Chapter 3: Fear

The rain began to fall faster than Hak had expected and it continued to do so until they reached camp. Upon reaching camp though they found the tent had been caught in a rock slide and damaged heavily.

"Kija! Jae-ha! Shinah! Zeno!" Yona cried out and ran over towards the fallen tent. "Yun!" Tears welled up in her eyes and began to fall down her face. No. No. NO! She began to mentally cry as she reached for the first of many rocks.

Hak went to join her when he saw footprints heading off towards the woods. "Princess." He began but stopped when he saw her look up at him. Her eyes swelling because she was crying. Grabbing her into his arms, he held her tightly to her. "It's okay. Look." He nodded towards the footprints. "They must've gone off to find shelter." He looked around them. "Let's do the same." He felt her nod against his chest. Grabbing her wrist he led her away from the ruined campsite and into the woods.

Following the tracks was easy; at first, but as the rain began to pound harder upon them the faster they washed away. Hak's eyes scanned the area they were in and found that they were nearing a series of caves ahead. Smiling, he gave Yona a tug and continued on towards those caves.

Yun knows this area. He thought. He must've led everyone towards these caves. His eyes scanned for the nearest one across the area and found three possible caves that could've been used by their companions. Which one though? There were two on an upper hill and one below those in front of him. Frowning he ground his teeth together. Pulling Yona's wrist he headed towards the one ahead of them, hoping it was the right one.

Yona sat upon a rock in the cave and wrapped her arms around her body. I'm so cold. She thought as she felt her body begin to shake. She looked at Hak and saw him digging at some items in the back of the cave. It was about as big as one of those rooms they all shared at that spa they'd found in the forest that one time. Her eyes became glossy as they filled with tears. Where are they? Are they okay? She thought as images of her friends being hurt popped up in her mind causing more worry and thus more tears began to fall.

Hak found an old firepit in the back of the cave and as luck would have it there was some dry wood and kindling. He worked for a few minutes on getting a fire started and once it was going properly he stood up and took off his soaked outer jacket. Turning around he stopped in his tracks at what he saw. Hunched over with her arms wrapped around her legs Yona was silently crying. Her eyes were closed as she was facing him. Tears streaking down her cheeks, pooling on her wet skirt. Quickly rushing over to her, he looped his arms under her raised legs and behind her back he lifted her into his arms. He then sat her down in front of the fire, but kept an arm around her body.

Yona barely realized that Hak had moved her, but when she felt something warm wrap around her. Lifting her head she saw Hak looking down at her with worry. I'm doing it again. She thought. I'm showing my weakness in front of him. Why do I so this?

Hak lifted a hand and wiped her hears away before thinking about it. Her eyes widened slightly before she leaned her face into his palm. Hak brought his forehead down against hers and breathed in her scent. Yona's eyes were wide as he did this. Pulling away from her he spoke. "They're alright." He said seeming to know her fears.

"Hak." She murmured before grabbing his shirt and pulling him down.

Hak's eyes widened in shock as Yona pulled him to her. Their lips met. It was a quick kiss, but it was enough to get the thunder beasts blood to boil, his heart to speed up and a need to continue to touch her with his lips. When she pulled her lips away from his, her face was flushed, as was his. "Thank-you." She said softly causing his eyes to widen ever so slightly. "You're always caring for me. Always so gently with me and seem to always know what I need whether it's a distraction or encouragement." She looked into his eyes. "Thank-you."

Hak felt laughter wanting to bubble up and out of his throat but held it back though a large smile was placed upon his face. "I'd do anything to ensure your happiness Princess." He said and knew deep down it was the truth, however he was still having problems keeping his own desires in check.

He still has his arm around me. Yona mused happily and found that she really didn't want him to remove his arm either.

The rain shower only lasted a couple of hours and during that time Yona found that Hak never removed his arm and she didn't complain once about it. In fact she had leaned into his body and fell asleep against his chest as they sat next to the fire to get warm and to allow their clothes to dry. Once the rain had stopped it was Hak's decision to continue to stay in the cave, a smile on his face as he watched his princess sleep lightly.

M-Angel: A sweet moment that's laying the brickwork for the upcoming M.