"Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

-Lao Tzu

"Ao…why do you…protect the village?" Seiryuu asked one day as they walked back, hand in hand, from the field where Ao had spilled the blood of intruders. "Even though…they hate us…?"

"Because I am here, Seiryuu." Ao told him firmly.

"Here…?" Seiryuu asked looking around, confused, and Ao just gave his head a pat.

"Because, Seiryuu, even though they're all a bunch of idiots, they are the only thing we've got. Keeping them alive is proof I existed. Proof that at least my life had a little meaning. One day, it will end. There isn't anything eternal in this world. The Blue Dragon will not exist forever, nor will our suffering or those who came before or after continue on like this. But at least when that time comes, I know I'll have done my best." Ao said before scoffing and shaking his head, "Not that it would mean anything to you. I guess you'll understand when you're older. Or I don't know, never. I'm not making any sense."

"Ao…"

"Don't grow up to be like me, Seiryuu." Ao told him gently, still tugging his hand back to their hut. "As long as you don't become a ruined adult like me, I think I will at least be a little happy that I didn't taint you like my predecessor did to me."

"Ao is…strong. I want to be…strong." Seiryuu told him and Ao just gave him a bitter smile.

"I have never been strong, Seiryuu. No Blue Dragon in our history, not even the first, has ever been strong. We are disgusting, weak, cowardly creatures. Creatures who live in darkness. But that's what makes us fearsome. While the strong polish their fangs, we will rip their throats out to protect that which is important to us. The weak can show no mercy, nor can they question their path. That is why, no matter what they may say to you or do to you when I'm gone, you must continue to protect this village in my stead. No matter what, Seiryuu. Until…"

"Until?" Seiryuu asked, as Ao looked off into the distance, into the dawn that filled the sky with pinks and gold so bright that the sky in that moment was more alive than any creature on earth. Seiryuu knew that Ao couldn't see as far as he used to, but still, Ao was certainly seeing something beyond what Seiryuu's limited vision could. Something beyond the sky, to the heavens where the dreams and the will of Gods were brought forth and made into reality. Maybe it was within that dawn, that Ao's dreams could come true.

"Until a greater calling comes to us, if one exists. Something out there created us to be how we are. There has to be a reason, right? Otherwise, what's the point? When that time comes, you will know." Ao told him as they reached the hut. "Now, let's see what we can make for breakfast."

And so together Seiryuu and Ao walked towards the dawn, and let the sky and its loving menagerie of colors speak volumes to that which would remain unspoken, but felt, between them.

The Earth stopped shaking and Seiryuu got up from where he had been shielding Ao.

"Ao…?" Seiryuu asked and Ao gave a cheerful squeak to assure that all was well with her, and Seiryuu released a sigh of relief and gave her a rub beneath her head before scanning the damage through the rock. The entrance way was sealed off, and now that he was paying attention he could see and hear the echoes of the villagers berating and screaming at the outsiders as their despair bounced off the walls in a cacophonous song of pain and anger as the rocks themselves continued to groan and shift in their agony. Unlike the rest of that day, this was something familiar and normal. At least, Seiryuu thought, the world hadn't gone completely strange since the girl had arrived.

Dealing with the intruders could wait. Seiryuu first needed to get the villagers trapped within this cavern to safety. The front, where the rocks had tumbled and sealed them was a much thicker barrier then the side of the cavern which was worn down considerably. It was always good to have an extra escape route, Seiryuu thought, pleased with himself as he stood up. If he could break through there, there was an opening in the mountain the villagers could get through. Of course, doing it alone would be difficult. He was at least positive he could get some of them to help him.

And so he began his ascent up the dark path, grabbing a hold of the wall to pull his still aching body up. Immediately the villagers scrambled back in fear and Seiryuu knew he needed to drive the villagers back as far away from the outsiders as he could to ensure no blood would be spilled. The last thing needed at that very moment was more fear and hysteria and they certainly could be dealt with later.

"L-Lord Seiryuu…" One of them gasped in fear, as the man standing closet to the outsiders trembled and sweat at the sight of Seiryuu. Seiryuu tried not to frown, nor to let himself be bothered by it too much. Seiryuu understood exactly what he was to these men and the village. It was the outsiders, that girl who had reached out to him who was strange.

"I-I wasn't talking to the outsiders…Stop!" The villager gasped before in total fear and panic his arm reacted and suddenly Seiryuu's cheek felt numb and he heard his mask fly off as the bells rang out in the darkness.

Where there normally would be panic was simply emptiness. Seiryuu realized he must have used up all his panic and fear before, and now felt simply calm and sad as what was occurring outside of him simply ebbed and flowed over him like distant moon-tides. As the villagers panicked, Seiryuu made sure to keep his eyes down and to close them to soothe the villagers of their fears. At this point he was resigned. Surely the villagers had told the girl and her companions of his true nature. They knew, Seiryuu thought to himself. She would know now, that he was a monster undeserving of her company. He would do what he could, he might even let them go (because he doubted he could kill that girl), but the faster the better. The sooner they were gone, the sooner this confusion would end.

Seiryuu fixed the mask upon his face and saw the White Dragon looking back at him seriously.

"What do you want, Blue Dragon?" The White Dragon demanded, his voice commanding an air of authority and maturity. "You have no intention of joining us, correct?"

Seiryuu reached down to grasp the axe laying upon the ground and the White Dragon immediately tensed as the girl and her young boy companion moved out of the way hastily.

This White Dragon was a beautiful person, spun together of frost and starlight and a midwinter sky, but with an arm with claws that were sharp and scales that glittered in the low light like distant stars. He was almost unbearably familiar to Seiryuu, just as the girl was, but the feeling was different. More like how Ao had felt to him long ago, rather than burning him into dust. Seiryuu felt like he knew this starlight man, was connected to him, as if they were—No. He was getting distracted. He had to focus on getting the villagers to safety.

He lifted up the axe surely before swinging it against the rock, hearing it tear at the cave wall and knock away a chunk of stone. Seiryuu continued in the fluid, practiced motions that had been drilled into him with swordsmanship when suddenly the White Dragon spoke up again, breaking his concentration while he continued to swing in less fluid motions as he listened in absentmindedly.

"You…! If you came to help us escape, why didn't you just tell us? I was in despair, thinking we Dragons would have to fight amongst ourselves!" The White Dragon chastised at Seiryuu before blinking in confusion and pointing up ahead to where the exit had been sealed by falling debris, "Wait, why are you digging over here? The exit is that way."

Seiryuu paused his actions. Had he been speaking to Seiryuu? Had this person been actually addressing him? Barely anyone directly spoke to Seiryuu, so he hadn't been prepared to speak and he hadn't quite been listening. He didn't know what to say. He hadn't told them what he was doing and maybe if he did they would help, Seiryuu thought. Thinking this would be the wisest action Seiryuu turned and looked at the White Dragon.

"This…leads out. It's quicker to dig here."

"You should have mentioned that sooner!" The White Dragon admonished him before turning to the girl and their other companion, "Princess, I shall begin digging now, please wait."

"I'll dig too! Let me borrow that!" The girl said before grasping a dagger from one of the villagers who just gaped at the girl's actions. At least, Seiryuu thought, he wasn't the only one who was bewildered by her.

"You must not. It is we, the Dragons, who have a duty to protect you." The White Dragon said confidently.

We? Seiryuu thought, confused.

"Let me…Let me help as well! Let's get out this place quickly!" The girl exclaimed stubbornly and the White Dragon smiled and looked back at her fondly.

"Yes!"

"You guys start digging too, if you want to live." The boy companion addressed the villagers who all shifted before taking up positions at the wall to begin to dig. Seiryuu looked over, to get a better view of the White Dragon, and then watched as the White Dragon's arm grew impossibly large and tore through the cave rock as if it was mud instead of hard stone.

These people were…strange. Seiryuu immediately thought, his mind consumed with this new person he had just met. There was something similar between them Seiryuu thought, but obviously they were different. Different but the same, though that made his head spin because it didn't make sense. And somehow, unlike the villagers who all moved away from this beast that tore through the heart of the mountain itself, Seiryuu felt oddly comforted by this display. It didn't surprise him, though Seiryuu knew it should.

In his mind he had called this man, White Dragon. That had to be the reason for why he felt so familiar. Maybe, a hopeful voice chimed in his head like the calling of his bells, maybe he is like me and Ao. Maybe that person had been cursed by a Dragon as well. Immediately that thought came with another. If that was so, then was the girl also cursed by a Dragon? No…Seiryuu thought. No, he knew neither the girl or was that White Dragon cursed. After all, he saw their free spirits, their laughter, and their brightness. They weren't creatures of darkness like he was. They didn't belong in the coffin of the earth, sealed away for the protection of others. They belonged to the sky and the sun and the light.

He continued to think about these things as his body continued to move and break the rock of the cavern until suddenly he watched as the girl stumbled backwards. His natural instinct was to reach out to her and catch her just to make sure she didn't get hurt.

"Blue Dragon, please bring her to your room to rest! There should be more air there." The White Dragon asked him between gasps, and though the girl protested, Seiryuu lifted her up as he had seen many mothers in the village do so and began to carry her to his room. He was surprised at how light she was, and that despite previously setting him a blaze, at that moment he was carrying the girl with Ao skittering down the path behind him with his legs firmly beneath him. Seiryuu gently (gently, so very gently) placed the girl down against the wall, before pulling off his fur to blanket her in.

"I-I'm not cold! I'm okay!" The girl stated, and Seiryuu didn't believe her because that important person had so often said that he was okay too, even as he pulled his weak body from the ground and his blood spilled warm and stick onto Seiryuu's fingertips. Just the thought her bleeding and hurt curdled his blood, and quickly he looked around before placing Ao upon her shoulder and watched with relief as Ao nuzzled against her fate and chirped with happiness. Good, Seiryuu thought, relieved. Being with Ao always made Seiryuu feel better, and hopefully it would be the same with this girl. He saw her smile, and her laughter lifted his heart in a way that he hadn't felt in so long.

However this changed into panic as tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, spilling over her cheeks like droplets of fresh, warm rain that fell in the summer time in the forest. She pressed her face into her hands as those tiny shoulders shook with her sobs and he couldn't understand.

Why? He wanted to ask but he didn't know what words to say. Why? Why are you so kind to me? I don't understand. I haven't done a single thing for you. I've yelled at you and tried to hurt you, I refused you. Why? Why do you cry for me, for my sake? Why do you continue to reach for me, despite the fact I cannot reach back? Why…why do I feel like I so desperately wanted to meet you?

The girl took a moment to collect herself, wiping away her tears before looking up at him with eyes blazing with determination.

"It's frustrating! I hate seeing you alone!" The girl announced, and Seiryuu resisted the urge to gape at her. "Am I presumptuous to want to help you when I've just met you?"

His heart was about to burst, Seiryuu thought as she pet Ao. She was worrying so much for him, despite what he had done. Surely people like this shouldn't exist. He had been lucky to have known one person in his life so selfless and now this girl had come to this place and had thrown his heart into turmoil.

"Alright. I can still dig." The girl said, standing up and beginning to walk away from him. Seiryuu's hand twitched and reached out to her, but he stopped himself short. "I can do more. You know, Seiryuu, I'd never left my castle for fifteen years. Every day I lived without worry, protecting my tiny little happiness in my tiny little world. When that was taken away from me I understood. What's it's like to be hungry, or have your heart broken. The fact that even then, you continue to breathe. You wish to live. It means something for me to live, for you to live. I won't let you say it's meaningless."

Suddenly she flung her arms out, as if embracing the darkness within the cavern, her expression not wavering as she looked upon him with no fear at all in her gaze.

"That's why I'm going to break you through this darkness! I promise to take you someplace where you can be comfortable being yourself!"

This had to be what happened when the moon met had the sun, Seiryuu thought. Surely there was no creature or person as beautiful and kind as she was. The sun was the only one who could dispel the darkness of the world, who could paint the sky full of color, nurture the world around her, and who could lead the moon back to where he truly belonged. But it couldn't be true, because his story had to end in tragedy. He was the monster, the creature of darkness. This new story she was daring him to spin, this new place that the girl—that Yona wished to take him, had to be a story told to him as a figment of the wind-song and a dream of the sky. After all, if the sun could dream and wish for anything, it shouldn't be for a dragon to be free within the reach of her domain. But somehow Seiryuu looked to her and saw honesty and affection, determination and love in her eyes and smile.

Is there such a place? He dared to think, amazed as he numbly reached out for his fur and stood up, watching as the girl moved forward with such life in each step. Where can I go to find it?

(A warm laugh and smile, a hand that reached to touch his head fondly echoed in his dreams as that voice murmured,

And so the sun herself descended into the cave and into the very darkness she abhorred, and took the moon's hand and led him back into the light. That is why the moon can be seen in the sky during the day, and in the night, because the sun realized that she was the most beautiful when they were together. Sometimes there are things that are worth even that. One has to be resolved.)

No, Seiryuu thought as he clutched the fur and walked forward after her, up those steps he would never descend again, I already know the answer to that don't I?

As Yona talked with her companions shortly, Seiryuu renewed his efforts. There was someone digging from the other side at that point, and soon they would be able to break free of this imprisonment, Seiryuu thought. No matter what, he would get Yona and her companions and the villagers to safety.

It was just then that the wall shook with a great force and a spear plunged through the rock, knocking loose torrents of dust and pebbles. Light flooded into the passage way as the man reached out to grab the girl in his arms. Light itself clung to Yona, brightening her smile and the world around her with just one look.

Really, Seiryuu had known from the moment he had seen her. He had known that there was a world of light by that girl's side.

"Hello…Seiryuu." The boy who had accompanied Yona introduced as Seiryuu had awkwardly stood just inside the passageway and looked out upon Yona and the White Dragon and her other male companion chatting in the sunlight. "My name is Yun. I was wondering if there was any way I could gather some supplies. I don't know if your village has any merchants, but as Yona and Hak and Kija get some air I just wanted to do this."

Supplies? Seiryuu had plenty of things in his room. So Seiryuu nodded and led the boy to his actual dwellings and motioned to the herbs drying on the walls, the animal furs and blankets he had sewed, and any number of weapons he had gathered from the bandits he had defeated in battle.

"Are you saying that I can choose anything from here?" Yun asked and Seiryuu nodded. The boy immediately placed his hands on his hips, "You're a pretty generous guy. I'll be sure to pay you back tenfold."

Seiryuu wasn't sure how this boy was planning on doing that, but he considered for all the trouble they had gone through this was the least he could do. And so Seiryuu stood outside the passageway, making sure no one approached the boy as he went through his things. And as he did so that was when a very flustered looking Elder Chul-Suk raced down the passageway, fire in his eyes, gritting his teeth like a mad man possessed.

"Lord Seiryuu, why have you not disposed of the outsiders?" Elder Chul-Suk demanded and Seiryuu folded his arms over his chest and stood against him.

"Not…dangerous."

"How can you possibly know that?" Elder Chul-Suk roared, "I knew I should have had you locked in the cellars, at least that way this wouldn't have happened! You go get those outsiders now and kill them before they reveal our secret!"

"No." Seiryuu repeated sharply.

"It is your duty! Have you forgotten the rules, the very foundations on which are lives are built? Have you gone mad?"

"No. No one will touch them."

"Do you dare to go against me? Do you dare to defy my orders, Seiryuu? Is it now that your rebellious streak finally rears its ugly face? I knew the influence of that predecessor of yours would show through eventually, but not at a time so critical." Elder Chul-Suk growled. "Even now, beyond the grave he mocks me, through you as his vessel! I am your master-"

"You have never been...my master." Seiryuu told him. "For the sake…of the village…I did what you asked. Now, no more. No one hurts them, or I will take action."

"Are you threatening me?" Elder Chul-Suk said, sucking in air as his face turned pallid.

"Please…heed my wish." Seiryuu said, bowing his head. The other man just huffed and turned on his heel and walked away. Yun exited the room, looking to where the Elder had disappeared before back at Seiryuu with no fear in his eyes.

"They don't deserve someone like you protecting them." Yun told him and Seiryuu shook his head.

"Village...important." Seiryuu tried to explain.

"Yona maybe be strange and right now she might still be learning, but she does care for everyone. I think you should really consider coming with us." Yun told Seiryuu with a soft smile. "After all, I might not really understand this whole destiny thing, but if Yona wants you too and thinks it's for the best, I trust her judgement. You should too."

Seiryuu nodded, before leading Yun back up to the surface where his companions awaited.

The moon was full and white within a clear sky, drifting in the daytime blue with the clouds as the sun bathed the mountains and the valleys below in its warm light. The wind no longer carried foreboding warnings and distant storms, but instead the fragrance of the blush of flowers and the sounds and intertwining voices of birdsong and river-notes. The mountain that had been his coffin and cell, appeared smoothed and golden in the daylight's kiss, as if the world itself had been reborn and opened itself up to the light.

Had the outside world ever been so beautiful? Seiryuu asked himself. No, not since that day so long ago. Not since that empty field and the pearly streaks of early morning that had dawned a day that never came for Seiryuu ever again. With Ao's hand in his, the world had been full of stories and magic, but when it had been torn away from him the nights had no stars and sun never shown through the darkened clouds of his mind. All he had then were those memories and whispers of happiness. But now—now it felt like everything was different. It was too soon to say if he had changed, but all he knew now was that he had been given something incredibly precious.

"Seiryuu!" Her voice broke his internal revelry. He looked up at her, only to see Yona running towards him before stopping and reaching out her hand. The hand he had grasped once before to lead her from danger that she was now offering him back once more. "I'll ask again. Let's go together, I want to take you with us."

"I…" Seiryuu said, but he couldn't get the rest of his words past the lump in his throat. There was so much he wanted to say to her, to tell her, and so much he wanted to ask her. But most importantly he wanted to know how she could be incredibly kind to a creature like him. What made her so special?

"You don't have to close your eyes in front of me. Does your power really kill people indiscriminately?" Yona urged him before looking at Ao, "Even when Ao is so attached to you? Ao knows you aren't destructive."

Her words resonated so deeply within him, that he physically reacted. Seiryuu's heart leaped and soared, his eyes stung with tears he had thought he could no longer cry, suddenly something filled him up, greater than any longing or desire he had ever known.

This feeling, it had to be hope. And all he had to do was to take her hand and follow her into the light once more and maybe….maybe he could be happy. Maybe the day had come once more for him, maybe, maybe even he could live in the light with her.

If I'm allowed, is it all right to continue living as myself? He asked Ao as he felt his hand reach out hesitantly towards her, his heart pounding through his ribs and his eyes still burning with unfallen tears. Seiryuu could see him, his most precious person flashing beneath his eyelids who had the same goodness within him that Yona did. If she says she doesn't mind, then can I take her hand? Would it be alright to trust her?

Her fingers, soft, gentle, and warm grasped his own. At that moment he could feel that darkness that had shackled, choked him, torn everything away from him burn away. He struggled to contain his sob of relief and joy, as the blood within him sang because this was where he had always belonged. He had finally found it, he had finally found her, and that joy let tears slipped from his unguarded eye and slide down his cheek.

"Alright, shall we go?" The man who had so desperately helped them dig free asked, and Yona turned to wave at the villagers.

"Thank you for everything!"

His new companions turned to leave, but for a moment Seiryuu lingered on, looking at the faces of the people he had known his whole life, once protected. It was such a contradictory feeling, Seiryuu mused. Even if they had loathed him, even now, Seiryuu only sincerely hoped for their happiness. He knew now that the time of protecting them was now over, and that perhaps now they could also find a way to be unshackled from their darkness. Seiryuu looked to Elder Chul-Suk, who gazed back at him with an equal intensity.

It is because of you, even if you hate me, that I am alive today. Seiryuu thought as Ao climbed up his shoulder, and it is because of this village, their tears, their stories, and their lives that we are able to part today. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I shall pray for your happiness, no matter how far apart we may be.

Seiryuu bowed before turning and beginning to walk away, only then to feel his mask lighten and watch as his bells fell to the ground.

I'm sorry…for leaving you alone. I'm sorry! His voice rang through him, and Seiryuu could feel him in that moment. Seiryuu could feel that warm embrace as they had sat together in the summer, Seiryuu could hear his breath that had tickled Seiryuu's ears while they had slept in on a dreary morning, Seiryuu knew that rough cheek that had pressed against his own in the crisp mountain air, and most importantly the large hand that grasped Seiryuu's in the evening that had told him in action of the feelings they had once shared. All those little memories of their life together that had supported him throughout his dark days came rushing over him, and somehow Seiryuu knew that even in the darkness, he had never been alone and would never be alone for as long as he lived.

It's okay now. Seiryuu told him gently as he turned and began to walk forward, knowing he would carry those feelings with him forever, would he laugh if I told him I made friends, and we can call out to each other without bells? You, the special person I loved so dearly, whose face I can no longer remember…

And so for the first time in his whole life, he turned to leave his village, and walked towards a new future.