Together as One Not Alone

Hakyona drabble

Since they would be near the area, Yun asked the group if it would be okay to check on Ik-Soo. Of course, it would be, Yona had responded to the question. It had been quite some time since Yun had seen the soothsayer and besides, a short break in a relatively hidden place would be wonderful after all they had been through recently.

As expected, the place was in a total disarray, but even more surprising, Ik-Soo was in good health and spirits too. He almost seemed stronger than they had remembered. But when questioned, he just smiled, saying the Gods have been kind to him and that the future was bright for their Kingdom.

Hak scoffs, how could he be so sure when their enemies still held the throne.

"After a meal," Ik-Soo smiles, "I will tell you more." Then he bursts into tears and hugs Yun. "I missed you and your cooking!" Ik-Soo sobs unabashedly as the surprised young man grumbles and everyone chuckles. Stronger yes, but still the same 'ole Ik-Soo.

A small feast was made with everyone pitching in. Jae-ha, Shin-ah, and Hak secured game and fish. While Yona, Kija, and Zeno find a few edible plants for Yun to cook with. Topped off with some high-quality baijiu Jae-ha had managed to secure, it was turning into a very relaxing evening.

With everyone sitting around the hearth full and satiated, Hak brings up the last topic. "So, tell us more," he sips his drink, "what did the Gods say to make you so happy?"

"It was of a destined tale full off heartache and strife…"

"Sounds miserable…" Hak mumbles and is quickly elbowed by Yona to keep quiet.

"… but also, of strength and a perfect love that would guide this Kingdom for another century or more." Ik-Soo grins. "I knew of much of the events of your lives, but the Gods have finally revealed the entire scheme to me. I cannot tell you everything, but now that you've realized your feelings for one another, I can tell you a little more of your tale."

The rest of the group snickers, but Hak and Yona just sit there bright faced and in shock. How the hell did Ik-Soo know?! It's a dumb question considering he knows all, but still the young couple were taken aback by it.

Zeno pipes in absolutely giddy. "Please, please tell us more!"

Again, Ik-Soo smiles and calmly continues. "Everyone's paths are set into motion, a destiny if you will, that even when diverged from for short periods of time, will inevitably resume its course once more."

He turns to Hak, staring the young man dead in his eyes, "though tragic it was to lose your birth family, it led you into the Wind tribe and Mundok's care. This in turn led you to Yona," he smiles at the Princess now, "as a protector, a partner, and eventually as the one who would sit beside her to bring peace to the people of this Kingdom."

At this point everyone was just completely enamored with what Ik-Soo was telling them. Granted, it wasn't surprising, except to maybe Hak and Yona who still denied much of their relationship's reality.

Hak scoffs, destiny? Really? The idea of his life being led by something intangible was hard to fathom for his logic-based mind. It's as if he's being told he was born to…

"Yes," Ik-Soo cuts through Hak's internal monologue. "Son Hak, your path has always been towards the two loves of your life, this Kingdom and the Princess."

Jae-ha snickers and punches the thunder beast's shoulder. "Time you two get with the program! You love her, she loves you, we're gonna take back this Kingdom, and everything's gonna be great!"

"It will be wonderful again…" Zeno rocks his body with his arms weaved around his knees, reminiscing of a long-ago time. "I've lived long for this moment."

All throughout the story, Yona had sat quietly. She no longer doubted any of it, but was she really ready for what Ik-Soo was telling her?

"Princess Yona, do you remember when we first met, and you felt you needed to figure out who and what you were before you could really do anything for your people? Since then, you have grown so much, have learned so much." Ik-Soo smiles, "the strength you have now, shows you are ready. And remember you are not alone. They," he gestures to the others, "are your support. Together as one, not alone, is how you will save this Kingdom…"

Later that evening, after everyone goes to sleep, Hak sneaks away into the surrounding forest to the river. It had been a lot of information to take in, in one night and he needed to think. He didn't want to believe that this was all some grand plan, but he couldn't deny how everything really did lead to this moment. Even the pain had a purpose.

He sits down near the water's edge, stretching out his legs and closing his eyes to the moon's rippling glow. Hak sighs, it had never been his intentions to become a King, only to be Yona's protector. To love her, even if it had been one-sided, for the rest of his life. Was that really something he was ready for?

A crackle in the brush alerts him. Hak turns to see Yona walking out of the tree line. "Couldn't sleep either?" She queries with a small smile. He shakes his head and goes back to staring forward, reclined, propping his body up with his arms behind him.

Yona sits down next to Hak and closes her eyes briefly to let the soft white glow bathe her. "Hak, do you… do you think I'm really ready like Ik-Soo said?"

"I've always thought you were. But he's right, you've come so far since leaving the castle…" Hak tilts his head, side-eying her with a glint, "You're no longer that spoiled brat."

"Oof!" Yona punches his arm. "Yeah, w-well you loved that spoiled brat too!"

Hak leans over and grabs her hand for the second blow, "you're right, I did." He narrows his eyes, "But I've come to love this stronger Princess even more."

"Yona…" she breathes out as her cheeks flush, "call me by my name, I-I wanna hear you say my name."

He moves into a full upright sitting position. "I thought you didn't want me to forget…"

Her eyes crinkle at the edges as a sweet smile graces her face, "that was then. I know in my heart you'll never forget my father and who I am. But now, I just want you to see me…" Yona looks down, "as a potential wife. I might not make a good one," remembering his jokes about her, "but I'd do my best..."

Oh wow, was that still bothering her? Hak runs a hand down his face and laughs, "Yona, you're the only girl I would ever marry." He lifts her chin and chuckles, "whether you could do laundry or not. You're stuck with me."

"Does this mean I'm your betrothed now?" Yona asks meekly, her face flushing a deeper red. "If we really do get back home… I want you to be the King."

That word causes Hak to pause again, 'King,' how is he really King material? Would he do a good job? His brows furrow in contemplation. He still wasn't sure of that burden.

But Yona, sensing Hak's trepidation, grabs his hand. "Stop doubting yourself! Destiny aside, Hak I know you'll be great! You're a natural leader, look at how the men on the battlefield love you! Even my father…" moisture clouds her vision, "trusted you with his most precious thing. That alone should tell you how important you always were to this Kingdom."

Hak is taken aback by Yona's outburst. She really believes in him! He grabs her hand back, "Fine! If I have to stop doubting myself, then so do you! You've become every bit the Queen I knew you could be!"

As they stare each other down, willing each other to just believe, it's Yona that cracks first. She laughs and leans her forehead against their joined hands. "Hak did you ever think this is where we would end up one day?"

"No," he mumbles.

Yona looks up, cupping his cheek with a soft smile. "Me neither, but I'm glad we did."