Chapter: Ouryuu

Yona panted as Hak drug her through, first Kuuto, then the fields outside the city. They ended up in the woods where she lost control of her emotions and began to cry. Her cousin, Su-won, had killed her father, King Il. Her father was dead! She couldn't believe it! She'd seen it happen, yet still did not believe what she'd seen. She clung to Hak like he was a lifeline. She felt that she would sink into oblivion if she wasn't holding onto him.

It was then that she felt Hak stiffen. Turning her head to look behind her, she saw that man from before. She felt that she should know him, but couldn't bring up the memory. Her heart clenched at the sight of golden scales on his face and arms. Scales? Her eyes widened. "Ouryuu." she mumbled softly.

Hak heard Yona speak but stared in disbelief. No way was that the legendary Ouryuu. That scrawny kid?

Zeno went to his knees and bowed his head. "Forgive me." he stated. "I've tried protecting you without my brothers from the shadows. I wanted you to never be hurt, but tonight I almost failed."

"You've been watching her?" Hak inquired his voice giving off a threatening tone to it.

"Zeno has since Miss was hurt the first time." he admitted. Looking up he saw Yona's eyes widen wider.

"Yellow brother." she stated. "You stopped Mistress Thessia from hurting me years ago." Hak looked down at her. He never knew about this.

Zeno nodded as he sat back onto his legs and looked at the two frightened friends. The young man holding Miss was also holding his spear tightly, ready to kill him at any moment in order to protect Yona. "I am Ouryuu Zeno. I have protected you in secret since the day you were born. One of my many gifts is to not age."

"How old are you?" Hak inquired, still not sure of this kid.

Zeno smiled happily. "I am older than your grandfather, Elder Mundok. I was there when Il was crowned. I witnessed the burning of Hiryuu Castle."

Hak's eyes widened at the implications of this. "Impossible."

"Part of the castle burned over a hundred years ago." Yona stated in awe. "You're not as young as you look."

Zeno scratched the back of his neck. "I also heal quickly." he stated as he tried to get the attention off of his age. "Zeno wasn't planning on approaching you until he was certain..."

"Of what?" Hak demanded.

"That Miss would need Zeno and my brothers." he answered with sincerity.

That night was the worst for Yona as she tried to fall asleep. She could feel Hak's body next to hers. The warmth from his body seeped into her side. She also could sense Zeno not too far from them. He had promised to stay nearby all night long. However, as the morning light came across the land. Yona woke with an uneasy feeling. Opening her eyes she saw that both Hak and Zeno were gone.

With everything that had happened the night before, Yona did the only thing she could think of. She cried out.

M-Angel: I originally was planning to posted this chapter on Christmas Day, but life decided to throw a shit storm my family's way. My best friend, teacher and constant companion; my Mama, died December 21. So with everything that's happened I hope you enjoyed this chapter I was finally able to post.