Author's notes: So imma provide you guys a link to a video that shows a picture of an anime woman that i always pictured Morrigan as looking like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMbGA8CUczg&index=15&list=PLUy8WNLfJESb2L0l3ZIjRVW7iCdEgeGj9
Although the face perfectly aligns with the image of Morrigan i have in my mind, that expression definitely suites Gehenna a lot more.
What do you guys think?
Oh, and there will only be like maybe one more chapter with Morrigan and Grace before Roland shows up again. The next one should be out in a few days. Truthfully this one would have been out hours ago but when I was like halfway done i accidentally pressed a certain button and deleted a fair bit of it. I usually save it every ten minutes because this happens sometimes. Anyway, after it was deleted, I said, "F*** it", flipped a table, and went to sleep. Then i finished it just now, several hours later.
Also, remember to rate, comment and review.
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It's been around five days since Morrigan and Grace left the battlefield and encountered that demon beast. The flying boat swayed gently in the cloudless sky, the air cool and refreshing as they sat on the deck of the small ship.
Although they had cleared much of the journey, Morrigan had delibrately slowed their travel speed so that she could enjoy some vacation time. In truth they could have gotten back much sooner, but she was in no hurry to return to that place where she was the subject of blatantly lecherous stares by the male students. Not to mention the futile advances of theirs.
Though she had told them of her husband once or twice, they refused to believe she was a married woman. Apparently something like that was impossible to believe of a person with as well-known a temperament as Morrigan,
However, their advances were indeed futile. As a happily married woman, she had no interest in any other male. What other person could compare to her husband?
So in short she was truly not eager to return despite Grace wanting to hurry and play with Fenris again.
Suddenly, Grace stood up from her cushioned chair and spoke out with vigor. " Mommy, im bored. Lets do something fun!"
The girl's mother looked up at her daughter with curiosity in her beautiful red eyes.
"Oh? And what exactly do you have in mind, little one?"
Grace grew silent, her face scrunching up adorably in deep thought. Suddenly her expression cleared as she looked at something in the distance below them. " Mommy, lets go there!" She pointed.
Morrigan followed the direction of her hand and found a sprawling metropolis. It was quite large, probably around 10,000 square kilometers or so. Even for a world this size, that was still pretty large. Some cities even were nearly twice the size of this one though.
As for the population, Morrigan sensed no less than at least 30 million.
The city itself had many high, tower-like buildings that thrust into the sky. Some even pierced the clouds. It was fairly early in the day, the sun only beginning to rise.
As such, the two could still see the vast array of lights that shone brightly below like countless fireflies. The city was lined with roads and train tracks that led in and out of the place.
Cars were fairly rare, as it was not long since the gods' arrival on the planet brought about the many technological advances the planet now enjoyed. In fact, other than cities like this one, you would not see many pieces of technology anywhere.
Things like lightbulbs, trains, cars, tall buildings, indoor plumbing, electricity to power everything, and other commonplace things one would see regularly on more advanced planets would not exist in any town here.
" That place huh. Well, I suppose it cant hurt. I haven't visited many places on this planet anyway. Sure, why not?" Morrigan agreed.
Grace was ecstatic. "Yay~! Hehe, this is gonna be so fun! I dont think i've ever been to a city that large before! Ai, I thought I would die of boredom. I wonder what interesting things I can find there. . ." Her eyes glowed brightly.
And so the two led the ship down. There were various platforms for vehicles like theirs. It wasnt common to have things like the ship, but there were a few from wealthy or influential familes who had such treasures.
However, Morrigan used a space differently from the others.
It was a rather secluded area, but they were greeted immediately after they landed.
The one to meet them first was a faintly handsome middle-aged man with a jovial look about him. He glanced at the two people with sharp eyes.
It has to be said that this particular area was reserved for a select few individuals only. Those people, were existences that could not be offended.
He looked at the woman who descended from the ship. She had snow white hair and a pair of luminous red eyes that was enchanting yet carried a hint of frost in its depths. They looked at everything with a certain indifference, a look which said all they saw was beneath them.
Her jade-like skin looked incomparably soft and her curves were bountiful to the extent that it would give old men heart attacks, dagerously seductive to anyone be it man or woman. Her cherry lips were full and perfect, making one want to reach out and caress them.
The woman wore a simple deep black dress that contrasted pleasingly with her hair. The dress, the middle-aged man knew, was not simple mortal fabric. It was the kind that could be worn for days and not suffer a single speck of dirt to sully it. Not to mention that the durability of it was incomparable to normal cloth.
He was very experienced and recognised it instantly.
The woman herself gave off a very elegant and refined feel, her steps fluid and graceful. Her hips swayed enticingly as she walked, causing the young men who he had brought with him to swallow and stare dumbly. The shape was nice and round, looking tender to the point where they wanted to go and take a bite. A woman like that was definitely not good for their health.
Next to the woman was a small child, looking around the age of thirteen or maybe twelve. In any case, the girl was lovely in every way. Her looks could only be compared to the woman next to her, and though still immature it was assured that she would someday become a disaster-class beauty.
No, even now she was at that level. It was simply a different kind of appeal from the woman. Indeed, this little girl was stunning yet carried the aura of innocence that made one want to protect her and reach out to pinch her cheeks.
She, too, had snow white hair. It was obvious at a glance the two were related in some way, almost like mother and daughter. But of course that was impossible. The man knew who this woman was and it was impossible for her to bear a child. Even if it were possible, what man could be able to conquer a woman of her caliber?
So it was more lkely that the little girl was something else instead. He didnt know what, or why the two looked so similar. It was best not to think of it.
But out of everything, it as the little girl's eyes that made him the most anxious.
Those eyes. . .
A stunning, magnificnt azure blue more captivating than the sky. They looked oddly bright, lit with an inner fire.
The middle-aged man felt like his soul was exposed under those eyes.
He knew instantly who the woman was. Of course he would. Here, the gods and goddesses were well-known.
"Ah, Lady Morrigan! I had no idea you would be visiting our humble city. I apologise, if I had know then I would have prepared some entertainment for you. May I inquire how long you intend to grace us with your presence?" The middle-aged man spoke. His words were almost casual, yet they were filled with politeness and subsevience. He didnt look at the girl, didnt ask who she was,
He knew better than to ask.
The little girl looked at him, he could feel it, and it was making him sweat slightly. Really, those eyes of hers, how could they make him feel so flustered?
Morrigan looked at the man. " We have come merely on a whim. Not knowing of our comming here is to be expected. We will likely not stay for more than a night or two. Prepare us some rooms along with something to eat. My daughter here had not yet had her breakfast."
"Of course, Lady Morrigan. We hear and obey. Please, come with us and we will lead you to a place where we can get you two settled."
She nodded and motioned for him to lead the way. The platform was large and they were led through a building not too far away.
Behind them quiet whispers were faintly heard.
"Such a beautiful woman! I wonder who she is. . ."
"Are you deaf? The manager clearly called her Lady Morrigan. Although she is one of the more reclusive goddesses, you should still have heard of her!"
"Ah, indeed, I have heard that among the other goddesses this Lady Morrigan is among the most mysterious. But I had no idea she was such an alluring woman!"
"Agreed. But, who is that adorable little girl to her side? They look awfully similar. . .could it be they are. . ?"
Another spoke up, a different voice from the other two, "Dont be a fool, something like that is impossible for various reasons. Dont even think about it or else you wont live past the hour. I've heard many terrifying stories regarding this Lady Morrigan. As a death goddess, do you not believe she can make your life a living hell?"
". . .I guess you're right. Still, I wonder who the little girl is. In the future, she will definitely bring worlds to their knees with a glance." the second voice spoke with confidence.
Hearing this, Grace let out a small giggle and had a proud look on her face, staring at her mother with a hint of arrogance in her eyes.
Morrigan smiled a bit, enjoying the expression of her daughter.
The middle-aged man glared at the younger men with dark promise in his gaze, causing them to immediately shut up.
He didnt notice the exchanged look between Morrigan and the little girl. If he had he would no doubt be stunned that the woman who he had heard of could smile in such a way.
The two were taken through a building where the middle-aged man ordered a carriage was to be delivered by the time they exited.
As they got outside once again they saw more buildings along with large roads. It was a bursting with street stalls and people were coming and going in a hurried fashion. Noise could be heard everywhere, from casual talk to music.
The carriage arrived just as they left the front door. It was one with elegant designs and gold lining, complete with large, comfortable seats. The middle-aged man oppened te door for them.
" Please, sit. I will accompany the driver in the front and we will take you to the most popular hotel the city has to offer and have them prepare some local delicacies for you to enjoy."
"Good. We will be out exploring the city by ourselves later once we are settled. Once you are done, you may return and leave us to our own devices." Morrigan said.
"Understood, Lady Morrigan." The middle-aged man nodded. He would not dare say anything more. If it were another, he would not let them wonder about unprotected. But this was one who was more than capable of taking care of herself.
Once he found them lodgings and got them fed, his job was done.
The carriage departed as soon as they got in.
Grace looked in wonder out the window. There were so many things to see that se couldnt focus on just one thing.
Around ten to fifteen minutes later the carriage stopped in front of a massive 12 story building was wide rather than tall. It was colored red and gold with designs of tyrannical dragons being carved into the walls and sculptors of the creatures everywhere.
This place was rather luxurious, a building that was almost taking on a life of its own as it stared down at others with an almost lofty feeling to it. "This," The middle-aged man started, " Is a hotel under the command of the 12 Soaring Dragons Pavillion, and its the most prosperous hotel that our humble city has to offer. The amount of famous and powerful people who have graced this building is uncountable. I tell you here and now, Lady Morrigan, that I believe you will enjoy your stay here."
Morrigan didnt comment, but Grace looked at the building with interest and wonder, her eyes wide as she looked at the construct.
As they entered the large lobby, the busy area instantly quieted down as people began talking in hushed voices.
"Gods, such a charming woman actually exists?! Ai, if i could have a woman like that by my side, i would truly have no regrets in life!" One spoke with fervor.
"Ha, the only way you could get with a woman like that would be in your dreams!" Another shot back.
"Ah, such an elegant and stunning figure. Though that frostiness is discouraging, it makes her even more desirable!"
"Agreed"
"And that aura of power, how domineering! I feel like my heart would burst jost being near her. . ."
"Hmm? Hey, doesnt she look familiar though"
"You think so as well?"
"Ha," someone laughed, " You dont recognise her? That's Morrigan of the Tuatha de Danann Pantheon!"
Several people gasped. " You cant mean 'that' Morrigan, surely?"
"The very same. Though she doesnt make many public apearances like that Thor character, or Fand from her own Pantheon, she is unmistakable. Look at that white, silken hair and blood-red eyes. That deadly energy she releases that leaves one feeling forzen. Who else could it be?"
"Hmph, what does that matter? A beauty is a beauty. How can you call yourselves men? Scared by a girlie like her. Heh, this daddy would not be so easily daunted!" A young-ish man laughed
"Bullshit! Go try messing with her and see if you dont end up wishing for death!"
"This. . ." the man hesitated. He, in truth, didnt want to risk it.
"Hmph, all bark and no bite!" Someone taunted.
"Um, that's all well and good but who is that adorable girl at her side? The resemblance between them is surprising. You think. . .?" A woman asked
"No, that cant be. Death goddesses cant give birth. Even if they could, they mainly remain virgins from what I hear. They apparently dont have much interest in such things. Besides, one of the core members of the Tuatha de Danann, do you think it would remain a secret if they had a child? Such a thing, especially if it was a woman as stunning as her, would spread like wildfire!" Another one replied.
Although this was only an assumption. In reality, if one of them wanted to keep something hidden from public view, who would have the ability to make it known? Who would dare? Especially if it regarded someone with Morrigan's personality.
"I see. . . Then how can they look so alike, I wonder . . .?"
The conversation went in such a direction.
Morrigan and Grace continued on while seeming oblivious to the chatter. The middle-aged man walked up to the young woman at the desk to the other side of the hall who looked resplendent dressed in red and gold robes.
" I need a room for two." He said. He showed her a black and gold card with a dragon design upon it that the woman instantly recognised. She smiled politely.
"Of course sir, right away."
She looked down at the desk where a transparant crystal-like tablet rested.
After a short few seconds, her expression slowly fell.
The woman looked at him, a bit embarrassed.
"Sir, im sorry. We only had one room available before you arrived, a master suit. However, it was just taken by a visiting dignitary who is here to personally negotiate an important matter--" She was cut off.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"Kick him out, then." The middle-aged man said.
The girl's polite smile froze, turning dumbfounded as she let out a "Eh?" sound.
"S-sir, come again? My apologies, but im sure I must have m-misheard you . . ." She stuttered.
The middle-aged man glanced worriedly at Morrigan discreetly before looking back at the other woman, his eyes flashing coldly.
" I said. . . Kick. Him. Out" He spoke forcefullly, his previous jovial expression still present.
"Sir, I-I dont have the authority to. . ." She began, flustered.
"No worries, Miss. You three, take care of it." He spoke to the younger men who followed him. " Lead them to the room. We'll wait here." He said to the woman who appeared to be lost in thought.
"R-right. . ." She walked off with a odd expression, hoping she wouldnt be reprimanded by her boss later. That woman, she knew how to leave one begging for forgivness with a mere glance.
Althouh, since that middle-aged man fom before was a holder of a VIP card, it could be said she was not truly held responsible.
Those who held that card were give numerous special privileges, after all.
The woman thought this optimistically.
Several minutes later, a man was escorted down the long stais that led to the upper floors. He was around his mid thirties, and Morrigan felt that it wouldnt e long until he succombed to the disease currently eating away at his body unknowingly.
He was spouting curses, making rude statements towards the red-robed woman such as her mother a dog in heat who sold herself off the streets and her father a dog who had his way with her one day. The woman looked angered, but said nothing. Of couse, the man would not be able to act against her, who was protected by the Pavillion's influence.
Morrigan covered her daughter's ears. Her expression didnt change, but a faint black aura was barely discernable from her body as she looked to her side.
" Cut off his tongue when he's out of sight." She told the middle-aged man.
"Understood." He answered. He sent a look at one of the three men who took the dignitary out. The younger man nodded back.
The middle-aged man would obviously listen to her. Someone so powerful, did he dare refuse? The man was a mere foreign dignitary. The woman, however, was a goddess who could level the city with little difficulty even with the legion of Immortals guarding it. He knew what had priority in such a situation.
He had no intention to let the city suffer for not following her orders. This was a death goddess, she wouldnt blink even if everyone present were to die.
The entire display left the crowd stunned.
They averted their gaze.
"Well," The middle-aged man suddenly said happily. " Let's get you all settled, shall we?"
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The middle-aged man took them to a large, opulent room that had two beds, a soft-looking couch and a spacious bath. It held other things for comfort as well, but Morrigan didnt care about those.
He left soon after he ordered them some breakfast, giving her the black and gold card from before and telling her to use it in whatever way she wished.
The breakfast that arrived was filled with an arrangement of food. It was composed of soft breads, meats, light soups, eggs, a variety of juices and milk, and various other items that was made to be light enough to not sit heavily inside their stomaches.
Half an hour in, Grace put down her fork . " Hah~ So good~" She let out a satisfied expression. "Nn, we should do this more often!"
She said, having just gotten done with a chocolate and blueberry pancake which she drowned in maple syrup. It was only one of the many foods the little glutton had consumed.
Morrigan smiled.
This tiny thing, how can she eat so much? And she never gains an ounce, has she been learning to eat from that bottomless pit Fenris?
She was in awe of her daughter's stomach.
Honestly, if she were to compete against Fenris herself in an eating contest, who would win?
Morrigan was filled with warm, fluffy feeling as she watched her daughter eat away.
She could help but sigh sadly in her mind.
If only he were here with us, this girl would already be spoiled absolutely rotten. , She thought.
" Okay, now lets go explore! Mommy, lets go, lets go~!" Grace stood up, her eyes shining brightly in anticipation as she took her mother's arm in her tiny hand.
"Alright then, little one. Ah, come here for a bit." She beckoned to her daughter.
It would be annoying if Morrigan was recognised as they were out. So, she cast a simple spell that turned their hair and eyes a different color.
For their hair, she turned them jet-black and turned her red eyes into a light green.
She looked at Grace.
With black hair she truly looked like her father's daughter, especially with her brilliant azure colored eyes.
It made her eyes slightly misty, seeing her take after him so much.
Morrigan wasnt able to change the color of her daughter's eyes, however. It was a strange phenomenon she never unerstood.
Although she wouldnt even if she could.
Though she only changed their coloring, it was enough.
Once that was done they snuck out easily.
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"Uwa~ Look at that! So shiney! Ah, and look here, what is that? Such a intricate and beautiful design! Oh! Mommy, look at those flowers, arent they so pretty? Purple and white swirls!" Grace looked around everywhere, her excitement making the passersby look at her with a smile as they saw her running around happily.
"Calm down, little one. Your're starting to attract a crowd" Morrigan cautioned.
Although, she herself attracted numerous gazes as well so she had no real room to talk.
The onlookers stared in wonderment at the two beauties.
Truly, there was no flower in the world comaparable to the two in front of them. They looked bathed in a pink aura, surounded in their own bright-colored world.
They could feel warmth flowing out of their hearts at the scene of the two.
Obviously the two had to be mother and daughter, but this fact made the men feel a sense of injustice.
If they were mother and daughter, then there must be a father as well!
How could there be such a luck man in the world, to be able to embrace such an enticing woman at night and have such a cute daughter to dote on during the day?
Was this not too unfair, were the heavens not favoring him too much?
Ai, the bastard must have been a saint in his past life who built up enormous karmic merit and also have been given the accumulated luck of all his past ancestors!
They sighed, cursing the unknown man with all their heart.
The women, however, wondered at what sort of man could gain the approval of such an elegant, beautiful woman and could also father such a cute little girl.
" Mommy, look what I found!" Grace came running at her.
Morrigan was shown a small animal, a white fox with a long and bushy tail that appeared soft to the touch. At the end of the tail the fur turned a bright gold color and was showing a flame-like design.
"L-Little Miss, that animal is-! Please, dont run off with it!" A old scarred man came running. He looked fit for his age, and Morrigan knew he likely didnt have many more years left in him.
"Mommy. . ." The girl turned her eyes at her mother and spoke out in a pleading voice.
Morrigan stepped forwars, blocking the old man. " How much for the animal?" She asked directly.
The sudden appearance of Morrigan left the man's mind blanck for several seconds.
Such a top-class beauty!
However he was quick to recover
" Miss, that is no mere animal, its a Golden Tailed 9 Heavens Celestial Fox! Not only that, it is one with multiple elemental affinities! Do you know what that means? It means that animal will someday reach heaven rank and, if contracted, will make its owner an unparralled genius! Perhaps it would even reach heights that past heaven rank! Im afraid that even an emperor would not have the money to pay for it!"
Morrigan didnt change her expression at all. " Oh? And how could you have come across such a thing?" She didnt know what the animal was, but if it was so amazing then how could this man have found it, and even allowed it to be taken so easily?
She felt something was very wrong with this picture.
"Ah, you see. . ." The man started, " This type of animal, obviously, would not be so easily acquired. It was only through numerous trials that I and my four hundred comrades were able to get ahold of it. Although we now number no more than one hundred, it was worth it! Ai, to explain to you the exact circumstances in which we acquired it would take several days. Simply hand it over, I assure you you can never afford it." He said vaguely.
Morrigan snorted coldy. " If you are going to make up stories, you should at least have a decent one prepared beforehand. This is obviously some sort of scam. This thing is probably some common magical beast not even worth mentioning."
The old man looked offended. " Miss, I can assure you this animal is indeed a Gold Tailed 9 Heavens Celetial Fox! To say I would lie about such a thing, im hurt!"
Morrigan was in no mood for this. She waved a hand and a single large, silvery coin holding an array of multi-colored shards on its sides appeared floating beside her.
" Take this and leave."
The man's eyes flashed greedily, snatching the coin from the air instantly. " Enjoy your new pet!" He said as he ran off.
"Thanks Mommy!" The little girl gushed, holding the fox in her arms tightly. The fox licked her face, causing her to giggle.
"No problem dear. Come, lets continue." They walked off.
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The light of the sun was already starting to die out when they stopped to rest, having walked around the city and finding many trinkets to buy. The money Morrigan used left each person stunned. They tried to give it back each time, however, when Morrigan said she had nothing smaller to use they reluctantly accepted it.
They were inwardly shouting joyously though. With the single coin they recieved, it would be enough for them to live like kings the rest of their lives!
Morrigan was busy paying for a snack for her daughter from a stall by the street.
"Grace, here. I got you something to--" But when she turned around, the girl was gone.
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"Mommy~!" Grace called out.
She didnt know when they had seperated. It was as if they were next to each other one moment and then the next she was by herself. But she didnt panic.
Holding the little babby fox in her hands, she continued to explore and waited for her mother to find her, as she knew her mother would.
"Little girl" A voice called out.
"Eh?" Grace let out a surprised sound. Turning her head, she spotted a certain tiny stall through the crowd of people.
"Yes, you, girl. Why dont you take a look at my wares for a bit? Im sure I can find something to your interest!" The voice laughed. It was rough and sounded old. The voice was definitely that of an old crone. Grace walked over, unafraid.
At the stall was a figure who was covered entirely by her grey robes, not even her head could be seen as it was hidden deep within a dark hood.
"Come, take a look and see what catches your eye." The figure's hand stretched out of her robe as she gestured toward her merchandise, making Grace stunned by what she saw.
The hand was smooth and looked supple, completely unlike that of an old crone. And yet her voice sounded so ancient!
What was going on?
She took a cursory look at the items on display. " Sorry, but I dont see anything I like. I should go, Mommy will be looking for m--"
Suddenly, her eyes fell upon a ring.
It was black with a certain gem on it that was a dark, murky blue. It was run through by a white chain and glowed dully in the light. For some reason, Grace found that she couldnt look away from it, the ring reflected in her large eyes.
"Kekeke, so, it appears you found something you like after all!" The faceless voice laughed in a dry hack, an ugly sound that made one feel repulsed. " My dear, you have quite a discerning eye." The voice changed, becoming youthful and almost childish.
But Grace, so entranced by the ring, didnt notice.
The fox in her arms wiggled out of her embrace and climbed around her small shoulders, nipping at her ears gently to get the little girl's attention.
It's efforts were fruitless. It could only look unhappily at the robed figure.
"Here, girl, take it. Dont worry about the price for now--You'll pay for it soon enough!" The old voice was back, cackling wildly as the words reverberated at the fringes of Grace's consciousness.
Yet even still, the words merely echoed inside her mind and she was unresponsive to the outside world.
Before she knew what happened, the ring was already in her hand and she stared at it blankly. She didnt know how long she stood there, looking at the black ring that bore a dull blue gem on it.
"Grace? Grace, are you okay?"
Grace blinked.
"What? Ah, Mommy, your back!" She looked up, smiling.
Morrigan threw her a worried glance. She discovered something in her daughter's hand. "Whats that?"
"Hmm?" Grace was confused. Looking at her hand, she saw a black ring with a blue gem on it. She suddenly remembered.
"Ah, I got this from that--" But when she turned to look, the robed figure, along with the stall, was nowhere to be found.
"What? But, it was there a moment ago. . ." Grace muttered softly,
"Grace, dear, you shouldnt run off like th--" A commotion was heard that cut off her words.
People along the wide street talked amongst themselves in frightened voices.
"Look! What is that? The sky, it looks like a hole is being made through it!"
" Not only that, didnt the sky just get cloudy all of a sudden? W-what's going on?"
Everywhere in the city people were pointing at the sky with worry.
Morrigan looked up and saw the sky, seeing a large, blackish hole growing at a steady pace.
Morrigan had seen such a thing before, when a Teleportation Array malfunctioned as it was in the process of transporting someone and ripped the sky open forcefully in an emergency landing. This couldnt be anything else.
Morrigan idly wondered who was using it.
But as she watched on, her face grew serious. From the hole she felt a familiar presence, a choking scent of blood and monsterous killing intent that was unmistakable.
"No, impossible. She shouldnt be here, of all places. And yet, this frightful aura that sends shivers down the spine, this energy pattern. . ." She shook her head.
"Mommy?" Seeing her mother so serious, the girl called out.
Morrigan didnt pay attention to her, merely looking at the hole with a fierce intensity. What she saw flying out of the hole an instant later made her suck in a cold breath.
"It cant be. . .Gehenna?!"
The name, spoken like a curse, escaped her lips.
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Author's notes: I know a fox is pretty over-used, but i just had to. What story would be complete without a white fox?