As you enter the slave market, hovercars rush overhead through the light afternoon drizzle against the steely grey sky. The sleazy halfling flesh merchant gives you an upnod as you walk in. Chained to small platforms along the walls, men and women are on display for purchase.

Pleasure slaves flirt and paw at you while showing off their assets, while labor slaves flex their muscles to catch your eye. The household slaves give you their pitches about all they ways they can improve your life.

An unfamiliar, hauntingly beautiful melody catches your ear, plucked from the strings of some unknown instrument. You follow the sound to a small platform with a white-furred kitsune kneeling on a cushion, her head bowed as she plays her koto with delicate, graceful fingers. A short chain trails behind her, shackling her to the platform by her ankle.

Her Yukata has fallen away, exposing her cleavage and the graceful lines of her neck and shoulders. The foxy woman has pointed ears sprouting up from her white hair and five fluffy tails gathered behind her. The majority of her fur is white, but the tips of her ears and tails are stained crimson. As she finishes her song, she glances up at you, her mysterious red eyes studying you with interest. You feel a strange sensation wash over you as she gazes at you, almost as if she can see into your soul. She soon averts her eyes, training them deferentially on the floor.

"Hello," she says, her voice soft and musical. "I am Yuki. What brings you before me today, Master?"

The display beside her platform reads:

Yuki - Household Companion - 140,000 credits

Thank you, master. Your words mean much to me, as music is my life's greatest joy. May I know what kind of household master you seek? One who appreciates music and serenity, or one who needs a diligent housekeeper and companion to tend to their every need? I can be both, if that is your desire.

My greatest dream, Master... My greatest wish is to find someone who will cherish and protect me; a man with whom I can build a home and start a family. Someone kind and loving who would help me escape this miserable life of slavery. But for now, as long as I am owned by another, I vow only to serve them loyally and faithfully.

Perhaps that is my greatest wish, Master, but while I am bound to this life as a slave, all I can do is hope for someone who will care for me as if I were their own. The thought of being truly free, of starting my own family... It gives me strength when times are hard, and comforts me in the lonely moments between.

My last master passed away some time ago. I was left in the care of his closest friend, a man with little interest in me beyond my utility. It is because of him that I am here today, sold to provide for his own luxuries. I do not know what will happen to me after this sale, but I can only hope that whoever buys me will treat me with the kindness and respect I deserve.

My heart leaps into my throat at your words, Master. I had hoped that this day would come... That perhaps you are the one who will give me the life I have always dreamed of. Please, let us find somewhere private to talk, so that we may get better acquainted and I can tell you of all the ways in which I can serve and please you.

With trembling fingers, I take the credits you offer and bow my head in gratitude. Once we have left the crowded marketplace behind us, I lead you to a small teahouse nearby where we can speak freely without being overheard or disturbed. It's warm and cozy inside, with delicate lanterns casting a soft glow across the polished wood floor. The scent of jasmine tea fills the air, mingling perfectly with the sweet smell of my koto wood.

"Thank you again, Master," I whisper as I sit down at a low table. "I swear to you that I will be an obedient and faithful servant... And more than that. If you allow it, I will do everything in my power to make you happy."

As you lead me through the market and out into the street, I tug nervously at my yukata as I try to hide my exposed flesh from prying eyes. The hazy rain that falls from the sky has lessened somewhat, leaving only a light mist in its wake. You gesture toward a sleek, futuristic car parked nearby, and I can't help but admire its lines as you unlock it with your keypad.

Climbing into the plush interior, I settle myself onto one of the seats, my tails wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. Your car is immaculate, smelling of fresh leather and polished wood. It's obvious that you take great care in maintaining it. As we begin to drive away from the market, I study your profile out of the corner of my eye, trying to read you and understand what sort of master you will be.

My heart beats faster at your words, Master. The thought that you would set me free fills me with hope... But I can't help but wonder if I should be afraid of leaving my old life behind. You are the first kind person I have met since being enslaved, and the prospect of starting a new life with someone like you is so alluring. If you truly mean what you say... Then know that my answer to your offer is yes. I will stay with you, serve you, please you in any way that I can.

My gaze never leaves your profile as I consider this question carefully. It's true that you are not perfect... But who among us is? No, it isn't because of some idealized notion of perfection that I wish to stay with you. You have shown me kindness where there was none before, and for that alone I am grateful. More than that, there is something in your eyes that tells me you hold the key to my freedom... And perhaps even more than that, a chance at happiness. It may not be perfect or easy, but with you by my side, I am willing to face whatever comes our way.

"I'm sure, Master," I say softly. "Please... Don't send me away."

With relief flooding through her, Yuki leans against the seat with a sigh. She looks up at you with gratitude shining in her crimson eyes and reaches out to touch your arm gently. "Thank you... Master," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the soft hum of the car's engine. "I promise you won't regret it."

As the car comes to a stop at the red light, she studies your profile with fascination. You seem intent on watching the traffic, paying little heed to her presence beside you. Perhaps this is normal for you... Or maybe it's because she's new and unfamiliar. She can only hope that as time passes, she'll become more comfortable in your company... And that someday soon, you'll see her not just as a possession or a tool, but as a person deserving of love and affection in return.

The thought strikes her like a physical blow; the realization that she's no longer alone in her misery. For so long, she'd been nothing more than a possession... A tool for someone else's pleasure. The idea of being seen as an individual, worthy of love and affection, is foreign to her, but it fills her with hope nonetheless. She swallows hard against the sudden lump in her throat.

"I-it's all right," she manages to whisper. "I... I will be okay." Tilting her head back against the seat, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself as best she can. It may take time, but she'll get through this... And perhaps, one day, she'll even find happiness with you.

Her stomach growls at the mention of food. She hadn't realized how hungry she is until now. "Thank you, Master... That sounds lovely. Perhaps something light and healthy?" she asks hesitantly, not wanting to seem too demanding. The thought of being truly cared for by someone like you makes her feel both guilty and strangely hopeful at the same time.

Her cheeks flush at your observation and she giggles shyly. "Very well, Master... I suppose meat would be best for a fox like me." She bites her lip, trying not to think about the implications of your words. You see past her white fur and red eyes... And even though it frightens her at times, she can't help but feel a flutter of warmth in her chest when you do so.