The Auctioned Experience

The remnants of the cerulean glow still tingled on my skin.

What was that stone?

Why did it disintegrate upon touching me?

The cerulean glow may have dimmed, but my confusion soared. The dull cell, with its greenish mould and rank air, now felt even more suffocating.

My heartbeat echoed in my ears. Every sound, every whisper, was amplified, weaving an overwhelming symphony around me.

"Did the stone do this?"

I closed my eyes, trying to centre myself, but the distant cries of prisoners sounded closer and clearer, as if they were just beside me.

A shuffle.

Footsteps.

They were heading my way. I could hear the slave masters' voices, the clinking of their chains, and the muffled laughter. This newfound sense was both a gift and a curse.

"Heard that one got a little feisty yesterday," one of them sneered.

"The one with the pretty sis?" A malicious chuckle followed.

I wanted to scream and shout back at them, but all I could do was silently seethe.

"Well, ain't that a pity?" The first voice continued, a smirk evident in his tone.

I bit my lip, trying to calm the rising storm within me. Their words, every snide remark, cut deep.

"They're no better than animals, all of 'em," another growled.

My ears were now a double-edged sword, bringing me the clarity I needed but also the cruelty I could do without. I could feel my emotions swirling in a tempest, threatening to consume me.

All of a sudden, another odd sensation occurred: the feeling of movement, but not in the cell. I felt like I was gliding, but my feet were firmly on the ground.

I looked down and saw a body surrounded by a cerulean hue.

Was this... another me?

I watched the guards with an eerie stillness. My new form, a semi-transparent entity, radiated power and energy.

"Did that stone turn me into this... what, a spirit?" I wondered aloud, but my voice didn't carry. It was just a thought, an echo inside my own mind.

The distant cries of the prisoners, which I'd grown accustomed to, now felt deafeningly close. Each groan and each sob felt like they were emanating right next to me.

This bizarre hyper-awareness made my skin prickle and my pulse quicken.

Curious, I decided to follow the sensation. It led me down the corridor. And even though I hadn't moved an inch from my cell, I felt like I was right next to the slave masters, listening in.

The closest one, a large brute with a scar across his cheek, glanced in the direction of my cell. "Should we have some fun with that one later?"

My ghostly hands clenched. I felt a surge of anger, but they continued, blissfully unaware of my spectral presence.

"I've got other plans. You know, the market's tomorrow," the other said, tapping his chin. "He might fetch a decent price, now that his sister's gone."

"So, they planned to sell me, just like Takako..."

Two bodies, one floating.

This had to be an ability. But without the acquisition of Karma, how?

All thoughts circled back to one. Takako. Where was she? And where would they take me?

As I continued to eavesdrop, the pieces of a grim puzzle fell into place. They were discussing the upcoming market, a place where slaves were traded like commodities.

The realisation hit me like a tonne of bricks: I needed to escape. But how could I do that in this spectral form? And where would I even go?

The cell was my only point of reference, and venturing too far from it seemed dangerous.

I closed my eyes in an attempt to think and devise a plan. That's when I felt the sensation of falling.

I quickly opened my eyes, realising that I wasn't in my transparent body anymore. I was real again; my physical form was solid and tangible.

The shock of the transition left me momentarily disoriented. I looked around, taking in my surroundings.

While I contemplated, a magnetic pull began to yank at me. It was as if an invisible force was trying to reel me back into my physical form.

Resisting was futile. My spirit snapped back, and the next moment, the tangible walls of the prison surrounded me. But something was off. I wasn't in my cell.

I was out in the corridor.

Crap.

Realising I was exposed, I spun around. Scarface, the most intimidating of the overseers, was right behind me. His sneering smile sent chills down my spine.

"Thought you could escape, did you?" he hissed.

I was surrounded. My pulse raced. The cerulean stone's effects might've gifted me an escape route, but now it seemed to have landed me in a deeper pit.

Desperate, I summoned the anger, the fury, and the longing for my sister. I didn't know how to use magic, but I hoped I could get one more miracle.

But nothing came.

My heart pounded loudly in my chest, the dread suffocating me.

"What's the matter, boy?" One of the overseers jeered. "Looking for a way out?"

Trapped, my options dwindled. "I can't outfight or outrun them," I thought, "Bargaining isn't an option. I might have to surrender."

The overseers circled, drawing closer.

A neon blade shimmered in the dim light before I felt a searing pain. It wasn't a fatal wound but an immobilising one.

The blow was followed by a sharp kick, sending me back into my cell.

Laughter echoed around me, taunting. "Looks like you're back where you belong."

The astral experience, while intriguing, had its repercussions. My hope for a swift escape was thwarted.

Takako, wherever she was, felt farther away than ever. Given my situation, the only option I have is to give up and accept being sold, which would be unacceptable given what happened to Takako.

However, before any plan could take shape, a new day dawned, bringing with it the market day's reality. I could only hope that amidst the chaos, an opportunity would arise.

The weight of the chains seemed heavier, but a fire burned within. Despite the odds, my spirit remained unbroken. Whatever came next, I was ready.

The sun's rays painted the sky a brilliant hue, but for me, it signified the market day's grim reality. The echoed voices grew louder, and the air thickened with anticipation and dread.

My cell door swung open, and Scarface stepped in, his sneer more pronounced.

"Time to see how much you're worth."

Bound in chains, I was dragged through narrow pathways, finally reaching the bustling market. A sea of faces, some curious, some indifferent, stared at me.

My pulse raced. My body screamed for freedom and escape. But my shackles were too tight, and the overseers were too many.

As the hours dragged on, I overheard whispers of my potential worth and how I might be of use to some rich lord or as a gladiator in the arena.

Hope dwindled, replaced by a growing sense of despair.

We stopped by a massive wooden platform raised above the bustling crowd. The auction block

Scarface gave me a shove, sending me stumbling onto the platform. My vision blurred momentarily as I adjusted to the blazing sunlight. The crowd below hooted and jeered, their eyes raking over me, evaluating and judging.

A plump auctioneer with an exaggerated moustache climbed onto the platform. "Ladies and gentlemen! Look at this fine specimen. Young, fit, and full of potential!"

A rough hand grabbed my chin, turning my face for everyone to see. I gritted my teeth, tasting the bitterness of my own helplessness.

"Starting bid at fifty Ryuubi Relics!" The auctioneer boomed, his voice dripping with fake enthusiasm.

The crowd buzzed, and bids began pouring in. My value climbed higher, each number echoing the grim reality of my situation.

"100 Ryuubi Relics!"

"150!"

"200 and not a Relic less!"

I glanced around, my heart racing. Everywhere I looked, there were potential buyers, but there was no sign of Takako.

Every so often, a familiar face would come into view, only to be replaced by another, equally eager to own me.

As the bids continued, my thoughts raced. "What if I get sold to some distant land? What if I never see Takako again? I have to do something!"

But what? Every possible escape route seemed blocked, every avenue cut off. My hands were tied, both literally and figuratively.

"3,000 Ryuubi Relics!" I heard someone shout.

The weight of the situation bore down on me.

As the bidding reached a fever pitch, I began to feel like a piece of merchandise on display, all too aware of the avid eyes that analysed every inch of me.

"3200 Ryuubi Relics!"

The number seemed absurd. Were they really willing to pay that much for me?

"340,000 Ryuubi Relics!"

The entire marketplace went silent. An amount like that was unheard of. Even the usually stoic Scarface looked stunned.

Whispers spread like wildfire, each person trying to glimpse the high bidder.

I strained to see, my curiosity burning. My eyes landed on an elegant woman. She stood with a commanding presence, her aura undeniably strong and regal.

Long white hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing violet eyes met mine.

The murmurings grew louder.

"Who is she?"

"Why would she bid that much for him?"

The auctioneer, trying to hide his surprise, cleared his throat, "340,000 going once... Going twice... Sold to the lady with white hair!"

The crowd erupted into applause, and chains clanked as Scarface grabbed me, pulling me off the platform.

But as we walked towards the mysterious bidder, he was uncharacteristically quiet. Even he seemed wary of this white-haired beauty. It was as if he sensed that there was more to her than met the eye.

As we neared the mysterious woman, I could feel a palpable aura emanating from her.

There was a sophistication to her demeanour and a power that was both intimidating and alluring. The whispers around her grew louder, but she remained unfazed, her gaze locked onto mine.

"Who are you?" I managed to whisper.

She gave a small, enigmatic smile.

"All in due time."

Scarface, usually full of bravado, hesitated for a moment before pushing me forward.

"Your purchase," he mumbled.

The woman eyed him disdainfully, "Release him."

"But—" Scarface began.

With just a glance, she silenced him. Reluctantly, Scarface undid my shackles, and I stumbled forward, rubbing my sore wrists.

She motioned for me to follow, and I did. The crowd seemed to part for her as if she were royalty. Our steps were in sync, and every time I tried to look at her, she evaded my gaze.

The bustling market, with its noise and chaos, faded as we ventured into a more secluded area.

Soon, we reached the outskirts, where a magnificent horse awaited.

Its coat shimmered in the sunlight, and it wore armour adorned with rainbow crystals, reflecting hues of colour that danced and twinkled.

"Get on." The white-haired beauty commanded.

I hesitated, unfamiliar with the magnificent creature. She reached out a hand, urging me to join her. With her help, I managed to get on, seating myself behind her.

The horse, sensing our readiness, began to move, its strides powerful and graceful. As we rode, the wind whipped past us, and the scenery became a blur.

The city's cacophony faded, replaced by the rhythmic sound of hooves and the rustling of trees.

We rode for what felt like hours, the world around us changing from the bustling market to open plains and then dense forests.

Night began to fall, and the sky was painted with hues of orange and purple. The stars started to twinkle, their light guiding our path.

After what felt like an eternity, we reached a secluded town in the shape of a circle. It didn't look like much. But the architecture was intricate.

"Welcome to your new home."

As we rode through the town, I noticed the townspeople. They seemed happy to be here.

"Why did you take me here?" I asked.

The white-haired beauty was silent for a moment before speaking, "I go around buying slaves, and give them a home."

I was taken aback by her revelation. This woman, with her regal aura and commanding presence, was rescuing slaves?

It was hard to wrap my head around it.

I looked around the town, taking in the sights and sounds. The architecture was a mix of traditional and modern, with tall, majestic buildings standing next to small, cosy cottages.

There was a sense of peace and tranquillity in the air, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the market.

As we walked, the townspeople greeted us with warm smiles and nods, a sign of their respect and admiration for the white-haired beauty.

We eventually reached a large building, its exterior adorned with intricate carvings and designs.

The white-haired beauty led me inside, and I was immediately struck by the opulence and grandeur of the place.

She led me to a spacious room, its walls adorned with beautiful paintings and tapestries. A large window overlooked the town, offering a panoramic view of its beauty.

"Rest," she said, her voice soft and gentle, "You've had a long day."

I nodded, still in awe of my surroundings. The white-haired beauty left the room, leaving me to my thoughts.

As I lay down on the soft bed, I couldn't help but wonder about my future. What did this woman want with me? Why had she saved me from the slave market?

A million questions swirled in my mind, but one thing was for sure: I was no longer a slave. But Takako was, and I had to save her, no matter the cost.