The fires of white finally began to fade. Bodies littered the hillside; green skinned and black skinned were the majority of the slain.
The temple itself lay in ruins. The once grand building now was only rubble in the courtyard. Rubble of stone, wood and even the corpses of kitsune.
Shadow soldiers ordered the dead bodies into separate lines, kitsune in neat lines on one side and goblins made into a pile on the other.
"Souta really wanted me to live huh?" Dae-Jung spoke, sitting on a piece of rubble, a blank expression on his face.
That man was a survivor for sure.
"Yeah..." Eren didn't much like speaking then. Putting Kohaku's body down with the other fallen kitsunes.
'I'm sorry.'
He looked up to the other Kitsune; the ones that lived, all tending to the wounded. Save for a violet-eyed one.
Akari sat all by her lonesome, a look of despair in her eyes. The spider had manipulated her into bringing the goblins. Eren would kill people for less, although by the look in her eyes, and the coldness of her sisters, she was already dead to them.
Eren caught a glimpse of Tamayo cradling Miyuki, walking over to the pair.
"How many... Live?" Asked a dying Miyuki. Blood soaked into her once pristine white kimono; her silver hair stained in red. A single slash across the stomach had cut deep, too deep.
"7 will make a full recovery. 6 more may survive the night." Tamayo whispered. She was sitting at the side of her mother; holding up a hand to stop the bleeding.
"Good... Very good." Her voice was weak, strained from blood loss, but she kept talking.
"You will take care of them." Miyuki told her daughter.
"Mother no, I can't, I'm not-"
"You are a strong and capable leader. You have been chosen to become the next mother. Protect your sisters and this place from the true evils that dwell within all realms." Miyuki spoke like she knew of Tamayo's future. Like she could see it in front of her.
The giant kitsune began to glow brightly, white fur began to shift into a blue hue; her body shrank down to that of an average fox, although with a divine touch to its form.
"What's happening?"
"My time is done. I leave the rest to you..." Miyuki spoke in a voice that was far younger than she had before. Almost childlike, filled with hope and wonder. She was at peace.
"Mother!? Don't leave me... Please mother. Mother!" Her voice strained as she called out for her mother.
The blue light faded, leaving Tamayo to hold the corpse of a fox in her arms. Tears rolled down her eyes at the loss of her mother.
"I'm sorry for your losses-" Eren started; but was quickly cut off by an enraged fox.
"Sorry!? This was your fault! My mother and my sisters are dead because of you!" Tamayo stood up; tears fell down her face, drawing a sword from a nearby scabbard.
"Fair enough, you can blame me all you want. I will not stop you." Eren simply replied, never flinching from the blade seated on his neck.
"If you hadn't have come... You should've just left. We were fine before you arrived. Fine!" She roared and screamed; she just wanted someone to blame for her grief, to take it out on somebody. "Why didn't you just stay away…"
A fact that recached her heart; withdrawing her blade.
"There is still one more loose end that remains..."
"Jingfei... She escaped, didn't she?" Tamayo replied with a sigh. She had hoped that the spider would have died in the crossfire. Burnt in the fire, crushed by those rocks, backstabbed by the goblins… But a spider always finds a way.
"I can see her; she's heading back to the palace." Eren's eyes saw through the veil; spotting the madame who now rode in a boat by herself.
"She has to pay..." The fox spoke in a vengeful voice. Storming down the debris of broken stone and burning wood, leaving her sisters behind.
"Dae-Jung come along." Eren ordered, turning around, and walking towards one of the boats left by the goblins.
Akari followed the group. Her violet eyes were darkened, full of regret and sorrow for the mistakes she had made.
"You... Stay." The new mother commanded the violet kitsune.
"But I can help you. Please Tamayo; allow me to make amends." Akari bowed before the red fox. Her head low to the ground, hands clapped together.
"Your actions have caused the deaths of our family. You are to remain on this island; tending to the graves of those who died by your actions until the day you join our sisters. That is how you will repent."
Once more turning away, leaving her sister in the ruins of her own making.
***
*Thud* *Thud* *Thud*
Madame Jingfei hurried up her flight. She needed to collect a few things before leaving this place. The pleasure palace was no longer hers and she would have to flee before that accursed man hunted her down for her past crimes.
'I'll start again; get my orcs to set up a new pleasure house in the next gate.'
The spider burst through her office doors; room as untouched as last she left it. Sorting through her papers at the desk, grabbing what she needed to make a quick escape.
*Bang*
The door to her room slammed shut. In the doorway, the shadows of an orc and shadow knight blocked any attempts at escape.
"Almost got away..."
Jingfei turned to the direction of the voice; Eren stepped out of the darkness, eyes focused on only the spider.
"You!" She shouted in surprise, falling back against her office desk.
"Yes me, and someone else who wants a word." Eyes to the other side of the room, a red fox pounced on the madame. Turning into Tamayo; pinning Jingfei down, she held the blade against her neck.
"Ha. You survived? I thought all your kin would have died in the fires, or perhaps crushed by that brute Kor. No matter, you can't do- ARGHHHHH!"
The one-armed fox stabbed Jingfei in the shoulder with the blade, she was not going to allow the spider to do anything but listen. A silent scream of pain escaped the madame's mouth, blood dripped down her shoulder, staining the white clothes she wore.
"No! You're going to die slowly for your sins." Tamayo shouted at Jingfei; her anger could be felt by everyone in the room. No the entire gate if it were filled.
Eren watched silently. Not interfering in the foxes justified vengeance.
"The suffering of my sisters... The pain you've inflicted upon us. Even if you die a thousand times, it will never bring them back."
"Stupid fox; you are welcome to execute me. Yet you will share the same problem as your 'mother.' You won't survive without the ruthless leadership needed to maintain control of this place. You need me..."
Thrice now, Madame Jingfei was using her silver tongue to try and wriggle away like the bug she was.
"Tell me... How many have died for the sake of your greed? How many have you forced to sell themselves under the threat of punishment or even death?"
Tamayo's voice cracked with sorrow. She wanted answers for her mother, for her sister and even for the workers who suffered at the madame's hand.
"Hundreds upon hundreds, so that thousands upon thousands may enjoy a paradise. Sacrifices must always be made to preserve the greater whole." Jingfei's eyes gleamed with confidence; she knew that the fox would not be able to stomach the responsibility that came with leadership.
"NO! NO MORE!" Digging the blade in deeper, the tip just about breaking through to the other side of her shoulder.
Eyes still full of fury. Tamayo pulled away, sheathing her sword.
"Ha, just like your mother. A coward who won't do what needs to be done." The spider laughed, taunting Tamayo.
"My mother is no coward; she taught us to help others in need and protect the weak. Not to sit on a throne and command others to follow your will."
"However, my mother also taught us that not everyone can be saved. Try as me might; some just fall from the path and cannot be brought back." Tamayo turned away, unable to face Jingfei any longer.
Confused by her words, the spider thought she may had won this little spat between herself and the fox. "So, you'll-"
The madame was hoisted up high above Eren's head, carried to the window.
"No. Wait, wait, wait, WAIT! We can make a deal!" She begged for her life, looking at Eren desperately. Finally she realised she couldn't buy her way out of this one.
"Goodbye, Jingfei."
*Crash*
With a swing, she was tossed out the window, falling to the fountain below; thwacking the head of the statue before landing in the water, head first. A sickening crunch of the neck breaking was the sound of death.
Tamayo slumped into the Madame's chair; leaning back with a deep sigh of relief. The nightmare was finally over; the tyrant was slain.
'Now all I have to do is rebuild...'
---
"What will you do now?" Eren asked, Tamayo's head tilted upwards to meet his gaze.
"I don't know... I guess try and keep the palace going, it's been here for so long and the people would suffer if we ever closed. Worse if someone else starts again with the same system as Jingfei." Tamayo replied.
"Do you need help?" Eren said, sitting down on the edge of the table. Even if this place was not the responsibility of the reaper. Eren wanted to do the right thing, something that was rare for a reaper.
"No... You've done more than enough for me and my sisters. Ill treatment and all..."
"Sister... You should accept his help." A disembodied voice spoke from beside Tamayo; making both her and Eren turn towards the source.
Out popped a shadowed fox; fur like midnight and eyes of azure. Sitting on the desk with her tail brushing against the wooden table. She was Koharu, although now a shadow. Her body was a replica of her old one. Ears flickered at her sister, just like they did in life.
"Koharu... I saw your body." Tamayo's hand reached out to the shadowed fox. Grabbing a hold of her paw.
"My body may have died, but my soul has joined with Eren." The black furred Kitsune smiled happily at her sister.
"But... I'm not mother. I don't think I can do this... Lead everyone in her place."
"You are not mother nor are you Shirin or Akari... You're Tamayo. A kind, caring and loving leader, who knows how to bring the best out of those she cares about. That is what makes you perfect to lead the palace." Koharu smiled, rubbing her head up against her sister's face, like a puppy trying to show its love.
"See for yourself." Eren motioned towards the foyer below.
Shadow soldiers ushered in the workers of the palace. Humans, harpies, dragonkin, and many more stood in with silence; looking at the dead body of the spider they so despised. Then they locked up at the window, a kitsune and a shadowed fox, standing over the madame's desk.
"You will do us all proud... You may not see me, but I'll always be cheering you on from the sidelines." Koharu whispered to her sister.
"I... Thank you Koharu, for believing in me." Tamayo smiled at her sister, giving one last tearful hug before the fox faded into the shadows.
"What help can you offer Eren? Those shadows would be helpful for security." She asked with a smile.
'There's the pragmatist needed for this place.' Eren thought to himself.
"I would let you have some if they weren't tethered to me." A shrug and a hand motion to emphasise the point.
"However, an elf named Baelor. He has resources beyond measure would be able to help. I'll arrange a meeting between the two of you."
"Ah um... Thank you." Hesitant to accept help from outsiders, especially male. But if she were too be a leader then it would require her to expand her boundaries. Not remained confined by them.
"She's going to speak?" "Is she anything like Madame Jingfei?" "Ugh, it's the man hating foxes. I guess all the guys are going to be out of business now."
The whispers spread. Questions began to rise; what would happen next, would Tamayo be as ruthless as Jingfei or kind like Miyuki.
"Go on. Your people await your guidance." Eren whispered; pushing her off the desk. Taking one last look behind at Eren, she nodded, taking the first steps of her new life.
Eren retreated into the shadows; leaving Tamayo alone on the gallery.
"People of the pleasure palace... Madame Jingfei is dead!"
*Roars of applause*
"I am Tamayo, eldest daughter of Miyuki the white kitsune. Mother of all within this place. From now on, I shall lead in her place." Her voice was loud, echoing over the crowd.
"Under my leadership. No more will we turn our backs on the suffering of others. No longer will we abandon others to the maw of corruption and greed."
*Roars of applause and cheering*
"The pleasure palace shall no longer be a den of exploitation, but a beacon of hope to those lost. Where people can come and find comfort in those they love. A place of dreams for all!"
*Even louder cheers and applauding*
Tamayo bowed to the workers; they bowed back to their new leader.
'Mother... I'll make you proud.'
***
His job done, Eren took his leave. Taking Dae-Jung back to the palace gates to return to Souta. Although, something was missing from his party.
"Excuse me. Mr. White-haired man." A loud voice shouted out from behind, turning around Eren was met face to face with a large bronze lady. A wheelchair in front.
'Jun.' He nearly forgot about his student.
"You kept... him?" A very concerned look spread across Eren. A gaunt man sat in the wheelchair. Soul leaking from his mouth, eyes barley opened.
"Yes... When the order for evacuation came, the ladies and I decided to keep him. Too much fun to stop such a... fine, sturdy specimen. Don't worry; you will find that your apprentice has been well taken care of." The Bronze lady smiled, rubbing her hands along the back of Jun's head, making the poor boy shiver, and moan weakly.
"Um... Thank you for watching over him." Eren didn't know whether to feel pride for the man or to pity for what he went through.
Wheeling him through more workers, a few grins from the taller woman as Jun passed by.
"Bye, bye Jun." Some called out, others simply gazed upon the broken man with a look of lust.
"...Bye, ladies..." Barley able to muster a reply to the girls.
"Your friend survived the amazons? Very impressive to have endured that long. I'm surprised your body is as... intact." Dae-Jung spoke to the gaunt Jun.
"..." Unable to speak anymore; only a groan in pain was all that escaped from the mouth of the student.
"A few days rest and he will be good to go." Eren replied, pushing along the wheelchair.
They reached the gate junction; where all visitors arrived from. Many gates to different worlds were here.
Nearly ready to depart before twin voices called from behind.
"Eren~!"
Turning around, two twin wolves were running up to the human, big grins on their faces.
"You were going to leave...
"Without saying bye."
Hana and Tsuki stood before the Reaper. Both in casual wear and suitcases in tow now that their 'jobs' were done.
"Sorry girls, it was a bit hectic after everything that happened." Eren apologised to the two.
"Hmmph~" Both girls turned away from Eren in a huff. Crossing their arms to show they were annoyed at the man. Although their wagging tails were conveying another message entirely.
"Thank you for being two of the best company I had the pleasure of working with." He gave a head pat to each girl, scratching behind the ears. Causing them to melt into the touch.
'Such soft ears.'
"Next time you come...
"We will have some fun." Both girls giggled; licking each side of the reaper's cheeks, causing him to blush slightly at the affection.
"Actually...
"We have someone we'd like you too meet."
They both skipped off into a nearby gate. Quickly returning with a large male.
"Oh my..." Dae-Jung gasped at the sight of the man, a rather handsome creature.
It was Eren. Well, if he was far older, fatter and with years of looking after chaotic twin wolf girls beneath his eyes
He had a well-groomed moustache and a fluffy, white mane of fur that cascaded down the back. A large gut that showed a lifetime of eating good food and little exercise. Wolf ears twitched to and fro as the old man walked up to the younger one.
"Father... This is the man...
"Yeah... He's the one." The twins spoke in unison, bouncing on the spot with excitement.
The fat Eren stood in front of the normal one; taking in the youthful features of the young reaper.
"Such a handsome young man, I can see why my girls have taken a liking to you." He spoke in a deep baritone voice.
"Thank you for looking after my daughters, they are a handful at times, but they are the best girls a papa could ever have asked for." His large hand patted both wolf girls on the head. They smiled back at their father, leaning into the hand with a happy smile on their faces.
"See told you, you look like our dad...
"Yeah. We're taking a break until the whole place gets sorted out, come find us. We'll be sure to make it worthwhile." They giggled and licked once more at the reaper, before departing through the gate with their father.
"You most certainly have the heart of a dragon." Dae-Jung chuckled at Eren.
'That guy's okay with his daughters working as escorts?' He thought to himself.
"As long as their happy, that's all that matters." Eren replied after a moment.
***
At long last, Eren returned to earth. Leaving behind the pleasure palace and its people. Returning Dae-Jung to a very happy Souta and bringing back a very broken Jun.
Morning now; what felt like days in the gate was just a matter of eight hours on earth. The bright sunlight was blinding to Eren's eyes, forcing him to shield himself from the glare.
The crowds that waited for their turn to enter the gate were gone. Normally it would still be bustling with life this time in the morning, although with its early closure the streets were nearly completely deserted.
Eren wheeled Jun to Mega Vegas. Complex barren of life. All the night owls and party goers had already left to get some sleep after a long night of fun. Only a few stragglers remained, walking groggily around in the lobby.
However, a pink haired man greeted Eren at the door, himself suffering from a long sleepless night. Heavy bags on his youthful face
"Thank you Eren." Souta hugged the reaper. Then his eyes focused on the missing man Dae-Jung, embracing him in a different hug from Eren's.
"Oh you. I've only been gone a couple of months and already you've gotten yourself thinner from all the worry over me. Don't fret; I'm back and stronger than ever." Dae-Jung rubbed Souta's head. Making the pink hair smile at the touch.
"Oh, is that a grey hair I see-"
"Oi! My hair is just fine." Souta smacked away the hand of the other man. Both laughing like old friends reunited after years apart.
"Head up to my room; and I'll join you once I finish up my business here." Souta gave the room card to Dae-Jung who took off into the elevator.
"Eren!" Another reunition took place in the foyer. Emi skipped over to her brother and hugged the man, rubbing her head against his chest.
"How did you go? You look fine so it couldn't have been too hard." She looked back up at the man. Not a single injury to be seen on his body, although his clothes were in tatters and covered in ash and dirt.
"It's done now, that's all that matters." Rubbing a hand through her raven hair.
"Um... you can let go now." She attempted to push off her older brother, although she couldn't escape the firm grasp.
"Just a little longer Emi. I missed you." Embracing her even tighter than before, making it a struggle to breath for the small girl. He couldn't tell her what had happened who he lost along the way.
Although, Emi knew he needed it more than she did.
"Did you have fun?" Finally letting go of Emi. The girl took a step back and straightened out her clothes. Presenting a fox plushie to Eren.
"Fun? Yes, I had lots of fun. I got this playing in the arcade, then I was up all-night exploring-"
"Uh-huh... Emi, why don't you head back to bed. You need your sleep, and I need to speak to Eren for a moment."
Emi looked a bit dismayed at being interrupted. But nodded and left the pair, skipping away with her fox plushie.
"This might come out but ah... She picked a fight with some guys and nearly got herself hurt..." Souta spoke with a nervous chuckle.
Eren would find out sooner or later that his dear sister nearly caused an incident that could have brought the whole building to its knees. Perhaps even caused a national incident if it ever made the news.
Eren leaned in. A mean scowl smother across his face; sizing up Souta.
"I know... I was watching her." He smirked at the other man's reaction. A look of shock and fear spread across Souta's face.
"So those guards... She was never in any danger?"
Eren motioned over to a nearby shadow; moving without a source and rejoined at the feet of the Reaper.
"I would never let anything happen to her. Off world or not. But..."
He rested his scowl.
"You did a good job of watching over her. Thank you." Eren patted the man on the shoulder.
'I thought he was going to kill me.' Souta sighed with relief at the reaper's words.
"Although... Gambling? You allowed her to gamble? Are you going to let her keep her winnings?" He cocked an eyebrow up at Souta, who nervously chuckled in return.
"Sorry, Mr. Heart I thought she would lose all her money and then go to bed. I didn't know she could card count so well..." Souta looked up sheepishly at the reaper.
"Well... She is quite smart, a clever little fox." Eren sighed. Walking after Emi.