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tinysnailtales · 3 months

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Thoughts from reading Yona of the Dawn Ch. 9

Ch.9 in summary: Hak and Yona are confronted/attacked by Tae-Jun. In a test of her newfound principles and in desperation to save Hak, Yona chooses to reject helplessness and take more direct action, unlocking a fire inside of her.

"How're we supposed to find someone if we don't know where he is?" – sorry, Hak, I'm afraid you'll be doing a lot of that in the near future XD

"Since ancient times, there have been priests in Kouka who gazed into the kingdom's future...if you're unsure of what you should, you should consult them, your highness." – the introduction of priests (or, I believe as the anime translated it, "oracles," which sounds a little more mystical to me) + the idea of a greater path for Yona. It almost sounds like Mundok has an inkling of what that path contains and like his person beliefs tie to the priests.

"They used to live in the temple in the royal palace. I hear they once were a powerful force in national politics. But when Lord Yu-Hon cracked down on them, they all left. Now, they live in remote areas in secret" – Yu-Hon being responsible for chasing the priests out and removing them from positions of influence feels like it factors into the mysterious history of Il/Yu-Hon/the succession.

"The right path, huh? Right now, I'm just struggling to survive" – Yona has grown a lot already, but she's still a wandering soul (literally and figuratively) just trying to live another day. She doesn't know what the future brings. But she will need to shift from "surviving" to "living." Right now it probably seems impossible, but she needs a purpose. I think she has begun to discover it in her growing care for others and the action she has taken to protect them.

"...can anyone really live here?" "Well, you'd probably fall off a cliff, princess." – famous last words, Hak.

"No one could survive in these cold mountains..." "The land that the Fire Tribe controls is even more desolate." – a fun little link back to the opening flash-forward scene! ("Back then...I had no idea it could get so cold outside the palace walls") Yona is beginning/continuing to discover more about her kingdom's land and its people.

"I used to be the princess of this nation...but Hiryuu Palace was all I knew. 'I don't know.' How foolish I must have sounded." – Yona is ashamed of her lack of knowledge. She was ignorant about both her kingdom's people and the land itself. She never left the palace, being extremely sheltered.

"Sleeping outside? I've started getting used to it" – Already Yona has grown a little tougher and more resilient. She's adapting to her new life. With Soo-Won's betrayal and being on the run, reality hit extremely hard but the changes to her circumstances are changing her in turn and producing that growth.

"This isn't like the mountains behind the palace..." – in fact, Yona's growth was already happening when she was in her worst and weakest state. Hak saved her physical body and now the Wind Tribe has saved her spirit, infusing her with hope, courage, and determination.

"Then I'll sleep in your arms and stay warm" *cue flabbergasted Hak freakout* – This would be such a good line if it has been intentional XD But Yona thinks nothing of it.

She's kind of unaffected by the idea of being close to Hak–essentially, she's "Soo-Won-ing" him aka treating Hak how Soo-Won treated her/not fully viewing him as a "man" or considering him as a romantic prospect. She's not completely clueless because tell me she wouldn't have been affected by the idea of being in the same situation with Soo-Won when she blushed just from holding his hand and sleeping next to him. But also–girl. Hello. She's got some obliviousness and/or a Hak-shaped blindspot.

I think this is somewhat related to how firmly Hak is in her mind as "protector" and her trust in him. There's a little bit of "why would I be embarrassed? It's Hak."

But boooooy do I think that gets to Hak. When he recovers from his initial reaction, he is quick to shift into kind of sleazy-flirty-mode: "Sounds fine to me. But I might get up to something." – He is affected by Yona and how unaffected she seemed at the idea.

Yona's "Something?" does feel like an indication of at least some innocence and ignorance regarding adult relationships. Maybe it challenges the maturity she thought she displayed in how she regarded Soo-Won. Hak's first try at saying "hey, I am a guy. Don't forget" goes over her head, and if it's not just cluelessness, then Yona is in deep with her belief that Hak couldn't mean that so his "up to something" must be referring to something else. She genuinely doesn't realize he likes her.

I find Yona's obliviousness a fun contrast to the denial and suppression we see from a character like Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries. I would love to see Maomao smack some sense into Yona on this topic.

"...something like this" – and Hak resorts to physical demonstration to finally get the point across and I do think when it comes to the two of them, actions from Hak do have the ability to get Yona flustered, she's usually just not expecting them. Hak's got a slight element of unpredictability in this regard.

The line between Hak getting his point across and genuinely protecting Yona is blurry here–I'm not sure where one ends and the other begins. Because Yona is made uncomfortable, Hak is lucky the moment blends into a cool "I can detect how many people are coming" scene or else I might be more frustrated with him.

(We call this whole ramble "trying to explain character behavior I don't love" and I do support flawed characters so...)

Yona's reaction shows how fear is still very real for her and paralyzes her a bit.

Hak getting on my nerves a little, but I think he kind of has to have the last word on the matter and reverts to his usual strategy of making light of things/teasing. It's like his armor as he tries not to be hurt by his unrequited feelings.

I do like the "fwump," putting Yona's hood back up to hide her. Even when he's being an ass, Hak is in Yona protector mode.

Big fan of protector stance Hak and the "slash" panel is gorgeoooous but it's interesting how deadly/violent Hak can be and how he seems to enjoy it. He is a trained general and guard, after all, but his grins really stand out.

"'Hak fights like lightning! If we ever fought seriously, he'd beat me to a pulp.' Even at a moment like this...I still remember your face..." –Even after everything and under threat of danger, Soo-Won is in Yona's thoughts. For her, it's like an "everything reminds me of you" situation and also indicates how she valued his opinion.

At least Yona has some self-awareness about the dominance of Soo-Won in her mind.

And "if we ever fought seriously, he'd beat me to a pulp" – foreshadowing?

I appreciate this moment of Hak being Hak (aka a little sarcastic, teasing shit who pretends to not take things seriously) and ignoring Tae-Jun because 1. lol Tae-Jun's reaction of "No, no, that's fine...WAIT." and 2. it emphasizes how Hak is that way with everyone, not just Yona. It lessens the string of some of his less-than-savory comments to her for me. Or at least re-contextualizes.

It's a good frame of reference for Hak's treatment of Yona (How does he treat her in these teasing moments in comparison to how he treats others– or what is the teasing about? Usually with Yona, his comments are like a deflection "I don't have feelings for you. Nope." + How does he treat her outside of those moments?)

A small moment, but I like how he is sure to say "don't punish the Wind Tribe for my actions" + "hurting me won't impact the Wind Tribe"

I like these panels and they show that yes, Hak can take things seriously, especially when he's in protector mode.

And I know it's heat of the moment, but this is kind of what I was referencing earlier regarding Yona being unaffected by being close to Hak and viewing physical proximity to him as something more practical than anything else.

"I'm scared! Arrows and soldiers are coming at us from every side...even Hak...can't handle all this!"

– so I did a rambling analysis of the weight-related comments from Hak in my goodreads review but basically weight gain for Yona = recovery and an indicator of health so Hak would actually secretly be pleased about it, but there's still a negative connotation considering how he uses it to tease her and I think its inclusion is in poor taste.

But with that out of the way, it is worth noting how Hak (in typical fashion) seems to use his comment to try and make light of the situation/distract Yona as she experiences panic and fear.

"Hak!! Hak?! Are you all right?!" "Stop fussing over me. It's creepy" "You're...you're bleeding" – Hak said "I'd take a bullet (arrow) for you"!!

I think this is a better use of the teasing/making light of the situation method by Hak. He's trying to play it off, but YONA CARES ABOUT HIM. You can clearly see the pain on his face.

"He got injured from protecting me...'If you're with me, I'll have to protect you.' I..." – Yona realizes the truth of Hak's words about having to protect her if they travel together and so soon into their travels.

Tae-Jun even said "I couldn't care less about the Wind Tribe. I'm going to kill you because I have business with the princess here!" to Hak. Before, Yona felt partially responsible for the suffering of the Wind Tribe and the injured merchants, but here the feeling of responsibility is even stronger and more direct. The guilt and sadness eats at her.

"I knew Hak would shield her with his body" – more of everyone knowing Hak's devotion to Yona and an example of how Hak is both a weapon and a shield for Yona ("a tool")

"They're going to kill Hak!"

"No, think about this. I should stay put...and hold my breath. If I go out there, I'll only be in his way. Just like earlier. It'll be all right. Hak is really strong."

"He could dodge that arrow. I'll stay right here and wait for him to come back. Hak...would never die." – Yona has had to face a lot that at one point seemed incomprehensible: her father's death, Soo-Won's betrayal... does the reliability and presence of Hak feel even more unshakable than her father and Soo-Won? And/or does she realize that nothing is written in stone?

"NO. Why did I leave Fuuga in the first place?" –in the last chapter, Yona became determined to take action and not accept that she should be passive and everything will be okay. But in Fuuga, taking action was more theoretical and relatively safe. The action of leaving to protect someone is much easier than being in the heat of battle.

Yona decided what she values/her principles, but this is her first big test in regards to them. Was she just all talk?

A BIG MOMENT for Yona, a sort of culmination of the growth she has been experiencing so far. And it's beautiful.

"Why did I leave Fuuga in the first place? Was it to have Hak protect me while I hide? If so, I should have stayed where I was. I'm just a burden to him. What would I do if he weren't here? Do I plan to admit that I'm weak and keep cowering?"

This reminds me of how I love the questions Yona asks herself back in chapter 1 ("Am I not allowed to be happy?" + "I'm allowed to have these feelings, aren't I?") and her honesty with herself and others. Yona feels and admits that she's weak. She feels powerless and helpless and like a burden, but she doesn't want to hide or keep cowering. She wants to be someone worth protecting and be someone capable of protecting, for Hak and for herself. She rejects the position of damsel she's gotten used to and decides to change.

"Before I ask for any divine answers...there are some questions I need to ask myself" – and I love this part too. There's a re-centering and some introspection happening before she chooses the path forward. This goes back to her journey of self-discovery and who she wants to be, and I think it demonstrates Yona placing value in herself and her thoughts + opinions.

She won't be a doll to be manipulated or just do what others say. She will decide for herself and bring her own thoughts to the table.

I think it's cool that we get all of this here. Maybe survival would be more likely if she stayed hidden, but she's choosing to live, not just survive. It brings things back to her thoughts from the beginning of the chapter: "The right path, huh? Right now, I'm just struggling to survive." In choosing to emerge from hiding and act, she has some direction and purpose.

LOOK AT THOSE EYES. Yona is pissed and I live for it. There's a clear fire lit inside her.

"W–What's going on? I thought being driven from the palace had broken her spirit" – Yona shocks Tae-Jun (who isn't as dumb as he appears as he correctly assumed Yona's state post-Soo-Won betrayal but he didn't account for what her time with the Wind Tribe would do!)

"We must talk" – Yona is using what she has, her words, but this also works as a reflection of her father's nonviolence.

"You poor thing...! Soo-Won has treated you abominably. But if you come with me and tell the truth, we could drag him off the throne. You can avenge your father"

"If you new all that...why did the Fire Tribe put pressure on the Wind Tribe? Why did you attack those merchants? If you know the truth about what happened...you shouldn't have been trying to hurt the Wind Tribe...or trying to kill Hak for no reason! There are more important things you should've been doing!" – Yona sees through Tae-Jun and cracks down on how he + the Fire Tribe hurt innocents, she is continuing to dedicate herself to the people + be outraged on their behalf. And while before her emotions regarding what happened to the merchants and the Wind Tribe skewed more towards sadness, now she is fueled by anger.

Yona is also continuing with her refusal to be manipulated/do what others say and adding onto that, she's refusing to accept being talked down to.

"Her eyes look like they're on fire...I can't take my eyes off her!" – Yona is stepping into her power and others can see it!

"I may be a naive princess...but I'm not foolish enough...to listen to anyone who acts so senselessly!" – jabbing at Tae-Jun's priorities while asserting her own. Yona is again demonstrating self-awareness and honesty ("naive princess") but still doing what she can and acting from the heart. She has a passion to her.

"Her highness is supposed to be young and malleable..." – Yona standing up to Tae-Jun is standing up against what Hak hates about the nobility: people being treated as pawns + dishonesty + selfishness. She will not be a tool (which makes me think of how Hak told her to use him as a tool. He does submit to her will but he isn't malleable and is unshakable in his devotion)

And even Hak is shook by Yona's actions and words here. This is a part of her maybe even he hasn't seen before.

"...her crimson tresses...looked like they were flames about to consume her" – it's almost like Yona's rage and thoughts are too powerful for her body. She has a powerful emotionality and she may continue to show that feelings are not weak but actually the opposite.

Yona's hidden power has been unlocked, but what exactly is it? Here it seems to be determination + emotionality + passion driven by care for others. It's kind of her "Wind Tribe moment" aka doing as they did, moving from inspiration to action.

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tinysnailtales · 3 months

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Thoughts from reading Yona of the Dawn Ch. 11

Ch.11 in summary: Yona, Hak, and Soo-Won all experience symbolic rebirths and enter a new phase. Thinking Hak and Yona are dead, Soo-Won reaffirms his commitment to his goals as he is crowned king and plans to unite the tribes while Hak and Yona are rescued by Yoon and a larger fate begins to reveal itself.

"Dawn is breaking" as Yona endures her symbolic death + rebirth! More Yona = dawn, especially in Soo-Won's mind. As she has been haunted by him/had him hanging over her, now Soo-Won must really feel the same.

And as Yona experiences her symbolic death and rebirth, we get Soo-Won going through his own symbolic rebirth with the bathing and ~water symbolism~

The "confirmed" death of Yona and Hak has him recommitted to his goals.

A new chapter is starting for all.

"Hiryuu Palace–the palace of the red dragon...symbolizes the ruler of Kouka" – the introduction of the red dragon and the larger story...and the conflict of who is the rightful ruler.

"I swore to myself..that I would return to this palace one day" – part of his recommitment, Soo-Won re-centers himself by reminding himself of his promises and goals. It goes to show just how committed he is, that this sounds more like an obligation to something forged in the past.

Soo-Won genuinely does care for Hak + respect him as a guard/general.

"I want you to marry Princess Yona and become king" "Well, whatever the reason...I want you to marry her highness...You're who I want to be king next" – and Hak genuinely trusts and respects Soo-Won (to the point of trusting him with Yona). Seems like maybe Hak is the one who actually planted the idea of Soo-Won marrying Yona in Soo-Won's brain, so why did he act so shocked when Yona presented it to him? Was it that– an act?

"Impossible! I couldn't marry Yona." "Don't want me after all?" – and Soo-Won always insists marrying Yona is impossible. But Hak refuses to leave Yona's side and is loyal to her first and foremost. The only way to get Hak is through Yona, they are a package deal.

"When that day comes, I'll be your right-hand man. I'll stand by both of you until the very end." – Hak is extremely loyal and GAH poor baby Hak, he wants that childhood dream of the trio staying together forever so bad SOB.

Also interesting that Hak loves Yona but can't imagine a future where he marries her or becomes king hmm...thinks of it as an impossibility in part because of Yona's feelings for Soo-Won? Hak's admiration for Soo-Won might tread into jealousy territory a bit too and he probably thinks Soo-Won is better than him. But like Yona with Soo-Won, he just wants to be by the side of the one(s) he loves.

"I want three meals and a nap every day. Make it happen. It's a sweet deal for you. I'm the Thunder Beast of Kouka, after all." – classic Hak teasing + making light of his dreams for the future/a serious topic.

"'That's...a happy future you're dreaming of.' But...when I become king...I don't think...Yona or Hak will be by my side." – Soo-Won desired that future too to some extent. It sounded happy to him. But he is already set in his plans and determined to see them through.

"Hak. Please...protect Yona" – it really seems like Soo-Won didn't want them hurt or dead, just wanted them out of the picture somehow? What did he originally intend for them? In some ways, things played out how Soo-Won wanted– with Hak protecting Yona and them fleeing + surviving (not that he knows that at the moment, but at first that would have probably made him happy deep down).

"On warm days like this...part of me...is reluctant" – Soo-Won's attachment and love for Hak and Yona almost made him change his mind and give up on his plans. Those feelings for them are strong. But not strong enough to sway him. Regardless, it seems he is prioritizing loyalty to his father over his own happiness.

"I no longer have...a right-hand man...or the girl...who was so warm to me. I crushed them underfoot and cut them down...to bring this day about. I have no hesitations anymore!"

And now, without Hak and Yona, Soo-Won seemingly has no weakness. They were a sacrifice he was willing to make (but were they really? He didn't actively kill them and tried to prevent it by ordering them captured, though he accepts responsibility for their "death" and is honest with himself about how he at least played a role) He looks angry and determined as he his is crowned king, as if accepting this is his fate and like he has been drained of his more conflicting emotions with the removal of Hak and Yona. He won't be held back by compassion or love or attachment. Being alone makes Soo-Won more committed.

"The Fire Tribe...they pretend to serve me, but they've been angling to control the capital for a while now. The Earth Tribe only obeys a strong master. The Water Tribe is waiting to see how things unfold. And the Wind Tribe...they've bowed under the pressure put on them, but they still have many powerful warriors. When they learn of Hak's death, they may turn on me." – again, Soo-Won has a good grasp on the political situation and recognizes when people are putting on a front. You can kind of tell this is where his attention has been.

“The Kai Empire to the north and the nations of Xing and Sei to the south will probably be paying close attention to the fact that Kouka has a new king. But first…I must unite these divided tribes” – Soo-Won presents the potential to be a good ruler in spite of how he got here. Though it feels a little contradictory that Soo-Won's good intentions and desire to unite Kouka is being achieved through murder and some division. He seems like he subscribes to the ends justifying the means and is very focused on strategy (I'm seeing him as having some overlap with Lakan in my Apothecary Diaries comparisons in terms of viewing people as pawns, but in contrast, he has to actively squash his compassion and humanity)

I guess you could say Soo-Won has become an embodiment of what Hak hates about nobility + royalty, especially with how he insists his whole persona with Hak and Yona was a lie used to achieve his goals. It's no wonder Hak insists he will never forgive Soo-Won.

"As you know, priests no longer dwell within this palace. But...our god above is still watching" – a slight from Mundok. "As you know" aka "because of your father." And basically "you are being judged." I could use some clarification on the religion here– is there one god or multiple (since aren't the dragons gods?) Either way, Mundok seems attached to the "old ways" and to be more spiritually inclined.

"As for what you plan to achieve...and what you will sacrifice to attain it...Well, I'm an old man. I want to see those things...before I join the late King Il." – Mundok clocks Soo-Won's "the ends justify the means" thinking and basically assumes the worst (like him sacrificing Hak and Yona, which is backed by evidence and something he is poking at here along with the killing of King Il). Mundok is making his allegiances clear.

"But if the heavens only watch...what difference do they make? I want the power of people not god. I will...restore the kingdom of Kouka to the strength and glory it possessed...under past kings! Anything that stands in my way...even the heavens...will be crushed." – Soo-Won rejects the heavens and gods. He presents something I think the story will explore overall: fate vs. personal action, gods vs. people. Interestingly, Yona will kind of become a combination of the two, using the power of the gods but also focusing on the people. Maybe that is what is needed. Her connection to god/fate also naturally opposes Soo-Won's people-based position.

Also just...damn Soo-Won. Intense to declare you won't be intimidated by the heavens/gods. And he returns Mundok's energy/slight, emphasizing "the strength and glory" Kouka possessed under "past" kings (not King Il) and affirming yes, he was willing to sacrifice Hak and Yona and is willing to crush others too. It also works as a threat.

Still conflicted on what makes the "real" Soo-Won, but I suppose he could be speaking this tough "King Soo-Won" into existence. Maybe his words aren't completely honest/reflective of him on the inside, but by putting them out there, he shifts into the person who would do and say those things. I think he presents more confidence than he has, but he did actually kill King Il, so it's not like he is completely incapable of being what he presents.

"When did...that look enter your eyes? Will I ever see...that kind smile again?" – Yona, then Hak, and now Mundok must grapple with the shift they see in Soo-Won and consider who he really is (+ reconsider the Soo-Won they knew and whether or not it was a lie). They all have moments of "Who are you? I don't recognize you."

What look does Mundok see specifically? Hatred? Will there be a Soo-Won = hatred, Yona = love opposition? But Soo-Won is driven by love and loyalty too, and he does want what he thinks is best for Kouka. Complicated, contradictory Soo-Won continues (and I love it)

Yona wakes! The symbolic rebirth begins. But again, even at a time like this, Yona thinks of Soo-Won. A bit instinctual as she is being taken care of, like Soo-Won used to do for her. Goes to show that even in this rebirth/new chapter, Soo-Won will follow her. She's not free of him, yet (if ever).

Poor Yona, constantly coming to being like "Where the fuck am I? What is happening?"

She woke up pretty (understandably) out of it, but when she comes back to herself, Yona's thoughts go instantly to Hak.

Yona's choppy hair, with some long strands remaining, shows a sort of partial transformation. It has not been complete yet. And Hak, wrapped up in bandages, looks like he's in a sort of cocoon, undergoing his own metamorphosis. (or a mummy! Cracking down on the symbolic death part)

All members of the trio get their transformation/rebirth moment.

"'H-Hak...' 'He's alive. Barely. I managed to extract the poison from his body...but there's a stab wound in his chest and he's badly bruised all over. He also has some broken ribs, and there was a lot of blood...He would have died if I hadn't found you when I did." – Yona gets a very clear picture of how far Hak will go for her/how much he will endure and sacrifice himself for her.

"He probably protected you...when you fell. You were on the ground and he was holding you" – it must hurt, or feel like a failure, knowing Yona tried to protect him and he ended up protecting her. Knowing she is partially to blame for his state.

"He's awfully devoted to you. What is he? Your lover?" "No, nothing like that." "Hmm...poor guy, then." – lol @ more people clocking Hak's love for and devotion to Yona. But I think here we see in how affected she is how devoted she is to him in turn. And listen, Yona doesn't owe him romantic feelings, but (seemingly) unrequited love sucks.

Yona presents her obliviousness about Hak's love for her, but again, if their relationship is "nothing like that" then what is it like, Yona? Just your casual "he would die for me and I would die for him" relationship. I think perhaps Yona does not realize or understand the depth of her feelings for Hak, partially because she was too preoccupied by Soo-Won (I'm probably repeating myself. Oh well)

It's funny that she could recognize that Soo-Won wasn't in love with her but can't recognize that Hak is, especially since she came to understand love/love Soo-Won through the concepts of care and protection. "What is love?" might be an idea explored by Yona throughout her journey.

"'I'm...' Maybe I shouldn't say my name. They don't seem like bad people...but we're near Fire Tribe lands" – Yona is learning! And adapting to her on-the-run life

"You've been through...such a difficult time...I'm impressed that you undertook your journey. I mean, you're Princess Yona...it's quite admirable." – Ik-Soo recognizes her bravery and strength and she deserves that!! And despite what Yona has recently endured, she has been feeling and crying for a lot of other people, so it is nice to see someone (even if the overly emotional Ik-Soo) cry for her!

"'Wait...how do you know...about me?' 'A message from god...'" – and so Yona's "true" (and fated) importance begins...

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tinysnailtales · 3 months

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Thoughts from reading Yona of the Dawn Ch. 10

Ch.10 in summary: in a manifestation of her internal change, an enraged Yona takes a stand to try and save Hak from Tae-Jun and co but ultimately causes her and Hak's symbolic death when they fall from a cliff, leaving Tae-Jun and Soo-Won to grapple with the results of their actions as they grieve.

"She's like...a raging firestorm. I can't look away. Did her highness...ever look like this before? At the palace she seemed so young...and weak. Just an ordinary girl. But now, even though she's lost everything..."

Really Yona's "Wind Tribe moment"!! "Even though she's lost everything," she is taking a stance. Acting in spite of suffering. Not letting it stop her.

Repeating my end of chapter 9 thoughts with saying Yona's hidden power has been unlocked inside her. But she seemed like "just an ordinary girl," and well, she's not but she is. And also maybe there is power in being an ordinary girl! But for Yona specifically, she is ordinary in that she doesn't seem to have any special talents or abilities, at least not yet. She's not "good" at anything. But she is learning her own power and strength.

Summing Yona moving forward as "passionate, not passive"

"He's going to die" – look how big that text is! She cares so much about him.

We also get the very important and clear parallel to King Il's death. Yona did get there too late to prevent it, but upon seeing her dead father, she froze. Here, she dives into action.

No more just sitting and hiding and taking it. Yona embodies "stay afraid but do it anyway" What can she do? It doesn't matter. She has to do something.

The eyes here are really something. In Yona's expression you can see her terror and emotion and almost feel her shifting back into how she felt in the moment of her father's death. Tae-Jun's eyes are very expressive too.

It's also interesting how casual (and even excited) Tae-Jun and co are about killing Hak.

Grabbed by the HAIR! And then BAM! She chops it off. HAIR SYMBOLISM, BABY. It is a physical representation of her internal change.

This contrasts the opening scene, where Yona is focused on her hair and her appearance. Now that seems frivolous and doesn't matter. It's not even in her thoughts at this moment. That's another part of her transformation– figuring out her priorities/what really matters.

And she's never used a sword, but that doesn't stop her! She'll do whatever she can in this desperate moment. She just keeps going, such a difference from her prior numb, frozen shock.

Hak is kind of the ultimate motivator for Yona here. She has become progressively more active, but with Hak, acting on someone else's behalf becomes more personal.

Also...Yona the beautiful badass (and again, look at her eyes! The depth there)

"I won't let them kill him! I refuse!" – Yona's stubborn determination, like when she stood her ground against Hak ("I've made up my mind") when leaving the Wind Tribe but in a more perilous, escalated situation.

And the parallel to her father's death was clear before now, but here we get it explicitly spelled out. Yona won't let more people she loves die.

"I said...get away from Hak!"

I keep pointing to the eyes but there's such EMOTIONALITY in them. And Yona is an emotional character, so I love seeing that come across in her face.

We've got kind of the "looks like a mess but has never looked more beautiful" energy

Oh look, a close-up on her eye XD (yes please)

"But...is this really...Princess Yona?" – the transformed Yona, her self-discovery and change is evident to others too. She's almost unrecognizable in her appearance + actions.

"Hak! It's my turn to save you." – awww. There is so much weight to these words. How much Hak means to her, her feelings of guilt and incapability... This whole encounter has been a test of "new Yona" and it must really feel like it for her in this moment. It's a bit like if she fails to save him, then that's it for her.

The energy here is very "I rather than die (with you) than live without you" + "if we go down, we go down together"

"You idiot...run away! You can't do this! Hurry up and get away–" – I like this little combination of teasing Hak + serious Hak. Obviously he's not teasing her in this moment, but he affectionately calls her an "idiot." I feel like you get that a lot in dynamics like Hak and Yona, one calling the other an "idiot" when they prioritize the other instead of what's in their own best interest.

"No! Never! If you die...I'll never forgive you!!" – this is the second time Yona has said this, the first being in chapter 3 after Hak and her flee from the palace. Here, we get a significant pause/reaction from Hak, almost like he didn't believe her before or didn't take it seriously considering the circumstances. But Yona is showing him how serious she was and is. He's seeing her choose him + staying by his side over her own survival.

Just...woah, wow, yes. Beautifully depicted.

And all that's left behind is...HER HAIR.

We see that Tae-Jun actually does care about Yona and that there's more to him than appears. He can be short-sighted and irrational + take things too far (compare his "flirting" in the flashback of chapter 3 with Hak's flirting– I don't love all of Hak's flirting but he is self-aware of when he's doing or saying something somewhat repulsive/off-putting whereas Tae-Jun is not).

Tae-Jun is a mess and a menace, but as the second son, he's also probably trying to prove himself, and thinking Yona has died clearly leaves him feeling horrified and dead inside.

Like Tae-Jun, Soo-Won is shocked and affected by Yona's "death." And OOOOH giving Soo-Won the hair he so loved HA

"Princess Yona...has left this world" – and HELLO I scream not just about the HAIR SYMBOLISM but Yona's SYMBOLIC DEATH (and REBIRTH!) that is happening. She's crossed a threshold.

More of Tae-Jun's reaction: he's feeling guilty + ashamed and can't live with himself. He's tortured by his actions and wants (begs!) to be punished.

"Punish me! Please!" – the desperation. Tae-Jun's outward display works as an expression of what Soo-Won is feeling on the inside and holding in.

Soo-Won thinking of Hak and Yona and their shared past brings me back to Hak and Yona facing the Soo-Won revealed by his betrayal: "Would you authorize this awfulness, Soo-Won?" + "Are you satisfied, Soo-Won?" Soo-Won is facing the results of his choices. And he did choose this, but he didn't want this result specifically. He didn't want his friends to die, but he must accept the responsibility for what happened.

YOON! (I love Yoon) What an introduction lol "What a pain. A pair of corpses" (also also more symbolic death and HakYona are tangled together in it, both having tried to protect the other)

But hello to whatever he was singing prior to finding Hak and Yona. "Long, long ago...the great red sun was devoured. And when the world went dark..." is he also describing what's happening/what is about to happen with Yona and co?

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