"You will serve Hiryuu as your master, protecting him with your lives. You will love him, and never betray him."

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

Hakuryuu - The white dragon who gave his arm to his human vessel. Guen, Kija's birth father, and Kija have held this curse.

Seiryuu - The blue dragon who gave his eyes to his human vessel. Abi, Ao, and Shin-Ah have held this curse.

Ryokuryuu - The green dragon who gave his leg to his human vessel. Shuten, Garou, and Jeaha have held this curse.

Ouryuu - The yellow dragon who gave his healing to his human vessel. Zeno has held this curse.

Hiryuu - The red dragon who left his dragon form to become a man.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

Their bond was older than mankind, possibly older than the Heavens itself. They had been there for the beginning, the end, and the creation of many things. They did not grow, they did not age. They simply were, and would always be.

Originally they held no names. There was no one else besides them, so they had no need for names. They had no genders for they did not grow or age, so there was no need to breed, reproduce, or have sexes. They each held an unbreakable bond with each other, something indescribable by any written words. It was they who grew the Earth, they who colored the skies and they who breathed life into the creatures that came after them.

Their own creations were the ones to give them names. Dragons. Rulers of the Heavens. As humans grew smarter, they started to give their dragons individuals names too. The rulers, now dubbed dragons and sometimes mistaken as Gods, accepted the names with fondness from their dear humans.

Seiryuu. The brother with the shining blue scales. He was the eldest of the five and his eyes could see across vast distances. He often used this skill to watch over the world, watching species thrive and suffer as nature demanded from them.

The twins, the white dragon Hakuryuu and the emerald dragon, Ryokuryuu. Matching in strength and power, the two brothers were often seen together, playfully exchanging blows and creating mountains and rivers in their play. They were both prideful creatures, often refusing to submit to the other, thus making their brothers break them apart. Though it appeared they had a rough relationship, they were never far from each other, and they would always seek each other out if separated for too long.

Then there was the dragon who made the sun from his own heart, or so the legends say. Ouryuu. The smallest and youthful one, who had his scales permanently bleached to match the sun he created. He was the most excitable one, almost like a hatchling in some aspects, but his eyes were always heavy with the secrets of the world. For whatever the sun saw, he saw and knew too. He was the wisest of them all and many of his brothers would seek him for advice when troubled.

Finally, there was the youngest. Hiryuu. He created many of the creatures who walked the earth. He crafted them from clay, using his own claws, and gave them life from his own breath. He often prided himself on his creations, but none of the animals made him as proud as the ones called humans.

His elders looked at the creatures with distrust. They were too smart, ruled by lust and greed. However, Hiryuu insisted that all they needed was time, trust, and guidance. The dragons let them live, hoping their brother's belief would ring true.

Hiryuu was wrong.

Mankind was too violent. They obeyed no gods and refused advice. Their greed consumed the land, their knowledge turned dark with dangerous creations. Faced with no choice, the dragons had to give the Earth to man and retreat to the Heavens.

Still, Hiryuu believed in them. He would spent years watching them grow from above. He pointed out the innocent children. The elders who learned from their mistakes. The gentle men who would listen to the dragons' voices. But the good were outnumbered. Man knew no bounds and was doomed.

That's when he snuck down. Hiryuu shed his dragon body, like a snake molting its own skin. From his dry shell emerged a man, as lithe as a dragon, with vivid red hair and innocent purple eyes.

Hiryuu wanted to prove mankind's innocence. He would not heed reason or listen to his brothers' begs. Soon, the dragons stopped trying to convince him. Hiryuu, their youngest brother, would have to learn for himself that his creations failed him, and he did not fail them.

The day came when man forgot who was truly in charge. They turned on their mortal god, seeking to shed his blood. Still, their brother refused to see reason. So the eldest dragons interfered and begged one last time. Still, Hiryuu turned his back to his brethren, defending his precious humans.

Foolish king. Innocent brother. Kind dragon.

They had no choice but to protect him. They gave out their blood, creating unbreakable bonds from man to God, the same bonds the dragon brothers held with each other. The new human vessels would never betray Hiryuu like other men had done before. They would always obey him, as man should always obey Gods. They would be forced to love him, like the original dragons loved Hiryuu.

From their bonds, from their emotions, dragons walked amongst man again.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

Zeno was the first to notice something odd about their bonds. It was no secret that the five dragon vessels were bound together by something indescribable by man. The need to love. To obey. To worship. To please. It was always there, in the background of their souls. They could feel it to each other, but it undeniably stronger when they thought of Hiryuu, or when his presence was near.

Even stranger was when a small truce settled over the land and the talk of betrothals and marriages reached the dragons' ears. It was no surprise honestly, everyone wanted a tie to the famous dragon warriors and the new king. Except, none of it went like planned.

Hiryuu was the first to be married, for the sake of a treaty, but none of them knew to whom. He never introduced his wife to them. He never spoke of her. They never glimpsed her amongst the crowds. Hiryuu never even said her name, and when they brought her up, he would give an embarrassed blush and avoid their gaze.

Shuten, the possessor of the green dragon's foot, had a lustful nature. He charmed anyone who looked his way, and not all of them were female. Nearly every night he had a new lover and with their advance hearing, they could hear how well he pleased them. However, come morning, no one would see his new lover and Hiryuu was kept ignorant of his dragon warrior's libidinous nature.

Zeno mused that it was like Shuten was hiding his sexual partners from their king, just like Hiryuu hid his wife from them.

Even more unusual was when word of Abi's potential betrothal reached the kingdom. Hiryuu, with an entourage of dragon warriors behind him, went to Abi's private chambers to congratulate him. Except, when confronted, Abi's eyes filled with tears and he apologized profusely for reasons he did not understand. It took all the dragon warriors, and a quiet king, to reassure him that it was okay.

However, that day, they all felt the sting of betrayal. Yet, they could not explain with words why Abi's potential marriage hurt. Was it the bonds, that bound them together? Or was it their own trust and love that was being betrayed?

Zeno hummed and leaned back into Guen's light touch. The four dragon were grouped in the castle courtyard, lounging under a blossoming sakura tree while a manmade stream tinkled nearby. Guen's gentle dragon claws was currently combing through Zeno's wild hair, detangling it without causing him pain.

Draped on the grassy floor were the other two dragon warriors. All four of them were looking towards the rising sun, watching the sky that was tinted pink, red and purple. They felt mostly at ease, peaceful with the world around them with only a small tingle of discomfort.

They became fully relaxed when King Hiryuu strolled into the courtyard to join his fellow dragons, his presence dispelling the last of the discomfort.

"Hiryuu," Shuten's dark voice teased their ears. "What has kept our King so busy lately? Too busy for his dragons?"

Hiryuu fell gracefully back onto the grassy lands. Pollen flew up in a colorful puff before decorating his expensive silk clothes. "My wife," was his quiet response.

Jealousy. Betrayal. Need. The bonds that chained them together flared to life. Unconsciously, all the dragons moved towards their king. Hiryuu didn't fight them off when they cuddled into him, seeking any flesh they could find. Instead his fingers moved to comb, brush, and caress the dragons near him. All of them were seeking the others for reasons outside their understanding.

"Is she pretty?" Zeno found himself draped across Hiryuu's stomach, and since he was the smallest dragon vessel, he was able to fit comfortably on the small patch of body.

"Not as pretty as my Abi," the king spoke honestly.

"Is she smart?" Abi was sprawled on the king's left side, his arm brushing Hiryuu's side.

"Guen is more brilliant." Before the next question could be asked, Hiryuu continued to speak. "She's not as strong as Shuten nor as innocent as Zeno."

"Then why marry the woman?" Shuten grumbled from his seated spot near Hiryuu's head, his scarred fingers stroking several strands of Hiryuu's red hair.

"For peace." A tired smile tugged on the king's lips. He had sacrificed so much for the humans. He had wanted to prove they were peaceful creatures, but to keep that peace, more and more was being demanded of him. "Don't worry, my dragons," whispered Hiryuu. "I can not love her as much as I love my dragons."

Zeno blushed at his words. It was strange. He had never loved anyone before. Women did not hold his attention and until Hiryuu, men did not either. Even those who claim to be the most beautiful men and women of the kingdom, did not catch his eye. He loved only Hiryuu, as simple and complicated as that was.

"Keh, who cares." Shuten huffed out. "Love has no place in a betrothal. Sacrifices must be made to keep a kingdom peaceful."

They all noticed that none of them refused Hiryuu's love or denied their own. It was odd, but easier to accept if not questioned closely. That day they basked in the blush of dawn, accepting the reassuring waves their bonds gave out.

The next time it was questioned was when Abi and Zeno were alone in the courtyard. Of all the dragons, Abi was the quietest and the one who would not question anything asked of him. He would never judge why the question was being asked either.

So Zeno felt calm when he asked, quite randomly, "Is it wrong to love a man?"

Abi's answer was quick and effortless. "Love is not limited to one gender." The small sparrow perched on his shoulder chirped in agreement. "Nor one species."

Love. Lust. Desire. Similar but different. Zeno frowned down at his hands, twirling the dragon pendent between his fingers as he thought about his words. It was possible that Abi misunderstood as Zeno was not asking about normal love, but carnal love. Love typically held between a man and a woman. "Can a man love another man?"

"Sons often bond tightly with their fathers. Brothers love one another too." No, no. They were definitely not thinking of the same love. Or maybe, Abi was avoiding the question?

"I mean, can a man desire another man?" Desire seemed like the right word to use. To obey. To love. To never betray. Zeno desired all of these things with Hiryuu, and more. He wanted to give him gifts. To see the gentle king's smile. Not just with Hiryuu too. Sometimes Zeno grew flushed with admiration watching Shuten train. He felt relaxed when Guen was combing through his hair. Even now, in Abi's presence, Zeno felt complete.

Weren't these emotions reserved for when a man loved a woman?

"It would not be unusual," Abi mused quietly. "Emotions were created long before humans, perhaps with the dragons who created man. If five dragons can be so closely bonded, loved by one another, why not man?" Calm, golden eyes looked down at Zeno, and the yellow dragon saw an understanding glint there. Slowly, Abi leaned down so his nose brushed softly against Zeno's nose, affection in every movement. "It is man who has passed judgement and decided a man loving a man was wrong."

"But if dragons can love one another undeniably, why not man, who was created by them?"

As far as the dragon warriors could tell, the original dragons held the same, steel bonds that tethered them to each other. The human vessels who had the dragons' blood, inherited the same timeless bonds that held the dragons of the Heavens together. A bond that showed no slack or weakening, even after time had passed by and peace reigned.

In the beginning, the bond insured loyalty. They, the dragons' vessels, did not always get along, but when Hiryuu was around, they found they could not do anything that would damage their frail friendships. Quiet Abi, the original blue dragon, once mused that they were forced to love Hiryuu, because if you loved someone with all your heart, you could never betray or leave them.

Zeno often wondered what would have happened if Hiryuu had been a little stronger. What would have changed if the red dragon had lived for a decade more? If they had more time together, would their relationship had changed? Would the bond that tied all five of them together, grown even stronger as time passed by? Would the desire, lust, and love that ate at them every day, finally drive one of them to cross that unspoken line between men?

If the dragon warriors had shown Hiryuu true love, carnal love, would he had lingered for them? Was there a way, frowned upon by mankind, that could have convinced their king to stay awake?

When King Hiryuu died, they mourned for their friend, their king, their brother, and their potential lover.

It was only after the red dragon had died, that the dragons knew what agony was. They had each experienced pain from battle, including severed limbs, nasty scars and painful blows. They all knew that soul wrenching guilt would haunt them during the night. But without Hiryuu, there was no one to nurture their bonds, to clear away their shameful tears, and so, they simply fell apart. They drifted away from each other, searching for something or someone to fill that gaping hole that Hiryuu had left behind.

When his brothers died, Zeno felt the last of his heart shattering. Unlike them, who would be reunited in the Heavens, Zeno was left behind. Snap! Seiryuu died, taking with him his calming presence. Snap! Ryokuryuu's endless energy was gone. Snap! Hakuryuu was gone, and the final feeling Ouryuu felt from this brother was his longing to see him. To see Zeno.

Zeno cried amongst his puddles of blood. Tears streaked endlessly down his cheeks as he mourned for what had been, what was, and what could have been. He begged for more time, but the Heavens ignored his calls.

Zeno knew he was alone now, truly alone. His heart, his soul was empty. He was left behind on Earth, as his brothers reunited in the Heavens.

They had abandoned him, and nothing in the world hurt more than that.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

All the dragons felt it when Hiryuu was reborn. A brilliant red star lit up the sky, a clear sign of the red dragon's descent. Two blue dragons, two white dragon, two green dragons and a single golden dragon looked to the sky, feeling a new freeing, and yet confining, moment in their souls. After so long, King Hiryuu would walk the land of man again.

For some, the dragons celebrated. Finally, their master and friend had returned. For others, they raged against these chaining bonds. They had not even gained their own freedom yet, and it was already denied to them. The King's arrival was met with various stages of emotions, but all of them felt the renewed need to serve and love the red dragon despite their original hesitations.

A small white-scaled arm reached out for the red star, his clawed hand falling close as if to catch it and hold it close to him. Even though a whole village separated them, Kija could hear his father raging on the other side. 'How must it feel,' Kija mused, 'to know your Master is here while knowing you won't live to serve him?'

"I'm sorry father," Kija whispered to the late sky. "I will serve him faithfully, for all of us."

Ao blinked his heavy eyes. Lately, his vision had been waning and because of such, he is unable to see whatever fascinated his small ward. The blue hatchling, still unnamed, had his head tilted to the stars, his tiny hand grasping tightly onto Ao's fingers. "Red star," the small boy explained.

"Stars appear all the time," Ao gruffly growled.

The boy shook his head, the sound of bells ringing through the air. "Friend," he sounded too damn cheerful. Yet, Ao didn't have it in him to crush that hopeful spark. If he spoke to stars, who could judge him? It's not like anyone cared what the blue dragons did, as long as they stayed hidden.

Jaeha, unlike his dragon brethren, was not happy. His lips pulled back to reveal a jagged fang, internally cursing the fates. Across from him, in the tiny room, Garou was crackling madly. Years of confinement and abuse had taken its toll on Garou's mind, but he was not above taking joy in his successor's torment. "Now, you'll never be free," the elder taunted.

Jaeha frowned at his shackled legs. Yes, he could feel the bond, just as well as he could feel the cold metal wrapped around his scales, but he was not going to let his dreams die so easily. He was going to be free. Like these shackles, he was sure the bond could be broken. He refused to serve another man and let his master control his destiny.

Zeno reached up to twirl his pendant between his fingers. The weight of the golden circle was heavy, but not as crushing as the weight around his heart. The red dragon had descended again. Just like he had promised Zeno, Hiryuu had not left him alone.

"It took you too long," the golden dragon scolded the star. "Zeno thought Hiryuu had forgotten about his precious dragons."

Zeno knew he still had to wait. Hiryuu had to grow up some more before the dragons could become of use to him. After all, what good was a hoard of dragons to a small infant? He didn't know when he started to cry, or if those tears were from sadness or joy.

Zeno mourned. He rejoiced. He sobbed as the past's memories came back to haunt him.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

To be reunited again was bittersweet. Zeno was shocked, and slightly excited, to learn that their king had returned to them, as a queen. A beautiful young lady who looked nearly identical to the red dragon before her. He was even more pleased to learn that each dragon from the newer generation had experienced the painful creation of the original bonds, binding them to her, Yona.

It would have been a joyful time, a pleasant memory to erase the painful past, if not for Hak.

Her guardian and warrior. The man who protected her before the dragons came. A simple man, a mortal human, who was enchanted by their red queen. Zeno craved her attention, her acknowledgement, and it was heart wrenching to know that a mortal man would come first, before her golden dragon. Still, the bonds ensured love and loyalty. So the dragons accepted her unspoken decision and faded into the shadows.

They watched as she bumbled her way through a relationship. The tension was killing them all. The love that both mortals returned but refused to acknowledge. The protective nature of them both, trying to keep the other one out of trouble. It was torture to watch Yona and Hak continuously dance around each other, wasting time and words.

Especially when the four dragons craved her attention. Her love. Her loyalty. They wanted to fulfill a bond that was older than time itself.

Following their queen's -king's- desires, they stepped back and could only watch. That didn't stop them from trying though. They showed their love through the small actions, which was the only way they were allowed to display such affections.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

Seiryuu, who was named Shin-Ah in this generation, was quiet but equally greedy in seeking attention. He craved the softest touch from their queen but he was always hesitant to reach out and initiate their contact. So it was Yona who would be the one to reach out to him.

So only Zeno, being the sneakiest of the dragons, was there when Shin-Ah displayed his affection openly for the first time.

Their group had paused their traveling, resting for the day. Shin-Ah had disappeared after his mischievous squirrel and Yona had followed her silent blue dragon when their disappearance had gone on for too long.

Yona was smiling at the sight that greeted her. Shin-Ah was crouched in a field of wildflowers, the squirrel on one shoulder and his hands were cupped together and stretched out. A handful of birds were pecking the ground around him, some of them were even resting on his outstretched fingers and in his palms.

The red dragon smiled softly at the sight. She couldn't help but walk forward, drawn to the peaceful sight of the blue dragon. Her noisy approach though startled the feathered creatures, and by the time she reached Shin-Ah's side, all of the birds were gone.

Her hurt gaze dropped to the flowers by her feet. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

Shin-Ah, the man of few words, didn't bother to respond. Instead he reached out and yanked Yona down. She ended up sitting between Shin-Ah's legs, her back flushed against his chest. The blue dragon moved forward to rest his head on top of Yona's head, a smile appearing on his lips. "Like this," he murmured as he grabbed Yona's hands within his own and reach out.

They waited for several long minutes. Finally, the dragon's calming presence and the princess' soft aura drew the birds back out. Small, large, bland and colorful gathered around them. They pecked at the ground softly, nibbled on their finger pads when within reach, and rubbing their feathered heads against the soft, human skin.

Yona giggled at the sight. Her tinkling laughter startled the birds, sending them flying away again. But while it send the birds away, it drew the nearby dragons in. Shin-Ah wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her back, deeper into his chest. His own laughter joined her's.

It was a quiet, simple moment but Zeno smiled wistfully from his hiding spot in the tree branches. If this was all Yona was able to give to Shin-Ah, then Zeno wouldn't interrupt them.

Seiryuu was the quietest of the group, but that didn't mean he craved for Hiryuu's attention any less.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

Kija, the white dragon of this generation, was much more bashful than Guen. His affections were more open though, even if his pale skin flushed too easily. Zeno found his obvious need for affection cute, and entertaining.

The smallest touch would make him flush red. The lightest touch would light up a glow of admiration in his eyes. The kindest word or compliment would have him clutching at his chest as the bond sent throbs of love through him.

Zeno mused, that maybe Hakuryuu was the most sensitive to their bonds. Kija always took Yona's words to heart, and he just knew when the other dragon warriors needed a patient ear, or a kind word.

More obviously, he defended all of them to his best capabilities, and sometimes, even beyond that. It wasn't unusual for Kija to faint after a fight, having used too much power for his mortal shell. He refused to submit, giving his body and heart to defend those he was bonded too.

Like his ancestor before him, when Kija battled, he battled with all his heart and soul.

He was the kindest of them all, but his desire for blood rivaled the true dragon's instincts before him. The crimson splash of blood against his snow white arm. The warm liquid bathing over his cold, hard scales. The light brush of tears against his skin as he later mourned for the lives he had taken.

After a particularly gruesome fight, Hakuryuu had retreated to a nearby stream to bathe and cleanse himself of his self educed sins. He tried so hard to be strong in front of his dragon brothers, but when alone, his mask fell to reveal the vulnerable, pampered man he truly was.

It was always Yona who would seek out her pure dragon afterwards. It was only her soft words and her forgiveness that soothed his roughed spirits. It was she who was allowed to soothe away his tears and afterwards, together, they would make their way back to the temporary camp. Both of them would be freshly cleansed, and Yona would be grasping onto his white scaled arm.

Since Kija was the most sensitive to the bonds, it was not surprising that the other dragons felt drawn to him too. Ryokuryuu, no matter the age or time, would always be attracted to his other half, his dear twin, Hakuryuu.

So Zeno knew that Jeaha's teasing affection that caused Kija to blush or stammer, was only slightly done in jest. Zeno knew, in his heart of hearts, that if Kija showed even a slight attraction to Jeaha, they would join together. It was the nature of their lives, of their bonds that were created before all man.

Ouryuu chuckled as Jeaha teased Kija about his possessiveness around the princess, again. It was a common occurrence, one that would only end in a playful fight or Yona bringing peace to them.

Yona blushed at their banter, not quite understanding the provocative nature of Jeaha's jest or why Kija was blushing so darkly.

"I think both of you would be good to sleep with," she tried to sooth their arguing.

Zeno's giggles only got louder as a lecherous grin spread across Jeaha's face, and Kija froze in embarrassment.

"Princess!" Kija was appalled.

At the same time Jeaha reached out to wrap Yona in his grasp so he could hug her, and grin smugly at Kija over her shoulder. "Yona, dear. You don't have to choose between us. You can have us both if you want."

Yona blinked innocently, far too naive to understand the silent invitation. "But sleeping next to Hak is better."

The amusement and embarrassment from her words was enough to cover up the heartbreak all the dragons felt. Jeaha bowed his head, allowing his green bangs to cover his sorrowful eyes, as he chuckled dryly. Kija was, once again, clutching his hand over his chest, feeling the beating heart beneath, and the dull throb of heartbreak and loyalty.

Just because Hakuryuu was the most bashful, did not mean he desired to see his king with someone else.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

For Zeno, time merged and mixed. It was amazing how much time could cease to mean something when one lives forever. Sometimes, he wasn't sure when he was awake or when he was dreaming.

Hakuryuu. Prideful. Boastful. With a deep desire to prove himself. Kija, who blushed when Yona complimented him. Guen, who refused any compliments when Hiryuu gave them. Both willing to die for their master, if only commanded.

Seiryuu. Quiet. Sensitive. Having a hurtful experience that caused him to seclude himself from the world. Abi, who hid his eyes with a cloth to keep from being targeted. Shin-Ah, who hid his eyes with a mask, out of fear and shame. Both of them shutting their beautiful eyes away from the world.

Ryokuryuu. Strong. Prideful. With a amazing talent for charming beautiful people. Shuten, a man who pretended not to care for their king. Jeaha, a man who tried to not be effected by the dragon's bond for their new queen.

Ouryuu. Youthful. Quiet. The same man, whom time forgot. The one who attacked his own body in desperation, trying to tear out his own heart, lungs, stomach. Anything, anything at all, if it would just let him die and join his brothers in the Heavens.

Each time, he was denied his access. Each time, his brothers turned him away. Every time Zeno died, he was sent back to Earth to be alone.

Zeno blinked, bringing himself out of his tumbling memories. Yona's smooth, small hands had found themselves into his own. She was staring into his deep blue eyes, a knowing sadness lingering in its depths.

"You're thinking about them, huh?" She leaned closer to his face so her whispers would not reach other, more sensitive ears.

Something about this serene moment made Zeno feel at peace. Maybe it was the image of Hiryuu -Yona-, crouched in front of him, with the brilliant lights of millions of stars behind her. Maybe it was because Zeno's heart twisted at the sight of her own sadness painted on her face. Maybe it was because of the same amethyst eyes that held him captive, no matter how much time has passed. Whatever it was, it caused Zeno to speak honestly and thoughtlessly. "Zeno misses his brothers."

Her little fingers twisted in his hands, moving until they could drop whatever they were holding into his palm. Surprised, Zeno looked down to see a necklace. The string was fragile, thin and almost unseeable to the human eye. It was the pendant that grabbed his attention though.

It was a curling dragon, likely in flight. It had small antlers and a flowing mane, eerily similar to the same yellow dragon that greeted Zeno that fateful day, so many years ago. It was carved from a glowing yellow stone, a citrine, if Zeno remembered correctly.

"The merchant told me that it can relieve depression, cleanses negative energy and helps with clarity of thought. I thought . . . Zeno might like it."

The immortal dragon was speechless. All he could do was stare at the tiny pendant, rubbing his unscarred thumb over the smooth stone. Yona, now nervous because of his silence, was babbling in the background.

"I wanted to give it to you. It'll be proof that I am always with you, even when I'm out of sight." The whole group knew about Ouryuu's curse and Zeno knew that the thought kept the young princess up at night. He didn't want to burden her with it originally but there was no hiding the truth from her. Even if he hadn't explain, he was sure that Yona would have figured it out, like Hiryuu had.

He clutched the pendant tightly in his hand, bowing his head to hide his trembling lips. "Thank you, Miss. Zeno will treasure it always."

The princess gave Zeno a tight hug, before trotting off towards Yoon's concerned calling. In the distance, the young man could see a roaring fire and smell cooked meat. For the youngest generation, this was just another night. For Zeno, his hand trembled as he reached up towards his messy hair.

To Ouryuu, tonight was a beautiful nightmare.

In one hand, he clutched the circular pendant that Hiryuu gave him. In the other hand, he clutched the necklace that Yona had just gifted him. Same, but different. Similar, yet haunting.

Zeno tilted his face to the stars and shamelessly cried under the Heavens silent watch.

Ouryuu now had two special, red dragons in his heart, and he loved them both equally.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

Of course it would be Ryokuryuu who was unhappy with their relationship and current bonds. No matter which life he lived, he was always testing the boundaries. Before, when all five dragons were together, they were all male. Zeno firmly believes that the forbidden affection between a group of men was what kept Shuten's affection at bay in the past.

In the present time, there was no reason for hesitation as their king, was now a queen.

Jeaha was always teasing their princess. A provocative joke, a lingering caress. Most of the time, this brought out the protective instincts of her guardians. Other times, he got away with it.

Like the night that Yona had a nightmare. All the dragons could hear her distressed whimpers, and later on, her reassurance to Hak that all was fine. The dragons weren't fooled though. They could feel otherwise.

It was Jeaha who left the tent and followed after their retreating princess. Zeno watched his retreat, but chose not to follow this time. Unlike the other dragons, Zeno knew Jeaha would not forgive anyone who trespassed on his personal territory. Ryokuryuu was very possessive, and time had not curbed that habit.

However, when morning came, all of the dragons could feel the shift in the air. They all noticed how Yona's gaze would linger on Jeaha, before she turned away blushing. They all could see Jeaha smug, yet quiet pride as dawn washed over them all.

Zeno's gaze lingered on Yona's swollen red lips and the prideful strut Jeaha walked around with. Simultaneously three remaining dragons reached up to grasp above their hearts. It might have been one kiss. There was even a chance that it was a mistake, and Yona did not think about it the same way that the dragons did.

However, one could not deny that there was a shift. They could all feel it, deep in their hearts. It was enough to change the way they looked at Hiryuu, their queen and master.

Ryokuryuu was without the doubt, the most flirtatious of the dragons, but his heart belonged only to Hiryuu.

`•.¸¸.•´´¯`•• .¸¸.•´¯`

Whatever happened that night, it was enough. Ouryuu watched as the dragons flocked to their queen. Their attention was tuned to her every need. Touches lingered longer now. Blushes were exchanged frequently. Mature jokes made her more embarrassed and often, she would seek out their attentions when she was lonely, bored, curious, or just needy.

Zeno combed his fingers through her wild, curly hair. She hummed quietly at his touch, leaning against him. In front of them, Kija and Jeaha were practicing for combat, constantly exchanging blows. Only Zeno, who had seen Ryokuryuu and Hakuryuu fight before, noticed that they were being flashier than needed.

Shin-Ah reached out his hands, passing a pomegranate into Yona's small palms. The red dragon gazed at the offering, before giving her blue dragon the sweetest smile. Using her fingernails, she split the skin apart, handing half the fruit back to her silent guardian.

Under the warm sunlight, five dragons in mortal shells, lounged under the warmth. Zeno was struck by a consuming bolt of sudden joy at this moment and he laughed as he wrapped his arms around Yona, pulling her back so he could rest his chin on her shoulder. Yona giggled at the action, rubbing her cheek against his like two affectionate cats.

Ouryuu, the immortal dragon, remembers how it use to be. As Zeno closed his eyes and leaned into Yona's unique touch, he basked in her love and pride. He could feel his brothers' contentment too, surrounding him like the sea. For those before them, this would have been enough, but this generation held an ember of hope. Hope, that there was a chance for even more.

It was a timeless bond that tied them all together. It was older than the Heavens itself, and had lived on to this very day. When the dragons had descended to Earth, their bonds had suffered. Many generations ago, the bonds had to be nurtured but still, some things never came to bloom. The original generation had missed their chance, because of fear from the judgement of man.

Now, in the newest generation, it was possible that they might create a bond as deep and ageless as the Dragons of Heaven's before them.

It might take some more time, and some more coaxing, but that was okay.

Zeno had time and Zeno was very good at waiting.

Hmm, I guess after some flames, I wanted to prove to myself that I can write sweet and simple. Inspired by the new OVA of Zeno's arc. (I knew that was coming and still my heart broke). Akatsuki no Yona is my current, all consuming obsession. I just love the show, I love the manga, and I adore the characters. I thought about starting a full story for this fandom but while I have a vague idea of what I want, I have no details on how I want it to go. Someday, someday I will leave my mark in this fandom too. For now, have this small one-shot that may or may not be continued in the future.

I don't know if this will stay as a one-shot. I might do some more chapters dedicated to each dragon warrior individually. Still, please leave behind a review. I've hit a slump lately and I need some encouragement to continue writing. Reviewers and readers have this incredible power that can encourage or kill an author, so please use your power for good! I treasure every word you give me, even if it's a small few.

-Nightshade

Disclaimer - Some fancy words to say I don't own anything. Not a stitch. I wish I did but I don't. Akatsuki no Yona belongs to the rightful owner. I claim nothing but my view on the Dragons' bonds, which of course, changes with each fan. I edit my own work, so I do own all mistakes.

This story might be edited in a day or two to fix any mistakes that might have leaked through.