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Chapter Text

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The palace was a beast of gilded stone and whispered silk, and Thalia hated every polished inch of it. She gripped the fan her Grandfather had pressed into her hand, its delicate ribs straining under her barely-restrained irritation he'd even forced her into 'this'.

The sleeves were too tight, the skirt too long, and it felt like a weighted blanket compared to her usual practical trousers and tunic. Her hands, which tended to reach for the familiar hilt of a blade, felt strangely empty.

"Oh, it's you, Thalia," Hak drawled, a smirk already playing on his lips as he approached.

His uniform was impeccable, as always, making her feel even more confined.

He stopped short in front of her, arms crossed, his gaze doing a slow, appreciative sweep from her uncomfortably coiffed hair down to the impractical slippers.

"Well, look at you. Cleaning up nice for the princess's big day. Didn't think you owned anything that wasn't designed for crawling through mud or snapping necks."

Thalia forced a tight smile, the muscles in her face feeling as stiff as the dress. "Grandfather insisted," she stated flatly.

She certainly wasn't going to admit that his lecture about "respecting the elders" and "not embarrassing the Wind Tribe" had eventually worn down her resistance.

Or that the very thought of the old man's disappointment was enough to override her own personal loathing.

She usually preferred to disappear into the background at these events, but the formal attire made her feel like a peacock in a chicken coop – conspicuous and ridiculous.

"Figures," Hak chuckled, leaning in. "He probably threatened to withhold your next meal rations. Old man's got a way with motivation."

Thalia merely scoffed, but a flicker of something in her eyes, a fleeting amusement, acknowledged his point.

Just then, King Il himself appeared, accompanied by a small retinue, his gentle smile belying the power he held. Hak straightened, pulling Thalia subtly closer as they bowed their heads.

"Thalia, it's good to see you again," King Il said, his voice as soft as ever. "I trust your journey was pleasant?"

"As always, Your Majesty," Hak replied for her, his tone respectful but easy. Thalia merely offered a curt nod, keeping her gaze lowered. She felt the King's benevolent gaze linger on her for a moment longer.

"We are just on our way to Princess Yona's chambers," the King continued, a hint of paternal impatience in his tone. "She seems to be having trouble deciding on a suitable dress."

Hak let out a soft chuckle. "Wouldn't be the princess if she wasn't."

Thalia suppressed a sigh. She wondered even more why she had to wear this dress when even the princess didn't bother to attend her own fest.

She followed silently as King Il, Hak, and their attendants made their way toward Yona's wing of the palace.

Her eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, noting the positions of guards, the flow of servants, and the potential blind spots in the polished corridors. Even in this supposedly safe environment, her soldier's instincts never truly rested.

They reached the doors to Yona's chambers. Hak stepped forward to knock, a teasing remark already forming on his lips. Before he could, the doors burst open.

"Father!" Yona exclaimed, with a whirlwind of bright red hair and a dress of equally vivid color

"Why is my hair so wild and red?" she asked as she welcomed them.

The quiet warrior frowned, shaking her head in disbelief. Sometimes it amazed her just how different their upbringings had been for them to act so differently.

"Now, now, Yona, how could you say that? Your beauty shines brighter than any gem in the world and-"

"Yes! And I have a cute face, don't I? But this hair~" She whined.

"It makes me look so weird."

"But that's not true, right, Hak?" The King looked at the servant with a nervous expression.

"Yes, your majesty, no one would dare say anything about her hair, what is strange is that brain of hers."

"Shut up servant!" The princess angrily yelled while throwing anything she could find.

After getting tired of the arguing and feeling awkward in the room, the violet haired girl decided to join the conversation.

"Do you still speak so rudely to girls? No wonder you are so unpopular." She asserted while looking directly at him.

Hearing the familiar voice made the princess cease her childish acting and turn around.

"Thalia? You actually made it!"

"Unpopular?" Hak asked in the background.

"Of course, I had to come and ensure you had at least one decent guest! I also deeply apologize for the fact that you’re stuck most of the time with my idiot brother as your bodyguard."

As a fist aimed for her head, she quickly sidestepped, showcasing her swift reflexes and agility.

"Hey, who are you calling an idiot?" Hak said with a drawl, a smirk playing on his lips. He reached out, casually resting his arm on top of her head and leaning on her.

"Don't you know you have to be at least this tall to use such big words?" he added, gesturing over her head with his other hand.

"Shut up will ya? Anyway, why such a fuss over your looks if you didn't show up to the ceremony anyway?" Thalia asked with a raised brow.

"It's cuss he's here." Her brother answered.

"Already!?" The princess responded.

'Oh, here we go,' The shorter girl thought.

She swept past Thalia with only a fleeting, distracted glance and a hurried, "We'll talk later again" – barely a pause, her focus entirely on her beloved cousin.

Thalia watched her go, a quiet, unreadable expression on her face. Typical.

A princess, caught up in childish crushes and dresses, oblivious to anything beyond her own small world.

It was exactly what she expected. But as Yona's joyous call of "Soo-Won!" echoed down the opulent hallway, Thalia felt a strange, unbidden flicker of something she couldn't quite name. It wasn't quite pity, not exactly contempt.

Perhaps a distant echo of a time when her own world had been so simple, so filled with innocent joys. She quickly suppressed it.

King Il let out a soft, almost wistful sigh, his gentle smile lingering even after his daughter had vanished from sight.

"Ah, Yona," he murmured, his gaze drifting towards the empty corridor.

"So utterly innocent, isn't she? So unburdened by the world's harsh realities."

He turned back to Hak, a hint of melancholic fondness in his eyes.

"Sometimes I worry, Hak. This palace, our kingdom... it is a fragile peace we maintain for her. She knows so little of danger."

Hak merely grunted, "Her Majesty needs no worries. That's what we are for, Your Majesty." His words were firm, a solid reassurance.

Thalia, listening, felt a familiar knot tighten in her stomach. 'Innocent? Unburdened?' The King's words were a stark, almost painful contrast to her own childhood.

She'd known danger since before she could properly tie her shoes, watched her world go down in waves, and fled to this country at 10.

Yona's innocence wasn't a blessing, Thalia thought grimly, it was a dangerous vulnerability. A kingdom that kept its princess so sheltered was built on sand.

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The following morning, Thalia went to the courtyard after changing into her usual outfit, which consisted of trousers and her red tunic.

When she arrived she noticed the King and his daughter watching the wind general and Lord Soo-Won riding horses and shooting arrows. Soo-Won missed his goal while her brother hit the bull's eye.

'They seem awfully happy with how terrible they are shooting. If I were to shoot like them for hunting while traveling I would starve to death' She thought.

What she could also hear was the princess complaining about how Hak stole Soo-Won to have fun without her.

"Well, Yona, you have to understand that these two are childhood friends and they haven't seen each other for a long time." The King tried to reason.

"Besides that what they are doing isn't really that impressive." Thalia decided to speak her thoughts out loud.

"AH! Thalia, how often did I tell you not to sneak up on me?" The princess exclaimed.

"I didn't sneak up on you, though I just came here normally?"

"But Thalia, with your skills, it is easy to get surprised by you." Said the chubby king with a soft smile.

"Anyway, what do you mean by not impressive? Soo-Won shoots amazingly. Take it back!"

The crimson-haired exclaimed. But before the accused girl could respond, the man mentioned spoke up.

"No, she is right, I don't really have that much of a talent with the bow." While saying that he offered a polite smile.

"Lord Soo-Won, you shouldn't be so humble, it's not your fault that Thalia has such huge standards...Which is weird considering her size"

Hak chuckled while sticking his tongue out in her direction.

"If you're so much better than us why don't you demonstrate?"

"Pass." She immediately shot back. "Unlike you, I have important stuff to do. "

"Then I will shoot an arrow." Seeing her opportunity, Yona decided to take the girl's spot and go to the horses.

As Thalia walked away, she could hear the King start to freak out about safety and catch a playful comment from Hak to Yona.

The warrior frowned while walking through the palace's inner corridors, the ornate tapestries and golden statues blurring into a dizzying display of wealth she found tasteless.

Her eyes, however, weren't fixed on the lavish decor. They darted, constantly scanning, assessing. It was an ingrained habit, a silent patrol.

Since arriving at the palace yesterday, she had a strange feeling. She already thought she was becoming paranoid so she decided to get to the bottom of things.

As she passed a seldom-used service entrance, usually bustling with activity even on a day of celebration, Thalia's gaze snagged. It was too quiet. Almost unnaturally so.

She paused for a fraction of a second, her senses on high alert. The normal murmur of distant kitchen staff, the clatter of carts, the hurried footsteps of servants – all seemed muffled, subdued.

And the two guards usually stationed there, chatting idly and looking bored, were gone. A replacement pair stood there, their posture too rigid, their faces too blank. Not the relaxed, almost sleepy guards she was used to seeing.

She instinctively slowed her pace, her gaze flickering back to them. Her hand twitched, a phantom weight of a blade at her side.

"Is something wrong?" Hak asked. He had been searching for her for a while after shooting some arrows, and he seemed to sense her hesitation. His voice was low; he was aware of her habits and could tell when her instincts were on high alert.

Thalia hesitated, then offered a slight shake of her head. "No" she muttered, forcing herself to continue walking.

She didn't want to sound crazy, and perhaps it was nothing. Just palace guards changing shifts. But the feeling... the quiet 'wrongness'... settled like a cold stone in her gut.

She glanced back once more, but the corridor was already closing behind them, the new guards standing like silent, unmoving statues.

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The King's gentle sigh lingered as they entered the grand banquet hall. The sheer volume of noise hit Thalia first – a cacophony of laughter, clinking goblets, and meaningless chatter. Nobles in their finery mingled, their faces flushed with wine and self-importance.

Servants, looking harried, weaved through the crowd with trays of extravagant dishes that Thalia would never touch. The air was thick with perfumes and the cloying scent of roasted meats.

It was chaos, but a suffocating, frivolous kind of chaos, not the sharp, life-or-death variety she was once accustomed to.

Thalia accepted a goblet from a passing servant, the chill of the condensation unwelcome against her fingers.

Her eyes, however, weren't fixed on the liquid within for once, they were assessing the room.

Every face was inspected, every conversation a potential threat. Hak, standing beside her, occasionally exchanged brief, dry remarks with other generals or noblemen, his presence a shield against the worst of the sycophants.

Thalia remained mostly silent, offering curt nods or tight smiles when directly addressed.

She couldn't catch a glimpse of Yona. Apparently, the princess and the King had argued, and Yona had run off somewhere. 'To Soo-Won, most definitely,' Thalia thought grimly.

The image made Thalia's lip curl imperceptibly. 'Still a child.'

Hours bled into a dull succession of forced smiles and pointless pleasantries. Thalia felt her senses growing dull from the sheer monotony, a dangerous state for a warrior.

She excused herself early, citing a sudden headache – a lie easily believed, given the overwhelming atmosphere. Hak gave her a knowing look.

She retreated to the small, well-appointed guest chambers assigned to her. The silence of the room was a welcome balm after the banquet's oppressive noise, yet it felt heavier, more watchful.

As she lay on the plush bed, trying to coax sleep to her weary mind, a subtle sound began to filter through the heavy palace walls. A soft patter at first, then a steadily building rhythm.

Rain.

Thalia's eyes snapped open. The single word resonated in her skull, a cold dread that had nothing to do with the night air.

The gentle rhythm of the drops against the windowpane wasn't soothing; it was insidious, a chilling whisper. Her breathing hitched, growing shallow. Her body tensed, every muscle coiling as if bracing for an impact.

The memories, ever lurking in the corners of her mind, stirred. Not clear images, not yet. But the feeling.

The overwhelming cold, the crushing weight, the desperate burning in her lungs as water filled her mouth, nose, and eyes. The utter helplessness. She tasted iron on her tongue, though there was no blood. Only phantom water.

She sat up, clutching her arms around her knees, her knuckles white. She didn't want to move, but the sound, that inescapable patter, pulled at her. Slowly, as if in a trance, she slid off the bed and padded towards the window. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage.

The large window offered a clear view of the palace gardens, now a dark, glistening expanse under the downpour. Droplets streaked down the glass, blurring the distant lights.

Thalia stared, her eyes wide, unblinking, fixed on the relentless cascade. She wasn't seeing the palace or the gardens.

She felt the chill seep into her bones, a cold that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room.

It took every ounce of her ingrained discipline, every fiber of her warrior's will, to stay rooted to the spot, to keep her eyes open.

She just stood there, a small, rigid figure silhouetted against the rainy night, locked in a silent, terrifying battle with the echoes of her past.

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Chapter Text

The morning light, usually a bright, cheerful presence in the palace courtyard, felt unusually muted to Hak. He stood by the railing, observing the guards as they did their drills, a faint frown etched between his brows. It wasn't just the princess's birthday jitters something felt off, a tension he couldn't quite place.

"Good morning, Hak."

Soo-Won's voice was calm, almost melodious, as he approached. He carried himself with his usual effortless grace, a polite smile on his lips. Hak grunted in response, still watching the courtyard.

"The princess had quite the restless night, I hear," Soo-Won continued, stepping beside him. "She mentioned feeling... as if someone was watching her. And the rain seemed to pick up quite suddenly, didn't it?"

Hak's gaze sharpened, though he kept his expression neutral. "The princess has a vivid imagination," he said, the words dismissive, but his mind was already turning. 'Someone watching her... and the rain.' 

His thoughts drifted to the small, quiet figure in the guest chambers, he knew Thalia hadn't left her room after the banquet. He also knew why. 'No way she stepped outside last night.'

Hak offered only a slight shrug. "Perhaps she dreamt it. Palace dreams can be strange."

Soo-Won chuckled, a light, airy sound. "Indeed. Though it seemed quite real to her. She was rather distressed." He paused, then his smile tightened just a fraction. 

"Still, it's a small matter compared to the joy of a princess's birthday. The ceremony this evening will surely distract her."

Hak simply nodded, his eyes scanning the palace grounds again. He couldn't shake the unease. The 'small matter' of Yona's fear, the sudden rain, the strange quietness Thalia had sensed by the service entrance... They were disconnected pieces, yet they pricked at his instincts like thorns. 

He needed to talk to Thalia. She had a nose for trouble, a sharper sense for the kind of hidden dangers that lurked beneath polite smiles.

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Later that afternoon, Hak found Thalia in a quiet alcove overlooking one of the inner gardens, ostensibly admiring the meticulously trimmed hedges. Her expression, however, was as blank as the polished stone she leaned against. 

"You've been quiet," Hak stated, his voice low, stepping beside her. "Even for you."

Thalia didn't turn. Her gaze remained fixed on a distant, barely visible guard post. 

"It's too quiet here. The wrong kind of quiet." She frowned, her brow furrowing slightly. "The guards. Their patrols are off. Different faces in unusual places. Too tense, but trying too hard not to be. And that service entrance... still feels wrong."

Hak nodded, a grim understanding dawning in his eyes. He trusted her instincts more than his own on matters like this. His own unease had been vague, a generalized prickle Thalia's observations were precise, unsettling. 

"So it's not just my imagination then," he murmured. "The princess also felt like she was being watched last night. Said it was raining too."

Thalia stiffened almost imperceptibly at the mention of the rain, but her expression remained unreadable. 

"It's a palace, people watch each other. And the rain was just a storm." Her voice was flat, dismissing Yona's fear. But Hak knew better. The mention of the downpour was a casual test, and Thalia's reaction confirmed his suspicions about her night. He let it drop.

"Stay sharp," Hak instructed, his tone now serious. "Tonight. My night watch. I've got a bad feeling."

Thalia finally turned, her dark eyes meeting his. There was no need for words. She gave a gentle nod, her hand softly grazing the beads around her waist, as if seeking comfort in their familiar touch.

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Hours later, the palace finally began to settle into the hushed quiet of the night. Hak took up his post outside in the Courtyard, the air thick with the scent of late-blooming flowers and an unspoken dread. Thalia, he knew, would be somewhere, unseen, a shadow within the shadows, her senses sharper than any guard dog's.

Then, the scream tore through the silence.

It was Yona's voice, raw with terror.

Hak's heart lurched. "Yona!" he bellowed, sprinting in her direction he could stop the attack on her just in time.

The scene around him froze his blood. Standing in front of him, cloaked in the grim aura of betrayal and with a blood-soaked gown, was Soo-Won. The gentle smile was gone, replaced by a cold, resolute mask.

"Soo-Won!" Hak roared, his glaive already in his hand, moving before his mind fully comprehended the treachery.

A cacophony of shouts erupted from the corridor outside as palace guards, no longer the placid figures of the day, streamed towards them, their faces grim and determined. There were too many, too well-positioned. This wasn't a sudden act it was a planned coup.

"Hak! Princess!"

A new voice, strained and desperate, cut through the rising chaos. From an archway near the King's chambers, a lone arrow streaked across them, embedding itself with a thwack into the ground next to them. It was Min-Soo, a timid palace servant, his small figure trembling but resolute, a bow clutched in his hands.

"Go! Please, run!" Min-Soo cried, his voice cracking, drawing the attention of the onrushing soldiers.

It was the opening they needed.

"I knew it" Thalia's voice, sharp and urgent, cut through the rising chaos. She appeared as if from nowhere, a blur of motion, moving with a speed that defied the human eye. 

She didn't pause to acknowledge Min-Soo's desperate act. Her dual katanas, previously unseen, shimmered in the faint light as she spun, deflecting a guard's sword with one blade and striking a precise nerve point on another's wrist with the pommel of the second. The guard's weapon clattered as his hand went numb, his face contorting in confusion.

"Move!" Thalia commanded, grabbing Yona, who was frozen in horrified disbelief, and pulling her towards a narrow, concealed passage. "They've sealed the exits!"

Hak, momentarily surrounded, unleashed a furious sweep of his glaive, forcing the guards back. He glanced at Thalia, seeing the familiar grim determination in her eyes, and she was already half-dragging Yona into the darkness of the passage.

Thalia didn't hesitate. She wouldn't waste precious time. Her job was to protect Yona, and this was the only way. As Hak engaged the first wave of soldiers, Thalia propelled Yona deeper into the winding, dusty passage.

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After escaping the palace and having to leave Min-Soo behind, Thalia had to carry the princess on her back because she wouldn't walk on her own. The shock of the recent events still lingered.

"Hak, Thalia, is he dead? Is Min-Soo really gone? Will I die too? Is Soo-Won going to kill you both as well?" the princess whispered, her voice filled with fear.

"As if I would let that bastard take my life," The thunder beast scuffed at the thought.

"Princess, we are not going to let anything happen to you," Thalia reassured her, remaining calm.

"Don't die, if you guys die, I won't forgive you," the princess muttered before drifting off to sleep, shedding a tear that landed on Thalia's neck. Normally, this would make the warrior uncomfortable, but oddly, it didn't bother her this time.

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Chapter Text

The harsh forest floor bit at Thalia's worn boots with every stride. She carried Yona, the princess's small weight a heavy burden of responsibility on her back, but a familiar one. 

Yona whimpered occasionally, a soft, broken sound, still lost in the waking nightmare of her father's death.

Hak walked beside them, his breath ragged, his eyes constantly scanning the tree line, a silent sentinel against the horrors they'd just escaped. 

The cold night air was a biting reminder of their desperate flight, and the chilling reality of Min-Soo's sacrifice pressed down on them all.

Tonight, there was only the urgency of escape and the fragile warmth of the life she carried.

The forest grew denser, the shadows deeper. Thalia focused on the rhythm of her steps, on the familiar ache in her muscles. It was a pain she knew well, a constant companion that had always guided her, even when she was just a frightened child, utterly alone.

'That night felt much like this one. Cold. Dark. Alone.'

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Eight years earlier.

The girl, barely ten, stumbled through the freezing underbrush. Her tattered clothes offered little protection against the biting wind, and her bare feet were numb with cold and crusted with mud. 

The journey had been long, brutal, a relentless flight from a nightmare that still haunted her waking moments. Her small hand instinctively clutched the hilt of the worn dagger tucked into her makeshift belt - her only constant companion.

She understood nothing of this foreign land, its language a meaningless jumble of sounds, its people a vague threat. She was just Thalia, a shadow fleeing a deeper darkness.

A sudden, sharp rustle in the trees sent her heart leaping into her throat. She dropped, silently, melting into the shadows beneath a thick bush, her breath held tight. 

Her eyes, wide and unnervingly sharp for her age, scanned the darkness.

A figure emerged from the gloom, torches casting dancing shadows. It was tall, dressed in unfamiliar clothing, bearing weapons that looked heavy and dangerous.

A man with a surprisingly kind, if gruff, face and an intimidating build, spotted her. His torchlight shone right into her hiding spot.

"Well now, what's a little child doing out here in the dead of night?" The elderly man spoke.

Thalia remained motionless, her eyes narrowed. She understood the tone - curiosity, not immediate threat - but she trusted no one. 

She remained silent, pretending not to comprehend when he spoke again, slower this time, pointing to himself, then gesturing around. "Lost, little one? Are you hurt?"

She just stared back, a blank mask over her exhaustion and fear. She could understand enough, just barely. But speaking and reacting would be a weakness. She was a survivor. She knew how to play dumb, how to be invisible. She knew how to fight.

He came forward at a slow pace. 

Thalia flinched, pulling back further. Her hand tightened on her dagger. 

Mundok sighed, a deep sound that seemed to carry the weight of the night. "Even if you act like that I can't let a child alone in this cold and dark night."

Thalia was scooped up before she could react, Mundok's large hand surprisingly gentle but firm. She didn't fight, a strategic decision. She would observe. She would learn. She would endure. She would not speak. She would not trust.

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Mundok's mansion stood as a sturdy, spacious home, infused with the comforting aromas of woodsmoke and hearty meals. He carried her inside, and gently set her down in a small, cozy room.

A basin filled with a liquid appeared, accompanied by fresh clothes, but Thalia recoiled from it, her muscles tensing in response. She stubbornly clung to her tattered garments, choosing the familiar discomfort over the vulnerability of being cleaned. 

When offered a steaming bowl of soup, she turned it down, her jaw clenched, eyes darting around the room as she surveyed potential exits and threats.

Sleep, when it came, wasn't natural. It was a forced, a series of brief, shallow nods rather than true rest. Every creak of the floorboards, every whisper of the wind outside, sent a jolt of adrenaline through her small frame.

Her dagger remained clutched tightly in her hand, hidden beneath the thin blanket Mundok had draped over her. She knew she was safe, physically. But the constant hum of her own fear, the echoing nightmares of the journey, kept true slumber at bay. 

The first rays of dawn, sharp and cold, found her wide awake, staring at the ceiling. Mundok appeared shortly after, a steaming mug in his hand. He surveyed her, his gaze taking in everything.

"You didn't sleep much, did you, kiddo?" he rumbled, though his tone held no accusation, only observation. He set the mug down on a small table, steam rising. "Don't worry. This house isn't going anywhere. And neither are you, for now."

He hesitated for a moment, then shifted his gaze to a younger boy who had just stepped into the room. The boy's dark hair was an untidy tangle, as if he had just woken from a deep slumber. 

Hak regarded Thalia with a blend of intrigue and defiance in his eyes, a spark of wary caution, as if he were sizing up a mysterious wild creature ready to pounce.

"Hak," Mundok said, his voice firm, "you're to spend some time with her today. Show her around, if you can get her to move. Don't press her. Just... be present. And try not to frighten her more than she already is."

Hak scoffed, a familiar sound even then. "Me? Frighten her? She looks like she could bite a grown man's hand off, General. She's got more edge than half the recruits." 

He eyed Thalia, a smirk playing on his lips. "Still not talking, huh? What's your name? Can you even understand what I'm saying?"

Thalia met his gaze, her expression perfectly blank, yet something in the air felt charged with unspoken words. She said nothing, her silence forming a defiant wall between them. 

Hak's eyes, however, were irresistibly drawn downward. What was it that she clutched beneath the thin blanket? He leaned in closer, curiosity flickering in his chest as he moved slowly, deliberately, eager to uncover the secret she held.

"What's that you're hiding?" he asked, his voice softer, but with a predatory glint in his eyes. Without waiting for a response, he pulled back the blanket just enough to reveal the worn hilt of the dagger. 

His smirk widened. "A blade, huh? Just like a proper warrior." He paused, his gaze sharp, assessing. "Can you even use that thing? Can you fight?"

Thalia's eyes, previously unwavering, flickered with a raw, undeniable spark of challenge and a fleeting hint of contempt.

It was a tiny, almost imperceptible reaction to his challenge of her skill, but Hak's sharp gaze caught it. 

A knowing spark lit his eyes. 'So, she understands every word. And she's insulted.'

He tossed the blanket aside, mischief gleaming in his eyes. "Fine, be a silent statue! But I won't let you ignore me all day. I'm really good at being annoying! Soon enough, you'll wish you could talk just to tell me to shut up!" His smirk grew as he plotted his next move.

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Hak started small, but oh, did he have big plans!

He followed her like a shadow as she explored the house, always just a step behind, humming off-key tunes or making exaggerated "oohs" and "aahs" at mundane objects.

He'd "accidentally" trip her up, his feet a comical obstacle, or his outstretched arm would create a playful barrier she had to duck under, turning the ordinary into a wonderfully chaotic game. 

But Thalia! Oh, she was like a stone! Her face remained a blank canvas, while her fluid movements let her glide past his antics with a grace that only heightened his excitement. It was a fun challenge, and he was determined to break through her cool facade!

But Hak was relentless.

When she sat down for a meal that afternoon, pushing the unfamiliar food around her plate, he leaned close. "You know, for someone so small, you should eat more," he murmured. 

Thalia's jaw tightened. She gripped her chopsticks harder, but still, no sound.

He continued his assault throughout the day. He'd hum his most irritating songs louder when she was near, calling her silly names like "bug". 

He would deliberately misinterpret her gestures, holding out the wrong items or pretending to misunderstand simple needs, drawing out interactions just to needle her.

Then, he went for the real bait.

As dusk began to settle, Thalia found herself drawn to a quiet corner of the courtyard, watching the last of the training recruits. 

Her hand, unconsciously, went to the hilt of her dagger, still tucked away. Hak, ever-present, slid up beside her.

With a speed that belied his casual demeanor, he snatched her dagger from her belt.

Thalia froze. Her eyes, wide and suddenly blazing with a fury she hadn't allowed herself to show, snapped to him.

Hak held the dagger just out of her reach, his grin wide. "Oh, is this yours?" he teased, waving the blade slowly. 

"Didn't think you'd mind if I borrowed it. It's too tiny anyway. Probably just a toy. What would a mosquito like you do with a real weapon, huh?"

He twirled the dagger once, expertly, a clear challenge.

That was it. The blade, her lifeline, her sole constant companion, was held hostage by this infuriating boy, coupled with his mocking words about her capabilities. The dam broke.

"Give that back, you damn ape!" Thalia snarled, the words bursting from her, sharp and clear in the Koukan language she had pretended not to understand.

Her eyes flashed, and before Hak could even register her sudden voice, she lunged. 

She was a blur of motion, precisely targeting his hand, not with lethal intent, but with the specific, disabling strike of a nerve point she'd  learned years ago.

Hak gasped, the dagger clattering to the ground as his fingers went numb.

His smirk vanished, replaced by genuine shock, both at her sudden, furious voice and at the unexpected, incapacitating blow.

Thalia snatched her dagger back, her chest heaving slightly, though her face quickly recomposed itself into its usual impassive mask. 

She stood there, panting softly, the fight in her eyes still blazing.

Hak stared at his tingling hand, then at her. His eyes widened, a slow, grudging respect dawning.

"So... you can talk after all," he breathed, then, a wide, genuine grin spread across his face. " And you hit me! You can fight! You're not a silent statue at all, are you, mosquito?"

He launched himself at her, not with anger, but with an excited, challenging glint in his eyes, ready to test her skills properly.

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Present Day.

The cold, unforgiving forest was a far cry from the familiar walls of Mundok's mansion.

Thalia had gently laid Yona down, wrapping the unconscious princess in her own cloak, before settling down a few feet away.

Hak slumped against the tree trunk, exhausted, his signature glaive leaning beside him. 

His face was drawn, smudged with dirt and a deep weariness. The defiance he'd shown in the palace was gone, replaced by a quiet, raw grief for King Il and the betrayal by Soo-Won. 

He was almost asleep on his feet, his vigilance finally cracking under the weight of the night's horrors.

"You should rest," Thalia said, her voice a low murmur that cut through the silence.

Hak's eyes fluttered open. "Someone has to watch," he grumbled, rubbing a hand over his face. "Soo-Won's forces will be after us."

"I know." Her eyes scanned the surrounding darkness, sharp and unwavering. "I'll take the watch. You need to sleep."

Hak stared at her for a long moment, then at the sleeping princess, then back at Thalia. He knew better than to argue when she used that tone. 

He knew her capacity for endurance, her ability to remain awake and alert for days if necessary. 

And he knew, in this moment, that she was the only one capable of shouldering this burden, her vigilance absolute.

He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "Don't fall asleep, bug," he muttered, a flicker of their old banter trying to surface through his fatigue.

Thalia offered no reply, just a silent, watchful presence. As Hak finally succumbed to sleep, his breathing deepening into the steady rhythm of true rest, Thalia drew her twin katanas. 

She settled into a silent stance, eyes fixed on the darkness, her senses extended into the cold, unforgiving forest. The beads at her hip brushed subtly against her fingers, a silent comfort. She would not let them down. She would not fail. Not again.

----------☆----------

Chapter Text

The journey to Fuuga, the capital of the Wind  Clan, felt endless. The rough terrain was a constant challenge, forcing Thalia to rely on every ounce of her endurance. She focused on the familiar scent of pine and damp earth, the steady rhythm of Hak's footsteps, anything to ground herself in the brutal reality of their escape. There was no time for grief, no space for the ghosts of the past. Only survival.

Finally, as dusk began to bleed across the sky, painting the distant peaks in hues of bruised purple, the familiar, sturdy palisades of Fuuga came into view. The sight brought a flicker of grim relief to Thalia. Home. Their only hope.

As they approached the main gates, they spotted the sleeping Tae-Woo and Han-Dae, who were supposed to be on guard. "Does guard duty mean nap time in this clan?" Hak drawled, his voice flat with exhaustion.

"Seriously, you two think just because I was gone for a few days that you could slack off with the work?" Thalia couldn't help but accuse, her own weariness making her sharper than usual.

It was Han-Dae who rushed forward first, his eyes wide with disbelief. "General?!" he yelled, his voice cracking.

"Hey," Hak greeted, the word flat, raising one hand dismissively. "It's been some time."

"Ten years, right?" Tae-Woo mumbled, his voice still strained from being roused from sleep.

"Actually, it's been three years," the Thunder Beast corrected him dryly. 

"Anyway, what are you doing here? It was clear that Thalia would sprint the second she could escape the celebration, but it's unusual for you to show up. Did you really get fired? They asked for the old General instead of you." Tae-Woo questioned, a raised brow adding to his confusion.

Before Hak could retort, villagers began to gather, drawn by the commotion at the gates. Their faces, initially curious, twisted into expressions of bewilderment and then concern as they saw the tattered figures of their General and the pale, girl on Thalia's back.

"What's wrong, General Hak? Who is that girl...?" a woman began, her voice uncertain.

"Why are you back so suddenly?" another man pressed, his voice laced with confusion.

The questions came in a rapid-fire succession, a wave of worried murmurs. Yona, who had been barely clinging to consciousness on Thalia's back, seemed to register the voices, the mounting confusion, and the accusations in their tone. Her eyes fluttered open, wide and unfocused, still glazed with the horror of the night.

"Father..." she whispered, a fragile sound that seemed to pull at her last reserves of strength. The sheer weight of reality, of being exposed to so many bewildered eyes, of the enormity of what had happened, finally became too much. Her eyes rolled back, and she went completely limp in Thalia's arms.

Thalia acted quickly, readjusting her grip and securing the unconscious girl.

"Move!" Hak bellowed, pushing through the gathering crowd, his usual easy demeanor replaced by a grim urgency. "Get out of the way! She needs rest!"

The villagers, startled by Hak's tone and Yona's sudden collapse, parted to let them through. Hak, Thalia, and the now-alarmed Tae-Woo and Han-Dae rushed towards Mundok's mansion, the most secure and private residence in the village.

They were ushered inside, the heavy doors closing behind them, shutting out the murmurs of the bewildered crowd. Thalia gently laid Yona on a futon in one of the private rooms, her small body trembling slightly even in unconsciousness. Han-Dae quickly brought warm blankets, and Tae-Woo fetched a basin of fresh water.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and a smaller figure slipped in. It was Tae-Yeon, his bright eyes filled with worry as he crept towards the futon.

"That girl... is she alright?" he whispered, his small hand reaching out hesitantly towards Yona's tear-streaked face. Thalia intercepted his hand gently.

"She's exhausted," Thalia murmured, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "Just needs to sleep" She glanced at Hak, a silent communication passing between them about the gravity of the situation.

Tae-Yeon's face clouded with concern, but he nodded, understanding the seriousness in Thalia's voice. He then picked up a damp cloth Tae-Woo had left and carefully began to wipe Yona's face, his movements slow and gentle. Thalia watched him for a moment, a rare, almost imperceptible softening in her eyes. Han-Dae and Tae-Woo stood awkwardly nearby, their usual boisterousness subdued by the somber atmosphere.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the crimson-haired girl woke up, she was dressed in new clothes and saw Thalia walk into the room carrying a tray of food. Next to her was a little boy.

"Great, you're awake," greeted the curly-haired warrior. "Here, have some food."

While the princess stared wide-eyed at the two, the young boy approached her and laid a hand on her forehead. "It seems like your fever has gone down."

"Tae-Yeon, you should introduce yourself first. Haven't I told you that before?" the older girl reminded him gently.

"Right! I'm Tae-Yeon, nice to meet you."

"He's our younger brother."

"You and Hak have a younger brother?" Yona asked, surprised.

"Yep, now eat the food before it gets cold. Tae-Yeon even helped me make it." Thalia almost rushed her to take a bite.

Before she knew it, a tear was running down the face of the princess.

"Wait, is it not to your taste!?" Tae-Yeon asked, concerned.

"No, it's just so warm," the princess responded with a smile, wiping her eyes.

The boy answered, shocked, "You're crying because the food is warm? You're a bit strange, aren't you?" He watched her with his head tilted to the side. He continued, "Are you a friend of my sister?"

"Yes," Yona replied quickly.

"What about my brother?"

"...Probably."

"What?! Only probably?!" Both Han-Dae and Tae-Woo, who had been quietly standing by, suddenly yelled in unison, having clearly been listening in.

"Enough!" Thalia snapped, her voice rising, startling even herself. "I've had it with you two! Don't you see we have a guest here, and I don't need you shouting so loud for no reason! Set a good example for Tae-Yeon, would you?"

"But you're screaming the loudest here," Han-Dae retorted, an unperturbed smirk on his face.

"Yeah, and aren't we guests too?" Tae-Woo added, pointing between himself and Han-Dae.

Thalia's eye twitched. "Guests are people who eventually leave, you idiots. You two have been 'guests' here for years!"

"That doesn't matter," Han-Dae pressed on, undeterred, a teasing glint in his eye as he looked at Yona. "You're saying Hak is totally out—his feelings are totally one-sid—"

Before he could finish his sentence, a heavy thud echoed through the room. Hak, the Thunder Beast himself, had entered silently, his glaive now leaning casually against the doorframe, and struck Han-Dae with a swift, perfectly aimed blow to the head, sending him sprawling.

"Who are you calling a friend?" Hak growled, his gaze sweeping from the stunned Han-Dae to Thalia, then landing on Yona. "Well then, my serv—" But again, before she could finish, he clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her as he whispered her identity and new cover story.

------------------------------------☆----------------------------------

Chapter Text

Thalia woke with a jolt, her mind still clouded, her body protesting. The rough, earthy scent of unfamiliar walls filled her nostrils. 

This wasn't Fuuga. This wasn't the forest floor. 'How did I end up here?'

Memories, sharp and disorienting, slammed into her. Leaving the Wind Clan with Hak because it was safer for Yona the princess's desperate pleas that had left even the Thunder Beast momentarily flustered a sight Thalia would have ruthlessly teased him for, if not for Mundok's booming presence. The General had almost shot Hak for his perceived rudeness toward the princess before commanding them to seek out a hidden priest.

Then, the mountains. The ambush. Fire Tribe troops, led by that arrogant Kan Tae-Jun. The fight. And the fall...

'That's right, we were falling off the cliff.'

She pushed herself up rapidly, a gasp escaping her lips as a searing pain shot through her right arm. A dull, throbbing ache pulsed behind her eyes. 

'I guess even I can't just shake off falling from a cliff.'

"Hey, you can't just sit up like that! Are you crazy!?"

A young voice, sharp with exasperation, cut through her thoughts. Thalia's head snapped up. Standing over her was a boy, with striking, intelligent eyes and what looked suspiciously like feathers woven into his wild hair. He looked both annoyed and genuinely concerned.

"It hasn't even been half a day since I found you," he continued, gesturing with a hand that held a small, uncorked bottle. "You should barely be conscious. You're lucky to be alive, much less moving." He set the bottle down, his brow furrowed with annoyance.

Thalia stared at him, her gaze assessing. 

Skilled enough to find her, to treat her, and to speak with such blunt authority. She remained silent for a moment, her mind racing, processing her surroundings and this unexpected boy.

The boy sighed, a sound of profound exasperation that seemed far too old for his young face. "Fine, be silent if you want. But if you try to move too much, I'll tie you down." He moved with a practiced efficiency, retrieving bandages and a fresh poultice. "Your right arm is badly bruised, likely a fracture, and your head took a nasty knock."

Thalia watched his every move, her eyes tracking his nimble fingers as he skillfully unwrapped her arm. He worked without hesitation, his touch firm but gentle, his focus absolute. He truly knew what he was doing.

"You're a warrior, clearly," Yun stated, without looking up, his voice still sharp. "And a reckless one. But you're awfully quiet for someone who just survived a fall that should have killed you. Most people would be blabbing and asking questions, wouldn't they? Or do you just not speak the common language?" He glanced up, his intelligent gaze trying to pierce her blank facade. "My herbs will only do so much if you don't cooperate. Who are you? And where did you come from?"

Thalia met his challenging stare. Her expression remained impassive, her silence a shield. She communicated nothing, offering no name, no explanation. 'He's good. But somehow this situation feels familiar.'

Yun let out another exasperated sigh, shaking his head. "Well, if you're not going to talk, at least stay still. I have better things to do than nurse stubborn, silent warriors back to health." He finished re-bandaging her arm with a final, decisive knot. "And for the record, the others-the large man and the smaller, red-haired girl-are over there; only you are still unconscious but alive. And just as difficult, in their own ways."

Thalia's eyes, which had been fixed on him, flickered with a raw, almost imperceptible surge of relief at the mention of Hak and Yona being alive. It was the only crack in her silent defiance. Yun, ever observant, caught it. A small, knowing smirk touched his lips.

"So, you do understand me" he murmured, a glint of triumph in his eyes. "Interesting."

'I got found out too quickly again,' Thalia thought, a flicker of something akin to a sigh escaping her. She pushed herself into a sitting position once more, ignoring the sharp protest from her arm.

"What did I just sa—" Yun began, his voice immediately laced with irritation.

"I know," Thalia interrupted, raising her uninjured left hand to silence him. "Let me." Her gaze was already fixed on the corner of the hut where Hak lay.

She moved with an urgency that belied her recent injury, crossing the small space to Hak's side. His face was pale, a dark stain blossoming on his shoulder. "That man was shot with a poisoned arrow," she stated, her voice grim, her eyes already scanning Hak's prone form.

Yun followed, his brow furrowed. "I can tell. I've already given him some herbs. I have knowledge in medicine." He puffed out his chest slightly, a hint of pride in his tone.

"If you do, then you probably know it's still risky for him to survive," Thalia countered, her voice devoid of emotion, but her fingers were already moving with practiced speed. She pressed them firmly into specific points along Hak's neck and chest, her touch precise and oddly rhythmic.

Yun watched, wide-eyed. "What are you doing?"

"I'm blocking his nerves," Thalia explained, her voice clipped, focused on her task. "So the poison has no place to go and gets attacked by your herbs more efficiently."

"What?!" Yun exclaimed, disbelief coloring his voice. "I've never heard of something like that!"

"I'd be surprised if you did," Thalia replied, her voice flat, not bothering to look at him. "It isn't practiced here."

The moment Thalia finished, her hands lifting from Hak's neck, a distinct 'bam' echoed from directly behind her. Yun, who had been completely absorbed in Thalia's bizarre technique, jumped, startled.

Thalia, her senses razor-sharp, spun around instantly. Her uninjured hand hovered near the spot where she usually kept her blades, which she now realized must have fallen in a different place when she fell from the cliff.

She was met not with an enemy, but with a disheveled blonde man picking himself up from the dirt floor, rubbing his head. He wore simple, rather unkempt garments, and a sheepish, almost childlike smile.

"Ugh, what is it with you, old man?! Can't you walk properly?!" Yun snapped, his irritation immediately shifting from Thalia's methods to the clumsy newcomer.

The man chuckled, his gaze soft as he looked at Thalia. "Sorry, Yun, really. Don't be mad. I was just so excited to meet our guest." His eyes, though slightly unfocused, held a warmth that was at odds with the tension in the room.

Thalia studied him. Her grandfather had spoken of finding a priest in a place where no human would usually live, a hidden sage in the mountains. Falling off a cliff to stumble upon him shouldn't have been surprising, yet it was. She hadn't thought it possible when she woke up and met the sassy boy which apparently was named Yun, but now, with this man before her, it made a strange kind of sense. Still, she'd imagined a priest to be... well, more like a priest. More dignified, perhaps.

"You're a priest, right?" Thalia asked, her voice blunt, cutting through the air with uncharacteristic directness.

The man blinked, then a soft, surprised smile spread across his face. "Oh! How wonderful! People usually don't guess that quickly that I am a priest. But then again, it would be expected for you to figure me out so fast. Considering your upbringing and all."

His gaze seemed to soften even further, a faint, almost translucent glow entering his eyes as he looked at her. 

"What do you mean by th—" Thalia began, her brow furrowing, a rare hint of confusion in her voice as she felt the weight of his words.

"Ik-Soo, you idiot! You can't just tell strangers that you're a priest!" 

Yun interjected, his voice sharp with exasperation, stepping forward to put himself between Ik-Soo and Thalia. 

"What would be the whole point of living here then?!"

The two of them continued their bickering, a mostly one-sided barrage from Yun that Ik-Soo met with an unperturbed smile. Thalia stopped listening, her attention instead drawn to the two sleeping figures in the corner. Hak's breathing was still shallow, and Yona's face was too pale.

It was then that the older man's voice cut through the background noise, soft yet clear. "They will not die."

Thalia's head snapped around. "Huh?" she responded, caught off guard.

Ik-Soo's gaze was fixed on Hak and Yona, a gentle sadness in his eyes. "The two of them. It is not their fate to die now."

"Yeah, yeah, you and your news from heaven," Yun grumbled, clearly used to such pronouncements. 

Yun's exasperated gaze snapped back to Thalia, who was still sitting upright. "You should lay down again," he ordered, his voice sharper now. "You're still recovering."

"Aren't you a bit too harsh for a healer?" Thalia retorted, her voice cutting in, surprisingly sharp.

"Aren't you a bit too injured for a fighter?" Yun shot back instantly, his eyes narrowing in a challenge.

A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched the corner of Thalia's lips. "Perhaps. But I still have enough fight in me to ignore your orders." 

Her eyes, however, flickered to Hak's pale face, the amusement swiftly vanishing. Her gaze, now cold and resolute, lingered on her brother.

Yun could only offer a huff, a quiet admission of defeat against her stubborn will. "Do what you can't stop," he muttered under his breath, turning his attention to some medicinal preparations.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Days blurred into a seamless stretch within the secluded hut, marked only by the gentle rhythm of Yun's ministrations and the soft, unassuming presence of Ik-Soo. Thalia, despite her injuries, maintained a constant vigil, a silent guardian over Hak and Yona.

It took some days, but finally, Yona stirred, waking to meet both Yun and the eccentric priest. Her initial shock and lingering grief slowly began to give way to a fragile resilience.

Not long after, Hak too regained consciousness, his strength returning with grim determination. 

In the quiet hours of a new night, he had appeared beside Thalia, his form a shadow in the dim light, his glaive now resting against the wall, and her twin blades, polished and sharp, carefully laid beside her sleeping mat. He hadn't said a word, but the gesture was enough.

The following morning, Yun led Hak and Thalia towards the sound of rushing water, deep within the forest. As they drew closer, the spray of a majestic waterfall became visible, shimmering in the sunlight. There, standing before the cascading water, was Yona, her crimson hair a fiery beacon against the verdant backdrop. Opposite her stood Ik-Soo, his usually clumsy posture replaced by an air of profound serenity, his eyes distant and knowing.

The sheer power of the cascading water hit Thalia first. A subtle shiver traced its way down her spine. The raw, untamed force of it, crashing relentlessly against rock, resonated with a wildness she understood, yet it held a dampening chill that felt almost alien. For a brief moment, her eyes, usually so impassive, held a flicker of something akin to unease, a slight contraction of her pupils as if the sheer volume of moisture was too much.

Thalia's jaw clenched. The atmosphere crackled with a strange energy, the kind that often preceded moments of unavoidable destiny.

Ik-Soo's voice, usually soft, resonated with an ethereal clarity that seemed to carry on the wind. "Princess," he began, his gaze piercing, "your life will create a storm that will shake the whole kingdom of Kouka."

His eyes, holding a light that seemed to pierce through time itself, fixed on Yona. "Your path will lead you to seek the four Dragon Warriors, the ancient guardians who once served King Hiryuu. These dragons are the power that will protect you, Princess."

The roar of the waterfall seemed to amplify his words, turning them into a divine pronouncement. "When the four dragons gather, the sword and shield that will protect the king will awaken, and the Red Dragon will revive. Princess, as long as you live, you will never be alone."

As Ik-Soo's words concluded, and the last echoes of the prophecy faded, a sudden, almost magnetic pull drew Thalia's attention. 

Not to the rushing water, but to a small, contained campfire that Yun had built nearby, its flames dancing and crackling, throwing warm light and embers into the crisp mountain air. 

Her unease from the waterfall seemed to dissipate, replaced by a quiet, almost instinctive comfort. Her gaze lingered on the dancing flames, a silent, primal connection asserting itself. 

The warmth, the vibrant energy of the fire, felt like a familiar embrace, a contrast to the overwhelming presence of the water.

——————————☆———————————

Chapter Text

The mountain air was crisp and thin, the sounds of the waterfall a distant murmur. Days had passed since the prophecy, days spent recovering, days for the weight of their new reality to truly settle. Hak, though still weakened, was up and moving, his usual sharp wit slowly returning. Yona, though still reeling from the drastic changes in her life, was beginning to show glimpses of the resilient spirit Ik-Soo had foreseen.

Thalia found herself alone with Yun one afternoon, gathering medicinal herbs near the hut. He worked with his usual meticulous precision, his small hands deftly identifying and plucking leaves. Thalia, moving more freely now, though still favoring her right arm, collected what he pointed out. The silence stretched between them, comfortable in its routine, until Yun broke it, his voice cuttingly direct as always.

"Why did you decide to follow the princess?" he asked, not looking at her, his gaze fixed on a cluster of green leaves. "You're clearly not someone who's easily ordered around. And you're just as stubborn as that brute, Hak."

Thalia paused, a rare moment of introspection showing in her otherwise impassive eyes. She considered her answer. "She's our friend," she stated, her voice even, concise. "And the princess... she's not the spoiled, pampered girl you might think she is."

Yun scoffed softly, a faint plume of breath in the cold air. "Oh? She seemed quite incapable of helping when she first arrived. And she hasn't exactly thanked me for saving her life."

Thalia didn't acknowledge his jab about Yona's gratitude. Instead, she continued, her voice softening almost imperceptibly, a rare nuance. "She's just... ignorant. Blinded by the life she always knew. It's not the same as being ungrateful. Besides," she added, her voice dropping to a near murmur, "my older brother would follow her to the ends of the earth. And where he goes, I go."

Yun finally looked up, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Your older brother? I thought you and Hak were the same age."

A faint, almost imperceptible curve touched Thalia's lips - a ghost of a smile. 

"He always called me his younger sister when we were little. Said it was impossible for us to be the same age when I was so short. And," she paused, a hint of dry humor entering her tone, "he was a persistent little brat." She let out a soft, almost inaudible huff of air, a private memory shared. "It stuck."

Yun stared at her, a flicker of something akin to surprise in his eyes, quickly masked by his usual sharp gaze. He turned back to his herbs, plucking them with renewed vigor. 

"Well, just because the princess is a princess and might be 'ignorant' and still hasn't bothered to offer a single word of thanks to her brilliant rescuer isn't an excuse for why you haven't thanked me."

Thalia stopped her gathering. She looked at Yun, then a small, genuine nod of her head. "Thank you," she said, her voice clear and without hesitation. 

"For saving our lives. For taking care of them." Her gaze flickered briefly towards the hut, where Yona rested.

Yun paused, a tiny, satisfied smirk touching his lips. He finally looked at her fully, a challenging glint in his sharp eyes.

"Alright then. As a show of genuine gratitude," he said, holding up a leaf, "you can show me how to do that nerve-blocking trick. The one you used on Hak." 

He tapped his fingers together. "I've never seen anything like it. It's not in any of my books."

Thalia stared at him, her surprise evident in the widening of her eyes, a rare break in her composed demeanor. "What?" she finally managed, her voice low with disbelief. "Are you serious?" She shook her head. "That's not something you just 'show' someone."

"Why not?" Yun challenged, his brow furrowed. "It's a medical technique, isn't it? If it can save lives, it should be learned."

"It's... dangerous," Thalia explained, her voice firm. "Incredibly so. A slight miscalculation, too much pressure, the wrong point... you don't just block a nerve, you could cause permanent paralysis, or worse. 

The consequences are lasting. 

And it's not really a healing technique. It's a

method used in hand-to-hand combat to disable an opponent, to control their body. To use it for anything else requires years of precise, brutal training, not just knowledge."

Her eyes, usually so steady, held a warning. "It's not something to be taught lightly, least of all to a child."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thalia stepped away from Yun, her eyes still locked on the hut. Hak, who had been listening to their conversation with a faint smirk, noticed her movement. Pushing himself off the wall of the hut, he approached her with a more serious expression.

"The priest wants us to take the boy with us," Hak stated, his voice low.

Thalia's jaw tightened slightly. "Figures," she muttered, her tone betraying a hint of exasperation. The last thing they needed was a high-strung, knowledgeable boy who questioned everything. However, she also understood that the priest's words would not be taken lightly. "He'd be a burden and a target, and we already have the princess to take care of."

"Maybe," Hak conceded, his gaze drifting to where Yun was now meticulously sorting herbs, a small frown on his face. "But he also saved our lives. And the princess's." He paused, then added,

"Besides, we need a proper healer on the road. And he could actually learn something from your methods, if you ever decide to teach him." A teasing glint entered his eyes at the last part.

Thalia just gave him a flat look, but she didn't argue further. The logic was undeniable. A genuine healer was a necessity, and Yun was undeniably skilled. It was a calculated risk.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, as the first light filtered through the forest canopy, the small group prepared to depart.

Yona, clad in practical travel clothes, looked determined. Hak, his glaive over his shoulder, stood ready. Thalia, with her twin blades secured, was already heading out.

Yun, laden with a surprisingly large backpack filled with herbs and medical supplies, was already waiting by the narrow path, a long-suffering expression on his face. "Alright, let's get this over with," he grumbled, eyeing the mountain trail with disdain. "Just try not to fall off any more cliffs. I'm not carrying you all again."

Thalia didn't respond to his usual complaints. Instead, as she passed him, her uninjured hand subtly went to the braided leather chain around her waist, where several small, polished beads were already strung.

Her fingers found a new, unadorned bead, and with a silent, almost imperceptible movement, she threaded it onto the chain, adding it to the others. 

It was a silent prayer, a quiet acknowledgment of the young man who now walked beside them, a ward for his safety. Then, without a backward glance, she continued down the path, her steps steady, the promise of the unknown road ahead.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The mountain air grew thinner, the path steeper, as the small group began their descent. Yun, laden with his overflowing pack of herbs, grumbled about the discomforts of travel, while Hak and Thalia moved with practiced, easy strides. Yona, despite her practical new clothes, still struggled with the uneven terrain, her royal upbringing ill-suited for such rugged landscapes.

They hadn't been walking long when Yun suddenly froze. "Hold on," he hissed, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "Merchant coming. And he knows me."

Hak and Thalia exchanged a quick glance. A merchant on these remote mountain trails was unusual, and Yun's sudden alarm signaled a potential problem. Their hidden existence depended on discretion.

"He's seen me before, selling herbs on my own," Yun explained urgently. "He'll ask questions about the runaway princess, the large man, and the foreign girl." 

He glanced pointedly at Hak and then at Thalia, whose unusual features and demeanor would definitely stand out in these remote mountains. Yona's distinctive crimson hair, of course, was the easiest to conceal.

Thalia's eyes narrowed. There was no time to explain their presence, no easy story that wouldn't raise suspicion. Their cover was non-existent.

"Get in the bag, Princess," Hak commanded, his voice gruff, already reaching for one of the larger, empty sacks he carried for provisions.

Yona blinked, dumbfounded. "The... the bag?!" she exclaimed, her voice incredulous. "Hak, you can't be serious!"

"Do you want to be caught?" Hak retorted, his patience thin. He didn't wait for an answer. With a swift, practiced motion, he scooped up the protesting princess, who let out a startled squawk. Before she could truly resist, he unceremoniously shoved her, headfirst, into the sack, cinching the top just enough to prevent her from tumbling out, but not enough to suffocate her. He then threw the bag over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Relax, Princess," Hak drawled, a smirk playing on his lips as he adjusted his grip, Yona's muffled protests emanating from the sack. "You're light as a feather, or a sack of particularly fragile vegetables."

Thalia watched the entire exchange, her expression stoic, though a faint, almost imperceptible twitch at the corner of her mouth hinted at suppressed amusement. It was undignified, yes, but effective. Yun, meanwhile, simply pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering about the troubles of traveling with idiots.

Moments later, the merchant appeared, a burly man leading a heavily laden mule. He stopped, his eyes lingering on the unusual group.

"Yun! Fancy meeting you out here," the merchant called out, a friendly, if curious, grin on his face. "Didn't expect to see you with company. Who are your friends?" His gaze landed on Hak, then sharply on Thalia, taking in her unique appearance before finally settling on the oddly shaped sack slung over Hak's shoulder.

Hak merely grunted, his expression blank. Thalia remained silent, her stance relaxed but observant, radiating an aura that discouraged further questioning.

"Just... new acquaintances," Yun said, forcing a cheerful smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He gestured vaguely towards Hak and Thalia. "Helping me with some, uh, new inventory. Very fragile." He shot Hak a glare, daring him to make a sound.

The merchant eyed the sack, a puzzled frown on his face, but he shrugged. "Right. Well, stay safe out here. Heard there are more bandits lately." He tipped his hat and continued on his way, leaving the trio in silence once more.

As soon as the merchant was out of sight, Hak unceremoniously dropped the sack to the ground. Yona immediately scrambled out, her face flushed crimson, her eyes blazing with indignation.

"Hak!" she shrieked, kicking uselessly at his leg. "How dare you! You threw me over your shoulder like a sack of potatoes! And you called me a fragile vegetable!"

Hak only laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "Well, Princess, you didn't exactly fit into the 'new acquaintances' story, did you? And you were making noise like a grumpy sprout." He winked, completely unrepentant.

Before Yun could even take a step to continue their trek, Yona lunged at Hak, attempting to pummel his arm. Hak easily dodged, still chuckling, as Yona spun to chase him, fueled by humiliation.

"Princess, like that is no use," Thalia stated, her voice flat, cutting through the chaos. She extended a hand towards Yona, offering one of her twin blades still sheathed at her hip. "Take my sword."

Hak's laughter died. His eyes snapped to Thalia, wide with disbelief and immediate alarm. "Thalia!" he roared, a genuine shout of protest.

Just then, Yun stepped swiftly between the bickering siblings and the furious princess, holding up both hands in exasperation. His face was a mask of utter frustration as he pointed at each of them in turn.

"A runaway princess!" he declared, jabbing a finger at Yona. "An ex-general!" pointing at Hak. "A foreign girl who offers swords to princesses!" his finger swung to Thalia. Then, he thumped his chest. "And a handsome genius boy forced to babysit them all!" He let out a long, suffering sigh. "We attract too much attention as it is. Can we please act like we're not trying to get caught?!"

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The argument simmered down, replaced by a tense, resentful silence from Yona. The group continued their journey, the mountainous terrain unforgiving. 

The next time the distinctive jingle of a merchant's mule bells reached their ears, Yona reacted instinctively. 

Without a word, she pulled the hood of her cloak over her vibrant crimson hair and stepped slightly ahead of the others, attempting to blend in, to appear less conspicuous. 

Later, as they rested, Yona approached Thalia, her earlier indignation replaced by a newfound resolve. "Thalia," she began, her voice hesitant but firm, "will you teach me to fight? With a sword? Or perhaps hand-to-hand combat, like you do?"

Yun, who had been meticulously cleaning his herbs nearby, suddenly paused, his head cocked, listening intently.

"Yes," he chimed in, unable to hide his curiosity. "Like that, I can finally see what your technique truly is. The nerve-blocking one."

Thalia suppressed a sigh. 'How did I end up here? Surrounded by two people who suddenly want to be my students?' 

She glanced at Hak, who was sharpening his glaive, a deep frown etched on his face at the mere suggestion of Yona fighting. He clearly wasn't thrilled by the idea.

"No, thank you," Thalia stated, her voice flat. "I want to keep living."

She paused, considering, then turned to Yona. "Princess, learning to fight with a sword takes years. It's brutal. And for someone with no prior training, it might be too much, too quickly."

She picked up a fallen branch, eyeing it thoughtfully. "Instead, you should learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. That way, you can still fight from afar, protect yourself, and even learn to hunt for food. It won't overtax you immediately, and it will be challenging enough to start."

Thalia then looked pointedly at Hak. "Hak is an excellent shot with a bow. He can teach you."

Yona's eyes flickered to Hak, who seemed to freeze mid-sharpen, a faint flush creeping onto his ears but the princess didn't notice. "Hak?" she repeated, a hint of surprise in her voice. 

"But... you said before that you're a better hunter than him. You even teased him about it."

Thalia's usual composure wavered. A genuine flicker of surprise crossed her face, and for a rare moment, she actually stumbled over her words. 

"I... I did? Well, that was... irrelevant." She cleared her throat, avoiding Yona's direct gaze. 

Then, her eyes darted around, landing on Yun. "Besides, I already have a student for my special technique."

Yun, who had been listening with barely concealed amusement, suddenly stiffened. "Who?" he asked, a touch of suspicion in his voice.

Thalia turned her gaze directly to him, her expression firm and unyielding, leaving no room for argument. "You," she declared. "I'll teach you."

Yun's jaw dropped. He pointed a finger at his own chest, utterly dumbfounded. "Me?!"

"Yes, you," Thalia confirmed, her voice unwavering. "But not how to perform it. First, you'll learn the theory. The anatomy, the nerve clusters, the precise pressure points."

Her eyes held a glint of challenge. "It will be purely theoretical for a long time. It's not something you can rush. Understand?"

Yun slowly lowered his hand, his initial shock giving way to a spark of intense, almost academic, interest in his eyes. The idea of mastering a new, complex knowledge, even if just in theory, was clearly a powerful lure for the self-proclaimed genius.

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Chapter Text

The days spent journeying through the mountains became a peculiar blend of survival and discovery, as the initial urgency of their escape faded into the challenging march toward an uncertain future, guided only by the cryptic wisdom of Ik-Soo.

When Thalia suggested Yona should begin her training with the bow, it felt like a turning leaf.

“Seriously, how do you expect to practice with a bow while we’re trudging through these mountains?” Yun interrupted, his brows knitted together in concern, tinged with exasperation. 

Hak grunted, shifting the grip of his glaive with nonchalance, “If we weren’t on the move, I’d have her shooting two hundred arrows a day.” He conveyed it with such conviction that it sounded almost absurdly normal.

“Two hundred?!” Yona’s heart dropped at the sheer thought. The idea of such relentless practice made her shoulders sag. 

“Well, you should know Mundok’s training was far tougher,” Thalia chimed in, her tone cool but laced with a shiver that danced down her spine. Hak visibly recoiled at the mention of their former instructor, a low groan escaping him. They shared a look, a silent understanding of the ‘hell’ they had faced under the General's strict demands.

After all, Mundok had shown no mercy to Hak, while Thalia, faced an even harsher standard, pushed to outshine her peers. Curiously, Thalia recognized his sternness as a warped expression of affection—a desire to forge her into someone unstoppable.

“For now, I suppose you could practice aiming for birds or rabbits,” Hak eventually conceded, eyeing Yona with newfound determination.

“I approve,” Yun added with a practical twinkle in his eye. “If you hit something we can actually eat for dinner.”

“What?!” Yona gasped, feeling the weight of rising expectations pressing down on her.

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An hour later, Yona slumped against a tree, utterly defeated. Despite her efforts, every arrow she released flopped dismally short of its intended target. Frustration knotted her brow as she turned to Hak. “I can’t hit anything! What am I supposed to do?”

Hak, pulled from his thoughtful reverie, pushed himself away from the trunk. He took the bow from her uncertain hands, his movements fluid and easy. Without a hint of hesitation, he pulled back the string, took aim, and let loose. The arrow soared through the air, striking a bird in the distance with a satisfying thud. “Just like that,” he said matter-of-factly as he handed the bow back.

“Wait, how did you do that?” Yona blinked at him, eyes wide with a mixture of awe and longing.

“I aimed,” Hak replied casually, as if it were the simplest answer in the world.

“I don’t get it,” she admitted, confusion etched across her features.

“Some people just don’t get how the unskilled feel,” Yun quipped from his perch, his voice dry, fixed on Yona’s bewildered expression.

“Is that so?” Thalia turned to Yun, a questioning brow raised. “I think I see what he means.”

Yun merely deadpanned, maintaining his focus on Yona.

“Listen closely,” Hak began, stepping behind Yona. “You lack the basic strength needed to draw the bow steadily.” He guided her stance, helping her stretch the bowstring. “You need to build strength so you can draw without shaking. Then, you’ll learn by doing.” With a determined flair, he aimed at another bird, releasing the arrow that struck true once more, bringing another bird down.

----------------------------------------------------------------------While Yona struggled with practical application, Thalia and Yun delved into the realm of pure theory. Their lessons often took place during rest stops, Thalia sketching intricate diagrams on the bare earth with a stick.

"Alright, genius boy," Thalia began, pointing to a rough sketch she'd made in the dirt with a stick, depicting a human arm. 

"This is the radial nerve. Too much pressure here," her stick tapped a specific spot near the elbow, "and you'll temporarily lose control of the hand. Too little, and it's just a poke. But shift here," she moved the stick a hair's breadth, "and you sever it. Permanently."

Yun leaned closer, his eyes sharp, already taking in the detail. "But that's not what you did to Hak," he mused aloud, tracing the line with his finger. "You manipulated the flow, rather than severing."

"Precisely," Thalia confirmed, a faint nod of approval. "There's a difference between breaking and bending. That's the first lesson. Understanding the difference, and controlling it."

"So, the key isn't brute strength," Yun summarized, his gaze fixed on the diagram, "but absolute, unyielding precision?"

"Exactly," Thalia affirmed. "Now, tell me, where does the median nerve run, and what happens if pressure is applied to its superficial branch?"

Yun's fingers went to his own arm, tracing the theoretical path, his brow furrowed in concentration. "It extends down into the palm... affecting the thumb and first two fingers. Apply pressure... temporary numbness? Loss of grip strength?"

Thalia just watched him, a faint, almost imperceptible approval in her eyes. It was clear this wouldn't be easy, but Yun was certainly a quick study.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, as the rising sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, the group continued their journey. They walked for hours, the air growing colder as they ascended deeper into the mountains.

"Thalia, Yun, you guys go on ahead," Hak suggested, seeing the dense cluster of trees that marked their nearing destination. He was still intermittently training Yona to aim.

"Sure, but you'd better come soon," Yun informed them, adjusting his pack. "We're nearly at the place Ik-Soo mentioned."

"Heh... I see how it is~.Well, we'll leave you two alone then," Thalia said nonchalantly, a faint, teasing smirk playing on her lips. She gave a casual wave of her hand, already turning to walk ahead with Yun.

"OI! Don't put it like that!" Hak shouted back, his face flushing faintly. But Thalia merely began to hum a light, carefree tune, already disappearing into the trees. Soon enough, her and Yun's footsteps were no longer heard by Yona and Hak, leaving them alone on the quiet mountain path.

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The moment Thalia and Yun stepped away from Hak and Yona, the atmosphere around them shifted. The air grew heavier, the silence deeper, broken only by the crunch of their boots on the forest floor. 

Yun, despite his slight build and disdain for manual labor, moved with surprising speed, his mind already alight with questions.

"So," Yun began, adjusting his pack, his voice cutting through the quiet. "About that technique. You said it requires brutal training. Where did you learn it? It's certainly not common knowledge, even in the capital." 

He paused, a new thought sparking. "How many different countries have you actually been to, Thalia? And how many languages do you speak? Just that nerve manipulation alone suggests a really vast and varied knowledge base. I've only ever heard of such precise methods described vaguely in Ik-Soo's older findings, but even those were incomplete..."

Yun continued to chatter, his questions flowing, eager to peel back the layers of mystery surrounding her. He was too engrossed in his intellectual curiosity to notice the subtle shift in the forest around them.

Thalia, however, felt it immediately. A prickle on her skin, distinct from the growing chill of the mountain air. 

The fog, which had begun to creep in, swirling around the ancient trees, felt particularly unsettling. 

It clung to her, a damp, pervasive chill that made her skin crawl, reminiscent of a feeling she instinctively recoiled from. She ignored Yun's continuous stream of questions, her senses sharpening, her eyes narrowing as she peered into the swirling mist.

A twig snapped, just slightly too loud. A rustle of leaves, too deliberate. The forest was no longer silent.

She caught glimpses of movement, fleeting shadows amidst the shifting white. Figures. Hiding. Their movements were skilled, but not silent enough for Thalia's honed perception. And then, a glint – the unmistakable sheen of a bowstring, drawn taut, momentarily revealed by a shift in the mist. Arrows, ready to fly.

"Leave this place!" A gruff voice boomed from within the fog, echoing unnaturally around them. "This land is sacred. Outsiders are not welcome!"

Yun, startled, instinctively took a step back, but then, ever the direct one, he called out, "Are you part of the White Dragon Village?"

The response was immediate and filled with menace. "If you know of our White Dragon, then that is all the more reason not to let you leave here with your lives!" More rustling sounds surrounded them, the air growing thick with silent, unseen threats.

Thalia remained perfectly still, her expression unreadable. She raised her hands slowly, palms open, a gesture of peace, though her eyes remained sharp, assessing the unseen individuals. 

"There seems to be a misunderstanding," she stated, her voice calm and clear, cutting through the tension. "We never came here to frighten you. On the contrary."

She took a deliberate, measured breath. "But I see now that we have given you nothing to earn your trust. So perhaps you and I can make a deal." 

Her gaze swept across the trees, as if meeting the eyes of each hidden archer. "I will give you all of our weapons, so long as we continue with our lives."

Yun's eyes widened, a silent protest from bloodshed, but Thalia subtly shook her head, a warning to stay quiet.

"You see," Thalia continued, her voice gaining a compelling authority, "we were sent here by the will of your gods, and by extension, for your Dragon's will. And surely, your dear Dragon wouldn't want to anger your gods, would he?" 

Her words were carefully chosen, weaving in their own beliefs. "Have your Dragon judge us. Allow him to see us with his own eyes. And I can promise there will be no bloodshed here today."

The forest fell silent, the only sound the gentle swirl of the fog. The proposal was bold, audacious, and leveraged their own faith against them. It was a gamble, but Thalia's conviction in her voice made it a potent one.

-----------------------------------☆-----------------------------------

Chapter Text

The soft swirl of fog had long dissipated, replaced by the unforgiving clarity of iron bars. Yun found himself staring out from a small, sturdy cage, erected in the center of what appeared to be the White Dragon Village. 

He rubbed at his wrists, which still smarted from where they'd been bound, despite Thalia's quick, almost imperceptible movements to avoid truly tight knots.

Beside him, Thalia sat cross-legged on the dirt floor of the cage, her posture unnervingly calm, almost meditative. Her blades and Yun's medical kit were nowhere in sight, presumably confiscated. Villagers, their faces a mixture of suspicion and awe, occasionally walked by, casting wary glances at the foreign intruders.

"I still can't believe you did that," Yun muttered, finally breaking the silence, his blue eyes narrowed at her. "You just... handed over your weapons? And you're sitting there as if this is just another afternoon nap spot? We're in a cage, Thalia! A cage!"

Thalia finally opened her eyes, her gaze flat as it met his. "We achieved our objective," she stated, her voice as level as ever.

"Objective?!" Yun exclaimed, gesturing wildly around their confined space. "Our objective was to find the White Dragon, not become village exhibits! How could you be so calm? You practically invited them to capture us!"

Thalia sighed, a faint puff of air. "Yun," she began, her tone holding a hint of tired patience, "I thought you hated violence." Her eyes held his, piercingly. "It would have been troublesome if we had angered the entire village by fighting our way in, wouldn't it? Especially when our ultimate goal is to rescue their precious Dragon, not harm him or his people."

She looked around the village, her gaze sweeping over the watchful faces of the villagers. "Besides," she added, almost as an afterthought, "we needed an audience with the Dragon. This was the most direct path. Now, we wait."

Yun stared at her, utterly dumbfounded. Her logic, cold and pragmatic as it was, held an undeniable truth. They were alive, and they were here. But the lack of emotion, the sheer calculated risk... it was baffling. He just shook his head, running a hand through his strawberry-blonde hair. "You're infuriating, you know that?"

Thalia simply closed her eyes again, seemingly content to let the silence and the watchful eyes of the villagers be their only company.

Yun's restlessness, however, rapidly escalated. He began, muttering to himself. "This is ridiculous. Being cooped up like this... It's uncivilized! I have standards, you know!" He finally stopped, glaring at one of the silent guards standing nearby. "Alright, listen up! I know I'm cute, but that doesn't mean you can keep me in a cage like your little pet!"

The guard merely blinked, unmoving. Yun huffed.

Just then, a commotion drew his attention to the path leading into the village. 

His jaw dropped. Approaching them, escorted by several respectful villagers and even being offered local delicacies, were Hak and Yona. 

Hak looked as nonchalant as ever, his glaive now visible, and Yona was actually smiling faintly as she gazed at the surrounding huts. They looked less like intruders and more like honored guests.

"What?!" Yun shrieked, pressing his face against the bars of the cage. "Why do you guys get treated like tourists?!"

Yona, spotting them, waved calmly. "Oh, hey, Yun! What's up?"

"What's up," Yun snarled, his face turning a furious shade of red, "is my blood pressure!"

Thalia opened one eye, observing the unfolding chaos. A faint, almost imperceptible curve touched her lips. 

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The heavy clanging of the cage door echoed through the village as the guards finally released Thalia and Yun. 

The villagers, however, paid them little mind, their attention immediately drawn to Yona. A murmuring spread through the crowd as they openly stared at her vibrant crimson hair, their faces alight with a mixture of reverence and intense curiosity.

Yun looked worriedly at the gathering crowd, a sense of unease settling over him. "It's unusual, but do the people here worship red hair or something?" he whispered, directing his question to the old man who had seemed to be their primary contact, still standing before them.

The old man, his expression solemn, nodded slowly. "Red hair evokes special memories within our clan," he answered, his voice a low rumble. "The first White Dragon served a red-haired master."

"I hated my hair..." Yona ran a hand through her short, tangled locks, stating her long-held dislike for her distinct red wavy hair.

"You mustn't say such things!" the old man argued, his voice suddenly sharp with conviction. He stepped closer, his eyes fixed on Yona's hair with an almost desperate hope. "You were sent here by the priest. You may be the one we've been waiting for." He exclaimed, his words ringing out across the quiet village, making the group of four widen their eyes in surprise.

The man's gaze then faltered slightly, a nervous twitch at the corner of his mouth. "But you also may not be." Beads of sweat formed on his temples.

Yun, ever practical and quick to grasp the implications, nervously pressed him. "If she isn't, what will you do to us, now that we know of this place?"

There was a long, heavy pause. The old man's silence stretched, filled only by the rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the villagers. Finally, he turned, his back facing them, his shoulders hunched. "In any case, you must meet the White Dragon."

"Hey! You hesitated too long!" Yun yelled, his voice laced with indignation and a rising sense of panic. He quickly leaned closer to Thalia, lowering his voice to a frantic whisper. "Thalia, if it comes down to it, you protect me, right?"

Thalia met his gaze, her expression unreadable. She simply nodded once, a subtle, almost imperceptible dip of her chin.

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After their release from the cage, Hak and Yona were fooling around a bit, Hak still teasing Yona about her bow skills, and they seemed to talk with each other. 

Above them, perched silently in the sturdy branches of a large tree, Thalia observed the village, her gaze sweeping over the curious, watchful faces of the villagers.

Hak, who sat next to the princess, a sly smirk playing on his lips, turned to her. "Should we give up?" he asked, his voice laced with mock curiosity.

To his surprise, Yona leaped up, her previous defeat vanishing. Her eyes blazing with a newfound resolve, she leaned in closer to him, grabbing the hilt of his sword. 

"Hak! Lend me your sword!" she demanded, pulling the weapon from its holster with more force than grace. She unsheathed it with a faint shing and pointed the sharp metal, albeit shakily, at the black-haired male. 

"I've made my decision. I won't turn back. But if the White Dragon won't help us, you'll have to train me more!" She smiled determinedly, a fierce spark in her crimson eyes. Hak let out a soft chuckle, a proud grin spreading across his face. 

As Yona was holding up the sword and talking to Hak, Thalia's sharp eyes caught movement. A young man was coming towards them, his steps swift and purposeful. 

His fair-colored skin seemed to glow even in the muted forest light, and his blue eyes held an intense, almost ethereal quality. His silver hair, fine as spun moonlight, hung down to around his chin, with a portion of the back being much longer and falling past his shoulders. 

A long, elegant fringe draped mostly over the right side of his face. He wore the simple attire of the villagers, but something about him immediately set him apart.

Thalia's eyes, ever discerning, wandered down to his right hand. Her breath hitched, a silent gasp catching in her throat. The young man's entire right hand and forearm were covered in white scales, shimmering faintly. Instead of having normal fingernails, he possessed sharp, elongated claws.

Even though she didn't know much about the myths of the origin of Kouka she knew that that was unnatural and could only mean one thing. 'White Dragon?'

The silver-haired man angrily marched towards them, his face contorted in a furious scowl. "You woman!" he cried out, his voice sharp and resonant, catching the attention of everyone present, including the villagers.

Yona, startled by the sudden shout, turned around to glance at the oncoming male. Just then, a gust of wind blew off the hood of her cape, revealing her beautiful, short crimson hair in all its vibrant glory.

The angered expression of the silver-haired male was instantly replaced by one of profound shock. His eyes widened, fixing on her red hair as if he'd seen a ghost.

Suddenly, with a guttural roar, the male's right arm seemed to swell, growing visibly larger. He hunched over, clutching the scaled limb in excruciating pain. A piercing scream tore from his throat as he fell back, collapsing onto the ground, his eyes squeezed shut in agony.

Thalia, Yona, Hak, and Yun, along with the surrounding villagers, stared at the collapsed Hakuryuu in stunned silence.

"White Dragon!" The villagers worriedly yelled, rushing forward, their reverence now replaced by frantic concern.

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As the young man gradually emerged from the haze of unconsciousness, the reality around him crystallized into sharp focus. He looked around, confusion flickering in his eyes, but then recognition struck him as he knelt before the princess, reverently declaring her his master. A surge of urgency coursed through him; he longed to depart at once.

Yet, before he could take a step, a frazzled older woman rushed forward, her wild hair framing a face etched with concern. "Wait!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with desperation.

"We must prepare a grand feast to honor the arrival of our 'King'!" Her words hung in the air, filled with a sense of festivity and importance, transforming the chaotic moment into one brimming with anticipation for the celebrations to come.

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The next morning after the feast, the group was prepared to leave but had to wait for two more.

"They're here," Yun spoke up, causing Yona to turn around, only to see the White Dragon and Hak ominously stomping towards them.

"This looks pretty ominous," Yun commented as the two approached them.

"What's wrong?" Yona asked after walking ahead to meet up with the two, followed by Yun and Thalia.

"Princess, we can't use him. Let's find someone else." Hak pointed at the White Dragon using his thumb, a clear sneer on his face.

"You must leave! I can protect the princess by myself!" The White Dragon protested in a demanding manner, his scaled arm tensing.

"A sheltered kid couldn't handle the outside world." The Thunder Beast argued, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Thalia, standing next to him, her expression as unreadable as ever, subtly shifted her weight, observing the unfolding confrontation with an analytical gaze.

The White Dragon glared at Hak then turned his gaze to Yona. "Princess, why does such a boorish man escort you?" He questioned, giving a few angry glances at Hak.

"What happened?" Yoon curiously asked. He was wondering what this quarrel was about.

"The guy said he would pay me to leave," Hak answered Yun's question as he looked over at Yona and Yun.

"And what's that bulge on your stomach?" The strawberry-blond boy questioned, raising a brow as he looked at the visible bump.

"Maybe I'm getting fat." Hak calmly replied, avoiding eye contact with the interrogator.

"Protecting the princess is the duty of the four dragons. Those who are not dragons should leave!" Kija's voice rose in volume, demanding.

Thalia's gaze flicked between the two bickering males. Her lips, almost imperceptibly, thinned.

"Such efficiency," she stated, her voice cutting through the tension with a dry, almost clinical tone. "We came for a Dragon, not a sparring exhibition. This is a waste of energy."

Hak paused, looking down at Thalia with a faint smirk, acknowledging her point. Kija, however, merely glared at her, momentarily distracted from Hak before refocusing his anger.

Yona, seizing the moment, ran up to Hak and clung onto his arm. "No!" She protested. "Hak is my childhood friend. Since I left the castle and ended up alone, he hasn't abandoned me. He is important to me. I want Hak with me!" She spoke sincerely, trying to explain to the White Dragon how much Hak meant to her.

The black-haired boy, who had been looking down in shock at Yona as she spoke, suddenly began to laugh. 

" Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha." He tried to mask how happy he really felt, but he couldn't stop smiling and a faint blush was slightly visible on his cheek. 

"Well, you know... That's that. It can't be helped."

Yona pulled back the money bag and held it up. "I'm returning this." She stated and walked up to the stunned man. "If you insist, princess..." The silver-haired male looked a little bit down, disappointment painting his pale face. 

"But I need you, too." She assured. 

"Otherwise, Hak will die protecting me. I want you to protect Hak, so he won't die." The redhead informed.

"I see." The silver-haired man's mouth formed an 'O' shape, his earnest eyes widening slightly at the new directive.

He glided over to Yona as he smiled. "That's right, is it? You sought my help because he's weak? Leave it to me. I will protect you and this man." Sparkles flew around him while assuring Yona.

Thalia watched the shift in the man's demeanor, from indignant rage to earnest, sparkling devotion, all because of Yona's words. 'A surprisingly effective strategy,' she mused internally, her eyes briefly meeting Hak's over Yona's head. ' 

To direct their singular focus onto protecting each other, and by extension, her objectives. The princess has a talent for manipulation, even if it's unintentional.'

Her gaze then lingered on the white dragon, wondering how he would fit into this already volatile mix.

Chapter Text

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Saying their goodbyes to the village of the White Dragon, the troupe proceeded to walk ahead. The path beneath their feet was less defined now, winding through denser woods than the well-trodden trails they'd followed to the  dragon's village. 

After a while, they slowed, then eventually stopped, realizing they didn't even know where they were heading.

"Which way should we go now?" Thalia inquired, directing her question at Yona, her voice cutting through the rustle of leaves. Her arms were crossed, her gaze sharp as she surveyed the winding paths before them.

"Yun, did Ik-Soo tell you anything?" Yona asked the youngest among them, hope tingeing her voice.

Yun sighed, shaking his head. "No, I have no more leads from here." A familiar frown creased his brow. "He only told us to go to the White Dragon. After that, we're on our own."

Yona looked troubled, her hand placed thoughtfully under her chin. "This is a problem," she mumbled, her shoulders slumping slightly. The vastness of the forest seemed to swallow their uncertainty.

"You're looking for the four dragons, aren't you?" The white dragon asked, stepping forward with an earnest smile, his eyes fixed on his new master. "I can detect those who possess the power of the dragons." He stated, his scaled hand instinctively flexing.

"Is that so?" The crimson-haired female turned to the young man, her eyes wide with renewed hope.

"Yes," he nodded confidently. "Though the link is faint, the four dragons are something akin to siblings. Since ancient times, our blood has called out to one another across great distances." He gazed off into the unseen, a look of profound connection on his face.

Thalia, however, remained unimpressed by the dramatic monologue. She shifted her weight, a low, almost inaudible mumble escaping her lips. "All the talk of how great the dragons are, and still not a word of his name. Tsk, seriously."

Yona, who had been watching Thalia's expressions with a growing familiarity, caught the soft grumble. Her eyes flickered with understanding. She turned back to the young man, who was still gazing into the distance with an earnest, slightly lost look. "White Dragon?" she asked softly.

The White Dragon's head snapped back to her, his earnest blue eyes focusing.

"Hey, Princess! White Snake! Are you two going to stand there all day?" Hak's voice boomed from further up the path. He, Yun, and Thalia had started walking ahead, their forms already partially obscured by the trees.

"Come on, Princess! We don't have time for sightseeing!" Yun yelled, waving his arms dramatically.

Thalia, walking alongside Hak, simply crossed her arms and added, her voice clear and surprisingly carrying through the trees, "Efficiency, Princess. Efficiency."

Yona giggled, then gave the man an encouraging smile before turning to catch up. He, flustered but pleased, quickly followed.

As they drew closer, Yona quickened her steps, reaching Thalia's side first. Leaning in, she whispered conspiratorially, her breath soft against Thalia's ear, "His name is Kija."

Thalia's eyes, previously fixed on the path, flickered to Yona for a brief moment. She offered a tiny, almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment, a silent thanks for the shared information. 

As they resumed their pace, Thalia's right hand subtly slipped down to her waist. Her fingers deftly unfastened a small pouch hidden on her beaded waistband, retrieving a newly polished, bead. With a practiced, quiet movement, she quickly wove it into the existing sequence.

Another thread woven into the fabric of their purpose. Another name to keep in her thoughts. It was a small detail, but to Thalia, knowing a name was a step towards understanding, a tiny piece of the puzzle that was their new, bewildering companion.

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The forest hummed with the lazy drone of cicadas as the troupe paused their descent from the mountain. 

The afternoon sun, a warm balm after the strenuous trek, filtered through the canopy, dappling the ground in shifting patterns of light and shadow. Princess Yona, her shoulders slumped with fatigue, sank gratefully against the sturdy trunk of a towering tree, resting beside Thalia.

Thalia, though outwardly composed, kept her sharp, grey eyes constantly moving. While Yona eased her tired muscles, Thalia's gaze was fixed on the shimmering surface of the nearby river, systematically scanning its banks and the dancing reflections for anything out of place.

Yun, meanwhile, spread his worn map across his knees, his brow furrowed in concentration as he traced potential routes with a slender finger, muttering to himself about landmarks and directions.

Down by the water's edge, Hak knelt, scooping cool river water to splash over his face and arms. "White Snake, you must be utterly exhausted from the long journey," he drawled, his voice dripping with feigned concern, glancing over at Kija.

Kija's head snapped up, a flash of irritation in his earnest blue eyes. "Call me 'White Snake' again, and I'll tear out your throat!" he snapped back, his voice rising. 

"This paltry trek isn't nearly enough to exhaust the White Dragon!" He shot a venomous glare at Hak, who simply leaned back, a smug smirk playing on his lips.

Yona watched their familiar sparring with a mix of weariness and amusement, while Thalia, from her spot by the tree, subtly rolled her eyes.

When Kija turned his head back to the river, he found Hak still glaring at him, their silent, simmering animosity a palpable thing in the air. "What are you talking about?" Kija finally retorted, a triumphant smirk blooming across his own face. 

"The Princess asked me to protect you if it becomes necessary!" He puffed out his chest. "Does a sheltered, common boy like you even know how to truly fight?"

Before another word could be exchanged, Yona was on her feet in a flash, a surprising burst of energy in her small frame. 

She strode directly between the two bickering men, her fists clenching, and without hesitation, delivered a surprisingly forceful punch to the underside of both their jaws. A dull thud echoed through the quiet clearing.

"Hak!" Yona's voice was firm, laced with frustration. "Kija is anxious about leaving his village for the first time. Don't tease him so relentlessly!" She then pivoted to face the stunned Kija. "And Kija, teasing people is Hak's hobby. Don't let it get to you so easily!"

Before either could retort, Yun's voice, sharper than usual with growing impatience, cut through the air. "Alright, let's get going! We've wasted enough time!" He began rolling up his map, striding forward.

Thalia, without a word, pushed off the tree and began to walk in Yun's wake, her movements fluid and purposeful. Hak and Kija, still rubbing their jaws, scrambled to follow.

"So, where are we heading now, Yun?" Thalia asked, her voice clear and precise as she caught up to the map-holder.

Yun sighed, a sound of profound exasperation. "I don't know! Ik-Soo didn't give me directions past the White Dragon Village." He scrubbed a hand through his hair.

"Kija, you can sense the other dragons, right?" He turned his head back, his hopeful gaze fixed on the White Dragon.

All eyes turned to Kija, waiting expectantly. "Of course I can!" Kija declared, regaining his composure. 

"By sharpening my mind's eye, I can feel their presence!" His chest puffed out slightly with pride.

"Tell us who's closest, then," Yun requested, a clear note of relief in his voice.

"I shall try!" Kija announced, closing his eyes dramatically. He stood perfectly still, his eyelids fluttering for a few drawn-out seconds as the other four observed him, the tension thick in the air.

"Go ahead, Kija. You can do it," Yona encouraged softly, her voice filled with gentle warmth.

Kija's cheeks bloomed bright red at her words, and he slowly nodded, a shy smile gracing his lips. After a moment, he opened his eyes, now filled with focus. "I believe the closest one is the Blue Dragon!" he stated with conviction.

Yun looked at him in awe. "You even know who it is?"

"Well, where is he?" Thalia asked, looking up at him.

Kija pointed vaguely to his left, waving his arm. "Well... I feel something coming from over there."

"The location is awfully broad..." Yun declared, rubbing the back of his head with an increasingly frustrated groan.

Despite Yun's obvious exasperation, Kija smiled confidently, placing both hands on his hips. "Don't worry! Follow me, everyone!" He began to stride forward, radiating misplaced certainty.

Everyone except Kija noticed the prominent vein throbbing on Yunknelthead as he gritted his teeth. "I will worry! I'm worried about following someone who's never left his village before!"

The silver-haired male rapidly rotated his head to face Yun, but he continued walking, his eyes not on the path ahead. 

"This may be my first time outside, but I know about the world!"

Even though Thalia clearly saw the dark, leaf-obscured ditch lying directly in the young man's path, she decided not to say anything. Her expression remained impassive as she watched closely, observing if he would pay attention.

He continued, oblivious. "My clan has visited various regions and gathered informatio–"

As soon as those words left his lips, Kija's foot found empty air. With a loud, undignified scream, he tumbled down into the dark ditch.

"Kija!" Both Yona and Yun yelled in concern, rushing to the edge. Thalia stepped forward, looking down into the pit to see the proud White Dragon, now covered in dirt, shuddering dramatically. 

"Wh-wh-what are these? Who gave them permission to make their home here?!" he wailed, staring wide-eyed at the startled critters scattering around him.

Tears welled in the corners of his eyes, and the color drained completely from his face when a large, segmented centipede, disturbed by his fall, started to crawl deliberately over his shoe. 

"W-wait... Stop... No more!" he choked out, his voice barely a whisper. That was when Thalia saw a small, fuzzy caterpillar, dislodged from a nearby leaf, fall gently down the ditch, landing precisely on his nose.

"NO! STOP!! STAY BACK!" Next thing they all knew, the dragon was screaming for his life, a high-pitched shriek of absolute horror. He thrashed, desperately trying to dislodge the tiny, harmless creature from his face.

"You can follow behind us" Yun deadpanned, looking down at the panicked dragon with an expression of profound, weary exasperation.

Thalia then felt a gentle, persistent tug on her hand. It was Yona, her eyes pleading. Thalia sighed, a barely audible sound, acknowledging her princess's silent plea.

She was 'forced' to get Kija out of the ditch, knowing full well her idiot brother was too busy clutching his stomach, tears of laughter streaming down his face. 

With an efficient motion, Thalia extended a steady hand. Kija, still flailing, latched onto it as if it were the last lifeline in a raging storm, scrambling out of the ditch and away from the perceived insectile horrors.

Once out, Kija kept walking in frantic, bewildered circles, swatting at invisible foes, his face still pale. "I can still feel them crawling all over me..." he whined, his entire body shuddering with lingering revulsion.

"I see that dragons are weaker than insects," Hak teased him mercilessly, his eyes brimming with unholy mirth, and Thalia saw her brother's familiar, cruel smirk from the corner of her eye.

Waving his hands wildly in front of him in protest, Kija began to explain himself, his voice high-pitched. "N-no! I just dislike creepy, crawly creatures!"

As soon as Hak heard those words, his eyes filled with even more humor as he snickered slightly, clearly delighted by Kija's utterly unexpected weakness.

Kija once again turned to Hak, annoyance warring with lingering fear on his features. "I have been granted the proud, divine strength of the White Dragon! It isn't like that of an ordinary man!" he proudly stated, flexing his scaled arm for emphasis.

Hak rapidly pointed over his shoulder at his little sister, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Look! Behind you is a dangerous, poisonous little bug!"

Thalia could only raise both her arms and shoulders, a single questioning eyebrow arched, as Kija frantically waved his arm around him, attempting to slap away the imaginary 'bug' behind him. He looked as if he were barefoot on burning hot tar, jumping around in circles, a picture of pure comedic terror.

"Kija! Calm down, there isn't anything on your shoulder!" Yona tried to calm him down. 

"Ah!! Hurry and take it off! Aaah!" Kija wailed, still swatting wildly at the empty air.

"Perhaps," Thalia's voice cut through Kija's panicked screams, calm and unwavering, her gaze utterly devoid of sympathy. 

"A being with such 'proud, divine strength' should learn to control their fear, or at least avoid making such grand pronouncements about their capabilities." Her tone was a flat, surgical dissection of his earlier boasting.

Kija looked utterly surprised by what the female had said, his frantic movements stopping dead as he simply stared at her in shock, his jaw slightly agape. 

"Wh-what?! Want to test it right here, then?" he demanded, taking a step towards her, his pride stung beyond measure. He couldn't stand getting embarrassed by anyone, especially not in front of his dear master.

Hak's smirk widened into a triumphant grin, and he wrapped an arm around his sister's shoulders, pulling her slightly closer, as if to protect her from Kija's 'wrath.' 

"Oh, you'd attack a frail and innocent-looking girl, White Snake?" he purred, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "I didn't expect you to be this cruel." 

Thalia raised a brow when she saw Kija attempting to stutter out a reply, his face a mixture of indignation and flustered confusion from Hak's false accusation.

The girl's attention, however, suddenly sharpened, her head tilting almost imperceptibly. She tuned out their bickering completely as her ears picked up a distinct sound: footsteps. 

They were heavy, unrefined, and numerous the unmistakable shuffle of several armed men moving with crude intent. Most likely bandits. 

Her hand instantly went to the hilts of her Katana's, and she scanned the surrounding area warily, her eyes narrowing, no longer amused. 

It seemed that both Hak and Kija, despite their recent antics, had heard it too, their expressions turning from playful irritation to grim, unyielding determination in an instant.

"Princess, hide," Hak warned, his voice low and urgent, stepping swiftly in front of Yona, his body already a protective shield.

"What's wrong, Thalia?" Yun asked, noticing her sudden, alarming vigilance.

"Someone's coming," Kija answered in Thalia's stead, all traces of his earlier panic completely gone, replaced by the steely resolve of a dragon warrior ready for battle.

"Someone? Who?" Yun seemed a little freaked out, immediately moving to shield himself behind Thalia.

"It's okay, take the princess and hide." Thalia's voice was calm, her gaze fixed on the source of the approaching sounds.

"Can I use my bow?" Yona asked, her hand instinctively rising, eager to contribute.

"No, just hide," Hak replied, shaking his head dismissively. He gently but firmly pushed her behind a thick cluster of bushes, nudging her deeper into the foliage. Yun, taking the cue, scurried to follow her there, vanishing from sight.

"What about you?" Kija turned to Thalia, his tone filled with genuine concern, despite their earlier antics.

"Me? I'm not as weak as you think." Thalia's voice was even, her eyes fixed on the figures emerging from the tree line. Then, without another word, she turned to face the men who now appeared in front of them. 

The figures, rough and armed, quickly approached the trio, fanning out to surround them. Hak, Thalia, and Kija instinctively moved, settling into a tight, defensive triangle, standing back to back to back, their forms radiating a silent, formidable readiness.

"Well, who would've thought we'd find prey out here?" A burly man, clearly the leader, sneered, his gaze sweeping over their small group.

"They don't look like they have much." Another bandit grumbled, eyeing their well-traveled clothes.

Hak let out a tired sigh as he observed the crude weapons and ragged appearance of the surrounding men. "Oh, they're just bandits."

"At least they're not Fire Tribe soldiers," Thalia muttered, her hand, which had been resting on her katana's handle, slowly moving away. She figured her blade was of no use for mere petty thugs at the moment.

The guy who seemed to be the leader of the gang glanced briefly at the bushes where Yona and Yun hid, a suspicious glint in his eye. Thalia's ruby-red eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, a silent warning. "Look, there are two women over here." He said, mistaking Yun's figure for a female.

The leader of the bandits then turned his head to Kija, and a cruel smirk spread across his face. "This boy is wearing some nice clothes. I bet we could sell him too." He spoke, the crude knife he held in one hand gently tapping the palm of the other, a chilling promise.

Kija looked back at Hak and Thalia, his face blank, his eyes devoid of fear, only a cold, decisive resolve.

"Hey, it's alright if I tear them apart, isn't it?" he asked, his tone oddly calm despite the surrounding threat.

Both Thalia and Hak's lips curled into matching, dark smirks at the Silver Head's words. "As long as you don't leave any witnesses," Thalia replied, her voice low and even, a chilling echo of intent.

"Huh?" The leader of the bandits turned his head down to Thalia, his smirk only widening as he eyed the girl with the long, curly violet hair up and down. He nodded his head slowly, his hand moving to stroke his chin. "This one would make an even bigger profit with how unusual she looks..."

Before the bandit leader could finish his thought, before he could even give an order, the air crackled. Thalia moved first, a blur of motion that belied her earlier stillness. 

"Move!" Hak barked, already in motion. His glaive was a devastating arc of steel, whistling through the air with lethal force. One swing carved a path through three bandits, sending them sprawling. His movements were wide, powerful, like a force of nature, designed to clear space and overwhelm. He focused on the outer ring, creating openings.

Kija, witnessing the first strike, let out a guttural roar of his own, less fear, more battle lust. His dragon claw flashed, a blur of white scales and razor-sharp nails. He didn't waste time with parries or dodges; he simply moved forward, overwhelming. One bandit barely raised his club before Kija's claw ripped through the air, shattering the weapon and sending the man flying into his comrades with a sickening thud.

Kija followed up, a whirlwind of powerful strikes, each blow capable of breaking bones, sending attackers reeling back, completely undone by his inhuman strength.

Thalia, now having drawn her katana's, moved with a grace that was both fluid and utterly brutal. Her blades were not for broad, sweeping attacks. It was precision. She weaved through the chaos Hak and Kija created, her movements economical, almost dance-like.

A quick parry deflected a bandit's clumsy swing; her katana then flicked out, slicing across a wrist. Another bandit lunged, and Thalia spun, using his own momentum against him, a swift strike to the neck sending him crumpling silently.

She moved like a shadow, each strike purposeful, designed to incapacitate quickly and efficiently. She wasn't flashy, but she was terrifyingly effective, ensuring that anyone she engaged wouldn't be getting up again soon.

The bandits, caught off guard by the sheer, overwhelming power and coordinated ferocity of their "prey," began to falter. Their crude weapons were useless against Hak's glaive, their numbers meaningless against Kija's raw might, and their desperate lunges were easily countered by Thalia's silent, deadly precision.

The leader, clutching his injured hand, screamed for retreat, his arrogance replaced by panicked terror. But it was too late. Hak's glaive swept once more, forcing the remaining few to scatter into the undergrowth, whimpering. Kija stood panting, his claw still poised, looking for more to fight. Thalia slowly sheathed her katana's, her eyes still scanning the now silent forest.

Hak sighed again, this time with satisfaction, leaning his glaive against his shoulder. "That was almost too easy," he drawled, glancing at the few unmoving figures on the ground.

Kija, though covered in a fine layer of dust and a few stray leaves, puffed out his chest. "Hmph! Such weaklings. They barely even scratched the White Dragon!" He flexed his claw, completely forgetting his earlier insect-induced panic.

The triumph of the swift victory was short-lived. Just as Kija was puffing out his chest in renewed pride, a sudden, sharp grimace contorted his features. A low gasp escaped him, and he stumbled, dropping heavily to his knees.

"Kija! Are you alright?!" Yona cried out, her previous amusement vanishing instantly as she rushed to his side, concern etched on her face.

"Yes, I... I fought a little too hard..." he weakly stated, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead and tracing paths down his pale face. His breathing was labored. "I meant to fight more elegantly."

"Actually, I like that the White Dragon God has such a bloodthirsty fighting style," Hak stated, a triumphant smirk still gracing his lips. He leaned on his glaive, but his voice had a strange, strained quality. "I'm thrilled. At the castle, no one could keep up with me. Someday, I hope we can fight—"

His sentence was cut short. His eyes rolled back, and the smirk vanished as he toppled over like a felled tree, collapsing heavily onto the forest floor.

"Hak!" Yona screamed, her voice piercing the quiet of the aftermath. Thalia, already moving with swift efficiency, kneeled down in front of the unconscious warrior. Her eyes, usually so impassive, held a flicker of concern as she assessed him.

"Did he die?" Kija asked, his voice small, bringing a scaled hand to cover his parted lips, his face a picture of innocent, bewildered horror.

Yona, still reeling from Hak's collapse, violently slapped the back of his head. "He isn't dead!" she snapped, though her voice trembled slightly.

Yun, ever the pragmatic healer, quickly sat beside the collapsed Hak. With practiced movements, he opened the male's shirt to examine him. A sharp, frustrated sigh escaped his lips. "You idiot," Yun muttered, his voice tight with exasperation as he looked at the bloodied bandage on Hak's chest. 

"You opened your wound." Thalia's frown deepened, a silent acknowledgment of the blood seeping through the linen. "His wound hasn't healed yet. He acts fine, but he's a mess."

"Is he a monster?" Kija whispered, his eyes wide as he gazed at the unconscious Hak. He wondered how anyone could fight with such an injury.

Yun squinted his eyes at the Dragon, a dry look on his face. "He probably wouldn't want to hear that from you."

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Chapter Text

The sun had already dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep violet and fading orange. The group had found a small, sheltered clearing to make camp for the night.

A crackling campfire offered warmth and a dancing glow, casting long, shifting shadows. Yun, ever diligent, had finished treating Hak's wound, the fresh bandage a stark white against the dark fabric of his tattered shirt.

The usually formidable black-haired male was still out cold from exhaustion, leaning heavily against a tree, while the other four settled around the flickering flames, preparing for dinner.

"What is this?" Kija asked curiously, picking at the contents of his bamboo cup with his chopsticks. He peered at the steaming concoction with a mixture of suspicion and distaste.

"It's dinner," Yun plainly answered, not bothering to look up as he stirred a pot over the fire.

"Dinner? These are the weeds that were growing on the mountain path!" Kija argued, his voice rising in disbelief.

"Hmm? I thought your village had gathered information about the outside world?" Thalia inquired, her voice even and cool, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk playing at the corner of her lips. She met Kija's indignant glare with a casual confidence.

"Shouldn't you know what you can eat and what you can't eat?" Kija blushed from embarrassment and pursed his lips, opting not to reply. He found how the violet-haired female embarrassed him in front of the Princess very frustrating.

"You should be grateful I didn't add insects," Yun stated, without missing a beat, still stirring his pot.

Kija shuddered, the color draining from his face. "Insects? You eat insects?" His voice was a thin squeak of horror.

"Insects? That's nothing special," Thalia stated flatly, her eyes devoid of judgment, simply relaying facts. "Don't you know you can eat about everything, even poisonous snakes if you cut the head off? And later on, you can still use the poison."

Kija's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and utter revulsion. "P-poisonous snakes?!" he stammered, looking genuinely green.

Yun, however, stopped stirring, his head snapping up with a flicker of genuine interest in his eyes. "You can? Are you sure? What kind of poison? How do you neutralize it for use later?" His questions came in a rapid-fire succession, his curiosity overriding any disgust.

Thalia merely offered a subtle, knowing nod at Yun's questions, a hint of satisfaction at his genuine interest. She then sat back down next to Yona and continued eating her dinner. The red-haired princess mindlessly took a sip from her soup and ate quietly.

"Are you alright with this food, Princess?" Kija weakly asked, his voice still a little strained after recovering from Thalia's unsettling revelation.

"I still can't eat bugs, but I've gotten used to most of it," Yona replied, her voice soft. "After all..." Her face began to darken, and her eyes took on a distant, almost lifeless quality, reflecting past hardships. "I couldn't afford to dislike it."

Thalia reached out, gently patting Yona's back to console her, her touch light but reassuring. "That's right. When we first were on the journey I had Hak cook for us."

She inwardly mused on how Hak wanted to impress the Princess with his cooking, despite his obvious lack of skill.

"But if you just even let Hak help you in cooking a meal, it is as helpful as if two people are trying to actively stop you. But thankfully, ever since Yun arrived, the food has gotten better." Thalia attempted to lighten the mood, a rare, almost imperceptible hint of a genuine smile on her lips.

Yona nodded in agreement with what Thalia had said. "She's right. When it was just us and Hak, it was awful. Huh? Why are you crying?" Yona and Thalia turned to Kija and saw a stream of tears falling from his eyes, tracing paths down his cheeks.

"Princess, your journey had been so harsh..." Kija choked out between sobs, his heart genuinely aching for her past suffering.

"What was that about my cooking?" The four heard a low, dangerous voice, and turned to see Hak, his eyes now open, glaring at Yona and Thalia. He had evidently just woken up.

"Hak, you're awake?" Yona asked, surprised.

"I can't let that one slide." He said, softly glaring at the princess.

"Is your wound okay?" Yona asked, her voice brimming with concern as she ignored his veiled threats and walked directly up to him.

"Wound? What are you talking about?" Hak feigned ignorance, then shifted his tone to feigned offense. "By the way, what did you think of my cooking?"

"Cooking? What are you referring to? Oh, are you hungry?" Yona crouched down in front of him, giving him a closed-eye smile so sweet it bordered on unnerving.

"You're starting to dodge my question, Princess," Hak stated, his eye twitching slightly.

"Can you move? Do you want me to feed you?" Yona asked, standing up and practically sprinting back to grab him some soup.

"Open your mouth." Hak did as told, a flicker of smug satisfaction crossing his face as he awaited Yona to spoon-feed him. But that satisfaction quickly turned to irritation. His eye twitched when he saw Kija, swift as lightning, snatch the spoon from the princess's hand.

"Princess, allow me to perform this menial task," Kija demanded, an irk mark throbbing on his forehead.

"White Snake, don't butt in the good part," Hak growled, getting to his feet. He immediately started kicking Kija's leg, and an almost visible crackle of lightning seemed to appear between the two as they glared daggers at each other.

"How dare you allow the Princess to feed you, you oaf?!" Kija retorted, thrusting his dragon claw forward, stopping just short of actually stabbing Hak.

"If you've finished eating, I would like to discuss the location of the Blue Dragon." Yun's voice, firm and exasperated, cut through the escalating quarrel as he took out his map. "Kija, can you sense the Blue Dragon?"

Kija closed his eyes briefly, focusing, then turned to his left, pointing ahead. "I feel something over there."

Yun sighed, a long, drawn-out sound of pure resignation, and looked back down at his map. "Yeah, okay. Sorry to bother you. Does the Blue Dragon have a village like the White Dragon, or does he live alone?" Yun asked.

"I'm not sure," Kija admitted, his earlier confidence fading slightly. "According to the information of my compatriots living abroad... Long ago, the Blue Dragon clan lived secretly in the Earth Tribe's land. However, the Blue Dragon's village suddenly disappeared, and the clan went missing."

"Disappeared? But they weren't destroyed, right?" Yun asked, a note of worry in his voice.

"When I close my eyes, I can feel the pulse of the Blue Dragon," Kija stated, and both Yun and Yona sighed in profound relief.

"Ik-Soo said the other dragons move around. The Blue Dragon's clan must have moved somewhere. Kija is pointing east-northeast towards the Fire Tribe's land. I'd say there are six locations where the village might be. Those are the ones infrequently traveled and away from human eyes." Yun thought out loud, cupping his chin with both his thumb and index finger.

With their next destination roughly outlined, the group prepared for sleep. "Goodnight," Yona murmured, settling down by the fire. "Goodnight, everyone," Yun echoed. Hak, after a final, pointed glare at Kija, merely grunted in response.

"Goodnight? Out here!?" Kija complained, still uneasy about sleeping in the open wilderness.

Above them, nestled securely on a sturdy branch of a large, gnarled tree, Thalia had already made her bed. The ground below was still damp from recent rain, and the slightly elevated position offered better visibility and a dry, firm surface. She lay stretched out, her back against the rough bark, her cloak serving as a thin blanket.

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The forest's nocturnal symphony, a chorus of chirps, rustles, and distant howls, filled the night. Hours later, as the campfire dwindled to glowing embers, a sharp, ragged cough tore through the quiet air.

Thalia's eyes snapped open instantly, her body tensing. She lay still for a moment, listening, then a second cough, deeper and more painful, escaped her. She pressed a fist to her mouth, trying to stifle the sound, her breathing quickening.

A thin sheen of sweat coated her forehead, even in the cool night air. Her dream, a chaotic tapestry of dark, cold depths and the desperate, crushing sensation of being pulled under, had been abruptly shattered. She could still feel the phantom ache in her lungs, a memory of cold, biting water filling her airways.

She shifted carefully on the branch, trying to suppress another cough that threatened to erupt. Her movements were slow, precise, every muscle tense with the effort of remaining utterly silent, not wanting to disturb the others. She drew a shallow breath, battling the urge to cough again, the familiar, unwelcome tightness in her chest a cold knot.

The memory of the heavy chain around her ankle, the crushing weight of the water, and the chilling indifference of a face above the surface flashed through her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut, attempting to banish the vivid, lingering terror of drowning.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The next morning, the sun climbed high, casting long shadows across the camp. Yona, looking refreshed, turned to Kija, her brows furrowed in concern. "Kija, what happened to your beautiful face!?" she exclaimed, noting the dark circles under his eyes and his overall pallor.

He sighed dramatically, running a hand over his face. "I... I couldn't sleep at all last night. The wilderness is simply too... wild." He shivered slightly, remembering every rustle and unseen creature.

Then, his eyes, still wide with lingering anxiety, fixed on Thalia. "Thalia, are you... Weren't you feeling well last night? I thought I heard something."

Talia paused, a barely perceptible flicker of surprise in her eyes, quickly masked. She took a slow breath before replying, her voice even, "My throat was a bit sore. Nothing significant."

"That's probably because you don't drink enough water," Yun piped in, ever the pragmatic one. He immediately rummaged in his bag, pulling out a waterskin and offering it to her.

Thalia took it with a slight nod of acknowledgment, her fingers tightening around the cool, damp leather of the waterskin for a fleeting moment before she brought it to her lips. Hak, from where he was re-tying his boots, cast a sharp, knowing look in her direction, a silent question in his eyes that Thalia chose to ignore.

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The days that followed blurred into a relentless march. The group walked tirelessly, their quest for the Blue Dragon becoming the sole focus of their journey. Kija, relying on his dragon's pulse, led them deeper into the rugged terrain, his brow often furrowed in frustration.

Despite his claims of sensing the Blue Dragon, the specific location of the village remained elusive. He grew increasingly disheartened, muttering about his uselessness, his confidence from the initial encounter slowly eroding with each unfruitful turn.

The landscapes shifted around them from dense forests to rocky climbs, across shallow streams, and through valleys echoing with the calls of unseen birds. They pressed on, driven by Yona's unwavering resolve and Yun's meticulous map-reading. Hak remained their steadfast protector, his easy banter a stark contrast to the growing tension in Kija. Thalia, as always, was a silent, watchful presence, her keen eyes missing nothing, her movements economical and precise. She observed Kija's increasing frustration with quiet understanding, occasionally offering a pointed, succinct comment that sometimes helped, sometimes just made him grumble more.

Then, just as Kija was about to declare another day a failure, Yun suddenly let out a triumphant shout. "I got it!" His voice, usually composed, was laced with pure exhilaration, making the whole bunch turn his way, startled.

"Yun?" Thalia questioned, tilting her head slightly to the side, her usual impassivity momentarily replaced by genuine curiosity.

Yun looked back at his map, a wide grin stretching across his face. "The Blue Dragon's village! I missed it! I didn't think anyone would live there, but there is a place! It's right on the border, in those mountains!" He pointed ahead, in front of them, where the imposing peaks resided, their ancient forms silhouetted against the sky.

"The Blue Dragon lives here." Kija whispered, a flicker of awe and renewed hope in his eyes as he gazed at the distant mountains.

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Chapter Text

The five proceeded toward the village entrance, a narrow opening carved into the mountainside. Once they were inside, they began to look around. The place resembled a large, central lobby, situated near the entrance. In its center, a massive cave pillar was draped in curtains and decorated with fire lanterns, casting an orange glow.

As the group was about to take another step, masked figures emerged from behind the curtains, their faces completely obscured. They gathered around the troupe, forming a quiet, watchful circle, then parted to make way for an elderly man who seemed to be their elder.

"Do we have guests?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

"Bring the Blue Dragon here!" Kija demanded flatly, stepping forward.

"That's a bit too direct," Yun deadpanned, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Blue Dragon?" The elder repeated, a genuine look of confusion as he raised a bushy eyebrow. "No one by that name lives here."

"It's not a name," Kija explained patiently. "He is a man who possesses Dragon's blood. There is no need to hide him. Tell him this person is waiting for him," he finished, gesturing with his hand to Yona. The man's eyes turned to Yona, but he showed no visible reaction or recognition.

"I don't know what you're talking about," the elder stated calmly. "Perhaps you came to the wrong place. This is a small, simple settlement. We don't want a lot of commotion."

"I'm sorry," Yona apologized, stepping forward. "We were traveling, searching for someone, but it seems he isn't here. But we're exhausted from our long journey, and some are injured." Walking over to Hak, she gestured to his chest. Hak, understanding the cue, subtly exposed his bandaged chest.

"Do you think we could..." Yona began, her voice hesitant.

"Rest for a while?" Hak finished for her, his tone less polite.

The villagers turned to each other, their masked faces expressionless as they contemplated the request. "Your journey must have been difficult," the village elder finally stated. "As you can see, we're poor. We cannot offer you much." The elder's voice, though calm, held an edge of warning that hinted at unspoken expectations.

"That's fine. Thank you," Yona reassured him, her voice sincere.

The elder nodded and motioned for the group to follow him. As they walked through the winding corridors, Yona's curiosity got the better of her. "What are those masks?" she asked.

"They're traditional. We discourage unmarried villagers from showing their faces to outsiders," the elder responded.

"That's an interesting tradition," Yona commented, her tone thoughtful.

They soon reached a room that resembled the rest of the dwelling. It had an arched entrance covered by thick curtains, and the only light source in the hallways was the fire from torches.

"Ah, miss..." The elder called, stopping the group from entering the room. "This place is like a maze. Do not wander too much. We will not be held responsible for anything that happens to you." His voice was calm, yet its measured cadence and firm tone conveyed the gravity of his warning.

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Once they settled in the room, Yun couldn't shake his unease. "Is this really the Blue Dragon's village?" he thought out loud.

"Why do you ask that?" Yona asked, settling down beside him.

"The White Dragon's village was in awe of your red hair," the strawberry-blonde explained. "But these people didn't respond at all." Thalia nodded her head in silent agreement.

"The Blue Dragon is here!" Kija announced to the princess with conviction, ignoring Yun's concerns.

"Don't be silly. I don't doubt you, Kija," Yona said with a reassuring smile toward the Hakuryū.

"Y-yes, Princess," Kija stuttered, his cheeks flushing from her praise.

"Idiot," Hak muttered under his breath, repeating Yona's friendly insult to him from the day before.

"Did you call me an idiot?!" Kija snapped, his pride stung. He began swinging his arm, but Hak used his speed to dodge effortlessly.

Sighing, Yun got up to his feet. "Either way, we know the Blue Dragon is nearby. Until we meet him, we won't get anywhere. Let's go while there's no one around."

As they were about to leave, Thalia, who had been silently observing the entire time, stepped forward. "Before we go, tell me what special features to look out for. I have no clue about the dragons."

Kija froze, a look of utter shock on his face. He turned to her, eyes wide, before snapping. "What?! How could you not know?! It's common knowledge!"

Thalia simply raised a brow, her expression flat. "I'm not from around here originally."

Kija's jaw tightened, and he glared at Hak, pointing a finger at him accusingly. "It's because you haven't educated your sister, you brute!" he shouted, convinced it was Hak's fault.

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The next day, after a brief, tense exchange with the masked villagers about their intentions, the group was back in the twisting tunnels of the settlement.

"So, what's the plan?" Thalia asked, her voice calm and practical as she scanned the identical-looking corridors. "Finding one person in this maze without a guide will be difficult."

"Leave it to me!" Yun declared, puffing out his chest with an air of confidence. "I am a genius, remember? I'll make a map!"

Yun's initial confidence in his mapping skills quickly crumbled. Hours melted away as they navigated the twisting, identical corridors, each torch-lit passage leading only to more gloom or a dead end. 

The air grew heavy with their unspoken frustration, Yun's meticulous notes devolving into frantic scribbles as his shoulders slumped.

"This is impossible!" Yun finally yelled, throwing his makeshift map to the ground. "Every tunnel looks the same! I keep getting turned around!" He ran a hand through his hair, his face a mask of exasperation. 

Thalia calmly picked up the map and smoothed it out. She looked at Yun, her expression soft but firm. "I thought this might happen," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle. "We're at a disadvantage. We have no real information on the layout or the people. We can't expect a genius plan to work perfectly without enough data."

Kija, equally frustrated, rounded on Thalia. "How can you stay calm the whole time?" he burst out, his voice edged with agitation. "Why isn't he coming out? He must know I'm here. Can you explain that as well?"

"He probably heard your annoying voice and monologue about the great dragons, and that scared him off," Thalia countered, a slight smirk playing on her lips. 

Kija flinched visibly at her dry comment, his irritation momentarily overshadowed by a wounded expression. Hak, standing nearby, let out a low snort of amusement he barely bothered to conceal. 

Yona, seeing the tension, gently patted Kija's arm, and to Thalia's amusement, it seemed to calm him.

Yun suddenly began to feel a deep unease, his eyes darting around the cavernous space. Thalia's gaze met Hak's across the dimly lit room.

"I have a bad feeling about this place," Yun murmured.

"No kidding," Thalia sighed, her gaze sweeping over the shadowed walls.

"What?" Yona asked, noticing the shift in their demeanor.

"Someone's watching," Yun explained, his voice low as he continued to scan their surroundings.

"I do detect a strange presence." Hak agreed with Yun, his eyes narrowed as he, too, began scanning the area, his hand subtly resting on his glaive.

"We should go back," Thalia suggested, her eyes fixed on a specific section of the wall where the shadows seemed deepest. "Their silent vantage points are too effective we can't see them." 'I bet it's in those walls', she thought, her instincts screaming danger.

"Yeah." Nodding his head, Yun quickly placed his notebook and pen inside his bag. They started to retrace their steps, but the unsettling feeling only grew.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The return journey through the labyrinthine tunnels felt even more oppressive than their arrival. The air grew heavier, the silence more profound, broken only by the echo of their footsteps. 

Thalia kept her senses alert, eyes constantly sweeping the shadows, convinced that eyes were tracking their every move from unseen crevices in the stone.

Suddenly, they noticed one member of their group missing. Before anyone could react, Yona seemed to vanish around a sharp bend in the corridor.

"Princess!" Kija cried out, his voice sharp with alarm.

"Princess!" Hak's voice was a low growl of concern as he dashed after her, Thalia and Yun close behind him.

They rounded the bend to find Yona standing, luckily, without a scratch. But their attention was immediately seized by the figure standing over her. A young man, his face half-obscured by a mask with what looked like a long fringe of white fur, stood motionless. 

A heavy silence descended, broken only by Yona's soft murmurs of apology. The young man's gaze was fixed on her, then it flickered to the others, a brief flash of curiosity before settling on Kija.

The moment their eyes met, a shiver seemed to run through the man. His posture stiffened. Without a word, without a sound, he turned and fled, disappearing into the labyrinth of tunnels with startling speed, leaving behind only the eerie echo of his hasty retreat.

"Wait! That's the Blue Dragon!" Kija yelled, momentarily stunned by the Blue Dragon's abrupt flight. He instinctively reached out, but the figure was already gone.

Thalia watched the Blue Dragon disappear, her eyes narrowed. 

'He recoiled the moment he saw Kija,' she observed internally, a new piece of the puzzle clicking into place. 'Not from fear of us, but from Kija specifically. Why? The Dragon's blood must have a connection, but it's clearly not one of reverence or welcome here.' She turned to Kija, whose face was a mix of confusion and wounded pride. "Well," she stated dryly, "he clearly isn't as eager to meet a fellow dragon as you thought. "

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Chapter Text

After their tense encounter with the Blue Dragon, the group found themselves back in the secluded room given to them by the villagers. Yona, still a little shaky, began to recount what had happened.

"Someone grabbed me," Yona explained, her voice low. "From the shadows... they tried to pull me down, underground." A shiver ran through her. "But then... the Blue Dragon, he pulled me back. He saved me."

Kija's eyes immediately flashed with fury. His white dragon arm flared, growing larger and more menacing. "This guy tried to harm the Princess?!" he roared, his voice echoing in the small room. "He must want to feel my wrath!" He lunged forward, eager to confront the unseen assailant.

"White Snake, you are being childish." Hak's voice cut through Kija's outburst, deceptively calm but laced with a dark, dangerous aura. He had drawn his glaive, the sharp blade glinting ominously in the dim light, its point resting casually near Kija's extended arm, subtly blocking his path.

"Exactly," Thalia said, her tone dry as she watched the two. "You two aren't thinking at all. If you were to go on a killing spree with your fighting styles, you'd probably cause an earthquake. We'd all be stuck under here." She gestured around the stone room, emphasizing their precarious position.

"Thank you, someone who's thinking clearly!" Yun chimed in, sighing in relief and gesturing to Thalia.

"If you want to kill that guy, you should drag him outside first," Thalia added, her voice utterly devoid of emotion, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

"Thalia, no!" Yona shrieked.

"I don't know about this guy being the Blue Dragon," Yun began, sighing. "You sure he's the one, Kija?"

"Yes," Kija confirmed, his conviction unwavering despite the Blue Dragon's strange behavior.

"Then why'd he run away?" Yun pressed.

"Who knows... there's something strange going on in here. I can't put my finger on it..." Thalia mumbled, her gaze thoughtful as she considered the hidden passages and masked villagers.

"What really strikes me is that this village is the exact opposite of yours, Kija," Yun continued, turning his attention to the White Dragon. "Then again, maybe it's just our perception. It's possible that we were led astray. What if the White Dragon Warrior's village is the exception to the rule? There, we were surrounded by crimson-haired worshippers. But it's different here. The people here couldn't care less about the Princess's crimson hair! And, they don't idolize their warrior! Instead, they seem to loathe him and his power. Maybe that's why he doesn't want anything to do with us."

"Nonsense!" Kija yelled, his pride clearly wounded by the implication. "It's the Four Dragons' sworn duty to make their presence known when their master calls!"

"Not everyone can be as perfect as you," Yun replied, messing with his long hair.

"No, I guess not," Kija said with a small, pleased smile.

"That was sarcasm, you know," Yun said, quickly shutting Kija down, who immediately deflated.

"You're wrong. He didn't hesitate. He saved me, and I could feel kindness in his touch..." Yona said softly, rubbing her hand, a determined look in her eyes. "I want to see him again."

"You don't seriously want to go back into the caves, do you?" Yun questioned, his expression disbelieving.

"Yeah!" Yona exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with renewed resolve.

"Most folks would stay far away from this place after what you went through," Yun replied, a hint of awe in his voice. "You sure got guts, Princess Yona."

Yona giggled, pleased by the compliment.

"Well, let's go!" Yona exclaimed, standing up with newfound energy. "All we have to do is find that secret passageway, right? Shouldn't be too hard..." She smiled, her determination radiating, and started to walk towards the exit of their room. Kija, Thalia, and Yun followed after her.

But Hak stopped her, stepping in front of the door. "You should stay here, Princess," he said, his voice firm.

"But Hak..." Yona whined, genuinely disappointed.

"It's too dangerous. Thalia and I will find the Blue Dragon."

"What about me?" Kija asked, stepping forward, indignant. "I should go, not you!"

Hak raised a hand, conceding. "Alright, then I'll stay and protect the Princess. And you guys head back to the caves and try to find the secret passageway, and find the Blue Dragon."

"No." Yona stopped him, shaking her head. "I'm going along with Kija, Yun, and Thalia. You're staying here," she ordered, her tone surprisingly resolute. "Kija can sense the Blue Dragon, and Yun knows his way through the caves. Thalia can protect us if anything goes wrong. I'm sorry. But this might be my only chance! Maybe I can persuade him to join us!"

"Geez... you seriously want me to stay out here and on the lookout?" Hak asked, scratching his head, a defeated sigh escaping him. "I suppose I don't have any say in this..."

Hak then grabbed Yona's hand, pulling her closer to him. "You better come back without a scratch," he warned, his voice low and serious. "Otherwise, you're stuck with me for the rest of your life."

"Really..." Yona blushed, surprised by his words, then she pouted. "Now, that sounds annoying. I'll be extra careful now."

"Good! I don't want to be stuck with you either!" Hak retorted, a smirk returning to his face.

Thalia, who had been observing the entire exchange with a blank expression, slowly raised an eyebrow.

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They continued walking until they saw a dead end.

"What?! This is a dead-end! There's no secret passageway here!" Yun yelled, his frustration mounting once more.

"Yes, there is!" Yona insisted, confidently approaching the rock wall. She pressed down on it in various places, her fingers seeking something, until she found it. With a soft click and a low rumble, a hidden passageway slid open, revealing darkness beyond.

"Woah! You're right! It opened!" Yun exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise.

They all began to enter, but Kija hesitated, remaining rooted at the entrance.

"Hey, Kija. You coming?" Thalia asked, pausing just inside the newly revealed passage. Princess Yona and Yun turned around, looking back at him.

"Is there something wrong?" Princess Yona questioned, concern etched on her face.

"Uh... no. I can sense the Blue Dragon's location. He's straight ahead, so you three go in. I'll stay here and wait for you." Kija replied, avoiding eye contact.

'Ah, I see,' Thalia realized, a flicker of understanding crossing her features. His discomfort with dark, enclosed spaces, a known trait of his, was getting the better of him.

"What? But we need you!" Princess Yona protested, her voice pleading.

"We'll be fine, Princess! There's no need to worry!" Yun reassured her, puffing out his chest. "This pretty boy genius knows the way!"

"Take care of her," Kija said, his gaze fixed on Yona, a worried frown on his face.

"That will be easy," Thalia exclaimed, a rare, genuine spark of amusement in her eyes at Kija's predicament. She then began walking down the pitch-black passageway, her steps even and unhesitating.

The hallway was indeed pitch black, but Yun managed to find a lantern hanging on a hook, quickly lighting it. The bright lantern illuminated the caves, chasing away the oppressive darkness and making each and every part of the hallway visible.

They continued walking down the hallway, the light dancing around them, and eventually, it led to a small, circular room. Inside, the Blue Dragon stood, his golden eyes narrowed, already in a defensive stance, his sword half-drawn from its sheath.

'Does he think we're intruders?' Yona wondered, a small smile gracing her lips.

"We meet again," Yona said, her voice soft and friendly.

The Blue Dragon responded by drawing his sword fully, holding it ready, trying to intimidate the three of them with his formidable presence.

Thalia, without hesitation, immediately stood in front of Yun and Yona. She drew both of her katanas in a smooth, practiced motion, their steel glinting in the lantern light as she glared intently at the Blue Dragon, ready for confrontation.

"Thalia! Don't do that! We should get out of here while we still can, Princess!" Yun yelled, waving his hands around frantically, clearly unnerved by the immediate escalation.

"Yeash. Would you trust me, I've got everything under control," Thalia said, her voice calm and steady, despite the drawn blades.

"Pu-kyu!"

The unexpected sound of an animal caused Princess Yona to bend down, her attention immediately diverted. She spotted an adorable squirrel, its cheeks comically stuffed.

"Oh, hello, furry friend!" She exclaimed, picking up the tiny squirrel with gentle hands.

"That animal has way too much food crammed in his pudgy cheeks!" Yun yelled, momentarily distracted from the tension.

"So does this little guy have a name?" Princess Yona asked, looking up at the Blue Dragon.

After a moment of silence, the Blue Dragon's gaze softened almost imperceptibly as he looked at the squirrel. "Ao..." he replied, his voice a low mumble.

"Ah! I didn't expect him to answer!" Yun yelled, startled by the unexpected response.

" That doesn't suit him at all," Princess Yona smiled, gently stroking the squirrel's fur.

'Wait, I thought Ao means Blue?' Thalia thought, a tYou flicker of curiosity in her otherwise stoic expression, noting the irony.

"Okay! Let's not annoy the creepy man, Princess!" Yun said, waving his arms around frantically, trying to regain control of the situation.

"I'm Princess Yona," she said, ignoring Yun and addressing the Blue Dragon directly. "May I ask what your name is?"

"Blue... Dragon..." the unusual man replied, his voice hesitated.

"No. That can't possibly be your name. I mean, that's your title, but what's your name?" She asked, stepping a little closer.

The Blue Dragon looked down, his golden eyes shadowed by his fringe. "Don't have... one... I'm just... Blue Dragon..."

Yona, her compassion clear, took another step closer.

"Stay away!" He yelled, his voice cracking, and he almost attacked her, his sword raising dangerously.

"Princess!" ThaYou exclaimed, her grip tightening on her katanas, ready to intercept.

The man stopped, his hand shaking, his sword wavering. "Who are... You people?" He asked, his voice strained. "And why did you come to this village? No one has ever come near me but you... And your dragon friend."

"We're allies," she replied, her voice gentle despite the danger. "We've come to speak to you. Please, sir. I need you to lend me your power. Won't you come on this journey with me?" the princess asked, extending a hand towards him.

"You say... you need my power?" The Blue Dragon questioned, his eyes widening. He suddenly grabbed Princess Yona by her cloak, pulling her against the stone wall.

"Let go of her!" Thalia commanded, her voice turning sharp as she took a step forward, her katanas now fully poised for attack.

"I was told that those who seek the Blue Dragon's power are enemies!" He yelled, his voice filled with a desperate anguish.

His hand is shaking. Is he too scared to hurt Princess Yona? Thalia observed, her mind working even as her body tensed for a fight.

"I don't know you... But I feel as if I should. Why is my hand shaking like this? Leave! I thought you were the enemy, but you're no... so who are you?" He released Princess Yona abruptly, letting her go, and his sword clattered to the ground, falling from his trembling grasp.

"I'm sorry..." Yona apologized, rubbing her arm where he had held her. "It was never my intention to upset you like this. I've come here because my life is in grave danger, and I need the power of the Four Dragons to survive." She held out her hand again, this time an offer of peace. "Will you join me as my comrade?"

"I'm sorry. I can't." This was the Blue Dragon's answer, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm cursed."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Thalia asked skeptically, her hand releasing her katana's handle slightly, though her guard remained up.

"My power is dangerous. It's far too destructive to ever be used for good. It must be kept secret."

"What nonsense! Who told you that?" Yona questioned, her brow furrowed with disbelief.

"It's the truth."

"It's not true. It's what you've been telling yourself! Please come with us..." Yona looked down, her hope visibly wavering.

"Leave. Leave me."

"Let's go, Princess." Yun touched her shoulder, his voice gentle but firm, sensing the futility of the moment.

Together, the three of them turned around and walked towards the exit, the lantern light preceding them.

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"Um, Princess? Judging by the look on your face, you're not too happy." Yun smirked, glancing back at Yona.

"It must be miserable having to live like that." Yona pouted. "He didn't have anything! Not even a family! Why does this feel as if I'm abandoning someone important to me? I just met him! Why am I so worried about him?"

"Well, there is nothing we can do for him if he doesn't want us to. It would all be in vain. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that nothing helps, neither threats nor prayers, if a person doesn't want help. ...So really don't give it too much thought," Thalia tried to reason, her voice a low murmur, a rare attempt at solace.

They continued walking until they heard the voice of Kija echoing from the main lobby.

"Stay back! I am warning you!" Kija ordered, his voice strained and urgent.

"What's wrong?" Princess Yona asked, her head snapping up.

As Yona, Yun, and Thalia emerged from the hidden passage into the main lobby, they were met with a scene of escalating chaos. Kija stood his ground, his massive white dragon arm extended, forming a formidable barrier against a growing throng of masked villagers. Their initial murmurs had escalated into angry shouts, their stances aggressive.

"There they are!" one villager bellowed, pointing a furious finger at the returning trio. "We must fulfill our duty! Kill them!"

Kija immediately placed his regular arm in front of Princess Yona, shielding her protectively. "We'll protect you, Princess!" he declared, his voice firm despite the overwhelming numbers.

"What's with these guys?" Yun asked, his usual composure beginning to fray as he took in the hostile crowd.

"They want to kill us so the Blue Dragon Warrior's identity remains a secret," Kija answered, his eyes sharp as he faced the villagers.

"They want to kill us?" Thalia questioned, a hint of genuine disbelief in her tone. She surveyed the armed, masked figures. "Really, these guys?" Her tone suggested a low opinion of their combat prowess.

"Now that you've ventured into the Blue Dragon's lair, we cannot allow you to leave!" another villager yelled, drawing a crude sword.

"But why? Please tell me! Why do you insist on keeping his identity a secret?" Princess Yona implored, stepping forward slightly, trying to understand.

"I'm not sure, but they think that the Blue Dragon's power is a curse," Kija answered, looking at the charging group. "You should not be hiding him."

"Why, you..." A villager, enraged by Kija's words, charged at them, dagger glinting in his hand.

"I'm far too young and pretty to die!" Yun yelled, instinctively diving behind Thalia, who remained unmoving.

With fast, almost invisible hand gestures, Thalia moved. The charging man suddenly stumbled, his own momentum working against him, and he ended up lying flat on the ground, disarmed and disoriented.

"Hey, Yun. Did you pay attention? That was a picture-book example," Thalia merely scoffed, glancing back at him over her shoulder.

"You seriously expect me to learn in this kind of chaos?!" Yun yelled back at her, his face pale.

"I beg you! Tell me what the people of your village have against the Blue Dragon Warrior!" Princess Yona piped in, raising her voice to be heard over the rising clamor.

"It's none of your business!" a villager answered, his voice harsh.

A low, guttural rumble echoed throughout the cave, vibrating through the very ground.

"An earthquake!" Yun yelled, his eyes wide as cracks appeared on the ceiling.

Rocks began to fall, first small pebbles, then larger chunks, raining down from the ceiling. The villagers, caught off guard, did their best to evade them, but they were too slow. Many screamed as they were hit by the falling debris, and some managed to scramble to safety.

Yun and Thalia quickly leaned against the nearest sturdy wall, shielding their heads from the deluge, as Kija, with his massive dragon arm, covered Yona protectively. The rocks stacked up on top of each other, rapidly blocking the exit and separating them from Hak, trapping them deeper within the Blue Dragon's labyrinth.

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Chapter Text

"I-I'm sorry!" the villager who had first attacked stammered, now cowering.

"What's wrong?" Yun asked, still rattled.

"Anyone who looks into the Blue Dragon's eyes turns into stone!" another villager shrieked, fear overriding everything else.

'Stone? Really?' Thalia thought, a flicker of skepticism crossing her face. The concept seemed absurd, yet the villagers' terror was undeniably real.

"He's coming to kill us all!" a different villager yelled, pointing a trembling finger.

"The Blue Dragon was kind enough to save me!" Yona countered, stepping forward, her voice clear. "He doesn't seem like the type to kill without reason!"

As if in response, the Blue Dragon, who had been standing silently, closed his eyes and slowly picked up his discarded mask. He deliberately put it back on, obscuring his face once more, then picked up a villager's fallen ax. Without a word, he began hitting the wall of rubble, trying to break through the newly formed blockage.

'Is this his way of showing he means no harm?' Thalia mused internally, a faint, almost imperceptible nod of approval for his pragmatic approach.

"You jerk! Why didn't you just say you came here to help us escape!" Kija yelled, his initial anger quickly replaced by exasperated relief. "You're lucky I'm a forgiving soul, because I was getting ready to knock your block off!" The Blue Dragon ignored him and continued digging, a steady, rhythmic thud against the stone. "Wait a minute—what are you doing? You're digging in the wrong place."

"...It's faster to go this way," the Blue Dragon replied, his voice a low rumble from behind the mask.

'His communication skills really need work...But who am I to say that,' Thalia thought.

"Alright, let's get out of this mess!" Kija exclaimed, turning towards the blocked passage, ready to use his dragon arm.

"But you can't do it alone!" Yona stopped him, picking up a villager's abandoned pickaxe. "I'll dig too!"

"As Dragon Warriors, it is our duty to protect you!" Kija yelled, trying to dissuade her.

"Please let me help you!" Yona begged, her resolve unwavering. "I don't care about the duty! We're friends, and friends work together!"

"Yeah, and if we continue to just talk and don't work, we will die together as friends," Thalia said, her voice flat as she already began using her katanas to scrape at the rocks, their blades surprisingly effective at chipping away the loose debris.

Kija nodded, a sudden grin on his face. "Yes!" he agreed, lunging at the rubble with his transformed arm.

"If you want to get out of here, you'll need to start digging too. Get moving!" Yun ordered the unarmed villagers, who, after a moment of stunned hesitation, reluctantly began to help.

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Yona began to slow down, her initial burst of energy fading. She wasn't as fast at digging as she was before, and their progress had visibly diminished. She eventually collapsed from stress and overworking herself, but the Blue Dragon, seemingly anticipating it, caught her before she hit the ground.

"Are you alright?" Thalia asked, pausing her digging to observe.

"Please, sir. Would you take the princess to your living quarters?" Kija asked, his concern for Yona overriding his discomfort with the Blue Dragon. "I'm afraid the air in here is getting too thin for her."

"No, I'm fine..." Yona mumbled weakly, but the Blue Dragon gently picked her up, ignoring her protests.

"I said I'm fine!" Yona insisted, though her voice was barely a whisper.

"Princess, aren't you supposed to be taking a break?" Kija asked, looking at her with a worried frown.

"I'll be okay! I want to help!" she exclaimed in response, still trying to squirm.

'So she's that desperate to help,' Thalia noted, resuming her methodical digging. The girl's stubbornness was impressive, if not always practical.

Everyone continued to dig their way out, a desperate symphony of scraping rock and heavy breathing. The wall suddenly started shaking violently again.

'Is it another earthquake?' Thalia braced herself, but this time, the tremor was accompanied by a familiar, powerful thud.

Hak's glaive, wielding incredible force, cut through the wall, nearly hitting the Princess who was still in the Blue Dragon's arms.

"Princess!" Hak yelled, his voice raw with relief and concern as he burst through the opening. He immediately dropped his weapon and pulled Princess Yona into a fierce hug.

"Hak?" Yona blushed, surprised but clearly relieved.

"Took you long enough," Thalia said lightly, a rare, genuine jest in her voice as she watched the reunion.

The villagers, seeing a clear path to the outside, rushed past them, eager to reunite with their families.

"How did you know where to dig?" Yona asked Hak, once she'd recovered.

"I was able to force the villagers to talk," he replied, a grim set to his jaw that suggested his methods hadn't been gentle.

"The villagers aren't evil, they're just acting out of fear," Yun said, looking around at the now empty, dusty chamber. They all looked at the Blue Dragon, who was staring at their small group, still clutching his mask.

"Oh yeah, so what do you want to do with him?" Hak asked, glancing at the silent dragon.

"The only thing I can do... is convince him to join us!" Yona exclaimed, her eyes burning with renewed resolve. She looked at the Blue Dragon and called out, "Blue Dragon!" She ran towards him, closing the distance between them. "I'll ask one more time... will you come with us? We'd be honored to have you. Don't worry! I'm not scared of your eyes turning me to stone! That's just silly! If that were true, Ao would be a tiny statue! Look how attached the little guy is to you! The way you look after him... it proves that you're a good person." Yona held out her hand, open and inviting.

The Blue Dragon stared at her outstretched hand for a long moment, his golden eyes, now visible again, unreadable. Then, slowly, he reached out and took it.

"Princess, I think it's time to get going," Thalia said, her voice softer than usual, a subtle acknowledgement of the moment's significance.

"I hope we meet again someday!" Yona yelled towards the retreating villagers, her voice echoing through the newly opened passage as they prepared to leave.

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After leaving the Blue Dragon's village, Kija abruptly collapsed due to sheer exhaustion, a direct consequence of his tireless digging. He lay sprawled in the woods, his normally proud figure quite deflated. Yona, Thalia, Yun, and Hak crouched around him.

"He gets tired way too easily," Thalia mumbled with furrowed eyebrows, observing his prone form.

"Kija..." Yona murmured, watching over the White Dragon with worried eyes.

Hak, ever the jokester, threw a piece of white cloth dramatically over Kija's face as if to declare the white-haired male's death. "Rest in peace," he intoned. Both Thalia and Hak then clapped their hands twice and solemnly closed their eyes.

Kija immediately jolted upright, flailing his arms frantically. "I'm alive!" he protested, pushing the cloth away. Yona quickly calmed him down and gently convinced him to lay back down.

"I-I'm sorry. My body feels so heavy. The locations of the Four Dragons are fainter than ever," the white-haired male said, panting heavily.

"As if you were any help to begin with," Thalia commented dryly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Because of that, Yona slightly nudged her shoulder. "I'm just joking," Thalia replied, though her expression remained mostly unchanged.

"Luckily, we have another guy who can sense where the other dragons are," Yun said, looking pointedly at the new addition to their group.

All of them glanced to the side and looked at the Blue Dragon.

"Blue Dragon, do you know where the other dragons are?" Yona asked, her voice hopeful.

The Blue Dragon looked at them, his mask hiding whatever expression he had as Ao, the squirrel, chewed contentedly on the fur of his clothes. He remained silent.

"I don't even think he knows what the 'dragons' are," Thalia said, shrugging slightly. "Heh, well, now I kind of don't feel alone with not knowing anything on that topic."

Kija slowly got up, a frown on his face. "How lamentable..." He walked up to the masked man and took his hand in his, a wide, beatific smile adorning his face. "I understand. It's not your fault. No one had told you about them before. From now on, I shall teach you about the Four Dragons. You too, Thalia, you need teaching. You two may call me 'Brother'." After the last word left Kija's lips, the Blue Dragon, seemingly overwhelmed, turned and bolted.

"He's running away?!" Kija exclaimed, bewildered.

Hak shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe he didn't want to call you 'Brother'." He slung his arm around his sister's shoulders. "You don't seem to have the talent of being a great older brother." Hak simply said, teasing.

"Wait, I can just run away when that guy talks nonsense? I didn't know that was an option," Thalia said, a genuine flicker of curiosity and amusement crossing her face.

Kija fumed, his cheeks red with indignation, and immediately walked off to look for the masked male. Yona, Yun, Thalia, and Hak followed behind him.

They reached a nearby lake and found the Blue Dragon, standing at the edge, taking off the giant fur that was attached to the back of his mask. He then suddenly threw himself into the lake.

"He's drowning himself?!" Kija's lips parted in shock, and his eyes widened in horror.

Thalia watched, her expression unreadable. The sight of someone purposefully submerging themselves in water, even a lake, sent a cold ripple through her. Her usual calm facade tightened almost imperceptibly, a fleeting tension in her shoulders, but she merely observed, her eyes sharp, waiting to see if it was genuine distress or something else.

"What are you going to do, older brother snake? He's trying to drown himself," Hak teased the White Dragon, enjoying his panic.

Kija was indeed in a panic, pacing back and forth along the lake's edge. "It's my fault? Is it my fault?!"

Suddenly, the Blue Dragon's head emerged from the water, his hair slicked back. "B-Blue Dragon?" Kija stammered, relieved.

The wet young man walked towards Kija and held out a large fish he had caught. Kija stood there for a moment before gratefully taking the fish with a wide smile. "You want me to eat this and regain my strength?"

The Blue Dragon didn't reply, merely looking at him. "I appreciate it, but could you use words?" Kija prompted gently.

The wet man reattached the fur to his mask and crouched down, now shaking from the cold.

"Are you okay?" Yona asked, her voice soft with concern. The quiet Seiryu nodded.

"How did you know there was a river here?" Asked Thalia, her gaze keen. The Blue Dragon simply pointed towards his concealed eyes.

"Oh... Those eyes can see across great distances," Yun realized aloud. "Is it true that looking at your eyes will turn one into stone?" Yun's question made Thalia raise her eyebrow, a clear sign of her continued skepticism regarding the 'curse.'

The man shook his head, a slight tremor running through him from the cold.

"Really? Then why don't you take off your mask?" Yun pressed, emboldened. The Blue Dragon looked down, his silence a familiar barrier once more.

"Let's make a fire, warm ourselves, and eat that delicious-looking fish the Blue Dragon caught for us," Thalia said, her tone changing the subject with directness.

The group started a fire in a nearby clearing and settled down. Yun diligently finished cooking the fish, its savory aroma filling the air, while Thalia, Hak, and Yona watched.

"Miso hotpot, huh? Looks good," Hak commented as Yun prepared each serving, his stomach rumbling.

The redhead looked at the masked Dragon's clothes, which were hanging nearby to dry. "The Blue Dragon's clothes still aren't dry," she stated. Thalia nodded. "Yeah."

All of them turned to the silent male who was sitting across from them. He was wearing the fur that was usually attached to the back of his mask, and surprisingly, it was big enough to cover all parts of his body, making him look like a large, furry ball.

"What kind of monster is that?" Hak asked, a playful grin on his face.

"This group just keeps getting weirder," Yun sweat-dropped, rubbing his temples. Kija instantly got up, ready to defend his fellow dragon. "Don't say that! It's my fault that happened to the Blue Dragon. It must be very humiliating."

"Blue Dragon, you'd better hurry up," Yun advised, pointing. "Ao's eating everything." The tiny squirrel was indeed making short work of the communal fish.

In the meantime, Yona, noticing his shivers, asked the Blue Dragon if he was cold and offered him her own coat.

"...Th-Thank you, Yona."

Hak and Kija gasped simultaneously, their eyes wide with disbelief when they heard the Blue Dragon call the princess by her first name.

"H-He used her first name..." Kija stammered.

"Without hesitation either." Hak finished, the two speaking in pure, synchronized jealousy.

Yona, on the other hand, seemed genuinely happy that someone would call her by her given name. She smiled, then asked him what he would like to be called, hoping to give him a proper name. Unable to think of an answer, he simply curled up tighter inside his fur, dismissing the inquiry with his characteristic silence.

"He rolled into a ball," Yona stated, a slight frown of concern on her face.

"How about 'furball monster?' " Hak suggested with a mischievous grin.

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"Hey, Thalia?" Princess Yona said, her voice thoughtful. "I'm having trouble thinking of a name for the Blue Dragon. Have any ideas?"

"Hm... I don't really know that many names of this country," Thalia replied, her brow furrowed in consideration. "So I would advise for a name that describes his personality?" She paused. "Like... quiet... or something like that."

"Princess Yona, are you sure you're really a princess?!" Yun interrupted, clearly bewildered. "I thought they were supposed to be girly and scared of everything."

"Of course I'm a princess! The Blue Dragon just isn't a scary guy!" Yona retorted, a small pout on her lips.

"Oh... while we're on the topic... can I call you by your name?" Yun asked, his tone suddenly hesitant.

"Oh yeah, same here. Princess Yona is too long," Thalia added, a rare, almost playful note in her voice.

Yona giggled, seemingly unfazed. "You guys are adorable."

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Later, Yona came over to where Thalia was meticulously cleaning her katanas.

"Thalia!" Yona began, her voice bright. "I've decided on a name for the Blue Dragon! I'm going to call him Shin-Ah!" She beamed. "It means 'Moonlight'!"

Thalia paused her cleaning, looking up at Yona. "Thank you, Yonsha," she said, a faint, almost imperceptible curve to her lips. As she spoke, she idly picked up a small, polished bead and threaded it onto a cord on her waistband, a quiet, habitual gesture.

"Yonsha?" Yona repeated, tilting her head, a hint of confusion in her voice.

"It's something from my country," Thalia replied, her expression returning to its usual neutrality. "Don't worry about it."

'If Hak would just make his move on her, maybe then I could tell her,' Thalia thought to herself, the unspoken meaning of the nickname a private amusement.

Chapter Text

After days of walking and resting, the troupe finally reached their destination the vibrant port city of Awa. The vast expanse of the ocean stretched before them, shimmering under the sun.

"It's the port city," Yona sighed dreamily, her eyes wide with wonder. "Hak, is that the ocean? It's so beautiful, I've never seen it before." For Yona, Kija, Yun, and even Shin-Ah, who had all lived their lives in isolated villages, the sight of the boundless sea was breathtaking.

Thalia, however, felt a wave of emotion. A flicker of something akin to fear passed through her eyes, quickly masked by a familiar irritation. The salty air, the distant cries of gulls, the sheer, indifferent scale of the water—it all resonated with a deep, unwelcome memory. A faint, almost imperceptible shudder ran through her. The familiarity of such a place brought back a past she preferred to keep buried.

"It's the Earth Tribe's Awa Port," Hak said, his voice flat with disinterest. "I never thought I'd be back here." "Grandpa brought you here once, right?" Thalia asked. Hak nodded.

Yona curiously turned to the White Dragon. "Kija, is the Green Dragon here?" Kija, who seemed dizzy from the sheer energy of the city, began wobbling. "Well... he seems to be moving at a dizzying speed."

"I guess the dragons' powers aren't indefinite," Yun mumbled, gazing at Kija with concern. "At a certain point, they lose a lot of strength." He then cupped his chin between his thumb and index finger. "I'd like to look for the Green Dragon, but we're exhausted from our long journey. We should get more food, too." Despite Yun's practical concerns, Yona, Kija, and Shin-Ah were clearly excited at the prospect of exploring the bustling city.

"Okay, let's go to the port city!" Yona excitedly said, pumping the two dragons even more.

"We're not going!" Yun scolded with a scowl on his face. "We can't take you guys down there! Especially not the one in the mask!" Kija patted the back of a sulking Shin-Ah, who had retreated to a dark corner, feeling the sting of rejection.

"I'll go, then," Hak stated, stepping forward. "I remember how to get around the city." He noticed the subtle tension in Thalia's posture, the way her hand instinctively gripped the beads around her waist. He knew what that distant look in her eyes meant. "Thalia, you're coming with me." He decided, a quiet consideration in his tone, that for once, she needed a distraction, and perhaps some time alone, away from the group's constant demands and her own inner turmoil.

"I want to go, too," Yona said, walking up to the siblings, her determination unwavering.

"Princess, you've grown uglier lately," Hak said, bluntly, noticing the deep bags under her eyes and the weary slump of her shoulders.

"Hey!" A vein popped on the redhead's forehead, her initial indignation quickly surfacing.

"How dare you?!" Kija asked, pointing an accusing finger at Hak, affronted on Yona's behalf. He then looked down, a blush creeping up his neck as he stuttered, "The Princess is b-beautiful."

The Thunder Beast sighed as he looked at Yona. "You have bags under your eyes. Your hands are covered with cuts." He brought his hand to Yona's head and gently patted it. "You're pushing yourself too hard. You should get some rest."

"Just be careful. Don't start any trouble," Yun demanded, worry lacing his tone as he looked between Hak and Thalia. Thalia walked up to the handsome genius and handed him both of her katanas. "These things will draw attention, so I'll leave them with you," she stated, her face expressionless.

Yun nodded, taking the weight. Hak, seeing his sister's pragmatic move, grinned. He then unceremoniously threw his monstrous spear, the heavy glaive, to Yun as well. The sheer weight of Hak's weapon was too much for Yun to handle, and he let out a yelp as he fell backward, tumbling onto the ground.

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The moment they entered the lively city, the two siblings parted ways. Hak was in charge of getting the food supplies, while Thalia was responsible for bringing back some much-needed medical supplies for Yun.

As Thalia walked through the crowded market, the vibrant chaos of the port city seemed to wash over her. She observed the bustling stalls, the shouting vendors, and the endless stream of faces. Yet, despite the color and noise, she couldn't help but notice how many eyes seemed so utterly lifeless. 'Throughout the world, the same problems exist everywhere, just with different faces,' she thought with a frown, a familiar sense of bleakness settling over her.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a port officer, his uniform stained and his face gruff, suddenly stepped in front of her. He mumbled something about loitering, his eyes scanning her unfamiliar attire with suspicion. Thalia's gaze flickered around. The market was packed, a dense sea of people. She remembered Yun's stern warning about not causing trouble. A public brawl would be both messy and inefficient.

With a swift, almost imperceptible shift in her stance, Thalia dodged the officer's attempt to grab her arm. She broke into a controlled run, weaving through the throng of people with practiced ease. More officers, alerted by their colleague's shout, began to converge. Thalia led them on a chase, her steps precise, expertly navigating the narrow, winding alleys until she found what she was looking for a secluded, dead-end alleyway, just wide enough for a confrontation, but isolated from the main thoroughfare.

She stopped at the end, turning to face her pursuers as they stormed into the alley after her, their numbers growing. The faint glint in her eyes suggested a detached readiness, now that the collateral damage to innocent bystanders had been minimized.

Thalia surveyed the officers, their faces flushed with exertion and anger. Her voice, calm and even, cut through their heavy breathing. "I really don’t want to deal with any nonsense right now. I’m in a terrible mood, and if you’ve got any sense at all, you’ll turn around and walk away before I lose my patience."

The lead officer scoffed, pushing his chest out. "A woman should be obedient and know her place, especially to a city official. You'll come quietly, or we'll make you." His comrades snickered, closing in, their sexist remarks fuel to Thalia's already simmering irritation.

In a blur of motion, the officers lunged. Thalia moved like water, fluid and precise. One officer, swinging his sword wildly, suddenly found his arm twisting oddly, his hand going numb before he hit the ground with a grunt. His sword clattered beside him.

"How... how did that happen?!" another officer stammered, surprised at the sudden incapacitation of his comrade by an unarmed woman.

"Really, is that all you got?" Thalia's voice was low, as she met his bewildered gaze. "If you continue like this, you're all gonna drop like flies."

The next few officers charged, blades glinting, but Thalia was a whirlwind of controlled force. Each touch, a precise strike to a nerve point, sent an individual officer sprawling, their limbs betraying them.

"YOU DUMM—!" one officer yelled, lunging forward with a desperate swing, but his words were abruptly cut short. Thalia's hand had briefly flicked out, a swift, almost invisible motion. His neck and mouth went instantly numb, and he stumbled, wide-eyed and unable to speak.

Thalia leaned forward slightly, a hint of something cold in her eyes. "What was that?" she asked, her tone deceptively polite, as if genuinely awaiting an answer.

The enraged officer tried to roar, to articulate his fury, but only garbled sounds escaped his paralyzed mouth. He attempted to lunge again, despite his inability to speak. Thalia merely watched, then counted, "3... 2... 1." As she finished, the officer's legs gave out beneath him, and he dropped to the ground, utterly incapacitated by the delayed effect of her earlier nerve strike. Within moments, the entire squad lay scattered across the alley floor, groaning, confused, and utterly helpless, though otherwise unharmed.

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Unbeknownst to Thalia, high above, perched silently on a nearby rooftop, the Green Dragon, watched the entire spectacle unfold. He had just made his own swift escape from a group of pursuing officers with a strong man, having helped a woman they had encountered.

Jae-Ha's initial intention had been to gracefully leap down and offer assistance to the lone young woman cornered in the alley. But his eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise replacing his usual carefree smirk, as he witnessed Thalia's effortless display of skill. He saw no flashy swordplay, no brute force, just an almost elegant precision that dropped seasoned officers like sacks of grain.

'Well, now... that's quite a sight,' he mused, a soft chuckle escaping him. 'She certainly doesn't need any help from me. Perhaps there's more to this woman than meets the eye.' He remained hidden, intrigued, his curiosity piqued by the mysterious fighter who was so unlike the damsels he typically found himself drawn to, yet undeniably captivating.

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Thalia, with the officers temporarily incapacitated, didn't linger. She quickly ran from the alleyway, her mission to acquir supplies now thoroughly derailed.

A short time later, a small, makeshift camp lay nestled just outside the bustling port city. Yun was in the middle of a heated lecture, arms flailing, as Hak stood before him, looking remarkably unbothered.

"Hak! You went all the way into town and came back with absolutely nothing?!" Yun practically shrieked, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We needed food! Medical supplies! Anything!"

Hak shrugged, a half-hearted gesture. "Didn't find any good shops," he replied, his tone as smooth as ever, though the faint scuff marks on his clothes hinted at more than just a leisurely stroll and a brush with the law. "Guess the selection wasn't up to par."

Just then, Yun's eyes landed on Thalia, who had just emerged from the treeline, equally empty-handed. His eyes narrowed. "Thalia! What about you? Did you manage to bring anything back?"

Thalia met his gaze with her usual stoic expression, then slowly shook her head. "No."

Yun threw his hands up in exasperation. "Are you two kidding me?! What good are you out there if you can't even get basic supplies?!" His voice was a high-pitched whine of frustration.

Hak and Thalia exchanged a quick, knowing look. 'Really? You too?' they thought, a flicker of shared exasperation and wry amusement passing between them.

"It's no use sending you anymore. Tomorrow we're all going into the city," the handsome genius stated, his voice firm, having made up his mind.

"Hooray!" Yona excitedly cheered, since she'd finally get to look around Awa.

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The next morning, a mix of excitement and apprehension filled the air as the troupe headed towards the bustling port city of Awa. Most of them were eager to explore, but Thalia and Hak shared a quiet, underlying worry. Their previous, separate excursions had gained them unwanted attention from the Awa officials, a detail they'd managed to keep from the others, but one that weighed on their minds.

Before fully entering the city's lively streets, they made their way towards the ocean, the salty breeze carrying the scent of the sea.

"According to Kija and Shin-Ah, the Green Dragon's presence disappeared somewhere over there," Yun stated, pointing towards the vast expanse of water.

Hak suddenly stopped in his tracks, catching the group's attention. "I'm going on my own for a bit." The others exchanged confused looks, wondering why Hak would want to part ways now.

"I want to look at some weapons in the city. I'm the only one who knows what to look for," the Thunder Beast explained, a plausible but slightly too smooth excuse. He then unceremoniously shoved his monstrous spear at the White Dragon. "White Snake, hold on to this."

"What?! Why me?!" Kija demanded, clearly annoyed with Hak's usual lack of manners. The white-haired male didn't get his answer as Hak had already turned and swiftly made his way towards the city, disappearing into the morning crowd.

'Great, now how should I get away?' Thalia thought, already formulating a plan to discreetly slip away, knowing her own empty-handed return from yesterday would raise questions if she didn't come back with something.

Yun sighed as they resumed their trek towards the possible location of the Green Dragon. "The Thunder Beast is acting weird," he commented, shaking his head. "Right, Thalia? He's hiding something." The strawberry blonde turned to the stoic girl, a searching look in his eyes.

"What makes you think that?" Thalia asked, her voice betraying a slight nervousness. She truly hoped the sharp-witted genius wouldn't uncover the real reason for their empty-handed returns another scolding from Yun was the last thing she wanted.

"He's normally stuck to Yona like glue, but he went off on his own today," Yun tried to explain, his theory sounding perfectly logical.

"It just means he trusts all of you," Yona answered, her voice laced with innocent belief, completely missing the underlying tension.

"R-really?" Kija asked, flattered by the idea.

"Maybe he's meeting a woman," Yun stated, raising a finger as if suddenly enlightened.

"What?!" Yona asked, genuinely surprised, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks at the thought. Thalia, on the other hand, tried her hardest to stay stoic, but even the thought of Hak being interested in a different woman was so utterly unbelievable to her that a tiny, almost imperceptible twitch played at the corner of her lips.

"Ah, there it is," Kija said, cutting through the awkwardness. The group had arrived at the cliff's end. When they looked down, nestled in a hidden cove, they saw a large ship.

"That's a pirate ship," Yun muttered, surprised.

"What?" Yona asked, bewildered by the unexpected sight.

"At the very least, it isn't a merchant or government ship," Yun clarified, his eyes scanning the vessel. He then frowned, a new realization dawning on him. "Don't tell me he's in there."

At that very moment, both the White and Blue Dragon reacted, their heads snapping towards the ship.

"Huh?" Yun said, noticing their sudden change.

"What is it?" Thalia asked, sensing their immediate, strong response.

"His presence..." Kija started, his voice strained.

"...It disappeared," Shin-Ah finished, a quiet tremor in his voice, confirming the sudden, unsettling loss of the Green Dragon's aura.

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After leaving Hak's glaive and Shin-Ah behind at camp—the latter deemed too conspicuous with his mask and quiet demeanor—the rest of the group ventured into Awa town. Upon arrival, Thalia, ever the pragmatist, immediately suggested they split up. "It would be easier to find the Green Dragon if we cover more ground," she stated, her logic sound, if a little self-serving given her own previous run-in with the law.

And that's how she found herself perched on a rooftop, overlooking the bustling city and the vast, shimmering ocean. She ran her fingers over the beads tied to her waistband, a nervous habit.

Her original idea was to scan the crowds for anyone unusual, someone who might possess the unique aura of a Dragon Warrior. Yet, her concentration wavered. Her mind kept drifting, pulled by the familiar scent of salt and the endless horizon. The sight of the ocean always stirred a deep-seated unease within her, dredging up memories of a past she desperately wanted to escape. The pervasive, lifeless expressions on the faces of the townsfolk, coupled with the suffocating atmosphere of the port, only heightened her desire to leave this place as quickly as possible.

With a soft sigh, she chastised herself. 'Really, I should be looking out for the Green Dragon so we can leave from here as fast as possible.'

Just then, she heard and felt the distinct rush of wind from behind her.

"Well, what could be the reason for such a beautiful woman to sigh about?" a smooth, unfamiliar voice asked, rich with playful curiosity.

Thalia didn't flinch. Her head tilted barely an inch, her eyes, sharp and assessing, locking onto the stranger as he settled onto the rooftop beside her with impossible grace, his blue coat fluttering around him. He leaned back on his hands, a charming, easy smile on his face, as if he'd simply materialized from the sea breeze itself.

"Are you talking to me?" Thalia's voice was flat, devoid of any flirtation, a stark contrast to his. She didn't acknowledge his compliment, her focus remaining purely on his sudden, silent appearance.

Jae-Ha's smile widened, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Who else could I be addressing, little lady? You're the only one up here sighing so beautifully. Though, perhaps 'beautiful' isn't quite the right word. 'Intriguing' certainly fits." He shifted, subtly testing her reaction, his gaze lingering on the beads at her waist, noting her slight, almost imperceptible tension. "And what troubles could possibly plague such a mysterious and skilled individual, I wonder?"

Thalia narrowed her eyes, a flicker of irritation. His words were too casual, too knowing. "I don't know what you're talking about. And that's none of your business," she stated simply, turning her gaze back to the city below, clearly indicating the conversation was over.

Jae-Ha chuckled softly, undeterred. "Ah, a woman of few words. How refreshing. But surely, a charming gentleman such as myself could alleviate some of that... 'bad mood' you seem to be in?" His tone was light, but his eyes held a keen observation, referencing her earlier words to the officers.

Thalia narrowed her eyes, a flicker of irritation. His words were too casual, too knowing. 'I must be in a worse state than I thought if I didn't notice him yesterday,' she thought, the realization adding to her sour mood. She turned her head slightly to face him, her eyes holding a silent warning. "My mood is my business. And your presence is currently contributing to its decline."

Jae-Ha simply raised an eyebrow, a picture of relaxed confidence. "My, my. Such a chilly reception. Most women are quite delighted by my company. You're certainly a rare one." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the city below. "Though, I must admit, I was quite impressed with your little display down there yesterday. Quite efficient. It's not every day you see someone handle a full squad of officers with such... delicate precision." His smile never wavered, but his eyes held a deeper, almost challenging glint.

Thalia's expression remained unreadable, but the subtle tightening of her jaw was evident. He'd seen her in action, and his casual mentioning of it only amplified her irritation. She didn't respond to his provocation, instead pushing herself up from her cross-legged position.

"Tell me, lovely, what's your name?" Jae-Ha asked, his tone smooth as silk, as he effortlessly rose to his feet alongside her. "It's only fair, as I'm Jae-Ha."

Thalia ignored him completely. She took a step towards the edge of the rooftop, eyeing the street below with a detached air. Without a word, she slid down the sloped tiles, her movements fluid and silent. Landing lightly on a narrow ledge, she used a nearby stone monument as a springboard, launching herself with surprising power to the roof of the adjacent building. It was a practiced, almost acrobatic maneuver, meant to lose any ordinary pursuer.

Before she could even glance back, a faint whoosh of air was her only warning. Jae-Ha was already beside her, his blue coat a blur, his ever-present smile still in place. He landed with an ease that mirrored her own, making it clear she wouldn't be shaking him off so easily.

Thalia stopped, a muscle twitching in her jaw. She turned, her gaze piercing. "What is your deal?" she demanded, her patience clearly wearing thin.

Jae-Ha chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the bustling port. "My 'deal,' as you so charmingly put it, is simply to enjoy the fleeting moments of this life. And perhaps, to point out the obvious to those too busy scowling to notice." He gestured expansively towards the city. "This place, Awa, is run by a rather unsavory character named Kumiji. He's the de facto ruler, and his little 'officers' are just pawns in his games." He paused, his expression turning subtly more serious. "He deals in human trafficking, among other unpleasant things. The people here... they're trapped."

Before Thalia could fully process his words, a flicker crossed Jae-Ha's face. His smile faltered, and his eyes, usually so light and carefree, sharpened. He tilted his head slightly, as if listening to something only he could hear. "Ah, it seems my delightful conversation must be cut short." His gaze flickered towards a distant part of the city. He didn't mention a specific dragon. "It seems... something is about to get very interesting down there."

With a quick, almost imperceptible dip of his head that could have been a bow or simply a quick shift of balance, Jae-Ha vanished from her side. He didn't leap dramatically but seemed to simply, disappear as quickly and silently as he had arrived, leaving Thalia alone with the unsettling information.

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Thalia returned to the secluded camp outside Awa, the salt air still biting at her. The information the strange man had given her about Kumiji's human trafficking weighed heavily, a grim confirmation of the despair she'd sensed in the city. Just as she stepped into the clearing, the rest of the group converged on her, their faces a mixture of concern and excitement.

"Thalia, you're back!" Yun exclaimed, relief evident in his voice. "We found out some things about this city."

Thalia listened, her expression unreadable, letting them explain what she already knew. There was no need to reveal her rooftop encounter.

"But that's not all," Yun continued, his voice dropping slightly in wonder. "Remember the pirate ship? Apparently, they only attack Kumiji's ships."

At this, Thalia's stoic demeanor cracked, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. While the others continued to chatter, speculating about these unusual pirates, Thalia could only look out at the ocean, a new layer of suspicion added to her already complicated feelings about the sea. The idea of pirates who acted as protectors was an anomaly in her experience, one that demanded caution.

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Chapter Text

The next morning, the group prepared to venture into Awa once more. The decision had been made to go together, leaving Shin-Ah behind at camp due to his conspicuous mask, which would only draw unwanted attention. The air was filled with a cautious excitement among Yona, Kija, and Yun, but for Thalia, a heavy weariness clung to her. She hadn't slept a wink the previous night, nor the one before, the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves a constant, unwelcome reminder of her past.

As they entered the bustling city streets, Hak walked with an air of nonchalance. The others knew already that Hak had encountered trouble with an officer, but they were thankfully unaware of Thalia's own "delicate precision" in dealing with the law.

Thalia, however, had no intention of drawing further attention to the group. As Yun, Kija, and Yona became distracted by the vibrant market stalls and bustling port activity, she subtly began to detach herself. One moment she was part of the group, the next, a slight shift, a turn around a vendor's cart, and she had seamlessly slipped away, vanishing into the throng. Her goal was to conduct her own search for the Green Dragon, minimizing any risk of the entire group being dragged into another confrontation with the city's corrupt officials.

Thalia moved through the crowded streets, her senses acutely aware of her surroundings. Her search for the Green Dragon continued, her gaze sweeping over faces, searching for any hint of the unique aura Kija had described. She was so engrossed in her task that she almost missed the shadow that detached itself from the side of a building, moving with an impossible lightness.

"Well, fancy meeting you again, Miss Melancholy," a smooth, familiar voice purred.

Thalia froze, her head snapping towards the sound. Jae-Ha stood there, leaning casually against a merchant's stall, a charming, effortless smile on his face. He hadn't just found her; he'd clearly been waiting.

"My captain has been quite taken with my description of your... unique talents," he continued, pushing off the stall and walking towards her with an easy gait. "She'd be quite delighted if you'd consider lending those talents to our cause. We're always in need of capable hands, especially those that can make officers immobile without a single visible scratch." His smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "What do you say? Care to join the crew?"

Thalia's expression remained impassive, betraying no flicker of surprise at his direct offer. "No," she stated, her voice flat. "I don't plan on staying longer than necessary."

Jae-Ha's smile softened slightly as his gaze lingered on the faint shadows beneath her eyes. "My, my, those are quite the dark circles. If you don't have a place to rest, I always have a room in my bed for a pretty lady." He winked, though a subtle line of concern appeared between his brows.

Thalia merely turned, her back to him, and began to walk away, melding into the flow of people as effortlessly as she had before. She moved with a purpose, ignoring his last remark.

"Wait, now," Jae-Ha called, a laugh in his voice as he fell into step beside her, his movements almost impossibly silent. "A talent like yours would be wasted on simply passing through. Imagine the good you could do! You have the skill, the detachment to cut through the noise, a true pirate's heart, I'd wager." He continued to walk with her, effortlessly keeping pace, a persistent shadow. "You'd be a marvelous pirate. Think of the freedom, the thrill of righting wrongs your own way. What do you say?"

Thalia didn't even break stride. "Freedom is not something I gain by joining another's crew," she stated, her voice low and firm, meant to end the conversation. She quickened her pace, weaving more intricately through the crowds, hoping to lose him in the labyrinthine streets.

Jae-Ha, however, was as tenacious as he was agile. He easily matched her speed and evasive maneuvers, a faint, intrigued smile still on his lips. "Ah, but true freedom, my dear, is often found in shared purpose, not just in solitude. And a skilled hand such as yours could surely find a purpose worth fighting for here in Awa." He maintained his playful tone, but his eyes were sharp, observing her every subtle evasion.

"Or perhaps," he added, his voice dropping slightly, "you're afraid of being tied down? Even to something that truly matters?" He was trying to needle her, to find a crack in her resolve.

Thalia stopped abruptly, causing a few people behind her to jostle. She turned, her eyes narrowed. "I am afraid of nothing," she retorted, her voice sharper now. "And what 'matters' is for me to decide, not for some stranger to dictate." With that, she tried to duck into a narrow alleyway, hoping to finally shake him off.

Jae-Ha's smile remained, but his eyes were calculating. He knew he'd hit a nerve. He didn't follow her into the alley. Instead, he simply watched her go, a thoughtful expression replacing his usual flirtatious one. He'd tried the direct approach, the charming approach, and even a slight provocation. It seemed this woman would require a different strategy.

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Back on the main thoroughfare, Thalia had regrouped with Yona, Yun, and Kija. They continued their search, navigating the crowds.

"Any luck?" Yun asked, rubbing his chin. "This city is huge."

"Nothing yet," Thalia replied, her gaze still sweeping the rooftops and alleys, an unconscious habit picked up from her recent rooftop encounter.

Suddenly, Kija gasped, his body trembling with renewed vigor. "His presence! I feel it strongly! It's the Green Dragon!" Without another word, he bolted, pushing through the startled citizens, a single-minded determination on his face.

"Kija, wait!" Yona cried, trying to follow, while Yun sighed, knowing this meant another chaotic chase.

Just then, Hak casually sauntered up to the group, looking as unruffled as ever, despite his recent, and likely dramatic, escape from Jae-Ha. He glanced at the disappearing figure of Kija. "Looks like White Snake found his target. Hope he doesn't trip."

The four decided to go back and search for Kija. On their way, they heard cries. It was coming from the same store they had passed by earlier without Thalia.

Yona pursed her lips and went into the store, followed by Thalia, Yun, and Hak.

"Excuse me..." Yona started. A woman and a man were kneeling next to each other. The woman held a little boy and she looked down, her eyes seemed to be brimming over with tears.

"He won't move." The man said, talking about the kid. "This child was struck when he stood up to the Officials. And since then, he hasn't moved."

Yona had tears streaming down her face. Yun walked up to them and kneeled down in front of the woman. He held the child's wrist, checking for pulse. He shook his head, indicating the death of the little boy.

Yona took hold of Hak's sleeve. "Hak... How... How can we help those people?"

"Yona, we're powerless right now," Yun answered the redhead with a frown.

"I know, Yun. But I can't keep using my powerlessness as an excuse. If this town has been twisted since my father's reign, I must do something."

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The scene shifted. The vibrant chaos of Awa’s market faded into the quiet hum of a less-trafficked alleyway.

Hak stood before a weathered public notice board, a crudely drawn wanted poster of himself clutched in his hand. He gave a low, rumbling chuckle, then tore the paper in half with a decisive rip.

Beside him, Thalia held her own poster, equally monstrous in its inaccuracy. Her lips, usually a thin, neutral line, almost curved upward at the sheer absurdity of the drawing. She, too, tore her poster, though with less dramatic flair.

"Seriously," Hak commented, tossing the pieces aside. "Who drew these abominations? Looks like a drunk squirrel with a charcoal stick."

"More like a blind one," Thalia retorted, her tone dry. "Apparently, 'delicate precision' is difficult to capture."

Hak glanced at her. "...So, he tried to recruit you too, then?"

Thalia met his gaze. "He did. Claimed his captain was 'taken' with my talents."

"Really? That pervert has no shame," Hak scoffed, shaking his head.

Just as they turned to continue down the alley, a voice drifted from above them, impossibly close.

"Well, now, this is an interesting turn of events."

Jae-Ha dropped down from a nearby rooftop with his characteristic silent grace, landing as light as a feather. His eyes, sharp and intelligent, swept over Thalia and Hak, then settled on the torn pieces of the wanted posters on the ground. His charming smile faltered for a fraction of a second as he registered the easy camaraderie between them, the shared context of their conversations, and the striking resemblance in their composed, yet formidable, demeanors.

"It seems you two... already know each other," Jae-Ha mused, a new glint of intrigue, and perhaps a touch of unexpected surprise, entering his gaze. His eyes flickered between them, a playful curiosity blossoming. "How utterly fascinating. Might I inquire how two such intriguing individuals came to be acquainted? Are you... perhaps, traveling companions of a more intimate nature?"

Hak's eye twitched, and he immediately cut in, a dark aura briefly radiating from him. "Intimate nature? She's my sister, you pervert."

Thalia, without missing a beat, cast a sarcastic glance at Hak. "Why don't you give him our whole family tree while you're at it?" Her tone was flat, but the underlying jab at his usual bluntness was clear.

Jae-Ha's smile returned, wider now, a genuine amusement lighting his features. "Siblings! Well, isn't that a delightful surprise. Two formidable talents from the same nest. All the more reason to extend my humble invitation." He turned his full attention back to Hak. "My offer still stands, you know. Join our crew. You can even bring your master along—."

He then shifted his gaze to Thalia, his eyebrows rising in feigned wonder. "Though I am rather surprised. Do you also have a master, then, with skills comparable to yours?" His eyes twinkled, clearly implying his disbelief that someone as independent as Thalia would willingly follow anyone.

Thalia met his gaze, unblinking. "I do not have a master," she stated plainly, her voice leaving no room for argument. Her loyalty to Yona was that of a companion and friend, not a subordinate.

"And we're not interested," Hak chimed in, crossing his arms, a clear dismissal in his tone.

Jae-Ha's gaze lingered on Thalia for a moment, a thoughtful expression replacing his usual mirth. "Your master must be truly important to you," he mused, a hint of understanding in his voice as he looked at Hak, and perhaps a subtle challenge in his eyes as he looked back at Thalia.

Just then, a voice cut through the alley's quiet. "Hak! Thalia! Thanks for waiting!"

Yona appeared at the alley entrance. Her eyes, bright, immediately fell on Hak and Thalia. "Who are you?" she then asked, her gaze shifting to the unfamiliar figure of Jae-Ha.

The moment Yona's voice reached him, Jae-Ha's eyes widened. A tremor ran through his body, and his charming smile dissolved into an expression of utter shock and, strangely, reverence. Without a sound, his knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground, kneeling before Yona as if compelled by an invisible force. His breathing hitched, strained.

"Are you alright?" Yona asked, her voice filled with immediate concern. She rushed forward, placing a hand gently on his forehead, checking for a fever. "You look pale. Do you have a fever?" Her innocent compassion shone through. "Are you... the Green Dragon?" she then asked directly, remembering Kija's earlier words about sensing his presence.

Jae-Ha tried to speak, to deny it, but his throat seemed to seize. A strangled sound escaped him. "N-no..."

Suddenly, Kija burst into the alley, having finally caught up. His eyes, fixed on Jae-Ha, glowed with recognition. "That's him! That's the Green Dragon!"

Hak, seeing Jae-Ha's pathetic state and Kija's enthusiastic declaration, moved quickly. He scooped Jae-Ha into a rough headlock, squeezing playfully. "Not the Green Dragon, huh?"

Jae-Ha, his face turning slightly purple from the headlock, finally managed to force out the words, his voice strained and utterly devoid of his usual charm, "I... I am... the Green Dragon..."

Hak finally released Jae-Ha from his headlock, letting the Green Dragon stagger back, rubbing his neck. "So you're the Green Dragon," Hak stated, his eyes narrowed, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "And I wanted nothing more to do with you..."

From Hak's words, Yona quickly connected the dots. The man before her was the notorious wanted man, the one who kicked officials. "Oh, are you the wanted man?" Yona's smile remained on her lips, bright and innocent. "After Hak told me about you, I wanted to meet you. I'm glad you're the Green Dragon. I'm Yona. What's your name?"

Jae-Ha frowned slightly, clearly displeased at being found out, but he tried his best to return Yona's radiant smile. "Nice to meet you. My name is Jae-Ha. I sincerely didn't want to meet you, miss."

"You knew I would come?" Yona asked curiously, tilting her head.

"I wasn't expecting such a cute girl, but I had been sensing the presence of the White and Blue Dragons lately." Jae-Ha smirked, his usual playful demeanor returning. "If they brought their master with them, I'd planned to tell them this: 'I have no intention of serving you. Please leave.'" Kija and Yun pursed their lips in irritation, and Hak clicked his tongue, while Yona simply wore a blank expression, digesting his words. "I'm not the master of the White or Blue Dragons. I've asked them to lend me their strengths. I came because I'd like yours, as well."

Jae-Ha's smiled softly at Yona, a flicker of genuine appreciation in his eyes for her directness. "I enjoy having 'cute girls' depend on me, but I'm sorry. Unlike the White Dragon, I don't wish to live and die for King Hiryū. I will choose whom I wish to protect, and I will choose where I die, as well." He then spread his arms, a gesture encompassing the vastness around them. "I appreciate freedom. You can see beautiful things, you're free to do whatever you like."

"Oh, he said no," Thalia interjected, already turning to leave, her exasperation clear. "Oh well, we tried everything. Let's go find the Yellow one." But her older brother quickly pulled at her arm, stopping her from abandoning the conversation.

"I understand. I will give up on you," Yona said to the now grinning Green Dragon, her voice calm despite the disappointment. "I'm only asking for a favor, not issuing a command."

Jae-Ha gazed curiously at the princess, rubbing his neck, which was still aching from Hak's death grip. "You're just going to withdraw?"

Yona smiled sadly. "After such a clear rejection, it would be disgraceful to act unreasonably." Puffing her cheeks with a slight pout, Yona continued. "Actually, I'm really disappointed! I wonder why it's so difficult for me to leave the dragons, once I meet them."

Jae-Ha chuckled, genuinely amused by the younger girl's honesty. "I'm disappointed, too. It's been a long time since I met such cute girls." He said, looking pointedly at both Thalia and Yona. "Besides," he added, taking a step closer to the two siblings, who warily backed away from him, "I had intended to recruit them..."

Hak snarled at the pervert, pushing Thalia slightly behind him. "It's disgraceful to act unreasonably," he said, quoting Yona's earlier words with a mocking tone.

Yona looked up at the taller male, her eyes widening slightly. "You mean Hak and Thalia?"

Thalia explained flatly, gesturing towards Jae-Ha. "His captain wants us for our strengths."

Yona's eyes widened, a flicker of renewed determination in their depths. "Oh! Then I want to meet the captain!"

Jae-Ha, who had been listening with an amused smirk, raised an eyebrow at Yona's unexpected declaration. "Why are you giving us them both?" he asked, a hint of playful disbelief in his voice. He was, of course, referring to Hak, whom he'd been trying to recruit, and Thalia, whose unique skills had equally piqued his interest.

Yona shook her head, a small smile touching her lips. "No. You're fighting against Lord Yan Kumji of Awa, aren't you?"

"So what if we are?" The green-haired young man answered Yona's question with another one, his smirk unwavering.

Looking down at the floor, the red-haired princess gritted her teeth. "I saw a child killed by an Official. I still quiver with rage when I think about it. At the Official, Yan Kumji, and at my own inability to act."

She looked back up at Jae-Ha, determination visible in her purple colored eyes. "I don't want to see any more children killed unjustly."

Jae-Ha looked pensive for a while and then sighed. "Miss, your request for my help aside, if you're willing to bring Thalia dear and Hak, I will take you to see my Captain. Come to our ship tomorrow." He said before turning and walking away, leaving the group to consider his offer.

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Back at their secluded camp, the aroma of a meal being prepared mingled with the fresh scent of pine. Yun, chopping a radish with vigorous, almost angry precision on a makeshift cutting board, turned to Yona with a scowl. "Don't surprise me like that!" he scolded, his voice sharp. "I can't believe you suddenly said you wanted to meet pirates."

Yona giggled timidly, as she alongside Shin-Ah and Kija, watched Yun and Thalia prepare their dinner. "I'm sorry for not discussing it with you first," Yona apologized, though a determined glint remained in her eyes. "I just really want to meet their Captain."

"What are you going to do if they get violent?" the strawberry-blond boy asked, his frown deepening with worry.

"If you're scared, you can stay here," Thalia interjected, her voice flat, not looking up from where she stirred their cooking pot.

Yun bristled instantly. "Don't mock me! I'm going with you!" he declared, looking pointedly at both Thalia and Yona.

"I shall join you, as well," Kija stated, stepping forward to stand beside his master. Shin-Ah nodded silently, his masked face conveying his agreement to join too.

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Chapter Text

"I'm Yona. Are you the Captain?" The red-haired princess asked the imposing woman in front of her. It was the next morning, and Yona, having agreed to meet Jae-Ha's captain, stood on the deck of a pirate ship.

Thalia and all the group members had accompanied the princess, a testament to Yona's insistence on meeting the captain and helping the pirates take down Yan Kumji.

The dark grey-haired older woman nodded, her eyes sharp as she inspected the group of six. "I'm Captain Gi-Gan. Jae-Ha told me about you. He said you want to help us."

Yona smiled, confirming her intentions, while Thalia stood silently next to her, her gaze sweeping over the ship and its crew. The unfamiliar environment, the scent of salt and old wood, made her subtly tense.

The pirates of Awa were standing behind their Captain, a motley but determined-looking bunch. Smiles and blushes were plastered on their faces. "They're girls," and "They're cute," were the undeniable thoughts running through their heads as they eyed Yona and Thalia.

Captain Gi-Gan walked up to Shin-Ah, stopping right in front of him. "What's with the mask?" she asked, her voice gruff but direct.

"..." Shin-Ah stayed quiet as usual, his head slightly bowed.

The Captain was clearly getting impatient. "Take it off!" She suddenly reached out and removed the Blue Dragon's mask. Shin-Ah instantly brought his hands to cover his face, turning around and crouching low to avoid having his eyes seen. "Show me your face!" Gi-Gan demanded, trying to pry his hands away.

"He's incredibly shy!" Yun explained, stepping forward slightly.

Captain Gi-Gan gave up on seeing Shin-Ah's face, a sigh escaping her lips, and went back to stand by her crew. "Above all else, I value trust. Who would ask help from someone they don't trust?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over the troupe, a challenge in her eyes.

"But you need fighters, don't you, Captain?" Hak interjected, a playful smirk on his lips as he stepped forward.

Gi-Gan returned his smirk, a glint in her eye. "If you can beat all these guys, you pass," she said, gesturing to her crew. The pirates immediately gathered around the group, a sea of eager faces. Yun quickly led Yona away from the impending skirmish so they wouldn't get involved, while Thalia, Hak, Shin-Ah, and Kija stood back to back, ready.

"Step back, girly, or you'll get hurt," a pirate smugly said, his gaze fixed on Thalia.

"I'll be fine. Worry about yourself," Thalia retorted, her eyebrow twitching in annoyance.

"Captain, don't you think these numbers are too unfair?" one of the pirates asked, looking hesitantly at the formidable group.

Hak looked back at his sister, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Yeah, you're right... This is too many, right?" Thalia, Kija, and Shin-Ah all nodded. "Yeah."

"I can do this on my own," Hak, and Kija declared almost at the same time, their voices radiating an undeniable confidence. Shin-Ah stood firm, his quiet presence adding to their collective resolve. The sheer self-assurance was palpable from the four of them.

"Let me see you try!" one of the men shouted angrily, sprinting forward to attack, followed by the rest of the crew.

Minutes later, the deck was a chaotic scene of groaning pirates. All of the ship's crew were lying flat on the ground, badly defeated, some still twitching, others completely unconscious.

The two Dragons, Kija and Shin-Ah, along with the powerful siblings, Thalia and Hak, stood proudly amidst the fallen, looking over at the genuinely shocked Captain Gi-Gan.

"I bet you want us now, Captain Gi-Gan," Hak said, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he surveyed the defeated pirate crew strewn across the deck.

The dark grey-haired woman, Captain Gi-Gan, was momentarily dumbfounded. Her eyes, which had initially been sharp with skepticism, now held a grudging awe. She closed them, taking a slow puff from her pipe. They were strong, she realized, even though they had clearly held back to avoid severely injuring or killing her men.

"Captain, their strength is extraordinary," Jae-Ha stated, standing near the edge of the ship, having apparently materialized there without anyone noticing. "I already told you about Hak and Thalia the other night. Plus those two," he gestured to Kija and Shin-Ah, "it would be like having four of me."

"I've never been so insulted in my entire life," Thalia mumbled under her breath, referring to Jae-Ha's comparison. Hak heard her and let out a soft chuckle.

"You pass." Sighing, Captain Gi-Gan opened her eyes and gave her reluctant approval.

Yona and Yun smiled in celebration, a wave of relief washing over them. But Gi-Gan quickly walked over to them, her expression stern. "Don't relax yet, kids." The older woman pointed her smoke pipe at Yun. "What can you do?"

"I don't like violence, so I don't fight," Yun declared, holding up his hands. A slight smirk touched his lips as he then puffed out his chest. "Aside from fighting, I can do anything. Cooking, sewing, hunting, and treating the wounded. With the right ingredients, I can even make explosives. Also, I'm a handsome young man."

"I see," Gi-Gan said, a hint of surprise in her eyes at the boy's range of skills, though her expression quickly hardened as she turned her head to Yona. "What about you?"

"Ah..." Yona stuttered, looking down, clearly at a loss for words.

The Captain narrowed her eyes at the red-haired princess. "What can you do?"

"...I can." Yona trailed off, trying desperately to come up with an answer, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"You can't do anything," Gi-Gan stated flatly, her voice devoid of malice, but firm with practical assessment. "Those who can't do anything will only slow us down. Plenty of people in this town hate Kumji. But if they lack the strength, they'll die by standing against him. There's nothing you can do, girl. Leave." 

It wasn't anything personal. As the pragmatic leader of the pirates, Gi-Gan looked for people who could benefit her team without creating any liabilities. Yona's apparent lack of skills was not helping her case.

Yona frowned and looked down at the wooden floor, the weight of Captain Gi-Gan's words settling on her. Hak looked upset and was about to protest, but Kija, beat him to it. "Without her, we will not work—"

"Kija, it's alright," Yona interrupted him gently. "Captain Gi-Gan is right. But... I have my reasons for not backing down!"

Captain Gi-Gan's stern expression softened slightly, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. She seemed to like the unexpected determination Yona was showing. "Very well. You'll do a job to prove to me that you're useful and worthy of my trust. A life-threatening job."

"A life-threatening job?" Yona repeated, her eyes widening slightly.

Most of the crew members who were lying down after their defeat were now slowly standing up, wincing and groaning. "Right now, you're useless baggage," Gi-Gan said to Yona, her tone blunt. "But if you insist on fighting Kumji with us, you must demonstrate your resolve."

The red-haired princess nodded, her gaze firm. "I understand. What do I have to do?"

"Pick me up some Senjuso," the Captain demanded. Thalia, who was leaning against the edge of the ship, observed the crew members' faces pale at their Captain's words.

"Captain, isn't that—" One of the pirates began to protest, but Gi-Gan immediately turned her head, shooting him a glare that silenced him instantly. "Don't interrupt me. You could never do it."

"What's Senjuso?" Yun, ever curious, asked.

The pirate Captain turned her attention back to Yona and Yun. "It's a valuable medicinal herb that grows only on the Mist-Shrouded Cape... A cure-all that greatly accelerates the healing of wounds and illnesses," she explained.

"A medicinal herb?!" Yun's bright blue eyes sparkled, envisioning the potent concoctions he could create.

Gi-Gan nodded. "With the Senjuso, my injured men will recover quickly. In our upcoming battle, we will have great need for it." She cleared her throat and continued explaining the daunting task to Yona. "The man I usually send to pick it up is currently injured. If you'll do it in his place, I'll accept you."

"Fine," the redhead agreed without hesitation.

"Oh, I forgot to mention..." Gi-Gan started, leaning closer to Yona, a sly smirk on her face. "The Senjuso grows in the middle of a sheer cliff. You'll go alone, without anyone's help."

Thalia, Kija, Hak, and Yun all flinched, the danger of the task sinking in. "Huh?" they exclaimed in unison.

"That was already my intention," Yona calmly stated, her resolve unwavering.

Yun, however, still tried to shake some sense into the princess. "Yona, this is crazy!"

"Yun, please. This is my job," Yona exclaimed, her voice firm.

"Good attitude," Gi-Gan complimented with a smirk, clearly impressed. She then turned to the green dragon. "Jae-Ha, show her the way."

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Jae-Ha brought Yona to the Mist-Shrouded Cape, its sheer, unforgiving cliffs rising from the tumultuous sea. He pointed out the almost invisible patch of Senjuso clinging precariously to the rock face, then left her to begin her perilous ascent alone, as per Captain Gi-Gan's conditions.

Back on the ship, the others waited with a tense anticipation. Thalia, who had been quietly observing the horizon, suddenly felt a shift in the air. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the distant clouds gather, her senses, sharpened by a lifetime around the elements, picking up on a subtle change in the wind. "That's not good," she murmured, almost to herself.

Yun, ever attentive, heard her. "What do you mean?" he asked, a crease forming in his brow.

Captain Gi-Gan, who had also noticed the shift, took a long drag from her pipe, her expression grim. "A storm is picking up. If the girl doesn't hurry, she might get swept up by the waves."

At Gi-Gan's words, Hak immediately surged to his feet, his composure shattering. His eyes, usually so calm, now burned with fierce worry for Yona. "Show me the way," he demanded, his voice low and urgent.

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Yun and Kija's faces paled at the sight of the dangerous cliff that now looked even more menacing under the darkening sky. "I told you it was a sheer cliff," Captain Gi-Gan calmly stated, seemingly unfazed. Kija looked like he was about to faint, his hand pressed to his chest.

"Yeah, but it's too steep!" Yun argued, pointing frantically at the cliff face. "This is crazy! The waves are choppy. The wind would blow Yona away!"

Kija couldn't take it anymore and decided he had to help the princess. "I shall go rescue her!" He was about to rush off, but Gi-Gan's words stopped him dead in his tracks. "Wait! That girl accepted this job to earn my trust. Are you willing to crush her resolve beneath your feet?"

"But if something happened to her..." Kija argued, torn between loyalty and concern.

"Yona is a girl!" Yun blurted out, instantly regretting it as he remembered Thalia was a girl, and certainly not weak.

The Captain narrowed her eyes at the strawberry-blond. "Sometimes, women must fight, too. You should know. Don't underestimate us." Yun pursed his lips and didn't look up, chastened.

Kija, still restless with worry, looked at Hak, hoping to get some support from the bodyguard. "Hak, are you all right with this?!" The ex-general kept quiet, his gaze fixed on the turbulent sea, his silence a testament to his own internal struggle.

Shin-Ah, who stood next to Thalia, gently patted her shoulder. She looked up at him, and the Blue Dragon pointed right ahead. When Thalia followed his gaze, she saw Yona coming their way, a distant, tiny figure, with Jae-Ha closely following her, his usual effortless grace visible even from afar. "Yonsha," she breathed, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.

"Yona!" Yun shouted, sprinting forward to embrace the red-haired princess as she stepped onto the ground.

"Sorry for making you worry," Yona apologized, smiling genuinely. Gi-Gan interrupted the intimate moment, though, her voice cutting through the reunion. "Where is the Senjuso?"

"Here." Yona pulled away from the hug and brought out a small, wet bag that contained the precious herb, while Yun wiped the tears of joy that had formed in the corner of his eyes.

The Captain observed the plant, a flicker of surprise and respect in her eyes, then gave the redhead a firm nod. "So it is. Then, as promised, you—"

"No." Yona interrupted Gi-Gan, looking down, her voice soft but firm. "Jae-Ha helped me." She admitted, looking up at the Green Dragon, who looked genuinely surprised, as he thought she'd keep it a secret just like he told her to. "A sudden wave caught me out to sea, and he saved me. I couldn't do it alone."

"Then you're giving up?" Asked Gi-Gan, her expression unreadable.

"No!" Yona exclaimed, looking up at the Captain with burning determination in her purple eyes. "I'm going to get it myself this time."

Gi-Gan, who looked shocked for a moment, suddenly started laughing out loud, a booming sound that echoed across the deck. "If Jae-Ha had a girl tossed into the sea to die, I would have thrown him into the sea myself!" Jae-Ha seemed to enjoy his Captain's words, crossing his arms over his chest with a smug grin.

Captain Gi-Gan got closer to Yona and lifted up her chin, examining her face closely. "Your eyes are red. You must have cried a lot."

"I just got salt water in my eyes!" The redhead lied, blushing in embarrassment, trying to deflect.

The Captain's lips curved into a smirk. "Your hands are covered in cuts. Your legs are shaking. You've got guts. Someone like you would never betray their friends." The older woman let go of Yona and turned around. "I don't mind idiots like you. Climb aboard." Raising her fist up, Gi-Gan walked off back to the ship, the implication clear.

Yona, who looked momentarily puzzled by the abrupt acceptance, was approached by Jae-Ha who placed his hand on top of her head. "You pass, Yona dear." Yona almost cried out of joy, but the pirate crew cheering for her stopped the tears, replacing them with a surge of warmth.

"All right!" the crew shouted, gathering closer to the redhead to congratulate her, shaking her hand with boisterous enthusiasm.

Hak was visibly relieved now that Yona was alive and well. He sighed, placing his palm on the side of his face, a silent acknowledgment of the worry he'd just endured.

"So that's the kind of expression she puts on your face," Jae-Ha said, sidling up to Hak and closely watching his reaction. The Thunder Beast glared at the green-haired male, placing his hands on his hips.

"Look who's talking. You look ten years older," Hak teased back. Jae-Ha immediately got a mirror out of his pocket and began inspecting his face with exaggerated concern. "Huh? That's not good!"

"She was so determined to keep going, I thought I'd lose years off my life," the pirate explained, still staring at his reflection.

"You're really interested in her," Hak commented, a subtle note of being bothered in his voice. Jae-Ha shrugged his shoulders and looked at the happy-looking Yona, then his gaze drifted to a slightly frowning, shorter girl who walked away from the commotion, retreating. "I'm always interested in girls."

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"I must say, I've yet to see a smile grace your lips. Does it simply not happen, or do you reserve it for special occasions?" The pirate said with a smug smirk. 

Thalia turned her head, her eyes meeting his with a hint of dry amusement. "I smile," she stated, her voice devoid of inflection. "When you're not around to annoy me."

Jae-Ha gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest as if mortally wounded. "Oh, the cruelty! To think my charming presence could bring such a beautiful face to frown so consistently." He shook his head, feigning a deep sadness, though his eyes twinkled mischievously. 

"Well, perhaps you would at least grace me with your name? 'Miss Melancholy' is fitting, but it feels terribly informal for someone as... memorable as you. And 'Thalia' is quite an unusual name, isn't it? I haven't heard it often."

"It's just my name," Thalia said, her tone unbothered. "Unlike you, I don't feel the need for it to be a performance."

Jae-Ha's theatrical gasp dissolved into a genuine, amused chuckle. "Point taken," he conceded, a bright smile returning to his face. "Though I daresay, my performances are rather captivating. Perhaps you just haven't had the pleasure of a truly long one yet." He straightened up, his eyes twinkling.

"So, 'Thalia' it is. A name that certainly holds its own weight. Now, since you're so adept at cutting through the unnecessary, perhaps you'd tell me what exactly makes you and the Thunder Beast here so invaluable to the young princess?"

Thalia's gaze sharpened, her slight frown deepening. "You're still hung up on that huh?"

"Just because we're helping her doesn't mean she's our 'master'," she stated, a distinct edge entering her voice. "You seem to equate assistance with servitude. It's a rather narrow way of looking at relationships, wouldn't you say? If you live your life like this, don't you feel suppressed, Mister Freedom?" Her voice held a pointed challenge.

Jae-Ha's smile wavered, and his eyes, for a rare moment, lost their playful spark. The direct hit on his philosophy of freedom struck a nerve. 

He paused, looking out at the endless expanse of the ocean. 

"Suppressed?" he repeated, his voice quieter than before, almost thoughtful. "Perhaps. Freedom, true freedom, is a difficult thing to grasp, even for one who claims to live by its very breath. One can be free from chains, yet still be bound by the expectations of others, or even by one's own desires." 

He turned back to her, a hint of genuine vulnerability in his gaze, before his usual smirk began to creep back. "But a life without occasional theatrics, my dear Thalia, now that would truly be suppressed, wouldn't it?"

Thalia's eyes lingered on his for a moment, a flicker of something unidentifiable in their depths. She considered his words, a rare pause in her usual dismissiveness. "Perhaps," she conceded, her voice a low murmur. She even let out a small, almost inaudible sigh. "But I choose my battles. And arguing philosophy with a pervert on a pirate ship isn't one of them." With a subtle shift in her weight, she turned and walked away, melting into the background as effortlessly as she had appeared.

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Later that evening, the pirate crew, with their all-new additions, settled down for dinner. The mess hall was loud with the boisterous chatter of the pirates. Thalia, surprisingly, took a moment to teach Yun a seafood soup recipe, a dish she seemed to know by heart, the scent of the simmering broth filling the air.

Just as the last servings were being scooped out, Thalia quietly slipped from the dining room. Her steps were light as she made her way out onto the deck. She wasn't looking for Yona directly, but for a quiet, elevated spot. Her eyes landed on the thick railing that ran along the top deck, a perfect perch.

With an almost imperceptible leap, she settled herself there, legs crossed, a silent observer. From her vantage point, she could hear faint voices drifting up from below: Yona's earnest tones and Captain Gi-Gan's gruff replies. This was a habit of hers, a skill honed over years of observing and learning, especially languages, by listening unnoticed to conversations.

A soft thud beside her broke her concentration. Jae-Ha had appeared, leaning casually against the railing just a few feet away, his arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face.

"One shouldn't eavesdrop, you know," he purred, his voice low and teasing.

Thalia didn't even glance at him, her attention still subtly focused on the voices below. "You're doing it yourself," she retorted, her tone flat. "Don't criticize me for being 'noisy' when you're just as guilty."

Thalia, now perched comfortably on the railing once more, continued to listen to the hushed conversation between Yona and Captain Gi-Gan below.

"Once this battle is over, I want to disband my pirate crew so they can return to living normal lives," Gi-Gan's gruff voice drifted up.

"Really?" Yona replied, her tone filled with surprise.

"There is just one problem," Gi-Gan returned, a note of resignation in her voice.

"A problem?" Yona asked, curiosity evident.

"Jae-Ha. This ship is his home. Because he is different, he feels most comfortable here." Gi-Gan's words were heavy with concern.

There, Thalia had to slap her hand in front of her mouth to stop herself from laughing aloud. She could almost picture Jae-Ha being described as a "problem child." 'But grandpa would probably talk the same way about me too', she thought, a rare, fleeting moment of self-amusement.

Jae-Ha's head snapped subtly in Thalia's direction, his sharp ears catching the suppressed sound. He put a hand to his heart, feigning immense hurt. "Oh, my delicate constitution!" he whispered dramatically, just loud enough for her. "I do believe I heard a most uncharitable sound from my stern companion. Are you perhaps... laughing at me, Thalia dear? While my own Captain discusses my deepest, most intimate... problems?" He leaned back against the railing, his eyes fixed on her, challenging her to explain.

"Once the pirates disband, will Jae-Ha be alone?" Yona asked, a note of worry in her voice.

"Would you take him with you?" Gi-Gan asked in return, her gaze piercing.

"I'd like to, but he doesn't want to go with me," Yona stated, a hint of sadness in her tone.

"Maybe he's not ready to leave the nest," Gi-Gan said, a chuckle escaping her.

"That's not true, Captain," Jae-Ha interjected, his voice carrying clearly from his perch beside Thalia, though his gaze was firmly on the princess below. "I like being alone. Once the pirates are gone, I'll simply do as I please. What good will joining the other Dragons do?" He paused, then his eyes flickered to Thalia, a charming glint in them. "Now, if it were Thalia here... I might consider it. She seems far more interesting company for an extended journey." He then directed his words back to Yona, a teasing note in his voice. "Oh, but I'm not interested in looking after a child. I'll join you once you're a little older."

"You're so mean, Jae-Ha! Just like Hak!" Yona exclaimed, her face twisting into a pout as she turned and walked away from the captain.

With a fluid movement, Thalia pushed off the railing, landing softly on the deck without a sound. She began to walk towards where Yona had disappeared. As she passed Jae-Ha, she delivered her parting shot, her voice a low, even murmur.

"So childish. Mister Freedom." Her voice was flat, devoid of real emotion as she followed Yona.

Thalia, having left Jae-Ha on deck, quickly found Yona. But her attention was soon drawn to Shin-Ah, who stood a little apart, his head tilted slightly, as if seeing something no one else could see.

"Shin-Ah, what's wrong?" Thalia asked the masked male, her voice hushed.

"...Boats are gathering in the harbor," the Blue Dragon replied, his voice soft but clear.

Captain Gi-Gan, and Jae-Ha, who had evidently followed Thalia, heard him and quickly gathered closer.

"How many?" Captain Gi-Gan demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"...Seven," Shin-Ah replied, his words sending a jolt through Jae-Ha.

"Seven ships?!" Jae-Ha exclaimed, his usual nonchalance replaced by genuine shock.

"People with weapons are riding the ship," Shin-Ah added, his gaze fixed on the unseen distant vessels.

The Captain smirked, a fierce glint in her eyes. "Is Kumji trying to intimidate us? Interesting." Jae-Ha, now mirroring her smirk, nodded. "He's finally making his move."

Yona looked at the two pirates quizzically, her brow furrowed. "What's going on?" she asked.

"The battle is finally starting," Gi-Gan answered, her voice firm. "Gather the men." She instructed Jae-Ha, and he complied, his long legs carrying him swiftly. Yona gazed at the sea, a serious expression plastered on her face, the reality of the coming conflict settling in.

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