Minh Huyn had once told Anh that he had stopped counting the years after his 130th birthday. Though he was a centurion, he looked much younger - no older than 70, in spite of his blindness. Upon landing on Jade Mountain, however, Anh realized the journey back to The Summer Haven had aged him greatly. He had no intentions to be rude, but he couldn't help but gasp loudly in shock when he saw the old man.

Hei Lei, too, put aside his anger upon seeing him. He is wounded. He said to Anh. I have red cloud herb behind my talons.

Anh immediately climbed down and reversed Hei Lei's talons. Thank goodness you packed this. Hei Lei said to him. Anh smiled glumly at the dragon before running to the Minh Huyn, who's forehead Lao was dabbing with water from a flask.

"What happened?" Anh asked as he unscrewed the jar of red cloud herb.

Minh Huyn groaned in response. His state was dire and he had a dreadful fever. Lao Longzi lifted the old man's hand from his shoulder. In the twilight, Anh hadn't noticed the blood on his shirt.

"Who did this to you?" Lao Longzi whispered. His eyes were glassy as he looked upon the old man who was his last known kin.

Bai Xue made a noise that sounded like a hostile drumming. A dragon hunter.

Bong gasped. Anh clenched his fists. I thought there were only dragon hunters in Wucheng?

Bai Xue shook her head. Wucheng is where they sell. But dragon hunters can be among us – anywhere. Anytime.

Anh shivered. He helped Minh Huyn relieve himself of his shirt, and Lao Longzi applied the red cloud herb to his shoulder. The wound wasn't deep, but it was infected.

Bai Xue recalled the events of what befell them as she steadied herself. We were out collecting herbs south from here when we heard a rustling in the bushes. Before we knew it, a man had jumped out with a crossbow and started shooting at us. Minh Huyn managed to dodge most of the arrows, but one grazed his shoulder.

Anh gritted his teeth. Why did they attack you?

Bai Xue shrugged helplessly. They think the dragons will bring them wealth, so they hunt them. They don't understand that the dragons are part of the balance of nature.

Lao Longzi nodded. Dragon hunters have always been a problem. I fear, however, with the war, that it will get worse.

They will grow more organized, more aggressive. Hei Lei chimed.

Bong looked at Minh Huyn, who was pale and sweating. What can we do for him?

Lao Longzi handed Bong the small flask of red cloud herb. This will help fight the infection. If we keep him warm and dry, and he should recover within a few days.

Bai Xue sighed. We can't let the dragon hunters win.

What happened to the hunter? Anh asked. Were any others hurt?

Bai Xue shook her head. No. Just Minh Huyn. We killed the hunter shortly after he attacked and left his body behind.

The rats can enjoy his flesh. Hei Lei added bitterly.

Minh Huyn groaned as the ointment was rubbed into his wound. Bong and Anh both looked at each other with the same question in mind.

Will they return? Bong asked.

Bai Xue inhaled. The hunter knew we were south and asconded us as we rested. I'd say there is a good chance hunters are more prevalent now. Mingling among us.

Anh shivered. They won't find the Haven.

I should hope not. Bai Xue said.

After a while Minh Huyns breathing began to regulate. He was less hot now and the wound on his shoulder began to lessen its swell.

"He will not be able to fly as far as the Haven for a few days." Lao Longzi concurred. "It may be wise to bring him to the village."

"I'll do it." Anh said solemnly.

"We will do it." Lao Longzi said, referring to all Keepers and their dragons.

It was another hour before Minh Huyn was able to consciously move about. "Anh," he whispered as Anh mounted and secured him to Bai Xue. "Does the village still have ale about?"

Anh smiled. "No doubt about it!"

They brought Minh Huyn to a shaman's. Anh knew from his conversation with Yara less than a week before that the shaman would have little to offer, but still, they persisted.

"Is there nothing you can do?" He pleaded.

The shaman felt about Minh Huyns wrists, studied his wound, and observed his tongue. "I can singe the wound closed, but cannot guarantee the infection won't spread further without the proper medicine. He will need to rest for a few days." He concluded.

"Do what you can." Lao Longzi said, handing the Shaman several gold coins.

The shaman bowed. The party agreed to stay in Tinkling Village until he made a full recovery. Anh had mixed feeling about this. He was concerned for Minh Huyn, but rather pleased that they would stay in Tinkling Village a few days longer. He could see Yara again. And, he could see through his plan sooner than later.

The celebrations in Tinkling continued into the early hours of the morning. Anh found a moment to sneak away from the shamans home to seek out Yara.

It was a moonlit night, with the stars twinkling in the sky like diamonds. The air was crisp and cool, but Anh's heart was on fire as he made his way through the streets to see Yara. He knew he shouldn't be out this late, nor should she, but the thought of her waiting for him was too much to resist.

He found his way to Loom Street Park and threw a small rock at her window. His heart was pounding in his chest when he saw her silhouette in the window.

When Yara opened the window, a cheeky, all knowing smile broke across her face. She beckoned Anh in, and he climbed in through her window, his heart racing. They embraced in a tight hug, and after a moment, he leaned in to kiss her. The moment their lips meet, he felt a surge of electricity run through his body. It was a feeling he'd never experienced before, and he never wanted it to end.

"It went well, I hear." Yara whispered after some time. Anh rummaged his fingers through her hair. "It did." He said before kissing her again.

They pulled away from each other after some time and Anh looked into her eyes, feeling lost within them. He knew he couldn't stay too long, but he couldn't bear to leave her. They spent a few more precious moments together, whispering sweet nothings and stealing kisses whenever they could before movement was heard in the other rooms.

Anh knew he had to leave. He climbed back out the window and disappeared into the night, knowing that he'll return the next day. As he walked away, his heart was full of love and longing. He knew that he would risk anything to be with her.

After tomorrow, he thought to himself. There will be no more hiding.

When Minh Huyn began to recover, Bong asked if Anh and Hei Lei wanted find a noodle stand. Anh wasn't hungry and bid them to go without him.

There is something wrong with you, Hei Lei said for the umpteenth time that morning. He could sense Anh's anxiety, but Anh didn't budge. There was something wrong with him, but not in the way Hei Lei probably believed.

I just want to see Yara is all. He lied.

You're lying.

Anh bit his lip. Well… she will be there. But yes, I am lying. I'm not going to see her directly.

Why do you keep secrets from me? Hei Lei grumbled.

I just… Anh fumbled. I feel like I need to do this before I tell you. Or anyone. Even Yara.

Hei Lei snorted. Fine! Be like that then.

Anh rolled his eyes. You're over 1000 years old, and yet you're acting like a child.

Hei Lei turned his back on Anh. Anh circled Hei Lei to look at him, but Hei Lei then turned the other way.

Anh sighed. You're making me more nervous doing this. I'll be back in a couple of hours. He finally said, exhausted before the real challenge even began.

There were several things holding Anh back from telling Hei Lei, and the others, what he intended. For one, he knew they would disapprove. He already dreaded asking, but figured if his plan worked, then they would perhaps be more forgiving.

The second, he knew for sure would piss Lao off – the money. Anh had not simply been taking on extra work for the benefit of the Haven. He had been saving a percentage of each pay for his own keeping. The business of dragons pays well. So well, no one takes care to account for anything missing. Anh had enough saved away to purchase the equipment necessary for the plan. Had the others found out he'd been saving the money, they'd be furious.

They will find out, of course. But again, after the fact.

He was lost in thought when he at last came upon Yara's home. He was about to knock when he felt her presence nearby.

"I know you're there." Anh smiled.

A pair of hands fell on his shoulders. "Just pretend to be surprised next time." Yara whispered.

Which brought Anh to the third reason he was keeping his business a secret today – the art of surprise.

Today he would ask Yara for her hand in marriage.

"I wasn't expecting your visit today." It wasn't so much a question as a statement.

Anh smiled, but the words fumbled out. "It's good to see you." He held her hand in his. "But I actually need to speak with Tieze Senior."

Yara raised an eyebrow. "My father? About the war?" Anh nodded. "Hmm." Was all Yara said. He knew she could see right through him. "If I let you in, will you join me after for noodles?"

Apparently everyone wanted noodles today. "Of course." He said, squeezing her hand. Yara opened the door to her home and led him to her father's quarter. As they approached, his heart pounded. He had rehearsed his speech a thousand times, but now that the moment had arrived, his words were stuck in his throat. He knew that he wanted to marry Yara, but he also knew that her father's approval was essential for the marriage to happen. And Tieze Senior didn't much fancy Anh…

Yara knocked on the door. Actually, it was more like a bash. "Ba! Yu Anh is here." She yelled.

They heard Tieze Senior cough from inside. Yara winked before waltzing out, leaving Anh at the doorway.

He took a deep breath. When the door opened, and he saw Yara's father standing in front of him. Tieze Senior looked at him with a stern expression before gesturing him inside. He slid the door shut behind him before taking a seat at the small table. Anh didn't know what to do and remained standing.

"Tieze Senior," Anh said, trying to sound confident. "I hope you're doing well today?"

Tieze nodded and said, "Yes, I'm fine. But why have you come to see me?"

The young man took a deep breath. Might as well get on with it then. "I have come here to ask for your permission to marry your daughter, sir."

Tieze's face showed no emotion. Anh could feel his heart sinking. He wondered if he had made a mistake coming to see him. Tieze stood and pulled a scroll out from the cabinet behind his table. He unrolled it as he sat down again. It was a map of the Kingdoms.

"Quite an unusual name; Anh." He continued to study his map. "Certainly not a common name. Hmong, isn't it?"

Anh didn't realize he had been holding his breath. It was the first time someone outside of the Haven had ever guessed his birth place correctly. "Yes… sir."

Tieze considered this for a moment still not looking up from the map. "A bastard born of a Qin father and a foreign mother. Your father was none other than…" Tieze at last met Anh's eyes. "…Yu Feng; the outcasted?"

Anh swallowed. This was not going how he had anticipated. "Yes. The outcasted was my father."

"Interesting." Tieze said. "How interesting."

Anh couldn't bear the questioning of his father any further. "Sir," He said in an attempt to change the topic. "Whilst I know the general consensus of Dragon Keepers are ill, and we are presumed to live distant, I can assure you this is not the case. We are paid well for helping villagers –"

"Yes." Tieze interjected.

"- and I have saved up enough cash to build a home for Yara and I, not far from Tinkling village-"

"That's enough, Yu."

"-I want to provide for her and give her everything she deserves –"

"And what does she deserve, Yu?" Tieze growled. "A shanty home with a flighty bastard whose very existence was brought into this world by hate?"

Anh was speechless! How could Tieze… "Brought into this world by hate?" He asked coldly.

"I have known from the day Yara made you that pickle that we would someday have this conversation." Tieze said, lowering his voice. "She is a fool – but an honest fool. Of course you two would be taken by one another, but I will accept no part in this fantasy of yours manifesting. It would be a mistake."

Anh's heart was pounding. "Yara –"

"Yara would accept your hand as a fool would accept yellow sand as gold; I will not."

Anh drew in a deep breath. "Why?"

Tieze's words were hushed but stern. "Were it not for your indulgent ways as Dragon Keepers with women, gifts and nomadic inclinations that were unpleasant reason enough. Your very existence alone is contrary."

Anh fists curled into a ball behind him.

"Yes, I know your story, Yu Anh, your real story. Your father born a reputation for his lust in his youth – though even I never thought he was capable of such a thing as he did to your mother."

He knew then. Anh didn't know how, but Tieze knew. His fists curled hard into his palms; he fought to avert his eyes from Tieze.

"She was a child. A child who had not even shed her first blood yet when he had his way with her."

Anh couldn't look at him anymore. He shook his head.

"Her first blood came in the form of you. He was rightly outcasted by the Keepers for his actions, but your mother had no say on his actions against her. She was forced into exile."

"Please…" Anh said shaking.

"She tried to love you, oh yes, she did."

"Stop…" Salt water began to swell in eyes.

"But the minute she saw your similarities – your left hand, your gait, your abilities – she abandoned you."

Anh's very own wounds were opened; not by a prick but a knife.

"Your own mother didn't want you because you reminded her too much of him –

"No –"

"She begged the Keepers to take you from her."

"Enough!" Anh cried. His words had impact – not on Tieze, but on the scrolls and the lamps which flickered as he lost control of his emotions.

Offended by Anh's outburst, Tieze then stood, booming "Your very existence in this world is contrary and I'll be damned if I allow my daughter to make the mistake of marrying the likes of an unworthy, unwanted bastard like you!"

Anh recoiled, feeling the weight of Tieze's words crushing down on him. He had always known the fact of the matter- but to hear another state his own existence was a mistake was implorable. He tried to hold back his tears, but they streamed down his face, betraying his pain.

"Very well." He said taking his leave. He didn't stop to say goodbye to Yara as he ran out.

He could feel Hei Lei's presence nearby. Though he and the Black Thunder had their issues as of late, Anh could not doubt his devotion and love for the black dragons friendship. He could sense him in the orchard and ran towards him. The canopy of trees bristled and swayed violently above him as his anger bubbled to boiling point. Hei Lei knew of Anh's presence before he did. He called out to Anh. What troubles you?

Anh did not answer immediately, but ran until he came face to face with the Black Thunder himself.

What troubles you? Hei Lei asked once again.

You think of me, just like him. Don't you? Anh said.

Hei Lei did not stir for sometime. Of whom? He asked.

Yu Feng. Anh said.

Hei Lei was silent for some time as he chose his next words carefully. Why does he plague your thoughts?

Anh gestured towards himself from his head to his toes. Look at me, Hei Lei! You see it - everyone else too. I'm the splitting image of my father. A tear ran down his cheek. I know what he was - and you think of me like him.

Hei Lei rose from where he stood. You are alike your father in many ways, Yu Anh - but you are not your father.

Hei Lei, do not mock me. Anh said shaking his head. It's why you anger with me easily the older I get. It's why the others dare not speak of Yu Feng around me. His name alone leaves a sour taste in their mouths. I am his son, in blood, gait and approach.

Hei Lei stepped towards Anh, but Anh backed away. A guttural sound of broken plates came from the dragon. I do not mock you, Yu Anh. I understand your fear, but I do not see you as your father.

So what, Hei Lei? Anh snapped. You don't understand what it's like to be in my shoes. You don't know what it's like to carry the burden of his legacy everywhere I go. People look at me but they see him. They see the mistakes he made and they assume I'm just like him.

Anh turned away from him and crouched down to the ground. The trees were wisping about in his frustration, yet he was unable to bring himself to calm down. He could hear Hei Lei come up beside him, bristled by Anh's words. Do not tell me what I do and don't understand, Yu Anh. I know more than you think. I've seen the pain you carry, but I also see the person you are. You are not your father. You are not destined to repeat his mistakes.

How can you be so sure? Anh asked bitterly.

I know that you have a choice, Anh. Hei Lei said firmly. You can choose to be a better person and be the change you want to see in the world. Or you can let his legacy consume you. It's up to you.

Anh turned and glared at Hei Lei for a long moment, but then his expression softened. I just don't want to disappoint you. He said quietly.

You won't. Hei Lei replied. You may share some similarities with Yu Feng. Heavens, you do. He asked a lot of stupid metaphysical questions in his youth. I can see where you get that from. He was a good rider too. But you are not Yu Feng. As long as you stay true to yourself and your values, I will always be proud of you.

Tears welled in Anh's eyes. Do you really mean that?

Hei Lei nodded firmly. Why do you concern yourself with Yu Feng today?

Anh used his sleeve to wipe his eyes and nose. It's stupid.

Nothing is ever that stupid, Yu Anh.

I asked Tieze Senior for his permission to marry his daughter.

Hei Lei choked. Right, that is pretty stupid.

Something inside Anh broke at the moment. Not for sadness or anger, but a dark, disenfranchised joy. He found himself laughing at the plainness of Hei Lei's quips. After the speech he had given, to end with the obvious brought Anh back to reality.

The trees stopped bristling and the ground around them settled as Anh's mood grew gentle. He remained on the dirt floor as Hei Lei settled next to him. It was pretty stupid, huh? Anh said with a smirk.

How on Earth did you expect it to work?

Anh buried his burning cheeks into his arms and groaned. I have money saved up. I thought we could build a house by Dragon Lake. Then she could visit Tinkling Village and I could still come to The Summer Haven.

Hei Lei tinkled and chimed at Anh's foolishness. You surely knew Tieze Senior would never approve? Anh shrugged his shoulders. The thought had crossed his mind. It was no secret that Yara's parents thought little of him, but still. He thought perhaps their long-term friendship, the money he'd saved and status as a Dragon Keeper may have had some sway. Anh chuckled softly to himself. God. He really was an idiot.

I think, Anh said quietly. I think I'd like to go back to The Summer Haven now.

That sounds like a bloody excellent idea! Hei Lei said with a jump. Anh smiled as his spirits lifted a little. It was a cowardly, he knew, to go back after being rejected. But he reasoned that he hadn't seen The Summer Haven properly in three years. It felt like being on return journey home, but only staying at the front door. He wanted to go home and sit inside.

They stopped in at the shaman's to check on Minh Huyn before taking their leave. The old man was recovering his full strength again, and the Shaman believed he'd be able to leave in a few more days. Lao Longzi was confused why Anh, who always made such a big deal on coming to Tinkling Village, was in a hurry to leave. He bade them a safe journey and asked them to fix the roof of the hut before the others arrive. Hei Lei grumbled, but Anh was happy to have a task to do to keep himself busy when they returned.

As they made their way towards the edge of the town Hei Lei nodded towards Loom Street. Will you not say goodbye?

I can't face her Hei Lei. Anh said with a heavy heart. Let's just go home.