The Crystal Dragon (AkaNoYona fanfic)

Chapter 23

Kija sensed the location of a new dragon.

"Let's see... The direction where Kija sensed Ryokuryuu.... Is in this range. We'll end up hitting capital Saika and Hiryuu castle if we go straight. So let's confirm Ryokuryuu's location while we take a detour along the mountains." Yoon said.

Then they starts their new journey again.
" Shin-Ah... Is there anyone there?" Yuriko ask him as he lift his mask to see from a tree.

He then jumps down after a while, then shakes his head.
" Nobody? Then let's go. The ability to see far away is great! It's nice to search for places where people aren't around!" Yoon make a cat like smile.

"Oooh! That is very useful, Se... Oh! I heard Yuriko-san granted you a name. Shin-Ah. It is a great name. Take good care of it." Kija smiled at him, then Shin-Ah nod at him.

Kija looked rather happy that he became friends with Shin-Ah. As they continued through the scenery of the withered land.. They... Entered a village.

"This place..." Yona trailed when they walk into the village.

"It's a village that was abandoned..." Yuriko said as she take a glance to her side.
"... That's right... By the generals and the king. This area hasn't cultivated srops for years... And there's no water. It's likely because the able-bodied men were all brought to the capital to be trained as soldiers. Illness runs rampant... And only those without the strength to migrate are left to die here." Yoon continued.

".... Terrible." Yona said as her face darken.
" The village I was born in was like this, too. The land of fire is vast, but almost of it is barren. Even with that, the head of Fire Tribe, general Kang Soo-Jin, keeps all the money just for government."

"Idiot." Kija said in irritation.

"Uugh..." A man not too far from them coughed, then Yona immediately try to run to him, "Is he alright...?", but stopped by Yoon.

"You shouldn't get too close. You could get sick." Yoon told her.
"But..." Yoon then bring a bottle of water and a bag of madecine and an apple, then walk to the man, as Yuriko follows behind him.

"It may not ease your pain, but here's some medicine and water. I also have an apple." Yoon told him, as Yuriko then take the bottle from the ground.

She then lift it up to the man mouth and help him drink it, Yoon at first looks at her in surprise, then he smiled.

"Do you... Remember me?" Yuriko asked him, then he squint his eyes to see her.
"Oh...! You are... The soldier who give us some food and water a few weeks ago..."
"... Altough I am not a soldier, but, yes that indeed is me. I am sorry... But right now I can't give you many things..."
"No... It's alright... A.. Are they from Saika..?" He ask about Yoon and the others.

"No. They are travelers, like me."
"I see.... Then have you been to Kuuto...? The new king that has risen... I wonder what kind of person he is..? The last king... Il was a horrible king. When pressures from other countries mounted... He only cared about not making a ruckus." This sentence makes Yona widen her eyes.

"And while the other tribes grew... He didn't give aid to the citizens who were weak. Whose king was he? It'll be nice if this king is a good person... If he is someone who can... Bring change to this country..." He reached his hand to the sky, then turn his head to Yuriko.

"Oh, thank you, miss.... The water and food you gave to us weeks ago... Really helps us."
"No... Please take care of yourself." She said this, then she stands up, take a glance to Yona.

"I-I'll be gone for just a minute! Don't follow me, okay?" Yona said with a smile, trying to look cheerful as she runs to somewhere, even though everyone already knows... That she's hiding her sadness.