Rubbing shoulders with the Emperor I hear? Bong asked as Anh entered the camp. He was reclining on a mat with Lao Longzi, playing Liubo. Lao took the opportunity while Bong was distracted to switch the blocks around in his favor.
Anh tried to smile at him but was unable to bring himself to say anything. He stood in front of Hei Lei who had been animatedly sharing battle stories with Tun, Sha and Ming.
Anh recalls! Hei Lei said with a tinkle. The phoenix – Ming doesn't believe a word I say.
Anh shrugged and kicked a pebble about. That's why you should never come between Hei Lei and his game. He said softly.
They were all in such high spirits. It was like Heaven wanted to remind Anh the meaning of irony one last time. Heaven sure had an interesting sense of humor. Anh could feel Lu Yu's eyes on him and he shuddered under her sight.
What's wrong with you? Lu Yu asked.
Did the Emperor shake you up that bad? Lao Longzi asked with a raised eyebrow.
Bong used the distracted Lao as an opportunity to switch their blocks back into their original places. Maybe Emperor Gaozu – Oh great conqueror! – conquered Anh's heart?
Anh scrunched his face up as Hei Lei chimed in, Maybe he wanted to map some new territories while he's here.
"Ugh!" Anh said folding his arms across his chest. He really wasn't in the mood for this banter.
What did the Emperor want from you, then? Minh Huyn, who Anh had thought was sleeping, said rousing from where he reclined on Bai Xue's belly.
Anh swayed from side to side a little. This was all just prolonging a far more important conversation. He wants the dragons to bring rain again to the Empire.
Hei Lei huffed. Tell him he's dreaming.
When giving someone roses, Danzi responded, keep the fragrance for yourself.
Anh fought back the urge to roll his eyes at Danzi's riddles. You misunderstand me. The Emperor wants rains to be brought to the Empire when he calls upon them.
Tun spat. We're not Imperial Dragons!
We do not beck to the call of a human emperor. Hei Lei said with flared nostrils.
"Okay! Okay!" Anh said aloud, holding his hands up in peace. I didn't say you would. He just asked if I would bring it up to you.
Danzi, however, held his head considerably. Tell him we will bring the rains.
His declaration was met with lost and confused eyes. It was a surprise. No one had expected Danzi to agree to Imperialistic terms. At least, not without negotiations or debilitation. Even Lao Longzi looked up at his dragon with an open mouth.
Hei Lei snorted. What ever happened to building up our defenses with the Haven? Keeping ourselves safe?
Danzi rose from where he lay and addressed the dragons. I said we will build up our defenses, and maintain our relationships with the humans. Bringing the Emperor to our cause benefits us by adding extra protection and punishments to those who seek to harm us.
Anh's stomach knotted and twisted. He could feel the time was near to share his truth. As Hei Lei and Danzi argued their points Anh looked up at his dragon ready to confess when he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
Yara was near.
He turned to stare back at the path he had come down from. Tun spotted her first.
Why is she here? Tun growled.
"Yara?" Anh called out. The dragons went silent as he called out again. From behind an apple tree, a timid Yara emerged, not quite sure whether to step out.
Anh walked over to her. "Yara, what are you doing here?"
Yara's eyes were red rimmed. "I need to tell you something." She said with a quiver in her voice.
Anh pulled his cloak around him and shrouded themselves under it. "What is it?"
Yara looked over at the dragons watching them. "Did I interrupt something?" She asked. "Have you told them?"
"No – well, yes, but no." Anh fumbled. "I was just about to tell them."
"What would you like to tell us, Anh?" Minh Huyn asked in a loud, stern voice.
Cripes! Darn the blind mans heightened sense of hearing.
"Did the Emperor ask for another favor?" Lao Longzi asked, rising from his and Bongs game.
The world around Anh began to spin.
What's going on, Yu Anh? Hei Lei asked rising.
Yes, Tun added, a hint of a smirk in his voice. Tell us.
Anh tried to point his focus somewhere but the world kept spinning.
"Anh, are you okay?" Yara asked anxiously, holding him tight.
Calm yourself. Danzi said.
Take a deep breath. Lu Yu added.
Just spit it out! Hei Lei roared.
"Okay!" Anh snapped bringing his hands above his head. "Okay." He looked at Yara and said in a soft voice. "I have to switch to dragonspeech – can we talk after?"
Yara nodded. "I'll be right here." She said adding a soft kiss to his cheek. She stayed by the tree watching as Anh walked towards the dragons. There had been a fire lit a few hours before, and Anh could make out the embers persistency to glow.
Have at it then. Hei Lei scratching his chest. Anh almost laughed seeing Hei Lei like this. The black dragon probably thought this was just another one of Anh's follies with human life and adolescence.
Anh faced both Hei Lei and Danzi, his voice trembling with remorse. I… I am burdened by a heavy truth. Anh's heart was pounding so ferociously, he could feel it in his throat. The words were there, but he struggled to say it whether in dragonspeech, Hmong, or Qin.
Danzi, known for his patience, leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Speak, Yu Anh. We are here to listen and guide, no matter how difficult the truth may be.
"Oh, it's a difficult one." Anh muttered under his breath. He met Danzi and Lu Yu's warm gazes before turning to Hei Lei, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears as he mustered the strength to continue.
With a deep breath he confessed. It was me who revealed the secret location of the Dragon Haven.
Hei Lei did not move nor break eye contact with Anh. Anh wasn't sure if this was a good sign or not.
He continued. Three years ago – New Years Eve - in a moment of foolishness and far too many Baiju's –
I knew it was you. Tun seethed.
Silence. Danzi roared. Let him continue.
Anh gritted his teeth. After too many drinks, I confided in Yara. I did not know then that my words would be heard by unwanted ears.
Lao pondered. Your Second Sight did not warn you?
Anh shook his head. I do not believe whoever heard that night intended to bring harm then. He turned back to Hei Lei. Not until the Qin went hungry and were desperate, anyway.
What did I tell you? Tun spat. Humans are only our friends until their stomachs are empty!
Tun, that's enough. Danzi said. His face was marked by lines etched with wisdom, and Anh felt him searching his heart for any deceit. Anh did not hide from him. With a sigh, the leader of the Dragon Haven then made his judgement. The consequences of your actions are grave indeed. The Dragon Haven, a sanctuary that had remained hidden for millennia, now lies exposed to the new empire's hunger for power. Such recklessness cannot be taken lightly.
Anh bit his lip ready for the deliverance when Hei Lei finally broke his silence. Hei Lei roared and slammed his feet into the ground multiple times. His anger was written in the dust and pebbles that flew and landed around him.
How could you betray us in such a manner? Hei Lei bellowed. Your thoughtlessness and drunken rambles with your tavern harlot has endangered us all! The price we may pay for your lapse in judgment is unforgivable!
Anh bowed his head, tears welling up in his eyes, as the weight of guilt bore down upon him. I know my actions were inexcusable. I can't express how sorry I am. If only I could turn back time, I would –
Such a thing is out of the question, so spare us your remorseful folly! Hei Lei raged.
Danzi then said in a measured and calm voice, Hei Lei - we must remember the importance of forgiveness, even in the face of grave mistakes. Anh's remorse is evident, and we must find a way to heal the wounds he has caused. He then addressed Anh directly. However, the consequences of your actions cannot be ignored.
Anh looked up at Danzi, hope flickering in his eyes.
Indeed, there must be consequences. Hei Lei seethed as he circled Anh. The traitor must be purged from the Haven!
You don't have that authority to make that judgement. Lao Longzi said stepping in.
Danzi's judgement is weak! Hei Lei spat.
Danzi spread his wings open, revealing his full size. Do not insult me, Lung Hei Lei! Danzi seethed. Anh will be punished, but he will not face the damnation his father did.
Anh was speechless as the two dragons spared off over his fate. Hei Lei was so quick to make his judgement – Anh knew he was reckless, but he didn't think Hei Lei would stoop to this.
Remove the weed before it spreads. Hei Lei snarled. He made his choice three years ago when he met with that brat. He chose her over the Haven. Kick him out!
No. Danzi said. He is still a Dragon Keeper, and we need Dragon Keepers now more than ever.
Hei Lei's next words tore Anh's heart into two. He won't be my Dragon Keeper.
The silence that fell on the party was deafening.
Anh looked up at Hei Lei through tears. Hei Lei… you don't mean that -
I've always thought we were better off without humans. Hei Lei said coldly. His eyes were glazing over the colour of crimson.
We need them. Danzi said.
You've always had a penchant for humans, bastards and broken things Lung Danzi, and I pity you for that. I think it's time for a change.
Be silent Hei Lei! Danzi growled. You cannot severe the bonds –
I call for a change of leadership. Hei Lei declared.
The air was filled with dragons shrill. Hei Lei had lost his mind. Danzi was by far a more competent leader than Hei Lei. Anh looked around at the other dragons expecting them to jump to Danzi's defense and call off Hei Lei's usurpation. Instead, the dragons largely looked downcast, pondering their decisions.
Anh turned to Hei Lei. End this, Hei Lei. He begged.
You do not advise me now, traitor. Hei Lei spat. Danzi can't make a single decision unless he consults Lao Longzi. It's the same with Jiang and Lu Yu, when Gao Zi was alive. Without your Keepers, you are weak. You are just sheep without a shepherd; a beast.
Anh and Lao were both aghast. Danzi, Lao said firmly. This is your call.
Danzi remained silent.
Gu Hong, the elder, weighed in from the sidelines of the camp. Danzi, she said softly. You know the laws of our kind. There are none here who have the power to stop a challenge once it has been laid down.
Danzi nodded. I understand.
Gu Hong walked slowly through the camp, encircling the two great dragons. All Dragons and Keepers are permitted to name their preferred leader. Do not waste time by arguing justifications for leadership; come to your decisions alone and name just one dragon. Whichever dragon does not succeed must concede thereafter or leave. Those are your only options.
Gu Hong then nominated herself to name her first preference and the dragons would name in a circle from there on.
Gu Hong was swift. Danzi.
Ming was next. Hei Lei. He growled.
Lu Yu. Danzi.
Lian voted then for Hei Lei. As the election made its round the air grew heavy with a blend of anxious anticipation. Anh had always known Hei Lei's disdain for Danzi as leader – but he had never expected so many others to be quick to abandon his side in favour of Hei Lei.
Tension thickened in the darkness of the orchard, as the votes casted relentlessly toward the final moments of decision. As the vote approached Shuang, sister to Bai Xue, Anh held his breath. The Haven was split on its decision; they were tied.
Minh Huyn and Bai Xue were next. Bai Xue elected Hei Lei. To Anh's surprise, Minh Huyn nodded in agreeance to Hei Lei's favor, too. It was lucky he was blind, for Anh and Lao Longzi glared at the old man.
Next came Bong and Jiang. Danzi. Jiang said.
Danzi. Bong concurred.
Tun was next. There was no surprises who he was in favor of. Hei Lei. He said with his head high.
They at last came to Anh. Anh brought himself to meet Hei Lei's glare. It was the point of no return. He knew this was the right decision – but convincing Hei Lei of that would be impossible.
Danzi. Anh said with his eyes set in Hei Lei's. Steam rose from Hei Lei's nostrils, and his eyes glazed over with a red tinge.
Gu Hong made the declaration. We are tied. All who remains to vote is Lung Sha.
All eyes fell on the shy dragon who had known so much grief from hunters and dragons alike. Anh uttered a silent prayer, hoping she would choose the right leader.
Sha considered her options, but came to a swift conclusion. Gasps were sound when her tie breaker was announced.
Hei Lei.
Anh momentarily lost his balance. He had been certain she would choose Danzi – looking around, he could see the shock registering on the face of other dragons. Danzi and Lao, especially.
Gu Hong strode to a very smug Hei Lei's side. The Haven has decided. Hei Lei is our leader.
The losing party held its breath, suspended as cheers from Hei Lei's supporters. Anh could see the pain on Danzi's face at the division of his long-time supporters switching so easily. With a sudden switch from shock to fury, Danzi lunged forward, his claws extended like razors, aiming to strike Hei Lei's underbelly.
Danzi, no! Gu Hong cried as Hei Lei pushed the elder out of the way.
Danzi's mighty jaws snapped shut, his teeth just grazing Hei Lei's wing. Anh gasped at Danzi's descent into violence. In an unrestrained aggression, Danzi had misjudged his own strength and balance, landing awkwardly on the ground.
The camp fell into a momentary lull as the dragons eyes met amidst the chaos. Concede. Hei Lei demanded.
No. Danzi said as he rose and lunged again at Hei Lei. But Hei Lei now anticipated the attack and with lightning speed, circled Danzi and struck Danzi at his foot.
Unable to withstand the relentless onslaught, Danzi succumbed, crashing to the ground with a thud. His eyes dimmed as the weight of the defeat truly set in now. Lao and Anh rushed to his side as Hei Lei demanded once more that Danzi concede.
Lift your foot, buddy. Lao Longzi ordered Danzi. Anh gasped at the injury on his foot. It would hinder his movement for sometime. All those years of training, Hei Lei had gained an upper hand in combat, flying and quick movements, whereas Danzi had relaxed. He paid the price now.
As the dust settled, Hei Lei stood triumphant over the trio. The injured Danzi, humbled by his own recklessness, laid sprawled on the earth, his pride wounded alongside his body. The battle was a testament to the fickle nature of fate, reminding the cluster that even the mightiest can fall with a single misstep.
Concede. Hei Lei demanded.
Lay off him, Hei Lei. Anh seethed.
In a split second he wished he had kept his mouth shut. He had offended the leader of the Dragon Haven, after all. And Hei Lei was not level headed and forgiving as Danzi had been.
Hei Lei lunged for Anh's throat. Cries were heard, but Anh had ducked back just in time for Hei Lei to miss his throat. Instead, he'd unbuckled the clasp that kept the cloak Yara had sewn him around his neck. It fell to the ground, and Hei Lei slashed at it with his claws. Anh watched in horror as the black dragon Yara had delicately sewn onto the golden cloak was torn in half. He met Hei Lei's eyes and the dragon roared and lunged at him again.
Anh ducked and rolled across the ground as Hei Lei missed again. Hei Lei was a strong fighter, but he was still a giant beast, whereas Anh was small and fast. What are you doing! Anh wept.
Removing the weeds. Hei Lei seethed as he hunched down onto his back legs. Anh knew this next move, and quickly grasped a handful of dirt. He threw it into the dragons eyes before leaping up and running for the orchard.
His path was blocked by Tun who out stretched his wings. Tun did not harm him, but Anh was unable to move. He felt the same sensation now in his body that he felt when the dragon hunter had accosted them. Now he felt the harm that Hei Lei intended to bring himself. Anh flicked his arm out to knock Hei Lei with a branch but the shrills from Tun and the pain from his Second Sight was too much to bear. He sank to his knees.
Hei Lei knew the impact the bond breaking was having on Anh and took his time to hound him. His body hovered just meters from Anh as he readied himself for the final blow.
All traitors must die. Hei Lei said as he raised his paw with outstretched claws. Anh was helpless and braced for impact when a cry pierced through the gonging and chimes of the cluster. It belonged to Yara. Anh stared up and was astonished at the sight.
Yara stood now between Anh and Hei Lei. Her arms stretched out to her sides to protect Anh. Now, even the dragons who fought for Hei Lei's usurpation stood at the edge of a knife. The silence was deafening. If harm was brought to her, the humans would retaliate – even Hei Lei knew that.
Hei Lei was stooped in his tracks. He outstretched his wings and revealed his full height to her. When she didn't move, he roared so loud that the pressure in Anh's ears popped.
"Yara!" Anh screamed through the piercing noise. "Yara, get out of here!"
Move, girl. Hei Lei churned.
Yara's eyes trailed from Hei Lei's claws to his eyes. A sinister smile broke across her face as she realized the power she had in this fatal situation. "Exhausting, wasn't it? Hiding behind your own self-righteousness." She whispered. Anh looked on in fearful awe as he slowly rose to his feet, his eyes on the pair.
"Yara," he said reaching towards her. "Yara, you need to leave."
Yara's eyes fixated on the dragons red, glowing glare. "But now they see you for what you really are." She whispered. "Unnatural; a monster."
Anh held his breath. He never knew Yara held so much disdain for Hei Lei.
They glared at each other, neither daring to make the first move. Anh braved another step towards Yara. He clasped her hand softly. "Yara." He whispered, peeking through his fringe at Hei Lei. "We need to leave."
His fingers linked with hers and for a second, Anh could finally breathe. They began to walk backwards. Anh watched as Hei Lei's chest rose and fell, steam rising from his nostrils and forming clouds. He thought it was over, until Hei Lei's eyes glazed over their linked hands.
Not willing to be defeated, Hei Lei leapt up onto his back legs before drawing his claws, diving for the pair. Anh pulled them back just in time to avoid the fatal blow, but Hei Lei landed his blow on Yara. Her scream pierced through the night like a knife through water as she cusped her face.
Hei Lei had hurt her. The dragons knew further damage would lead to their extermination and all leapt to restrain Hei Lei. Even Tun, despite hating humans as much as Hei Lei, pushed back on Hei Lei.
No more! No more. Tun pleaded as he pushed Hei Lei back along with the others. She's already costed enough from the Haven.
Yara fell into Anh's arms. She burrowed her face into his jacket. Anh brushed her hair aside to look at her but she turned away. "Look at me." He said firmly. She looked up at him. Her face was covered with bloody hair. He brushed it aside and saw the gash. Hei Lei had cut her face badly – it would leave a scar. Anh tore off the sleeve of his jacket with his teeth and brought it to her face to soak the blood. He drew her close to him as his eyes met Hei Lei's over her shoulder. He knew Hei Lei was angry – but this was unforgivable!
I will never forgive you for this. Anh said, his voice cold.
Hei Lei snorted. Anh could see the blood on his claws from where he had sliced Yara's face. Very well. Hei Lei said. But be it known that you are no longer a Dragon Keeper, and therefore your right to return to the Haven is forfeit.
You can't! Lu Yu cried.
I can! Hei Lei snapped at her.
Anh felt the weight of the world crash down on him. His worst fears were being realised, the one thing he had hoped would never manifest after he learned his fathers fate.
Hei Lei continued, his eyes glued on Anh and Yara. I am now the leader of the Dragon Haven, so what I say stands true. Anh's right to the Haven and all who inhabit there is now forfeit. Hei Lei sneered, Under punishment of death.
Anh's heart sunk in his chest. All around them, the dragons erupted into a frenzy. Lu Yu came to Anh's side and hissed at Hei Lei. Jiang and Bong came with her. Others, led by Tun cheered on Hei Lei's succession while others looked on horrified.
Hei Lei wasn't done. Furthermore. If Danzi does not concede his power, then he remains exiled too with the human bastards.
Anh eyes met Lu Yu's. If Danzi conceded, they would live out in the Haven with the dragonling, but they would be shamed. If he did not concede, then the dragonling would be raised outside of the Haven, away from dragons. Alone.
Danzi, however, delivered his decision swiftly. I do not concede.
Steam rose from Hei Lei's nostrils. Then you and your brood are banished. He said turning back to Anh.
Anh tried to search the black dragons heart for any hint of regret, but Hei Lei had blocked him. Hei Lei had already severed their bond. Anh's grief was brewing into hot anger. Very well, he thought then. It would never have worked, anyway. He and Hei Lei. He and Yara. If Hei Lei couldn't bear her in their lives, then it was good riddance! Be damned with the Black Thunder!
After an eternity, he tore his eyes away from Hei Lei. "Come," he whispered to Yara who's sobs had given way to a muffled cry. "we need to get you and Danzi to a shaman." He pulled her arm over his shoulder and carried her off with Lao's help. Lu Yu helped Danzi to his feet. They kept their heads up in an attempt to maintain their prides. Around them, the dragons who favoured Hei Lei's succession jeered.
Traitor! One called.
Jiang and Bong came to their sides. Bong followed Anh's lead and took Yara's other arm over his head. Jiang and Lu Yu assisted Danzi with their shoulders.
Cowards! Another dragon called.
Human lovers! Tun spat.
Anh winced but remained firm as the party of exiles walked back into Tinkling Village. He could hear Tun behind them declaring Hei Lei as their leader. When they passed the gate and were inside the safety of the human town, still lively with festivities, Anh fought back the urge to turn and look one last time at the dragon who was once his best friend.
Yara and Danzi were brought to the home of the shaman who had treated Minh Huyn weeks earlier. He was an old man, and no longer accustomed to staying out late. He treated Yara first, giving her a tea to make her drowsy before clearing away the dried blood from her face. Anh winced seeing the gash across her cheek. It led from the corner of her lip to her eye. The shaman stitched the gash before letting her fall into a fitful sleep. The shaman had more questions than answers for Danzi's wounds, but added more red cloud herb to his wounds and fastened his foot with a brace.
They remained in the shaman's guest room that night. Once he was sure the others had fallen asleep, Anh crept outside and hid behind a chicken coup. There he let all the hate, the sadness, the grief and joy from the past 24 hours fall from his eyes and trickle down his cheeks. He clenched his fists and slammed them against the wood until his fingers began to bleed. He stuffed the collar of his jacket into his mouth to muffle his screams.
He was no longer a Dragon Keeper. The very shame of the thought. I am no longer a Dragon Keeper.
Anh punched the wood again before groaning and bringing his fingers to mouth to stop the blood. He had disgraced himself by selling out the secret to the Haven. He had lost his best friend, and his best friend had harmed the woman he loved. He was ousted like bones from a chicken broth by the very being who had brought him into only world he had ever known and loved.
Yet through it all, Anh couldn't help but feel a sense of profound sadness wash over him. He had lost his best friend, his companion and his home, and there was nothing he could do now to fix it.
There was a hole now in his heart that not even Tieze Yara could possibly fill.
A/N - Hello! I haven't written an A/N here before as I wasn't sure how to do one on FF. Turns out, you just write A/N! Silly me. I just wanted to say a warm thank you to those of you who have read this far here and on AO3. It really means the world to me. I read the original Dragonkeeper series over 15 years ago, and this story has been brewing since. I hope you enjoy/have enjoyed reading the fic as much as I have enjoyed writing it. :) It's been wonderful to share this story, and I'm so grateful you've been reading along with me. See you next Thursday!