Hayate POV

I opened the paper to verify the location of the black market selling slaves. I glanced up at alleyway shady characters drifting in and out some dragging crying people with slave runes exposed just below the collar wearing ratty cloaks.  “This is the place…”  If I succeed I’ll get many people away from living in hell.  I emerged from the shady corner into the alleyway. It got darker and dingier.  It led to a large warehouse.  Cages double stacked in isles; filled with demihumans and humans alike. The urge to slaughter every single of these slave traders rose; if it wouldn’t jeopardize the mission I would have assassinated every one of them.  

At random I picked a cage. In it lay a male kitsune, he was so thin the rags they called clothes were baggy.  His ginger hair, ears, and tail were so matted and dirty so much so I could barely tell it was ginger. A slaver, an overweight man with greasy short hair approaches me with a filthy smile. I fingered the needles hidden in my short cloak. Imagining stabbing the back of his neck.

“Well, good sir! Have you found merchandise that strikes your fancy?” 

I nodded.  “I think I’ll take the male kitsune.”

“Kitsunes- those are tricky bastards they’ll use their illusion spells and trick you.   Perhaps one that can’t pull one over on you so easily?”

“I can handle it, I have my methods.” I repiled.

His smile grew even wider showing a yellowed grin. “You’re a professional aren’t ya? Not many can handle a beast like that.” 

Inwardly I bristled but he wouldn’t be able to even guess that. To him, I looked calm. Like another willing buyer.  “Indeed. May we go somewhere private to negotiate the price? I prefer that for these deals.”

He clapped his hands together. “Of course! Of course! Anything for a customer!”  His giddy look filled me with disgust.

How do such deplorable people exist? I thought as I followed him to the corner far away from everyone. I used the wind to silently edge a needle out.

“The starting price is 500 gold coins.” He said turning to me

I cast a glance at no one nearby. I gently let the needle glide out of its pouch around him and rise to his neck.  “I see. “ 

“But for you, I can offer 433!” 

It rose to the pressure point. I snapped my finger and the needle dove right in. His eyes grew wide in shock.

“An assassin is-'' His eyes dulled his body collapsing. Wind swirled under the body; ensuring he didn't make a sound when he landed on the ground. 

I knelt and pulled the needle out, stowing it back with the rest.  Kneeling in the kitsune’s cage I pulled out a lock pick. It didn’t take long, the rusted old lock was hardly advanced. It clicked open softly. The kitsune’s ear twitched, swiveling toward the noise.  He looked confused at the slaver not joining me. “You’re free now.” Kneeling to another cage-

“That white-haired bastard  killed Marty!!!” A man yelled.

“Shit,” I muttered. They’re smarter than I thought.  I yanked the kitsune out practically dragging him. He didn’t resist but it felt too easy. Too light.  The men break into a sprint in my direction.  I tossed the kitsune unceremoniously over my shoulder. He weighed as much as a child would. The wind helped me run faster. I chose narrow alleyways and sharp turns to lose them. I could feel my chest tighten. I swore under my breath. Not now. I need to make it to the outskirts. The faster I pushed myself the worse it got.  My lungs closed. I kept coughing and gasping for air.

 I collapsed behind some crates, gasping desperately for some air.  The kitsune falling off me I need to breathe! I risk getting caught if they find me vulnerable. I shoved wind into my mouth and my lungs. I gasped as air was forced in. I leaned against the wall. I glanced over, the kitsune was unconscious. Running full speed must've been hard on him… As soon as I regained breath, I picked him up and continued. I felt drops hitting my head. The air felt damp, the sky overcast and gray. Drops coming faster and faster.   I need to find shelter… he’ll get ill out in the rain.  After nearly half an hour, I saw a shack in the distance.  

Inside I set the kitsune down near the dead fireplace. A cooking pot over it.  The cupboards had nothing to speak of for food. I only had a small number of nuts and edible roots. I’ll need to forage to feed us both.  

When I returned my coat was soaked. My clothes underneath are damp in spots.  The kitsune still sounds asleep. I grabbed some metal rusted utensils striking them against each other till I had a fire going. I dropped a water crystal in the bottom of the pot. Whispering the activation phase: “Liquify.”  The crystal melted like ice rising until it was full. I dropped the ingredients into the pot.  

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Ritsu POV

I woke to a pleasant warmth. The man that saved stood with his back turned over a cooking pot. The smell made my mouth water.  His coat is on the floor. His arms and back are muscular but not bulky.  His white hair is braided, ending in a green color that some wind mages possess. His muscles moved as he stirred.   I shifted to get a better look at him. He heard me moving and turned. The fitted shirt showed a six-pack underneath. Handsome face as well. Damn, he’s hot! But no warmth in his expression, just icy cold.  I could change that for him.

“Food’s ready.”  He gave me a bowl and wooden spoon and then served it for himself.  I watched him while I ate. He ate with a certain elegance an assassin shouldn’t have. Only born and bread nobles would eat like that but none would ever be interested in their work.  That characteristic only made him more alluring. I grabbed his face and kissed him. His lips were soft tasting like a fresh breeze. Immediately his eyes narrowed, and he pushed me roughly away. “What’s wrong? Are women more your fancy? If so, I can easily fix that.” 

He didn’t respond, just glared saying, “Do that again and I’ll knock you out.” 

I drew my lips into a sly smile “I’ll pay that price to kiss you again.”

He got up and rummaged around in the house.  Tossing a mat, cover, and a pillow at my feet.

“We’ll be stuck here until the storm passes.”  He said.