Disclaimer: I do not own anything with Yona of the Dawn! Also, apologies for taking so long on updating my stories. It's been a rough year, but I'm going to keep at it.

Thank you

"I'm here! I'm right here!"

Ring

Ring

A heart broken child sits underneath a window covered by a thin sheet, hiding him from the rest of the world. His home empty and barren. The Blue Dragon Warrior stood up, taking in a shaky breath, fighting back the urge to cry and curl up again. Using the power of his all seeing eyes once more, he scanned past the walls and out to the village. The sun was high in the sky, the village was lively with kids playing, villagers mingled and gossiped around the market stands. Moments like this, he wished he could read their lips or hear what they were saying. Maybe they had the answers to his prayers, maybe provide a clue for him.

He searched all around the village, but found no sign of the man he was looking for, the man he longed to have home again. Defeated, he placed himself back down against the wall and curled into a tighter ball, almost merging into the wall behind him. Memories of the previous night running through his head.

I'll know where you are, even if I can't see you anymore...

Hearing that rough voice made his heart race. Those words seemed to have a blissful promise behind them, as if they were the words of an solemn oath. His little fingers pressed against the sides of his head, his mind spinning in rapid circles, struggling to make sense of everything. The boy knew, for certain, that his life was going to change today; his caretaker had lost his powers and his sight. Now, the cursed power of the Blue Dragon is now inside the child named Blue Dragon, for lack of a better name. Also, it was his turn to be the caretaker. But he didn't care, he just wanted Ao to stay with him. Blue Dragon still wanted Ao, the caretaker and now former Blue Dragon Warrior, to protect him, teach him how to survive, teach him how to harness the power of his eyes.

But somehow, Ao had vanished during the night.

Ao, I can't find you. Where have you gone? You wouldn't leave me, would you?

The day passed in a slow, agonizing manner. Dark, cold shadows stretched across the room, shrouding the terrified four year old boy. He lowered himself back to the floor, huddled next to the window, his arms wrapped around his knees, his face hidden behind a white clay mask that resembled a cat. He turned his head left, and then right, allowing the bell's to chime again. Then, he stopped and listened, his eyes fixed on the entrance. The wind had gone still, the world fallen silent and small. Shadows stretched further, the air growing cold, soft footsteps passed by the door, causing a slight breeze. With each person passing by, Blue Dragon's heart would fill with hope, praying, imagining a blind man with long white hair entering the abode. And when that person would pass by the entrance, without slowing down, his heart would break even further. The steps became less and less, the scent of burning wood filled the air, critters scattered around the village, child-like laughter echoed throughout the air. Blue Dragon's arms dropped to his side, his heart frozen, tears leaking from his eyes as he began to realize his new reality.

No one was coming to him.

Was it all a lie? Did you...

"I'm here! I'm right here!" The child's voice shouted at the entrance. His words echoed throughout the abode, alone in his hut, surrounded by the dancing shadows, praying for the man he adored so much to come home. He looked up again and began to jump up and down, the bell's chiming a bit louder and faster, his eyes searching past the walls and other homes. One by one, the villagers headed back into their homes, going about to start the remainder of their evening. Mother's started cleaning dishes, the men going to the bar and children getting ready for bedtime. Everything was normal.

His hand clutched his shattered heart, tears stung his eyes, his body curled into a tight ball as though trying to hide from the world. He yanked the bell's off his ear and shook them as hard as he could. Their song remained the same, no more louder than before. He ran over to a pile of hay and flopped down onto it, inhaling the scent of human scent and fresh blood. The bed laid unmade, signs that Ao had been sleeping in the bed the night before. But, when Blue Dragon woke this morning, Ao was gone. His bed was empty and his robes were gone. Blue Dragon scanned the village streets, inside every hut, at every market stand, checking every villager searching for Ao. But found nothing but the mindless villagers going about their day.

No one paid any attention to the child. No one knew or cared that he was in there.

Desperate and scared, he began to search outside the village, out to the forest and the hill's. The power of his eyes aided him as he scanned beyond the village just as the sun fully set. His eyes focused and followed up a stone path that lead to the farming lands of the village. He stopped at the first abode when he found a pair of cold, steel grey eyes of the village Mage. She stood at the end of the path like a icey figure in the twilight sky with her arms crossed tightly against her chest, her gaze hard like stone and full of hatred. Her dark blue and white robes were brand new and hugged her torso, her auburn hair tied into a bun behind her head. Her stance gave off an aura of battle ready soldier, blood thirsty, merciless, and cruel.

The Blue Dragon Warrior trembled in fear, he wanted to stop, he wanted to vanish her from his sight. But, her steel grey eyes seemed to be locked onto his, as though she knew he was using his powers. And she was determined to put an end to it.

Somehow, Blue Dragon managed to free himself from her. He blinked, clutching his tight chest, trying to catch his breath, finding himself safe behind the walls of his home. Reality washed over him again, thoughts of what could and will happen to him when he starts his days with her. Everyday, he would be greeted by those cold eyes, learn to live with the tension and fear, find a way to adapt to having a Mage in his life. Whimpering and trembling, Blue Dragon's stomach began to ache and boil like he had just swallowed hot coals, his body growing tight and heavy with fear. Now, she was going to be his caretaker just like her ancestor's before her, just as it has been for ages.

Unbeknownst to most, the legend of the Crimson Dragon King and his four dragon warriors left out one character. A woman who acted as both retainer and guardian to the Kingdom and it's warriors. Although her purpose wasn't the same as the Dragon Warriors, she still played vital role. This missing character was a Spirit Mage who worked behind the King and his warriors, acting as a Priestess, protecting the Kingdom and it's Queen while the Crimson Dragon King fought to protect his people. The Mage was responsible for keeping the peace in the Kingdom while the king was away, served as an hand maiden to the Queen, fulfilling any small duties in between. But the most significant part of her purpose was to protect and counsel the Dragon Warriors. Although The Crimson Dragon King knew his brothers had blessed the four men with supernatural powers, they were still humans. Even so, most of the people of his own Kingdom were skeptical about the power of the Dragon Warriors. To ease their trembling hearts, and concerned for the safety of his brothers, the King employed the Mage to protect them and ensure his people that the Dragon Warriors were benevolent.

And when he passed away, the Mage forged her own path just like the Dragon Warriors. She became a traveling healer, hired soldier, simple hand maiden, making a living by trade; her knowledge of herbs and medicine for food and home. Somewhere down the road, she found a desolate Abi, the first Blue Dragon Warrior. Abi was terrified and ashamed of his powers because of how it affects his body, how it made him vulnerable to the enemy. He couldn't be a normal man, he was scared to even be in any village, he refused to remove his blind fold or use his powers ever again. The poor man hated himself and was attempting to starve himself to death. The Mage rescued him and brought him back to the village she was residing at, however, they were hesitant to allow a Dragon Warrior into their home land. When she revealed she was a Mage, thus proving those with supernatural powers can be trusted, she informed them that Abi's purpose is far greater than they could understand. Then, she negotiated a deal; Abi's powers would be used to protect the villagers in exchange for a place to call home. To ensure that he wouldn't use his powers against them, the Mage swore an oath to keep Abi from using his powers, and train his descendant's to do the same until the Crimson King returned.

Centuries passed. The power of the Spirit Mage has passed on to her descendants. And just like how the spirit of the Blue Dragon remains in the village, so does the family Mage. When a boy is born with the dragon's eyes, a new Mage is assigned to him. Should the Blue Dragon Warrior pose a threat to the village, the Mage is responsible for stopping it without killing him.

With one exception, they were not allowed to form any kind of bond with him.

The current Blue Dragon had met his Mage, Megumi, a year ago after his third birthday. When Ao and the Village Elder's had introduced him to her, he didn't understand her role, and he was as scared of her then as he is now. Her gaze was the same; full of loathing and fresh hatred towards the toddler. She was still too young to begin her official job, and she was, still, harnessing her own powers. In spite of that, the Village Elder's insisted that they meet. She would be given to him once Ao lost his powers.

On that day, the Blue Dragon Warrior had walked up to her, unsure of what to say. Before he could say a word, she slapped him across the face and the toddler was sent flying a few feet, landing hard on the ground and his mask bounced off. He remembered he was laying in the grass, his cheek burning, his body ached. Confused, holding his sore cheek, he turned to look back at her. Her pupil's dilated, a dark smile sprawled across her chapped lips. She commanded him to put his mask back on, that he was to never remove it around her or face the consequences. Hardly a moment passed before she held her hand out to him, palm facing him. Her fingers, slowly, closed into a tight fist. As her fingers, gradually, clasped into a fist, Blue Dragon found himself struggling to breath, his chest was tight, his legs trembled, he felt as though something was pulling at his insides. It wasn't until Ao placed himself in between them that the pain ceased, but Ao didn't give the boy a chance to catch his breath. Ao grabbed the boy's hand, slapped his mask back on and dragged him back to the village.

Why me? Why am I cursed? Why do I have to be with her? Is there no one else?

Saddened, Blue Dragon removed his mask and stared at it, his little fingers tracing the jagged curves and edges. His mind wandered to the dark unknowns, to what might be in store for his future. Where would he live? He still needed training. Would she be able to train him like how Ao did? Would he be able to protect the village alongside her? So many unknowns, the fear and loneliness stabbing at his heart.

I don't want this. I don't want to live with her. But I have to, I have no choice. Everything Ao did for me, she'll be doing. But her punishments will be worse than Ao's. I can never remove this mask again. This is my life and she is in control.

Now, the power of the Blue Dragon resides in the body of a four year old boy. Megumi is old enough to begin her journey as the Village Mage. Blue Dragon sat watching the door, expecting Megumi to appear and drag him away. The sky had gone dark, the air grew colder, and the village grew more quiet as the night drew on. Summoning as much strength as he could, Blue Dragon stood up and pulled back the curtain from the window. He grabbed a large stone and placed it onto of the corner of the curtain, allowing the nearby fire's inside. The light was small, but it was enough for him to feel safe. The sob's had stopped, but tears continued to flow, Blue Dragon lowered his head to the ground, staring at the tear drops on the ground, his head hung low. He felt sick; stomach boiling, heart racing, head pounding.

THUD

Blue Dragon gasped, waking out of his daze. His head shot over to the wall, seeing Ao's mask laying on the floor. Blue Dragon tilted his head in a curious manner. Strangely, Ao's mask and sword were on the wall where they were always placed, if Ao wasn't using them. Blue Dragon walked over to Ao's mask and picked it up, holding it close, inhaling Ao's scent. Despite Ao's harsh words, strict rules, and grumpy manner, Blue Dragon was beginning to miss him dearly. He wished he knew where Ao went, and why he had left. Last night, when Ao made the boy feel as though everything was going to be ok, Blue Dragon felt excited and was looking forward to their future together.

I'll know where you are...

Analyzing the mask, Blue Dragon remembered hearing those words the first time. Hearing those words made Blue Dragon smile with excitement, a feeling that was still new to him. His heart pulsed so quickly in his chest that he wanted to try out the bell's again. Laughing softly, he shook his head back and forth, then jumped forward. The bell's chimed their song every time he moved. He turned around and looked up at Ao, smiling. Then, his heart nearly melted at the sight of Ao; he was smiling back at him. It was small, but it was full of tranquility and happiness. The rising sun shined onto his face, making his dark eyes full of life, Ao seemed to be carefree for once.

Although Ao wasn't thrilled about his mask, he would never leave without it.

"Never forget your mask and sword. The mask shields your eyes. You sword is your means of protection, it is to never leave your side. You hear me?"

Blue Dragon decided to just wear it anytime he was outside, so he wouldn't forget.

"Wait, how did that get back up there?" Blue Dragon asked himself, thinking about the night before. "Didn't I have it last night?"

It was only last night when Ao's eyes turned black, when Blue Dragon found the bell's and guided Ao back to the village. The sun was rising, a new day had begun, two life's had changed, and both of the Blue Dragon Warriors were exhausted. They made it home safe, some early rising villagers saw them, but kept themself's at a distance. Blue Dragon pulled the curtain as far as it could go to the side, allowing Ao to slump inside. Safe inside, Ao had made his way to his haystack, stumbling onto his hands and knees, and commanded the younger warrior to bed. Although he was hesitant to go against Ao's words, Blue Dragon couldn't let Ao suffer alone. So, he sat on his haystack and watched Ao.

"I said go to bed!"

"I... I know. And I'm sorry... but I don't want you to be alone."

"I'm fine."

"But, your eyes...you can't see anymore. It...must be scary. I know I would be, and I wouldn't want to sit alone. So, I'm just going to sit here and wait for you to go to sleep first."

"I am blind, but don't think that I'm any different. This changes nothing. You will listen to me, you are to do as I say, no questions, no retaliation. I can still deal punishments. Is that what you want? Huh?!"

Blue Dragon gulped and sat down, pretending he was laying down in his makeshift bed. He sat in silence, watching Ao's eyes dart from one end of the room to the other, lost and confused. He leaned down and felt around the floor, finding his own bed, and he climbed in. His hand found the pillow, and his body flopped down and his eyes closed.

"Please, don't leave me, too." Blue Dragon heard Ao whisper before he dozed off into a deep slumber.

Blue Dragon, suddenly, had an overwhelming urge to sleep. His eyes grew heavy and his body wobbled. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep. And when he woke, Ao was gone.

"Did he abandon me? Was he taken?" Blue Dragon sighed, dropping Ao's mask onto the floor. He walked over back to his spot underneath the window, curling into a ball against the wall. "I don't think it matters anymore. I'm alone now, I have no one." Blue Dragon whispered into his knees, holding his knees close to his chest. "Why did you leave me all alone, Ao? You promised me that you wouldn't. Why can't I find you? Should I even try? I guess you didn't want to stay after all...but why did you leave me all alone?"