Chapter Twenty-Five: The beauty and the Moonlight overthrew you

Since finding out the news, Tian couldn't remember feeling more scared. She completely avoided going into town at all. Even with her hood up, Tian was still worried she would be found out, and she didn't want to put anyone else in danger. More than that, she didn't want to be recaptured, and sent back to that place ever again. She didn't think she could take being sent there a second time. She didn't think her sanity could take it.

Not that Tian slept very peacefully since finding out the news, but she was thankful to have a good night's sleep about a week after the news was told. The first thing she awoke to was the sound of murmuring just outside the tent she was sleeping in. As her eyes opened, she noted something else. She was completely alone in the tent.

Tian immediately sat up, some sort of dazed panic overcoming her for a moment as she rubbed her eyes. Her heart raced as she looked around, as if expecting to see them magically appear at any moment. Then, as she calmed down just the slightest, the murmuring voices became clearer, making her feel much safer than just moments before as they became much more familiar.

"You think she'll be ok." For a breif, stupid moment, Tian thought it was Yun that spoke just outside the tent. It took her a moment to realize that the voice was not only deeper and older, but also strangely soft.

Shin-Ah.

Tian realized after a moment, when the sleep was gone from her mind.

But who is he talking to?

She wondered, straining to hear once more as more talking happened.

"I'm sure. As long as we keep her from town." It took a moment to realize that it was Jae-Ha speaking. It also shocked her to hear that instead of his usual confident tone he used when she was around, he instead was speaking much softer, much gentler." Besides... If anything happens, she can handle herself, and if she can't..."

"Then we will be there." Shin-Ah finished, making Tian feel warm and happy knowing that it wasn't just a show. At least some of the group truly cared about her.

"Yeah. Of course." Jae-Ha replied much softer.

Tian waited to hear more, but when nothing was said, she sighed, shaking her head. She then decided to put up her hair, and straighten herself out a bit before emerging from the tent. Shin-Ah and Jae-Ha turned to look at her as she emerged. She looked first at Shin-Ah and then Jae-Ha.

"What's up? Where is everyone?" She questioned, stretching as she stood up.

"Yona and the others went into town. Since you were still sleeping, we stayed behind. They're seeing if they can get anymore information about the trade that is supposed to happen." Jae-Ha said, his confident tone once again back as he grinned slightly. Tian glanced at Shin-Ah, who was looking at her with a slight tilt of his head as he softly petted Ao's head. Tian smiled slightly, and then looked at Jae-Ha.

"Isn't that what they were doing yesterday?" She questioned, eyebrows drawing together in worry. Jae-Ha nodded slightly. Tian sighed heavily, blowing some bangs out of her face.

"You worry too much." Jae-Ha said, stepping closer to her. Tian looked at him, and then looked away.

"No. I worry just the right amount. What are we going to do? If we try to stop it again, there's a very good chance that we won't make it out the same again." Tian's voice rose slightly, but only as panic overcame her. She looked at the ground, biting her lips. Jae-Ha and Shin-AH both watched silently, trying to gauge what to do.

"Like I said, you worry too much. If anything happens, and you can't handle it, you know we'll be there." Jae-Ha said softly, as if only speaking to Tian. Tian looked at him, and then at Shin-Ah, who nodded slightly. Tian then bit her lips, sighing as she looked away."I'm serious." Jae-Ha said once again, smiling softly as he gripped both of Tian's hands in his, bringing them up so that he could kiss her knuckles. The action obviously brought Tian to attention as a light blush spread across her face. She couldn't bring herself to say anything as Jae-Ha straightened out with a confident grin, and then letting go of her hands.

"Right. Well..." Tian cleared her throat, shaking her head as she looked away.

I can't just stay around, and do nothing. They're out there doing dangerous work, and I'm doing nothing. This was my mission to begin with. I can't just sit around anymore.

Tian thought, her face contorting into a scowl. Shin-AH watched her carefully while Jae-Ha busied himself sharpening and organizing his blades. Shin-Ah, naturally, worried for Tian, but he didn't think he could really tell her anything. His eyes glanced at Jae-Ah for a moment before looking back at Tian, who was still staring off into the distance. He didn't think he could tell her anything, but if he had to, he would protect her. If only for Jae-Ha's sake.

"So, it turns out, the trade is going down out of town. They think that someone will interfere again, and they don't want that to happen again." Hak was speaking lowly, trying to make sure Tian didn't over hear him speaking as he relayed the news to Jae-Ha and Shin-Ah. Yun was keeping Tian occupied, as was the plan, and Yona was also carrying on a conversation with Tian for extra measure. Also part of the plan.

"So... What about Tian?" Jae-Ha questioned, looking at her as she shook her head vehemently at something Yona said, which earned a scolding from Yun, who was sizing her for repairs to the robe Tian currently wore. Jae-Ha then glanced back at Hak.

"They're still looking for her, but they haven't gone to any of her usual places which means they either don't know or..."

"They know she's not staying in town." Jae-Ha finished, not exactly sure how to react as he looked back at Tian, who was rolling her eyes in a annoyed way.

He stared for a few minutes, his eyebrows drawing together as he then glanced at Yun, Yona, and Kija, who was resting against a nearby tree. He then looked at Shin-Ah, and, finally, Hak. He looked at Hak with a hardened expression, his lips drawing tightly together.

"Do we have a plan?" Shin-Ah questioned, getting to the point as per usual. Both Hak and Jae-Ha looked at him. Jae-Ha then looked at Hak with a slight nod.

"We need one if we don't have one." Jae-Ha added on quickly. Hak nodded.

"I know, I know." Hak said in a desperate tone. He ran his fingers through his hair, sighing as he looked away with his eyes closed.

"Tian isn't safe if they're looking for her. They'll comb through the forests. If they find her with us..." Jae-Ha trailed off, not wanting to think about. He scowled, looking away.

My heart... It feels as though it is being grated. I want to hide her away now more than ever. I want her to be perfectly protected. It's frustrating. I can't do that.

"I know, I know." Hak once again said, sighing once again. He dropped his fingers from his head as he seemed to register Jae-Ha's slightly angered mood." If nothing else, we can leave." Hak said simply, bringing Jae-Ha to attention.

"How does that protect her?" Jae-Ha questioned. Hak shrugged slightly.

"Tian will follow if we give her the right motivation." Shin-Ah spoke suddenly, surprising the both of Jae-Ha and Hak as they both looked at him. Shin-Ah only spoke because he felt an argument about to happen, and he didn't want that to happen.

"I doubt it. She is really attached to this place." Hak said, looking around.

"It's the only choice we have if worst case comes to happen. I'm willing to take that bet that she will come with the right incentive." Jae-Ha said confidently, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We can only hope. Right now, we should go over and tell Tian. She can figure out where she wants to go from here." Hak said, glancing at Tian. Jae-Ha looked at her, almost dreading what was about to be said as all three made their way over to her.

"I don't know. I kind of like it flowy." She spoke, putting her lips into a slight o-shape for a second before relaxing them as she looked at her robe. Yun looked at her with a slight scowl that obviously said: Don't argue with me. We're doing this. Expression as he pressed a sewing pin into the robe. He then looked at Jae-Ha, Hak, and Shin-AH, who were all three looking at them.

"What's up?" He questioned, looking at the robe, and making an adjustment.

"We were about to tell Tian the news." Jae-Ha said. Tian looked at him, tilting her head slightly.

"What about? Is everything ok?" She questioned, her voice immediately speaking fast, as if worry and panic was already setting in.

"The trade will happen outside of town. Apparently, they have more to pick up somewhere else, and they don't want the chance of someone interfering again." Hak began, and then glanced at Jae-Ha, and then continued on as he looked at Tian." Lucky for you, they haven't checked for you in any of your normal places. Either they don't know where you normally stay, or it means they know that you aren't staying in any of those places. Not surprised since you haven't been staying in town at all." Hak finished, pausing so Tian could digest it all. She had a slight frown to her face as she looked away.

"Or not so lucky. They'll look for me first in town, and when that turns out to be fruitless, they'll search the outskirts of town. Meaning-"

"They'll eventually run into you with us." Jae-Ha finished.

Tian looked at him, sighed, and then looked away. Yun paused in his sizing, looking first at Tian, and then at the others, who seemed to have been brought to attention. A tense silence hung in the air.

"What do you plan to do?" Kija questioned, eyebrows drawing together. Tian glanced at him, and then sighed as she looked away, shaking her head with her lips drawn into a thin line.

"I... I don't know." She said softly, and then cleared her throat. She looked at each one of the group, trying to get her thoughts together.

Tian looked first at Yun. He was the youngest out of all them, and even if he acted like the parent of the group, and acting much older than his actual age, Tian didn't think that it would be fair to have his own life put on the line. He was too young. Even if he had been through much, from Tian's judging at least, it didn't mean that he had to be put in danger where his life could be on the line just for her sake.

Tian then glanced at Yona. She was the second youngest, just a year or so older than Yun. On top of that, the red haired girl is the ex-princess of Kouka. That fact alone made Tian more protective towards Yona. Besides that, Yona was the only girl among a group of very strong men. Compared to them, Yona could appear... A bit weak, even though Tian knew better than to think that. She was kind towards nearly everyone, and would risk her life to save the life of a friend. Above all else, Tian didn't want anything to happen to Yona. Tian knew that if it came right down to it, Yona would protect her.

Tian then glanced at Zeno. The blonde haired teen was the one that kept the group light, and fun. He was always smiling widely. Always playing games. He was the one who was always wanting to keep everyone happy. Even if he didn't appear to have the same awesome powers as the other dragons, he often appeared to have the knowledge of an old man. He was always offering advice. Always willing to lend a comforting hand. On the flip side, Tian had seen how far he would go to protect the group. He was kind, generous, and very protective as well.

Tian then looked at Kija. The White Dragon. He was loyal as they came. He had his funny moments as well. He had his protective moments. He treasured his companions, and espically Yona. He proud of who he was, and didn't shy away from what he truly was either. Although Tian and Kija didn't speak very often, Tian could almost feel his eyes on her in a curious manner, as if trying to figure her out. Even if they didn't speak much to each other, and thus didn't know each other very much, Tian didn't want anything to happen to him.

Tian then looked at Hak. They didn't really speak much, but Tian had seen how protective he was of everyone, but espically Yona. He would go to every extent to protect the red-haired girl. He was strong, and could certainly handle himself in any given situation. Tian had seen him fight. He fought like a beast. Even if they didn't speak too often, He never exhibited any negative attitude towards her. More like, he held her at arm's length, not that Tian minded. Still, Tian found herself not wanting to put him in any unnecessary situation.

Tian then looked at Shin-Ah. Shin-Ah was always a curious mystery to Tian. He was silent, and didn't really speak much. Not that it bothered Tian. Not really anyways. What bothered her more was the mask he wore over his face. Not that she really understood why he wore it, but it seemed like a natural part of him, and she had grown used to it. He was strong as well, and very handy with the blade. He was kind, very kind, and gentle as well. Protective and loyal as well who could to every extent for those he cared about. However, there was a strange innocence about him that Tian couldn't exactly pin-point. As much as he intrigued her, Tian seemed to intrigue Shin-AH as he was always by her when someone else couldn't be. For some reason, that was very comforting to Tian. It was for all that, and the strange innocence around him, Tian put him in the same category as Yun. Even if he could handle himself, and she knew he could, she just didn't think it was fair to put him in any sort of danger to where his life was at stake.

Lastly, Tian looked at Jae-Ha. How could she put into words just what she thought about him? He was skillful in many ways. He could fight, and he could play a beautiful instrument in such a amazing way. He was strong. He was kind and loyal. He was smart and cunning in his own way. Even if he was a bit of a flirt, Tian didn't totally mind it like she did at first. Jae-Ha was also loyal and protective. He was another type who would go to any extent to protect those he cared about. Espically if he thought they were in danger. He'd risk his own neck to make sure those he loved got to safety. Above all that, Tian truly cared about him above anyone else in the group. She loved him very much, even if she couldn't bring herself to tell him her feelings just yet. For that reason, Tian didn't want anything bad to happen to him on her behalf. She didn't think she could live with herself if anything happened, and she couldn't see him anymore because he tried to protect her.

"You should figure it out fast." Yun said softly, taking the pins out of the robe. Tian looked at him, and then nodded as she looked off.

"Yeah. Right." She said softly, biting her lips as she looked off.

It was some time during the night. Tian couldn't tell how much time had passed since they had all gone to bed. The boys... Well, Jae-Ha, Hak, Kija, Zeno and Shin-Ah, had agreed to take patrol while Tian, Yona, and Yun slept. Hak took the first patrol. Kija took the second. Shin-AH took the third. Zeno took the fourth, and Jae-Ha took the last one. Yun, Yona, and Tian had gone to sleep hours before, but Tian found herself in a fitful sleep. She was restless. For this reason, and it was getting hot in the tent, Tian had decided to crawl out of the tent, being sure not to disturb anyone, and take a small walk to clear her mind.

As the cool air hit her face, Tian noticed the bright moonlight shinning down in the trees. She looked at it, and then around the camp. Seems Jae-Ha was taking his patrol. Tian drew her lips into a thin line before choosing to walk out of the camp anyways. She just needed some time to clear her head.

Tian headed towards the river, kneeling before it, she splashed the water over her face. The ice cold water felt like needles hitting her skin, but it felt oddly nice. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation for a moment, and then opened her eyes, and looked at the water as it rippled slightly from the droplets of water that fell from her bangs.

She found it intriguing how she looked the same, despite feeling so different. Her face was still the same, softly rounded shape it had always been. Her eyes were still large, and dark green with long, thick, lashes. Her hair was the same, long, straight, black hair it had always skin was still pale. But she felt so different. It felt like the person who was looking at her, was someone else. Someone different. How could she be staring at her own reflection, and still not quiet recognize herself?

"Hey." Tian jumped slightly as she heard Jae-Ha softly call out to her. Tian looked at him, and then looked away as she answered.

"Hey."

"What are you doing?" He questioned, walking until he was right next to her. He then sat down on the ground. Tian glanced at him, and then shrugged.

"I don't know. I felt too stuffy. I needed to get some fresh air." She replied, picking at the grass beside her. Jae-Ha looked at her, and then away.

"You're worried." He stated, frowning slightly.

"More like, scared." Tian admitted, surprising Jae-Ha. Tian leaned back on her hands. looking at the sky."I don't like uncertain situations." She said through another sigh. Jae-Ha continued to look at her.

"I want you to stay out of town." He said simply after a few moments of silence. Tian looked at him with wide eyes." I just don't want you put in danger." He said, gently touching her hand. Tian blushed, and looked away.

"It's funny." She said after a moment with a slight grin, looking back at Jae-Ha. He looked at her with a slight tilt of his head, waiting for her to continue. She looked at him for a moment longer, and then looked forward."I don't want you guys in danger either. You guys have already done much more than you guys thought you were really dealing with. There was no reason for you to stay."

"Well... I can't speak for the others, but for me, I stayed for more personal reasons. Besides... Yona wouldn't leave just because of the danger. It sure as hell never stopped her before. She continued to help because she considered you a friend. Yona would do anything for her friends." Jae-Ha's hand tightened around Tian's hand ever so slightly as he finished speaking. Tian felt her heart speed up, and didn't even try to hide the blush that formed on her face.

"Anyone else would have left." She said after a moment of silence had passed. Jae-Ha nodded slightly, once again looking at her.

"Yeah. Smart people would have left a long time ago." He agreed, chuckling slightly. Tian looked at him, smiling slightly as she looked off."I'm serious though." He said suddenly after a moment, getting serious again. Tian looked at him, her lips setting into a thin line.

"I know." SHe said softly, looking off. Jae-Ha looked at her, his eyebrows drawing together.

The moonlight makes her skin look so beautiful.

He thought, softening his expression for a second as he continued to admire the way the vibrant moonlight made her skin look even more ivory colored than usual. Her hair almost disappeared into the darkness that was around them, and her dark green eyes seemed to have darkened slightly, but Jae-Ha knew that was only an illusion of the night.

She's beautiful in general. Makes me want to protect her even more. Such a fragile looking woman. Even if she's strong. Everyone has their breaking points. I don't want any danger to come to her.

Jae-Ha found himself tightening his muscles to prevent himself from reaching out and caressing her skin. He settled for tightening his hand around her hand. SHe looked at him for just a moment, blushing at the intense expression on the others face, and then disconnected their hands as she stood up.

"I should get going back. I'm getting a bit tired anyways." She smiled at him, and then quickly ran off. Once again, Jae-Ha was left staring at her until he stood up, and walked began to walk back to camp to alert Hak that it was his patrol again.

"Droopy Eyes." Hak said, surprising the green haired man as he stepped through the trees. Jae-Ha played it off with a slight laugh. How muc had Hak seen just then?

"Hak. What a surprise." He said through a laugh. Hak raised an eyebrow.

"You were late. When that happened, I went looking for you." Hak explained, looking at the spot Jae-Ha was sitting in just moments before with Tian.

Hak told most of the truth. He actually hadn't slept much at all. His own worry and concerns keeping him getting to sleep. When he saw Tian walk out of camp, he had tailed along just to make sure she would be alright. What he didn't expect to see was Jae-Ha trail right along behind her. He had stayed behind a tree where neither one would have seen him, and watched, just to see what the two would do. He was surprised, and yet not surprised at all, by what he had just seen. Espically at the end, when he almost expected the two to kiss.

Hak then looked at Jae-Ha, who still seemed a bit nervous. Instead of poke fun at him, like his first instinct told him to do, Hak instead to pretend like he had seen nothing.

"I had just gotten here when Tian ran off. You didn't scare her off did you?" Ok, so Hak still was able to slide in some teasing, even smirking a bit. Jae-Ha seemed relieved, and got back his usual confident grin.

"Oh, Hak, you should know that I happen to get all who I set my eyes on. I have never scared anyone off, and that is because I take time to catch up on my beauty." He grinned at Hak, who simply rolled his eyes.

"Whatever you say, Droopy Eyes."

"Hmm... See you, Hak." Jae-Ha waved at Hak as he walked past him, and headed towards camp. Hak paused for a moment, and then sighed as he leaned against a tree.

I just hope we can all stay safe.

Hak thought, tightening his hands on his weapon for a moment before continuing his walk.