"Where am I going?" Yoon asked angrily. Tsukiko stood to the side not knowing what to do.

"Going along with those guys?! Ik-soo!" Yoon shouted.

"You..need to leave here. The Princess needs your aid." Ik-soo replied calmly, Yoon's eyes widened as his grip on the priest loosened.

"Yoon..." Tsukiko called walked over to him carefully.

"Why do I have to go!? You've got to be kidding me!" He shouted offended, Tsukiko reached out and grabbed his hand gently.

"Being in a place like this is no good for a child like you. You need to see the world." Ik-soo explained seriously.

"Ik-soo.." Yoon trailed off looking at him with a disbelieving look on his face. Tsukiko gave his hand a small squeeze which seemed to snap him out of his daze as he turned and ran away, pulling the silver haired Princess with him.

They now sat together by the waterfall, Yoon sat cross legged while Tsukiko was sat behind him leaning against his back.

"That asshole!" Yoon suddenly shouted making Tsukiko jump, she turned to look at him and saw him attempting to rip the book he loved. She quickly placed her hand on top of his to get him to stop. He did indeed stop, but he pulled his legs to his chest as he began to cry.

"Yoon.." Tsukiko called softly as she knelt in front of him and hugged him tightly, letting him cry on her shoulder.

"It's okay Yoon..no one is forcing you to go anywhere. Ik-soo just wants you to be happy." She explained softly.

"Damnit.." Yoon cried more, wrapping his arms around Tsukiko's waist and burying his face in her shoulders.

"You know...Ik-soo saved me from poverty when I was young.." Yoon began to talk, and Tsukiko happily listened to what he had to say.

"7 years ago I lived in Touka village, which was part of the Fire Tribe's land. The village was very poor and only the elderly, women and children lived there for the capable men had been taken to be in the Fire Tribe's army. There were days that I couldn't eat, I'd steal from people passing through the village. One day Ik-soo came through and I threw a rock at him, he collapsed so I searched him. But he didn't have anything, he even apologised, he began crying because he had nothing to give. His wound bled and he seemed dizzy so I invited him to stay at mine, I treated his wound and in the morning he gave me a potato that he traded for his shoes to show his gratitude. We talked about our dreams and things like that, and he taught me how to make straw sandals. I gave them to him just before he left, I began making sandals for people and everyday I waited for Ik-soo to come back, and one day he did. But he was injured and didn't have any belongings on his person. He then told me he was leaving, he was going to live far away from people, in seclusion. That's when I decided to go with him, I didn't care about seeing the capital or the world, or how many books I would be able to read. I wanted to be wit Ik-soo for he was the first to show me kindness. He found this book for me not long after we started living here, I was so happy. I want to read more books and see more things, but if I leave I'm afraid Ik-soo won't be able to look after himself." Yoon explained having pulled away from Tsukiko and was now looking into her eyes. She was staring at him with wide watery eyes, she didn't know what to say.

She had always lived in luxury when she was younger and she felt bad about what Yoon had to go through, but she was also glad that Ik-soo found and saved him from that life.

"The outside world...huh..." He muttered, just then Ik-soo came towards the two who were now sitting side by side.

"Ik-soo.. I..Even though I said that Princess had no real knowledge of the world. That practical knowledge of reality. I don't know anything about it either. And that makes me uncomfortable." Yoon admitted to Ik-soo while looking up at the sky.

"Yoon.." Ik-soo and Tsukiko muttered at the same time.

"Hey Ik-soo you don't know but, your words are absolute for me. That's why in the end, if you tell me to go, I'll go.I'm sure that is God's will for someone like me. And besides, you seem perfectly fine with me leaving." Yoon explained to him standing up and turning to face the priest.

"Words...there can be power in them. Sometimes they become words of power. So if you say iy is fie, that may become the truth, and it will become fine. But...no...that won't work...Lonely, lonely, I'll-" He cut himself off as he began to cry, which in turn made Yoon's eyes widen as he himself began to cry.

"How annoying. It's not like we're saying goodbye for good." He replied as he wiped at his eyes. Tsukiko was sat near them smiling at the two and Yona was looking at them from behind a tree.

The peace didn't last long as Tsukiko seemed to explode in excitement, she began jumping around the two cheering and throwing her arms around wildly.

"Yay! Yoon is coming! Yay!" She repeated causing the three onlookers to laugh, Yoon blushed as he watched the small girl jump around happy about him joining them on their journey. Once she had calmed down the group made their way back to the hut and began to pack for their journey. Hak was surprised that the young man was joining them, but he shrugged it off and got himself dressed fully as he'd been wondering around in just his trousers.

"Let's go! Let's go!" Tsukiko shouted excitedly jumping around again. The others laughed and said their goodbyes to Ik-soo as they began their journey to find the 4 dragon warriors.

"I don't understand how you can be jumping around so much with those wounds." Yoon deadpanned as he watched the young girl skip a little ways ahead of the small group.

"She's always been one to be cheerful. Despite situations. So she's probably ignoring any pain." Hak replied smiling at the cheerful girl.

"She's like a light that you can't put out. No matter how many times she's shut out, or she's hurt. She gets up and she continues being her happy self." Yona smiled at her sister, who turned and ran back towards the three, she proceeded to hide behind Yoon as she lightly gripped his shirt sleeve.

Up ahead they could see a man approaching with his cart, which explained Tsukiko's turn in personality, she was extremely shy after all. Hak quickly threw the Yona into the sack he was carrying and slung her over his shoulder. Tsukiko was allowed to stay out of a sack for two reasons, she had a fear of tight spaces and people probably wouldn't notice her anyway. But she pulled the hood of her cloak over her head just in case.

"It's been a while, Kid. I've been waiting for your medicine." The man greeted as he stopped beside them.

"Do you have any rice, old man?" Yoon asked handing him a small parcel.

"It's rare to see you with someone else. Who is this tall man? Also the small girl hiding behind you." The man inquired staring at the two. Tsukiko gasped at the fact someone saw her, even when she was hidden. She peaked her head from behind Yoon to stare at the man, who just smiled at her kindly, Tsukiko's eyes sparkled and she grinned at the man.

"Oh..." Yoon hesitated.

"I'm his business partner. We're going up near the border to do some business." Hak explained smoothly.

"And I'm his sister!" Tsukiko exclaimed throwing her hand up in the air like she wanted to be picked. The man laughed at her change in demeanor and nodded his head as he walked off.

"Bye bye Mister!" Tsukiko called waving to him. They also carried on their way and when they were out of sight Hak let Yona out of the sack. But now said Princess was sulking ahead of the group.

"Princess. Priiiiness. What are you mad about?" Hak teased her.

"Is it because I packed you in a bag and carried you over my shoulders? Is it because I said you were clothes in the bag and treated you roughly? Or is it because I felt up the good stuff in the bag?" Hak asked casually as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Everything." Yona answered clenching her fist angrily, she then chased him up a tree.

"Why are you acting like this?!" Yona shouted shaking her fists as him. He didn't answer and pretended that he was looking out for something.

"The bag that was supposed to have clothes in it started squirming around and I was really nervous that the old man had found us out." Yoon sweated nervously, Tsukiko nodded her head in agreement but was still smiling widely.

"Are you two alright?" He asked turning towards the pair who were now calm and both on the ground.

"Red haired Princess! Ex-General Beast Yajuu! Silver haired Princess! Genius pretty boy! We look suspicious so you tow need to settle down." Yoon named them off as he pointed at each person.

"It's thunder beast Raijuu." Hak corrected him. But he got ignored as Yoon continued to talk.

"Also, this place is near the Fire Tribe and the Capital City. Do you understand how bad it'll be if they find you?!" Yoon added.

"Yes." Hak and Yona answered bluntly. Tsukiko wasn't listening though, she was looking around and admiring the outside world. Her father never let them out, well he didn't hear her when she asked, but either way she hadn't been outside of the castle before, so she was amazed.

"But whether it's the high priest or the four dragons, they all reside in rather complicated locations." Hak told them, Tsukiko decided to contribute to the conversation as she relayed the situation they were in.

"Ik-soo said that the dragons live their own lives and tracking them would be difficult. But he told us where one should be living with his clan. He lives on top of the fog covered mountains, but he was certain they live there. They don't belong to any tribes and they don't ever receive outsiders. It's by the border so we'll have to be careful since we must cross near the Fire Tribe and Capital City." She explained seriously.

The group stared at her for a while before they snapped out of it and nodded their heads in understanding.

"So it's close to both the Capital City and the Country of Kaitei." Hak smirked excited for any fights that may happen.

"I've finally entered the outside, so I'm really looking forward to seeing this phantom village. I'm going to write a record about my travels throughout this country." Yoon had an aura of excitement around him as he talked.

"Huh? Why are your eyes red?" Hak asked turning towards him, snapping the boy out of his daze as he chased Hak.

"Shut up!" He shouted angrily trying to land a hit on the taller male.

"Will...will the soldiers attack us again?" Yona asked catching everyone's attention.

"It's okay. I'll manage to deal with it." Hak spoke calmly.

"Oh, I'm weak so can you protect me, too?" Yoon asked raising his hand slightly.

"I'll help!" Tsukiko shouted cheerfully raising her hand above her head.

"You know how to use a weapon?" Yoon and Yona asked the smaller girl, she nodded in reply and stuck her chest out confidently.

"Yes! I'm a fast learner so I can probably use any weapon." She bragged happily.

"Though the last time I used my bow and arrow and the Katana I picked up from the Wind Tribe." She explained smiling.

"She did well for a first timer. Took down most of the archers before they found her. Also hit them all dead in the heart." Hak explained to them proudly ruffling her hair. She beamed at him as the Princess and self proclaimed pretty boy genius stared at her in awe.

"I need to learn swordsmanship." Yona said seriously, Hak's eyes widened as she stared him down.

"Hak, you told me you would teach me, right? You can teach me even when we're on the road. I want to be capable of repelling anybody who comes and attacks." Yona pleaded with him, Tsukiko and Yoon had backed away from the pair just in case they began arguing again.

"Princess, can you kill a person?" Hak asked dead serious. Her eyes widened as she thought about how she could answer.

"Even if you repel them, you can't give enemies the chance to flee. You need to hurt them to the point where they're beyond recovery and kill them. Can you do that? At that time, even though you had a sword you didn't use it at all." Hak tried to convince her to not fight, he didn't want her to be at the front line where she could get hurt.

"Even if I can't match up against them or kill them, I want to at least create an opening for you and I to get away." Yona explained, in the background Yoon and Tsukiko were staring at her mouths agape as she seemed to have forgotten about them.

"Don't worry Yoon, I'll protect us." Tsukiko told him confidently. He smiled at her and nodded as they laughed and joked.

"Swordsmanship for self defense, surely you'll need that." Hak mumbled to himself, he didn't want his Princess to fight, but he also didn't want to leave her defenseless.

"So you're teaching me?" Yona asked him, he brought his palm to his head and hesitated in answering.

"That's right. Well then, take this." He finally answered handing her the bow and arrows he had taken from the Wind Tribe before he left.

"A bow?" Yona tilted her head confused.

"I'll do all the fighting and you will hide yourself and shoot the enemies." Hak told her strictly.

"Okay. Say, give me a sword, too." She pleaded holding the bow tightly in her hands.

"Right now I'm only teaching you the bow and arrow." Hak left no room for argument, Yona pouted in defeat.

"Princess. His Majesty Il never let you touch weapons. Right now, I am going against his Majesty's command. Please think carefully about why his Majesty hated weapons." Hak spoke seriously. Yona and Tsukiko both looked to the ground as they thought of their deceased Father.

"Although, why don't you have her practice the bow while we're climbing the mountain?" Yoon inquired as they began walking on the path again.

"If we weren't in the middle of traveling I would have her shoot about 200 arrows a day. Anyway, I wonder if you can kill birds and rabbits with the bow.." Hak answered him whilst also wondering about his abilities.

"I agree. That would kill two birds with one stone. If you can catch one, then dinner won't be a problem. If you don't mind, Princess." Yoon agreed, Tsukiko was trailing behind the group quietly feeling left out, she pouted and crossed her arms.

"I can use weapons, I could shoot things for dinner you know." She mumbled through her pout.

~Time skip~

The group had stopped so that Yona could practice using the bow, though she was failing very badly. She couldn't hit a single bird.

"Hak, I can't hit one. What can I do?" Yona asked embarrassed that she had to ask for help.

"Hm?" Hak took the bow and arrow and shot a bird down without explanation.

"Like this." He said bluntly giving the bow back to her.

"How did you do that?" Yona inquired.

"I aimed." Hak replied simply.

"I don't get it." She told him.

"What?" He asked her.

Tsukiko was watching the two wishing she too could try shooting a bird, she'd only used the bow and arrows to shoot people that were crouched still. She was listening and watching intently so she could improve her archery skills.

"A true bow and arrow expert can shoot their target when their eyes are closed. It's so the won't be distracted by what their eyes see." Tsukiko, having heard what Hak said decided to give it a shot. She stood still with her bow held tightly in her hands and her arrow already in the right place. She closed her eyes and breathed slowly and quietly, she focused on what she could hear as well as the feel of the wind. Drawing back her arrow she aimed at where she sensed a bird should be, steadying her aim and pulling back with enough strength she let go.

Lowering her bow she then opened her eyes when she heard a light plop and looked to the floor next to her. There lay a dead bird, an arrow sticking through the middle of it's head. She turned around to look at Hak and Yona, just to find that they weren't paying attention, they were still talking between themselves. But when she turned to Yoon she found him standing completely still, eyes wide in shock and mouth agape.

She held up a peace sign and grinned widely, she was glad that someone had seen her do it, happy that someone cared enough to pay attention to her. Yoon snapped out of his daze and clapped quickly and walked over to her.

"Wow Tsu, you're good at that." He praised her, making sure to give her a smile and a pat on the head. She laughed and scratched the back of her neck sheepishly.

"Thanks Yoon." She replied shyly.

The group had been travelling for a while and only stopped when it got dark. Everyone in camp was asleep, Hak was lent against a tree, Yoon was curled up at the base of a tree and Tsukiko was next to him. Yoon soon woke up to the sound of arrows thunking against the trunk of a tree.

"What's that sound?" He asked himself as he slowly sat up and looked around, his eyes widened when he saw Yona practicing with the bow.

~Morning~

Yona, Yoon and Tsukiko were sat around the fire as breakfast was being made. Yoon had made bird meat stew from the birds that had been caught.

"You're becoming quite a master, huh?" Yoon spoke up to Yona.

"Really?" She responded excitedly.

"At archery posture, I mean." He corrected himself.

"Can you use the bow, Yoon." Yona asked him.

"When it comes to hunting, I use traps. If I'm going to use it halfheartedly then it's better to not have a weapon." Yoon answered, Tsukiko nodded her head in reply while munching on the small portion of food she had asked for. Yona was confused though as she stared waiting for him to continue.

"I'm talking about not being able to kill someone. He said it can be for self defense but for those with no strength like us, can we be in a situation where we don't show any sympathy on the battle field? For us to survive we need to relentlessly aim at vitals for one-hit kills, use underhanded methods and this it's a battle of brains. The skills of creating an opening and easily taking care of someone are things that thunder beast can do." Yoon explained sternly, Yona hadn't replied, just go up and walked off.

Yoon looked to Tsukiko who just shrugged got up too, having already packed away all the things they had brought with them. Yoon followed suit and they walked on the path until the found Hak and Yona.

"Yoon, Tsukiko, go on ahead." Hak called to them.

"Hurry it up, okay? We'll be arriving at the place Ik-soo told us about soon." Yoon told them as he and the silver haired Princess walked away from the pair, they continued down the path until a fog rolled in and they had to stop. They made sure they were close together as to not lose the one another.

"Leave!" Someone shouted making the pair jump. Tsukiko grew serious and stepped in front of Yoon.

"Who are you?!" She shouted, but got no answer, only silence. Until the sound of footsteps could be heard and the pair were pulled apart. They reached for each other calling the others name but it was a wasted effort as they were knocked unconscious.

Not long after Hak and Yona came into the same area, they spotted Yoon and Tsukiko's belongings on the floor and grew worried for their two younger companions.

"They've disappeared!"

A/N man this chapter is long, did not mean for it to be so long. Much apologise. Hope you enjoyed it though.

Disclaimer: I do not own Akatsuki no Yona, Kusunagi Mizuho does.