The Day of Thunder

"And so will we." she responded. "That's why they're so interested in humans, our ability to adapt and grow. That potential is almost unlimited. Corrupting it is a terrifying idea."

"And without us, it's nothing. It's why I hold it in such contempt."

"I wasn't conscious at the end, but I like to imagine the Dream of Jigoku desperately flailing as the others brought him down." She smiled.

"I saw the Harbinger die. It was... satisfying."

"I wish I had seen that." Her smile grew. "From the moment she confronted me in Yume Do, I felt that she deserved every once of pain we could inflict on her."

"Well, Chuchu lured her in, your Auntie Anjing, Haka Tae-Soo, Reiko Ohta, and Kaijarisuigyo did most of the thumping... and then that Sugri fellow did something I don't really understand with what I think was her soul. So she's pretty comprehensively dealt with."

"Was anyone lost in the fight with her?"

"Not a one. They got the drop on her, took some damage, but the Nezumi were right- in a toe to toe fight, she wasn't much."

"We lost two, nearly three." Her eyes drifted over the shrine. "By a miracle, Ai was brought back to us. And, I survived by literally a hair's breadth. But, Kenji. I didn't even see it happen."

"You know, there was always something about him that was like chewing on gravel for me. Now that he's gone and died a hero, I'll never hear the end of it."

He sighed.

"It's kind of ironic that he and Zhe were the ones to not make it out. Those two were almost polar opposites."

She nodded. "I don't think any of us were surprised by Zhe's choice. He was always going to stand by her. That's going to become a romantic legend."

"They were good together. Part of me hopes they still are..."

He sighed.

"Certainly, the Boss will hear about them. And you. All of you."

"I should probably speak to him myself. I am the primary Bat here." she shrugged. "That's a new experience."

"You're also family. Believe me, he'll do what he can to make some time for you..."

"There are several family members here." she nodded. "I will go see him, but others should have their time first."

"Well. It was a hell of a day yesterday, and a lot was decided. I like to think we'll have some time now."

He nodded to the scrolls.

"Got to think of the future, now that we know there will be one."