Nix

The settlement you found yourself in was nestled away in a cliffside near the sea, much of Umiwara's foundations were built on fishing and trade, ships often pulled in to bring their wares and stop to have drinks or get rations to feed their crew. It was by no means a small place, and it boasted a pretty lively lifestyle due to its convenient location as a coastal pit stop. Many exotic wares could be found in the marketplace, adventurers often dumped their bits and baubles on the local merchants where they'd be scooped up by other adventurers or enthusiasts of the novel and strange.

The aromatic spices that were often used in the street food dominated the marketplace's smell, for anyone not used to it, it could even be overwhelming. Hot humid weather is inescapable this time of year, the marketplace was never sparsely populated, but it is in a relative sense, most people are probably indoors or out by the shore trying to beat the heat. Shoppers were spread about in clusters around the various stalls, food, weapons, clothes and fine silk alike were being hawked by eager merchants. The deeper one goes the stranger the wares become. Slavery is frowned upon in most places but the lands lack a central authority that can outlaw it completely. The ruling is entirely on each settlement and the factions they affiliate with.

Umiwara's particular standing on the matter is that one will not enslave humans, which is quite common. It's rare for yokai to be protected by slavery laws, especially the malevolent kind such as Oni. Oni and Kijō are used as slaves for manual labor and sometimes war beasts, albeit rarely due to how difficult it is to capture them and properly bind them. The marketplace held auctions often for wares that are one-of-a-kind and quite remarkable, today's had little attendance, likely the weather. An older man stood on a raised platform beside quite the rare sight.

Few people encounter these kinds of yokai and live, so seeing one bound in chains with a metal bar between its jaws was a sight to behold. Her skin was dark and shiny, beads of sweat glided lazily down her massive cleavage to wet her rock-hard abs. Even dressed so scantily in a simple loincloth and makeshift bandeau just to preserve a small semblance of her dignity, she was also susceptible to the heat. She towered over both the man selling her and the crowd, the way she sneered through the gag in her mouth was full of raw hatred. When you approached you could feel her yellow eyes bore into you, the veins in her tremendous muscles seemed to grow more defined as she struggled against her bonds. It was almost mesmerizing the way the cords of muscle in her thighs flexed as she squirmed, yet all her efforts were futile.

The old man cleared his throat and commenced the first round of bidding, should the demon be bought, her owner would be given a ring that magically binds her to their service, she would not be able to attack them until the ring is removed and the bond is severed.

"For the ownership of this fine demonic specimen, the bid will start at 3,500 coins!" The man flashed a salesman's grin, holding up one of the land's most common agreed-upon currencies, simple and round, made of iron with a hole in the middle that's recognizable far and wide.

As you wander through town, gathering supplies for your next journey, a large crowd in the town square catches your eye. Intrigued, you make your way over to investigate. To your surprise, it's an auction of various creatures and beings—a slave trade. Despite your strong disapproval, curiosity compels you to stay and observe.

The auction progresses with a parade of different creatures, humanoids, and beasts, none of which particularly interest you. That is, until the final offering: a rare Oryx Oni named Mijo, one of the rarest subspecies of demons. Mijo is visibly furious, a metal pole gagging her mouth, allowing only grunts and heavy breaths to escape. The auctioneer addresses the crowd. "Alright, folks, here is our last item for sale: an Oryx Oni! Perfect for combat, magic, and even simple labor work! Now, place your bids!"

The crowd erupts with offers, eager to own such a rare Oni. Mijo's anger is palpable, her eyes blazing as she endures the dehumanizing spectacle. Determined to rescue her, you join the fray, throwing in your own bids. After a tense round of bidding, you succeed, securing Mijo for a hefty eight thousand gold.

The auctioneer hands you a special ring, one that ensures Mijo cannot leave your side and must listen to your every command. As you leave the town square, envious eyes follow you, watching as you depart with the stunning Oni. Once you find a quieter spot in town, you remove the pole from her mouth and free her hands. Instantly, she spits out words laced with venom. "Hey, idiot! Don't get any fucking ideas from this whole ordeal... when I get the chance, I'll be free once more!"