The Death Market *Obi x OC* (COMPLETE)

We Will Rock You

Song: We Will Rock You - In This Moment

I split away from Torin as I head toward his cottage and he heads further into the market with Iladriel. She had insisted upon helping in some way, so Torin found a use for her after all, just not on the front lines. I had left Master's sword in Torin's cottage during the attack. I'm not leaving without it since it's the reason we were brought here in the first place. When I make it up the wooden steps onto the platform all I can see is blood. Torin may have lost but he put up a hell of a fight. I side step a body and the still-drying pool of blood around him then step into the cottage. My eyes wander the blood splattered room as I step around two more bodies. If Torin comes back here, he has a lot of cleaning up to do. I make my way into the kitchen only to find Harlowe standing in the center of the room. Her dark make up is smudged under her eyes. Every other time I'd seen her, it had been perfect. Something has thrown her off.

"What are you doing here Harlowe?" I ask, keeping my distance.

"You forgot your sword."

I nod slowly as my gaze drops to it lying on the counter beside her.

"Harlowe, whatever fascination you have with me, leave Iladriel and Torin out of it. They have done nothing to you."

"I will not bring them further harm so long as they do not cross me."

"Why did you let me go?"

Her eyes flick up to meet mine before moving to the chaos behind me. "I-I do not wish to be like the one called Raji. I have caused much suffering."

"Can I leave your market without issue? I have to find out if Mitsuhide is alright."

"I will escort you to the exit myself."

"You don't have to-"

"I must. It is all I can offer."

I don't trust Harlowe but she leaves the cottage with me after I take the sword from the counter. The safest thing I can do for now is go along with whatever she says and see if she will keep to her word. If not, I'm ready for whatever she could throw at me. I just need to know that Iladriel and Torin will be safe from her after I'm gone.

"What led you to wanting to be in a position of power?"

"I did not wish to be in a position where others could take advantage of me. Those above never got hurt. I no longer wished to be hurt." She mumbles, keeping her eyes forward as we enter the edge of the market.

"Did something happen previously in your life beyond being in the castle?"

Her gaze hardens but she doesn't answer. There's something in the way she carries herself that's always thrown me off but I still can't place it.

My eyes fall on Iladriel hidden in the shadows of two booths. Her face pales as she notices Harlowe beside me and gives me a questioning look. I shake my head subtly and she falls back, likely to spread the word to Torin. We had planned to have Iladriel create a distraction in the market away from the exit. It would occupy most of Harlowe's forces, if not Harlowe herself. Torin was set to stay by the exit and help ensure I made it safely into the tunnel. I could handle myself on the other side. Harlowe has certainly overhauled that plan.

"That little girl," she mumbles as she finally looks over at me. "Who is she?"

"Her name is Iladriel, she sells daggers in your market."

"Where are her parents?"

"I don't know. She said they were taken. Torin has been watching over her."

"Poor child."

As we approach the exit tent, I notice about a dozen hooded figures slipping in and out of the shadows. Torin has Iladriel tucked behind him as he clashes swords with the two that guard the stairs. I look to Harlowe and find her staring wide-eyed at the scene.

"I-I forgot to call them off... I didn't mean to."

"What?"

"Before... they were to bring you in whatever means necessary. I changed my mind but did not call off."

"Then call them off now. Prove you did change your mind."

"They will no longer listen to me. I no longer control the market..." She mumbles. "I will help you escape."

"If you cross me or anything happens to that girl, I will kill you." I tell her as I draw a dagger and rush in to block an attack on Torin. The others have arrived to stop us.

I feel a spray of blood hit my side and I glance over to find Harlowe running her sword through another body. I still am uneasy about trusting her but at this point she is helping. I curse as I notice Iladriel escape Torin's grip and draw a dagger as she jumps into the fray.

"Ila get back here!"

"I can help Torin!"

I curse and fling a dagger in her direction and it sinks into the chest of the man who was about to stab her. I hear her call out a thanks as Harlowe and I end up back to back fighting against her people.

"Harlowe, why did you say you don't control the market anymore?" I ask.

"I abandoned Market. I'm no longer ruling."

"So, they'll kill you?"

"If they're strong enough." She shrugs as she ducks under my arm to stab the man I locked blades with. "If you wish to leave, you must hurry."

"What are you going to do since you aren't the leader anymore?"

"I have no idea but I do not wish to stay. I will help you through exit and leave you once free."

"Torin, Ila, I'm heading in, can you cover?"

"On it!" He calls out and I pull Harlowe into the tent with me.