Chapter 5

Warning: Graphic scenes of violence in this chapter. Read at your own risk.

Blinding light shined into the room as the door to Yona's cell opened. The Princess flinched, closing her eyes as she was unable to adjust to intense light that had shocked her vision.

"How badly has she been hurt? What torture methods have you used on her?" The unwelcome voice of Kage sounded. Yona unconsciously gasped before being attacked with a swarm of coughs from her own throat and lungs. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see the blurry form of the man ordering her torture. He peered down at her, making her feel somewhat small.. for the first time.

Hold yourself together… Don't break down. Silently, she thought to herself as she forced her eyes to remain fixed on the man.

"I see you still have spirit left in you…" He muttered before turning to the side of him. "Miren.. You have yet to answer my question. What tortures have you put her though?"

Miren slightly jumped before slinking over in front of Kage and bowing to the ground.

"W-What you have allowed, your Majesty. The first night we went through… physical… torture elements.. like whipping and flogging… Nothing that will leave too big of a scar on her body… Yesterday.. We administered the water torture to affect her lungs and breathing… As you can see, she is still recovering."

"What were you planning for today's punishment?" Kage asked while glancing over to Yona who tried her best to keep a calm disposition.

"A new drug.. my Lord… One that affects the mind, but not to the extent to where it is irreparable. It's a way of… retrieving… useful information."

"I see.. That sounds quite effective." Kage mumbled as he walked up to Yona. "I have a proposition for you, Leader of the Dragons… or should I say, Princess Yona of Kouka Kingdom."

Yona's eyes widened as she heard her name and title spill from his mouth like poison.

He knows… He knows I'm the princess.

"Ah, I see you understand the position you are in… Hopefully, you will choose wisely… You see… I am willing to save you from this new drug and from further tortures if you agree to one condition."

The red-headed girl looked up to him, unable to respond due to the pain in her throat.

"I want you to marry me… Marrying the long lost Princess of Kouka Kingdom has its benefits for me… It will bring me closer to my goals.. to my destiny. All you have to do is shake that pretty little head of yours, yes, and I will call off all of the torture.. You will be fed, clothed, and treated in luxuries like you are used to." His words sounded somewhat enticing, to which Yona hated herself for. No matter what, she would not marry this man.. She would not give in.

"I'd….. R..ath..er….die…." Yona's raspy, pained voice responded causing the man to snarl for just a second. In was only for a second, before his calm composure returned to him. He knelt down to eye level with her, a chilling smile on his face.

"Princess Yona… I will never let you die.. Even you seek death's mercy… You will not pass on.. You will become my wife.. I will make sure of it." His response sent chills down Yona's entire body as his ice cold hand caressed her cheek.

"Miren… Don't do anything to damage her body…" His hand slid down her neck and caressed her collar bone. Yona squeezed her eyes shut, loathing the feeling of his touch. "I want to enjoy her to the fullest."

With that, Kage stood up and walked towards the door.

"I will return tomorrow, Princess. Maybe one night of the drug will change your mind… or weaken your already weakening resolve." Kage left the room, leaving only Miren and Rine remaining.

"What a masochist you are… I guess you much like my torture sessions, huh? It can get quite addicting." Miren whispered in Yona's ear as he let out a cackle of a laugh. "I'll be right back Miss Princess Dragon Lady! You are going to LOVE this new drug I had invented."

Yona hung her head and took a few slow breaths.

Healer… She found herself thinking as a huge hand gently clasped her shoulder. She looked up to see Rine looking down at her, his face somewhat pained.

"Miss… Please marry the Lord. No one will blame you… You're really weak and this drug.. It makes you see bad things, Miss. I don't want you to go through this." His tone was concerned causing Yona to somewhat smile towards him. The small hints of care that she had felt from him were not just her imagination.

"I… W..on..t..*cough cough*… gi..ve.. up.." She managed to respond as she swallowed in an attempt to ease the itching, burning feeling in her throat. "Than..k…yo…u… Ri…Ne.."

Rine looked slightly surprised when seeing her smile. He looked away from her, his face forlorn.

"If only I could be like you…" He whispered almost to himself before Miren entered into the room. A vile of purple liquid in his bony hand.

"I'm baaaack." He smiled, showing his disgusting, rotting teeth. Yona stared at the vile of poison preparing herself for what is to come.

I will be strong.. I won't give up… I have to…. be strong…

….

"I told you… I need something for a sore throat.. and burning lungs…" Joo-Doh told the herbalist who just stared at him. He had been here for quite some time, just trying to get the best remedy.

"Sir, it sounds like your sister will need to see a healer.. If her lungs are burning, she might need to be treated…"

"I told you, she has had this happen before.. She has these spells from time to time. The wind burns her throat and hurts her lungs.. I need something that will heal that." He tried his best to keep his voice down as he gripped the counters and stared directly at the herbalist. The herbalist sighed, ever so slightly, before turning around and digging through her jars of plants. After a few moments, the woman returned with a package of leaves wrapped in a white cloth.

"These are Slippery Elm leaves.. They will help reduce the effects of her sore throat and allow her to, at least, sleep peacefully through the night without coughing attacks. You prepare them how you prepare tea. Just boil some water over a fire, place a few of the leaves into a cup and pour the hot water on top of them, let it sit for a few minutes and then slowly have her drink the mixture… You might also add in some honey.. The honey will help soothe her throat as well."

Joo-Doh grabbed the packed and studied the green leaves intently.

"Okay… Will it still be okay it the water isn't hot anymore…"

"It will not be as effective, but will still help…"

"I see…." He responded as he continued studying the leaves.

"…Is there anything else that you need, sir?" She asked him, her tone somewhat forced as if she was trying her best to remain patient.

"No.. I think that is all."

"That will be 80 Yin." The fake smile was extremely apparent as Joo-Doh fished out the coins and left the shop.

If I boil it before heading over there, it should still be somewhat warm… But I could prepare it right outside of the prison… but that would mean I would shorten my time with her even more…

His thoughts filled his brain so much that he didn't even notice Gin walking up behind him.

"So… How's your girl doing?" His voice startled Joo-Doh who nearly punched the man in the face.

"You're getting better about sneaking up on people, aren't you?" The General remarked as he regained his composure.

"Not really. You are just really out of it.. not that I can blame you." Gin responded with a smug smile. "Judging by what you have in your hands, it looks like water torture was their latest tactic..."

Joo-Doh looked down at his hands before nodding.

"She couldn't hardly talk.. even breathing was hard for her." His voice couldn't hide the pain. The Sky Tribe General silently reprimanded himself for letting his personal feelings get in the way of his duty to the King. The King had, once again, insisted on going off on his own, which freed up Joo-Doh to do his own thing.

"It's always hard to watch them get tortured.…" The young man stated with a tone that sounded as if he knew from personal experience. "You probably want to leave a little early to prepare that medicine for her. I'll cover for you tonight and you can leave before dark. I'm sure she is really wanting to see you."

The Sky General looked at the young man who patted his shoulder.

"More than likely they are going to do some type of mental torture tonight… Be prepared to hold her and comfort her… Considering the circumstances around all of you… I'm sure she has some pretty traumatic things in her life… that she might have to relive through."

Joo-Doh's eyes constricted when hearing this.

"It's just a guess though… You never know what torturers will do… Anyway… I'm going to meet up with the other soldiers who are secretly following around our adventuring king… Leave early today, okay?" With that, Gin walked off in search for his companions. Joo-Doh merely clutched the leaves and began walking back towards the inn.

Mental torture…

…

The poison burned her entire body as it was injected into her skin by using what looked like a small, hollow piece of metal. Almost instantly she could feel her mind blurring as everything around her became fuzzy and diluted.

"It looks like it's working nicely… Have sweet dreams… Princess Dragon Lady." The muffled voice of her oppressor practically sung as everything went black.

She could hear the sound of thunder as her mother clutched her tightly in her arms.. Men surrounded all of them as their soldiers drew their swords. She could see the outline of what looked to be the old General of the Sky Tribe, his weathered face holding concern.

"Mommy…" Her own voice, much higher than it usually is, sounded as small tears began to slowly blur her vision. She was frightened. Something wasn't right.. Those men.. they were not good guys.

"It's okay, my beautiful Yona. It's all going to be okay." Her Mother's calming voice comforted as a small flask of liquid was pressed against her mouth. She obediently drank the bitter liquid before feeling her eyelids slowly becoming heavy. As she closed her eyes she could hear her mother's voice.

"I love you… Never forget that." Yona thought that this was the end of her memory.. However, in the darkness, she could hear everything.. She could feel everything..

"They are after my life… I do not want them taking my daughter's as well… I've given her sleeping medicine. She will not remember anything that has happened. Please… get my daughter to safety... before it is too late." Her Mother's voice said causing Yona to fight with all that she had to open her eyes. She couldn't move. It was as if she were paralyzed.

'NO! MOTHER! NO!' Yona fought to scream out, but her voice wouldn't carry. Her body wouldn't listen to her.. She could feel the strong arms of someone holding her.. The way the person held her was clumsy, but somewhat comforting. She could hear his voice.. A very familiar voice as he told his men to come back alive. Then she sensed the rough sensation of running. She could hear him gasp as his body lurched backwards. She wanted to move, to open her eyes, to help.

'Please! Let me wake up! Please wake up!' Yona told her body, which refused to listen to her. 'He's in danger! Please!'

Just as the thought left her mind, she could feel a cold liquid splatter onto her… She screamed internally, knowing exactly what it was… blood. Just as she was screaming, the feeling of running returned. The person held her tightly to him, his heart racing in his chest.

FLASH

A bright flash of lightening enveloped her, and Yona found herself standing in her father's bedroom. Blood seeped onto the ground as her father lay lifeless on the floor. Right before her eyes, she could see the scene that she never wanted to see again. Soo-Won standing, covered in blood, his sword dripping with the bright red liquid.

"S-Soo-Won.." Her own voice said as she fought to close her eyes. However, her body wouldn't listen to her. It was as if she was trapped in the past. Forced to relive this moment, unable to change anything. She watched as he approached her, eyes lifeless. However, instead of hesitating or asking why she was there, he merely lifted his bloody sword above her.

"Soo-Won! No!" Just as he was about to stab her, the ground beneath her collapsed and she fell into what looked like a tomb. Her body ached as she shakily sat up, her limbs now obeying her. She looked down at the ground to see that she was laying on a pile of bones. The Princess gasped and jumped back, looking around to where she had fallen.

"Hak! Yun! Ki-Ja! Shin-Ah! Jae-Ha! Zeno!... ANYONE!" Yona screamed as she looked out only to see darkness. Fear, anxiety, solitude, helplessness, all of these emotions gripped her as she continued to fight to remain calm.

"Wake up… Wake up Yona." She told herself aloud before hearing a soft whisper.

"Waking up won't change anything, Miss." Yona turned around when hearing the familiar sound of the yellow dragon behind her. Her eyes constricted when seeing the mangled body of Zeno. Swords were pierced through his chest and stomach. His body was covered in blood and scales. His left eye was gouged out with an arrow sticking out of it.

"Ze-" Yona stammered before feeling someone grab her leg. Turning around she could see Jae-Ha. His dragon leg in his right hand, his left hand holding onto her ankle. A trail of blood disappeared into the darkness.

"Yona-chan… I finally.. foun..d… you…" His weak voice said as he lifted the bloody dragon leg, which was now dismembered from his body. "I'm finally free from this leg… from this f…a..t..e."

"Jae-Ha!" Yona swooped down and touched him only to have him collapse lifeless in front of her. "JAE-HA!"

"Y-ona…" Shin-ah's quiet voice sounded from the shadows. The Princess forced herself to turn around only to see her precious blue dragon stumbling over to her. "Yona… Talk.. again."

"Shi…n-Ah…" Yona's voice barely managed to say as she could see tears of blood falling from his eyes. In his hands was his broken mask along with a lifeless, bloody Ao. "Shin-Ah… Ao!"

Yona couldn't move as Jae-Ha still had a hold on her leg.. She watched in horror as Shin-Ah stumbled over to her and fell down in front of her.

"Yo..Na… Ao… Ao.. won't move… Why won't Ao move? I.. I can't see… I can't see Ao." Yona couldn't move as she looked at the lifeless animal that she had grown to love. Shin-Ah seemed to be weakening by the second as Yona fought to kneel down, but she couldn't bring herself to touch neither Shin-Ah nor Ao.

"Don't bother the princess…." Ki-Ja's princely voice could be heard beside her. She looked over to her side to see the White Dragon smiling faintly at her. "Princess.. I am pleased to know that you are safe…"

"Ki-Ja… Ki-Ja, we have to help Shin-Ah and Jae-Ha! We have to help Zeno too! Please! Please help me!"

The White Dragon walked slowly over to her, an apologetic smile on his face.

"I'm sorry, Princess… I'm afraid.. I don't have the strength.. to help you.. anymore… Forgive me." He practically whispered before falling onto his knees. That is when Yona could see ten arrows in his back.

"I'm sorry to fail you, Princess." With those final words, Ki-Ja fell onto the ground.

"No… NO… NO!" She screamed as she looked at the ones she loved.

"Yona.. Don't cry…" The weakened voice of Yun called out in the distance. Yona looked to the right of her to see the path slightly lit up. There, in a bloody heap, laid Yun. His arms and legs cut from his body, blood flowing from him creating a small river of red.

"YUN! NO! NO!" Yona screamed as she tried to move only to be cemented into the pile of bones. Yun's nearly lifeless eyes shined for just a moment.

"Don't cry… idiot… It's a… Pain…" His words barely escaped his mouth before his head went limp and eyes became lifeless. Yona could feel her entire soul breaking. She felt as if she was being torn apart from what she was seeing before her.

"Hak!" She began screaming his name. The man who had brought her so much joy, who had protected her.. "HAK! HAK!" Her body was in hysterics, her mind flooded with the images before her.

"Princess." Hak's voice could be heard in the darkness. As if on cue, the path directly in front of her brightened. Yona froze as she saw him laying there. A huge group of men holding him down onto the ground. "Princess…. Don't look."

Yona watched in horror as one of the men raised his sword, aiming for Hak's head.

"NO! NO! PLEASE! NO!" Yona fought with everything she had to try and force herself to move… to reach him in time. "HAK!"

She collapsed as she watched his head roll. She was unable to process any more. She didn't care about anything anymore. Her mind was broken, her heart was broken, her soul was crushed. She could see the men walking towards her, Hak's head in their hands. She was ready to die.. She wasn't going to put up a fight. How can she live without them?

"For you, Princess Yona." One of the soldier's mockingly said before throwing Hak's head into her lap. Yona flinched as she shakily held it. She couldn't look down. She couldn't see it.

"Kill me…" She told them, her voice quivering.

"What?" One of the soldier's asked.

"Kill me… Kill me.. KILL ME… KILL ME!" Yona began screaming hysterically as she tried to grab a sword from the man. The soldier dodged her and laughed.

"You are Lord Kage's wife… How could we kill you?... Sorry Princess, but you will never die." Yona looked up at them as they picked her up and moved her off of the bones and away from the corpses.

"KILL ME! PLEASE! PLEASE KILL ME!" She screamed as she looked back at her dead loved ones. Zeno, the only one still alive, stood there watching over them. "ZENO! PLEASE! PLEASE KILL ME!"

She screamed over to the man who merely smiled at her.

"I can't. If I did, their sacrifices would be in vain. You are the reason they are dead… You couldn't protect them." Zeno's words cut through her even more.

'It's my fault they are dead… They died because of me… No… NO!"

Yona woke up screaming despite her injured throat. A rag was stuffed inside of her mouth, which she was biting with all of her might. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she felt as if she were about to puke. Her vision was blurry as the images remained clear as day in her mind. Her entire body was shaking, vibrating the table which she was tied to. She looked over to her right to see Miren sitting there, a pleased look on his creepy face.

"That was absolutely beautiful." He sung, the sound of pure bliss apparent in his tone. "I especially loved hearing you scream 'Kill me!' 'Kill me!' over and over again. You were begging so much, I almost lost control of myself…. Ahhhhh…." The man stood up and walked over to her, pressing his clammy, bony hand on her face. Yona couldn't stop the shaking as the images continued replaying in her mind.

"You can still see it all, can't you? Those terrors that send shivers all down your body… Don't you love those little trips? Ahhh.. You're trembling face is so fascinating! It makes me want to give you the drug again. I'm out of time though… So you will have to wait until tomorrow….. Don't worry. You will see them every time that you sleep for quite a while. They are so… vivid each time.. It's perfect." His estatic, eerily perverted voice said as he leaned in closer to her face.

Knock Knock

Miren stopped his movements and stood upright.

"Who is interrupting us?" He growled, his hand still firmly on her neck.

"Your time for torture is over. We need to bring in the Healer." The soldier's voice said from the other side. Miren snarled at this before returning his gaze to Yona.

"Sleep well, Princess Dragon Lady. I will see you tomorrow." He told her before walking away. Yona couldn't calm herself as she felt the panic still coursing through her veins. Her breathing was labored despite the horrid burning in her chest and lungs. Just as Miren left the room, the cloaked, masked figure entered. She could hear the figure gasp as he ran over to her and untied the restraints on her arms and untied the rag that was forced into her mouth. As soon as she was free, Yona flew into his arms. She was trembling, too scared to cry, and in too much pain to talk.

"P-….H-Hey…." He said in shock as he felt her entire body trembling against him. His eyes narrowed in sadness before wrapping his arms around her. "It's okay… I'm here… I'm here."

…

Well, this one turned out a ton more graphic than I first thought. Some of it was hard for me to even write…. I hope that you guys like it.. I tried to bring Yona's worst fears to life with the hallucinating poison.. I hope that you enjoyed it!