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Chapter 2

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It's morning. The morning after leaving the Seiryū village.

And it's early. So early...

So early that the morning sunlight pierces the back of Kija's retinas through his eyelids. So early that he can hear Yoon only just start to make breakfast.

He shifts in place, testing the soreness of his body, feeling the cold morning air sneak through the edges of his blanket. He's still groggy from sleep; and while he would usually find it easy to wake up, yesterday's sudden fever must still be lingering in him for him to feel like this.

He had overworked himself at the caves. Digging and clawing at solid rock until they had emerged into the daylight again from that sudden cave-in. He had developed a fever from the overexertion and had slept a dreamless sleep due to his fatigue and because of it—

The Black Dragon…

Ah… he's still a little lightheaded…

But—

He can feel the Black Dragon. Feel them startlingly clear against the fog of his mind.

They're close. Closer than the Green Dragon is.

He pushes himself up, trying to distribute his weight equally in his arms. His body doesn't ache so much anymore, thankfully. But he can still feel the heaviness of sleep pull at his eyelids.

The Dragons…

He can feel them. All of them. Like little stars in his chest that his heart turns to follow.

I'm here. The little stars say. I'm here…

"Kija, how are you feeling?" He's trying to accurately feel where the stars are calling him from. Turning his head towards the closest one—understanding that it's the darkest star, vaguely aware of the further green sun. He's slow about it, still half-asleep, still trying to hold to that feeling of stars that connect the Dragons together. "Kija?"

Yona's calling him.

Yona's calling him, he has to answer.

But all he can think is—

"Black…" His voice is still deep with sleep. He's surprised it didn't crack at the first word, "I sense… Kokuryū…"

I cough, making sure the log is secure before straightening. The log perimeter for tonight's bonfire is nearly waist high now—

"Ryūjin."

I jump at Ga-Eul's sudden voice. My heart starts beating just a little bit faster from the surprise of it.

We've been working on building the log perimeter in complete silence, so for him to suddenly speak—

"Are you not feeling well?" His voice is closer now, a familiar smooth cadence as he walks around the timber towards me, "You've been coughing all day."

I shift my gaze to look at him, blinking in mild surprise at his words. I've been coughing all day…?

Oh… Now that I think about it… Yeah… I have...

"Maybe I am," I admit lowly, subtly averting my gaze from his concerned expression. My voice comes out a little hoarse when I speak—and it's when I do that I'm sure that I'm not okay.

Ah...

But I don't feel anything else apart from a sore throat. Maybe my chest ached...? Everything else feels fine though.

But…

It's strange.

This is the first time my throat has ever ached.

It's dry and itchy and it's… a new sensation to me.

Because I've been sick before. With fevers and body aches and running noses and uncontrollable sneezing but—

My throat has never hurt in my life.

I've never had a cough before...

And I don't know if I should be concerned or not.

My predecessor has never said anything about this before. Or of anything that might relate to it…

What… is going on…?

"You can take a rest, then." Ga-Eul says, leaning to the side a little so that he's in my field of vision again. He's shorter than me, but he still reaches up to place the back of his hand against my forehead. His hand is hot from working, but the gesture makes it feel soft, "You don't have a fever…" He mutters to himself, hand falling back to his side. He doesn't straighten, and from this position his expression reminds me of a puppy. "But your voice is definitely hoarse. Should I call the Healer?"

"No, it's okay." I say, voice nearly cracking in the middle. I cough to clear it. I don't think it helps, "I wanna finish the bonfire first. I can go to our Healer afterwards."

It's Naming Day. Naming Day only comes around once a year.

And this Naming Day is especially noteworthy to me.

Ga-Eul frowns a little, and he's wearing an expression I recognize. One that shows he's considering using his, "I'm your Father!" card to make me do as he says, but is scared that he'll overstep his boundaries in doing so.

"We can finish this quickly," I say, because we can. Ga-Eul and I have been building the log perimeter for our bonfires ever since my predecessor passed away. He and I have been doing this for years. Years before he had even married my father. "Come on," I say with an accidental cough, quickly smiling to brush the action away at the look on his face, "The faster we finish, the quicker I can get some medicine."

Yoon doesn't know what he had been expecting.

After seeing the Hakuryū Village where the White Dragon was treated like a god, and the Seiryū Village where the Blue Dragon was treated like a curse…

Yoon had still—somehow— expected a village.

Not a horse drawn wagon with the characters, Black Dragon Theatrical Company, painted on the side.

There's a simple flower painted above it too. Black with five petals, and a red pistil.

But all he can think is—

The Black Dragon… is part of a Theater Company?

Theater Company...

"Well…" Hak says, and his voice is laced with an undercurrent of sarcasm. "I think we're in the right place."

Yoon doesn't have the energy to quip. Instead, he turns his head side to side from their position at the treeline to count how many wagons there are. So far, he can see three. All horse drawn, all with the same characters and flower design on the sides.

They had emerged from the treeline into what the map said was supposed to be a clearing not too far from a popular traveling road. But with the way they had emerged from the timberline—they had followed the curve of the mountain range to avoid the Fire Tribe capital—the three wagons lined up directly in front of them made it hard to see anything past the carriages.

They're a small group then? He thinks, only half paying attention to what the others are saying, Maybe over twenty people if they don't have more wagons?

"A Theatrical Company?" Kija reads, looking baffled. He's blinking rapidly, as if doing so will clear the letters before him, "How could the great Kokuryū—?"

"We prefer, 'Troupe,' actually." A voice says.

Yoon is the only one who jumps. It annoys him that everyone else turns to look at the newcomer calmly.

A young man who had been on the other side of the caravan line walks towards them. He's placing a hand on the horse's neck closest to them as he does so, and the bay colored horse tilts their head to nuzzle the stranger at the touch. The young man can't be much older than Hak, Yoon notices, and when he sees the full frame of this stranger, he can't help but stare.

Because the young man has multiple, crimson tattoos.

He has a red stripe, from his lower lip, that stretches down his chin all the way to the base of his throat. He's wearing a sleeveless robe that shows off the red lines on his arms. Each upper arm is decorated with two red bands, imbalancing the single band on each wrist. All red strips are equal in color and depth. If Yoon didn't know any better, he would have mistaken the tattoos for red ribbons.

"Can I help you?" The stranger asks. His hair is long and trails down his spine like spilled ink. It's pulled back from his face, a face that displays an open and curious expression. He seems kind, and it's this that makes Yoon want to trust him, "Are you travelers?"

"Yes," Yona answers, and she smiles at the taller man. She doesn't seem cautious, and Yona's judgement alone has Yoon relax, "My name is Yona, these are my travelling companions." She gestures at the other men around her. "We're looking for the Kokuryū."

The young man's eyes slightly widen in surprise at the name. It's a subtle action; something that could have easily been overlooked or missed if they weren't paying attention for it.

After the stark contrast of the Blue Village, Yoon and the others are hyper-aware of what may happen next.

Yoon feels his heart start to beat a little faster.

"The Kokuryū…" The young man echoes. He says it like he's never said the word before. Like he's enunciating every syllable to pronounce it right. "Can I ask who's asking for the Kokuryū?"

This is… a very soft reaction compared to the previous ones…

But at least now, even if the young man is being cautious, they know that they're in the right place.

He's acknowledged that the Black Dragon is here.

Even if indirectly.

Kija steps forward, "My name is Kija, I am the Hakuryū." He gestures to the silent Shin-Ah next to him, and he does so with his right hand, the scales and claw in full display.

The young man does not miss it. His eyes follow the motion intently.

"This is Shin-Ah, he is the Seiryū. Tell the Kokuryū that our master is here. The master we have long awaited for is calling for them."

"Hm…" The young man hums, the sound alone is one of deep contemplation. Yoon knows immediately that he is intelligent. And that they shouldn't take him lightly, "I see. Then—"

"Shun!" Another man comes from the horse's other side, this one younger than the first. He's more of a boy, actually, maybe around Yoon's own age. Maybe around Yona's. He's just as tall as his companion, but thinner, more willowy, "Shun, what's—?"

He stops when he sees Yoon and the others, and he's not as composed as the comrade he named, 'Shun.' His eyes widen in surprise when he sees them, and he's quick to look at Shun in alarm.

Yoon is starting to think these tattoos are traditional. Because this boy is covered in tattoos as well. Identical to Shun's in color and length and number. Like red ribbons they tie around themselves for safe-keeping. But while Shun wears long pants under the side-slit of his robe, this young man does not. His pants are cropped around his shins, his top robe stopping mid-thigh.

And around each ankle is another band of red ink.

There's more? Yoon can't help but think. He's starting to sense a pattern here. These markings are definitely purposeful and made with intent.

"What…" The new boy says slowly, looking confused and uneasy. It looks like he doesn't know what to say—what he can say, "Travelers?"

"Da-Lae," Shun says, putting a name to the new face. He shifts a little, so that he doesn't have to break his neck when speaking to the younger man. His voice and demeanor are completely calm, "Go to the Chief. Let him know there are guests here to see him."

"Eh?" The younger man blinks, looking confused. "But it's Naming Day…" He says this last part lower, as if it's a secret between them. As if outsiders shouldn't know of it.

Yoon makes sure to memorize the words.

"Da-Lae." There isn't anything sinister or dangerous about the way Shun says the young man's name, but the sternness of it makes the boy almost flinch.

He glances at the group one more time before rushing off. And when he does, Shun turns to Yoon and the others again.

"Follow me. I'll take you to our Chief."

The camp is rowdy…

I stop in place, coughing lightly as my eyes rake over the campground. Everyone is preparing for the ceremony tonight, but while we would usually work in concentration, this time—I can clearly see that something is exciting them.

They're curious about something…

But why?

"Ryūjin!" I turn, surprised to see Shun heading towards me. He's coming from the direction my father's wagon is parked. From the middle of the caravan line, even though he should be coming from the front of it.

He's supposed to be patrolling the camp... Did he finish early?

"Shu-n?" My voice cracks on the word. It hurts this time.

It feels like the hoarseness in my throat is getting worse...

I'm starting to get worried.

"W-What—?" The words are getting harder and harder to get out. What the fuck?

"The Chief is calling you." The taller man says, slowing down from his brief jog to stop in front of me.

And then—

"There are travelers. They're looking for the Kokuryū."

What.

"Wh-at?" I breathe, suddenly alert. "Travelers?" On Naming Day? Why—? "Do they seem suspicious? What did Tōchan say?"

"They're with him now," He says, but he says it slowly, like he's distracted. Like he's thinking of something more urgent than our current conversation, "They claim a Hakuryū and Seiryū are with them." He pauses, looking at me intently, "Are you okay? You're breathing heavily."

What.

What?

A White Dragon and Blue Dragon…? With my father? On Naming Day, one of the few days we reject hosting travelers.

And they're looking for the Black Dragon.

Travelers who claim that a White Dragon and Blue Dragon are with them.

It…

Could it be…?

"Thanks," I gasp, walking around the taller male and running.

I don't know what's going on.

It would be easy to say that I didn't believe this whole Five Dragons serve their King thing. It would be easy to say that the Dragons had fallen for selfish reasons and mingled amongst mortals— that their divinity was left among humans as a reminder of their power.

But a little part of me…

A little part of me that heard the story over and over again—

The Dragons are gathering.

They're coming together and—

Someone…

Who… is this person that is gathering the dragons?

Who could possibly be gathering the Five Dragon Warriors?

Because King Hiryū had already died—

"Tōchan!" I see him. His back is to me. He's sitting on a tarp and there's a boy with apricot hair on his left. There's a man with black hair who's almost the same size as my father on his other side.

"Ryūjin." I'm close enough to hear him now. He's looking at me over his shoulder, holding a cup of tea in his hands. He's completely calm as I jog towards him, "Perfect timing. Someone is here to see you."

I'm close enough to see over his head now.

I'm close enough to see the rest of the group of travelers Tōchan hasn't turned away—

And I see them.

A Blue Dragon. A White Dragon.

And right across from Tōchan.

She looks at me. My king.

And when our eyes meet I—

My airway closes. I choke, hand flying to my throat.

"Ryūjin?" I try to speak, to tell Tōchan that I can't breathe. That my airway is swollen shut and no air is coming in and that there are black spots in my vision—

Warriors of the Five Dragons—

My knees give out.

I somehow manage to catch myself on my hands, and my lungs are burning. I'm on fire. My blood is—

From now on, you are our other halves—

My blood is flowing backwards! It feels like it's pulling into my heart more and more until it's close to bursting—!

With Hiryū as your Master… protect, cherish, and never betray him for as long as you live!

It's hot, hotter than any other flame I've played with. Hotter than any heat my predecessor had ever shown me.

This… voice…

What—

"Ryūjin!"

It's clearing.

I gasp. Loudly. It's more of a wheeze than anything, but that small amount of air is so relieving I nearly sob at the taste of it.

"Ryūjin, what's wrong?" Tōchan is next to me. His hand feels cool against my shoulder.

"I'm okay." I breathe, already starting to feel better. "I'm good, Tōchan." I raise my head, and from my position it almost looks like I'm bowing to her.

My king.

Oh…

"Are you alright?" She crouches in front of me. And this close, I can see the hundreds of shades of amethyst that are her eyes.

This is real.

"Yes…" I say, and it's true. My throat isn't even hurting anymore.

This is real.

"That's good!" She says, voice sounding relieved.

And then she smiles.

And it feels like thousands of suns light up my brain. It feels like all of the stars in my chest have shifted to orbit this new red sun.

"You're… the Kokuryū, right?" I can't stop staring at her. I'm mesmerized. It feels like every happy moment I've ever experienced in my life is nothing compared to this one, single moment.

"Yes." I say again, and this time my voice is stronger. I know Tōchan's hand is still on my shoulder, but I can't feel it. Everything around me is numb. Everything but her.

"I see," She says, "I'm—"

"Jinnie!"

Thanks to:

akagami hime chan (thank you! hopefully you like it!), chibianimefan26 (thank you so much for reading! hopefully this lives up to your expectations!), JuggernautJJ (lmao yes! i like writing cliches and adding my own twist!), (thank you for reading!)

i don't like introducing so many characters at once, sob, but it's okay! you all aren't obligated to remember them all! here, they're mostly for ease of narration. the next chapter will be easier to read!

(the way i got writer's block immediately after posting the prologue please forgive me)

it might be a little awkward in some places? writer's block really hit me hard this time around, hopefully i smoothed it enough for you all! i just really wanted to share something with you :((

let me know what you all think! please review!

—prince