Asa no Yumi (Akatsuki no Yona)

Chapter 67

Yumi's POV

"A messenger has been dispatched to the Wind Tribe. If all goes well, he'll reach the tribe elder's side in half a day." Ogi informed us. "You sure work quickly, as expected." Hak said while drinking some tea. "Are you just saying "avoid battle" is enough?" He asked. "First we just have to buy time." Hak said. "But Xing Kingdom may be the ones to start a fight." Ogi said. "We should hurry to the border as well." Vold said. Yona was looking serious which got Hak wondering. "Hmmm... he should be here soon..." I said looking at the door. "Who?" Hak asked looking at me. The door suddenly opened with a tired Min-Soo. "Min-Soo?! What's wrong..." Min-Soo looked up, "Ki... King Soo-Won and the Sky Tribe will set out for Xing in three day...! They have 20,000 troops. At this rate, war will break out after those three days... when I realized that... I ran here..." Min-Soo said out of breath. "Well... that was suppose to be the expected... but..." I trailed off. "That's much earlier than we thought." Hak finished. "What should we do..." Vold asked. "... Hak, you go head over to the Wind Tribe first." Yona told him. "Huh?!" Hak questioned. "Nee-san and I will slow down Soo-Won's- the Sky Tribe Army's 20,000 troops' advance." What Yona said brought shock to Hak. "That's ridiculous... How in the world are you going to do that...? Even with Yumi-hime's power, I highly doubt they will listen." Hak said. "I'm not sure how well it will work... but I do have an idea. I'm going to see if a certain person will aid us." Yona said. "You know you're not going anywhere without me, right?" Hak asked. "What is it? If you want to send a messenger, I can do that no problem." Ogi butted in. "I would like to go in person." Yona told Ogi. "Alright, then I'll lend you a carriage." Ogi said. "Wow, I never knew you were that nice." I said sarcastically. "Hey! That was mean! I'm trying to work the amount I'm paid you know." He complained. "If you know that, you better keep that Dragon hairpin safe... or else..." I showed my kunai and did a closed eye smile, "You can say sayonara to tomorrow~" I warned kindly. "Yes... ma'am... But why...?" Ogi gulped. "I personally made that, so it's very expensive. The only one in this whole world." I answered as I put my kunai away and I focused back at Yona's conversation finding out that Min-Soo also wanted to come even though it might endanger him and his mother. "Wait a moment. You think I'm going to let you go alone?!" Hak asked. "I don't believe I will be in any danger and I'll be back soon. Also, didn't I say nee-san will tag along with me." Yona said back. "No means no! Yumi-hime has her limits too you know!" Hak said. "Are you worried about my condition?" I asked after hearing that sentence. Hak just looked away... 'What a tsundere... I haven't been able rest properly... I guess.' I thought with a sigh. "Well then, I'll go and escort Yu-nyan and Yo-nyan. I promised Princess Tao that I would protect Yu-nyan and Yo-nyan anyway." Algira said. "..." No words came from Hak. "Just go. The Wind Tribe is surely waiting for you, Hak. I might not be able to do much, but I'm going to try doing what I can so that I won't have any regrets. For now, let's focus on stalling for time and waiting for the right opportunity. In doing so, I have faith that we'll find a path that leads to Kouka and Xing's peaceful reconciliation. And then, we'll go and meet with the Four Dragons, Yoon, and Ao. Okay? It'll just be for a little bit!" Yona raised her tiny fist for a fist bump with Hak. "... I understand. I'll be waiting." Hak raised his fist and pumped it with Yona's. I looked at how Yona stared at Hak... "Guys..! It coming!" I whispered excitedly. Vold and Algira looked at me confused. "Hak..." Yona called and grabbed the edge of the hood with both her hands and pulls Hak's head down and moved her face close to him. From where we are standing, it looks like they kissed even though they didn't, which is kind of unfortunate... "Guys! Look... aww..." I fangirled. "Lady Yumi, please calm down..." Vold said with a sweatdrop as he blocks my view. "Meany..." I whined and Yona suddenly pulled away, "Ah... Well... I'll be... going now...! Algira, Min-Soo, let's go." Yona said quickly as she grabs my arm dragging me along as I waved goodbye to Hak and Vold.

(In the carriage)

"Yo-nyan, what's wrong? Carriage sick?" Algira asked Yona who is hugging her knees and burying her face in it. "Kekeke... Never knew you were that bold little sis!" I laughed while patting her shoulder knowing why she was like this. "Nee-san! Stop teasing me!" Face all red. "Fine~ Too bad it didn't actually meet..." I said with a sigh to which Yona slapped me on the shoulder. I giggled. "Nee-san... are you mad?" Yona suddenly asked. "Hmm? Mad about what?" I asked. "Giving the hairpin you made away..." Yona asked sadly. "No, if it was for a greater cause, I'm not mad." I said as I smiled. "Really?" Yona asked. "Yep! Plus, I don't think I made that well enough. I can just make you a better one." I said. "Arigato, nee-san." Yona gave a small smile. After a while, we arrived at our destination. "Princesses. We've arrived." We got off the carriage and looked at the castle in front of us. "This is Saika Castle." Min-Soo informed. We walked in and someone guided us to a room to wait for Tae-Jun. After waiting a while, he finally came. "I am sorry to have kept you waiting. I am Kan Tae-Jun." He introduced. "Leave us." Min-Soo ordered. "Alright." Heuk-Chi said as he left quickly. 'Lol, I love Heuk-Chi's personality.' I thought as I let out a small laugh. "At least hesitate a little before leaving the room! Heuk-Chi! I'm scared! I don't want this! I have a trauma when it comes to military men with mean looking eyes! I feel like I'm gonna get hit with a glaive at any moment! Even though things look like this, I've felt that recently I've become a bit more of an upright person than I was before, but I mean, I may do some sly things every once in a while, but I'm only human!" Tae-Jun blabbered and I couldn't hold it any longer. "Hahaha! Here I thought Tae-Jun finally became more manly... Hahaha..." I laughed as I held my stomach. "Nee-san, don't be mean!" Yona exclaimed and then looked at Tae-Jun as she called his name. He looked at us after his panic mode was done, "It's been a while." Yona said as she took off her hood. Tears and snots started to come out as he covered his mouth looking at us. "Princesses... Is this man really lord Kan Tae-Jun...?" Min-Soo questioned with disbelief. "Yes." Yona said also doubting herself. "Tae-Jun, please wipe your face..." I handed him a handkerchief. "Ahh... Sorry and thanks..." Tae-Jun said as he grabbed the handkerchief. After he calmed himself done, we sat around the table. "Did we surprise you with our sudden visit?" Yona asked. "Not at all!" Tae-Jun said happily. "We came here today because I have a favor to ask of you." Yona began. "I must prepare tea and snacks!" Tae-Jun said excitedly which Yona told him that it was okay. I looked at him seriously, "Tae-Jun, what I'm about to tell you is a serious matter. Please listen carefully." I said. "... I understand." He nods and I began telling him what happened. "What? The Sky Tribe Army us marching on Xing Kingdom in 3 days?! That's quite soon. I did think it was about time, but..." He trailed off. "Xing is conflicted. There is Princess Kouren who seeks to settle things with war even at grave cost to Xing and Princess Tao who wishes to avoid such a war..." Yona continued explaining. "Princesses, you guys wish to hold back that war... right?" Tae-Jun asked. Yona nods her head. "Yes, there are already 20,000 troops gathered at Hiryuu Castle." I started. "Princess Kouren said she would hold off on starting war until Soo-Won makes his move. Once the Sky Tribe starts to move, it will be too late. And so, we came here to ask for your help, to stop the Sky Tribe Army." Yona said. "What are... you asking me to do..." Tae-Jun asked. "... I'm asking you to..."