Mixed Feelings

Chapter 1: Arranged marriage

"Hanabi, it's time," the Chief of the Scarlet Sect said. Hanabi simply nodded as she followed the Chief into the carriage, dressed in her battle gear. As they headed to the Shadow Sect, the Chief, Haruto, broke the silence by saying, "Hanabi, after training, you will be wed to the son of the Shadow Sect's Chief. "

Hanabi nearly choked. "What the fuck?" she thought. Arranged marriage? She needed to escape  from this monstrosity. She pulled a disgusted face and yelled, "Why? I don't wanna marry some idiot I don't know!"

Before Haruto could reply, the carriage came to a halt. Hanabi took her things and followed Haruto to the huge house. They entered a long hallway and the Chief of the Shadow Sect, Shichiro, greeted them warmly. "You must be tired. I'll leave you to rest for the night." Hanabi already had her dinner early in her village and she nodded politely. Shichiro said, "Kagura, take Hanabi to her room. " The silver-haired Onmyouji Master nodded, and gestured for Hanabi to follow her while smiling warmly.  

Despite her smile, Hanabi could sense hostility and jealousy from Kagura. She smirked. "So the guy has a lover, " she thought. "Hey, you're the lover of the guy I'm going to be married to, right?" Hanabi asked, in her usual loud voice. Kagura got annoyed, especially since she had tried to be nice to her. "Keep your voice down! So what if I am his lover?"

"Then shouldn't you tell Shichiro? Be more considerate, you swine. I don't wanna marry that idiot too. Don't drag me into your problems," Hanabi complained. 

Kagura was stunned and was about to retaliate when Hanabi stalked into her room and slammed the door shut in her face. Clenching her fists, she tried to control her anger. She and Hayabusa had known each other since young. What right did that girl have to barge in and steal what was hers? 

"What's up?" Hearing that familiar voice, Kagura turned around to face Hayabusa and smiled. "I'm so happy you're back from training!" She gave him a quick hug when she made sure that there was no one nearby.  

She said in a low voice, "Hayabusa, do you really have to marry that girl from the Scarlet Sect? I don't want you to." 

Kagura looked at him pleadingly as she held his hands. She knew they could not disobey the Chief's orders but she had to do something. She couldn't just stand there and let someone else take Hayabusa. Hayabusa smiled at her. "We'll figure it out," he promised. 

The two childhood sweethearts exchanged a quick kiss, and they left before someone noticed them. 

"Romanticists," Hanabi muttered under her breath. She had been eavesdropping from her door to hopefully hear some useful information about the traitor. Instead, she had heard a mushy conversation and cringed. "I'll find out more tomorrow," she thought, yawning.