(A/N: Here's chapter 13! Enjoy!

Kadzuki Kurokami: Have you not seen Naruto? What was the entire point of that show? If Naruko were take revenge, then she would just be neglecting everything she learned about the cycle of hatred and revenge. Or have you been reading too many Dark!Naruto fanfics, and taking them as canon? Don't confuse fanon with canon!

Xenovial: Thank you for enjoying the fluff!

And thanks to everyone who has favorited, followed, and reviewed the story thus far! Cookies for everyone!)

The White Dragon

A free kiss.

Yona silently observed Hak, her expression stoically blank. He's been staring at that homemade coupon for awhile now. If the wording on the coupon didn't suggest something so relatively undoubtedly intimate, she would have laughed at how comical he looked.

Hak was staring at the coupon, wide-eyed and frozen. His mouth opened and closed several times as he tried to comprehend if his eyes were playing tricks on him. His cheeks were deeply flushed. It was obvious he was completely appalled, embarrassed, and flustered. He looked like a stunned, gaping fish. Overall, he looked rather… cute.

Truthfully, that "free kiss" coupon wasn't supposed to be there. She never intended to include it. But… After Hak kissed her, she's been agonizing over the reason why. Why? Why would he do something like that? Was it a joke?

This might be pretty crude of her, but this was a test for both him and herself. She always told herself she would confront Hak about that kiss eventually one day. But when would that "one day" come? She only told herself that because she was too scared of the answer, so she falsely assured herself. She was scared of being rejected. Scared of having her hopes up. Scared of having her feelings being played. She knows Hak would never hurt her like that (despite his constant teasing, he was a good guy). However, that's what she thought about Sasuke, and look at what happened. There was nothing worthwhile about her after all. She doesn't want to go through that again! She doesn't know if she can take it!

If Hak chooses never to use the coupon, then that was fine with her. It would just prove the point that the kiss was just an impulsive mistake. They were tired. They were stressed. A lot has happened these past couple of weeks- ever since they were forced to flee the Crimson Dragon Castle. Maybe it was merely relief and comfort. Or he was simply lost in the moment, and forgot himself. Either way, she could forget it ever happened because- in the end- it wasn't a big deal.

If Hak chooses to use the coupon, then she would question him first- just to discern his motive. If he was just being a pervert, then while- she would be obligated to kiss him- he better damn well be prepared to lose his manhood later. But she wouldn't be surprised, if that were the case. Perhaps it was her insecurities and doubts that were making her think this way.

But just look at her! She was a broken mess on the inside. She was filled with baggage that anyone would have a hard time dealing with. This was the same reincarnated girl who was ostracized, feared, and hated from a very young age, which crippled her emotionally. The same reincarnated girl who grew up experiencing the horrors of pain, loss, and death. So many she lost count. This was the same reincarnated girl whose last memories- before death- consisted of a war to decide the fate of the entire world at the mere age of sixteen! She wasn't worth it. Naruko wasn't worth it at all!

However… However… If it was more than just a simple trick... If it was more than just a simple kiss… How would she respond then? She was at loss at that. If there was some deeper meaning to the kiss, how should she respond? Just thinking about it made her scared. More scared than she has ever been. She has never dealt with this… unfamiliar territory. It wasn't like learning a new jutsu, or defeating an enemy. It was… It was…

She swallowed down a lump. What was love? How does it operate? Love was poisonous. Love leads to vulnerability, and vulnerability leads to death or worse. It could easily break a person, leaving them just an empty shell of their former self.

Sakura is a prime example of this. Granted, her former pink-haired teammate was she still alive- she believed. Sakura has spent years- since the earlier days of their Academy- pining after Sasuke. Even when he abandoned them and eventually became an international criminal, she still obsesses and cries over him like a heartbroken puppy (not that Naruko was much different), hoping one day that he would return to the Leaf Village- return to her. Her last confession- right before Naruko and Sasuke- heavily indicated she still hasn't given up on her dream of being Sasuke Uchiha's wife. Her love for him was destroying her, but she was willing to deal with the pain as long as Sasuke came to his senses, and came back to her.

Naruko didn't know whether to admire that strength, or to chide it for foolish wishful thinking. But not like Naruko was any better. The only difference was that she didn't chase after Sasuke for love, but to have her dear friend back.

Yona doesn't have the strength for that. She doesn't know if she was willing to risk that pain and heartache. Not again. She was… She was...

She was scared. So scared.

A pregnant and awkward silence ensues. Neither one is saying anything. Neither one knows what to say. It was a waiting game, seeing who would be the first to speak up and disrupt this nerve-wracking, uncomfortable silence.

"Uh, Princess?" Hak was the first to break the silence, his voice filled with confusion and uncertainty. He held up that specific coupon in her face. "What is this?"

Yona was somewhat impressed at the way Hak was able to steel his emotions as he asked her that. The only indication to his embarrassment was the tiny speck of pink dusting his cheeks.

"What do you suppose it is, Hak?" she countered, playing innocent.

Blue eyes stared at her incredulously. "This!" he emphasized, waving the paper in her face.

Hak wondered what the princess was up to. Her expression remained controlled and neutral. There was no expression of nervousness, embarrassment, or fluster. Not even mischief or excitement. Her face was totally blank- emotionless.

Yona opened her and finally replied with a bright smile, "That's a coupon book, Hak! Think of them as free discounts!"

He rose a perplexed brow. "Discounts? For what?"

"Yes, dattebayo!" She took the coupon book from him. "You see these words on the coupon?" She did a quick flip of the pages of the makeshift book, and when she saw him nod, she continued, "These are requests I would do for you. Like this one right here."

A free feeding.

"This is a discount whenever you want me to feed you," she explained. She rose a brow at the dust of pink decorating her bodyguard's features. What was going on in his head now?

A free "no sass me" for a day.

"This one is rather strenuous, but doable. It's instructions say that I won't insult you for an entire day, no matter what."

The red-haired princess frowned at the mischievous smirk on the dark-haired man's face. She already knew he had an evil scheme conjured up in his mind. He was gonna to use that coupon to torment her- she just knows it. Now she was going to regret giving him that coupon.

She inwardly sighed. Guess, it would be a good psychological test to see how far and for how long she could control her emotions and keep her cool. "Ninjas must learn how to control their emotions, otherwise a shinobi ruled by emotions would most likely jeopardize a mission." That was one of the Shinobi Rules taught at the Academy. At that time, she found it be a ridiculous and very stupid rule. Now, it was still pretty stupid, but rather necessary. A person ruled by their emotions are easy to manipulate.

A free costume fantasy comes to life.

"This one," she continued, "is rather interesting. I would dress up and as anything or anyone you can think up for the night. Maid, bunny girl, your servant, you name it and I would do it."

"Are you serious?" Hak searched her face for any sign of doubt.

A vigorous nod is what he got in return. "Dead serious, dattebayo! And don't worry, I- unless stated (i.e. read the fine print)- would my word. To the bitter end!" she declared dramatically. "Oh- and before I forget- each discount can only be used once, Hak, and you can only use one per day. So choose wisely."

There was a moment of silence as Hak took the time to process his "gifts". He was strangely quiet, flipping through his coupon book. He saw the corner of his lips quirk up a bit as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Where do you come up with this stuff?" she heard him mutter with a strong hint of amusement.

The dark-haired man's cobalt blues gazed at her with an unreadable expression. The princess strongly resisted the urge to let out a squeak because it would be undignified, embarrassing, and uneasy. That look! That was the exact same look Hak had on his face right before… right before he kissed her! What was going inside his head? Was he planning to use that "free kiss" discount?

She did her best to calm the frantic beating of her heart. She had prepared for herself for Hak to one day use that coupon, she didn't think he'd use it so soon! What should she do? Should she advise against it? No, she can't do that. It was Hak's decision. All she can do is oblige.

She could hear her bodyguard's footsteps approaching her, and- with each step- her anxiety rose. The blood in her veins were pumping. That weird feeling was fluttering inside her chest again. Along with feeling pleasantly elated, came a helping heap of anxiety and unease.

The red-haired princess felt a forefinger and thumb on her chin, and her head was lifted up- violet orbs met blue ones. As soon as she gazed into his eyes, she was under his spell. There was something about the way his eyes looked- his eyes looked at her- that left her rooted to the ground. The same look. The powerful sense of yearning. Eyes that looked at her like she was special. She was his whole world!

It was the first time- in this life or her past one- that a man had looked at her with such eyes!

She was scared! So scared!

Why?

Because! Why? How? How can he look at her like that? What does it mean?! She doesn't… She doesn't know what it means!

Naruko was overly familiar with people looking at her with hatred, malice, scorn, sadness, and pity. Even respect and admiration. But this…! This was completely different. So different because she was in an alien territory that it left her very, very scared. Unable to handle it because she doesn't know how!

Much to her surprise and- why did she feel disappointed as well?- instead of feeling soft, feathey lips on her lips, she felt a soft, inviting peck on her forehead.

The kiss only lasted only a second or two before Hak released her.

"There," he said, "I did something I like."

"Huh, dattebayo?" she said dumbly. Yona was obviously still dazed and confused. In responde, a coupon was held up in her face, but not one she expected.

A free "do whatever I like without getting any complaints".

"Oh," she said lamely, grabbing it. But why did she feel so cheated and disappointed? She ripped the coupon to shreds. Hak cashed it in, so it was useless now.

In all honesty, Hak was testing Yona. Was she really serious? And if so, how serious? Or was she joking?

As he leaned in closer by the second, he was waiting for her to resist. He was expecting it. Expecting her to slap or turn her head. Something along those lines.

He carefully watched. Every shift of her eye. Every twitch of her muscle. He carefully watched all of it.

The dark haired man made his "intentions" deliberate, blatantly aiming for her lips. Still, the princess did not move. She stayed rooted to the ground. He could decipher the anticipation shining behind her eyes. Almost like she was expecting it! That- in itself- was stunningly surprising to him.

Was she…? Was the princess waiting for him to kiss her?

When Hak was centimeters away from her lips, he saw something flash- a flash of emotion in Yona's violet eyes. It was only a split second, but he swore he saw it. Saw something that made his heart constrict in pain.

He never noticed it last time, but now he does. Or was it because it was more clearer now? Whatever the case was- all he knew was that the princess did not like being kissed- that didn't stop the twisting of his heart.

She was afraid.

Yona was afraid.

There. He got his answer. She doesn't want it. Just like he thought.

He redirected from her lips and claimed her forehead instead.

Yona's hand reached out, and her fingers grazed along the bracelet on his arm. "Don't take this off! Okay, Hak?" A small, genuine, brilliant smile graced her lips. Hak willed himself not to erupt like a volcano. She could make him weak-kneed so effortlessly. "It's a good luck charm. No matter what, it'll always protect you." She held up the tiny gem between her fingers. "This matches your eyes, Hak!" she exclaimed. "You have pretty eyes!" She beamed at her, and could have sworn he saw her glow. The essence of the sun radiating off the red-haired princess.

His heart throbbed. He couldn't take it anymore!

This was too much! Just too much! She was killing him!

He ran an exasperated hand through his hair. His lips curled into a faint smile, and his cheeks turned a dusty pink. "You're too cruel, Princess. You're just too cruel. You know… With all these… I'll get too greedy."

Yona took that compliment. "You may be my servant, Hak, but you're my friend. Don't forget that. I wanted to do something nice for you. I want my friends to be happy. To me, you're irreplaceable, Hak, dattebayo!"

Hak's blue eyes shot towards Yona's violet ones, and her heart skipped a beat. He shot her that same look of deep yearning, longing desire. "You know, Princess, nothing would make me happier than seeing you happy."

Yona froze, completely speechless and shell-shocked. Her heart stopped. She was left breathless. The butterflies in her stomach exploded. The blood in her veins were all rushing to her face.

"G-Goodnight, Hak, dattebayo!" she blurted out, almost sputtering.

Yona hurried back in her tent- avoiding Hak's expression- and buried herself in her sheets. She was thankful that Yoon was still asleep. She didn't know what she would've done, if he was awake.

How could Hak do that? How could he create a dent in her walls so easily? A wall she has spent years building up? With just a few words? Most importantly, why was she so easily affected?

Her emotions were going haywire, overpowering her. She was crying. She was crying, and she couldn't stop! She was so overwhelmed!

Why? Why did that make her so happy? Why did Hak saying that make her so happy?

Those words… Just those few words was enough to move her to this degree. It was the first time a man had spoken such gentle, caring, and passionate words to her. It was the first time a man has even openly considered her happiness or outright said they wanted to see her happy.

It made her so happy!

Her heart felt like it was about to explode!

She hasn't felt such happiness in a very long time!

It was frightening at how susceptible she could be! How simple, sweet words could reduce her to this self-conscious state? Such unknown feelings…!

Truly terrifying. A gratifying yet terrifying emotion.

Why would Hak say something that would make Yona so happy yet so scared?

Why?

"I know I hurt you in the past, but I promise to spend the rest of my life making you the happiest woman in the world."

Yona didn't have time to dwell on an unfamiliar memory of the past as she was too emotionally exhausted and just let the darkness overtake her.

The next morning, the group began preparing the necessities for breakfast. Yona did her best not to let what happened last night show how much it affected her. She tried to act natural- how she always before what happened last night.

However, there was just one problem.

Hak.

There was something bothering her dark-haired bodyguard. He seemed kinda hurt and sad. At first glance, she couldn't tell. He acted like his usual self. He joked. He teased. He snarked. There was nothing out of the ordinary with him. Except- when she got close to him- there was a certain tightness of his jaw and tension in his shoulders.

If it wasn't for Yona's sensory abilities, she'd be unaware of Hak's pain. He was very happy. That much she was sure of. The twinge of hurt she felt from him was a very, very tiny speck. He wasn't like that yesterday.

Did he become like that after what happened between them last night? If so, what did she do wrong? Was it something she did or didn't do? She wanted to ask him, but- every time she gets too close to him- her heartbeats increased in pace, her face would heat up, and she would get so nervous, she could hardly speak.

Look at her! She was a grown woman! Practically over twice the age she is physically, and over a decade older than Hak. This was Naruko, who was considered the World's Strongest Kunoichi in her previous life! She could face down enemies bigger, crazier, and more fiercer than her with a determined vigor. She fought in a war for crying out loud!

But now…!

Now! Here she was! Being reduced to a pile of happiness and nerves. She was so self-conscious around her dark-haired bodyguard, and she couldn't understand why. She was acting like a little schoolgirl rather than a grown woman! She was acting like Sakura back in their Genin days!

For fuck's sakes, she really needed to control these emotions.

Yona eyed Yoon and Hak as the boys worked on their task. While she was gathering firewood, Yoon was busy preparing for breakfast (after finding out last night's food was the last of her rations) and Hak was searching for said breakfast. She watched as Hak grabbed her bow and shot down a bird with an arrow.

As the- now dead- bird was descending towards the ground, her violet eyes widened in an "uh-oh!" manner as soon as she spotted a certain tag wrapped around the arrow.

"Hak!" the red haired princess yelled with much urgency and panic in her voice. "Stay right where you are, dattebayo! Don't move any closer!"

"Huh?" Hak shot her a questioning gaze, and so did Yoon. Before he could ask her why-

Boom!

-a loud explosion rang throughout the area.

Hak and Yoon were left jaw-dropped and stunned silenced. Yona whistled innocently while nonchalantly trying to sneak away.

Well, there goes having meat for breakfast.

"What kind of princess are you?!"

The Crimson Fire Brigade were currently making their way up the mountain. Hak had coincidentally fired off one of her arrows that had an explosive tag attached to it. She had attached tags on several arrows in the case if she ever missed, the explosion would take out the enemy. And- not to worry- the tag only goes off once the arrow is fired. It's perfectly harmless stationary.

Yona was on the receiving end of one of Yoon's angry rants. And boy was he angry! That exploding arrow must have really shaken him up.

Hak was no better. She could feel his accustary glare burning holes at the back of her head. He vehemently didn't like the thought of her messing around with something as highly dangerous as bombs. She shrugged. Overprotective bodyguard. He would just have to get used to it.

Though she inwardly smiled. At least his aura didn't permeate hurt and sadness anymore. She was glad about that.

"Exploding arrows, Princess?!" Yoon screeched. "I'm really beginning to wonder if you really are a princess!" He was really starting to question if this was truly the daughter of King Il and not some imposter. Beneath the cheerful and energetic appearance, laid a terrifying monster. He was starting to have doubts of whether or not he made the right decision in joining her team. One thing or sure, he doesn't want to get on the princess's bad side, and he'd pity anyone who does. How could someone who lived in the castle for the majority of their lives be this scary?

"Well, I am, Yoon," Yona retorted calmly. "And before you lecture me, think of it this way… Rather than having a princess wearing a frilly pink kimono shouting 'I'm a pretty pink princess!', wouldn't you rather have a badass princess who knows how to make explosive arrows and fight with knives and swords? By the way, Hak, teach me, dattebayo." She directed that last one to her bodyguard.

"No," Hak deadpanned.

"Why?" she pouted. She halted in her tracks, causing her bodyguard to halt as well.

Yoon rolled his light blue eyes. He walked away, not wanting to stick around for another lovers' quarrel. "Catch up to me when you're done fighting, idiot couple."

"Then I'm going to suffocate myself until you do," the princess threatened. "My death would be on your conscience, Hak, dattebayo!" To make her point clear, she held her breath. Her cheeks puffing up to resemble a chipmunk.

Hak quirked an amused brow. Was the princess really throwing a tantrum?

"How childish," he smirked. It was very funny to see the princess act like a petulant child. He was seeing more and more sides of the princess he never saw back at the castle.

He lightly flicked her forehead, and she yelped in protest- holding her injured forehead. "Instead of learning how to fight with a sword, you should be making yourself prettier, Princess," he remarked. "Take it easy. You're still recovering."

"Fine, meanie," she pouted, not wanting to admit Hak had a point. She may be stubborn, but she wasn't the stubborn child anymore who would yell and shout in anger and indignation whenever someone was right about something and she couldn't get her way.

The red-haired felt her breath leave her lungs in an instant when she felt Hak's hand pat her head. She roughly patted her chest to restart her heart, ignoring the dark-haired man's questionable gaze.

When Yona entered the White Dragon's village, it was kinda not what she expected. The moment the villagers spotted her crimson red hair, they immediately worshipped her like she was some sort of ethereal goddess. It kinda bothered her and made her feel a bit uncomfortable with all the staring.

She half-listened to her and Hak's tour guide. The village was very beautiful and tranquil. The children were happy and playing together. The adults filled the village with lively chatter. Very peaceful. She wondered if she could get a sword and a wig in the village.

Was she really gonna drag the White Dragon away from such a peaceful place? Let's find out…

The White Dragon Warrior was also not what the princess expected. She was expecting a tough, somewhat burly man. Not an elegant prince charming. Everything about him screamed sheltered aristocrat. Uh, don't judge a book by its cover. She should know. She's a kunoichi. A former one at least.

Unlike most of the villagers who had light platinum blonde hair, he had silvery-white hair. She wondered if that could be genetic from the White Dragon's blood within him. Naruko's whisker marks were influenced by Kurama's chakra.

She felt a hostile presence approaching them, but- as soon as she made eye contact with the warrior- for some strange reason, he collapsed on the ground. It didn't last long though.

When he covered, he was giving her that same look of worship the villagers were giving her, except ten times worse. She inwardly sighed. Might get introductions underway and just cut to the chase.

"You must be the White Dragon Warrior," Yona started.

"Yes, my Master," the white-haired man affirmed, bowing at her, "I am the warrior who carries the White Dragon's blood in my right hand."

"I'm sorry if I may appear rude, but I'm gonna make this clear cut and blunt. I'm not the Crimson Dragon King. My name is Yona, and I want you to join the Crimson Fire Brigade. If you are willing. We're a bunch of sinful criminals who are traveling around the country."

"I think you should keep quiet about that, Princess," Yoon muttered nervously, but was ignored.

"Do you mind becoming our comrade, White Dragon Warrior?"

"If that is what you wish. It doesn't matter who you are or where you came from. I would consider you my Master and I would travel anywhere with you. At least that is what the Dragon's blood in me is saying."

The princess somewhat frowned at that. "But do you want to come, dattebayo? I don't want your decision to be influenced by some mystical power. It wouldn't be right, if you are being forced into joining my team."

"I think you're really pushing it, Princess," the boy genius grumbled.

The warrior smiled. "I would love to accompany you, Princess. "Everyone," he called out to his fellow villagers, "I must leave at once! My Master needs me!"

Wow. This was pretty… anticlimactic.

Minutes later, Yona and her crew were left waiting for the Dragon Warrior. The village elder declared something about having a celebratory feast before the go. That was fine with her. Gives her a chance to look around and shop.

Hak went off somewhere, saying something about gathering supplies. Yoon had commented on his rather disturbing smirk. Funny, he went off in the general direction the White Warrior left in. She sighed in exasperation. She hopes he doesn't cause any trouble, especially anything that causes the warrior to change his mind about joining the CFB.

The princess took a leisure walk around the village, and took in the sights. There was nothing out of the ordinary (not counting it was a Dragon's village). Soon, she spotted a shop and entered it.

"Crimson Dragon King? Welcome!" She was immediately greeted by a middle-aged woman whose hair was done up in a messy bun. She was wearing the same outfit as everyone else in the village. A white tunic with light blue borderlines. Does everyone in the village wear the same clothes?

The princess didn't bother to correct by saying she was not the Crimson Dragon King. She came here to shop, and that's it.

"What can I help you with?"

"Uh, do you have a wig and sword in your shop, ma'am?" Yona asked politely.

The woman smiled. "I have wigs here, your Majesty. But I'm afraid I don't sell weapons in my shop." She frowned. "But why would a sweet, frail girl like you even need a weapon?"

The corner of Yona's lips visibly twitched at that. Calling her a "sweet, frail girl" was implying she was weak, and should sit in the background like a prim and proper and meek "damsel in distress". Most kunoichi- such as herself- do not take too kindly to being referred to as "weak".

Guess, that's what to be expected. The princess has gotten really used to how different the custom is in this world compared to her old one. Women were expected to sit at home, do chores, take care of the children, and nothing else while men worked to provide food and money for their families. It was supposed to be a very simple lifestyle.

Compared that to her world, even in the Warring States Era, most women were expected to know how to fight- to know self-defense and some practiced the art of healing in order to protect their homes and families while the men went off into the frontlines.

The differences in lifestyles were so obvious by the women's body types. It was hard to describe in proper words, but most women in her world were more… toned and muscular- per say- than the women here, signifying their soldier-like customs and way of life.

"-our White Dragon Warrior would protect you!"

Yona muttered a very quiet, "Huh?" She must have zoned off from the shopkeeper's rant about her not needing to know how to fight because their Dragon would protect her. "Oh, yeah, right," she nodded dumbly. "Mind showing me some wigs?"

"Right, right. Follow me." The lady politely beckoned her over. The red-haired princess quietly followed her to the rack of wigs she had. The selection wasn't much, and they mainly came in various shades of black and brown. But the hairstyles were different and unique in their own way. "Pick any one you want."

The red-haired carefully searched through each of the wigs, scrutinizing each one. She wanted something rather simple. Nothing too elegant or fancy. And she also wanted to get two or three this time in case she lost one like last time.

At last, the princess settled on a dark brown wig with a bob-cut hairstyle, a black wig that was medium-length and had several strands braided back, and a long, light brown wig.

She wanted to ring this up and for the wigs, but the owner said it was free of charge, saying something about it being rude and disrespectful to take money from the Crimson Dragon King. She wanted to rebuttal, but merely shrugged it off. It might be against her not to do so, but saving what little money they had is important.

With a wave of goodbye, Yona left the shop.

When Yona returned to the group, she was met with a very tense atmosphere. Mainly coming from Hak and the new recruit. The aura of irritation and aggravation emitted from the two.

She resisted the urge to facepalm. "What's wrong?" she asked, already having a pretty idea of the answer.

"This one is no good, Princess," Hak answered snidely, jabbing his finger at the Dragon. "Let's go look for another Dragon. This one's dumb."

"How have you not realized you are no longer wanted or needed?" the White Warrior complained indignantly.

"There's no way a pampered jerk is taking my job. Show some respect!" Hak mocked.

Yona rose an unamused brow. Their bickering was reminiscent of two alpha males quarreling over territory.

"Urgh! Princess, how can let such an arrogant brute be assigned as your bodyguard?!"

"How are you already fighting?" Yoon questioned perplexed.

"He wants to fire me. He even tried to bribe me to convince me to leave."

"Well, that explains the bulge," the boy genius deadpanned.

"Indigestion, I guess…," the dark-haired bodyguard commented, feigning innocence while everyone was staring at the very obvious money bag protruding from his robes.

"It's our sacred duty to serve and protect her! If you are not a Dragon, then leave!"

The thought of Hak actually leaving torn something inside the red-haired princess. She latched onto her bodyguard's arm out of desperation.

"No, Hak stays!" she protested, vehemently against the idea of Hak leaving. When did she become this selfish? "He's a member of the Crimson Fire Brigade, and he's my friend! Even when I lied to him, Hak still decided to stay by my side. Hak's family! I don't know what I would do without him! I need him by my side. dattebayo! He's special to me!"

Yona did her best to swallow down a hard lump without anyone noticing her distress. She was getting so emotional. It's just that… She was reminded of Naruko's childhood. The loneliness… The unbearable loneliness. It was so painful. If Hak wasn't with her, then she'll be all alone. Back to that loneliness, and there's nothing more painful than that. For that, she's eternally grateful to him. For staying by her side, despite the fact she had lied to him. Lied to him her entire life.

For the first time, the princess was noticing how truly kind Hak was. He didn't have to stay with her. Her father- his master- was dead, so he was free. He wasn't obligated to anymore. Yet he still chose to stay with her! No one had shown her this level of kindness, besides Hinata. Usually, she had to earn people's respect- which would normally involve beating the shit out of them or prove her strength and worth- before they showed her a lick of decency and kindness.

She realized this. She needs him! She needs Hak with her!

Yona stared at Hak weirdly as he burst out in a rather creepy yet happy laugh. "Well, well. You hear that, White Dragon? I'm special. I guess you're stuck with me." His tone was decidedly smug, but a happy kind of smug- if that made sense.

"I'm giving this back. You shouldn't take something you haven't earned, Hak," the princess chided, taking the money bag and handing it to the Dragon.

"If that's what you want, Princess," the White Warrior said, seemingly disappointed.

"Don't look so sad. I sincerely want to join the Crimson Fire Brigade," she reassured him. "We need some very powerful allies to join our team. That way it will be safer for us to travel around the country."

The Dragon remained in a confused silence before speaking- quite complacent she noted. "Oh! I see! This man is weak! You can count on me, Princess. I'll look out for you and this vulnerable beast."

"You may think you're tough, but I don't need some dainty white snake watching over me. Got it?" Hak retorted with an irritated smirk.

"White snake, huh? You dare call a sacred Dragon Warrior such a name?!"

Hak's petty rivalry with the White Dragon was somewhat amusing. It kinda reminded her of her rivalry with Sasuke.

But enough was enough!

The princess grabbed both of their ears in irritation, earning a startled and painful yelp from Hak and the Dragon. "That's enough, you two!" she yelled with finality- annoyance clear in her tone- shooting both of them an angry glare. "We're gonna be working together from now on, dattebayo! So get used to it, you morons!"

"The scary princess strikes," Yoon comments snarkily.

Crimson Fire Brigade were ready to set out, but stopped because the Elder wanted to have a parting feast before saying goodbye to their sacred Dragon Warrior. A feast meant food, and- the prospect of food- caused Yona's stomach to growl. She never realized how hungry she was.

When Hak teased her by calling her a "Gluttonous Princess", she gave him a hard smack to the face.

After the feast and a heartfelt farewell, the CFB finally left the White Dragon's village. Now it was time to search for the next Dragon Warrior.

"Oh, yeah, I almost forgot." A thought came to Yona.

She paced up to their new comrade, and tapped him on the shoulder- grabbing his attention.

"My apologies, but I never asked for your name. Everyone kept calling you 'White Dragon', and I didn't want to seem rude. But I know your name isn't White Dragon. Would you mind telling me your real name, dattebayo?" she asked with a sincere, gentle smile. "Calling you White Dragon all the time makes it seem like I don't see you as a human being."

The Dragon took a moment to process her touching words. It was the first time since his parents that anyone has taken interest in learning his real name. The villagers were just stasify with calling him "sacred Dragon", "White Dragon", or "Dragon Warrior".

The White Dragon's lips quirked up into a serene smile. "My name is Kija."

(A/N: Here's the end of chapter 13! Was it good! Did you have an enjoyable read? Kija joins the team. Nothing much else to say. Leave any comments and questions in a review, and thanks for reading!)