notice something.

"Ryokuryuu?" she questioned making Jae-ha gasp, "You're the Green Dragon, aren't you?"

"How?" Hak asked confused.

"Somehow, I just think so. Am I wrong?" Yona asked. I was once again about to answer when I was cut off.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a…" however, Jae-ha himself was cut off by the arrival of Kija and Yun.

"Hime! He is the Green Dragon!" Kija called out as he and Yun drew closer. Jae-ha tried to make an escape for it, but was put in a choke hold by Hak. I quickly pulled out my sketch pad from nowhere and drew the scene. It was a pretty good likeness if I was allowed to brag. I would get a good laugh out of this for quite some time.

"You're just a…?" Hak asked waiting for Jae-ha to fill in the blank.

"Green Dragon…," Jae-ha said as his air was cut off. And of course like me Hak wanted nothing more to do with this man.

"So you're the Ryokuryuu. I didn't want anything to do with you anymore," Hak said.

"You and me both," I mumbled. Hak let Jae-ha go and the green haired man stepped away from the dark haired teen rubbing his neck and gasping.

"Oh, you're the one from the wanted poster?" Yona asked and the Ryokuryuu looked at her, "Hak told me about you, and I wanted to meet you. I'm glad you're the Green Dragon."

Jae-ha almost seemed resigned as he looked at the crimson haired girl. He also seemed to be thinking about something he'd neglected. But at the same time I thought he seemed kind of happy, of course I could have been imagining it.

"I'm Yona. What's your name?" Yona asked.

"Hello. My name is Jae-ha. From the bottom of my heart, I didn't want to meet you," he said.

"You knew I was coming?" Yona said surprised.

"I didn't know it'd be such a cute little girl, but I knew the White and Blue Dragons had been nearby recently… them and someone else," Jae-ha said.

"That'd be me… I think," I spoke up gaining the Ryokuryuu's attention, "Konnichiwa Ryokuryuu I am the Black Dragon," I said with a smile. He seemed taken aback, but pushed on none the less.

"I've been thinking of a line to say if they brought their master to me. 'I don't plan on serving you. Please go away'," his words seemed to surprise everyone. Even Kija who had heard him say as much earlier. I had honestly expected this answer, but for him to bluntly say it… well, I'd give him full points for confidence.

"I'm not their master. They're helping me with something right now. I've also come to ask for your help," Yona said. Jae-ha smiled brightly, but it was more fake than not.

"I'm delighted that a cute girl wants my help, but sorry. Unlike the Hakuryuu, I don't intend to live and die for the Crimson Dragon King," I saw Kija stiffen a little at this, "I'll choose who I want to protect as well as where I want to die. So I won't be helping you, little lady."

"Jae-ha, you don't have to be so intimidating," Jae-ha's eyes widened and he made a surprised noise before looking away, "Okay. I'll give up on you."

"Princess!" Kija spoke up seemingly displeased.

"I am only asking, not ordering him to help," Yona said.

"You're quick to give up," Jae-ha said.

"It wouldn't be dignified to be unreasonable when you've made it very clear," Yona said bringing clenched fists up towards her face, "But I am really disappointed! I find it hard to pull myself away from the Dragons. I wonder why?"

Jae-ha looked at her surprise on his face, though hidden fairly well. Then he looked down slightly, with an unreadable expression on his face. At least I couldn't tell what it could be.

"I'm disappointed, too. It's been a while since I've seen a cutie like you," the Green Dragon said, "And I wanted to bring them into our group," he said singling me and Hak out.

"It's not dignified to be unreasonable," Hak said.

"Wiser words were never spoken," I said in agreement.

"'Them' as is Hak and Hikaru?" Yona asked.

"He's a pirate. He keeps bothering me and the brat to see their captain," Hak said.

"Please remember, Hak it's not nice to call people names," I said in monotone.

"You're so cold," Jae-ha said smiling a bit. Though it was along the lines of a nervous smile. Yona looked from Hak to the Ryokuryuu.

"A pirate?" the crimson haired girl questioned, "I'd like to meet with your captain for a talk."

Jae-ha seemed a little surprised. His gaze at least became sharper as he looked at Yona.

"Why? Are you giving us Hak and Hikaru?" Jae-ha asked. Yona shook her head, and I let out a sigh of relief. I hadn't thought she'd do it, but one can never be too sure sometimes.

"No, I'm not. Your fight is with Awa's lord, Yang Keum-ji, right?" Yona asked.

"What are you getting at?" the Ryokuryuu shot right back.

"I saw a child get killed by the officers," my body went cold. I thought back to that shop we'd passed by. That man and woman had a child. They'd had child and those officers killed them. I felt my hand fist and start shaking. Then without another word I walked away. I decided to go back to our campsite so that I wouldn't do anything foolish. I ignored everything being said as I walked off, leaving the others behind to talk.

~time skip brought to you by Kija's enthusiasm~

I'd made it back to the camp, and found Shin-ah sitting in the same spot looking depressed. His head lifted and he looked over at me probably surprised that I was back.

"Kuro…ryuu," he said and I nodded, "Why… are you… back so… soon?"

"Well, we found the Green Dragon, and I didn't want to do anything stupid," I answered, "Anything of interest happen while I was away?"

In answer I got a shake of the head.

"I see, well that's good then," I said sitting down beside Shin-ah, "I'm sorry that I left you alone. If I had known who the Ryokuryuu was I would have been content staying here instead," my gaze floated over the ocean as sunlight danced off of the waves, "It really is beautiful… the ocean. But right now it's filled with the evilness of the lord of Awa, and his corruption."

Shin-ah looked at me puzzled. I shook myself, and turned my eyes to the sky instead watching the clouds drift by. Seiryuu followed my gaze, and I smiled. After a few moments I laid down still looking at the sky as the sun dyed it many different colors. It was almost hypnotic, but in a peaceful way.

"Seiryuu, I'm going to take a nap. Wake me when the others get back," I said. Shin-ah paused then nodded.

"Arigatou, Shin-ah," I said before allowing my eyes to close.

*Shin-ah POV*

I looked at the Black Dragon lying next to me. The things he said brought up memories from the past. I couldn't help but wonder if I knew this boy.

'Why do the things he says… remind me of someone else?' I asked myself. I watched the rise and fall of this person's chest as they slept. They seemed so peaceful. Suddenly he rolled over onto his side, his face contorted as if in torture.

"Gomena'sai Seiryuu," the Kuroryuu said in a quiet voice, and my heart almost seemed to stop. What could he be apologizing for? I had no clue, but it felt important.

~time skip provided by Ao the Squirrel~

*Hikaru's POV*

Shin-ah woke me up after everyone had returned. Apparently Yona had convinced Jae-ha to let her meet with his captain. While I wasn't happy to be seeing that pervert again I knew Yona was trying to help these people here. With that in mind I knew I'd face everything and anything to stand beside her as we took Keum-ji down once and for all. At least assuming the captain let us help. The sun was setting by the time Yun started getting dinner around. I helped as best I could but I was distracted by the talking going on around us.

"Don't scare me like that, saying you want to go meet a pirate," Yun scolded Yona.

"I'm sorry I didn't discuss it, but I really wanted to meet with the captain," Yona apologized. Yun stopped chopping and looked over at Yona. I knew he was worried for her, everyone was.

"What are you going to do if they assault you?" he asked.

"Yun has a point Hime… pirates, at least normally, aren't very trustworthy," I said. Of course I didn't really think Yona would back down. Not after seeing a child get killed. Besides I could see the fire in her eyes earlier, and that kind of fire wasn't easily put out.

"This was my decision, so you can stay behind," Yona said as I'd expected.

"Don't take me for a coward!" Yun said, "I'll go, too," he was giving the princess a stern look. I knew all of us would go, not only to take Keum-ji down, but to protect Yona.

"I shall come with you as well," Kija said hands fisted with determination. And Shin-ah nodded in agreement. I was beginning to like this group of mine. Yona looked to me, and I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Hey, even if I didn't have to go I'd still come. I want to help out anyway I can," I said. Kija suddenly paused, and I had a feeling he was thinking about what Jae-ha had said to him. He shook himself confirming my suspicions. I just couldn't see Kija as a puppet, but I could see him as a loyal friend and proud warrior. I did see what Jae-ha was saying since he like his freedom, but that was still no excuse for him to say such things about Kija.

The stars were out by the time we had dinner. Yun had to call Hak and Yona from where they were sitting talking about one thing or another. Watching those two always had me wondering just what exactly their relationship was. Even with the apparent insight I had I couldn't tell at least right now I couldn't. Once dinner was finished and the dishes, what few we had were taken care of we retired for bed. Before Kija fell asleep I stopped him.

"Kija… about what Jae-ha said," I began and Kija looked as though he was about to be punched, "I don't think he's right about you. I just don't see it. What I do see is a loyal friend, and proud warrior. So don't change okay?"

I was pulled into a near bone crushing hug by the Hakuryuu. My eyes widened in surprise before I hugged him back.

"Arigatou, Kuroryuu," he said, and I smiled. Then the two of us headed to our beds.

~time skip brought to you by Yun's amazing cooking~

The next day the sun was shining brightly. Sea birds called to each other overhead. We'd risen early and met Jae-ha in town. From there he took us to his captain's ship for the meeting.

"I'm Yona. Are you the captain?" the crimson haired girl asked the elderly woman standing before us. She certainly seemed the type to be the captain.

"Captain Gi-gang. Jae-ha tells me that ya wanna help us out?" the woman said confirming that she was indeed the captain.

"Yes," was Yona's reply. Some of the crew members appeared to maybe be whispering among each other. However, my attention was on the captain as she walked over to Shin-ah. I had a slightly bad feeling in the pit of my stomach as she did.

"What's with the mask?" the captain asked Shin-ah. The crew seemed to be curious as well. The captain reached up and suddenly removed Seiryuu's mask.

"Take it off!" she said. Shin-ah had quickly placed his hands over his face, and Ao sitting on his head put her little paws over his fingers. Seiryuu was suddenly crouched down with his back to the captain. She was trying desperately to get him to reveal his face. Of course Shin-ah was uncomfortable with this, and tried even harder not to reveal anything.

"Lemme see your face!" the captain demanded. She'd dropped the mask on the ground, and I picked it up quickly. Thankfully for Shin-ah Yun came to his rescue.

"Ah! He's an extremely shy person!" Yun called out. Gi-gang left Shin-ah alone, and I handed him his mask back. Once it was back in place he gave me a grateful nod, but I wasn't out of the woods yet myself.

"Are you shy too?" she asked. I turned to her and shook my head.

"Nope, I just don't like the attention my eyes get. Plus some people find them… disturbing," I said after searching around for a word I could use. I could tell she didn't exactly believe Yun about Shin-ah, though it was mostly true, but I had said the exact truth.

"The one thing I value most is trust," she said, "No one's gonna ask anyone untrustworthy for help."

"But you need the manpower, right, captain?" Hak asked stressing the word captain. This got the woman to smirk. Shin-ah, Hak, Kija, and I were forced to the middle of the ship, and surrounded by the crew. Shin-ah's sword rested on his shoulder while Hak's weapon was lightly held, the blade pointing to the ship's deck. Kija's right hand had probably tripled in size, looking far more dragon-like than normal. I myself would be fighting bare-handed. I didn't want to dull my dagger any more then I had to. Besides I might accidentally cut one of the men, and everyone would be needed to take Keum-ji down.

"If ya can knock 'em all out, ya pass," the captain said.

"Captain, we have them vastly outnumbered," one of the crew said.

"You're right, this is too unfair, right?" Hak asked looking at Kija, Shin-ah, and me in turn.

"Yes," Kija supplied, while Shin-ah nodded.

"Quite so Hak-sama," I said earning a quirked eyebrow from the Lightning Beast.

"I can take them all out myself!" Hak and Kija chorused while Shin-ah's expression betrayed nothing. Of course I knew he was probably thinking the same thing, and so was I. A smirk made its way on to my face as I cracked my knuckles.

"Let's see you try!" one of the men yelled before making a move.

"Oh this'll be fun," I said leaping towards my first opponent. The fighting didn't last long. Truthfully Hak, Kija, and Shi-ah probably took more of them out than I did. But to be fair I was striking at nerve points that would knock the men out, and some of them were much taller than me. As I was fighting I dimly heard Jae-ha make a comment.

"Oh my, oh my," I looked over at him, smirked, and then continued my onslaught. Finally the last crew member lay on the deck groaning. It was clear that the captain was surprised that we could take down her crew so fast.

"How was that, Captain Gi-gang? You want us now, huh?" Hak asked. I smirked at his tone of voice, and the fact that he wasn't winded in the slightest. Neither were Kija, Shi-ah and myself.

"It's no good, Captain. Their strengths are outside the norm," Jae-ha commented gaining the captain's attention, "It's like having four of me."

The captain scoffed and closed her eyes, "You pass."

"I'm so glad," Yona said.

"Yeah," Yun agreed, but I had a feeling things weren't quite so good for her and Yun yet.

"It's too early to be relieved, pip-squeaks," the captain said walking over to them, "What can you do?"

"I'm against violence so I won't fight, but I can do everything else," Yun said, "Cook, sew, hunt, treat injuries, make a bomb if I had materials, and I'm beautiful," I snickered a little at his last comment. Yun himself wore a smirk. He must think very highly of his appearance, not that it wasn't justified but whatever.

"I see," the captain commented, "And you?" she directed the question to Yona.

"Um…" was Yona's confused reply.

"What can ya do?" Gi-gang asked again.

"I… I can do…" it was clear the crimson haired girl had no idea what help she'd be. True she was practicing with archery, but she had a long way to go before she perfected it. She looked down almost defeated.

"Nothing, then," the captain commented, "People who can't do anythin' are just a nuisance here."

"But…" Yona began, but Gi-gang cut her off.

"There's a bunch of people in this town who hate Keum-ji, but standin' against him without power is suicide. This is no task for a little girl! Go home," Gi-gang said. Kija suddenly jumped in.

"If she is not with us, then we will not…" but Yona didn't allow him to finish.

"Kija, it's okay. Captain Gi-gang has a point. But…" she paused for a moment, I suspected thinking about the child. And when she looked back up her eyes held the fiery determination I'd seen before.

"I have my reason for not backing out!" Yona finished. I saw Jae-ha flinch a little. Surprise was evident in the way he held himself. I could tell Gi-gang saw Yona's determination as well. However, I figured that she'd want to see how far Yona was willing to go. How much would that determination serve her?

"Fine," the captain spoke up, "I'll have you do a task to see if ya can be of help, and if ya deserve to be trusted. A task with your life on the line," she finished with a hard look in her eyes. But Yona's gaze didn't falter. And though Gi-gang had told Yona her life would be on the line, I doubted that this woman would let anything bad happen to Yona. And that was what mattered.

Me: *sighs* Phew that was longer than expected. I hope you all liked it because it took forever to get this chapter done.

Myra: *pats back comfortingly* At least you can be proud of yourself. Chapter Nine is done, and Ten is on the way.

Me: Arigatou Myra. Ja ne minna.

Myra: Sayonara *waves*.