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Chapter 4 : Raising Red Roses

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Author's notes :

I don't own Akatsuki no Yona. If I did, I would kick all the bad guys' ass so we could go on the romance plot between a red-haired princess and her bodyguard.

I swear I would.


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People. People gathering everywhere. Crowding round them. All he could see were blurs of faces and brightful, colored clothes.

And the noise. By the gods, the noise was awful.

When he first entered Kuuto, capital of the Kouka Kingdom, Hak would have never imagined that his ears could actually hurt. After only a dozen steps, the young boy could only see and hear what was commonly named ''the busy city heartbeat''.

Blue eyes kept dancing between traders and townpeople, spotting on occasion troubadours and jugglers. He even saw nobles dressed in all their finery, and maidens wearing beautiful attire who were giggling in front of the jeweller's shop window. Children were running and bumping into people, adressing apologies while laughing innocently, before going back to their races and games. Merchants were shouting how amazing their goods were, trying with all their might to be the loudest in the street, and neighbouring shopkeepers replied in kind.

Scrunching up his nose in discomfort, the boy did his best not to just cover his ears, and kept following his companion. He looked up at the older man who seemed perfectly at ease in the middle of the crowd. Mundok's face was radiant, contentment written all over his features, with his kind smile and wise eyes sparkling in amusement. Seeing that he was the only one annoyed with the city surroundings, Hak sighed deeply and stuck to the way the Wind tribe's chief was going on.

However, the blue eyed boy couldn't help but be filled with wonder, for it was the first time he actually walked in such a busy town. Yuu-Kyou had been a big city, but nowhere near what Kuuto was. The atmosphere, the people, even the buildings appeared somewhat different, making it hard to stay irritated because of the noise. Hak had never heard so much sounds, and for the first time, he was feeling truly alive. No fear of the Black Soldiers who were tracking him down, no fear of being beaten up for stealing food, no fear of talking to strangers… the young boy smiled to himself : he had Lord Mundok to thank for this name and this new life.

A wave of gratitude washed over him and he looked at the chief one more time. Sensing his grandson's stare, the elder turned around, asking silently what was wrong. Hak kept smiling, while shaking his head to reassure him, and quickened his pace to catch up with his grandfather :

' Say Gramps, what's going on here ? '

' What do you mean ? ' Mundok asked, a bit confused.

' Well, something must be happening in town. I mean, it is a big town, the biggest I've ever been to in fact, but I feel like there is an enthusiasm that appears only during important events… '

Mundok carefully watched the boy for a moment, then broke a smile :

' I see, so you noticed, huh ? I was thinking that maybe you were too young to sense it, but it would seem I was mistaken. You are awfully and amazingly perceptive for your age. '

' Hey ! I'm almost five, you know !' Hak replied, somewhat outraged.

' I said 'amazingly', did I not ? '

' You also said 'awfully'. Being young does not mean I'm deaf, old man.'

' It is Gramps to you.'

' You still haven't answered', Hak insisted with a mischievous laugh.

' That is true. In a week there will be a festival to honour the queen, for it will be her birthday. Everyone has been working hard to prepare the festivities. We will stay until then and help as well.'

' The queen ? I thought old people didn't like to celebrate their birthday … feeling even older.'

The paper fan strucked as fast as a whip.

' Impolite grandson of mine ! The queen is nowhere near being old !'

' Ow, ow ! That's abusing children, Gramps !'

Under his playful smile, Mundok grew serious. Hak was really impressive at such a young age : the way he moved, talked, even thought were too sophisticated for an ordinary four year old boy. The middle aged man had seen his stealth skills while he was in Yuu-Kyou, and assumed they came from a hard life spent on the streets. But at the time, the agility the boy had mastered and the speed coming with each of his movements had impressed the Wind tribe's chief. Yet, there was even more to the blue eyed boy, that Mundok was only beginning to see. Intuition, perception, and a sharpness that were rare, even among adults. He would only be sure once he could start training him in the art of fighting, but the elder somehow knew that Hak would be an incredible warrior, trusting him to act instinctively and with frightening speed.

The Wind tribe's chief sighed. It could prove difficult to ask the emperor for Hak's adoption in his family. Emperor Il was known for being a bit carefree, but he took his responsabilities at heart, and he could become wary of his grandson. Mundok understood that the knowledge of a complete stranger – moreover being 'hunted', like Hak said about himself- being sheltered in Kouka could endanger the country itself.

He glanced fondly at the dark black hair of the child, and knew he was still ready to protect him with his life. Come what may, thought the elder, we will face it together.


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The imperial palace was huge. How can someone use so many rooms in one lifetime ? Hak thought, wonder written all over his face. And those were just public rooms. Meaning there had to be more, hidden further back in the palace, that were built so the emperor and his family could eat, bathe, sleep...well, live. The youngster had a hard time depicting all the uses of the rooms in this palace, while focusing on the number of guards and nobles they had come across since they entered the royal grounds. People bowed to his grandfather, occasionally calling him ''General Mundok''.

Fortunately, he had listened to the old man's lectures, and had learned that the generals were pillars of the military strength. To think that Gramps would be one of them... Mundok's serious voice brought him back to earth :

' Stay close to me, Hak. Do not leave my side unless you are told to by his majesty. And if so, do not wander around to cause trouble. '

Hak nodded firmly. It was a bit intimidating to hear Mundok's solemn speech, but he could understand the reasons : even if he now trusted the old man to become his grandfather, the emperor still had to decide if this would happen. Being disrespectful or behaving suspiciously could change his decision for the worst. The blue eyed boy suddenly was in a cold sweat : what if he said no ? Would he have to return to Kai ? Would they warn the Black Soldiers ?

He silently shivered and shake his head to get rid of frightening thoughts. Mundok's hand came on his shoulder and squeezed it gently :

' Do not worry. I trust the emperor to see what I saw in you the day we met. He will not refuse you.'

Young clenched fists relaxed, and the boy felt better. He stared at the big wooden doors, then glanced at his grandfather once more. Sensing the silent question, the elder answered :

' We have arrived. Let us wait until they ask for us.'

Just as he finished explaining, a servant opened the doors while announcing them. Hak took a deep breath, and followed Mundok in the huge throne hall.


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I would never be able to live there, Hak thought as he wandered around.

There were guards fighting each other in a small yard, with tiny whirlwinds made of sand and dust swirling with each swipe of a sword or a spear. Faces were running with sweat, and the otherwise silent air was now filled with battle cries and exhausted breathing.

The boy sighed. His feet led him to what seemed to be the training grounds of the imperial army. And to think that he had hoped to find a quiet place where he could wait peacefully for the old man. Frowning, he then thought about why he was currently searching for such a thing in the first place.


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The throne hall had not just seemed huge. It was filled with luxuriuous tapestries and delicate potteries decorated with gold ink and gemstones. Hak even saw a huge painting in a remote corner of the room. The incongruity of the scenery caught his attention.

The painting depicted a prisoner wearing a long red cloak tied to a wooden pole on a small platform. At its base, a crowd was looking. Some people with black clothes seemed afraid of something, while the others, wearing lighter colors, looked like they were feeling guilt and remorse. A man with a white coat – a priest - was crying and presenting a golden necklace to the prisoner.

Weird taste, he thought while blue eyes scanned the painting. Who would want to display a public execution ? What is it with the strange atmosphere ?

Unease began creeping up his spine. Odd, disturbing as it was, he couldn't help being mesmerized by the painting. And then his sight caught details.

What he had mistaken for a red cloak was in fact hair. Long, wavy red hair, as red as blood could be. The prisoner was a man, and he directed his face to the sky. Hak followed the prisoner's eyes direction to find out that there were four dragons flying at the top of the painting : a blue one was crying, while a white one was almost invisible, concealed by the clouds. He couldn't precisely make out the colors of the other two, for they were obscured by shadows.

He was tempted to go over that corner and study the painting, but Mundok's voice brought him back to his senses : they were nearing the throne, shadowed by the hanging draperies.

' Your Majesty, I am back from my travel to Yuu-Kyou. I bring news from the meeting, along with peace treaties that may be of interest for our kingdom.'

The general hesitated a bit, then added with a softer tone :

'I also bring to you my grandson and succesor, Son Hak.'

A man moved on the throne. At first, he said nothing. But then, he stood up and approached the pair, stepping in the light.

Bubbly. That was the only world that came up in Hak's mind.

The king's face was rounded, a bit like a chubby baby, and his eyes creased with a good-natured smile. His hands folded behind his back, the child couldn't see his feet because of the royal coat - or maybe because the king was just short. This person didn't look intimidating at all, and the boy was wondering if such a weak aura could really be fit to rule an empire.

'If I knew I would see the day when Lord Mundok would have a grandchild. Please, tell me more about yourself, young one.'

His voice is just as bubbly as his looks. How can it even sound bubbly? Hak looked from the king to the Wind tribe's chief, searching for an answer as to how to reply. Mundok nodded, but the stare in his eyes was guarded. The truth, but not all of it, then.

' I came from Kai. I was living in the streets of Yuu-Kyou when Lord Mundok found me. If not for him, I probably would be starving or freezing to death. I owe him my life, and with all my respect, I would like to repay my debt by serving him and this country ', he finished while bowing deeply and waiting for the emperor's reaction.

And then ...


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Hak kicked a stone who had the awful fate of finding itself on his way. And then ?

And then nothing. He had waited, still bowing, and the silence grew longer with each second. When he had thought he couldn't bear it anymore and had begun straightening up, the emperor's words had echoed in the huge hall :

' I shall discuss about the meeting's report with Lord Mundok, and I won't forget about your request. I will take in consideration the fact that you wish to express your gratitude to my general. For the time being, you are free to visit the imperial grounds until I send someone to fetch you.'

And surely, there he was, on the imperial training grounds, waiting for someone to bring him back to the throne hall. Of course he understood that politics were adult matters -and confidential ones, in that case-, but that did not mean he wouldn't feel frustrated by being left aside.

Hak sighed again, wondering if that would make him grow old faster, since only adults seemed to sigh. The thought of his request being denied frightened him. He would have to go back to Kai, but then the Black Soldiers were probably already on his tail. He didn't mentioned them to the emperor, however it was certain he would find out sooner or later. His chances of staying with the old man were sliming down by the minute. The more they learned about him, the more they would want to lead him away from the country.

The guards were starting to notice him. Some interrupted their training and looked at him while revealing sneering smiles. They probably were thinking he was admiring them and was envious of their rank.

Idiots, the black-haired boy thought with a frown, if you believe I wish to become a royal dog like yourselves, you're far beyond all hope. What kind of soldiers abandon their training because of a child anyway… your focus level is way too low. With that, he turned back and decided to follow another path. Maybe even take a quick nap…


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Steps. Coming closer. Hide, hurry, and stay silent !

A blue eyed boy with black hair, his breathing broken by all the running he just made. Concealing himself behind the tapestries of a hallway. Soldiers approaching fast, alerted by the noise.

Hak mentally berated himself. What had he be thinking ? Since when broking a rich decorative vase, and then running away like a thief, was ever considered a good idea ?! No wonder why there were now guards searching for him in the palace. He could have stayed, explained that it was an accident because he triped on the carpet -what in the world was a carpet for, anyway ? He had never seen one before-, and maybe, maybe they would let him get away with it.

The thought of having to pay for it, or because he couldn't, of making Lord Mundok pay for it, drove him to the conclusion that he had to flee before getting caught. Thus, finding himself in this predicament, he was beginning to regret it. Now, his chance of staying with the Wind tribe in Kouka was completely destroyed.

But if they don't find you, they won't know… whispered a sneaky voice in the back of his head. The little boy knew it was not that wise to follow that thought, but he had not found a better idea. Consequently, listening to the noise to find out the soldiers were going farther away from him, he took a deep breath and made a run for the door at the end of the hallway.

He barely had time to register where he had thrown himself, and plunged to his right, just behind a stone block of some sort. His eyes squinted shut and waited.

Until a fresh smell of grass and something more perfumed reached his nose. Blue orbs opened and confirmed what his nose had guessed : the gardens.


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Those gardens were not like the ones Hak had seen when they first entered the castle in the morning. These ones appeared more private, smaller in size and with plants from a different species. In fact, only one kind of flower could be found here : one that the child did not know of, nor how it was called.

They came in several colors, some white, others pink, or yellow, but the most impressive and beautiful ones sported a fiery red color. He approached the bushes of red flowers while raising an arm to touch the scarlet petals, and gasped at how soft they felt, almost like some kind of delicate velvet. His hand followed the line of its petals, going down to the green calyx and taking the stem between his fingers…

A sharp pain briefly struck him : he took his fingers back to stare at tiny scarlet petals covering them and dripping from his hand… dripping ? He frowned while bringing them to his face for closer inspection and smelled something metallic… blood. Gazing back to the red flower, he quickly found out what caused him to feel pain and to be bleeding : on the length of the stem, hidden by leaves, several thorns could be seen.

The blue-eyed boy stared for a moment then a smile appeared on his face : small, beautiful, but dangerous. What an amazing flower…

Suddenly, a deafening sound exploded from inside the hall he had just fled from and Hak's head snapped towards the door. It sounded like a big metallic thing falling and crashing on the ground. No more thinking of flowers, his heart beating so loudly he was afraid someone might hear, he took several steps back without looking. In his haste, he failed to notice the movement behind him and bumped into something hard…

'K-kya !'

... into someone ?

Stumbling to catch himself, he briefly made out a shape made of red, white and pink, all blurred together in the fall. The smell of the flowers, stronger than before, brought him back to his senses, and he quickly got up while opening his eyes.

Azure met purple and he forgot everything.


It was weird. It was a girl. So tiny and clumsy, Hak immediately knew he would always do his best to help her.

Thus when she struggled to get up, he naturally squatted beside her, took her thin fingers in his palms and brought her up with him.

When she looked up at him with those shiny purple eyes, like two amethysts staring back at him, he felt some weird tickling in his belly while blood was flooding in his head, almost making him spin. Realising he was still hloding her handds, he quickly let go and forced a smile to reassure her, confusion pressing in his mind: what's wrong with me ? Did I get hit somewhere when I fell ?

But when those little eyes teared up, he did not know what to do. Panic submerged him, and he quickly bowed, flustered :

' S-sorry, I'm sorry ! I didn't mean to hurt you ! ' he said in a rushed voice. ' I didn't want to scare you, I just got lost in such a big place… Are you alright ?'

However, no answer came, so Hak raised his head : the girl was gazing at him, somewhat a bit calmer, but still frightened and probably hurt from the fall. The boy took that opportunity to search for injuries and to observe her : there was nothing alarming, only some scratches. Her pink and white dress had a few tears in it, but otherwise she was fine. She seemed young, perhaps one or two years younger than him. Her skin headed toward pale cream, almost ivory. She had freckles, so light he knew he could only see them because he was standing so close. Too close, perhaps…

Regaining control of his wandering thoughts, he stepped back. That was when he noticed her hair. How did he not notice ? It was red, a oddly familiar red - but why would it feel familiar ?-, like the same scarlet flower he hold not so long ago. In fact, she just reminded him of that flower : so small, so beautiful, yet deep down something was whispering to him that one day she would be just as dangerous, using her thorns to defend and protect.

The girl noticed him staring at her hair and shamefully tried to hide it by putting her tiny hands on it.
Hak did not understand : why was she hiding from him ? Was she hurt ?

'Did you hit your head ? Does it hurt ?' the black-haired boy asked, concern filling him.

She shook her head.

'Then… what's wrong ?' he insisted. That was weird. He was feeling concern for someone he did not even know, yet he could not help wanting to get closer to her.

She timidly looked back at him the purple eyes sent shivers to his spine. Hak was not sure if they were bad or good shivers though. And then she spoke, in a soft crystalline voice :

'It's ugly. My hair…'

'What ? ' the young boy said, surprised. ' How can it be ugly ? I mean, it seems clean at least' .

The girl glared at him as if he had stated scandalous words.

'That's not what I meant ! People don't have red hair, it does not exist !' she exclaimed.

So… she had a hot temper, quick to flare. Funny, Hak thought, and immediately thought it was weird to find it funny. What was wrong with him today ?

He cleared his throat : the girl was obviously waiting for an answer, however he did not grasp how her hair would be ugly just because it was unique.

' Well,' he started a bit hesitantly, 'Sure, I've never heard of red hair before.'

Her shoulders seemed to slump down and her head dropped a little. He went on with a more assured tone :

'But then again it doesn't relate to beauty. Just because it's uncommon, it isn't bound to be ugly. So what ? People don't like it ? You don't have to listen to them. I do like it though ', he added with a flustered face.

The red-haired girl stared at him with her lips trembling.

'R-really ?' she asked in a shaky tone, still unsure .

'Of course. Look, ' he said while pointing to the bushes of red flowers, ' even thoses flowers have got red on them. So it's fine for you too, right ?'

'Are you saying I am a rose ?'

'A what ?'

'A rose. The flower. You don't know how it is called ?'

Hak took in that new knowledge. So the beautiful flower was named a rose… It was a nice feeling to learn something. He gazed back at the purple orbs.

' I didn't. Thank you for telling me. They are pretty. The roses.'

For some reason, the little girl smiled and a slight blush covered her cheeks. Cute…

Hak vehemently shook his head. Again, something was wrong with his head. He listened to the girl talk once more :

'My name is Yona. Who are you ?'

'Hak.'

This time, it felt natural to tell this name. He was growing attached to it. He smiled.

' That's a weird name.'

The smile dropped. The nerve of that little girl -Yona, he recalled...

' But it's un-uncomm'. She struggled a bit with the word before saying it with a huge smile :

'It's uncommon like my hair, so I like it ! Hak said I am a pretty rose ! Let's play again sometimes !'

With that, she ran through the back gate, while the blue eyed boy stayed there, dumbfounded. Just when did I say... ? Whatever…

He sighed, but his smile couldn't seem to fade away, even if the girl with the purple eyes and red hair - Yona – was already gone. She really was strange, not calling out for help when a stranger came into her gardens… Immediately recalling the reason he was in the gardens in the first place, he grew serious all of a sudden and decided to go back to the throne hall before they could find him there.

He turned back, raised a hand to the door handle and… saw it opening before he could reach it.


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AN :And done ! Sorry it took so long to update, but I was having a rough time at work, and I couldn't concentrate on that story. My apologies, I hope you liked the chapter anyways !

Well, well, hopefully this chapter gave you an idea about how Yona and Hak could have met ? And yes. The queen is alive . I can't wait to write about her ! I will write more about their bond in the next chapters, so please bear the wait with me !

A more peaceful tempo going on there, but it won't last long *wink wink* . The king and Mundok have to discuss serious matters about Hak, and we are bond to learn a bit more about this little kid in the next chapter.

And do not hesitate to point out any mistakes, for my poorly english skills still haven't improved. Sadly.

See you !