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“Oh, brother of mine no matter how big you get you will always be my little brother. Since mother killed herself before naming you I shall ki-chi.”
“Ki-chi because your hair is like the river.”
—
“Yoka what are you thinking about?”
“Nothing my lord, I was just admiring the city from here.”
“Were you now Yoka? you must've been lonely come here.”
“Fufu my lord, so you are needy~!” What am I doing thinking about him? I just need to focus on my survival, useless things like the past must remain buried, like my mother the day she gave birth to my brother.
I once lived in a village by the mountains. I later learned that it was governed by the earth tribe which is funny since no one from the government ever came by, that place was like its own country and we were a different race. The adults always told the kids that the village was cursed, a dragon came by one day a long time ago and cursed the village.
“Once in each generation, one will be cursed with my power!” The adults said and we, their child's-child must pay for whatever our ancestors did. But when I asked what our ancestors did to make the dragon mad I never got a proper answer and instead was just told that this is the punishment we must suffer and that when we die we will join our family and be happy. Looking back on it now, that entire village was crazy. Dragons in other stories are described as nice, loving of humans, and keepers of balance between heaven and earth. So why would one cruse a village in the middle of nowhere?
But I didn’t have the time or energy to worry about the logic for we were poor. My sweet mother and the other woman in the village went to forests daily for food while the men worked on one big farm, and the older children babysat and tended to their family gardens. We were poor, yes but we were happy, and if I had spent the rest of my days in that village living the simple life I probably wouldn't have minded.
Then my brother was born and it all spiraled from there.
I was with my mother as she went into labor. It was late at night and my father had gone off to the next village with the chief to do trading for the winter. So for several hours, a four-year-old girl had to watch her mother give birth in a cold damp dark room only able to bring water and cloth to her mother.
Then her baby brother had bright blue hair and before she had a chance to process what had happened her mother laid in a pool of blood, tears running down her face.
Her brother was the next blue dragon.
It was protocol for the family to kill themselves or cut off contact and pretend that they never knew the child; when a family gives birth to the blue dragon. But I didn't I was only four at the time so I didn't understand fully what happened and since my mother wasn't responding. I gave him his name.
A name he will never know.
“Ki-chi? What a dumb name.” my teacher said once during her final days, she took me in after my village sold me for the crime I committed. “but since you are my student, I won’t tell anyone. Your new name will be Yoka Ko-sha, any issues?” I had known this woman for over 15 years but only now did she give me a name for men to whisper in the night. “Yoka, do one last me for me okay?” she asked after a few moments of quiet. The look in her eyes told me that she knew her death was coming her face was sunken in, and her eyes dull. However, before I had a chance to speak her lover broke in with a new doctor and I was ran out of the room.
That day, I met Gi-gan and the green dragon took a liking to me.
“No matter what happens Yoka, promise me.” her voice was barely coming out and her breathing was shallow the hand I was holding was freezing cold.
“Promise what sister ni-gin?” I asked leaning closer to hear her properly.
“Promise me you will do everything in your power to stop the human trafficking, make sure there are no others like you and me. Sold to men just because your family can’t feed you or because you wanted your brother to be free. Use everything I have taught you, deceive and kill Yang Kum-Ji free the woman of this town then go to the Kai Empire and rain hellfire upon them! Build an army from the woman and girls who lost their freedom like us and bring about their doom!” she was using the last of her energy.
“I promise Ni-gin Ko-sha, that I Yoka Ko-sha will deceive and kill Ni-gin lover Yang Kum-Ji thus freeing this town, and then I will head to the Kai Empire and build an army to bring an end to the human slave and sex trade.” I was on my knees with tears running down my face as I made my promise to the woman who raised me like a mother, loved me like a sister, and taught me how to survive in this world as a maiden of the night. I owe my life to her, and so with a smile on her face, she passed that night.
And I become Yang Kum-Ji's mistress. Using everything Ni-gin taught me he fell into the palm of my hand, a fool in love. To this day I'm not sure if he fell for me or if he kept me around because I was Ni-gin successor. But it didn't matter we were just using each outer, my body for his information and network. On the days when his warmth made me sick, the green dragon would come by and cheer me up by taking me on a flight. I didn't tell him about how I ended here, but I think he could tell that I am from the blue dragon bloodline. The green dragon is the type of person that cares too much for freedom so I can’t tell him about the village he might just kill them all and while I don't like them, there must be a reason why the legend is real.
Time passed and in the summer of my 32nd year a little lady with bright red hair came to Awa. she was so cute one look and I just wanted to eat her up, she would have made for a great lady of the night. I later learned that she was the dead princess of the kingdom, should she ever take the throne she will be of great help to me.
Towards the end of his life, Yang Kum-Ji began to beat me if I did anything wrong he had become paranoid that the government was on to him. It didn't help that Gi-gan's group had begun doing serious damage to his business so the day that the princesses group came to town I was busy working in a small brothel when Jea-ha came by with a strange man he was the tallest man I had ever seen and had a look on his face that screamed ‘I don’t wanna be here’. While Jea-ha asked me to take them.
Fast forward a few hours and we’ve ended up on the rooftops.
“That damn blue and white dragon, I just wanna be left alone.” Jea-ha complained like the sun wouldn't rise tomorrow. I have no idea why he decided to bring me along. Wait blue? The blue dragon is here!? Is it Ki-chi or his successor?
“Jea-ha I think you should just give up. The heavens are clearly against you.” I say while he jumps his grumbles in response before landing on a second roof. His leg gives out and we fall into a pot. If Yang finds out this happens I’m gonna die so I kick around with all my might to get myself free, why did I let myself get taken by Jea-ha? Ni-gin I'm so dumb art I? Why are we getting picked up by the pot?! Who is this man with old man hair!? Why is he screaming!? WHY DID HE BREAK THE POT NOW?! I'M GONNA KILL JEA-HA RIP HIS LEG OFF AND EAT IT!
Fuck! he flew off. Useless man, I can hear Ni-gin's voice in my head reminding me to never trust “a man who seeks a woman like us can’t keep it in his pants or for his wife, can only be used by us.” what a pain if only Yang wasn't being so uptight today, don’t think about it. The money I’ve made today can cover the cost of the poison. In a few days' time, this town will be a sea of blood and she can rest in peace.
“Excuse me miss, do you know where he most likely went?” a new voice takes me out of my thoughts it’s the man with old man hair. Since I’ve seen what the blue dragon hair looks like this man must be the white dragon. What a hassle, I should just go back to the manor.
“I do, but if I tell you I would lose my head. The green dragon is very picky about his freedom, you see.” I calmly answer before taking a step forward. ”now a question for you. How old is the blue dragon?” there is a moment where his face fills with fear, oh how easy it will be to play with him if he were a customer.” I’m from the blue dragon village. Before I was kicked out my brother was born, I wanna know if he's doing okay.” my emotions come out before I can think about what to say.” Actually, can you let me meet him?” Why am I asking this? Do I what to see him that badly? He was just a baby when I last saw him, he won't remember me.
“Stop thinking about that shitty village and aid me in my goal.” sister is right I have no time for such shit. I quickly get myself together and look the white dragon in the eyes, his face is filled with shock. And his blue eyes are like the sea in the morning, and Ki-chi's eyes are like the sun in my memories. A simple smile comes to my face.
“Forget I asked mister.” I say trying to draw some pity by putting my hand on my cheek “if you must know, the green dragon hates anything in relation to the myth and dragons. Don't be too hard on him, Jea-ha had a hard childhood.” lightly bowing I quickly turn towards the manor. It’s been years since I cried.
—----
“Stupid brat, you can't replace her why are you trying!” my cheek hurts, it’s probably gonna bruise. What a pain. Do you think he’ll break my bones? Ki-chi, will I get to see you again? Have you grown up well? Have you eaten lots of meat? I love meat. It’s my favorite food when I was trapped in a dark room the smell of meat was the only thing that kept me going. and to this day, it’s the only thing that can cheer me up.
“My lord, I haven't done anything to betray you!” that damn man called the lord of Awa kicks me in my stomach. This makes it the 3rd time this, week what else has he done? Broke my fingers, broke one of my ribs, and what else?
“Bullshit!” is all he screams as one of his servants hands him a horsewhip. Tonight I shall not sleep. He only stopped once the sun came up as he had duties to uphold. I was dragged back to my room, where Jea-ha was waiting for me.
Ah, I didn't do the check-in, I forgot. That is all I can think before the pain becomes too much and I pass out.
—------
“You know that the captain can hide you right you don't need to go so far just for us.”
“It’s not for you besides I don't think he will kill me that man is too attached to my predecessor if he kills me he’ll kill the last remnants of the woman he fell in love with.”
“Wow! You have such a high pain tolerance!” Yona exclaims. Jea-ha has taken me to the main pirate ship, the lounge we are in is only known by Jea-ha, the captain, and me and is a room meant for my use.
Like I've ever needed it these people are too nice to a woman like me.
“Oh, not at all, Miss. Yona I was beaten quite often as a child so I've gotten used to the pain this one time when I was about ten I had all my fingers broken by some rich man one night so the next night he came by I robbed him and bit off his pe-.” the green dragon quickly place his hand over my mouth. He may not wanna admit it but his blood is influencing him, how cute!
“I think that enough out of you missy, you need to rest today. So you are staying in my room!” even if he doesn't have a dragon arm he is still quite strong and picks me up with ease.
“Only if you pay me.” I may be injured but I am a woman of the night no matter what.
“You are a needy woman needy I say!”
“You love needy women Jea-ha! “ I tease, as he throws me over his shoulder and heads to his room.
—
“Jea-ha you're in love with her, aren't you?” Yona asks after Jea-ha returns. The tea in her hand has cooled off a bit.
“How could you tell?” as far as Jea-ha was concerned the princess was naive and didn't know much about love or romance. She is unaware, that Hak is in love with her. So how the hell was Yona able to tell that he was in love with Yoka?
“You dote on her. you took her, to wrap her wounds, and then took her to your room.”
“Yeah, I'm in love with her.” He admits. “When this is said and done I wanna give her the life she deserves. not one where she sells herself to survive, one where she can be free to do what she whats to do. but-”
“But?” Yona asks.
“But she won't give herself that she said that she what to go to the kai empire.” he shrugs and sits down across from his master. Those too have lived completely different lives. Yet why must he bow down to her a naive princess who knows nothing of this world he would rather his master be Yoka.
Yoka, Yona, for how different they are their names are very similar.
“The kai empire, why would she go to such a place?” Yona wonders out loud.
“she is the second mistress of Yang Kum-Ji, her predecessor made her promise that after her business is done in Awa she would go to The Kai empire to eradication the human trafficking that Yang is a part of.”
The economy that led them to this town. The next thing Jea-ha notices is Yona grabbing his hand and looking into his eyes with determination. She only just met him, why does she wanna help him so much? Not that he minds.
“I'm so sorry Yoka, I have no idea what took over me yesterday.” Yang kisses my hand like it’s the wine the gods make. How sickening, he never did this when Ni-gan was alive. What has gotten into him? Well, whatever we just received word that miss. Yona and that female-looking boy have been caught, oh should I say that Yang has been caught? Ni-gan your dream will soon be realized.
“It’s alright my lord it’s my fault for doing something to make you mad.”I had tied my hair loose so that it fell in front of my face, giving the impression I had spent the night in deep prayer.
“None sense I must be kind to my subjects and you are one of them.”
“My lord, you are too kind to the people you have granted women the chance to get a job.”
“Yes, I am a good lord.” he gives a heartily laugh, before heading out. One of his servants came up to me to ask something about the new girls he got. Only a few more hours till night, let's hope those too can handle it.
I hate ships, cramped places where no light can reach. It takes me back to the forest, the men who touch a body much too young, the old blue dragon merely fulfilling his duty, and my father who willingly gave up his first child to regain his honor. When my brother was born I understood that I would never be his sister, so I did something stupid, I took my brother and ran into the woods I didn't know where to go, I just knew that I needed to run.
A four-year-old cannot stand up to the power of a dragon so I was quickly caught. but before the chief and my father decided what to do with me, Ao told me something.
“It was a good idea *%&, however, both you and I know that you are too powerless to do anything. The love you have for your brother is sweet, but you should put that elsewhere.”
Put my love somewhere else Ao? My mom killed herself, my dad sold me into the sex trade, and my brother has grown up without the love of a family. Did you what us to both be broken? Just like the village broke you.
Breathe Yoka breathe. you’ve already killed all the high-ranking offices and the guards for their service to the trade. Now I must wait, and soon I will be free like the wind. Yang will be dead and Ni-gan will be able to rest the green dragon will follow his master, and I will head to The Kai Empire to finish what I've begun. All I can think about is Ni-gan's final moments as we lose more and more men and are taken to a lifeboat. I wear the veil she did when she met Yang Kum-Ji, it’s a deep blue with white embroidery around the edge with my yellow dress I give off the impression of a noblewoman. With my honey-brown eyes, very dark hair, and good skin I could make it in a noble family if I seduce one of the lord's sons. Then Jea-ha falls into the ocean and Yang is shot. The blood that flows into his clothes is like the blood that flowed from Ni-gan's mouth. He too falls into the ocean drifting down, never to be seen again. The man that rows the boat is too much of a coward, so it was very easy to get him to row to Jea-ha.
“Oi! Get on or are you going to swim back to shore?” I hold out my hand to him the moon brings out his eyes. He quickly grabs on and gets into the boat we row in silence the cheers and groan of the people on the boat is the only sound we hear. Jea-ha grabs my hands and brings them to his face he only does this when he what to ask something.
“Yoka,” he says sweetly and I get a little flustered at that.” do you wanna come with me? not to the Kai empire, but with Yona and the others?” traveling with the dragon. Do I really what to do that? But my promise to Ni-gan, I must uphold it no matter what. So with a smile on my face, I tell him no. He hugs me the ocean water from his clothes transfers onto my clothes and for a moment I think that he is just getting some warmth but my thoughts stop when he kisses my neck, and the urge to beat him to within an inch of his life take over and I began beating him with my shoe. by the time we both got to shore were both disheveled and soaked to the core I storm to my room on the ship to get change.
Yona asks for a change of clothes from my stash. I don't mind but I’ve only said less than 10 words to her, why is she asking me why not the captain?
“I don't mind” is all I say before continuing to walk Yona matches my pace and we walk in silence.
“I heard you’re going to The Kai empire.” Yona breaks the peace and for a moment my mind goes to Ni-gan.
“Yes, I made a promise to someone that after Yang dies I would go there.”
“I see but Jea-ha doesn't what you to go, does he?”
“No, he doesn't.” and once more we return to silence. It’s not till I finish helping Yona get dressed that she speaks again.
“You know Jea-ha likes you.” I freeze at her words, many men have told such sweet words before. But I know there never truly mean it, after all, they have wives and lovers at home. I was only there for service. So someone telling me that they like me for me was very different, something I have never experienced before.
“N-no I d-didn’t.”I get out, in truth I do like him a little but I was so focused on my duty to Ni-gan. That I didn’t notice, oh, I’ve gotten sloppy haven’t I?
“I don’t think that the person you promised would hate you for joining Jea-ha.”How odd Yona has a good point. I haven't really taken someone at their word since Ni-gan died, she did always what us to find love. Ni-gan what do I do?
—
The morning sun is bright, I can’t believe that Jea-ha and I like each other. Why did I decide to follow him? I guess for once, I wanted to do something of my own free will. When I told him that he smiled and hug me saying that I’ll be able to do as I please and that we can be free. And so the morning after Yang Kum-Ji’s death I chose to follow my heart.
Which is nice and all but why are we in a tree? I thought we weren’t joining Yona’s group.
Never mind we are, oh well. Yona does look like she needs a female friend.