I groaned running my fingers through my dark hair, looking out the window of my small room with my pink doe eye's. Another boring day...I sighed watched the other girls hanging up freshly washed laundry. My large ears twitched slightly to the sounds of their giggling. Probably gossiping about some 'silly' human they saw...I puffed out my cheeks. It's ridiculous that we aren't aloud to live with humans...
"Where barely any different! I don't understand..." I let out a puff of air.
"Oh? Is that what you think? Well, if you only knew..." A smooth female voice came up behind me.
"When did you get here??" I turned around amazed to see mother, my tail tucked. Why did I have to open my big mouth...
"Maybe if you actually used the ears you were born with..." She sighed shaking her head disappointed. "Mankind just likes to ruin and destroy life...they would abuse are ancestors simply because we look different...and they hunt are brother and sisters Qamar!" My mother shouted with a heart broken passion, her finger pointing at me as if warning me.
"Mother...times change...and- I-I've seen humans taking care of nature..." I spoke barely above a whisper. But, my heart dropped as I realized I slipped my word...mother isn't supposed to know I watched humans...
My eyes wide and ears low as I stare back at Badru as she glared holes through me. And without a moment's hesitation her hand whipped across my face knocking it to the side. "You are not to leave this houseuntil the next full moon!" She stormed out of my room without another word. Leaving me to crumble on the floor in tears. "I hate being your prisoner!!" I yelled my voice cracked. Hoping she heard me on her way out, no doors would be shut since there isn't any. I wanted to climb out the window and never come back! But how can I? I am a coward...I have never come into contact with anyone outside this boring dump...
Many moons had past by and so did many full moons...but, still, nothing new really...I haven't even gone to watch humans. Not since my mother hit me...she had never done that. All that time I spent in my room only made me feel more distant from the other girls. And everyday I could hear them gossiping about me. I know they must want more freedom too...so Why do they judge me so much?
Mother is teaching us how to respect male Kitsune's today...
I sit while staringoff, thinking about the garden, and what a nice day it is...I can't help it, I do not wanna get married...Why do males care about Virgins so much anyway? Mother can't teach us about that? I giggle to my self but am interrupted. "Qamar!" I spring up to see the source of the voice.
"Y-yes mother?" I say innocently, smilling shyly.
"And what is so funny young lady? Are you even paying attention?" She questions to which I role my eye's, I knew the other girls where staring...
"Um, maybe." I say noneshelauntly throwing the class in fitsof giggling. I only shrug. It' not like there is a class for males to respect ladies...
She sighed, her mouth cracked open revealing her sharp teeth as a sign of annoyence.
"And do you know why I am teaching you girls?"
I nod my head, "because you want us to be ready for marriage..." I lower my head, ears flat.
"Yes. And do you know why it's important to be ready?" She folds her arms a devioussmirk on her face. Jeez this woman! I don't know, because men are a different species?? Jeez...to have a whole class for this. I wonder if humans teach the same stuff.
She takes advantage of my hesitation and answers for me. "Because marriage is a big responsibility especially raising and carrying children. It's a lot of work as a female, but should be are pride and duty. And if any of you girls get picked this year-" she paused, a look of concern on her face. "It can be scary for the first time...especially if your alone. It's good that we females can be here for each other...for right now..." She sighed and excused herself.
"Class is dismissed for today..."
Everyone scattered as to I...heading to the garden.
I breathed in the fresh dry air of the desert, making me nearly forget to pull my hood up, hiding my ears and tail by using the magic of the jewels and gold that I am dressed in.I knelt down to the ever growing date palm. I cupped some of the water of the oasis and poured some to the dry soil where the youngerpalm trees stood. I smiled with content after deciding I gave it enough and sat on some of the sand stone.
"It' not too hot today!" I say to the air...but, I can't seem to clear my mind...the way mother got bothered me...
"Qamar...I need to talk with you." I turned my head to see mother with her hood up as well, her rosey eyes shimmering like quarts. It's not often mom let's her guard down.
"Yes, of course." I motion for her to sit next to me.
Taking a seat she sighed deeply, her eyes sad And as if she were not in the present yet, she spoke.
"You know all the males go out and keep us safe here..." I nodded slowly but she did not turn to look at me.
"When I was just a little bit younger then you I was chosen to be married to a male. Times were desperate. It- it was very hard for me...it happened all so fast-and- I...I don't want you to go through the same thing..." her hand was warm on my shoulder and her eyes filled with concern as she looked into my pink orbs. I don't exactly know what she went through but I can tell her pain...I mumble an apology as she pets me.
"I don't think I will get picked mother. The other girls are so pretty." I smile with jeaousy lingering. My mother sighed shaking her head.
"I wish you were right...but if you do get picked I just hope I didn't pass on my curse of stillborns..."
A weekhad past and with everyday my mother would sharestories about her younger years of motherhood, but...it became worrying. Why does she think I will get picked? One of the girls is so unique! Being white furred! I am so boring with all my dark colors...and one day I spotted her crying after a message had been delivered...but she does not speak about anything else! I am so scared not knowing anything...I have a right to know if it involves any of us.
I open a scroll that a human wrote and admired the art so. It was so delicate and yet sophisticated and wild, depicting nature and man with his animal companions such as a cat. I sighed caressing it. How handsome men can be and yet I have never spoken to one, not even my own father...but every time I ever went out I never had the courge to talk to anyone...I would get anxiety...how could I survive such a city. My heart beats fast just thinking about it! I wish I would've just been born In the city...
"I just had to be born in a chicken coop..." I mumble before giggling about how ridiculous that sounded while rolling up the scroll and slipping it safely under my room bed. I began reading books but one of them described the amazing city of Alexandria. And how the Greeks and Egyptians came together there and fused culture. How it was one of the main ports of Egypt and many people would go there just to see the grand library and gain some of its wisdom and knowledge.
My eyes lit up just imagining. I can't believe it. That sounds so wonderful, why is it so hard for are Kitsune to share culture with humans? I quickly hid the book away as I heard footsteps drawing near.
"Qamar, I need you. I want you to meet your husband to be..." My blood went coldas I heard those last words... 'husband'? No. It' impossible. No.
"Mother...?" I barely open my mouth. "Ar-are you serious?" I hesitate. As she pulls me off the floor teary eyed. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but..." She tried smiling to reassure me, but I was as angry and scarred as could be. "You knew and you never told me anything?!" My tone came out sharp as I rippedmy hand away.
"Qamar...I'm sorry...the Men are here and he was arranged to marry at a very young age! You must understand! We need children! And they are all here waiting right now to see you." She argued in a pleading way. I could tell she did not want to have to get agressive but I felt so betrayed! She failed to even tell me that they were coming today...
"You can tell him to go away!" I cried.
"Qamar! It's not like your the only one who is engaged! A lot of the other girls are too!" She growled but I was not ready to back down and bared my teeth. "Well, appaently I am the only one here who is ready to put there foot down!I want to be free like the Egyptian women! I should be able to married whom I wish." I argued back, stomping my foot in front of me, glaring fiercely.
"How dare you disgrace our Kitsune people...are you are not going to disgrace your own mother in front of everyone." Her tongue was sharp but she did not yell, grabbing me by the arm I tried protesting in vain.
"I can walk." I demand, she looks at me unsure but released me anyway. Fine. If she want me to introduce myself I will, but I will show no weakness. My boiling blood was to hot to feel shy our afraid. My claws were out and I was ready to use them.
"I apologize for keeping you. This is mylovelydaughter Qamar." She glances at me through the corner of her eye before putting on a sweet smile for everyone. I did feel slightly small compared to the men but they bowed politely with I returned the jesture while keeping a straight face. I scanned each of them.Most of them were actually quite handsome and were chatting with the girls. Just as I was wondering who I was cursed with a dark skinned man stepped forward to me.
"It's a pleasure to meet you miss Qamar. I am called: Yubashi, I am humbled to be in your grace. You are truly a thing of beauty, if you don't mind me saying." I wanted to cringe and yet I was also taken aback...
His long whispy hair tickled the back of my hand as he leaned over to kiss it, but I swiftly pulled my arm back. "Actually, I do mind. And please do not touch me without my permission." I stated with a bit of attitude but remained calm. I ignored the 'oh my's and giggling as my mother rushed over to apologize for my behavior... "oh, I am so-" Yubashi cut her off.
"It' quite all right Mrs. Badru. I have delt with plenty of young girls like her. Just give her some time..." He smiled handsomely, my mother was quite infatuated. I roll my eye's, what does he mean 'girls like me'? How long has he lived? I cannot count his tails as he still had his hood up, concealing his fox parts with magic.
"Why not have dinner together, hm?"
After all of us younger girls helped set up bowls and plates, bread, silverwarethe elder ones helped pull the pots off the heat and serve everyone. Finally after thanking our gods for the food everyone started filling the room with conversation again. I couldn't help to notice our similarities to humans. And I know we must be related by flesh and blood. Still, I quietly ate my food as I listened in on the conversation about the upcoming weddings. My ears felt prickly and tingly by the sound of it.
"My daughter is very quiet but she is quite clever in that little head of hers." My mother boasted.
"Yes, I can't wait to have the wedding. I already have so much ready by one of our sacred temples. And traveling there will only take about a week which gives us one last day for preparation before the wedding. I also have our wedding night planning done."
My heart sunk into my chest as I heard them. I only have a 8 days? I can't raise a kid let alone let him touch me! I am not for free?! I can't believe my mother would give me away even knowing the pain she felt...how, selfish. I am so sorry for any of the other girls! I couldn't bring myself to eat as I sunk despair. Tears brimming at the edges of my softly colored eye's. My tail stiff around me. What am I supposed to do? I don't ever want to be alone but I feel as though I already am. I can't stay...but what if they track me down? I have nothing...no mother anymore...no friendship...not even a father...
"Is Qamar okay?" A girl spoke but my vision was blurry from tears, tears and sobs I could no longer hold back. I pushed my chair back and ran down the moonlit halls. I thought I heard my name called but I could not hear with my uneven sobbing. Crashing onto my bed I cried hard. "I don't have a life so why do I even exist!!" I yelled into the tear stained sheets. I stood up to throw the blankets against the wall and started kicking the side of the bed before pounding the top. "I don't belong to anyone! I am a free spirit!" I yell becoming breathless I collapse upon the floor, my tears dry as I sit without a single thought in my mind. Silently breathing while the sands could be seen through my window, gleaming in the moonlight. The pale full moon capturing my distant gaze and filling my heart with hope, still no words crossing my my mind but the flowing emotions as the moon, laying in the dark pool of clouds it grasped my entire soul. Until, finally as I noticed the large frame of the window I thought about how I could fit through it with ease. Then I remembered the great city of Alexandria. If I could just sail there...they could never find me in such a grand city full of so many sights and smells. Oh, just imagining makes me forget my troubles. I need all my jewels...
Digging around my room I gather gold silvers, coppers and gems. I grab a pair of sandles but realize I have no bag to keep anything in...curse me! I feel fresh tears start to fall as I lose hope...but a sudden small voice echoed gently in the entrance of the room.
"Qamar? Are you all right?" I panick a bit but realize it was just Deseria. She was a bit quiet like me. I couldn't find words.
"I was really impressed at how you stand up for yourself...your so strong." She spoke like a mouse. As she played with her hands timidly.
"Yeah, well...I don't seem to be so strong right now..." My voice cracked, sniffling and whipping my tears away.
"You have shoes on...were are you going?And what in the world are you doing with all those precious materials?" She came over to inspect them.
"I want to leave. But...I haven't figured out how I can carry all that." I tried laughing at my pitiful self.
"Don't give up! My sister might have just the thing!" She ran off before I could say anything. To be honest I expected her to be more shocked. But she returned faster then I could blink.
"Will this work?" She revealed a fairly small hand bag. I couldn't believe it. I guess I really made an impression on her.
"Yes, thank you so much Deseria. You have given me more support then my own mother..." I pulled her into a hug.
"I will be strong like you Qamar, and I promise not to tell anyone.May the moon keep you safe onyour journey, were ever the stars take you..." we separated in our embrace and after filling the bag I just had to thank her again.
"May the sun shine softly into your future Deseria. Not even the light knows just how grateful I am to you."
And after climbing through the window I headed into the cool air of the desert and decided that I will never look back, I will head towards the ever present pyramids. I also realize that I may never see home or my 'family' again...I have to realise if I fall there will not be anyone to catch me...but, I can not stay...
It was already midday by the time I arrived and I was ready to pass out, walking here is mostly easy but I just wanted to close my eyes...but I cannot rest until I get on a boat...this is the first time entering this city...I take a full deep breath, fix my hood and push my feet through town. I felt anxiety rising inside my stomach and I realized how thirsty I was...as I looked around I couldn't seem able to admire the grand sites feeling so ill...there weren't many people up and about, I assumed because of this hot sun...even though I felt a bit light headed I tried my best to look normal even with the stares that did not help. The different smells were quite disorienting as I found myself in the middle of the city, but my nose caught a whiff of water and I turned my head to the pyramids and headed for them. Right as I stopped for a rest as my head was pounding a thin man in a dirty robe came in front of me. "Hey, whatcha' got in that bag o' urs little lady?" I clutched my bag as the man circled melike a starving coyote.
"You know, girl stuff." I fake smiled as I backed away.
"Oi, I don't think so...I can hear the jingling" he stepped closer with a knife, wearinga rat like grin on his face. I couldn't believe this, my heart began to pound and without another thought my feet took off further into the streets. "S-someone! Please!" I shrieked as I looked behind me to see the man was catching up. "Your dead when I catch you brat!" His words cut through me, what is wrong with people? Does he really want to hurt me? I have never even had to run this fast but it almost feels amazing. I never really knew the speed I was capable of.
I grab the wall to make a tight corner and push off again with my feet. "Help!" I call breathless but nobody seemed to do anything...I looked ahead and saw the great pyramids looming in front of me, and different kinds of boats floating over a grand river. I pushed my legs just a little farther running to the first human I saw. "Please! I need to get on a boat to the city of Alexandria!" I plead breathless and covered in sweat, clenching my side as it felt swollen from running so recklessly.
"Are you out of your mind lady?! Get out of here!" The man laughed and continued to lug sacks onto the fairly small but graceful boat. "No, you-" I stuttered but he ignored me...I panicked trying to use to many senses at once. I ran towards a much larger boat but no one seemed to be there. I looked over my shoulder and went to touch it. I was really amazed but also not sure what I should do...? I am afraid...
But a sudden sharp voice yelled in my direction causing me to jump, nearly having a heart attack. "What do you think your doing?!" My body went rigid and submissive.
Curse me...
The man came standing tall with red and tan robes, but I noticed he was wearing a lot of gold. His white main blowing wildly in the wind that blew constant here.
"Please, I-I-" my voice disappeaed as he towered over me, practically eyeing me down to the ground with his sharp charoite eye's. But I quickly turned my focus behind him as I heard and saw the voice of the guywho was chasing me before.
"There yew' are!" The guylaughed pointing his dull knife.
"Help me, He is trying to rob me!" I pleaded grabbing his sleeve to which he looked between me and the robber. "Harassing women? Pathetic bastard..." the white haired man scowled stepped closer without fear. I couldn't believe his courage it was like he did not even have to bring up the courage it was just a natural confidence that made me feel as if a gust of wind blewsandwhirling and tickling inside my stomach.
The thief seemed afraid but tried laughing it off.
"I wouldn't be talkin' so big if I were yew!" He lunged at the white haired man with the blade pointing out from the bottom of his raised fist, but he dodged by ducking just below his opponents shoulder and countered by knockinghisforearm with the soft part of his fistand causing the hilt of the blade to get knocked back into the thief'sface. My eyes were wide as I watched him then kick him in the rib with his entire bottomfoot sending the poor man to his back. "P-please! No more!" The thief cried as he stood over him and stompedon his wrist that held the weapon.He groaned in pain naturally uncurling his fingers.
"Scum..." He kicked the knife in the murky river before picking the weaker man up by the collar as he squirmed and threw him.
"Run away before I end you."He said mercilessly, the petty thief gladly ran with his life.I couldn't believe a fight could go so fast, I never actually witnessed a fight let alone such a one-sided one. he was quite scary but no one else had done anything...but as soon as he turned his intense gaze to me my heart began to race and I clutched my treasured moonstone seed pendant insecurely. The growing fear he put on me made it hard to believe he was the man who helped me just now.
"Well? Your still standing there, you must want something." He spoke impatiently as he scanned me with a curious look.
"Uh- that is your boat...is it not?" I pointed to the large ship placed on the water, as my nervous eyes avoided his piercing ones. Though I can't help cursing myself for not thanking him...I don't even know his name but I can't seem to ask...I can't let my focus go either...But he did not respond making me feel flustered. Did I say something dumb?
"I-I need to get to Alexandria...I can pay you! Please." I open my pouch holding out some jewelry, my eye's pleading as I wanted to break down and fade away. He suddenly laughed loudly at me, causing tears to form my eyes, I did everything in my power not to let them fall...Curse everythimg! My body began to shake from my storming emotions.
"Your not from here are you..?" I shook my head unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
"All right, I'll take you with me for some gold..." A snake like grin crept on his face as he eyed my valuables greedily. I felt some relief but my gut said everything was very wrong. I want confirmation from him in words that hewill take me to Alexandriabut instead I say, "really? H-how much do you w-want?"
"Youraskingme?How muchIwant? You really are something..." He clicks his tongue shaking his head slowly, seemingly surprised,To which I apologized.
"Hey! Bakura, what are you doing?!" A blonde called carrying bags of different sizes. There was also another man with him who was bald except for one pony tail on the back of his head, he was also carrying box's.
"Shut up!" he yelled back which startledme.
"A-are they with you??" My voice still shaken.
"Yes, stay here...I'll deal with him real quick." I nodded. I thinkit's safe to assume that his name is Bakura...okay, I will make a mental note...still, I have a bad anxious feeling...I am already starting to miss the safe comfort of home. And my mouth is so dry, I wonder if they would share some water...I really don't want to do this. I play with my seed necklace nervously as I wait. Males are quite intimidating and I have a lot to learn about this human way of living, I just wish I had met some more friendly people...I stare at the orange sky and find some sort of peace inside myself.
"What's your name women? We are about to head out." Bakura said startling me out of my thoughts, grabbing my arm and rushing me along with him, his grip tighter then I would like.
"Uh- Qamar." I blurted as we walk up the ramp to the ship, my heart pounding in my throat. Unintentionally I cling to his arm, an awful feeling of nausa as the wood beneath are feet creek. As we made it to the edge of the ramp I shrieked as Bakura shoved me down on the boat,I hurt my hip and shoulder badly. The pouch I carried slipped off from my fall, getting to my knees I reach for my bag but I gasp pulling my hand away as Bakura's foot crashed on my pouch, some of the valuables pooring out. My heart broke as I looked up at his menacing form, his dark eye's belittling me and paralyzing at the same time. the amused look on his face belonged to that of a demon.
"Hey! Look what Bakura brought back!" One of the men on the boat shouted. "Oooh, hey, He brought a girl..." another one saidand suddenly I was being examined by a bunch of smelly men.
"Don't touch her! She's mine." A shiver ran down my spine hearing his loud voice boom. The situation I was in finally starting to sink in. The stress and the pounding in my head wanting to shut offmy surroundings as my focus was shaky, I was pretty sure it sounded like rioting but I heard Bakura's sharp tone silence them. Slowly I could feel my self again, my senses becoming more instinctual.
"Marik, tie her up. And don't mess up the fabric, I want it in good condition." My ears perked at his every word, my weakness being replaced with a wild animal backed by fear and adrenaline.
"Alright...captain."
My inner dog came out and I growled dangerouslyat the blonde standing up with my knees slightly bent ready to defend myself.
"Easy now..." Marik approached me cautiously with rope in hand. I could hear the crew members shouting as if they were watching a game, one of them mentioning that I was just a female. Marik seemed annoyed as he was grumbling. I looked around and thought of running off the boat even though my chances seemed slim, my eye's wide like a frightened pup I took off past Bakura and Marik but right before I could even reach the tip of the ramp I felt someone strong grab my wrist and pull me into there bare chest, in my struggle I look up to see Bakura. "Why?!" I yell in frustration, notentirely directing my voice to anyone specific.
I shrieked as Bakura shoved me to Marik.
"Rishid, hold her down for him." Bakura commanded the bald guy from earlier, his expression hard and like he could care less about a soul. My blood went cold as I felt my cloak being pulled down without warning.
"STOP" I yowled, struggling to no avail. Tears started pouring as my hood and sleeves were pulled down, my long dark hair flying everywhere.the magic from the gems on my hood were cancelled and my Kitsune ears and were revealed.
"What the hell?! The girl is a Kitsune?!" Marik announced wide eyed. The bald guy forcing me down on my back. "You cant!" I begged, my ears completely folded down. They pulled the rest of my gown down past my legs letting my tail free to curl around my cold body.
"Oh damn! She's wearing undergarments! That is freakin' sexy!" One of the men yelled. Perverted words had started oozing out of the crew members mouths as they watched, they spoke things about themselves I did not want to hear that seemed all to foreign to me. Bakura ordered to leave what little cloth I had left on and to take my necklaces.I felt shameful to my people...
One by one they plucked my jewelry, my hair bands, earrings, bracelets, rings, choker and pendant. My last necklace was my treasured seed carved from moon stone...all of us girls were given that at birth. It was a symbol of our purity and femininity...I felt disgust as Marik's fingers touched the stone to examine it, and I reach my face down and sank my teeth into his arm to which he shouted in pain.
"She bit me! bitch!" The men started laughing, my body rumbling a soft growl as my fur pricked up. I gasped seeing Marik's hand raised to hit me but was stopped by Bakura.
"That's enough. Don't want to damage her to much." He chuckled, though Marik was grumbling and glaring. Bakura held me close to his chest like before, my ears twitched slightly as I heard the subtle sound of his deep breath before he started giving orders. Telling the men that we would set sail soon, and commanding each man to different positions strategically. It was amazing how they all scattered to his words, I just had to wonder why they were loyal.
"And I am taking the girl to my room! No questions asked about it. Marik! Take my place for now." The blonde rolled his eyes and agreed. Great, at least I just have to deal with one jerk...
I bumped the back of my head against him as he suddenly started walking me, he opened a door leading down into the boat and opened another door to a room that he lit with a lamp. He pushed me inside the much warmer room and shut the door behind us. His oder filled the room making me cringe. My heart began to beat quickly, as my mind began to race. I couldn't keep my eye's off him as he drew near me. Why am I being kept in his room?
"W-why did you do this?" I confronted him feeling betrayed andtrying not to cry again, but he only chuckled. I couldn't help but to notice how creepy his necklace was...it seemed to emmit dark energy.
"I got real lucky with you didn't I? I knew you were strange...but a Kitsune? And the timing was so perfect to. The city was quiet." He grabbed my tear stained face, his charoite eyes locking with my blush pink ones, goose bumps covering me from his fingers. A scar with two notches ran down his eye, but it seemed to be the only visible scar...
His eyes and fingers trailed down to my seed charm, I backed away before he could touch it.
"I see that is important to you?" His snake like smilewidened.
I started trembling as terrible thoughts entered my mind. "What do you want with me?!" I cried, glaring daggers.
"I don't want you. I'm just going to sell you." He shrugged. My heart sunk, my eye's brimming with tears. Pulling my lips back I bore my teeth and screamed stomping in front of him.
"You bastard!" I seethed, my breathing fierce as I looked up at him. He just chuckled, not even aflinch. He leaned forward pressing against me and backing me againt a wall and pinned me there. I stretch my wrists in there binds as I want to cover myself...
"And what are you going to do Qamar?" He mocked a sad face. I slid down in defeat as I sobbed.
"And don't even think about trying to escape. Besides, were about to leave land."
he left..leaving me in my broken dreams and shame. What went wrong? Why did this happen to me?? I tried to get away from a forced marriage and now this? Why mother?
I started coughing from my dry throat...I was so thirsty. My eyes were so heavy, I crawled to the bed and winced at the strong oder. No way I wanna smell like him! I curled up on the cold floor, after a few minutes of shivering I realize how petty I'm being and climb on top, wishing my hands were free...I think I would rather be sold then be stuck with Bakura forever...
I'm sorry Deseria.