Hayate POV

I walked down the streets. Still brimming with anger and tears from the fight with my parents.  It’s beginning to become nightfall but I have nowhere to go. And no survival skills. Maybe some kind people will offer me a place to stay… I glaced up as a man approached me. 

“What’s the wrong boy?  You shouldn’t be out so late it’s dangerous at night.” He had a kind and concerned look on his face

“I’ve run away from home.” I murmmed looking at the ground.

“Why?” He asked, concern written on his face.

“My parents think I’m a fragile sickly child. I can’t take it anymore”

“That must be hard to live with, I can’t blame you for running.”

I felt myself relax around the man. I think I can trust him… “I need a place to stay. Can you show me the nearest inn?”

“Mmmn.” He was eyeing me very close up and down. He grabbed my arm as we walked. He took a turn into a  bad part of town, some buildings  dilapidated and women hanging out of windows their dresses exposing neatly their entire chests. 

“Spend the night with us,” one said.

“We give  the best blow jobs”

“You can eat our pussy.”

I shivered and tried to block out what they were saying. I couldn’t understand what they meant but I didn’t like how they said it.  We turn into an alleyway getting darker and filthier. I began to feel something was wrong. 

“This doesn’t look like an inn.” I could feel panic rising in my throat. My heart quicking. I tugged on his grip. It was like tugging on iron.

“Look what I hauled in boys!”

“A noble! And a Gushiken at that! “

“How-how do you know who I am?!”  I have to get out of here!!  They completely ignored me.

“A wind mage normally would be a pretty sum, but a wind mage fledgling who’s noble! We’ll be rich men from now on boys!” He contiued on as if I had said nothing.

I elbowed the man sharply forcing him to let go. I barely made it a foot when my legs were swept out from underneath me and I crashed to the ground. Before I could move I was pinned. I thrashed as hard I could and was met with harsh blows.  I kept resisting despite the pain “Let me go please!” I pleaded.

The man that led me here yanked me up by the hair. “Why’d we let our most profitable merchandise go!”

My eyes widened in horror.

“Flip him over and give him the mark just below the collarbone.”

Ripping my kimono ripped open a man stabbed an ink feather into it. The ink rapidly spreading across my skin to form the slave mark. I screamed as pain exploded where I was stabbed. 

I woke in a deep sweat. As I shifted I felt my leg hit something. I glanced over the kitsune all but snuggled up to me. What’s with this guy?!  It’s like he’s out to piss me off.  I could hear the rain pounding on the roof and some leaking.  I’d let the kitsune go but in the state, he's in he’d get caught immediately. Even if he was well he’d get caught just as quickly. I’ll grab something to cook for breakfast.  I cast a small dome to act as a parasol. I don’t want to get soaked again, the last thing I need is to encourage his flirting. I gathered the materials to cook.  I walked back in to see the kitsune up and awake. 

“Do you have any wounds that need to be taken care of?” I asked. 

“Mostly bruises.”

I nodded. I gave him his food. He looked at me with dreamy eyes as I ate. I glared in return. He’s still at it. When will he stop this nonsense?   When we finished eating the storm stopped.  I’ll follow up on the illegal brothel next. The practice legally is dubious at best…but the illegal ones are far worse being slaves than are used against their will.  I’ll have to travel with the kitsune… the trip is about three days on foot.

“Are you well enough to travel?” I asked as I cleaned up, storing the leftover ingredients from breakfeast. 

“I won’t have as much endurance as you…you’ll have to carry me.” He smirked.

“Not a chance.”  

His delicate lips pulled into a pout. “I want your big strong arms to carry me.” He got close to me, and in response, I flicked his head. 

“Ow!” 

“Let’s go.” 

It was only a few minutes into the journey when the kitsune broke the silence.

“What’s your name? I’m Ritsu.”

“Notus.” The lie slid easily from my mouth.

“What about your surname? I never chose one myself.”

“That is none of your concern.” I snapped.  

“You’re an icy one, aren’t you? “

We made camp near a stream.  “You should bathe  while we’re here.”

Ritsu walked past, he grabbed my braid, and let it thread through his hands as he walked past. “Are you going to join me?” He turned and smiled a mischievous look in his eyes.

“Unless you are attacked I’ll be staying right here.”

He frowned and walked off.  I’ll have to do something about his clothes.  The quality- not to mention even if it covered his slave mark would draw attention.  I shouldn’t leave him completely alone if something happens I can’t do anything. I sat thinking about the mission I had yesterday.  I only managed to free one before getting caught.  I should’ve hidden the body. Why didn’t I?  If I had then so many others would be freed.  “Shit” I muttered. I completely blew the mission with an amateur mistake.   Under all that flirting I wonder if he hates me for only saving him… Rustling broke me out of my thoughts. Ritsu emerged from the bushes, his hair now vivid ginger and his skin clean, his tail no longer matted. He shook his head briefly, flicking water droplets from his hair.  

“Do you have a dagger I need to cut my hair?”

I pulled one out and handed it to him, his hand clasped mine. I yanked my hand back. He cut his longish hair like a professional, even cutting near-perfect bangs.   I  rolled out the mat and covers from the shack and made a fire.   I fell asleep looking at the stars.