(A/N: Here's chapter four! Enjoy!)


Ichigo

Hak didn't know what to make of this new guy, Ichigo.

He was quick tempered, rude, and brash. He addresses both princesses so informally, like he didn't care that they were a higher status. He was the same age as the eldest princess, possibly a year older than her. His hair was weird, too. It was orange and somewhat spikey, and he had fierce, brown eyes.

He was the eldest son of the general of the Water Tribe. He was disrespectful and seemed to lack discipline, but he was strong, Hak would give him that. Although, he couldn't get a good read on the guy.

But one thing he could tell was that Orihime really likes him.

It really surprised Hak though. He didn't think guys like Ichigo would be her type.

Urgh. What was so great about the guy? He was nothing but an obnoxious, arrogant prick. What does Orihime see in him? And what kind of name is Ichigo? Wasn't that a girl's name? Doesn't it mean 'strawberry'?

Nobody else could tell how much the eldest princess was infatuated with the guy. They didn't notice the way her eyes lit up whenever he was near, or the way her smiles became more genuine.

Funny, to Hak, Orihime looks kind of cute when she blushes. She's so much prettier when she's all lovey dovey.


Over the years, Orihime was getting more and more proposals from suitors. Of course she was. There was no denying that she was becoming increasingly beautiful as time went on. Her hair was starting to grow back, and her body was developing. And damn! Did she have a hot, curvy body!

Hak would often tease her about it just watch her squirm, get flustered and embarrassed. It was amusing. His teasing and taunting of her was just his way of coping with his growing feelings for her. He honestly couldn't remember when he did start liking her, or if there was a time he never stopped liking her.

But he knew...he couldn't have her. It was around this time that Orihime and Ichigo became lovers. He didn't know who confessed first. He wasn't there. However, he was hyper aware of the fact that Orihime would send letters to Ichigo and vice versa every few months. And whenever Ichigo came back to the Crimson Dragon Castle for the annual Five General Meetings, he would spend as much time with Orihime as he possibly could during his free time.

Hak would gladly keep his feelings for Orihime locked inside him forever. For the sake of her happiness. He didn't want to complicate the close friendship between them, and he already knew what her answer would be anyway. Her happiness was all that mattered to him. Her happiness was his happiness.


It was soon after that, that Ichigo announced the status of their relationship in a frank and blunt manner, daring anyone to oppose, which was around the time of Yona's thirteenth birthday, that King Il offered him the job of becoming his daughters' personal bodyguard.

At first, Hak wasn't interested in serving the royal family. It would just get in the way of his free time and naps. He wasn't willing to deal with an idle and spoiled Yona twenty four, seven, and Orihime… She would just throw him off his game. Plus, she already has a lover. General Ichigo. He could protect her, no problem. Hak's seen his strength and his mastery of swordsmanship. He was strong. Almost his equal in combat. Besides Soo-Won, he was someone else he could rely on during battle.

Although, and this is just a hunch, but was King Il really asking him to serve Ichigo once he becomes the next king? It was undeniable that the king was growing fond of the spiky haired boy. It was as if he had already accepted him as his future son in law before Ichigo and Orihime were even engaged. He was basically just waiting for them to move further in their relationship and to be wedded already.

Yona, on the other hand, took a while to accept Ichigo as her potential future older brother in law. According to her, Ichigo was just as obnoxious and infuriating as Hak, if not more so. She couldn't understand why her kind and gentle older sister could fall for a brash and rude guy like that. He seemed to be her opposite in almost every way. Maybe she was just pissed because Ichigo doesn't show her undying respect like all the other servants.

But what could Yona suspect? Hak's only known Ichigo for a couple of years, and the one thing he did learn about the guy is that… If a person wanted his respect, they had to earn it. Respect isn't something he gives out on a silver platter because of money, status, royalty, or power. He couldn't care less about all that. He snarks at Yona almost as much as Hak does, probably less. It seemed like Orihime was the only person that could get Ichigo to show his softer side.

Yona once questioned Orihime about what she found so charming about Ichigo? How could she possibly be infatuated with a guy like? It wasn't kind, gentle, or thoughtful like her crush, Soo-Won. He was quick tempered and abrasive. The younger princess didn't understand the appeal.

Her answer...actually surprised him, Yona, and Soo-Won. It...kinda stunned them.

"Sure, Ichigo is brash, rude, and blunt at times. But you know what? Those traits are not so bad. I...kinda like people like that. People are honest, loyal, and kind. Ichigo was the guy I met one spring, and he changed my fate."

So she was aware of Ichigo's flaws? This entire time? They thought she was blissfully ignorant of them. She never once complained about them. Only a light reprimand whenever he goes too far. And what does she mean by him changing her fate? Plus, her long hair was the symbol of that change. It was her 'red string of fate' that tied her to her beloved Ichigo.

Hak saw no reason to accept this bodyguard job. Ichigo should be more than enough to protect Orihime, to keep both princesses safe. He could easily and no doubt entrust both their safety in his capable hands.

Naw, they don't need him. She doesn't need him. She already has a trusty and loving partner by her side.


"Hey! Let go of me!"

Princess Yona's distressing voice caught Hak's attention one day. She was currently being harrassed by Lord Kan Tae-Jun, the second son of the Fire Tribe general, Lord Kan Soo-Jin. Hak remembered Yona complaining to him a few times about how the young lord was always hitting and harassing her. Looks like he was at it again.

Oh, well. It wasn't his problem. Besides, if he goes to help her now, then that it would mean he accepts King Il's offer of becoming the princess' bodyguard. And no way is he doing that. He was not interested in the position. Not his thing.

He could hear some of the guards wanted to do something about the unpleasant situation Princess Yona was finding herself in, but too afraid to step in and stop in fear of incurring the Fire Tribe's general's wrath.

"Yona! Yona! What's wrong?"

Now Orihime came into the scene, perhaps hearing Yona's cries for help and her big sister instincts kicking in. Hak just wanted to ignore the scene. It had nothing to do with him. It was Yona's problem to deal with it.

"So you're Princess Orihime?" Tae-Jun's obnoxious voice rang out as he was now flirty with the older princess. "This is my first time meeting you in person. You're cute. Much more beautiful than your sister, Yona. Why don't you come with me to my villa? I'm sure you would love the garden there."

Has no one told the young lord that Princess Orihime already has a lover? Or was he just ignoring the fact?

"Lord Tae-Jun, I believe my sister has asked you nicely to leave her alone," Orihime softly countered him. "Please leave and respect her wishes. You should stop troubling her."

Things started taking a turn for the worse when Tae-Jun started harassing and becoming aggressive now. Ponko's, Orihime's dog's, barks got more angrier and louder as he viciously snarled at the young lord.

Ponko was a dog that Orihime brought into the castle one day. He was an injured puppy at the time. Aggressive and distrustful. King Il was wary about his daughter being around the dog at first. He didn't want any harm to come to his precious daughters. But through Orihime's love and dedication, she managed to get through to Ponko, and he's her closest canine companion. He became the new family pet.

Against his better judgement, it was at this moment that Hak decided to step in, having enough of the young lord's petty and self absorbed behavior.

It was a simple plan really. All he was planning to do was announce Orihime's betrothal to Ichigo, and he and Yona were already in a relationship. The latter was an obvious lie since he had no romantic feelings for the younger princess. He only saw her as a little sister, who he enjoys teasing to see her funny reactions.

He was not expecting…!

He really wasn't expecting…!

Orihime kissed him!

It was sweet, short, and chaste. It lasted now more than a split second. But still… She kissed him!

At that moment, his brain was fried. He was in a daze. He couldn't move, and he could barely breathe. It felt like his heart was about to burst out of his chest. Everything around him was blank. The only thing he could remember and even process was the soft feeling of her lips against his.

Was this a dream? It had to be a dream, right?

Now his mind was a jumbled mess. Urgh. This is exactly why he didn't want anything to do with royalty. Orihime throws him off his game. She kissed him… So does that mean she harbors some hidden feelings for him? Should he ask her about it?

Hak was even more astonished the little petite princess was able to pin the young lord to the ground effortlessly. When did Orihime learn martial arts? And how? His feelings were mixed upon learning the eldest princess's hand to hand combat prowess. One on hand, he felt a sense of exhilaration and pride. She wasn't the air headed and dizzy princess everyone thought she was. It was a real turn on. But on the other hand, he was slightly disappointed because she deliberately disobeyed her father's, King Il's, wishes not to learn how to fight or use weapons.

What was the need for her to learn martial arts anyway? She has soldiers and guards all around the castle that were more than willing to protect her. That dote on her more than they do Yona. They adore her. He's seen her on very friendly terms with some of the maids, and the servants seemed to be very at ease and comfortable around her.

"Leave my sister alone. Got it?" Orihime spoke in the same sweet voice, but this time there was a steely undertone to it that sent shivers down Tae-Jun's spine. The young lord conceded, and begged her to get off him, which she complied. Then he had the gall to point a sword at her! Hak was furious and his protective instincts rose.

However, there was no need for him to act because, of all people, the so called cowardly king, King Il, bravely stopped the blade his bare hands.

Hak now had a newfound respect for the king. Just like his eldest daughter, he had shown a side of him that no one would suspect. It looks like he wasn't the cowardly king everyone was making him out to be.

Now that Hak had discovered this fact, he would gladly serve King Il. He would become the princess' bodyguard. Seeing the king's bravery motivated him. The king was not a coward. No, he was kind and brave, and Hak had grown to greatly respect him from this incident.

He would guard and protect both Orihime and Yona with his life.


Half a year later during one of his night patrols, Hak was still getting the feel of the castle grounds. Although, he didn't mean to spy on, what looks to be, a very tender moment between Orihime and Ichigo. They seemed to be stargazing together. He should probably just leave the two lovebirds alone.

Although, Ichigo's urgent and serious voice stopped him.

"Are you just going to give up that easily?"

"No, I'm not giving up… It's just…"

"Are you just going to give up on your dreams that easily?"

Dream? What dreams? He felt kinda hurt. She never told him about her dreams. Hak wondered if her sister or father knew about Orihime's dreams. Man, he really wished he could get closer just to see the expression on her face. But he didn't want to run the risk of being caught spying, so he stayed where he was.

"It's just… Do you really think I can do it? I want to...become a benevolent ruler, but I… I'm not oblivious to the way the soldiers and guards look down on my father."

So, unlike Yona, Orihime seemed to be very perceptive. She was not ignorant, like she pretends to be, by the way people outside the castle look down and mock her father.

"Then you just have to make a vow to yourself that you will. Even if no one believes, stick out your chest and declare your defiance! Because that's the kind of woman you are! I know it in my heart!"

"You're too kind. You're too kind, Ichigo. You know that? But you know, that means I'm going to have to leave the castle one day, and travel the world. I need to view the world with my own eyes, so I would know what to do once I become queen."

Hak felt his heart stop. Wait! Orihime was planning to leave the castle? When was she ever going to tell him this? He thought they were friends. They have known each other since childhood. Did she not trust him? Was she ever planning to tell him, if at all? Or was she going to wait until the last minute? He was really, really hurt, but he kept the stoic mask on his face as he continued to secretly listen in on the conversation.

Ichigo smirked. "Then I would just have to come with you."

"No, you can't! You're one of the five generals! I doubt you are allowed to just wander the earth."

"Well, I'll just quit being a general. It's as simple as that."

"Wh-what?"

"You heard me, I said I'll quit being a general. You know the type of guy I am, Orihime. I always do whatever I want. Pfft! Royalty? Status? I never really cared about them. I'll do what I want to do. And when you go see the world, I want to be right there by your side."

"But…!"

"No buts! I'm staying with you, and that's that! I didn't become a general just to serve your father. I become a general to serve you, Orihime! You're the one who inspired me to become one! You're the one who changed me! I want to serve the future you create, Orihime!"

The more Ichigo talked, the more Hak respected the guy. He was proud of making the right choice in leaving Orihime in the arms of a very caring and doting man. He wouldn't know what to do if the guy turned out to be a complete jackass and torn Orihime's heart. Well, yes he would. He would rip the guy to shreds if that happened.

"You know, this could get really dangerous."

"I could say the same to you, but I am willing to go to hell and back with you, if that's what it takes to keep you by my side."

"We could be killed along the way."

"Then I'll just make sure that doesn't happen."

"What if I…?"

"I'm telling you I have no attention of leaving your side, Orihime. That was my promise to you, no my desire way back then. If that were to happen, then I'm only saying this once. I'm going to follow you into death, if I have to! I'm not leaving you all alone! Never am and never will! It's not just your life you're holding in your hands, Orihime. It's both of ours."

"That's not fair, Ichigo. That's just not fair. Don't just throw away your future for me."

"Orihime…! How many times must I say it before you get it? You're my future, Orihime!"

"Then I'll just have to do whatever it takes to survive. Because I… I can't afford to lose you, Ichigo."

Hak understood at that moment, Orihime was officially engaged to Ichigo. They kissed, and he walked away, seeming to know he overstayed his welcome.


A couple of months later, she told King Il and Princess Yona about her engagement to Ichigo. Her father and younger sister were both excited and thrilled at the prospect of her getting married.

Hak would be lying, if he said he wasn't hurt and somewhat depressed at the thought of Orihime being claimed by another man. But if it was Ichigo, he was cool with it. The guy had earned his respect over the years. Orihime's happiness was his greatest happiness. He would be happy, proud, and honored to serve both of them as their bodyguard and right hand man.


But then…

That day never came.

The look on Orihime's face when she heard the news was devastating. Heartbreaking. It looked as if someone just shattered her heart. Her once lively, bright, gray eyes were blank and lifeless. Her sunny, cheerful smile was gone and replaced with a depressing frown. And her face was smeared with despairing, grief stricken tears.

She clenched the fabric of her yellow dress. "But… He was just here…," she said in a voice that was too small and trembled, being filled with so much grief and anguish that it was unbearable to listen to. Even little Ponko was howling in sadness, sensing his mistress's grief. Even the depressing rain outside was lamenting Orihime's loss with a sorrowful tune. Each sound was filling the room with a gloomy and hopeless atmosphere.

Hak couldn't look at her. He could look at that extremely pain filled and anguished face. He never saw her so broken before. He didn't know what to say. He was at loss for words. Nobody knew what to say. What could they say? No one knew how to comfort her. She just received such tragic, heartbreaking news a month right before her wedding. A wedding she was excitedly and eagerly looking forward to this past year. A wedding that would never happen now. Because...

Ichigo was dead.


(A/N: That's the end of this chapter! Hope you enjoyed it! There are a few points I want to make. I also want to say I was listening to the first opening song of 'Your Lie in April' during the whole time I was writing this chapter. I think it fits with the way Orihime describes Ichigo as 'the boy she met one Spring day, and changed her destiny'.

First off, I know nothing about the Water Tribe. I only know a few facts about the Fire, Earth, and Wind Tribes, seeing as the anime left off before introducing other tribes. I heard, meaning I have been somewhat spoiled that there are five tribes in total. Besides the aforementioned three, there are two more, the Water and Sky Tribes. I just want to say everything about the Water and Sky Tribes would be completely made up. Like I said, the anime cuts off before getting into them, so I don't know anything about them. Unless the anime resumes with a season two or something of Yona of the Dawn, everything about those two tribes would be my own original take based on the anime thus far. That's why I said this story was going to AU later down the line. Because after the four dragons are assembled, everything would be completely original then on. Unless, like I said, the anime resumes before I ever get to that point. And no I'm not interested in the manga. I barely liked the anime. Why would I go read the manga? Like I said, the only reason I'm writing this is because of Hak. He's the only reason this fanfic exists. To me, I feel like Hak is the only character that keeps the anime interesting. I'm not that invested in the four dragons, Yun is an...okay character, and Yona... She's just like any other female protagonist in a reverse harem anime [even though Yona of the Dawn is not a reverse harem anime, but it sure acts like it at times, which is the main reason I held off from watching it for so long. It's almost like an reverse side of SAO with whole ' it looks like a harem, but it's not really a harem' aspect]. She's really not that special. There is nothing unique about her that sets her apart from other main heroines. She almost acts like any other cliche main female in a reverse harem anime.

Second, Ichigo was just supposed to be a minor character. His death is supposed to have more impact on Orihime's character and growth, then him being alive. I was never planning for him to be some big or great character. His purpose was just to serve as Orihime's first love interest, before she moves on to her second love interest, Hak, later down the line. So for those people believing Ichigo should have had more screen time or that he died too quickly, here's why. Although, there would be flashbacks of Orihime's and Ichigo's developing relationship later down the line. It would more or less serve as Orihime getting over her grief over losing Ichigo as time goes on, and moving on to her second love, Hak. I would also make chapters about Ichigo's relationship with Yona, Hak, and Soo-Won later down the line as well.

Orihime - 17/18

Hak - 15/16

Soo-Won - 15/16

Yona - 13/14

Well, that's all. Did you get all that? Good. Leave any comments in a review, and thanks for reading! Two more chapters before the main story begins.)