Epilogue 1: An elf at the gates
Baelor with long graceful strides walked through the halls of the pleasure palace. His silver robes trailing behind on the floor, shimmering brightly against the dim light of the red lamps overhead.
He never partook in such activities as this place provides, although it was certainly a sight to behold.
"Stop! Elf kin. What business do you have here?" A kitsune stopped Baelor in his tracks, a long sword held at the hip of the woman, ready to be drawn in a moment's notice.
"I am here to see a Madame Tamayo regarding her palace's security. I believe she is expecting me." He responded calmly to the woman.
Although she wasn't convinced; he stood out like a sore thumb. Tall, silver robes and an almost unearthly look, Baelor was not a common sight. Especially in a place that saw all.
"Leave elf kin, we have no need for outsiders-"
"Riku. Let the elf pass..." A red furred fox walked up behind the Kitsune, long robes of red with gold trim hung from her body. Formerly Jingfei's robes; now they were a symbol of the new head of the pleasure palace.
"Thank you, Madame." Baelor bowed with respect to Tamayo. Leaving Riku alone. The fox had a cold gaze on the elf, not one of anger but of suspicion. Elves should never be taken lightly.
The pair walked in Madame Jingfei's private garden. Now tended to by the kitsune who lived there. Plants of all kinds, shapes and colours bloomed over the courtyard, it truly looked like paradise on Earth.
"Forgive my sisters. They are cautious of newcomers; one week ago, they were only viewers to what went on in the palace, and now they are protectors of the peace. Now within three days, our numbers have dwindled down to barely a dozen. Males who we were taught to be wary of now come offering salvation." Tamayo stopped at the fountain, turning to Baelor.
"I hard road we all must travel; it's only natural that the first steps are filled with caution. Yet as I walk through your gardens and seeing the resolve of those who remain here. It seems this place shall rise once again, a phoenix reborn."
"You're a lot more eloquent than that white haired man." A small smile spread across the fox's lips.
"He most certainly needs a lesson in delicacy and respect." Her ears twitched at the thought of Eren.
"Forgive him Madame; he is a complicated man, a sad history." Baelor gave a short bow to Tamayo in response. 'Although... She's right about needing a lesson in manners.'
"Is there anything specific you require Madame?" The elf asked after a brief silence.
"I'm a bit unsure, to be honest. I am not versed in the world of running a pleasure house or managing the security of such a place or leading for that matter. Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated." She replied honestly; after all, she never expected to take on the role of Madame.
"In time your skills will grow. But for the immediate future..."
They stopped at the balcony overlooking the main hall. All the men and women of the pleasure palace had taken a rest. Seated and conversing about the sudden change in leadership. They were all confused and concerned. Yet at the same time there was a spark of a new beginning that brought a new hope to their eyes.
"Security is something that can be solved in a number of ways." He motioned towards the entrance to the palace.
"The previous Madame used orcs, correct? Rather authoritative in nature; perhaps a more... inviting approach should be taken."
"What do you suggest?"
"Elk folk, they are not as tall or as strong as orcs. However, they have a gentle demeanour and can offer support to a troubled community. If needed they can also handle unruly guests."
Tamayo was silent for a moment, looking down at the floor.
"Easily moulded and shaped to your will, such as protection of those in need. I will provide them to you free of charge until your palace has recovered." The elf added; catching the attention of the kitsune.
"You would do that? Kindness is rarely a gift, without strings." Tamayo, eyed the elf suspiciously.
"My lady, I have far more money than I would ever need. And what use is wealth without generosity. One of the few joys in life is to help others."
Receiving help without strings; perhaps there was hope yet for Tamayo, perhaps the future wasn't so bleak. Maybe all those teachings about men were all so overblown.
End epilogue 1
***
Epilogue 2: The court of Dominus
A dark room; illuminated only by a firepit in the centre. Figures sat on chairs in a square amphitheatre formation. At the head, was the dragon's maw throne. Eyes loured on flame flickering's as the doors swung open.
"Dominus, we have news to report." The figure bowed to the dragon's maw throne.
"Kor, Taka. What is it?" A voice echoed from within the maw, it commanded respect and fear from all who heard it.
"The pleasure palace was attacked. Jingfei was killed and the palace was lost to the Kitsune." Kor spoke in a deep thunderous voice. Bowing with reverence to the shadow within the mouth.
"That is of no matter, our deal was due to be amended to our benefit. Anything else to report?" The shadow asked, voice cold and calculated.
"The Reaper. He intervened on behalf of the kitsune."
A low growl came from within the throne.
"Thrice now that name has been heard in my court; yet the reaper remains at large." Deep in thought at the meddlesome Reaper.
"What would you have us do?" Taka asked, bowing her head in respect.
"Nothing for now... But soon we must do something about the reaper. For now, we must focus on the war with the humans to the south." The shadow leaned back in its chair. Contemplating its next move.
"Very well sir." Taka and Kor bowed once more to the throne, before taking their leave.
End epilogue 2
***
Epilogue 3: New trees grow, old roots remain
*Crunch*
A spade cut down into the dry soil; the moon illuminated the river on which the island sat. Sweat ran down from the brow of Akari and soaked her once clean robes.
"Another one done." She got to her feet, dusting herself off and placing the spade into a nearby bucket of gardening tools.
Akari; now a wise old woman. Her features aged by years of toil on the islands. Yet she never looked at her face, afraid of the monster she would see in the reflection of the water.
"Sister!" Two little foxes ran over, stumbling on each other. They stood before her, panting heavily, both were no older than ten years of age.
"What is it girls? You're not meant to be out this late at night." Akari knelled down and gave the girls a warm smile.
"It's about to start!" Pulling the elder through the cherry blossom fields; the tree's had grown massive, towering far above the three. Years of toil to cultivate the land and help the dead grow anew had paid off. A beautiful forest of white and pink petals had replaced the lifeless field covered in rocks.
"Okay girls I'm coming... Where are we going?" The sisters pulled Akari along the paths of stone and through the woods. Until the sisters stopped at the water's edge.
In the distance was the pleasure palace. Oh, how the years had changed it. Great towers began to grow from the ground, reaching up to the heavens. And great lights shined out for miles, illuminating the gate of the pleasure palace.
*Boom* *Boom*
Fireworks exploded overhead, lighting up the night sky with a brilliant show of colour and sparks. The gate was open for business once more.
"I like the red ones." One of the sisters said, the other nodded in agreement.
"Whilst it was a pretty colour it did remined her of a different kind of red. Akari looked off into the woods, away from the spectacle.
"Sister Akari... Why do you never go into the big city?" The girls asked innocently; they had not been to the pleasure palace themselves, far too young for a city of vice.
"Because... That's not a place for me." She answered honestly, a sad smile across her lips.
"Why?"
"Because... A long time ago; I hurt all our sisters, our mother. Because I let my fear cloud my judgement, and now I can never be forgiven for that."
"Even if it was an accident?" The other sister chimed in. Forgetting the fireworks display, in favour of hearing about their sister's past.
"Yes. No mistake like the one I made can ever be undone. Although my penance was to watch over our dead. To help them grow as beautiful trees and flowers. And to watch over little cheeky foxes."
Tickling the two girls with her fingers, they giggled and squirmed away.
The fireworks display continued; lighting up the night sky with all sorts of colour. Akari sat on the edge of the river, hugging the two foxes. They fell asleep in her arms, snoring softly in the warmth of the old woman.
"I hope you are doing well... Mother." She whispered into the air.
Decades since she last saw Tamayo; busy following in their previous mothers' footsteps, caring for all those who came to her gates. Akari was proud of her sisters.
Sometimes she would reflect on that day, her fear, her sorrow, her guilt. Would Tamayo or Miyuki ever forgive her?
That white haired man, Koharu, the suffering that the madame had inflicted.
'I hope you doing well.' Thinking on Koharu, who had sided with the white-haired man.
Although rumours of a looming threat that spread through all gates reached her ears. It worried her; would it come here? Undo everything that had been built till now?
"I pray it never comes to that..."
The firework show came to an end. The skies grew silent once again. Akari got up; carrying the two sisters through the forest and towards the temple, where they would sleep for the night.
End epilogue 3