Sand and Fire

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All characters, places, and plots belong to Koroshi and wildcatv2. They cannot be used without express permission from the authors, nor can Sand and Fire be posted on any site without the express permission of the authors. Any similarities between real people and the characters in this piece of fiction are purely coincidental. The cultures in this story were inspired by many real life cultures. No offense is intended by the portrayal of any race.

Night had fallen by the time the duo had arrived at their destination. Inusuke didn’t notice thanks the long, steady ride and the warm back he had fallen asleep against. He was jolted awake when the cycle drastically slowed, entering the city limits.

He looked around eagerly, blinking the fuzz from his eyes. This port definitely had a different feel from Nishi. It seemed deserted, with an almost ghostly feel to it. There were shadows of people scurrying in alleys and close to the walls of decrepit buildings, but thanks to the poor lighting Inusuke couldn’t really make out the forms. For the first time, he truly felt nervous. This place was far from friendly. He could sense malevolent eyes staring at them from the shadows. Inusuke embraced Ookami tighter and hoped it went unnoticed.

As they neared the center of the town, he could feel the presence of alchemy; his whole body practically ached from it. It was unusual since alchemy never bothered him unless it was being used improperly or in large concentrations. Because this was more of a numb feeling, he knew that it was the former reason.

They finally stopped in front of what looked to be a shop. The place was quite run down with windows boarded and the one working outdoor light flickering erratically. A sign mounted perpendicularly above the door swung nosily from old hinges.

Inusuke stared at the sign in disbelief. The Trusty Rusty? He thought. What kind of establishment is given a name like Trusty Rusty?

Ookami dismounted the cycle with Inusuke right on his heels. This place was making him very edgy; remaining close to the large man seemed like a good idea. The blonde was thankful he didn’t seem to mind his close proximity.

Inusuke stumbled inside after Ookami, looking around curiously. Dim lamps on the wall illuminated weapons of all sorts displayed on walls and in grimy glass cases throughout the room. The fact that the prince couldn’t recognize them meant they were most likely illegal. To the left of the entrance stood an older gentleman behind a counter, cleaning the barrel of some large gun. What was left of the man’s hair fell in snowy wisps against the nape of his neck.

“Yama-san,” Ookami addressed the man, perking Inusuke’s attention. An old acquaintance?

The old man looked up, blinking rapidly behind thick eye glasses. “Oh, Ookami-kun, is that you, my boy?” He gave a large grin, showing off his few remaining teeth. His voice was much harsher and deeper than one would expect, though the wheezy quality of it was not. Great white beard and all, he truly seemed happy to see Ookami. Old man Yama reached over the counter and shared a tight hand grip with him. “So yer ‘ere for pickup, yeah? Wonderin’ when ya’d be by,” he chuckled. “I’ll be righ’ back, don’t ya go anywhere.” He climbed up the rickety stairs behind the counter, disappearing into the rafters.

Inusuke gripped his left arm as it flared up in pain. He glanced at Ookami, who either didn’t notice the powerful alchemy present or chose not to acknowledge it. He’d bet it his princely allowance it wasn’t the latter.

Yama reemerged, struggling with a huge package. Manners dictated that he should help his elders, but Ookami was the one who was friends with this guy, and he didn’t budge from his spot. Inusuke decided to follow his example; the old man would have said if needed help anyway.

The merchandise was set down with a thud. “Boy, ya do know this has a ‘ell of a kick back, yeah?”

“Good,” was all Ookami said then peered at Inusuke. “Pay him.”

Inusuke’s mind went blank for a minute. “Oh, yeah right.” He handed the old man the heavy bag he’d unknowingly had a death grip on.

Old Yama examined the contents of the bag closely. He plucked out a random coin and brought it to his mouth, biting it with his yellowed teeth. “Tha’ll do it. Always a pleasure doin’ business with ya,” he winked and gripped Ookami’s hand once more.

“Yeah,” he replied, easily picking up the box and turning to leave.

“One las’ thing, boy,” the man shouted before they reached the door. Inusuke barely managed to avoid running into Ookami, who had stopped abruptly. “I wouldn’t be stayin’ in town tonight, if I was you. ‘specially wit’ dat kid.”

Ookami turned his head just enough to make eye contact. “Why?” he mumbled. Inusuke wondered the same thing. If that huge box held a weapon comparable to the ones on display, he saw no reason why they should be worried.

“Seen some slave traders ‘round lately and they be likin’ the pretty blondes,” he warned.

Ookami grunted an acknowledgement and walked out to the bike with Inusuke, who was now following him closer than ever.

“Slave traders? But that’s illegal in Napaaj.” The prince looked to the worldlier of the two of them for confirmation, but received none. Well, damn. To make matters worse, the rain finally decided to make an appearance. He stared up at the dark, cloudy sky. Though it was only drizzling, Inusuke knew it was going to get heavier thanks to his innate alchemic talent. “Well, since we can’t stay here, we’ll need to locate some other shelter before it downpours.”

“Then get on so we can find someplace,” he said from on the cycle, the package firmly fastened to the back of the machine.

Inusuke blinked. “Yeah, that’d be the smart thing to do.” He mounted the vehicle behind Ookami, this time not hesitating to fully wrap his arms around the man’s waist. It was a shame the he had his dingy yukata tied, or he’d be able to feel the warm skin over firm abdominal muscles. The thought caused his face to heat up. Then again, perhaps it was better this way – less chance for certain problems to arise.

Just as the blonde predicted, the rain came pouring down just as they were half an hour outside of the port. Luck was on their side, as they reached one of the many rest areas dotting the country. This spot actually wasn’t much of a shelter, though – more of a lean-to, if anything. There were about a dozen metal sheets propped up by poles and thick tree limbs. Each sheet could provide cover for five to six men and a small fire. They were spread out enough to give those using them some privacy for quiet conversation

Ookami steered the cycle to a sheet on the edge of the camp, away from the other travelers seeking shelter. He turned off the bike, activated its security, and removed his weapon off the rear. He sat down, back propped against the bike, and leaned the box against his shoulder. Inusuke joined him on his other side, moving rather close to the man – for warmth, of course. He opened his mouth to say something, but upon noticing Ookami’s closed eyes and steady breathing, realized whatever he said would go ignored. He might as well follow his companion’s example and try for some sleep.

The emphasis was on “try.” Even after fully lowering himself to the ground, head pillowed on his arms, sleep would not come to him. The prince was unaccustomed to sleeping on the cold, hard earth without any walls to block out the weather. Add to that the attractive man sleeping less than an arm’s length away and it was understandable he was unable to clear his mind enough to settle into sleep.

It wasn’t long after they had settled down for the night that they were approached by two men from an adjacent lean-to. The blonde, easily sensing the two, cracked an eye open to watch as they drew near. It was obvious from their lightly plated leather armor and heavy builds these two weren’t typical travelers. They had dark tans and multiple piercings in their ears, as well as on their faces. Both had dark hair – one, the leader, had his cropped short while the other kept his long and tied back.

Inusuke gave up feigning sleep when the men stopped a few feet in front of them. He straightened and gave them what he hoped was a threatening glare. With old Yama’s warning of slave traders fresh in his mind, he was incredibly leery of the motives of the grinning ruffians. He tried to discreetly nudge Ookami into waking up, but he didn’t stir.

Maybe they aren’t a threat, the blonde thought hopefully. Or maybe Ookami’s not as skilled a fighter as you’d like to believe, his treacherous inner voice replied. What kind of self-respecting pirate allows two well-armed men to approach him in sleep? Well, shit. He’d just have to take care of them himself. He was the prince of Napaaj, heir to a line of incredibly powerful alchemists. He could handle two goons.

The long haired one was the first to speak, focusing on Ookami. “Oi, big guy.” He predictably ignored them.

“Hey!” the other guy continued, getting louder. “You deaf? We’re talkin’ to you.”

Since Ookami felt his slumber was more important than dealing with thugs, Inusuke stood slowly and addressed them. “I’m afraid my companion here is sleeping, so whatever you want you-”

He stopped midsentence when the large man raised his hand. Ookami opened one eye to peer up at the men, looking quite annoyed.

The two men grinned at each other then looked back at Ookami. “So you wanna make some quick cash?” The long haired guy snickered and pointed at the young blonde. “We’ll give ya six hundred gold for him.”

“What?!” Inusuke’s jaw dropped. Thanks to his arrogance, he was more upset at the price than the prospect of being sold. “Six hundred? I’m worth more than that,” he smirked, jabbing his thumb into his chest.
Belatedly, he hoped that his act would come off as genuine confidence instead of stupidity.

The leader’s face split into an ugly grin. “You’re s a fiery one, eh?” He licked his lips. “Feisty ones are my favorites. They scream the loudest when you break ‘em.” Long Hair matched the creepy grin and nodded eagerly. Leader returned his attention to Ookami. “Alright, buddy. We’ll give you a grand for the brat.”

Inusuke didn’t give Ookami the chance to respond. “Like hell you’ll take me, you fuckers.” He relaxed his stance when he noticed Long Hair reaching for a rope at his waist. He made a swift movement with his right hand and was rewarded by the slaver yelling and pulling at the knife now sunken in his forearm. He instantly regretted that decision when the reverse-serrated edges tore at his muscles and tendons. The prince silently thanked Crei for giving him the throwing knives and teaching him how to use them efficiently.

“You fucking kid! I’ll kill ya!” the wounded man screamed, gripping his bloody hand and drawing the attention of the entire camp.

Inusuke moved in front of the still resting Ookami and gestured to the leader with another of his vicious knives. “I told you, didn’t I?” So cocksure was the blonde he was unaware of three others approaching from behind.

The leader raised his hands in appeasement. “Sure, sure, kid. We’ll leave you alone.” Inusuke lowered his weapon. The dark man laughed suddenly, “Idiot boy! Get him!”

One of the three newcomers charged forward with a howl that abruptly turned into a shriek. The prince whipped around and saw the source of the scream curled on the ground, holding a hand to the small stump that remained of his arm. The ground was now soaked with the blood gushing from the wound. Ookami passively stood over the scene, his previously hidden sword dripping red.

Inusuke was so transfixed by the site of all that blood, he didn’t notice Long Hair lunging at him until the last minute. Caught off guard, he instinctually began gathering energy in his left arm to blast the man with alchemy. Just as the energy sphere was about to be completed, he felt a large hand grab his left forearm and the alchemy dispersed harmlessly. A deep voice whispered in his ear, “Not here.” Ookami. Ookami had stopped him. How?
Touching his arm like that should have caused the energy to fry the older man.

The tall man was still behind the prince, his sword arm crossed protectively in front of Inusuke. The young man felt his face flood at the close proximity and from the knowledge that he had almost blown his cover as an alchemist. That would have sent the entire camp after him. Alchemists were incredibly valuable. His tutors had told him horror stories of alchemists being stolen away to foreign countries. They were used to power machines and weapons, an incredibly inhumane thing to do. The process eventually turned the person into an empty husk.

Inusuke dragged himself out of his thoughts and looked up. He saw Long Hair was now missing his left hand. When had Ookami done that? He had only been in his stupor for several seconds.

“Leave. Now.” Ookami’s statement brooked no room for argument, and neither did his perfect fighting stance. Utterly flawless. The men were at least smart enough to recognize that as fear overcame their faces.

The leader stammered, “Yeah, okay. We’ll, uh, leave now. Camp’s all yours.” The slavers all but ran to their bikes and rode off into the night.

Inusuke’s heart was still pumping hard with adrenaline when Ookami finally stepped away and quickly cleaned his sword. He then began to refasten the package to the cycle. He turned and looked expectantly at the young blonde.

“You’re my hero,” he managed weakly, reaching for some of his sarcasm.

The grey eyed man just glared at him. “And you’re an idiot,” he growled. “Now get on. We’re leaving.”

Inusuke finally noticed that the rain had lightened considerably, making it easier to travel. He followed Ookami onto the bike, once more in a position to hug the man tightly, but taking no pleasure in it. He’d made a fool of himself yet again. It would take a miracle to have the warrior think him anything but worthless kid. Good thing the prince loved challenges. He wanted Ookami, and he always got what he wanted. He fell asleep with a small smile on his face, thinking of ways he could win over the handsome man.


It was still a few hours before dawn when they made it back to the inn where they had left Anna. Inusuke was exhausted from the long rides and the fight with the slavers, so he barely registered Ookami parking and going into the Traveler’s Respite. He returned a few minutes later to retrieve his package and the blonde. He slung the large parcel over his shoulder, and seeing Inusuke had fallen back asleep against the cycle, picked the kid up to carry him to the room he rented for the rest of the night.

Ookami reentered the inn, giving a brief nod to the owner before making his way up the stairs to the room. It was easy to see why he had gotten such a good deal. There was only one small bed that had an old straw mattress and a scratchy blanket. A well-worn hammock riddled with small holes had been quickly set up when it was made apparent the large man wouldn’t pay for two rooms. He managed to place Inusuke on the hammock without waking him and haphazardly covered him with the blanket from the bed. He then collapsed on the musty mattress, falling asleep almost instantly.


Inusuke did not sleep well upon reaching the inn. He kept having nightmares of people chasing him, wanting to kill him because he was the prince, or drain him dry for nefarious purposes. He had a habit of tossing and turning during bad dreams, which typically wasn’t a problem when he was in his huge bed at the palace. It was a different story on a hammock. He fell out of it and hit the floor with a solid thud.

He panicked slightly in his initial disorientation, sitting up and looking around wildly, not recognizing where he was. Did the slavers capture him after all?

His eyes fell on the large figure slumbering on the bed and relaxed. If he was still with Ookami, then everything was fine. He also vaguely remembered reaching the inn sometime in the night.

He looked around the small room again, now with a calmer mind. There was a dingy window opposite the door, flooding the room with early morning sunlight. The walls were bare, and the floor quite filthy. The latter observation had the prince on his feet, brushing dirt from his clothes. He glanced around for his bed, but only saw the one Ookami occupied and a disgusting hammock.

The bastard made him sleep on the hammock? That did not sit well with the young prince. He stalked the short distance to stand over Ookami’s sleeping form. He was comically sprawled out, long limbs hanging over the edge.

Inusuke leaned closer, fully planning to wake the man and give him a piece of his mind for making him take the gross hammock.

The man’s face was still passive as always, but there was a peaceful, relaxed quality to it now. His mouth was open slightly and surprisingly quiet snores emerged from it. The young man felt his face heat as his eyes were drawn to the parted lips. He was inching ever closer until he heard footsteps approach the room. He jerked back so quickly he tripped over the hammock and fell to the other side. He managed to get back into it, looking casual, as the door opened.

“Ookami,” sang a voice from the open door. Anna peered around the corner with a sphere of water floating in her hand. She had decidedly mischievous look on her face, as if she had plans for that sphere.

She can use alchemy?! the prince wondered, slack jawed.

She looked over and noticed Inusuke. The redhead gave him a sugary smile and whispered, “You’re up already? Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, I guess so.” For some reason, he always felt like an awkward thirteen year old around this woman. Six years of lessons with Crei and he was lucky if he managed a word more than two syllables in Anna’s presence.

The busty woman entered the room quietly, making her way to Ookami. When she was within a few feet of the bed, his eyes opened and he shot up to a sitting position. “Don’t,” was all Ookami said. He had a blank “no one’s home” look to his eye as if his body was awake, but his brain wasn’t.

“Aww,” Anna pouted. She closed her hand, dissipating the water. “I’ll get you one day. As often as you lounge around, it’ll be sooner than later, you lazy man.” She looked to the large box propped up in the corner. “Good, you got it. Looks nice. Think you’ll be able to handle something so big?” She giggled and leaned over in front of him, her breasts jiggling with her laughs. Inusuke just stared at the scene. How could Ookami ignore those things? They swung back and forth like dual pendulums, hypnotizing all who watched them.

“I still have…” Ookami paused for a moment trying to think of the right word to say. Inusuke stared at him in anticipation. “…business,” he finished. Inusuke was beginning to think talking was difficult for him.

Anna nodded in understanding. “Alright, sweetheart. I’ll return the cycle and the boy toy.” She plopped down on the hammock next to Inusuke and batted thick lashes at him. His eyes widened slightly as he tried to inch away from the soft mounds pressing against his arm. It was just his luck that he would get stuck with her for the last leg of the trip.

Ookami nodded his thanks and left without another word, hauling his package with him. The prince longingly watched his departure. Inusuke belatedly realized that he shouldn’t have been so obvious when he heard a knowing chuckle from beside him.

“Oh, ho. So you have a crush on Ookami, do you?”

“Yeah.” Inusuke didn’t see the point in denying it.

She giggled causing the young man to color in embarrassment. “Boy, do you know how to pick them! I’ll grant you he’s a fine looking man, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t tried to get into his pants a few dozen times, but he’s got the emotional capacity of teaspoon.”

Inusuke crossed his arms and averted his eyes. “I noticed.”

Anna gently patted his arm. “Although, I haven’t been able to tell whether he’s straight or gay with that blank look he gives everyone. Let me tell you, that look never changes.” Her green eyes looked up, fingers coming to rest thoughtfully on her lips. “Then again, maybe he’s asexual…”

“You suck at cheering people up.”

She laughed. “Okay, how about this. Ookami would have left without you yesterday if he really minded you tagging along.”

The prince straightened with a smirk, his mood making a 180. “I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist my good looks and charm.”

The redhead nodded indulgently, “Of course not.” She stood up and tugged at his arm to follow her. “Now, it’s time we head back to Nishi Port. That bastard Xanataer is charging me by the hour and I don’t want to pay him a coin more than I have to.”


Artwork done by the two of us, Koroshi and wildcatv2, will be up on our website in the next few days. You'll be able to find links in our profile. Constructive criticism for the story and the art is always welcome.

Thank you for reading!