"Well done, you have cleared out this foul place without so much as a drop of blood." Tamayo congratulated the group. Perhaps a little surprised that he did in fact quell his nature.
Waiting at the docks with a still bound Madame Jingfei and a still suspicious green-eyed Kitsune.
Although, by the look on Madame Jingfei's face. She seemed... Content?
"Where is Akari?" Kohaku looked around for her other violet-eyed sister; who was missing from the group.
"She went to go look for you... She still didn't trust your male companion." The green-eyed Kitsune explained. She still didn't seem to trust Eren either.
"I held up my end. Take me to Dae-Jung."
Tamayo nodded. Gesturing to a boat that was tied to one of the docks.
"It is not too far from here. We will return and discuss what will happen next for the palace." Tamayo explained.
Eren kept his eyes on the Madame, a sly smile underneath the metal gag. 'What are you up to?'
*Flap* *Flap*
Virtue and vice took flight. Keeping an eye from the skies.
"Eren? What's wrong?" Koharu asked. Her golden eyes looked up in confusion seeing those crows spontaneously appear.
"Trying to find your sister... Jingfei has done something." Eren replied; keeping an eye on the smile that sat upon the woman's face.
"Come along now; mother wishes to meet this 'man who fights for others'." Tamayo stepped forward.
Everyone boarded the vessel save for Hana and Tsuki, blocked by Tamayo from even getting close.
"I'm sorry but these two will have to remain here. Mother does not wish for your ilk to be allowed in her presence." Tamayo stated firmly.
Eren wanted to argue but didn't wish to start a fight when they had just finished one. So reluctantly, the pair remained on the docks.
"You'll come say good bye...
"Yeah, you still owe Hana and Tsuki a night~"
He was reluctant to do so; but gave a nod anyway. Turning back around, Eren stepped onto the boat. The vessel left the dock; heading downstream from where it came.
The skies obscured any moonlight, a brisk breeze along the surface of the river made the air feel like late autumn. Trees swayed with rustling leaves; a sense of foreboding washed over Eren.
The Madame still had that leer on her face. Eyes narrowed down at Eren. An expression of knowing. Knowing many secrets that they could never hope to decipher.
"Saku."
"Yes... Master." Appearing from behind a shadow, Saku manifested itself.
"Can you see her anywhere? Akari?"
A long silence. Eyes scanning the area from above.
"No... She is either casting a spell that blocks the sight of virtue and vice. Or she is not within this gate anymore."
"Something is off, keep looking... Sniff her out if you have to." Along the shoreline. Shadow wolves materialised. Dashing off into the gate.
Eren left to speak with Tamayo. She stood at the bow, watching the wind blow through her hair.
"E-Excuse me... Skeleton person." Koharu spoke up. It was rare that anyone ever actually got Saku's attention. Rare that he ever wanted to speak to anyone aside from master.
"Yes?" Its hollow voice rang out.
"You're a shadow... Like those knights and orcs that follow your master around." She looked up at Saku with wide golden eyes.
"Yes..." Saku seemed reluctant to answer her questions.
"How come you speak and they don't?"
"Unfortunately, I am not privy to that information. A gift of sorts; to convey my thoughts."
"What's it like? Being a shadow?" Koharu asked another question; she was certainly curious about the creatures.
"Well, it is rather fascinating. When we are not needed, we simply wait in a void of darkness until our master calls for us again. Although it is peaceful there. Without want, needs nor desires, it is a serene place where we can rest for all eternity if desired."
"Did it hurt... to die?" The curious fox continued to press for information.
"No... Not really, though it was from a time long past. I can remember the sensation of life drifting away. But I was welcomed by the man you see over there. He gave me a new purpose, new life even if it was in servitude." Saku spoke fondly of its master. Eren did treat it with respect. He treated them all with respect.
"You are a very inquisitive little fox; questioning the nature of shadows. As if you would want to join our ranks." Saku hinted to Koharu's prodding questions.
Her eyes darted, clutching her hands together, she didn't answer. Instead, she looked down at the flowing water, ripples of waves moving past the boat.
"Only those with life ending can join our ranks. I was a slave to a wicked lich for centuries, the two crows in the sky were tortured until death. Souls trapped by chains of despair. Another being which you have not meet, a life of violence and blind obedience until his death. Without our master's intervention, our souls may have never passed on to eternal bliss."
"So. You're saying even in death... You choose to serve your master?"
"Correct... A purpose, a will to serve. It may be a curse of immortality. But we still are given something worth fighting for. And perhaps one day. If we ask for it. He may release us." Saku gave an answer that seemed to resonate with the girl.
"Do you believe that for a fact?"
"I know it with every bone in my body."
She skipped away to be with Eren and Tamayo. Leaving the skeleton alone with its thoughts.
***
Landfall.
Cherry blossom trees grew along the hills. A pink hue filled the air, along with the scent of the flowers that blew through the wind.
A long stone path, lit up with paper lanterns; each giving off a warm yellow glow.
Atop the hill was a red temple. It was a Japanese style temple, like what you would see in abundance in Kyoto.
"Here we are." Tamayo stepped off first. "Stick close to me. The others are not as accommodating as I am."
Eren nodded. Tracing Tamayo's footsteps carefully.
Koharu followed along with the green-eyed Shinrin; tugging along Jingfei with the chains.
Dim light flickered in the night, illuminating the pink hues that blew through the air. Multi-coloured eyes began to peer from the darkness, all different shades of purple, blues, and greens.
Foxes watched the group walk through the temple. A rarity for any outsiders to be allowed on the sacred grounds. Even more rare for a man to join them. Yet, Eren was led to where Dae-Jung is.
Which led to the bigger question how did Dae-Jung end up here if men weren't allowed here?
"Senior sisters brought a man?" "Who is it?" "Looks like the spider has finally fallen." Low whispers filled the pink path.
"Enough!" Tamayo shouted, her voice scaring away many of her sisters. The whispers silenced, leaving the group alone.
Entering the courtyard. The temple roof providing a long shadow over the gravel below.
"Mother... I have brought the male and Madame Jingfei." Tamayo bowed.
"Welcome back my child."
The voice was warm, yet aged like fine wine. Deep tones that filled Eren's head with the words spoken. Tamayo was taller than Eren; but the woman who emerged from the temple, dwarfed both in comparison.
Even Guren; the largest off all his shadows may have felt intimidated by this being.
White hair flowed in the wind; it blew like silk through the breeze, like a slow dance that hypnotized all those who looked on. Twin tails brushed the ground with each step, swaying side to side like a metronome.
A white kimono covered her body; long, wide sleeves covered most of her arms. Legs folded together as she walked, bound tightly by the kimono itself. Her feet were bare; they left no trace of ever touching the stone floor, hovering above it.
"You have brought us the Spider? I must thank you. I hope that my daughters have not been too hard on you?" She asked in a sweetly voice. Like any mother would.
"I've had worse." Eren replied. He did not wish to make enemies with the leader of these foxes; especially one that could so easily pick him up and toss him like a doll.
A wide smile graced her face. Her silvery eyes gave a twinkle at Eren's answer. "Dae-Jung." She called.
Out from the temple came forth a black-haired male. His face was pale as snow, almost as white as the giant kitsune before them all. He resembled more of a Korean male than anything else. Dressed in fine silk robes, the man seemed panicky, but eyes falling on Eren. A change in emotions.
"Yes... Oh my, another man. Is he a rescue like me?"
"No. I've been sent to find you. Someone really misses you."
"A man with pink hair, dressed for style, a youthful face but an aura of someone far beyond his age. Big ass?"
"Yes, Souta wants you safe and sound back at Mega Vegas."
"Thank the gods. It was about time he sent someone. I was worried he had dropped me for some other young buck." Dae-Jung walked down the steps; stopping before Eren.
"Although... He didn't need to send the man candy. You are a very strapping young man; are you single by chance? I'm sure Souta would love to share."
Eren's brow twitched. 'Not this shit again...'
"No thank you..." Eren took a step back, away from Dae-Jung.
"Oh, come now. Don't be so reserved; we're all men here. It's okay to have desires of the flesh." His hand stroked up Eren's arm. The hairs on his neck stood up in alarm.
"You can go back to Souta and do whatever you want with him."
"Spoil sport."
"How did you end up here anyway? I thought men weren't allowed here?"
"Oh honey, did I have some dirt on this place. A very charming currency it is; it can get you into the most forbidden of places."
The more he was privileged to look upon Dae-Jung. The greater the similarities between he and a certain blonde-haired Reaper. Who no doubt would've started a fight with Dae-Jung for even attempting to entice Eren away,
"Excuse me. We still have not discussed what to do with the pleasure palace." Tamayo interrupted, pulling Eren away from Dae-Jung.
"That's right... Mother?" The green eyed Shinrin spoke up, pulling Madame Jingfei to her knees.
"Madame Jingfei. You've been given more than enough chances to redeem yourself. Yet here you stand once more. At the mercy of my children."
The giant fox raised her hand. Pointing it at the spider demon.
"Release her."
"Mother!?" Both Tamayo and Shinrin questioned the order. Jingfei's hideous smile just continued to grow.
The chains slipped off. Jingfei's smirk was ever present as she rose up from her knees.
"Thank you, Miyuki. It is most appreciated."
"You are to be confined to this place until the day you die. No longer will your sins harm another." Not a hint of bloodlust from the mother of foxes, but the words spoken were enough to make even Jingfei take a step back.
"Prison? You believe yourself to be able to run this place in my stead? You don't have the heart nor the guts to do so. Honestly Miyuki, you should keep me on as your little puppet." Jingfei's voice was cold. Even know she was still trying to bargain her way to the top again.
"Girls... Take her away." A wave of the hand and Tamayo along with Shinrin grabbed Jingfei. The spider shrugged them off, ignoring both sisters.
"Wait... Mother." Bounding forward was violet eyed Akari. Turning into her human form between Miyuki and Jingfei.
"Akari? Where have you been?" Koharu's question ignored immediately.
"Mother please. We need her, we can control her. She will be our shield from the true evils of this place." Akari bowed low; begging her mother.
"Saku. Where did she come from?" Eren whispered into the shadows.
"I do not know master."
"Quickly, find out where she came from. Something is wrong."
A nod and the skeletal figure vanished.
"Men like him; a manipulator, abuser and a liar... The spider told men an enemy you know is better than the one you don't."
"Akari what have you done?" Tamayo asked in an accusatory tone.
"I've made a deal with the Dominus." She replied.
"What!?" Both Tamayo and Shinrin shouted. Pulling back on Jingfei; a snicker from the madame as she watched the two panic.
"The madame asked me to deliver a message to them... In return for Madame Jingfei, the dominus will leave this place alone, for good. This man has manipulated all of you into believing that he is a hero, a good person." Akira's voice was full of contempt for Eren; glaring at him accusingly.
"Akari, she only said what you wanted to hear, to say whatever she needed to in order to save her own skin." Tamayo tried to argue back.
"But... She told what he has done. Men, women, and children. You said he killed thousands."
"Oh, sweet fox. An embellishment of the truth.." The spider laughed at her own deceit.
The look of betrayal on Akira's face was obvious. Her expression dropped from one of victory to despair.
"Akari what did you do?" Her mother asked.
"I-I went and got the goblins, they said they would be waiting back at the palace. I wanted to protect everyone..." She cried out, sinking down into a bowing position once more.
"Master... Boats are approaching from the palace."
Eren turned around to see a dozen boats filled to the brim with armed goblins. Each rowed with fury towards the island of kitsune.
"Get all the young ones inside." Miyuki ordered. Her voice calm but stern, she knew what was about to happen next.
*Boom* *Boom* *Boom*
Crackles of explosions echoed through the night; flashes of light sparked through the darkness that covered the skies.
Goblins were fired cannons at the temple, balls of fire shot out like fireworks, impacting against the building.
*Boom* *Boom*
Fire quickly spread through the structure, wood turned into kindle, flames spread like a wildfire, igniting everything.
"Girls! Put those fires out!" Miyuki shouted, raising her hand, a shield like barrier formed around the temple.
Goblins poured out of the boats, rushing up to the stone path. Each armed with various weapons ranging from swords to axes. Charging towards the temple; screaming battle cries as they ran.
"Eren..." Koharu whispered, drawing her sword. She stood at attention; ready for the incoming goblins.
"I know." His mask appeared; covering the face once more.
Shadow soldiers appeared one by one; lining up in rows like infantry. Swordsmen at the front; archers to the back. Brutes and orcs on the outskirts to bolster their strength and protect their flanks.
Despite all the shadow play and spying from shadows. This was Eren's one true strength. A never-ending army of expendable warriors that would fight and die for him.
A reaper of death in his apex form.