Yona of the Dawn (暁のヨナ)

My eyes. They ache more than usual today.

Intruders? How'd they get down here?

That woman's voice. She's in distress.

He's trying to trap her underground.

I have to stop him!

The Four Dragon warriors.

What's happening?

From this day forward, you shall act as our avatars.

We have granted you our power

so you may protect the Crimson Dragon.

It is your duty to defend him with your lives.

Whose voice am I hearing?

My eyes are killing me.

When I touched that young woman,

my blood started rushing through my veins.

I thought I was going to collapse.

Then, I heard those voices.

Who was that man?

And why did I feel some sort of strange bond with him?

The words "white dragon" kept floating through my mind.

My blood is boiling. What a strange sensation.

I've never felt anything like it before.

What's happening to my eyes?

Why are they aching so badly? I need to try to calm down.

No one must know about my cursed power. Never again.

Wait, are you telling me

you were almost kidnapped by one of the villagers?

The nerve! First, they disrespect the princess,

and then they try to trap her underground?

Those miserable plebeians are lucky

I don't rip their faces off!

There's no need to get violent!

Plebeians, huh?

Big word for a small man.

Why don'tcha settle down, moneybags?

Let a real man handle this.

Neither of you is "handling" anything, got it?

Anyway, I dunno about this guy being the Blue Dragon Warrior.

Are you sure he's the one?

Yes.

Then why'd he run away from you?

Who knows?

There's something strange going on here,

but I can't put my finger on it.

What really strikes me as odd

is how this village is the exact opposite of yours.

What?

Then again, maybe it's just our perception.

It's possible we've been lead astray.

What if the White Dragon Warrior's village

is the exception to the rule?

There we were surrounded by crimson-hair-worshippers

and Gija's power was revered, but it's different here.

The people of this village couldn't care less

about the princess's crimson hair,

and they don't idolize their warrior.

Instead, they seem to loathe him and his power.

Maybe that's why he doesn't want anything to do with us--

That's nonsense!

It's the Four Dragons' sworn duty to make their presence know

when their master comes calling!

I didn't hesitate to introduce myself to the princess

for I knew it was my job to protect her!

Not everybody can be as perfect as you.

No, guess not.

That was sarcasm, you know.

You're wrong.

He didn't hesitate. He saved me.

And I could feel kindness in his touch.

I wanna see him again.

You don't seriously wanna go back to the caves, do you?

Yeah!

Most folks would stay far away from the place

after what you went through.

You've sure got guts, Princess Yona.

Well, let's go.

All we have to do is find that secret passageway, right?

Shouldn't be too hard.

You should stay here, Princess.

But, Hak.

It's too dangerous.

Yun and I will find the Blue Dragon Warrior

and bring him to you.

What about me? I should go, not you!

Okay, then I'll stay and protect the princess.

You fiend!

Head back to the caves and try and find the secret passageway,

but don't go insi--

No!

Uh.

I'm going. Along with Gija and Yun. You're staying here, Hak.

Gija can sense the Blue Dragon Warrior

and Yun knows his way through the caves.

I'm sorry, but this might be my only chance.

Maybe... I can persuade him to join us. Please?

Geez.

You seriously want me to stay out here and be the lookout?

And I suppose I don't have any say in the matter.

Don't worry, I promise I'll be careful.

You know the only reason I'm asking this of you

is because I trust you, right?

It's true.

You'd better come back without so much as a scratch.

Otherwise...

...you're stuck with me.

I'll be right by your side for the rest of your life.

Really?

Wow, that sounds annoying!

I'll be extra careful now.

Good. I don't wanna be stuck with you either.

Poor guy.

Hey, White Snake.

I'm part dragon, not snake-- Uh.

Watch her.

She's in good hands.

The villagers.

They've been spying on us the whole time.

You sure are a creepy bunch, aren't ya?

Look all you want, you're not getting past me.

Admit it, Princess,

aren't you scared to venture off like this

without the Lightning Beast?

Of course I am, but I was trying to play it cool!

I need to learn to do things myself

so I don't have to rely on Hak as much.

Did you ever stop to think

that maybe he wants to be relied on?

You think?

I don't know. I seriously doubt that's the case

because he swore to serve my father and his kingdom, not me.

The only reason he's here

is he's following my father's orders.

I dunno, Princess. I don't think that's the only reason.

He's spent his entire adult life working

as a general and a bodyguard.

It sounds miserable, if you ask me.

That's why I hope to give Hak his freedom back someday.

What?!

This is a dead end! There's no secret passageway here!

Yes, there is.

Whoa! You're right, it opened!

That's so cool!

Mh-hm.

Hey, Gija, you coming?

Is there something wrong?

Uh. No.

I can sense the Blue Dragon's location.

He's straight ahead, so you two go on.

I'll stay here and wait for you.

What? But we need you.

We'll be fine, Princess.

There's no need to worry,

this beautiful boy genius knows the way!

Take care of her.

You know I will.

Now then.

Would you care to tell me what business you have with us?

No one who goes through the hidden passageway

can ever leave the caves.

Is that so?

Are you scoundrels completely unaware

of the Crimson Dragon's nobility?

I'm charged with protecting Princess Yona,

so you'll have to get past me to get to her.

The White Dragon is nearby.

I can feel it.

And I hear footsteps coming this way.

Ao, go and hide.

Who are these intruders?

If they're enemies, I'll take them down!

We meet again.

Who is she?

Why does she make me feel this way?

This guy is totally crazy! Then again, what did we expect

from a creep who wears a mask and hides in caves?

We should get outta here

--while we still can, Princess. --

Well, hello, furry friend.

Huh?

That glutton's got way too much food

crammed in his pudgy cheeks. Watch out, he might puke.

So, does this little guy have a name?

--Ao. -- Uh!

I didn't expect him to answer.

I don't think that suits him at all.

Okay, let's not piss off the crazy man, Princess!

I suppose she's right.

It doesn't suit him, does it?

But I didn't know what else to call him.

I'm Princess Yona.

May I ask your name?

Blue... Dragon.

No, that can't possibly be right.

I mean, that's your title, but what's your name?

Don't have... one.

I'm just... Blue Dragon.

Stay away!

Who are you people? And why did you come to this village?

No one has ever come near me