Chapter 29: Fuyu no Kitsune...

Zora's eyes were fixed beyond the opened window as she spoke of the story of the Fuyu no Kitsune. The disdainful expression she wore as she talked, was enough for anyone to tell how much she detested the beings.

"Little information exists on the Fuyu no Kitsune in these parts of the world. The little we came across was also quite vague…" Zora commenced her tale.

"The eastern lore goes that Fuyu no Kitsune are entities that came into existence when nine-tailed fox spirits had amours with humans. You do know of nine-tailed fox spirits, right?" Zora glanced at the girl and noticed her frown slightly at the question. Zora chuckled. It was evident Yuki did not like to read.

"Nine-tailed foxes originate from the Eastern legends. They are powerful spirits that are known for their superior intelligence, potent magic and their cunning nature."

Yuki nodded. After observing Zora's stern countenance as she told the story, Yuki found herself moderately believing that she just might be speaking the truth. Besides, since the story sounded interesting, even as a lie, Yuki was curious about the Fuyu no Kitsune regardless.

"Like I said, the Vixen of Frost came to exist when the nine-tailed foxes possessed human beings and had relations with other humans. The outcome were the vile creatures that were half fox spirits and half human. They are said to possess silvery-white hair and skin so fair; it is almost pale. Their beauty, they say, is unmatched and ethereal. But woe to earth, the day those creatures more cunning than their ancestors came to exist." Zora clenched her fist as she tried to control the fury that swelled up in her heart.

"Unlike their powerful ancestors, Vixens of frost were much, much weaker. Thus, they neither possessed any powers or even strong bodies. It is said that because their bodies are too frail, they died young. And though they did not possess superior powers like the nine-tailed fox spirits, they were born with one accursed ability…they were able to steal life forces."

Yuki frowned; that did not sound like a pleasant ability.

"They possess the ability to steal the life forces of others, nine times in total before they finally died. When they are born, nine random people were marked to serve as the Vixen of frost's life reserve. From those marked individuals, who are referred to as Frost pawns, the creature would retrieve lives whenever faced death." Zora paused briefly. Her anger morphed into desperation and sadness. "We believe Amir is marked by a Fuyu no Kitsune…"

Yuki was left dazed by the revelation. She had confidence in the fact that Amir was chronically ill; she still held on to that belief.

 "Does Mr. Walter also believe that Amir's condition is caused by this vixen of Frost?" Yuki voiced her thoughts.

Zora glanced at her. Yuki clearly did not believe the story to be true. And even if she didn't trust her words, Zora believed that Yuki of all people needed to know the story. She felt she owed her that much. "Walter was the one who recognized the mark of the vixen on Amir," Zora said candidly.

"A mark?"

"Aah, did I not say? All frost pawns bear marks on their bodies that reveal their relation to a Vixen of Frost." Zora looked back at the window and sighed. "Anyway, the person who harbors the most hatred for the Vixen of Frost that marked Amir is probably Treyton." Zora concluded.

Yuki nodded slowly as she recalled Treyton's murderous gaze earlier in the forest. The mere recollection of the memory sent shivers down her spine. Hatred seemed like an understatement to describe the look Treyton possessed.

Fuyu no Kitsune…Yuki etched the name in her memory.

"Oh, I wanted to ask you though it isn't a nice memory, but can you explain your reaction to Treyton's anger? I know it could have been fear but you don't come off as someone who is easily scared." Zora stared at Yuki. She was not fazed by the question.

Yuki returned Zora's gaze briefly before she laid back down and stared at the chandelier hanging on the roof. "I am not sure. For as long as I can remember, I have been quite sensitive to the aura people give off. It always felt like a gut feeling though much stronger. I suppose that sense was what reacted to Treyton's anger."

"Oh, I see," Zora muttered under her breath.

Just as she found herself relaxing by bits, Yuki abruptly sat up, her eyes wider than normal. "My brother…" she mumbled.

Zora narrowed her eyes at Yuki. "Pardon?" she did not make out what Yuki had said. "My brother… Jacek. Where is he?" Yuki appeared both anxious and nervous when she spoke in her quiet voice. Zora was surprised that even she could wear such an expression.

When she woke up, she had a strange feeling something was amiss. It turned out she was right because there was no way Jacek would deliberately leave her on her own when she was unwell. Yuki's heartbeat accelerated at an alarming pace. She proceeded to rise from the bed after she did not get an immediate response from Zora.

"Wait! You are not completely well. You should be in bed!" Zora exclaimed as Yuki was leaving the bed. Yuki did not listen. She got out of the bed anyway. "He is fine. Your brother is okay!" Zora spoke loudly.

Yuki halted as she put a slipper on. "Is he?" she was doubtful as she took a glimpse at Zora.

"He is tired and a little hurt after carrying you to town," Zora confessed. She had initially wanted to hide the fact that Jacek was hurt from Yuki until the next day when she was well rested.

"And he is well?" Yuki's tone was sharper. She hurriedly put on the other slipper and matched out of the room with Zora not far behind her.

When Yuki arrived at the room allotted to Jacek, she barged in. There was a lot to see, but the first thing that caught Yuki's eyes were the set of shallow grey eyes that stared at her discourteous self. Yuki however ignored Treyton and scrutinized her brother.

At the sight of Jacek's state, Yuki's sentiment came under control, she was finally able to assess the situation better.

Yuki strode soundlessly to Jacek's side. He was bare-chested with a piece of cloth on this chest. It turned out Treyton was tending him before her arrival.

Yuki checked her brother's temperature by feeling his forehead and neck with the back of her hand. He was not too hot, but his temperature was not normal either; he was feverish.

"He slept not too long ago. He said he was tired," Treyton reported.

Yuki lifted her eyes to look at him. It was awkward.

Zora excused herself when she realized her presence was not only unneeded but very much invisible as well. Neither Yuki nor Treyton even responded when she announced that she was leaving.

While Yuki inspected Jacek's wounds, Treyton continued to wipe Jacek's body with the wet towel. Yuki did not fail to notice how gentle and expertly Treyton took care of her brother.

Her expression grew darker and darker as she undid the bandages on one of Treyton's feet. When the bandage came off, Yuki's face fell at the unsettling sight of Jacek's foot. The sole of his foot was covered in several cuts, small holes and reddish bruises. Yuki set her pained heart aside to inspect the wound thoroughly to prevent any infections. She was calmed, as Jacek's foot was properly cleaned and even smelt medicinal.

"Cyberia tended his wounds. She is a good nurse. You needn't worry about an infection," Treyton said.

Yuki inclined her head in agreement. She skillfully bandaged the foot once more. "Are you…alright?" Treyton spoke hesitantly.

Yuki took a glimpse at his expression, Treyton appeared regretful and troubled. By his tone, Yuki was also sure he sounded remorseful. She stood from Jacek's feet to sit close to his head. She gently stroked her brother's head when she saw him frown slightly.

"I am fine…" Yuki responded silently. "Are you alright?" she threw his question back to him.

Treyton looked at Yuki, a little surprised and a little glad. He was glad she was alright and that she did not sound like she blamed him for scaring her. Meanwhile, he was surprised she was already over his strangeness and was looking at him as she always did. Most of the town's people feared him; both men and women. And those who ever encountered his rage avoided him altogether.

"I am fine too," he finally replied.

According to Beckett, she had reacted to his rage and that meant he was just that scary. But to be able to ignore that fear she felt and still look upon him with the same innocence and ease as she always had, Treyton saw Yuki in a brighter light. She was strong; Yuki was either very strong or merely apathetic.

Looking at how affectionately she looked at her brother, Treyton's shallow expression soften before being replaced with a guilty one. He clenched the cloth in his hand.

Treyton stood suddenly, "Sorry, I will be leaving first," he announced and rushed away without looking back even once.

He was afraid. He feared that if he looked at Yuki one more time when his feelings were swayed, that his resolve would break. He could not afford any doubt in his heart; none at all. Not when the time was so near!