"You idiot." The voice said.

Anh slowly opened his eyes, feeling groggy and disoriented from the emotional, long night before. The dark wooden walls of the shaman's home and Yara, in a heavy sleep on the mattress next to him, brought him into focus.

"Yara…" He said reaching out to her. Her cheek needed a new bandage soon as it was yellowing.

"You idiot." The man seethed again.

Anh closed his eyes and groaned. His Second Sight was gone – but he didn't need it to know who's voice the insult belonged too. Anh tried to sit up but winced in pain. The fight last night had taken a toll on his body. At the foot of Yara's bed was Tieze Senior, his face a mask of controlled anger.

Tieze Senior's voice was cold but collected. "Look what your folly brought to my daughter."

Anh's heart raced as memories from the night flooded back to him. Confessing. Hei Lei becoming the leader of the Haven. His fight with Hei Lei, and Yara stepping between them. He struggled to gather his thoughts as Tieze Senior continued his verbal assault.

"Tell me," He said. "was it your dragon who damaged her?"

Anh bowed weakly. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. The fight was between me and Hei Lei, and Yara came between us to my defence."

Yara's father narrowed his eyes on Anh. His gaze pierced through him like a blade. "Of course. Always with the excuses, you are." His voice shook slightly. "You didn't mean for it to happen, and yet, it did. You were entrusted with protecting the dragons, and what have you done? You've brought chaos into my daughter's life instead."

Anh looked guiltily at Yara next to him, sleeping. He took her hand in his. "Hei Lei won't hurt her again." He admitted. "I am no longer his Dragon Keeper."

Her father pursed his lips together, eying Anh sceptically. "Is that so?"

"Yes."

A bitter smile played on Tieze Seniors lips. "So, you chose my daughter over your dragon?" Anh nodded not meeting his eyes. "It would aggrieve you to learn then that Yara is betrothed to another."

Anh's eyes widened turning towards Tieze Senior. He tried to search for words to ask how, but his voice failed him as he pieced together fragments from the night before. Yara had followed him into the orchard to tell him something – this was it.

"The Chu soldier?" He asked. In his heart though, he knew. He'd chosen Yara as part of the marriage alliance.

Yara's father laughed spitefully as he kneeled to the ground and leaned closer to Anh. "You see, Anh - your actions have consequences. You and Yara disobeyed me by carrying your little romance on. And now," He gestured towards Yara's cheek. "My daughter is left to bear the burden of your choices. So tell me, Yu Anh, bastard of the banished. Was it all worth it? Losing Black Thunder, only to have Yara betrothed to another?"

In the corner of the room Lu Yu, curled up with Danzi, stirred. She raised her head and growled upon spotting Tieze Senior, causing him to tense.

Is he bothering you? She growled.

Yara's father turned back to Anh and straightened his posture. "Yara's future has been irrevocably altered because of you. The weddings take place tomorrow evening." He stood ready to take his leave. As he slid the door open, he turned back to Anh with a sinister smile. "So - was it all worth it?"

Anh's world around him spun as his heart filled with remorse and regret. He was unable to speak. He had no answer.

Tieze Senior huffed as he walked out. "I thought so."

Anh looked down at his beloved sleeping soundly on the floor. Betrothed. Tomorrow evening.

Was it all worth it?

Lu Yu untangled herself from Danzi and stretched. What did he want? She asked.

Was it all worth it?

"I don't know…" Anh said with a crack in his voice. "I don't know."

Anh? Lu Yu asked.

Her chiming caused Yara to stir. Her hand gently grasped Anh's. How will he face her now? Losing Hei Lei, his status as a Dragon Keeper, and now losing her? The shame of it all. Anh couldn't bear it. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. Then he ran.

Anh was used to traveling by air - not on foot.

The town was hungover from the festivities of the night before. Anh ran through to the orchards and spotted in the near distance Jade Mountain. He wanted to get away, and there would do – for now.

By air the journey was 5 minutes. On foot it was four hours. The walk to the base of the mountain was easy enough in the early morning, but as the day went on and he began to ascend, it took its toll. He hadn't eaten and had no water on him. Anh walked the formidable slopes of the mountain, the path twisting over the rugged terrain. It mirrored the tumultuous emotions that swirled within his troubled heart, but with each step, his anger gradually dissipated, replaced instead with hurt.

He expected the air to grow crisper towards the top, but the heat of the day bore down on him. He was parched, breathless, and confused. Each time he thought he was hitting a plateau, the ground beneath would snake up steeply again. How anyone in the village worked on this mountain without the help of a dragon was beyond Anh!

The fourth hour passed. By the fifth hour Anh was ready to give in when at last he came to the quarry at the peak. He bowed forward and placed his hands on his knees to catch his breath when he heard a light tinkle from the other side of the plateau.

Did you enjoy yourself? Lu Yu asked.

Anh scrunched his eyes as he took some deep breaths. Hei Lei severed their bond last night, and already his Second Sight was waning. He hadn't known Tieze Senior was in the shaman's home this morning – and he didn't know Lu Yu had followed him up the mountain.

Anh walked over to a boulder and slumped down. Lu Yu came to his side. She reached for her reverse talons and withdrew a flagon of water.

Here, she said offering him the water.

Anh breathed a thanks to her and downed the water. It was the most incredible drink he'd had in his life. He toyed with the flagon as Lu Yu sat next to him and together they gazed out at the panorama. It was beautiful. Anh had come here many times but had never really stopped to look at the view. Only once, with Yara, did he consider it, but the view was shadowed by the beautiful fireworks that night. The memory of the night deflated his spirit. Such a beautiful evening, and yet it was the catalyst of all that was wrong in his world now.

I have flown over this quarry many times – but not once have I landed here.

Anh bit his lip. Did you follow me?

I did. Lu Yu admitted. She then asked softly, Why Jade Mountain?

Anh fiddled with the flagon. I brought Yara here once. I came here to think…

Lu Yu nodded. And what have you concluded?

Anh chuckled. That I'm terribly unfit. He took another swig from the flagon. I must say Lu Yu – climbing up here has given me a great deal of appreciation for the miners who climb this mountain regularly.

It's certainly easier to fly. Lu Yu winked.

Anh toyed with the idea of life as a miner. He'd get used to the hike. Hell, it might finally add some muscle to his legs. But working here would mean seeing Yara with her Chu husband – he'd rather throw himself into the quarry.

I really screwed things up, Lu Yu. He said.

Hei Lei was bound to challenge Danzi someday. Lu Yu said. It was only a matter of time. He's been unhappy with Danzi's leadership for years.

Not just the Haven, Lu Yu. Anh said shaking his head. Sharing the location, Yara, everything. Hei Lei told me once that I was nothing like my father, yet history has repeated itself on me.

Yu Feng committed a horrendous act on your mother. Lu Yu said firmly. He did that knowing it was evil. You, on the other hand, simply made a mistake.

A big mistake. Anh said, blowing the hair from his fringe out of his face.

A big mistake, yes. But history has not repeated itself.

Anh brushed his hair out of his face and leaned his chin into his hand. It did, though. Hei Lei ousted Yu Feng, and now I have been ousted too.

This is not the end for you, Yu Anh. Lu Yu said.

Hei Lei once said that I had a choice to be a better person than Yu Feng was. He said no matter what, so long as I stayed true to myself, that he'd not be disappointed in me. He'd be proud. Anh huffed. I did just that and still screwed up. I can't separate Yu Feng's mistakes or my own for Hei Lei.

Lu Yu was quiet for some time. Gao Zi would have been proud of you.

Anh bit his lips. You can't be sure of that.

He was my Dragon Keeper for many decades, Anh. I knew him better than you did. I knew he wanted the best for you. And I know if he were here now, or last night, or last week, he'd have told you to follow your heart. You did that last night. You told the truth and you looked after Yara. Lu Yu raised her head high. Gao Zi would be so proud of you.

Anh shrugged. That may be well and true. But that doesn't change what happened. He isn't Hei Lei. And Gao Zi isn't my father.

Yu Feng may be your father, Yu Anh. Lu Yu replied, her green eyes flickering bright in the sunset. But Gao Zi was your dad.

Anh looked up at Lu Yu. That makes no sense –

Sometimes family isn't about blood. It's about the people who are there for you, and love you unconditionally. Lu Yu paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Chosen family means that we have the power to surround ourselves with people who care for us – dragon or human. Gao Zi may not have been your father, but he was your dad because he loved you like one. And I promised him that I would look after you, Anh. It was a promise born out of love and respect for him, and I intend to keep it.

Anh's chest tightened as he drew in a slow, shuddering breath. The corners of his lips trembled, caught between a faint smile and a hidden pain.

Lu Yu continued, I promised him I'd watch over you. I have not kept that promise too well. It's hard with Hei Lei as cantankerous as he is around. But I made a promise nonetheless.

You're no longer held to that promise, Lu Yu. Anh said with a sad smile. I'm no longer a Dragon Keeper.

Lu Yu cocked her head to the side. You are no longer Hei Lei's Keeper. But you are still a Dragon Keeper.

Lu Yu then stood on her hind legs and inspected her chest. She withdrew a talon from her shoulder. Its purple sheal glittered in the light as she held it out to him. Anh thought of her molt as rather bizarre until he realized he'd seen this before. Hei Lei had done this before with one of his scales – the day he had accepted Anh as his Dragon Keeper.

Anh stood suddenly, the weight of Lu Yu's words and actions hanging heavy on him. This was an oath. You cannot offer this to me, he whispered meeting Lu Yu's eyes.

It is mine to give to whom I wish. Lu Yu replied. I may not be the dragon you had hoped to be a companion for, for life. And you are not the companion I had loved for many years. But I do believe these events have happened for a reason, and that you and I have a part to play in this – together.

She bowed her head, still holding the talon out to Anh. Anh's heart was racing as he fought with this decision.

Do you accept, Yu Anh? She asked.

Anh gazed at the purple dragon before him. Was it too soon after Hei Lei? She was the same age as Hei Lei, but much smaller than he or Danzi. She was a brilliant flyer, though she had not trained since Gao Zi's passing. But she had a good heart. She was strong willed. She wasn't a joker or a jerk like Hei Lei, but warm and kind and open. Anh's heart skipped a beat at the thought of being her Dragon Keeper. They would be a good match.

But there was one matter that needed to be resolved.

What about Yara? Anh asked. What if I want to be with her, and be your Dragon Keeper?

Lu Yu met Anh's gaze. Anyone who stands up to Hei Lei has my respect. She added with a wink. We can work it out. Together.

Anh reached out for Lu Yu's head. He felt the roughness of her purple scales, the spiky points of her spine. He put his arms around her neck. Lu Yu made a sound akin to windchimes.

Do you accept then? She asked.

Anh took the purple talon from her claw and smiled. He felt the lightest he had felt in days. Yes. He said. I will be your Dragon Keeper.

Establishing a bond between dragon and Dragon Keeper is not a process that takes just a day. Though they had known each other for many years, there was still a lot Anh and Lu Yu would have to learn about each other.

For one thing – flying together.

Left, Anh urged as they descended towards the forest.

My left or yours?

They're both the same left! Anh cried. But it was too late – the branches of the fir trees knocked him off Lu Yu's back. The canopy was brim and full enough to catch him and slow his landing towards the earth. He grasped onto a thicker branch and summoned all his strength to shimmy himself closer to the trunk.

Lu Yu used her claws to latch onto the trunk. She extended her tail out to Anh. Grab on.

Anh grabbed a hold of her tail and the purple dragon pulled him up. He clambered onto her back and held on tightly to her horns as she took off from the tree. She was a small dragon, and Anh found he was unable to move about as freely on her as he had Hei Lei. His shoulders and hips ached from hunching so much.

I think I'm going to have to tie myself to you when we fly. He said as Lu Yu glided across the sky.

You'll get used to it. Lu Yu tinkled.

How did Gao Zi ever manage to fly with you? Anh asked, remembering how hefty Gao Zi was. I know he's not as big as Bong, but he was still a burly man before he grew sick.

We practiced. Lu Yu said. Often. It wasn't long before he was comfortable without a rope. Anh smiled at the thought of the fearless Gao Zi tying himself down to Lu Yu. Should we practice some tricks? Lu Yu asked with a flick of her tail.

Anh shook his head. Not without a rope – sorry Lu Yu.

Lu Yu continued her glide towards the lowering sun, leaving Jade Mountain, Tinkling Village and the Dragon Haven behind them. They'd been flying all afternoon, testing each other, trying to find a good fit for them both. For now, slow gliding was the most comfortable thing for them.

Earlier that day, after Lu Yu and Anh took on their oath as dragon and Dragon Keeper, Lu Yu indulged Anh on her vision for the future. Hei Lei and Danzi were always the strongest dragons in the Haven. I want to be better than them. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke with conviction. I have a dragonling on the way, and I want to be able to protect them. I want to keep them safe from any danger that may come our way.

Anh reflected on this as Lu Yu extended her wings, her purple, shimmering scales catching the fading sunlight as she soared through the open sky. They had a lot to learn about each other, but Anh imagined the countless possibilities that awaited for him, Lu Yu and her dragonling – Kai, she had told him would be the dragonlings name. He envisioned Lu Yu executing daring manoeuvres, swift and agile, mastering aerial tricks that would leave even Hei Lei in awe.

Hei Lei...

It hadn't even been 24 hours since Hei Lei banished him, and Anh had already taken on a new dragon.

Lu Yu sensed the ache in Anh's heart. She was always so good at sensing if something was wrong –that was going to take some getting used too. What troubles you? She asked.

Anh shook his head. It's been a big day is all.

Lu Yu lifted her wings. Anh held on a little tighter to her horns. If I may– what did Tieze Senior have to say earlier?

Anh sighed. He'd managed to push that out of his head for most of the day, but he supposed it was better to talk about him than Hei Lei. Well, he said. He came to inform me not that he was concerned for his daughters wellbeing – rather, she is to be married tomorrow evening.

Lu Yu jerked suddenly, causing Anh to momentarily rise in the air and land hard on her back again. His butt hurt now more than his shoulders or his hips. She's now part of the marriage alliance?

Anh groaned, but didn't dare bring a hand back to rub his sore arse. Yeah. She is.

What are we going to do about it?

He huffed. We're not doing anything about it, Lu Yu. There's nothing I can do.

Does Yara want to marry this man?

Anh shrugged. I doubt it. But what can I do? Lu Yu rumbled and sharply dived nose first. "Cripes, Lu Yu!" Anh shouted.

What can you do about it? Who are you! Lu Yu spat as she began spinning. When did Yu Anh reason madness with self-pity?

"Lu Yu!" Anh said grasping his legs to her sides as tight as he could. "Stop! Stop!"

Did you honestly spend all these years with the woman you loved only to watch idly as she marries a stranger?

I asked Tieze Senior if I could marry her – he said no! Anh cried. Please, Lu Yu, stop spinning!

Lu Yu stopped spinning and turned herself upright. Anh gasped for air as Lu Yu glided gracefully again. You asked Tieze Senior to marry her?

Anh rolled his eyes. I know. It was stupid.

It was stupid. Lu Yu concurred. You should have asked her, instead.

Yeah. That's what Yara said too.

Did she say yes? Lu Yu piqued.

Anh frowned as he thought back to yesterday on the rooftop. She said…she said, she would have said yes if I had asked.

But did you ask?

Anh rested his head on Lu Yu's neck. She got him there. He hadn't asked. What does it matter now? Anh asked glumly. It wont change anything. Even if I asked her, her father still said no, and she'd still be betrothed to that Chu princox.

Lu Yu shook her head. You don't get it, do you? Yara is her own person who's whole life had been dictated by others making choices for her because she is a woman. You went over her to ask her father for her hand. Her father went over her to marry her off to a stranger. Not once have either of you let her make the decision for herself.

A hue of orange rays bounced off Lu Yu's scales as the sun sank further in the west. Anh realised Lu Yu was right. He went over Yara's head to make a choice for her, rather than ask her himself. He was no better than Tieze Senior or the Chu soldier.

Anh swallowed the fresh air of the sunset glow. What can I do now, though? He asked.

Lu Yu answered softly, Ask her what she wants.

Anh laugh quietly to himself. Fine. And say she wants to marry the Chu guy and live happily ever after in Chu land, eating Chu food and being all… Chu, Chu whatever?

Then you have to let her go.

Anh bit his lip. What if she's crazy and says she wants to be with me and live with us?

Lu Yu tinkled. We can make it work. All you have to do is ask.

Is it really as simple as that? Anh asked.

Lu Yu made a noise akin to an out of tune flute. It was her way of sharing her frustration. Men – dragons or humans. I find you lot baffling sometimes. You will literally tear talons off each other, or put fist through a wall, then turn around and say women are deluded because we would prefer to talk instead. She shook her head. Madness, honestly.

Anh craned his neck to look out east where they had flown from. There was Tinkling Village, and in it, Yara. His heart swelled with determination as he pondered this newfound purpose.

Let's go back. He said to Lu Yu. She wiggled her tail and turned back towards the township. Her wings beat a little faster this time, but Anh wasn't troubled by it now. He was ready to embark on this journey with Yara – if she wanted to – and live out his life with her and Lu Yu. Top of FormNo more running away.

Tinkling Village was under way with preparations for the wedding festivities when they arrived. Ten weddings would take place the next evening, to which the whole town invested into. Food would be decadent, wine abundant. Jewels and fine fabrics would adorn the brides, and tapestries of all colours and sculptures would decorate the streets for the after party. The inns took special care to their most elegant rooms to ready for after the ceremony.Bottom of Form Ten weddings.

Nine weddings, Anh reconsidered. If he could just find Yara. She had been checked out of the shamans home since midday. Danzi remained under Lao's watch when they arrived but appeared to be recovering. To Anh's surprise, Bong and Jiang were still there. They had set aside a bowl of spicy noodles for Anh and a goose for Lu Yu.

Where were you two all day? Bong asked.

Anh slurped greedily on the spicy noodles. It was the first meal he'd had since lunchtime, yesterday. He licked the bowl when he noticed Lu Yu was watching him. Oh. He blushed. Would you like some Lu Yu?

Are you going to tell them?

Bong and Jiang both looked at Anh curiously. Danzi and Lao looked on knowingly, however. Lao asked Anh directly, Did you accept Lu Yu's oath?

Bongs eyes widened as Anh flashed a smile at Lu Yu. You're now Lu Yu's Keeper!?

He is. Lu Yu said exposing her gums in a toothy grin.

Anh's eyes met Danzi's who spoke to him. You understand Lu Yu is my mate. Where she goes, I go too.

Anh nodded up at the green dragon's Keeper. And you, Lao.

Lao had his arms crossed over his chest as he considered everything. It all happened very fast, huh?

What is done is done. Lu Yu said firmly. I believe everything that has happened until now, happened for a reason. The bonds of the Dragon Haven may have broken – but they have been breaking for a long time now.

Yeah. Bong said slurping one of his noodles. No kidding.

We have a chance now to form our own cluster away from Hei Lei. She looked on at Anh, Lao and Danzi, who cradled their tiny dragon stone in his talons. Together.

Danzi turned the little stone over gently in his talons. The milky white veins in its purple shale had grown larger. We will need to find somewhere to raise this one. Danzi said. We are banished now from Long Gao Yuan. I doubt we will be allowed in The Winter Haven, either.

Anh shook his head. Hei Lei would scout it.

You could go out east? Bong suggested. Towards the Silk Fields, or the ocean?

We have the benefit of freedom and time on our hands for now. Lu Yu said. Our dragonling will not hatch for many years.

Anh smiled. Until then, we have plenty of time to find somewhere safe.

Lao turned to Bong and Jiang. What about you two? Will you be joining us?

Bong toyed with his bowl. That's up to Jiang to decide… He said finally.

Jiang shuffled her feet. I don't like Hei Lei. She admitted. But I have to think about my mother, Gu Hong.

You don't have to decide anything just now. Danzi said softly.

Jiang bowed her head. Bong gazed at his young red dragon and scratched her behind her ears in comfort. He met Anh's eyes and suddenly the walls of Bong's heart went down. Anh could see into his heart clearly for the first time!

Anh could see Bong was conflicted on whether or not he wanted to leave. He was leaning towards going with them, but he cared most for what Jiang wanted more. He looked further inside his heart. Minh Huyn was in there, too. Bong didn't want to leave the old man on his own. Anh understood where Bong and Jiang were coming from and didn't want to push them until they were ready. It did leave Anh in an awkward position, however…

Looks like it's just you and me, then. Lao said with an awkward laugh.

Lao Longzi kept his eyes on the wooden floorboards. Being the only two Dragon Keepers in their cluster was not something either of them exactly looked forward too. At last he took in a deep breath. We haven't always gotten along. He admitted. But we have something in common…

We both want what's best for them. Anh concluded.

Yes. Lao said. We do. He then offered Anh his hand to which he gratefully clasped. They may have their differences. They may not always get along now or hereon – but they both cared deeply for the dragons. It would be enough for them to get along.

I suppose it will be fun, Lao said with a grin. Travelling the Empire, just the two of us with the dragons.

Anh bit his lips. Three of us. He tentatively corrected.

Lao's shoulders dropped as it dawned on him what Anh was suggesting. "You're fucking joking?"

We're not joking. Lu Yu said coming to Anh's defence. But it's up to Yara if she chooses to come.

Lao brought his thumb and forefinger to eyes and squeezed them. "Anh, she's getting married tomorrow."

"I know." Anh said.

"When will you learn to stop chasing her?" Lao huffed.

Anh raised his hands up. "I'm not chasing her, Lao. I mean it – I'm just going to ask what she wants to do."

"And if she says no?" Lao said with a hand on his hip. "Will you finally give up on this folly of chasing this girl and just focus on the dragons?"

Anh bit his lip. He and Hei Lei had a similar discussion – only a month ago – about this and he still chose Yara. "Yes." He said. "If that's what she decides, then I'll let her go. For good."

Lao stared down cast at the floor as he exhaled deeply. "Good." He said shaking his head.

"Do you have any baiju?" Anh asked. Lao shook his head, but Bong had some wine in his pack. He offered it to Anh who took a swig. "Thank you." He said handing it back to Bong. "I'll be back soon."

"Good luck man." Bong wished his cousin.

I pray she says yes! Jiang said with a wiggle.

Do you want me to come with you? Lu Yu offered. Anh said he needed to do it on his own. Very well. Good luck Anh.

Good luck. Danzi said softly.

Lao raised his eyebrow and nodded. Anh tried not to roll his eyes. Cripes. Travelling with Lao Longzi was going to be interesting. He left the shamans and asked around for where the women were preparing for the marriage alliance. They were at Lord Cao's.