Chapter Text
"It's my greatest pleasure to meet you," said the king to his new four companions as he bowed. He looked like a completely different person than the pitiful man they saw on their first meeting, now that he had bathed, his wounds had been tended, and he was wearing simple yet beautiful robes and jewelry. Now anyone could believe they were in the presence of an emperor descended from the heavens, splendid and majestic.
They all immediately answered to the reverence with their own, either compelled by his nobility or the blood still boiling a bit in them. Everyone but Seiryuu felt out of place in the elegant hall, in temporary fancy clothes to substitute their dirty rags from the fight and journey. Ouryuu's sleeves were too long and needed adjustments.
"This wasn't my idea," Hiryuu continued. "When I said I loved humans and I couldn't accept the help they wanted to provide, the dragons planned this on their own. They don't trust humanity, I'm afraid. However, they feared to leave me alone. As guardians of heavens, they were unable to reincarnate as men like I did since they have responsibilities. This... is a way to give me companions that we all five could approve. They're believing me when I say that a lot of people are wonderful and worthy. That's why they chose one person each... Ah, excuse me...?"
Ryokuryuu wasn't paying attention anymore, his sight on the columns and lamps. The others glared in disapproval. Hiryuu sighed, sad smile on his lips. Better get to his point fast.
"I just want to know something. Were you forced to receive these powers and serve me? Please be honest with me. I think I owe you an apology if this is the case, and I shall dismiss you if you wish to leave my side."
Four bemused young men just stared at him. Everyone shook their heads. Everyone had accepted by their own account.
"Well," said Ryokuryuu, "I wished for the power alone and the chance to fight. I can't say I like having a master, but it comes with the bargain. So I'm not gonna be a pansy and back out just because there's a catch in the deal, y'know?"
"Thanks. That's okay," said Hiryuu with a fierce smirk. "I like the honesty, and as long as you don't betray my trust and affection, you don't have to like me as a person. You're free to have feelings and leave whenever you want, but in good terms."
Ryokuryuu wouldn't stare at the ceiling anymore. Hiryuu's expression and words had become more interesting.
"I came here because I wanted to, my lord," said Hakuryuu. "I had heard from you before... all good things, actually. I for one am looking forward to work for you."
"With you, not for you." Hiryuu's smirk turned into a satisfied grin, and he offered his hand. "Thank you so much. I hope I can live up to your expectations."
Hakuryuu gasped at first, but then he laughed and shook Hiryuu's hand with his own, now in an almost normal size.
"I have nothing important to do at home," said Seiryuu. "I don't believe I have reasons to go back anymore.... It all seems insignificant and smothering now, seen from above with these eyes."
"You'll see terrible things if you stay here, but hopefully we can change that vision for a more beautiful one. Please help me, not only with your beautiful new eyes." He also offered his hand, with a friendly smile.
Seiryuu's face didn't seem to react much, but after he bent and kissed the king's hand his golden eyes betrayed him. It seemed that deep down he was more emotional.
"How about you?" Hiryuu asked Ouryuu, who looked a little shy. "Don't be nervous."
"Um... No, I wasn't forced and I can stay, but to be honest... I'm not sure why I was chosen. I'm not a warrior and I don't have cool powers like them..."
"We could tell," pointed out Ryokuryuu.
"Shhhhhhhh."
"So I don't know how I can help, king. The will of the heavens wants me to be here, and I'll do what's within my reach and all, but I can't help but wonder."
Hiryuu's factions softened. He stood in front of the boy and put his palms on Ouryuu's shoulders. That alarmed the teenager even further.
"Thank you. I know that feeling too well. Let me tell you guys a secret. If you heard rumors about me and expected me to be an all-powerful god, you'll be disappointed. I am human now. A human with the spirit of a dragon, but human. I don't have powers like these three either, lad. But you know what?" Without taking his hands off, he looked at the four of them in the eyes with determination, and they saw fire in his pupils. "That's not going to stop me. My powerlessness shall not stop me. Hatred and fear from others shall not stop me. I'll also do what I can and pour all my heart into making a kingdom where all its people can live happier."
The four or them were impressed to hear that, but Ouryuu in particular had forgotten how to breathe. Then Hiryuu closed his fiery eyes and his smile was kind and sweet again.
"Take it easy," he whispered. "You have protected me once without powers. You are more useful than you think. Even if in the end you don't go to the battlefield, you can still do many things here for me. Even if it's something trivial like making me company and cheering me up, it's fine. We'll figure it out soon."
He patted the boy's shoulders, who looked much more relaxed then, and went back to the point where he was standing at first, to approach everyone.
"And believe me, I knew the dragons and they wouldn't choose someone unworthy to share their blood. You all have something special, I just know it. I trust their judgment, and therefore I trust you with my life. Um..." He tilted his head and scratched it. "I've been speaking for so long and I haven't asked your names yet. I don't want to call you whatever-ryuu all the time. Can you please...?"
"I'm Zeno."
"...My name is Abi."
"Guen, to serve your majesty!"
"You call me Shuten, I guess."
Hiryuu looked absolutely delighted. He blushed and grinned like a child.
"Adorable! I love your names. Let's see if I got them right." He pointed at every dragon with his index finger, while he memorized them.
"Guen, right? Guen. Guen.
"Abi, was it? Oh, your name is so lovely, by the way! Abi. Abi.
"Shu... ten? Yes. Shuten. Shuten.
"And of course, Zeno. Zeno. Zeno. Call me crazy, but just saying your names makes me feel safer and calmer."
The mighty dragon warriors couldn't reply to that. Each of them was too busy being flustered by the king's genuine affection to even utter one word. The only sound that broke the ice was a stomach growling.
"Haha, yes, I've talked for too long. Let's sit by the table, let's eat and have some rice wine. That's your first order as my dragons. You can tell me your story if you want. I want to get to know you four better, you hear? Good, come. Guen, Abi, Shuten, Zeno."
They followed their master to the dinner hall with a will beyond the blood pact. Hiryuu had stolen their hearts and earned their respect with just kind words.