Her unwavering gaze burned through Hwang's paper defenses, making her insides boil and emotions spill over. A sensation burned through Hwang's heart, one unlike she had ever felt in a vision before. She could hardly breathe, couldn't manage to produce her voice, and didn't dare try to move a muscle. Hwang had never experienced such overwhelming determination from someone who did not take a step towards her or say a single word. All Hwang could gather was that this girl's red hair burned brighter than the sun after a dark dawn.

The vision was over just as fast as it had come, and Hwang desperately sucked in as much air as she could manage. Her young assistant rushed to get her a wet towel immediately. As the little girl rushed out of her tent, Hwang was able to call out to her, "Junghye! Please call General Taewoo here!"
When Junghye returned, she indeed had brought Taewoo. Hwang smiled feebly when she saw him. The two had practically gone through their entire teenage years together, when Son Mundok had helped Hwang during her travels. He always had a soft spot for wandering children, it seemed.

"You silly alien brain, what is it this time?" Taewoo asked kneeling to feel her forehead with the back of his palm. "Have another vision?"

"Your hands, Taewoo."

Without a word of protest, Taewoo held his hands out for her to take. The two had realized early on that Hwang's powers could be amplified or nullified by holding different people's hands. Taewoo was the only exception she had met, who was able to somehow do both at will. "Would you like to have them nullified?"
Hwang nodded and the moment she placed her hands in his, she felt the heat of her powers shrinking and the sweat beading at her forehead no longer dripped so furiously.

A small sigh left her mouth as her eyes fluttered up to look at Taewoo. "Thank you, my miracle worker."
"Cut that out. You know I hate that nickname." he ruffled Hwang's hair. "Besides, isn't that what friends do?"
Hwang nodded as she stood and patted Junghye's head. "Yes I suppose it is." Junghye handed her the cool towel and Hwang was able to wipe away the rest of her sweat.

"So, what was the vision like?" Taewoo asked as he pushed away the curtains of her tent and was greeted by Handae. His blonde hair was as bright as ever, almost as if to match his smile. It contrasted so greatly with Taewoo's black hair.

"Hwang! I want to hear what the vision was about too!"

Hwang sighed, "It was a vision of someone I know though."

Taewoo and Handae both stopped in their tracks. "W-who?"

Hwang turned to look back at them. "I'm pretty sure it was...Yona. I couldn't see her face but that burning hair was unmistakable. Along with the burning gaze." Hwang paused. "I know what I must do, but it will not be a fun journey."

Taewoo grabbed her hand instinctively and thought of raging rivers and powerful thunderstorms. He thought of the ferocious tornado in his heart and wished to make her feel that as well. Taewoo had never needed words with Hwang.

Hwang didn't try to snatch her hand away, only stared at him dead on, letting him feel the creeping despair in her heart. She knew she must go meet with Yona before it was too late. She had to storm Hiryuu castle and possibly see every single person she tried to make sure never knew of her existence.

"Taewoo, you know as well as I that I cannot let you accompany me." she finally said, breaking their silence.

"That, is where you are mistaken. I will escort you there as the wind tribe's general, along with Handae as my advisor. I will not accept no as an answer, Lady Hwang."

Hwang's eyes flashed with shock and anger. "Do not ever call me that again. Unless you'd like to be addressed as a general."

Taewoo grinned a bit, ruffling her strawberry blonde hair. "Deal."

The journey was to be quick for Hwang. It was decided that Junghye was too young to accompany her, and would stay in the care of Elder Mundok for however long the journey took. That already made Hwang nervous, because she was so used to having the small girl at her side. Taewoo and Handae promised to get her back safely and as quickly as possible.

The moment Hwang stepped onto the grounds of the castle, she felt heavy and a distinct ringing could be heard in her ears. When she started to become dizzy, Taewoo took one of her hands and thought of soothing melodies and clear skies. Immediately, the dizziness and ringing ceased, but the heaviness in her body persisted. Taewoo whispered for her to be strong.

It was the sky tribe's General Judo who greeted them at the gates of the castle. "General Taewoo. To what do we owe this visit?"
Taewoo cleared his throat, "I have a wandering priestess who would like to speak with His Majesty at once."

Judo quirked a brow. "And her name?"

Hwang lifted her head and curtsied a bit, the bottom of her hakama trousers brushing against the stone walkway. "I am Hwang. Eun Hwang." At the mention of her name, Judo's eyes flashed something like recognition. He didn't let it show and simply led them to the main grounds of the caste.

When they arrived at the main grounds, immediately the heavy perfume of nobles wafted through the air. Hwang felt like coughing but she held it back when she locked eyes with the medical aid Minsoo, who was speaking with Advisor Kyesook, one of her least favorite people.

Minsoo spotted Taewoo first and walked into the next room without a single greeting. Advisor Kyesook saw Hwang and a hint of amusement appeared in his cold gaze. "Lady Hwang...could that be you?"

Hwang stifled her own building rage and curtsied. "Advisor Kyesook. I am glad to see you looking as well as ever."
Kyesook motioned her to stand straight and briefly glanced at Taewoo and Handae. "I see your family's bonds with the wind tribe are still as strong as ever. How is your mother?"

It took all of Hwang's strength to not spit at his feet that very instant. "I did not come here for small talk, Advisor. I would like to request an audience with His Majesty, with you and General Judo in attendance."

Advisor Kyesook looked down at her and simply asked, "And why is that?"

"I would like to discuss that behind closed doors if possible, Advisor."

Before Advisor Kyesook could get another word out, pounding footsteps could be heard in the next room. Hwang moved herself from behind Advisor Kyesook as soon as the doors Minsoo had gone through were thrown open.

And right in front of her stood the man she never wanted to see again. Son Hak.

Hak apparently didn't read her well, as he ran straight to her and grasped her shoulders. "Hwang! Hwang is it really you?"

"Unhand me, Hak."

Hak wasn't phased by her coldness though and immediately placed his hands at his sides. Seeing Hak made it clear that Hwang's hunch was correct. "Advisor. Please let me see him. It is urgent."

Hak was confused, but he wasn't stupid. Hwang shot him a look to keep his mouth shut. He did as she hoped, and said nothing.

Advisor Kyesook looked to Judo who gave a slight nod. "You get a pass this time, Lady Hwang. Just remember your place next time and try not to come unannounced."

Hwang tipped her chin and did a small dip as well. "You have my word." And so she turned to Taewoo and Handae, giving them a small nod as well before disappearing with the advisor and general.

Soowon was a busy man, but not so busy as to deny someone's urgent call.

Especially when the urgent call was from a friend of his past. Though she would never call him that. But he was sure she at least saw him as a friend.

When the sound of the doors opened rang through the throne room, Soowon stood and immediately met eyes with Hwang. Soowon had always found her beautiful-her skin was the color of chestnuts and her hair was a beautiful strawberry blonde. Most of her hair was cut quite short, but the front two strands were long and went past her shoulders. She was a little taller than average for a girl her age and had pretty hazel eyes. Soowon had never seen Hwang wear a dress-she always opted for wide trouser pants.

She immediately curtsied when she reached him. "Greetings Your Majesty."

Soowon took a step closer and tipped her chin up, wordlessly telling her to drop her formalities. "There's no need for that Hwang."
Hwang shook her head. "This is no reunion, Your Majesty. I've had a ferocious vision and this time...I can't take no for an answer from a king again."

Soowon quirked a brow. "What is it you request of me, my lady?"

Hwang felt her heartbeat quicken as she replied, "My king...I must have you grant me access to an audience with Princess Yona."
Soowon's hands dropped heavily to his sides. "You...know I cannot do that Lady Hwang."

"And as I stated, I will not take no as an answer."

Hwang could feel Judo and Kyesook's glares aimed at the back of her head as Soowon slowly uttered, "You would challenge the king of Kouka?"

Hwang dipped into the lowest curtsey she could manage. "I would never challenge you, my king. It is that urgent."

"What have you seen to make you rush to my castle and say such things?" he asked, his words harsh. This time, he did not motion for her to stand straight. She stayed low as she said, "I fear that Yona's emotions will burn through this castle. My vision showed her destroying everything around her with a mere gaze."

Soowon sighed, "Your visions have only become more and more vague. How am I to believe you?"

Hwang finally stood. "I will never force you to believe, my king. That is something you must come to on your own, if ever."

Soowon huffed a little and held his hands out. "Then prove it to me."
Hwang shook her head. "We've been over this, my-Your Majesty. You are the most powerful nullifier I have ever beheld. Most likely because of your disbelief. The moment I touch you, my body will feel like I've just been running for miles. Even walking onto these castle grounds is hard for me and tends to make me feel heavy."
Soowon didn't like the way she talked about his effect on her powers. It made him feel like a burden to her. "So there is no way you can prove your powers to me?"

Hwang shrugged. "Unless you witness me having a vision, then I cannot."

Soowon clucked his tongue. "Then I will have you stay at the castle for a week."

Hwang almost dropped her jaw in shock. "Y-Your Majesty, that isn't necessary."
Soowon looked down at her. "Oh but it is. If this vision of yours was so urgent for you to come running to Hiryuu Castle, then surely staying but a mere week is a small price to make sure the omens don't come to fruition."

Hwang hated this side of Soowon. He was the side that was calculating and manipulative, seemingly emotionless in the face of achieving his own personal gains.

So finally, Hwang pushed away her own frustrations and met his icy gaze. "Fine, have it your way Your Majesty. But remember that whatever you've cooked up in that large brain of yours might backfire on you. So don't waste time on regret because you can bet on me saying I told you so."

Hwang turned on her heels after that and quietly walked out the throne room, not ever seeing the stupidly large grin plastered onto Soowon's face. Hwang was not one to show her anger very much, but how he loved the fire in her eyes when she did finally show it.

EEEEK hi! I decided to finally write a story about Akayona, which is my favorite of the series I've started recently. The plot is amazing, the characters are all lovable, and there's a lot of potential for the plot to grow. I also can't resist some of the characters (yes even Soowon, even though it's a love/hate relationship for sure). Anyway, this initial chapter was written in a frenzy because I've been having a lot of inspo lately! I hope yall enjoy the journey with me~

love, dere :3