Somehow it was even livelier now. The streets of the pleasure palace reacted to the absence of the Madame without an official declaration of her disappearance. A reaction that was becoming increasingly dangerous by the minute.
The orcs were in full swing keeping patrons in line, some beginning to get a bit handsy with the workers that lined the streets.
Less than an hour since she lost power; the vacuum was already starting to show.
*Whack* *Slam*
Orcs held down a man. His cries were stifled as the orc beat him over and over with its fist.
"DO NOT TOUCH!" The words were growled out. The poor soul underneath was left writhing on the ground.
Eren felt no pity for the man that was beaten. The reaction of the male worker; violated and hurt, left no doubt that they had no consent to be touched.
Say what you will about Madame Jingfei's methods and her cruel nature. She did maintain some semblance of order in this chaotic place.
"Looks like we're just in time... They are getting more aggressive without a leader." Kohaku spoke, still in fox form.
"Eren...
"Who is this?
"Have you found another toy to play with, master?" Tsuki asked. Her voice laced with a tinge of annoyance.
"Excuse me?" Koharu shot back in a harsh tone; still not in the best of moods for the pair.
*Bleh* *Bleh*
Both stuck out a tongue towards her.
"Ignore them. They are very defensive but are very helpful when needed most."
The twins blushed at their master's praise; even if it was indirect.
Through the cream-coloured roads and sex scented air. The central palace appeared over the hilltop.
"Sorry..." The fox girl spoke in a whisper.
"For what exactly?" Eren asked, confused by the sudden proclamation.
"For being so aggressive towards you... Me and my sisters. Attacking you, berating you for existing. You're unlike any man I've ever met. And yet I was still suspicious of your intentions." A very sincere apology. Although she felt that this would be inadequate for her actions and words.
"It's... fine. If it makes you feel better you and your sister Akari were the first beings in centuries to beat me in a fight. It was neither fair nor honourable, but it in life all that matters is you wining. So, I don't think poorly of you."
"Really?" Kohaku's ears flicked, looking up at Eren.
"Really really."
"I think she likes you..." Tsuki whispered.
"Shut up Tsuki..." The red-faced fox girl shot back.
Both twins giggled at the fox's reaction.
"Awww, little Foxy is in love~"
"Shut up! I'm not in love. I'm just trying to apologise to Eren for my sisters and my behaviour."
"Girls enough. We're here." Eren's voice silenced the bickering girls. The central structure loomed before them. It was like a temple more than anything else.
Quickly, Koharu shifted into the form of Jingfei, her clothes morphing to a more traditional Chinese dress. Walking with the divine elegance of a spider queen, she entered through the grand doors of the palace.
"Madame. Where have you been? We need-"
"Silence you worthless brute! Gather your brethren. We will move off site." Koharu spoke in the voice of Jingfei. A perfect emulation, uncanny was her abilities at deception.
The orc nodded, walking away. It raised its hand. An ear-piercing howl echoed throughout the palace, one after the other, each joined the chorus, until finally it stopped. The pounding of orc footsteps thundered through the halls.
"Let's move..." The Madame ascended the stairs to her quarters, walking calmly.
Now in her office, the group of four scouted for their goal.
"Look for a microphone or something that can amplify sound throughout the palace." Koharu ordered.
Quickly the quartet rummaging through the room. No such luck however, as nothing seemed to be an audio device.
"Damn it! Where is the damn thing?" Kohaku hissed, now in the form of her black-haired self.
"Found it...
"Yeah, over here..."
The twins spoke, both hovering over an almost ancient microphone.
Kohaku rushed over; her finger hovered over a big red button. Taking a deep breath, she pressed it.
"Attention... Patrons of the pleasure palace. We are currently experiencing unforeseen difficulties. All customers are to evacuate the palace at once. Do not attempt to remain within the confines of this palace. Orcs will use force if necessary."
With a click, the announcement was ended. Echoes could be heard through the halls of orcs barking orders at customers. Screams and cries echoed as well.
"Well done, Koharu. I think we've got this place handled." Eren praised.
A slight blush on her face. Averting her gaze, she wasn't used to praise.
Twins however, slightly miffed at the attention Koharu was getting from master.
"Master, did we do good too?"
"Yeah, Hana and Tsuki worked hard too."
Their voices purred; pressing up closer to Eren as they did so.
'You didn't do anything...' Was the thought that ran through Kohaku's mind. A little jealous they both got a headpat with little effort contributed.
---
After some time. The customers had cleared out. Followed by the orcs. Who vacated back to the lands of the dominus for which they were breed from.
Despite it all; instincts still that had kept Eren alive on many occasions was calling out to him.
'This was all too easy, way too easy.' He couldn't shake the feeling.
"Your sister... What is she like?" Kohaku asked. A surprising question to be honest. But anything to pass the time would be good as they waited patiently.
"Why do you ask?" Any question about his dear sister was meet with some level of resistance, even if it came from a girl like Kohaku.
"When Madame Jingfei mentioned her name. Your attitude changed... You became colder, more vicious."
Eren thought for a moment. He would do anything for her, his last little bit of humanity all that is left to remind him of who he once was. It was her.
"She is a very clever girl, very guarded emotionally. Perhaps a bit too clever for her own good... But I love her. You and her are sort of alike. Stubborn, quick to react, protective of your family."
"You're making it sound like I'm your sister."
"In many ways, you remind me of her..."
"Ooo~ master has a crush on fox lady."
"Even I am a little jealous now~"
"Girls..." Eren spoke, his voice containing a warning tone. The twins giggled, but otherwise remained silent.
"I think we need to head back... Somethings wrong." Koharu spoke. Her ears flicked back and forth; she seemed to share Eren's keen sense for danger.
"Yeah... We need to head back to the docks. I have a bad feeling about all this."
All four left the palace, heading down back into the streets of the palace. The scent of sex and sin had evaporated from the air.
The once-bustling streets were now barren, the laughter and music replaced by an oppressive silence. The air felt colder, heavier, as if the palace itself was holding its breath.
Very few workers lined the streets now. Many of which were resting in their homes and work places.
Eren and Koharu looked at each other with weary eyes. Both knew something very wrong was just over the horizon.