To be a dragon warrior is one of the most noble fates. Kija knew of the longing that could spill over into desperation; he held scars of his father's doing - the previous Hakuryuu - on his back, a physical reminder of an emotional day.

Kija's birth had of course brought a much quicker end to his father's life. Kija knew that being the Hakuryuu, the White Dragon, meant an endless amount of waiting, meant hope that is hard to cling to.

And for Kija personally, it meant a fulfilment of the destiny of the White Dragon. And by Yona's side is more than just duty, but a glimpse of the world, an adventure come to life.

And naturally, among his companions, there were various names that Kija went by. Most like Yona called him by his birth name, a reminder of just what his parents had called him before they died.

And Zeno called him by title, Hakuryuu, the same name Granny and the rest of his village had used for him. Reminders, precious memories and warmth flooded his chest when he thought back to them.

And Hak, well, Hak called him White Snake; they had never really seen eye to eye on so much. They agreed that protecting Yona was their number one priority, and were both bound by duty to the Princess for very different reasons.

But they quarreled when they met, and Kija hadn't enjoyed traveling with Hak as a member of their group at first. First impressions were hard to get over, especially when the dreaded nickname from that day is said again and again.

Then, Kija first grew to admire Hak, see his strength and resolution, that could never really be overlooked. Then, slowly but surely Hak became familiar to Kija, a part of their strange family, one that Kija has seen mischievous humor from, one that he's witnessed sadness, worry, anger, and joy from. Hak became a full person in Kija's eyes, one he'd consider an honorary dragon warrior and therefore, a brother too.

And White Snake became as familiar as Kija and Hakuryuu, with its own Hak centered memories that come to mind, of anger turned familiarity. And Kija is still a dragon warrior and noble by birth and by cause, but he's human too; a fact that Hak reminds him of with a nickname that strips pride away and leaves humanity in its place.

After all, there is affection hidden in that nickname, hard earned and worth every second of it.

Hak's family, and sometimes family gives each other new names to go by.