Chapter 28: Brother's Reunited


The days of Hak's return came to a close. When he and Zeno arrived at Hiryuu Castle the new Wind General was brought before the King to swear is loyalty. Once he'd done so he was brought before a contingent of soldiers that were placed under his care and told them that they would train until the day they could defeat him. Next he found himself buried in scrolls on disputes in the Wind tribe. Farmers needing seeds to grow to small neighbor disputes, nothing he couldn't handle; but he found that he had less time in the day to spend watching over Princess Yona. He was thankful for the other three. They kept her mind off of certain things, like her attack. Then one morning Zeno appeared in Hak's office wearing a bright smile on his face.

"What are you so happy about Zeno?" He asked the golden haired youth.

Zeno laughed happily. "Zeno knows a secret!" He stated happily. "Does Raiju want to know it?" He asked calling Hak the name he really was starting to think of as an annoyance.

But curiousity just wouldn't leave him alone. "Oh?" He asked as he lifted his face away from a scroll. "What is it?"

"The Miss is celebrating her fifteenth birthday this week." He said.

"Not a secret Zeno." Hak snorted.

"No, but the final dragon is." Zeno's eyes sparkled causing Hak to look at him.

"The final..." Hak's eyes widened at the meaning of this. "The white dragon?" He asked causing Zeno to nod excitedly.

"Hakuryuu will arrive the day of her birthday!" He yelled happily as he jumped slightly into the air. "Zeno is so excited!"

Hak could've ignored Zeno, if he wanted to; but he was so bored after reading so many scrolls that had things in them that weren't really important. Perhaps I could get Zeno to work for me by reading this stuff and separating the important from the unimportant. He looked at the yellow dragon warrior and smirked as the young man seemed to be glowing today. Frowning he continued to stare at Zeno for a few moments. I've known Zeno for almost nine years. He was seventeen when he arrived here, but he hasn't aged since that day. If this the power of the Ouryuu? He silently wondered. "You don't age, do you Zeno?"

Zeno froze in mid-spin when he heard Hak's question. He'd known sooner or later, preferably later, that the wind tribesman would take notice. Sighing he rubbed the back of his head. "No." He said sadly expecting a lot of questions.

Hak suddenly smiled. "Oh?" He said in a teasing voice. "Forever young are you?" He started snickering which caused Zeno to raise an eyebrow. Of all the responses he'd ever received when people found out about this secret, laughing had never been one of them. "Oi, how old are you really then? 'Cause there's no way you're just twenty odd years old."

Zeno thought for a moment. He'd stopped counting once he'd reached a hundred. It hadn't seemed important any longer, especially since celebrating a birthday just seemed stupid when it was only him and no one else around to celebrate with. "Zeno's forgotten." He stated truthfully.

Hak watched a frown appear where there's once been joy showing on the young man's face. "When was the last time you celebrated it?"

"Zeno's first one hundredth." was his reply.

First. Hak thought as his eyes widened at what this implied.

"Zeno was seventeen when he met Hiryuu." He stated. "So, how old would that make me?"

Hak scratched his head as he absorbed this information. "Two thousand?" He questioned the golden haired man. "Jeesh, Zeno. You're an old man!" This caused Zeno to laugh. "Oh, I've got a new nickname for you. Old man Zeno." He laughed as Zeno's cheeks flushed.

Only Mister could make a joke out of this. Zeno thought happily and smiled softly. It really hasn't felt like it's only been that long. It's feels like it's been longer.


Hakuryuu's feet hurt. His body ached and he was certain he'd just felt a bug move in his hair. His shoulders shook, not from the cold of the night but because he'd hated the thought that a tiny messily bug could make him fret like it did. Insects were disgusting! Why'd the gods make them any way? They weren't useful. Closing his eyes he tried to calm himself as he search for his brothers. It didn't take long before he saw their lights surrounding the red light. My master. He thought whimsically. I wonder what he's like? I am certain he is kind. Is he older than us like Hiryuu was with the first generation? His eyes opened only to find himself alone once more. Starring at the firepit, he watched the flames lick at the wood causing it to snap and crackle. He'd been so proud of himself when he'd started the fire up on his first night in the woods. The second night he'd found a river and camped there. Fishing was easy with his dragon hand. Cooking said fish was a bit harder. He hadn't known how long to cook it so it got burnt, but it had been editable still. Carrying his stuff all day long made his back ache and all he wanted at night was the softness of his large futon bed and it's soft covers. Shaking his head he frowned at his thoughts. No, I mustn't think that way! He clenched his fists. I must get to my master. I must be of use to him. I will protect him with my brothers! His heart pounded a bit harder in his chest with excitement at possibly meeting his brothers for the first time in two thousand years. The time of myth is about to become the reality of now. Hakuryuu smiled at that thought as he leaned against his knees. A light smile staying on his lips even as he began to fall asleep.

When his eyes opened once again he found himself no longer alone. A man with wild looking silvery hair was sitting across from him. He wore a heavy looking cloak over his shoulders that hid his right arm. His left hand was storing the fire. "About time you awoke boy." The man stated as he lifted his own eyes away from the fire and towards Hakuryuu.

"Who-" he began but was interrupted by the man.

"I'm not here to harm you." He stated as he stood and moved closer before sitting down once again. "I'm here to tell you some things." He pointed at Hakuryuu's arm. "I know you're the white dragon. I also know you're going to find your master." This caused the boy to stiffen. "There are some things you must know first. Your master isn't strong, yet. He is still training himself to be strong. Do not interrupt his training. He will need the skills he gains now for the future. In the not so distant future he will be betrayed. It'll be your jobs as his dragons to ensure he survives. Raiju will help in protecting him, but even he has his limits. Ryokuryuu and Ouryuu may or may not be there when the betrayal occurs, so stay close to him on the day of his sixteenth year." Hakuryuu nodded. "Don't let him out of your sight. I mean it!"

"Yes!" Hakuryuu cried out as the man's fingure came close to his nose causing him to almost go cross-eyed.

The man chuckled. "You are younger than you should be for when this begins. By the time of the betrayal you'll be a bit older and hopefully wiser." He smiled as he turned his eyes back to the fire. "When you first see him you'll instantly love him. It's a natural thing. However, don't be fooled into believing that this love is anything but adoration. Confuse the two and you'll be hurt when he has to leave again."

He speaks as if he's known this kind of hurt. Hakuryuu's eyes suddenly widened as he saw a glint of a claw that wasn't fully hidden by the cloak. Is he- his thoughts were interrupted by the man's voice.

"Sleep." He stated. "You're going to need it." Causing the young man to close his eyes.

When Hakuryuu opened his eyes again it was early morning and he was laying on his side. The embers of the fire had long since died. He shivered from the cool morning air. Cleaning up his campsite, he didn't even bother with breakfast this morning. A new urgency came over him. He wasn't certain if he had dreamed that meeting or if it had actually occurred. As he walked the path towards the city below that surrounded a hill with the red castle upon it he looked down at his dragon claw and remembered the claw he'd seen on the man. Did my ancestor visit me in a dream? He wondered. As he got closer to the city gates he could see banners hanging from the city walls. A festival? He wondered when suddenly he spotted a young man standing by the gates with bright golden hair. Instantly he felt a familiarity coming from the young man. Stepping up to him, he stopped in front of the boy who slowly turned his head away from the fields and looked at Hakuryuu.

Their eyes met causing Hakuryuu's to widen as he realized who this person was. "Ouryuu." He whispered.

Zeno smiled softly at his silvery haired brother as he saw his eyes filling with tears. "Hakuryuu." He spoke. "Always an emotional one, aren't you?" He chuckled lightly. "Zeno's been waiting for you." He smiled.

"Zeno." Hakuryuu smiled back as he held out his hand. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Zeno's smile broadened. "The Miss is going to be very happy to meet you." He said as he shook his hand before he began pulling him along a path that was quicker than going through the city. "She's with Ryokuryuu and Seiryuu right now. They're training her to be stronger."

"S-She?" He stuttered in shock.

"Yes!" Zeno exclaimed. "Miss is a very cute young girl." His smile began larger, if possible. "She makes you feel very good when you're around her."

Hakuryuu felt his heart accelerate at this information. I'm not ready to meet a girl! He though anxiously. I am dirty and smelly! He began to fret as he was drug through the large red gates of the palace and through the courtyard. Hakuryuu looked around himself and saw there wasnt anybody around. "Where are the guards?" He inquired.

"It's the changing of the guards right now." Zeno explained as they walked through the walkway corridors until they came to the training arena. Once there he pushed a door to the side and walked inside. Hakuryuu spotted dozens of weapons on racks with polished shields on the opposite walls. He walked with Zeno until they came to an open area, once they walked into this area Hakuryuu could hear the sounds of somebody fighting. Looking around he spotted a red haired person running and dodging attacks sent by both Ryokuryuu and Seiryuu. He didn't even sense anybody walking up behind him until he hear them speak.

"Yo, Zeno." The deep voice said causing Hakuryuu to look behind him at a younger looking male.

"Mister!" Zeno exclaimed at seeing his friend.

Hak's eyes looked the silvery haired male over. "I take it he's Hakuryuu." He stated as pointed at the young man.

"Yes I am Hakuryuu." He said back. "I was the one born with the great dragon in my right arm." He held his arm up and flexed his hand causing the muscles to twitch and move.

Hak watched with facination as the sharp talons moved and glistened in the morning sunlight. The scales moved with the corresponding muscles. He smiled in a teasing manner. "Are you as strong as you look, white snake?"

Hakuryuu froze. "W-White snake?" He questioned before a blinding rage hit him. "I'M NOT A SNAKE!" He yelled in a furious voice that causing the three fighting to stop to look at their new companion. "I AM A DRAGON WARRIOR!" He snarled.

"Oh?" Hak inquired his voice still teasing.

Hakuryuu could feel a headache beginning when he heard a soft voice. "You're Hakuryuu?" The feminine voice asked.

Upon turning around he was about to answer when he saw the red hair surrounding a beautiful face with violet eyes. Suddenly he cried out as his hand expanding to it's true size as the power of the Hakuryuu flowed through his hand causing his blood to flow backwards. In his mind he heard word but he couldn't understand them as pain overrode his senses. As his eyes closed and he fell backwards he smiled at his thought. This person, is my master that I was waiting for.

Jae-ha rushed forward at the same time that Hak did. The two caught the young man and laid him on the ground as Princess Yona ran forward with Shin-ah beside her and began to check the man over. Zeno smiled as he felt the connection that held the four warriors together suddenly snap in place and felt a sudden warmth in his chest as his powers suddenly gained and extra boost. It wasn't the full power of the dragons, yet, but it was a beginning.

Jae-ha touched his chest as he felt a sudden warmth spread across him. His leg gave a throb as he felt a sudden power come over him as he too felt something snap into place.

Shin-ah pulled his mask off to rub his eyes as he felt a sudden pull on them. He felt Ao suddenly rub her fuzzy cheek against his face and smiled inwardly as he suddenly felt a warmth that made him feel loved and safe. "Yona." He whispered her name as he stood behind her.

Yona looked down at Hakuryuu's hand that had smoke coming off of it. "Hak," she said her friends name softly. "Hand me that bucket." She said pointing at the wooden bucket. He did as she asked. She took a rag that was inside, out and began to rub it on his heated arms and hand, upon hearing him groan she looked up at his face.

Hakuryuu slowly opened his eyes and a looked at the crimson haired angel next to him. His cheeks flushed as he realized who she was. "Are you okay?" He heard her ask.

"Oh," Zeno said with shock as he looked at Hakuryuu's hand and arm and spotted the burns on it. "look at his hand." This caused a collective gasp from the other two warriors.

Ah. Father and my ancestors that continued to protect our clan and bloodline. I am grateful. He thought with joy in his heart. "Yes." He stated as he sat up, his eyes still wide. "I've been waiting for you. My master. " He said as he bowed his face onto the ground in front of Yona.

"Master?" Yona questioned and then giggled causing the silvery haired man to look up at her. "I'm no master." She waved her hand in dismissal. She touched his cheek. "But I wouldn't mind you being my friend like the others."

Jae-ha couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as Yona touched Hakuryuu's cheek. Tch. Why am I jealous of this kid? He questioned himself before eying Yona. She's too young for me. He saw they were talking once more and focused his attention on their words instead of his thoughts.

"What's your name?" Yona asked causing a light smile to be placed on the young man's lips.

"Kija." He stated with absolutely happiness seeming to ooze out of him.

"Kija." Yona repeated. "Will you stay?" She questioned him.

Kija felt his eyes widen before he bowed his head. "Yes." He said softly. "I will stay."


Later that night after the festivities of the day and the excitement of another dragon appearing Jae-ha sat on the balcony overlooking the palace grounds that was on the third story of the building he was staying in. The building was officially the home of the four dragons as both his and Zeno's rooms were already here, Seiryuu had moved in and now the final dragon, Kija, had arrived. He bot his bottom lip as he thought of the white dragon and how he had dotted on Yona all day long, which had caused the young girl to giggle and laugh. King Il had thought it was cute how his daughter seemed to have drawn in the four legendary warriors to her; while Jae-ha thought it was annoying. His possessive side was starting to show and he had almost attacked poor Kija a few times. He wanted Yona's attention on him. He wanted to show her the beautiful things outside the palace walls. He wanted to take her to the beautiful places and the beauty in nature. His hands itched to take ahold of her and show her things that were beautiful, including herself. That woman was driving him insane! He wanted to snarl when suddenly he froze at his last thought. When did he start thinking of her as a woman? He shook his head to rid himself of his thoughts when he heard the creaking of the wood behind him as somebody approached him from behind. His night yukata fell open as he peered behind him. His usually pulled back hair hung loose as he watched the golden haired young man approach him.

"Zeno." He said Ouryuu's name. "What do you want?" He asked as he looked up at the full moon that hung high in the sky.

Zeno said nothing as he joined Jae-ha on the tatami matted flooring. Leaning back on his hands he broke the silence. "Ryokuryuu loves the Miss, doesn't he?"

Jae-ha chuckled. "Of course I do." He stated as he kept looking up at the night sky. "She's a sweet young woman who has drawn me into her, just like she has with you and the others."

Zeno shook his head. "No. Not that kind of love." This caused Jae-ha to look at Zeno. "You love her." Zeno stated as he emphasized the word love. "You're heart belongs to her. You want her to belong to you. You wish she'd look at you and only you. That kind of love."

Jae-ha sighed. "Possibly. Yes." He admitted.

"Hm." Zeno hummed. "I'm glad that you love her." He touched Jae-ha's shoulder. "Let her discover it herself. It'll be more natural if she does. When she comes to you, don't push her away." His eyes softened. "You'll only get hurt if you do."

Jae-ha looked at Zeno in the eyes and gave a nod. "It's hard to hide things from you." He sighed. "Tomorrow we'll be leaving."

"Hm." Zeno hummed again. "Zeno can't wait to travel with brother Ryokuryuu." He smiled as a memory of Shuten and him traveling to a far off village popped up in his mind.

"I'll probably be carrying you most of the time." He admitted not exactly happy about that. "We can get there quicker if I use my leg."

"Woo-hoo!" Zeno whooped with a smile. "Zeno's always wanted to do that!" He smiled happily which gained an eye roll from his companion.


In his room sitting alone looking up at the night sky from his bed, Su-won watched the moon rise higher and higher into the sky. Next to him, sitting on the top of a large cage sat Gulfan. The falcon's eyes watched it's master with intent, though it didn't move from it's spot on the highest point of the cage. Su-won's mind was lost in the days events. He had, had fun with his dear cousin. Yona had turned another year. He, like many others his age, had noticed small changes in her over the years. Gone were the child pudgy cheeks and replacing them were thinner more feminine ones. Her eyes were gentler, but held unknown wisdom in them. Her body was more defined and that was what really worried him. He wasn't sure why it worried him, it just did. Then today when he'd held her hand he'd noticed callouses on those dainty hands. That bothered him. What in the world could she be doing that caused such things to form on her tiny fingers and hands. Looking at his own hardened hands he rubbed the callouses on them. His had formed when he'd begun training with a sword by Lord Mun-deok. Could she- he began to think but shook his head. No. Uncle wouldn't allow her to learn the sword. His eyes hardened slightly as he continued to look upon his hands. But then again, she does have those creatures with her. He dared not call them men because to think of them that way would give them the appearance of being human when they were anything but. He returned his eyes to the sky just as he heard Gulfan give a slight cry before flying off his perch on the cage to the rafters in his master's room. Sighing, Su-won took the hint from his feathered companion and blew out the light from his lantern, laying down he felt sleep come for him in the form of nightmares that plagued him since his father's death.


M-Angel: Woohoo! This chapter was one of my longer ones. I could've continued, but I wanted to end it there. Next chapter is a time jump!