The Golden Dragon [Akatsuki no Yona]

Chapter 14: Off with the False King

"So we were able to prepare some horses, but..." Yun said. "Can everyone ride a horse? I can't ride one by the way. Shin-ah, you've never ridden one before right?"

Shin-ah nodded in reply and Jae-ha said he could.

"Zeno can ride one even while standing up!" Zeno exclaimed and stood on one of the horses.

"Amazing!" Yun exclaimed.

"I can ride one too," Kija replied.

"Your kidding!" Yun exclaimed in shock.

"It would be rude for me to lie about that," Kija replied.

"But I didn't expect you to be able to. Well, I guess horseback does suit you," Yun said.

"I learned to get accustomed to horses so I could fight alongside my master at any time," Kija replied.

"Really? Then can I ride with you?" Yun asked.

"It's just that this will be my first time running in a wide open space because I never left my village," Kija said.

"Jaeha let me ride with you," Yun said, then he noticed me staring at the horses rather solemnly. "Ash, can you ride horses?"

"... I can," I replied, biting my lip. "...not."

"Wow Ash! You are spectacular with horses! It's almost as if you both understand each other!"

Yun looked a little doubtful, but replied, "All right..."

I glanced over to Zeno who was staring at me. I faked a smile and called out, "Zeno can I ride with you?" 

He faked a smile as well and nodded. I walked over to him and he pulled me up onto the horse. He asked, "Why did you lie? You were always great with horses."

"... Was I? I only remember killing her..." I replied.

"Star, you were awesome today!" I exclaimed as I stroked my beloved brown horse.

"Ash, you really adore Star, don't you?" Zeno asked.

"Yup! Star, we are going to win this thing!" I exclaimed and hugged her.

On the day of the competition... There was an attack, she was trying to protect me. Yet... I killed her with my flames...

"That day wasn't your fault," Zeno said.

"It was all my fault. She could have had a longer life. Yet, I killed her... With my bloody flames," I replied and leaned my face on Zeno's back, hiding the tears.

"Ash..." He muttered. "Hold on tight, I will be going now."

"Okay..."

+++

There was a full out war happening. Soo Won and the Earth Tribe against Li Hazara and Soo-jin. We stepped in just in time before villagers were injured.

"This is a battlefield. Before you get involved, leave this place," Yona said.

"Y-Yes..." And the two dashed off.

"You aren't soldiers from the Wind Tribe right?" Hazara asked.

"Sen Province's LI Hazara. Be still. You invaded Kouka Kingdom. In addition, if you frightened the citizens, don't think you'll get off lightly," Yona said.

"Get rid of them," Hazara commanded. A soldier complied and stomped forward only to be crushed by Kija.

"What's wth that hand?!"