Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ In the Arms of a Wolf ❯ Chapter 1

In the Arms of a Wolf

Chapter 1

Genrou gazed sadly the three of his men who were lying on mats. They were unconscious, but were still able to thrash around violently and moan in pain. There was a terrible sickness striking the stronghold of the Mt. Reikaku bandits, and these were the worst cases. Others showed early symptoms of the epidemic (persistent coughing, high fever, and fatigue).

"Genrou?" Kouji asked lightly as he entered the candlelit room.

"Here." The fiery haired bandit leader confirmed absently.

"What are we going to do? We can't let them die. We're running out of time. The men are counting on us to come up with something."

"We'll have to get a Healer." Genrou said quietly as he found himself wishing violently for Mitsukake.

"I remember Kiro talking about a Healer in the village a few miles east of here. He said she was a wise old bag who knew he was a bandit the moment she saw him. He mentioned a pretty rich girl, too, but I don't remember anything else. We can try asking him…" Kouji suggested.

"Let's do it. We have to try something before this turns into an epidemic."

In an instant, the two men were gone, the lights dimmed, and the door closed.

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"Yep, her name was Marusan… around 50…in a village east of here… ten to fifteen miles… had a girl with her… found out her name was Ailina… really, really pretty… a real babe… oh yeah- the Healer. Well she stood about my height, was pretty thin, brownish-gold hair, forget the eye color… wait no! Her eyes were gray! Yeah, that's it." The young bandit explained. He was only thirteen when he had joined the Mt. Reikaku bandits, and that was only a year ago. Genrou had taken him in on a whim, trained him, and sent him to different villages to pick pockets and also to keep on alert for the transportation of large sums of money.

"Is the girl a Healer, too?" Kouji asked, trying not to sound too interested.

"Her parents are rich, and her father holds a high position. I talked to her, and she told me that she wanted to be a Healer, and that Marusann says she had a special gift for it. The problem is, her mother won't take her seriously, and her father won't even consider it. All her father wants to do is keep her looking pretty, and doll-like so that he can find her a husband that will pay a high price for her…unusual circumstances, but true nonetheless…" he trailed off.

"Are you two close or something?" Genrou and Kouji asked at the same time.

Kiro blushed fiercely and tried to keep from smiling, "Well, uh, you see… uh… she said I was kind of like a…"

"Yes?"

"Like a little brother, even though I'm a bandit." He said, scratching his head and blushing furiously. "She's almost two years older than me, and an inch taller."

Genrou and Kouji looked at each other and laughed.

"…it's not funny…" Kiro murmured, still smiling.

"Will you take us to the village? If we leave now we can be back by dawn with the Healer and your girlfriend."

And before Kiro could protest, Genrou and Kouji were already on their way to the stables.

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Ailina stared sadly at the mirror as three young maids fussed over her. A silken embroidered headband pre-wrapped around her delicate looking head. When they first came, one girl attempted to take off the fine headband and was immediately reprimanded by Ailina's bitchy and stuck up elder half sister.

The two `sisters' couldn't be more different. Physically, Enjina was 10 yrs. older and was a half head taller than Ailina. Enjina also had dark, dark brown hair that was curled, and dyed so it had a more attractive reddish shine, compared to Ailina's long and silken blonde mane that was naturally straight and soft, that hung down past her waist. Perhaps the biggest difference was their eyes. Ailina had narrow, soft, and kind vibrantly green eyes the color of spring grass. Enjina had dark brown eyes that did little to hide her cruelty. With the help of an endless supply of cosmetics, and a sexy, flirty attitude, Enjina was gorgeous. Ailina was fair-skinned, lithe, and so flawlessly graceful that she seemed to almost flow over the ground when she walked. Inside, Enjina was a temptress and a cruel woman that got what she wanted by whatever strategy that worked. She hated and envied the younger girl, and never bothered to hide her obvious contempt for her. On the other hand, Ailina was a kind-hearted, shy, and generous youth. She had a special kind of Healing and calming touch that won her respect from the person she respected most- the Healer Marusann.

"Apply some of the powder, she's too pale." Enjina spoke crudely to the maids.

Ailina stayed silent and tried to keep from crying. Make-up made her feel extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed. She longed to run in the gardens, be free from this cursed tight and heavy kimono that she could barely breathe in. Worse, as the different cosmetics lay all in front of her and all around her, their fumes and smells also made the air difficult to breathe in. Somehow, ever since she was born, it was clear to her that this was not her setting. She could hardly stand it. She closed her eyes and heard the nearby forest calling to her as it usually did. Its song was serenading her again. She thought of fresh air, and suddenly the air around her was clean and fresh again. Ailina allowed herself a small smile as she breathed it in. Now comforted, she thought of what she overheard her maid Elise saying. There was going to be a party tonight, an important dinner for a new male guest that had arrived that morning.

Enjina noticed that the air had become a lot cleaner and looked sharply at the maiden. She supposed that it was somehow Ailina's fault. She then smiled cannily and proceeded to tell Ailina the news that would break her the most.

"So Ailina… Do you know who is going to be at dinner tonight?"

Ailina was suddenly wary of her sister. She knew that when Enjina started acting nice, it was usually provoked by some hidden malice. She let none of her suspicion show, however, and instead put on an expression of puzzlement.

"It is a handsome man, of course, come to collect you. He's already paid father half your price. He will look at you tonight, and then announce the marriage proposal, so you have to look your best in order to fetch the best price for father. Your dowry is ready, of course, and your things are packed. You leave on the morrow. Father will see you in a few minutes to inspect you. Say goodbye to your lovely gardens, sister. You're a lady now, and you will have no more time for such nonsense."

Ailina could not believe her ears. Was this the truth!? How could this happen!? She had no time to prepare an escape to this.

"All done. Father is waiting."

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Ailina ran down the halls to her father's study, and burst in the door, livid with anger, and filled with despair.

"Ah! There is my lovely daughter! Lord Deshiru, this is my daughter Ailina."

Standing there in front of her father's desk was a handsome and tall, muscular, dark-haired man. Ailina gasped as she saw his eyes. They were the coldest blue eyes she had ever seen. He smiled. It was completely false. She involuntarily took a step back.

He looked her over and inspected her carefully, her hair, her eyes, and at last his eyes came to rest on her breasts. "She's perfect. I'll take her."

Ailina was completely shocked. He didn't even say a word to her in greeting! Ailina decided to look closely at his face. What she found scared her. What she found was complete unabashed lust in his evil cold eyes. She realized that she could barely move, and didn't know what to do.

"Go now, Ailina." Her father ordered. "The matters we are going to discuss are too complicated for a pretty little girl to worry over."

Ailina seethed behind her mask of indifference, but used the excuse to put as much distance between herself and the man who had frightened her so.

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She finally stepped into the garden. Night was coming fast and she sat on her bench in the last rays of sun. She sat there, thinking and planning, motionless and still. She sat there until the moon came out and she knew that the cursed dinner was almost underway. All she had to do was get through this meal, then she would run. She would run to the Healer she loved to say goodbye. Then she would run into the forest that beckoned her. There she hoped she would find solace among her people.