A big thanks to ukitakeitalialover041757 for your review it means a lot to me. Another big thank you to HesrtlessVampireGirl and Supersonics364 for favoriting and following! Just a heads up things are starting to get a little warm in here and it's only gonna get hotter! Follow, favorite and please review becuase reviews are life!

Don't own Akatsuki no Yona.

Xxxxx

"You Idiot!" Hak calls out to me, "What are you doing?! You're supposed to be hiding with your sister! Why didn't you listen to me?!"

My eyes to straight to where Hak fights on down below. He looks exhausted with sweat pouring down his face as he continues fighting. He then flinches, the pain from his shoulder obviously getting to him. That's when one of the soldiers takes advantage of the opening, slashing his sword across Hak's chest.

"Hak!" I cry out gaining his attention, "Don't worry about me focus on protecting yourself!"

He doesn't listen to my words though running as he calls out for me once more worry evident on his face. Hak then Suddenly collapses, falling to the ground making my own worry and fear grow for him. The soldiers don't hesitate in going after him, seeing that he's now weaker than he was before.

He's able to get up, but his movements are more unstable than they were before. 'The poison!' Remembering that he has poison running through his system making that the reason as to why he's so unsteady and weak.

Hak's soon cornered, standing only a few feet from the edge of the cliff to the valley. His attacks falter as he tries to escape and he's severely wounded. Even from up here I could see the blood spattering from the massive wound given to him.

Face contorting in pain, his balance lost, he begins falling off the edge and without me knowing I shriek, "HAAAKKK!"

By some miracle Hak is able to just barely grab hold of the edge with one hand. In the background I can hear Kan Tae-Jun laughing in disbelief, but at the moment I couldn't care all I could is focus on Hak. How the man I love is just barely hanging on with men closing in on him.

"Perfect just give him a little push," Kan Tae-Jun's happiness evident. "The lightning thief dies now!"

My vision, no. The world around me becomes dark as Kan Tae-Jun's words ring in my head. 'This can't be happening. Not after everything we've been through. I can't just stand here and do nothing. Not like last time!' A vision of my father dead and bloody coming to mind as Soo-Won stares down coldly at his corpse. 'I couldn't do anything then..., but I can do something now! I won't allow Hak to die!'

I fly forward, past Kan Tae-Jun going to where Hak is. My movements are stopped though as a pain to my scalp from my hair being pulled stalls me. Kan Tae-Jun pulls my hair higher to where I'm forced to stand on the tips of my toes.

"Don't even think about it! You, Princess Hayami, won't be going anywhere so don't bother trying to save him. You and your sister are coming to the castle with me and Son Hak," smiling as he says, "is going to die!"

A fire burns within me as I take hold of my katana, unsheathing it. I swing as him, just missing him as he jumps away releasing my hair as he does. Without hesitation I attack him once more, him falling to the ground as he gazes up at me in fear with a few locks of my hair still in his grasp.

Staring down at him, I can't help comparing him to a measly bug, but I don't have time to bother with. Sprinting off, sliding down the steep side to where Hak remains. Surrounded by soldiers who are about to try and take his life.

Forthwith I charge at the man holding his blade just above Hak, slicing, just nicking the man in the shoulder. The man looks on to me with surprise at not only giving him an injury, but at me being here as well. Footsteps are heard and to my shock Yona appears, running till she stands next to me.

"What do you think you're doing?!" I ask my panic evident.

"I came to help save Hak. I won't allow any else to die."

I don't have time to argue as I point the tip of my blade at the two men, "Stay away or I will not hesitate to cut you down."

"Princess Hayami, you must get ahold of yourself. Please calm down," the man's eyes looking behind me.

I pivot, cutting the air behind me with the man only just able to avoid it. I look side to side not taking my eyes off of either of them as Yona moves to try and help Hak. The man who had tried to attack me from behind raises his sword again only for:

"No stop," Kan Tae-Jun to shout out, "Don't you dare harm either of the Princesses!"

"But sir," the man to my right calls out. His eyes then staring into my own as I glare fiercely at him. He faltering, taking steps away from me in fear.

I sheath my sword, kneeling down next to Yona as I grab hold of his arm with her. "What do you two think you're doing?! Run away, get away from here! There's no way the both of you can lift me up!"

"Forget it!" shouting out my refusal with tears leaving my eyes falling onto his cheeks. "It's impossible! There's no way I'm gonna let you die like this. Your life belongs to me and I decide when it is you can die and I say... Never! You aren't allowed to die. Not now, not ever do you hear me Son Hak! You belong to me!"

Yona then shifts, turning to look behind her and the ground beneath us gives way. The three of us falling, Hak wrapping his arms around both my sister and I. Her screams the only things heard besides the beat of Hak's heart, until everything went dark and all I could here is silence.

xxxxx

My dreams always seem to be the same. The same four voices. The same white blank landscape. This time though I see four great dragons of four different colors as they all gather around me.

One of the dragons with scales of alluring silvery white and eyes of crystal blue that are that of a jewel. Beside it laid a breathtaking dragon of blue turquoise on every scale as his eyes of gold enchant me. Next came the dragon of green reminding me of an emerald with eyes of dark violet looking majestic as it lays before me. Lastly came the dragon of scales that remind me of the sun with eyes of the blue sky both features stunning.

"We wait for you, so find us our crimson dragon."

xxxxx

I feel my consciousness beginning to wake as something sweet and tasting of citrus hits my tongue. Weakly, my eyes open, my vision blurry as I try to focus on the image in front of me. My vision clears soon seeing an oddly pretty boy kneeling beside me, holding a slice of orange above my mouth.

"Oh, good you're awake too. That means you can take this," shoving the slice into my mouth. "Don't spit it out."

"May I ask who you are?" I manage to mumble out even though it's rather rude considering my mouth is full of food... Oh well.

"My name's Yun. Just a beautiful passerby nothing that important," he then looks back to me. "Your sister woke up the same way you did also said almost the exact same thing. You asking who I am a little more formally than she did though."

"I see," moving to sit up feeling a slight twinge of pain on my right side."

"Be careful," Yun exclaims looking exasperated, "beside your boyfriend here," jabbing his thumb where Hak lay, "you got the next most injuries. The right side of your ribs are bruised, your left ankle is sprained, you have many scrapes and bruises and you might have a concussion."

"You know quite a bit of knowledge in healing and I thank you for it," bowing my head to the boy. As I raise my head, I see the look of surprise on hide face, "Is there something wrong?"

"I just never expected you to thank me so easily."

This doesn't surprise me at all, "Some people tend to forget how fortunate they truly are. Even I did at times, but I never forgot to say my thanks for anything given or done for me. So yes, I give you, my thanks. For taking care of us even though you had no obligation to do so. Again, I thank you Yun, for saving not only my own life, but of those of whom I care for."

"Spoken like a true Princess."

The new voice says gaining my attention as I look to him. His messy blond hair in a simple braid with his long bags covering his eyes. His entire body is covered from head to toe in mud and dirt. 'He looks rather familiar.'

"Ik-Soo, you got yourself all dirty again. I swear you're so clumsy."

Hearing that name and Yun saying that he's clumsy, I'm taken back:

"You're so clumsy, Mr. Oracle," a high-pitched giggle echoing through the halls of the palace.

I blink, shaking my head looking to the tall man kneeling before me, "I remember you," my voice a mere whisper. "You were at the palace and had found me crying alone in the gardens."

A soft, warm smile reaches his lips, "It's so wonderful to see you again Princess after all these years. You've grown into quite the beautiful woman. It just warms my heart seeing you again Princess. I'm so happy I could cry," and he actually starts crying.

'Looks like he stills quite the crybaby.' Sweat dropping at the uniqueness of this man.

"Wait," Yun turning his head back and forth between us. "You two know each other?"

"Why yes," Ik-Soo answering, "I met Princess Hayami when she was just a young girl. It was only once, but I never forgot the kindness she gave to me even though she was in such pain."

Yun looks confused, so I explain, "I had run off after getting into an argument with my father. My mother had just recently passed at the time and I had felt neglected as Yona had been getting all of father's attention lately." I look to Ik-Soo, smiling softly, "Ik-Soo had found me alone, crying in the gardens. He comforted me and after that day I never saw him again."

"Oh, well then you know this clumsy idiot is the oracle you've been searching for," jabbing his thump in Ik-Soo's direction.

"Yes I-!"

A sudden groan interrupts me, turning my gaze over to Hak as another groan leaves him. Immediately I rush over, kneeling as his side assessing his injuries. Next placing my hand on his forehead, his skin burning up from the high temperature of it.

Looking to Yun beside me, "Do you have any yarrow, elderflowers or even catnip?" He nods rushing over to his supplies of medicinal herbs gathering what looks to be elderflower. "If you have any hot water, we can make a tea from the elderflower. It'll help keep the fever down and help his breathing."

"You know quite a bit about medicinal remedies for a Princess."

I smirk, "I was a rather rebellious child growing up. I would get so bored with lessons in how to be a proper lady and wife that I would skip them. Deciding rather to learn more on medical knowledge, battle tactics and forms plus eventually running the kingdom."

"If you were still at the palace," Yun pausing, thinking on his words. "Would you do things differently than your father did."

"Yes," I answer without hesitation, "I loved my father, but I did not approve of how he ruled. I understood him wanting only peace for the kingdom and its people. But in sometimes wanting to keep the peace there must be some conflict. There is no such thing as absolute peace. Humans are too greedy and selfish to keep things that way."

"Wise words," Ik-Soo speaking softly.

"However, I would still try, but doing it in a different way. Such as negotiating, coming to an understanding that fighting isn't the way to always handle things. Sometimes someone has to be the bigger person and just take that step to want to change things from the way they are."

"You basically just said that you plan to rule without any conflict!"

"That's not true," denying Yun's words, "I said I would try to do things that way, but if I had too," eyes narrowing viciously, "I would not hesitate to strike down anyone who threatens that peace." I then soften my eyes staring into Yun's blue one's, "The people are the true king. The one sitting on the throne is just the knight who works to protect them because without the people... there is no kingdom."

Silence follows after that. Yun and I giving Hak the tea to help with his fever as well as reapplying medicine to his wounds and new bandages. Yona later arrived, running to me as soon as she saw me. Crying and sobbing in my arms about how worried she'd been about me.

xxxxx

Night had soon fallen with all of us going to sleep, tired from the day we had. Dreams plagued me once more as they have every night, always the same. Spouting off the same words about me needing to find them.

I wake up, not able to take any more of it. My right-side twinging as I move to sit up, seeing no point in trying to get back to sleep. Beside me lay Yona, resting easily most likely still exhausted from everything that has happened. Looking in front to where Hak should have been is an empty sleeping mat, with no Hak in sight.

Panic and dread course through me all at once at seeing him suddenly gone. 'He shouldn't be moving around in his condition! That idiot!' Moving to get up, careful not to wake anyone as I leave the hut to go after him.

Making sure to walk carefully due to my ankle as I go further into the forest. Trees casting shadows as the moon shines down from the night sky giving me enough light to see. If I wasn't so upset, I would rather enjoy such a beautiful night, but that's not the case.

I'm looking for the moron who decided it was a good idea to move around with his injuries. Any other man would find it lucky not to be dead and would be smart enough not to push himself. But oh no, not this guy. He just has to keep on acting as if any injury he receives in nothing like it doesn't matter!

The pain in my ankle starts to become noticeable, so I stop not wanting to cause further injury I sit down not caring where. 'Unlike someone!' A tick mark forming as the panic and dread I once felt turn boiling rage flowing through my veins with fire! 'Once I get my hands on him, I'll-'

The sound of something pounding on the ground knocks me from my rampaging thoughts. Slowly turning my body to behind me, there stood Hak staring so casually down at me. I bow my head, hiding my face from him trying not to go ballistic.

"What're you doing out here, Princess? Shouldn't you be resting?"

'Okay, that's it!' Looking back up to him with a fire in my eyes, "What am I doing out here, you ask?" Me taking a step forward as he steps back, "What could I possibly be out here for?" Another step forward, step back, "Let me think..." tapping my finger pretending to think, "... Looking for you, you, IDIOT!" him flinching, cowering away from my anger, "YOU DISAPPEAR WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE! MOVING AROUND WHILE YOU ARE ALREADY SERIOUSLY INJURED! WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY THINK IS SO IMPORTANT THAT YOU WOULD SO THIS!?"

"... getting my glaive..."

"Your glaive," completely dumbfounded, "you went out in your condition, searching for your stupid glaive...IF YOU WEREN'T ALREADY AT DEATH'S DOOR, I'D BEAT YOU MYSELF TILL YOU WERE!" My breathing coming out in pants, as I glare angrily up at him and to my frustration tears start gathering in my eyes.

No matter how hard I try to hold them back my tears just start falling. I wipe and I wipe, but they just don't seem to stop, "You really are an idiot. No matter what I do when it comes to you, you always seem to make me cry... Why can't you be smart for once and think about how others would feel with you just disappearing. You're always like this even when we were little, you'd pull stupid stunts like this."

I'd finally had enough with everything that has happened. We almost died and I would have never gotten the chance to tell him how much I loved him, so I throw caution into the wind. "How did I ever end up falling in love with an idiot like you."

A gasp escapes me as his hands take my face between them. Him moving closer till his nose is just scantily touching my own. Never have we been this close, my eyes glancing at his soft looking lips making me wet my lips at the thought.

His own eyes seem to go to my mouth following the movements of my tongue as it runs over my lips nervously. "Say it again."

"What?" I ask feeling unsure of what he's asking.

"Say that you love me."

My cheeks burn as I bashfully move my eyes from his suddenly so shy, "Why should I? After all the crying you've made me to do. With how you almost died saving not only my sister, but me as well. Why should I say that again." I know I am being stubborn about this, but I can't help myself. I want to hear him say the words I've been longing for too.

His eyes peer down tenderly into mine, "If every tear you've shed is a way of saying that you love me. Then I'll gladly do anything even die to see how hard you'd cry." As if some magical force pushes us forward, Hak presses his lips against my own.

My wide-open eyes simply fall shut, enjoying the sensation of his kiss. His lips though a little rough still, he kisses me so sweetly. As if I'm something precious.

The tears come back, but Hak's hands simply wipe them away as he slowly pulls away, "I love you."

Startled by the sudden confession I gaze into his sapphire eyes as he looks lovingly at me, "Really? You love me?"

"Yeah, and I always will," he then kisses me again. The both of us in a loving embrace with the stars gathered beneath the brightly lit moon.

xxxxx

"The oracle is here, seriously?" Hak saying with his mouth still full.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes, "Yes, I think I would know what the oracle looks like."

"Just not where I expected to find him. Woulda thought this place would look more like a shrine," stuffing an entire bun in his mouth, "since oracles pray like all the time, right?" He then grabs another, biting into it with Yun finally noticing.

"Come on! Ask before you stuff your face!"

Without removing the bun from his mouth, "falright orvacle, fank fou for fa food."

Yun still stares crossly at Hak, "I'm not an oracle dumbass," slapping the hand of Hak's that tries to sneak another bun.

I sigh, moving closer to Hak. My movement catches his attention and with his head turned to me I flick him on the forehead. "Don't speak with your mouth full, it's rude," turning my gaze to Yun. "Could I please have one? I'm rather hungry."

"See!" pointing to me, "at least she has manners and asks for permission! Where'd you learn yours? In a barn!" He finishes by handing a still warm bun to me causing me to smile cheekily at Hak.

Reaching over he grabs me, trapping me in his hold as he rubs his fist against my head. I pinch his thigh in retaliation which makes him lose his grip on me, but not before subtly kissing my cheek. Heat spreads across my cheeks as a smile comes to my lips at the action, everyone oblivious to it.

"Speaking of the oracle, does anyone know where Ik-Soo went?" Yona says after finishing one of her buns.

"He's probably over by the twin waterfalls. Ik-Soo likes to pray there. It's peaceful to him."

I hum at the information knowing that this would be probably the best time to go see him. Looking over to Yona, as if she can read my thoughts, nods before getting up. I too get up walking over to her as we both leave the hut in search of Ik-Soo.

We silently go in search of him, neither of us feeling the need to speak. I can't help thinking on just how beautiful it is during the day as it does night here. The memory of what happen last might coming to mind causing my face to heat up once more.

"Are you alright, Hayami? Your face is all red," her expression and words showing her concern.

"I'm fine," waving my hand, "nothing to worry about. Just feel a little warm is all. I'm sure once we get to the falls, I'll feel much cooler." It's after say that that I see Ik-Soo sitting a few feet from the edge of the cliff where the twin waterfalls reside.

"There you are Ik-Soo," he turns his head to us with tears running down his face. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

He rubs the sleeve of his robe against his face, wiping away his tears before facing forward again. "I was just meditating. Deciding to focus on you along with your sister. This world and how you both fit into it. The gods have a plan for you Princess Hayami," his words now only for me. "Do you want to know the gods and here them speak?"

"I'll be honest with you. I've never been one to put much faith in the gods. I always believed that only one who can control my fate is myself. That only I can forge my own path no matter how difficult it may become for me. I was determined to not let anyone else decide for me no matter who they were, but now that I'm here... I'm unsure."

Heaving a sigh I continue, "Now that I've seen you again, I remember how you spoke of the gods and how I had a great destiny in store for me. How you were so sure that what the gods were saying is true. At the time I couldn't help believing your words, but as I said I don't put much faith in the gods anymore. Time changes us as it's constantly moving. So, is listening to what they have to say really what's best for me? Is putting my faith in them what I truly need to do. All I want is to keep my sister and Hak safe nothing else matters to me."

"What I said to you all those years ago still hold true. Your life weighs more than other humans even your sisters," my eyes immediately going to her, seeing her unsure expression as she looks at me. "A fate like yours will not allow you any peace. The odds were against you especially your sister, but you survived. The result is that a storm is coming one that will turn the kingdom upside down."

"What could you possibly mean by that."

"Let me show you. If you truly want to fulfill your destiny and you cannot cool the fire in your blood. Then allow me to deliver the message of the gods:

"Darkness falls on earth,
with dragons' blood,
they arise once again.

Following the ancient pledge,
four dragons will gather,
to protect the sovereign,
the sword and shield will awaken.

And the crimson dragon,
will finally return from dawn."

Falling over once done, us all sweat dropping in exasperation, "One needs extreme spiritual fortitude to deliver the message of the gods."

"Quit being lazy," Yun poking him, "I thought this was your job."

"I don't know anything about dragons or gods or oracle. So, how do I know you're not trying to con us?"

"He's not that smart," states Yun.

'There is it is again. The crimson dragon just like I've been called in my dreams and just like the one from the storybook father used to read to us.' "The crimson dragon you spoke of," gaining their attention, "do you mean the one the old legends written in texts."

"You've heard the legend of this kingdom's creation?"

"Indeed, I have," nodding to Ik-Soo. "Our used to read of the legends when we were children. It was my favorite and I could never go to sleep without him reading it to me. It's said that the crimson dragon god came to earth in human form, he was our nation's first sovereign. He became known as the crimson dragon king and is still known as that to this day."

"That's right, so you must know the rest of it then. In how the crimson dragon king came to rule with four men gifted by the blood of four dragons in order to protect their brother. And when it came for the crimson king to finally go to his eternal rest the four dragon warriors left, never to be seen again."

'Four dragons, the same as in my dreams. Just what does all of this mean?' "What does the legend of the crimson king have to do with me?

"You said you wish to keep your sister and Hak safe," I nod. "Well, your life is just as if not more important and you must stay alive if you wish for you all to survive. You know you can't do that alone because when you come out of hiding, they'll be after both you and your sister again. Hak is by your side and he'll protect you till his very last breathe. Sadly, though without anyone but the three of you, with only two of you able to fight, he will die."

His words turn my raging blood to ice.

"Hang on a sec," Hak interrupting, "you can't just say I'm gonna die. I'm no oracle, but I can predict this. If-!" He then halts, his words lodged in his throat as Yun softly punches his side causing him to just fall over. "Threaten us all you want, we don't have anything, haha."

"As you can see, he's in pretty terrible safe. You're going to need formidable allies."

"Okay," pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration, "even if you say that and proven your point," pointing down to Hak. "Who could we possibly turn to, to help us. We're fugitives with no allies in sight except for those of whom we can't risk to call upon. So, who would possibly help us?"

"You're going to have to seek them out; the four dragon warriors."

"Are you serious?! They exist?!" exclaims an excited Yona at the prospect of them being real.

Me on the other hand, I'm skeptical as to them ever existing in the first place, "You're serious," raising an eyebrow questioningly at him, "they're not just fairytales?"

"Yes, they exist after all of these centuries hidden in the kingdom with the dragons' blood in their veins. They will be the allies you need in order to survive."

"Ik-Soo, I would do anything in order to keep Hak and Yona safe. But even if they are real what reason would they have to help me? This mess is my problem and it has absolutely nothing to do with them."

"The night you left the palace was a miracle you both made it out alive. Princess Yona was supposed to die along with your father," a gasp escaping me at this, "then you, your sister and Hak miraculously survived the fall from that cliff. I call these twists of fate miracles, but I truly believe it was your destiny that kept you alive and guide you here to us. If you seek them out and enlist their help to travel as your allies it's not your problem. It's the gods will and they are intertwined with it."

"The gods will, huh," looking up at the sky.

"That being said," gaining my attention again, "heaven will only show you the path. You must walk it and you must choose it for yourself."

I stay silent, my thoughts overwhelming with everything I had been told. Without saying a word, I walk away from the four wanting to think on my thoughts alone.

xxxxx

Hours pass by as I walk, sit, walk again, sit again with my thoughts on Ik-Soo's words still on my conscious. Even now as I soak my feet in the cool water of the stream with my eyes focused on the moon. My troubles and doubts only seem to have grown and I just don't know what to do with them.

All the years I spent trying to make a difference for the people of this nation. Trying to change what I could of my father's rule behind his back. Trying to be the daughter he wished when I couldn't and I failed it all.

Turns out I'm even more of a failure once Soo-Won told me everything. All I had done was in vain, so how do I know that what Ik-Soo said I won't just fail that too. I'm supposed to find four dragon warriors and ask them to help me with something I already failed to do. What if I just fail them to like have everything else.

"Princess."

My eyes going to Hak before looking down, "You idiot." Removing my feet from the water, ignoring the fact my feet are bare as I walk up to him, I lay my palm upon his cheek. "What are you doing out of bed. You should be resting."

He leans into my touch, enjoying the warmth of my hand, "I'm healing perfectly fine, I'm basically all better. So, you don't need to worry about me dying on you cause it's not gonna happen."

Hearing his conviction, his absolute resolve gives me the answer that I need, "Hak, I'm going to find the four dragon warriors."

"I thought you didn't even believe they existed and if they did what you gonna do when you find them? What if they don't want to come with us?"

"We'll figure out what to do if it comes to that, but something in me is telling me to believe that they're real. That with their help I won't fail in saving the kingdom as I did before because I won't be alone. I'll have you, Yona and all of them at my side so that this time when I stumble all of you will be there to catch me when I fall."

"I already know how to fight. How to use a sword, a bow and even my body to use in order keep everyone safe. I'd do anything even use the gods power, choosing their path to ensure I get my justice, keep you and Yona safe and protect this kingdom."

"Geez you're so stubborn," Hak rubbing the back of his head in frustration. "But if this is what you really want," now smiling, leaning his forehead against mine, "I guess I can't refuse."

I giggle, brushing my lips softly against his. Hak wrapping his arms around my waist as I take mine laying them on his shoulder. The peacefulness of it all as the sun begins to rise gives me hope for the future ahead. We then separate, laying our foreheads together again, closing our eyes enjoying the sensation of this moment.

Footsteps approaching cause us to separate. My eyes looking in the shadows to see Ik-Soo coming out of the shadows, "Have you come to a decision." I nod causing his smile to widen only to fall soon after, "If you don't mind. I have a favor to ask of you."

"And what is this favor you'd like to ask of me? I'll gladly do it if I'm able."

"Take Yun with you when you leave, please?"

"I'd be happy to have him along. His skills are highly appreciated and needed, but have you asked him if this is something he'd want to do?"

"No," shaking his head, "I was rather hoping if you would tell him in my stead."

I look into his fuchsia eyes not hesitating, "I'm afraid, that that is not possible." His eyes widening, mouth opening to argue, but I don't give him the chance, "He's your family and you should speak honestly with him. You should be the one to tell him what you think he should do, that he should come with us, not me. Don't cower away from being honest with him because all you'll be doing is hurting him if you do," I finish bluntly.

"As straightforward as ever, Princess Hayami."

xxxxx

I find myself waking up the next morning trying on a new outfit made for me by Yun. Yona too received something new to wear, her smile large as she twirls around. Her laughter infectious as she admires how it looks on her.

"Did you make these yourself Yun?"

"Uh, yeah, I had extra fabric laying around. Mind you it's not silk or anything fancy like that, but whatever it's not like it's a big deal or anything." Averting his eyes away shyly as his cheeks turned slightly pink.

"It's so different from anything I've worn before. I adore it!"

"You did fine work, Yun. You have no need to act as though these are nothing. Both Yona and I greatly appreciate you making these for us."

"Yeah, sure, no problem," his cheeks now darker as the corner of his lips upturn.

"If you don't mind, Yun. Could you possibly help me by trimming my hair. It's so uneven now from when… well you get my point."

He nods, going over to a shelf, picking up what looks to be a razor. Relaxed I sit back, closing my eyes, enjoying the feeling of his fingers running through my hair as he evens it out. Yona sits beside me still just smiling.

"You can basically do anything, Yun. It's amazing how you do everything so well."

"With Ik-Soo around I pretty much have to be. He can't do anything by himself, so it's up to me to take care of him."

"You know something, I like you, Yun." Her words causing him to pause for a moment, "You take such great care to Ik-Soo and now her you are giving my sister a haircut even though you said you hated royalty."

"Just so you know none of this is free," the two of us looking to each other dumbfounded. "The haircut, the medicine, plus your room and board…"

"Oh, uh, Mundok would be happy to pay!" Yona just blurts out without

"Mundok who!? You mean the Wind Clans Great War hero?!"

"I didn't know Mundok was a war hero," Yona surprised by this news.

"Indeed, grandpa Mundok is as decorated as uncle Yu-Hon, but more admired throughout the kingdom. He is quite the legend."

"I just thought he was a sweet old grandpa at least to me anyway."

I chuckle, "Oh, don't underestimate him. He's actually quite sadistic, at least to Hak anyway," the both of us laughing at this.

"Alright, you're all done, Princess Hayami."

I give him my thanks, roving my hands over my now shoulder length locks. I'll miss having my hair as long as it was, but the good thing about hair is that it grows. I then tell the two I'm going to go out searching for my katana when Yun stops me.

Yun walks over to a clothe covering something and as he removes it, he reveals my sword. "I found this the night I found all of you," carefully handing it over to me, "At first I thought it was Hak's, but when I went to give it to him he told me it was yours."

"Thank you, Yun. I greatly appreciate you saving this as well," I then take a couple steps back, making sure to have a good distance between us. Swiftly and gracefully, I unsheathe the sword, setting down the scabbard as I look over the blade finding no damage done. Smoothly I sheathe it, keeping the sword in my grasp, "Do you happen to have the sash that was with this?"

"Yes, I do. I just needed to mend it since it had a tear in it," him holding out the pretty dark blue sash gifted to me from Hak that reminded me of his eyes. I tell him my thanks again with him mumbling out, "it's whatever," before I leave intending to search for Hak.

xxxxx

"So, this is where you've been," stating as I stare down at Hak who's chomping down on some fire grilled fish.

Bones and all he eats looking up at me, "I vas," swallowing the mouth full, "hungry so I cooked me some fish." He then grabs the last two, holding one out to me, "Want one?"

"Yeah, no," shaking my head as I sit beside him, leaning on him. "Your cooking is abysmal, my love." He just rolls his eyes, continuing to eat his meal as I enjoy just being in his presence. His arm wrapping around my shoulder as I lean into him, "We'll have to leave soon."

"Later today or early tomorrow is when we should head out."

"Probably tomorrow then," deciding now, "so Yun can get everything he needs ready for the journey ahead of us."

Hak looks down to me, eyebrow raised, "How're you so sure that he'll be coming along with us?"

"Just call it a feeling."

"Then I'm sure he'll be coming since I just saw him earlier looking like he made his decision. After he talked to me that is."

"Oh," curious about what they could have spoken about, "what about?"

He just smiles, ignoring my question by covering my lips with his own. Sighing at the feeling, I lay a hand on his cheek taking joy in moments such as these. I know that while traveling we won't have much time for moments like these, so I'll savor any time we have.

Hak takes his other arm, wrapping it around my hip, picking me up so that I'm now straddling him. A gasp leaves me at the sudden movement giving him access to insert his tongue, tangling it with my own. I can't help moaning at the sensation of his tongue, my fingers pulling on the strands of his hair causing Hak's own groan to form. The longer we continue, the more intense out kiss becomes with Hak pressing me closer. One arm wrapped around my waist as his hand tangles itself in my hair.

Our breathing becomes ragged as we separate, a string of saliva still connected to us. Puffs of hot air leaves us as we focus on steadying our breathing and Hak leaning his forehead against mine. His eyes gazing at me with such love and lust that it makes my entire body quiver in pleasure.

"You make it so hard to resist you," closing his eyes, "with how you look at me. It's like you're trying to tempt me on purpose, you little minx." His eyes looking at me once more as he smiles, "I still love you though, my Princess."

"And I love you, my Thunder Beast."

xxxxx

Hak and I stroll through the canopy of trees hand in hand with no destination in mind. With no destination in mind, we end up where Ik-Soo told me the prophecy. Where Ik-Soo and Yun are both kneeling on the ground, tears in their eyes as they say their goodbyes.

I smile at the heart-warming scene, standing in Hak's embrace as he holds me from behind leaning against a tree. "Seems you were right. He made his decision."

Humming in agreement, I start walking once more with Hak's hand in mine. Letting Ik-Soo and Yun have their moment without us spying on it.

We're soon back at the hut where Yona sits relaxing in the rays of the sun. Now no longer alone I reluctantly release Hak's hand walking over to sit next to my sister. Hak sits beside me grazing his hand over mine ever so often.

"Do you think," Yona speaking up, "that Yun will come along with us?"

"Are we going somewhere?" Curious to see what she would say from her assumption.

"We're going to go in search of the four dragon warriors, aren't we?" Looking to me with a hopeful look.

One moment she's so sure, the next not quite as much. I chuckle at this, "Yes, we're going to go find them."

My confirmation to her inquiry causes her to gain that sparkle of excitement in her eyes. The very one she had when she heard the legend was true. It's moments like these that I'm reminded of how truly young she is, the same for Yun.

She's just barely turned sixteen while Yun is fifteen though more mature than Yona despite being younger than her. This journey will be treacherous and there will be no way in making sure that the both are safe. It just makes me worry in how Yona will adjust to this life, where there is no guarantee for anything.

"Yona, are you sure you wish to come with us," she looks to me, but waits for me to continue. "Our life has changed drastically from the comforts of the palace. We'll continually have to be on the move, not staying in one place for too long to ensure we stay undetected from Soo-Won's soldiers. Plus, this will become very dangerous and I will have in no way to guarantee your safety. So, that's why I ask: are you sure?"

Yona stares down, twiddling her thumbs nervously before looking back to me with a determination I've never seen in her violet eyes. "I know our life will no longer be easy and that it will become dangerous at one point. We've already been through so many threatening situations, but I still want to come with you sister." She grabs hold of my hands, eyes never leaving mine, "I will become stronger and help you, so please don't leave me here. I don't," tears welling in her eyes, "I don't want us to be separated, you're all I have left in this world."

Her tears fall, as sobs now wrack her body. I take her into my arms, resting my cheek on her as she hides her face in my shoulder with no words to say. No words were needed because we both knew that I could never leave her behind. She too is all the family I have left in the world even with Hak by my side. Yona is just someone who can't be replaced.

xxxxx

"Are you sure you're alright? Have everything you need?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that. I'll be fine Ik-Soo."

"Hey Yun," Yona asks, "what do you have in that bag?"

I too look to the bag, "I assume you have things needed for the journey ahead of us?"

"You would be correct, Princess Hayami," reaching inside, taking out a large piece of cloth. "This bag here is for Princess Hayami since she stands out more with her crimson hair. It'll help hide her if we see Soo-Won's soldier's patrolling."

My face deadpans at this, "No way in hell are you going to get me into that bag."

"I've prepared for other emergencies too."

"That's great, but we don't have all day. Thank you for having us," Hak nodding his head to Ik-Soo.

"Goodbye, we'll miss you Ik-Soo."

"Thank you," bowing my head slightly, "for everything that you've done."

"I'll be praying for your safety as you travel and one more thing, Princess Hayami," his words giving me pause as his fuchsia turn serious. "Your dreams," my eyes widening somewhat, "each have a meaning and will help guide for the road ahead. Heed them for they will bring you guidance for when your uncertainties become too great."

All I do is nod, turning my back to him as I continue walking away with his last words on the forefront of my mind. How did he know about my dreams? What could he have possibly meant by me needing guidance from them? For now, all that I could can do is focus on the journey set before me.

xxxxx

"No."

"Please."

"No."

"Please!"

"I said no, Yona!"

"Hayami, please! I want to learn how to fight, with a sword! I don't want to be a burden, unable to defend myself or at least be of some help!"

It has been three days since we left heading in the direction of a dragon warrior that Ik-Soo knew the location of. Since we started it's been easy so far with only running into a few people along the way and thankfully only once with Fire Clan soldiers. All in all, it's been peaceful so far with nothing having to worry about.

Now however, for some reason Yona today has been on my case. Begging to learn how to fight as I do, to be of some use when the time comes to fight. Except I have no wish for her to be in any type of situation as to where she needs such knowledge.

I stop in my tracks, turning to her, "I shall say this once," my eyes fiery, "you will never wield a blade, especially a sword!"

"But-!"

Lifting my hand ceasing her from voicing her bickering, "However, I do see your point in wanting to be of some use." Lowering my hand to rest on her shoulder, "If you wish to be of some help then learn healing from Yun. Prove to me that you are willing to learn to be of help and then maybe I will teach you how to shoot a bow."

"A bow? But I want to learn how to wield a sword."

"You will take what I give you, Yona," denying her immediately. "When wielding a weapon, you have to be willing to take someone's life. Swords are close combat weapons, requiring you to be able to look into the eyes of your opponents as they strive to kill you and you them. Once you take that life, you will feel their blood staining your hands whether it be metaphorically or physically. I won't have you suffer with the guilt of having blood on your hands. Please, try to understand I do this because I care."

I continue to walk after saying my final piece, no longer wanting to speak on it. Behind me I hear Yun complaining on how much trouble it's gonna be teaching Yona how to heal. I know though that he'll help since I talked to him of the possibility of Yona learning too already.

And over the next few days Yona impresses me in how hard she's in trying to learn. She studies till be drops, passing out from exhaustion of the day of traveling then staying up so late each night. I suppose I'm no different in the regard as every night we stop I train in perfecting to wield my blade, my body and the bow.

I work till I can no longer do so. In doing this I work to build strength in my body for the road ahead of us. Needing, wanting to become better than I was when I lived the pampered life of a Princess. It's time for me to change that.

xxxxx

We strolled up a dirt path that supposedly will lead us to the hidden village of one of the dragon warriors. It's quite with only the sounds of our footsteps and the birds and animals all around us. I pause slightly though grabbing hold of Hak's hand as he moves to stand beside me.

"Yona, Yun, you two go on ahead of us. Hak and I have something we need to discuss."

"Alright, but don't linger. We're almost to the place Ik-Soo mentioned. Let's go, Princess Yona," leading my sister away as they continue forward.

Once the both are no longer in eyesight, I turn to Hak, "Fight me."

"Fight you?" Bewildered by my demand, "Why do you suddenly have the desire to fight, let alone against me?"

I know he's right; fighting against Hak is something I never desired to do. Not because I know he can mop the floor with me, but because of my love for him. He however is the only person I can count on to help me in my need to grow stronger.

"I just need you to, Hak. Please, it's just something that I have to do, even if I don't like it."

He sighs, closing his eyes, "If it's something you feel you have to do then I guess I have no choice, but to comply." Walking further into the tree, holding my hand as he moves.

Hak stops not too far in, unwrapping his hsu quandao, getting into a fighting stance. I too get into my preferred stance, unsheathing my blade, holding it in my preferred position, ready to fight.

He rushes me, striking outward his blade clashing with my own. With strength much greater than my own, he easily pushes me back, my heels digging into the ground to slow the movement. I twist under, kneeling with one leg out as I spin around aiming for his legs.

Jumping up, avoiding my foot sweep he swipes his blade downward, aiming for my head. Barrel rolling, dodging as his glaive digs into the earth. I don't hesitate, pushing my body forward horizontally cutting across only for the staff to block me.

That doesn't stop me, using his staff as leverage to thrust my katana up at his head. Moving his head to the side, he push kicks me in the gut, knocking me onto my back with his blade resting on my neck. His dark gaze now locked on me, unable to tear my eyes from his.

"Tell me why you suddenly have the urge to fight with me, my Princess."

"I have to be stronger," my lips quivering, "to be a better person as I am now than I ever was as a worthless Princess." Covering my now teary eyes with my arm, wishing for Hak to not see me cry again.

Clattering of metal hitting the ground reaches my ears as the feeling of powerful arms lifting me into his gentle hold. He removes my arms from my face, but I quickly hide it in the juncture of his neck and shoulder. This doesn't deter him, he just takes my face into his rough, warm hands.

Hak cradles my face, treating me as something so precious, "I don't know who or what caused you to think you were someone worthless, but it's complete bullshit. You were never worthless as a Princess and you certainly aren't now. You're already strong, stronger than anyone I know in not only being able to fight, but to continue after everything you've been through."

"How can I not think such things when seeing the state of how my people live. How much they struggle and suffer while I lived a cozy, cushy life."

"You did what you could, Hayami," his thumb rubbing against my cheek. "You can't blame yourself for everything that's happened. All you can do is move forward and focus on the better future you wish to make." He then places a gentle kiss on my lips before saying, "Now let's get going and get that dragon warrior of yours."

Hak begins to move, releasing me from his arms and placing me on my feet as he stands, but not releasing his hold on one of my hands. Guiding me through the woods to the dirt path walking in the direction in which Yun and Yona disappeared.

Minutes pass us by in silence our priority now on finding the two and getting to the hidden village. A fog sets in as we move further with still no sign of Yun or Yona. Unease starts filling me at no seeing any sign of them.

"We should have caught up to them by now."

"With how thick this fog is getting; it's making it even more difficult to see let along find them."

"Yes, I know. Ik-Soo did mention that the secret village is shrouded in a mist of fog helping to keep it from being found so easily. Maybe they somehow found their way to the village?"

"No," denying my thought immediately, "with how thick this and how guarded Ik-Soo said they would be. It's not possible for them to find the village; at least on their own."

Something on the path then catches my eye. I release Hak's hand going over to see what it is. "Hak! Over here!"

"Where are you?! I can't see you?!"

"Over to the right of you, I'm knelt on the ground," telling him how to find me. The pounding of his footsteps is heard and he soon finds me, "These are Yun's things," pointing to the bags and shawl. "And where Yun was Yona would be. YONA! YUN! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

Suddenly a strong gust blows, leaves falling from the trees with voices shouting into the wind, "LEAVE! LEAVE!"

"Depart this place immediately and do not return!" A stranger's voice giving us warning.

"I'm afraid, leaving is impossible at the moment. Now who are you?" Moving to step forward only to be stopped by Hak, holding his glaive in my path.

"Staying is not an option for the likes of you! If you come one step farther, we'll incur swift, divine punishment!"

"Who makes threats while hidden behind mist," swinging his weapon back, over his shoulder. "What kind of cowardly gods can't face their enemies face to face!" Lashing out his blade in an arc, the fog dispersing with one strike.

As the fog clears, enemies surround us in the trees and on the ground. "Just who are you people!? I've never seen anyone clear the fog. It's unreal!"

"You first tell us," Hak demands as he pulls me into his side. "Are you from the dragon village?"

"How do you know about our clan?! Who sent you here?!"

"Your knowledge alone gives us reason to kill you," this man's voice I recognize instantly. Him being the one who gave the warning earlier. "There was a boy and girl here earlier. Were you all traveling together?!"

"We won't say another word till you tell me where they are! What did you do with them?!"

"Like you they-! It can't be," his once hardened eyes softening slightly as his drawn bow is lowered.

"She has crimson hair!"

"Just like the legend," his bow now hanging limply in his grasp.

"But she just a young woman?"

The man who seems to be the leader of the group jumps down from the ledge he stands own, kneeling before me once on the ground. "Please tell us truthfully, miss. Where are you from and why are you here?"

Taking a step closer to the man kneeled before me I state, "From Fuuga. The oracle told us we would find you here. We are striving to find the four dragon warriors in hopes they will help me with what I seek to accomplish. Will you please tell me, is the white dragon warrior here?"

"Yes, miss," eyes moving to meet my own, "he is here. I'm one of those charged with his protection. Allow us to guide you to him. We will lead you to the white dragon's village."