Disclaimer: Fushigi Yugi and all its characters are the rightful property of Yuu Watase.

Rating: M

Chapter: 3 (To Have & To Hold)

Yensi never glanced back even once as Avenger ran at full speed. Entering the town he commanded the horse to slow its pace with a sharp twist of his reins and small pat between the ears.

"Steady, steady there."

Surveying the scene he found people bustling everywhere with activity and purpose. They were hanging lamps, building fires, painting masks and decorating roof tops. Even shop owners were setting up display signs and smells of cooked fish and steamed vegetables hovered in the air.

A sharp neighing noise from the distance caught his attention. Turning around he saw Wind Rider, Hou's horse, prancing between two shopkeepers. The horse had a large carrot sticking out of its mouth and seemed to enjoy all the attention and commotion it was causing.

The first shopkeeper chasing the horse was thin and grey of hair. Sweating profusely he looked like he had been chasing the horse for quite some time now. Stumbling over himself and others, he waved a butcher's knife menacingly back and forth while threatening to dismember the horse.

"Get back here you worthless animal!" he shouted between heavy labored breathes.

At the same time, the other shopkeeper was younger, "Perhaps in his mid twenties," thought Yensi. He was busy desperately trying to block the horse from the food cart. Waving both his hands up in the air in front of him like a shield, he frantically tried to keep a distance between the food supplies and WindRider. The horse turned from the old man and went charging toward the food cart, eager for more carrots.

"Father he's coming back for more what should I do!" the boy wailed in desperation.

Yensi let out an exasperated sigh, this scene was pathetic. While the old man tried his hardest to scare the horse into leaving, he only ended up succeeding in chasing Wind-Rider towards his son. The son waving his arms helplessly could only attempt to block the horse for a few seconds with his hands before Wind-Rider playful dodged beside him and stole yet another carrot from the bin.

Other shopkeeper's laughed and stared at the comedic scene. Enjoying the escape from work that setting up for the festival had provided them with all day long. Children, wives, and concubines all gathered to watch, some even cheered on the horse.

"Look at old man Geinken run! Why he would never be able to catch that horse even if he was as young as his son Nerou. You can tell just by looking at the horse's coat he belongs to a great trainer, he's built for speed!," called a cheerful man from the front.

"Geinken if the Gods happen to be so kind to you today and let you catch that horse don't you dare kill it. I'll pay double the amount your steamed rice bowls are worth and throw in the cost of the carrots he ate, if you give me the horse!," came a hefty voice laced with liquor.

"Momma, let Nerou give the horse some carrots he's hungry," piped a small girl hiding behind her mother's dress.

Yensi watched with growing animosity, he hated being reminder of how fast Hou's horse was. He never liked other people having an advantage over him. His own horse, Avenger could never pick up such speeds on his own, but what he lacked in speed he made up for in power. Avenger could ride all night even if Hou's horse could get there in half the time.

Staring at the horse he noticed it no longer went for the food bin and instead galloped between the boy and his father, nipping at their shoulders and bucking whenever the butcher's knife got to close for its liking. Yensi was tired of this nonsense so he put two fingers in his mouth and let out a low whistle. WindRider's ears perked up as he began making one final run for the food cart, he grabbed another carrot and took off past the young man and his father. Yensi watched as the horse went back down the trail that led out of the village, much to the disappointment of many villagers.

Shaking his head he mumble under his breathe, "An undisciplined horse just like his master. He'll find Hou before he wears himself out running toward town. He should bring him here by nightfall."

The old man fell down exhausted and his son ran over to lift his father back on his feet.

Yensi got down off of Avenger pulling the unconscious girl with him. Slapping the Avenger's side the horse took off after Wind-Rider, down the same dusty path leading out of town. Yensi watched as his horse disappeared into the distance.

Scooping the limp girl up into his arms he made his way deeper into town. Walking with purpose he noticed some onlookers trying to catch a glimpse of him from the corner of his eyes. His soldier's armour was attracting unnecessary attentions, but he had no time to worry about the repercussions. Whatever celebration was going on later would work to his advantage, thought Yensi. These people won't remember me or this girl by tomorrow morning, instead I'll just be another face in the crowd drawn into town for the festival. Deep in thought he failed to notice the small girl in front of him, until he almost stepped on her.

"Hi there!"

Taken aback by the small figure he winced as the young girl smiled at him. She had a dirty faced littered with freckles and short light brown hair that outlined her hazel eyes. Yensi walked on trying his best not to give her anymore encouragement to bother him. He didn't need anymore distractions right now, he needed to be done with this girl and bargain her off before Hou came and this soon to be rowdy festival started. Nightfall was only a few hours away and if he received word from the army to reassemble, he knew he couldn't leave any loose ties. He continued staring forward as he walked, blatantly ignoring her welcoming. The little girl ran along side Yensi's wide strides panting as she tried to keep up, determined to speak with him.

"Mister, mister! What happened to your wife is she okay? Why are all her clothes ripped up? She's sure wearing some funny clothes! You should buy her some pretty clothes at my Uncle's shop, we sell the best clothes in all-"

Stopping in his tracks, Yensi cut her off with a sharp tone of annoyance, "Girl why do you bother me?"

The girl out of breathe bent over and clutched her ankles while pointing to a medium sized wooden shop with a broken sign covered with fresh paint entitled "Silk Clothing and Materials."

In the front of the store a plain looking older girl was sweeping the porch diligently with beads of sweat accumulating on her forehead.

The little girl suddenly ran past Yensi and shouted, "Big sister, big sister! I'm home and guess what, guess what! You'll never guess, but I brought a customer! Look, look, he needs a dress for his wife!"

The older girl appeared startled as she briefly looked up at Yensi and then turned her attention downward as her knees were drawn into a bear hug by the younger girl.

Looking down at the little girl she let her broom fall to the side as she let out a soothing voice filled with concern.

"Umi! Look at your face, my goodness. Did the Gods push you into a puddle or did you do it to yourself?"

Bending down to face the girl she producing a soiled white rag from her skirt's pocket and began wiping Umi's face.

"Do you really want to go around town looking like a beggar's daughter littered with dirt and debris like this!"

The young girl struggled against her sister's attempt to clean her and eventually wiggled from her grasp. Bending over she picked up the broom her sister dropped and waved it in front of her in defense.

"Stop, stop Leena! Serve the customer first and then you can clean me. I am not even that dirty, and if I have to take a bath tonight then I won't even fight you today okay?"

The little girl bounced past her sister running into the house, leaving Yensi alone with her older sister.

Leena looked down from the porch at the handsome stranger that appeared before her, thinking it was just her luck a good looking man had come to the shop today. Leena had decided to clean the shop for the festival, so she had put on her dirtiest rags to clean. What were the odds someone like this would be gazing upon her? Why if she had known she would have worn her finest silk dress. Right now she looked awful no man in his right mind would want to look at her. Leena's long brown hair was covered with dust and her figure was hidden behind lumpy enlarged clothing designed for comfort over style. The plain white tunic of hers was covered with dirt stains, no one had bothered washing it since water was to be used sparingly. Her yellow robe was baggy and loose because it was her mother's when she was pregnant with Umi. Why was she wearing these clothes, now of all days! Letting out a small sigh she concluded their was no point thinking about it now, its not like he's available anyway, look he's got a girl with him.

Stepping down the steps she extended her hand in welcoming.

"Hello, my name is Leena and I run the clothing shop in town owned by my Uncle. Your welcomed to look around for some dresses, robes, costumes or anything else you might need for your-."

Yensi had studied the girl from afar when she was interacting with her little sister called Umi. She was plain looking and dirty just like her sister. At first he had decided to disappear while the two girls were busy conversing, but then a thought came to his mind. Why sell the girl as a whore when you could pawn her off as something much more sophisticated and rare? Surely a virgin bride would fetch a better price then an experienced whore. Yes, his idea was brilliant and in order for it to work he needed better clothes for the girl. No one would believe she was pure and innocent in the ripped up revealing rags she wore now. Baring his white teeth and producing a sexy smile, he lowered his eyes to watch the girl's lips making sure she felt the heat of his gaze when he spoke.

"My dear little sister, please forgive her…. appearance but she was attacked by thieves out on the main road. You see it was entirely my fault."

Yensi pressed the unconscious girl closer to his chest and looked at her lovingly while stroking her chin. Leena watched with fascination as she felt a slight blush rise to her cheeks. She really envied that man's sister, why no man had ever cared for her like that or touched her so gently.

Yensi continued his story claiming Leena's sympathy as he relocked his eyes with hers. "She was coming to town by herself to enjoy the festival. I had insisted she let me escort her but she told me not to worry, knowing my high position in the army and the need for me to be at my post. I let her go, but something told me she wouldn't be alright so I took after her. I found her just before some thieves—."

Leena raised her voice and set a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I am so sorry! I have no need to pry like this you'll have to excuse me. You don't have to explain anything to me after what you and your sister have been through. Just come on in and I'll get her some water and you can feel free to rest as well."

Yensi removed Leena's hand from his shoulder and slowly brought it to his lips and kissed both sides while making sure to keep his eyes on Leena's the whole time. Keeping Leena's hand captured in his own firm grasp as he continued on.

"How can I ever repay your kindness? I won't stay long, why I only wish to replace these torn rags of clothing my sister has on. So when she awakens she can properly enjoy the festival and forget about that terrible occurrence."

Leena felt her face go blood red from his touch and looked downward at her feet so he couldn't see the effect he was having on her. Why this man had the most wonderful green eyes she had ever seen, they were so exotic, simply captivating she thought to herself. She could loose herself in them forever.

Removing her hand from his grip she couldn't help but think how small and frail her hands were compared to his large and powerful ones laced with muscle. Thoughts of him pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her small waist while he nibbled her neck filled her mind. She wanted him to hold her like he was holding his sister, pressed safely against his strong chest and caressing her cheek as if it were the mot delicate thing he ever touched. Jarring herself awake from her vivid fantasy, she fought her bodies desire to let him keep her hand captive as she spoke quickly and softly.

"Oh…..I…..really its nothing, your sister is lucky to have such a caring brother like you and I…. er we that is, would be honored to serve you and provide your sister with a gown fit for a Queen. We're having a sale today because of the festival."

She peeked at him between her eye lashes.

"But if the thieves happened to take your money it won't be a problem finding something either."

Yensi flashed another smile as she beckoned him to follow her into the house. "This was going to be easier then he thought." Following Leena he let his eyes gaze down at her breasts and considered bumping into her on purpose. Letting his mind wander he though of Hou and his lack of experience with women.

Leena opened the door for Yensi as he let his back push up against her breasts. Leena let out a low moan of pleasure at the sudden touch and then quickly put her hands over her mouth. Closing the door quickly behind her she started talking again to cover the embarrassing display of passion.

"I never did get your name."

Walking past Leena he called behind him with a reply "My name is Shouki."

With a slight distance between him and Leena he let out a chuckled at the effect he was having on her. Why, Hou really needed to learn more about the ways of women they really were so much fun.