Chapter 10: Hello Again

Fat drops of rain fell onto the earth, gloomy grey clouds covered the sky causing the sun to be covered and hidden from sight. The grass that was beginning to get crispy from lack of rain drank up the water that fell from the sky. Inside the red keep of the red king's palace, Princess Yona a glared as Uncle Shuten and Uncle Guen were playing a game that her daddy liked playing with them. It was called GO, but she really didn't understand it. All she did know was that it was a game of strategy, which was like war. It looked boring though and as a five year old little girl, she was very easily bored.

Across the room Uncle Abi was reading something called a progress report about something that was going on in the water tribe. Standing up she ran over to him with a book. Out of the four warriors, he was the only one who would read to her. Shuten made up his own stories about his supposed adventures across the country before he served her daddy. Guen liked to tell her myths and legends, most which were scary and gave her bad dreams. Zeno liked to tell her of the story how her daddy came from the heavens and about his four dragon brothers. She knew those tales so well that she could recite them by heart.

She watched Abi's golden eyes look up to her when she held up the big blue scroll with the best stories in it. A small smile crossed his features. He didn't know why Yona liked coming to him for her stories, but it warmed his heart every time she brought him her scroll filled with stories. Taking it, he helped her onto the bench he was sitting on by the open window that showed the empty courtyard. "What sort shall we read today?" he inquired.

"Story three?" she asked, knowing full well they hadn't even finished story two or one.

Abi chuckled as he opened the scroll and began looking through the writing until he came to the beginning of story three. It was just as he was about to begin the story when Hiryuu opened the doors to the building, a rush of cold air entering with him. Zeno was behind him with a bright smile on his face. "What's going on?" Abi inquired, knowing the look on the King's face.

"I've officially stepped down today as the ruler of Kouka." Hiryuu stated with a tired look in his eyes. Upon seeing Yona next to Abi, he began walking over to them. Sitting next to his adopted daughter, he pulled her into his arms.

"Yak-shi is the king now?" Shuten inquired before chuckling. "Guess the kid is ready for it. He's way smarter than most of the councilors you have."

Hiryuu gave a tired chuckle. "He gets it from Ha-kura." he mumbled as he poked the dimples on Yona's cheeks.

"Daddy play more with me now?" she asked with a curious look in her violet eyes.

Hiryuu smiled down upon her. "Yes." he said softly. "I was think about a trip to the springs in Bah-nai in the water tribe." he looked at his warriors who were all grinning at their king.

"I'm in!" Zeno shouted with glee.

Everybody sighed at Zeno's exuberance. "You'd think the kid wasn't a day over thirty with the way he acts." Shuten complained.

"Zeno young like me!" Yona giggled as she was picked up by Hiryuu who began tickling her. "Daddy!" she yelled between fits of laughter.

Zeno blinked in surprise at what the little Miss had said. He had asked Hiryuu, more liked cried to him, on what was the Ouryuu's power a few ears back. Now that he thought about it more, Hiryuu, Shuten, Guen and Abi all looked so much older than he did. If he really thought about it, he hadn't aged much; if at all. Was he really young still? It was a chilling thought, but one that was beginning to haunt him.

Guen moved his final piece in place, which caused Shuten to shriek in anger as he lost the game. Yona looked up at her father as Shuten's words got colorful. "Uncle Shuten always gets lively when Uncle Guen wins." she told him as he gave a chuckle at her words.

"Lively is one word for it." Abi said with a tone that stated that he was annoyed with the loud sounds.

"Those hot springs sound heavenly." Guen said as Shuten began to settle down from his tantrum.

Abi looked from the King to Guen to Zeno who was making faces at Yona who was giggling at the silly Ouryuu. "Zeno stop that." he chided. "If we leave within the hour, we can be there before nightfall. Then we could enjoy a full night and day there." The three older warriors really liked that plan.

Hiryuu smiled at them. "Or spend a week there." he watched them look at him as if he'd just grown another head.

"You may not be King anymore, but we still have responsibilities." Abi told Hiryuu who chuckled at his friend.

"Uh...actually." Shuten began as he rubbed the back of his neck. "The elders of my tribe want me to either marry or name a successor since I've reached my thirtieth year."

"About time." Abi mumbled.

"How many women have you turned away blue boy?" Shuten challenged his friend.

"Six." Abi mumbled quietly.

Guen grinned. "And here I've got four of them." he laughed as the other looked at him like he was crazy.

Zeno snickered causing everybody to look at him. "Perhaps you should give one to Zeno." Shuten said as a joke only for Zeno to look horrified.

"I don't need a wife!" he yelled causing everybody, but Yona to laugh.

Tugging on her father's haori to get his attention, Hiryuu looked down at her. "Are we going to the hot springs?" she inquired.

"Yes." he told her as he helped her off of the bench. Standing he took her hand. "I will be saying the week at the springs with Yona. If you four don't want to, it's up to you." he the walked away from them with Yona.

An hour later Hiryuu was riding his horse with Yona. Behind them was a wagon with clothing and items they'd need for a the week that filled it up. Riding near him were his four friends who looked happy to be leaving the palace for awhile, though Abi still had a look of worry on his face.

Yona had her hands over her eyes as she waited for Shuten and the others to get into the water. Her daddy was sitting across from her with a look of mirth and because she had no mother and no female caretaker, she had to bathe with the boys. Once everybody was in the water Yona was allowed to uncovered her eyes which allowed her to begin splashing around in the water as the boys talked.

"Is it serious, about you getting a wife?" Abi asked Shuten.

The green haired man groaned. "I hate the idea of being tied down to something." he saw a smirk appear on Hiryuu's face. "Don't even say it." he said causing his king's smile to broaden.

"I'm not saying anything." Hiryuu told him with a broad smile.

Abi sighed. "I hate to admit it, but I may be getting a wife as well." he told everyone. "I met her. She's sweet." he shook his head. "She makes me feel old though."

"Too young?" Guen inquired.

"She's nineteen, but looks way younger." he shivered at the thought of marrying a child.

"Miri has a sister." Guen began but got a glare from his blue haired brother; which caused him to laugh.

Yona looked at her daddy who was looking tired. "Daddy, are you okay?" she inquired, her inquisitive eyes looking at him.

"Hmm..." he answered before standing. Abi threw a towel over Yona's head, covering her eyes as he did so. Zeno followed the king and helped him out of the water and into the changing room.

"He's getting worse." Guen said with deep sadness in voice.

"His body is tired." Abi told him as Shuten covered his eyes with his hand. Causing Yona to mimic him. Picking her up, he got out of the water, covered himself and then lead her into the other changing room.

"You think it's gonna happen soon?" he asked Abi, pausing at the doorway Yona had vanished into.

"A couple months. Maybe a year, at the most." was his sad answer causing the other two to go silent.

Hiryuu sighed as Zeno helped him get into one of the bathing yukata's that the hot spring's inn gave to its customers. "I'll go help the Miss." Zeno told him as he was already dressed.

Smiling at his friend, Hiryuu watched the blond leave. A second later he heard the soft footsteps approach him. Turning his head he saw Zeno, but he was dressed differently. "Zeno?" he inquired.

Zeno scratched the back of his head. "Yes and No." was his answer. "I'm Zeno, but not the Zeno you know now." Zeno felt tears prick the corners of his eyes. "I'm from the far future. I have to take her or else time will begin to break down and what should be won't occur."

Hiryuu's eyes widened. "Zeno-" he suddenly found his arms filled as Zeno suddenly couldn't stop himself and hugged his dearest friend. "I'm sorry." Hiryuu whispered.

Zeno pulled back, tears still brimming his eyes. "Its okay." he said with a smile appearing on his face. "I've lived so long, but I've been able to witness thing I never thought I could or ever would." he saw Hiryuu give a weak smile. "When they ask where she went, tell them that she returned to where she belongs."

Hiryuu gave a nod. "What about the council?" he inquired.

Zeno shook his head. "You and Zeno, younger me, will go back; but send the others away. Tell them you'll be returning to the heavens and they must begin to build their homes elsewhere, but not to be discouraged because one day you will return." Zeno told him before hugging him once more. "I must go. I have to take Missy home now." He quickly turned around and left the room, leaving Hiryuu sitting there wishing there was a way to change Zeno's fate. When he sensed the others coming into the room, he took a deep breath as he turned to tell them what was going to be happening soon. There would be tears, he knew, but there was hope; because he wasn't going away forever. He would be back one day, someday soon.

M-Angel: I'll post another chapter this weekend to this story. So older Zeno met Hiryuu again. The next chapter will tell the story how he found Hiryuu and the others.