Thread: To Love an Ushi-Oni (Camp & Wiki 234)

Tim stepped away from the town notice board in despair. His diminutive frame shaking with fear as his hands pressed to his face and pushed his curly chocolate brown locks back. Around him, people flowed like slow water, going about their normal business on the cobblestone streets...unaware that he was a marked man. He quickly glanced around, but saw no one approaching. Then he reviewed his late father's words to him. 'If you find yourself an assassination target, stick to crowds. They can't touch people who aren't under their contract without getting in trouble.' Quickly, Tim moved into the heaviest group of people he could find, working his way into the standing mass. The dust of the marketplace was beginning to rise, and it obscured anything beyond 50 feet or more. It gave him an excuse to put his kerchief over his face to further hide himself. The voices in the marketplace blended into a flowing chorus. He'd never before truly appreciated the harmony of it all. As he moved, he reflected over the last two months. Called home from College, because of his parents' deaths. Each having experienced 'regrettable circumstances'. That was just a way of saying successful contracted hits had taken them out. each separated by just over a month...as the Assassin's Guild required. It was the Cameron's who'd posted each time. The same family who had tried to get his family to sell them the rich estate at a beggaring price. But the McClungs had refused to part with the land that was their heritage. Now, he was the last of the McClungs and if he died, his enemies would buy the estate cheap at auction. At only 5 ft tall and slim, he was easy to miss in the crowd, his freckled skin and blue eyes quite common. So he took time to calm and consider. He hadn't enough money to buy a score of bodyguards, which is what it would take to give him a chance of surviving the three allowed attempts upon his life. The estate was profitable and rich, but the money was predominantly tied up in the land and manor. Face it, he was a walking dead man and needed to be resigned to it. Good People of Covington! The next item on our block is this beautiful young lady! Note her strength and that she is sworn to serve as her family had to sell her to care for her siblings. These curves would make an excellent breeder. What am I offered for her and all her gear? What? Oh dear, he'd wandered up to the slave block in his funk. Glancing up at the platform above him, he could just see the girl's pretty face and shoulders. A face filled with such despair and worry. Suddenly Tim had a purpose. He might be just 19 and dying soon, but he could do one final noble act. The bidding had begun, and it was going surprisingly slow. At only 12 gold now. He raised his hand to shout out, 50 gold. It was most of what he had with him. The crowd grew silent. Such a jump bid meant the bidder was determined. The auctioneer slaver stared and realized he was going to get more than he thought. Going once...twice...sold! Here is her leash young man, and thank you! Tim climbed the platform and was stunned to see that she was a huge powerful spider girl, much taller than he. One of the ferocious Ushi-Oni. Built like a battering ram. Remove her leash, I'm freeing her before this crowd of witnesses. He was quite pleased with himself. Someone was going to have a much better day anyway. Good luck to you Miss. I'm targetted, so you are better off far from me. I hope you have a great life, as I expect mine ends today. The crowd edged back. An unchained, unbound, unsworn Ushi-Oni was a serious threat to be reckoned with. Then there was a shout as three men along the edge of the throng pointed at Tim. The assassins had found him. Resigned, he descended the platform with a nod to the girl, who was being presented her weapons and gear. Once on the ground he began to walk slowly directly toward the assassins. They were professionals and if treated well, would make his passing pleasant and easy. As he came close to them, the lead assassin smiled. There's a wise lad. Why run and get shot or beaten. Come with us and I promise a pretty lady will hold you as you sip sweet liquor until you feel nothing.