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And with that out of the way...

Welcome back my lovely reader, aren't Ryder and Toroah just the cutest things? Nothing like a brush with death to get one's emotions dialed into overdrive.

Things are changing quite rapidly for our fox so do try to keep up. Why he and Rachel have had a smoldering little fire burning for years now, but duty kept them apart. Still, what happens when your new lover and long-time love interest meet, with crossed swords of all things!

We'll check in on our fox the morning after and see what awaits him! Let's jump right in!

--*--

Episode 3:

My sword and heart are yours

"So, should I assume this is to stay between you and me?" I looked up at the rabbit while lacing my boots.

Toroah sat lazily on the edge of my bed, reclined back on his hands. "Yes, I suppose that would be best. We've no rules in place, but I wouldn't want to complicate things for you, Ryder."

"For me? I was asking more for your sake, why concern yourself with me?" I tilted my head at the concept. I had assumed it might look poorly on his status, but he was concerned for mine.

"Well, you're suddenly a first, then you're in bed with me? You could see what drama it might stir up for you." He gave me a sad smile. "Do not think I wouldn't be proud to strut around on your arm otherwise."

I grinned and felt my cheeks darken at the thought of him clinging to me as we walked through the citadel, I wouldn't deny it though, he was right. "So, what should I tell people when I'm asked how it all went down? The High Commander had a hunch?"

"Yes." Toroah shrugged as he finally climbed from the bed and gave a lazy stretch.

"You're serious, aren't you, Tor?" I chuckled and shook my head as I watched his cute little tail wiggle about while he lifted his arms, his whole body still bared to me, showing that strong back I had against my chest while we slept.

He looked over his shoulder, giving me a cute grin as he gave his fingers a dramatic snap, and then a new set of robes were simply there upon him once more. "I'm known for my hunches, even you've heard as much I'm sure."

"That's a nice way to put it, most just call you a mad genius. Your choices always seem controversial, but you seem to always make the right ones." I shrug and move to lace up my other boot.

"I'm not clairvoyant, much as I'd like to be. I just like to think that sometimes you have to think outside of the norm, like a certain fox I know." He hummed the words as he sauntered over to me, leaning down as I looked up, receiving a quick peck on my forehead.

I smiled and felt my heart thump in my chest at the playful token of affection. "I've no problem drawing comparisons with you, Tor."

The rabbit perked his ears as if recalling something and then spoke out curiously. "So what of that other fox you told me about? Rachel wasn't it?"

I felt my stomach twist at her name, my mind seeing her face instantly. "Ah, W-What about her?"

"Aren't you going to go seal the deal now that you're not in the same unit? You love her, right?" Toroah hummed the words, showing me a playful grin.

"Love?!" I barked out at the word then coughed a few times, composing myself as I huffed and glared at the rabbit. "Look... I wouldn't call it-"

"Generally when someone talks about their heart melting when they look into their eyes, that's love, Ryder." The rabbit rocked back on his feet, putting both hands behind his back, looking very childish in this moment.

"W-well your eyes do the same thing, so what's that say?!" I snarled back in response, feeling my cheeks burning.

"Oh?" He grinned and moved a hand to his chest. "That's so sweet, I love you too, Ryder."

I gave a protesting bark and threw my hands up. "Now wait a moment here! I- I mean I like you, but we only just met, one bout of sex and-"

"I count three, at the desk, in bed before we slept, and even this morning." The rabbit cooed the rebuttal as I snarled in response.

"A-All the same! It's far too early to go professing love, isn't it?" I clenched my teeth, looking away awkwardly as my tail seemed to be wagging on its own.

"I do not believe love has a gestation period, Ryder. Though you should know I was jesting with you."

My brow cocked as I looked up at him. "Truly?"

"Well, mostly." The rabbit gave me a wink and then turned to make a dramatic flourish as a gate snapped open to his office. "Come report for duty within three hours, you are free until then, Knight."

I gave a quick bump of my fist to my chest while still sitting. "Y-yes sir..."

The rabbit grinned over his shoulder as the portal snapped closed, leaving me alone in my room, the scent of him still lingering in the air. It felt silly but I already keenly missed his presence, feeling suddenly very lonely in the empty bedroom. I quickly finished my preparations for the day and left to find some breakfast.

--*--

Celestial Knighthood:

When cadets distinguish themselves, they are officially knighted by one of the archangels. Knight ranks begin at seventh and end at first. Knighthood isn't just a title; When a celestial is knighted, large feathery wings burst forth from their back, a gruelingly painful ordeal that some even faint from.

As celestials advance in rank, their wings grow with their status. Wings will scale to the body size of the celestial, but several inches of growth will accrue over the course of rising in ranks. Wings continue to grow even beyond knighthood and into the specialized ranks of the military, such as Bishops and Archangels.

--*--

I knew something was up when all the other cadets and knights looked right at me as I entered the mess hall. My ears flicked as I heard my name occasionally come forth through the warble of the various soldiers. You'd think a few inches of wing growth wouldn't be very noticeable, but you'd be surprised just how much it stood out on someone, especially when it was a clear indicator of rank and power.

Not seeing Ezekiel in the gathering, I quickly gathered some food and found an empty table to sit at. Units weren't required to eat together, and several groups always had the same friends they split off with, regardless of command, but I had no such pals outside of Ezekiel. I did know Rachel but we usually avoided-

"Hey Ryder, you mind if I sit with you?" The voice came from behind but my tail and ears lifted to attention right away in recognition.

"Rachel? Yes, of course!" I barked the words out sounding more eager than I'd have liked but soon enough the vixen had taken a seat right across from me.

She wasn't the type to beat around the bush and didn't bother with pleasantries. "Ryder, what's going on? From fourth to first in a day?"

I frowned and gave an awkward cough, looking down at my tea. "Ah... I can explain, but first. How did you and apparently everyone else find out?"

With a frown, she shook her head. "The Commander told us. He gathered everyone and made a big how-to-do about you being selected as an elite member of the High Commander's personal unit. He then drolled on about how it was thanks to his superior skills as a leader, and he was disappointed that more of us weren't at your 'level' yet."

"That bastard!" I barked out and slammed a fist to the table, snarling as my tail fluffed up behind.

"Calm down, Ryder, it's fine. We all knew he was full of hot air, he always is." She gave me a curious look as if waiting on an answer to her previous question.

I cleared my throat and took a sip of my hot tea, taking a moment to compose myself. "Apparently, Toroah had a hunch about me."

The vixen cocked a brow and folded her ears. "A... hunch?"

I clicked my tongue and looked away awkwardly. "Yep, a hunch. Literally what he told me when I asked him."

She giggled and shook her head. "That is so like the High Commander." I lifted my ears at her reaction. Toroah was right, it was a valid explanation apparently.

"Well, at any rate, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. He already sent me out on one mission, I ended up running into some very, very powerful vampires. Still a little surprised I came back at all." I nodded grimly as I thought of the powerful ewe from yesterday.

"Really? How did you sur-" She caught herself and chose her words more gently, "How did you manage to defeat them?"

I frowned, knowing what she was about to say, the irony being her first choice would have been more accurate. With a shake of my head, I smiled before speaking, "I didn't defeat them, we talked."

"Wait- You, talked? To them? Talked, to... vampires?" She frowned and shook her head, looking full of disbelief. "Ryder, the only talking I've ever heard vampires do, was snarling threats and mad ramblings."

"Y-Yeah, well, uhm... these two were very civilized. We held a conversation and everything. They even-" I grunted and lowered my ears, I didn't want to say 'let me live' in front of her. Rachel was so strong and beautiful and the last thing I wanted her thinking was I was some sniveling coward that couldn't stand on my own two feet.

"They even what?" She prodded curiously, her gold eyes clearly focused on me. Gold, eyes. Fuck, she was already in seer mode and would see straight through me if I tried to lie about it.

"They even let me live," I growled the words out, looking away from her gaze, feeling humiliated for professing it before her.

She pushed a hand to her lips as if realizing she had been using the power and forced the words from me when she saw my body language. I saw her focus and shift her eyes back to blue, the little flecks of gold still dancing in them faintly. "Ryder, I'm sorry... I wasn't meaning to use that on you, I was just very intent and interested, so it just kind of happened."

I shook my head and sighed as I smiled bitterly at her. "No, it's fine. If anyone should hear it straight, it's you, Rachel. Yeah, apparently one of them was so powerful even Toroah had heard her name, he even said he questioned if he could handle her."

"I'm so glad you made it back safe then. Going from a fourth to a first in such a short amount of time. What was the High Commander thinking? You need the training to learn your newfound powers, he can't just throw you into missions." She growled in frustration at the concept of me being in danger, my heart pounding to see her so worried for me.

"Look, I can explain in more detail later, maybe... over drinks and dinner?" I lifted my chin, trying to look confident as I could while making the offer.

She gave me that same sad frown she always did before shaking her head. "Ryder, you know I-" Her ears lifted as if the realization dawned on her. The vixen crossed her arms, rubbing her chin in thought. "I-" Her blue eyes lifted back to mine, shifting to gold from how much she was focusing. "I could, couldn't I?"

"I mean, if you want to." I showed her a small smile, feeling my tail wagging faster now that she was considering it.

Her brown ears folded as she gave it some more thought, then gave me a nod. "Yes."

"Really?!" I gave an excited bark as I felt my hips shaking from how hard my tail was wagging.

The vixen showed me a grin, her cheeks growing darker as she put a hand to one and averted her golden eyes. "Ryder, don't make such a scene."

I grunted as I looked over my shoulder, seeing I had drawn several onlookers. "Sorry, I just, I'm really happy to hear it." I settled down, calming my tail but my smile wouldn't fade as I looked upon her, seeing her cheeks dark, her eyes blinking, and awkwardly cutting back to mine a few times before she composed herself.

"Me too, Ryder. I won't lie that it has tormented me over the years, the stolen kisses and brief handholds were far too little." She shook her head, giving a cute little growl as her own brown tail wagged about. "Ah, don't think I'm some deviant though, I just..."

"I get it, I do." I moved a hand to clasp one of hers, feeling her jerk slightly, as if to pull it away before someone saw it, but then she relaxed her tension and let me hold it. My heart shoved straight up into my throat as I gave her a happy grin.

Her smaller fingers gently curled around my grip and she blinked up at me, suddenly looking nervous and not at all like the confident reassured vixen I always saw. "Is this really okay though? Ryder, I've not- I mean to say... I don't want you to think poorly of me as if this is only because of your title."

"That thought never crossed my mind!" I growled the words as I gently squeezed her hand. "Rachel, I've been enchanted with you since we were initiates, and... I know you've felt similarly for me, right?"

"Of course I have, you've kept me awake thinking of you many nights." She looked straight into my eyes, hers shining gold as she gave me a confident stare.

"I've had that problem as well, so don't feel bad." I rubbed a thumb against her soft hand, feeling how warm it was as she clenched mine.

The vixen offered me a relaxed happy smile, her tone becoming a little more playful as she spoke, "Of that, I've no doubt, I've gotten glimpses of the perverse things you've thought of me with my vision."

I gave an awkward bark and rubbed at the back of my head with my free hand. "Really? You can read minds with that?"

"No, but I can certainly read intentions, and yours would have been crystal clear, even if I were not a seer." She poked her nose up in a cute haughty gesture, then cut her eyes back to me, as if looking to see if I approved of the display.

"You are so beautiful!" I growled the words in a low tone, trying to not draw attention to myself, but seeing her so confident and the way her ears perked when she poked her nose up. I just wanted to take her back to my room and just hope it didn't still smell too heavily of rabbit.

Rachel bit her lower lip, then seemed to focus her resolve, meeting my eyes almost with a defiant glare as she spoke out as if saying the words for herself as much as me. "R-Ryder... ah, I've got a few hours before I'm needed at the apothecary, would you like to-"

"Okay, meal times over! Get those trays put away and get to your assigned duties!" One of the commanders bellowed out at the top of her lungs, the whole room responding to her words and starting to move.

"Oh, look at you two cute little things." The bovine woman came sauntering over to us as we parted grips and offered her a salute, having the sheer bad luck of being the table closest to where she came in. She put her hand on her hip, giving a huff as she looked us over, looking unimpressed.

Archangel Samanth was behind Toroah in power and tenure. She was a tall thick female with large drooping ears and a wiry tail, the faintest of horns jutting out of her forehead that sported a messy tangle of controlled chaos that was her platinum hair. Her thickness wasn't fat though, she just had large compacted muscles which she no doubt needed, given I'd seen her warhammer a few times and it was nearly as big as I was.

Her blue eyes narrowed as she peered down at me, flapping her massive wings out, her short curly platinum hair hanging at her cheeks. "So, you're Toroah's new project huh? You don't look so tough to me, shrimpy even."

I felt a growl fill my throat as I rose from my seat, offering a more proper salute before tilting my chin up and perking my ears. "Commander, can I be of assistance, or are you just lonely and picking a fight?"

The cow blinked at my words and howled out with a loud belly laugh, "Oh, you are a cute one. He gets his new wings and thinks he stands with the likes of us?"

I wasn't sure where this bravado was coming from, but after staring down that sheep, the commanders in general just didn't seem so imposing. Folding my arms I cocked a brow. "I assumed no such thing, but I'll not snivel away like a puppy in your presence either."

She huffed out through her nose, her cold blue eyes on mine. Admittedly she was terrifying and could probably throw me through the adjoining wall if she wanted to, but if I'd learned anything about dealing with Hagen, it was you never let them smell the fear. My tail fluffed out and I shifted to put my hands on my hips, looking bored with the staredown.

With an amused show of her teeth, she laughed out. "I like you, there's a spine in there after all!" She brought her massive hand down on my shoulder with a mighty clap that quite literally sent me to the ground.

"Ryder! A-Are you okay?" Rachel quickly moved over to help me up as I winced and slowly picked myself up from the floor.

"Ngh... Thanks, Commander, try not to break it, even if it is hard to find." I groaned the words as Rachel pushed a hand to my shoulder, already whispering some healing prayers.

The archangel laughed again at my joke and wagged a finger. "You're alright fox, but you'll need to bulk up if you're going to back up that cute attitude of yours." She took another appraising look at me and Rachel as if silently acknowledging what we were and turned to stomp back out of the mess hall.

"Ryder... what was that? You just... bucked up to Samantha!" She whispered the words even though we were mostly alone, her hand feeling warm and soft on my aching shoulder as I felt her healing energies pushing through my body.

"I don't know, but after meeting that vampire the other night, well..." I shook my head and smiled at Rachel. "There are really strong things out there. It terrifies me, but it also makes me want to get stronger, stronger to protect you, Toroah, Ezekiel, and everyone else."

"You're already changing so quickly, Ryder... don't lose sight of who you are, okay?" She leaned in and brushed her lips to my own, giving me a kiss. It wasn't a brief one either, she stayed on my lips, lingering for several moments before withdrawing with dark cheeks.

My own cheeks felt hot as well, my fingers moving to brush my lips as if making sure the long-held kiss was indeed real. After a moment I gave her a nod, then showed a loving grin. "Don't worry, Rachel. Any changes I do make will be positive ones, ones to show you I'm a fox worthy of you!" I barked the words and thrust my thumb into my chest with a wag of my tail.

"Silly, I'm already proud of you and think the world of you. Don't go pushing yourself for my sake, Ryder. I'm happy with how you are." She bumped her forehead to my own, her golden eyes shining before she drew me into another kiss, a quick goodbye one this time before stepping back

"Let's talk at lunch, I remembered I've some lessons with the Commander." The vixen quickly turned and started trotting out of the mess hall.

"A-Alright, tell the cranky ram I said hi!" I barked the words out, grinning as her words sunk in about always having been proud of me and being happy with how I was.

--*--

Archvampires:

A celestial term used to describe ancient vampires of terrible power that rivals even the most elite of the military. Age is not the only factor in designating an Archvampire, as raw power can also factor into receiving the title.

An Archvampire is usually acknowledged when it manages to withstand or repel the assault of an Archangel or several high-ranking Knights. Currently, the names of four Archvampires are on record within the archives of the citadel; Archvampire Ras, Archvampire Diana, Archvampire Harold, and Archvampire Lorelai.

--*--

The lion gave a throaty roar as he lunged at me with longsword in hand, my own clashing against it in a show of sparks, the silver grinding as he bore his strength down against mine.

Of course, he could easily overpower me, but I simply twisted my wrist with a flourish, the lion giving a startled huff as his blade dripped. I followed with a sweeping motion of my leg, gracefully knocking his legs out from under him. Ezekiel hit the ground with a grunt and I shoved the tip of my blade to his chest, a smug grin on my face as his sword finally landed with a clatter to the gravel.

"That's five and two, had enough yet?" I growled the words as I stepped back, offering him my hand. He snarled and gripped it, letting me help him up before stomping over to snatch his own sword back up.

"Damn it... you were already trouble, but now you're even faster!" He sheathed his sword, letting me know he was done for the day.

I offered him a smile as I put my own blade away. "C'mon, we both know you do better with your fists, Ezekiel."

He showed me a grin and slapped one fist hard into his open palm. "Well, yeah, up close and personal, but you know, swords are great for when that isn't possible."

With a shrug, I folded my arms. "So do both. If you feel an opponent disarming or shifting you as I just did, go with it. Let the motion carry you through like a breeze, then drop the sword to grab them. You're a big cat, once you've got your paws on someone, that'd be that."

Ezekiel rubbed his chin at the thought and nodded. "Well, this is swordsmanship training, that's not really part of it. Are you offering to allow such techniques when we train in the future?"

"Damn right I am, I want you to be the best you can, so you can blow past first and be a Bishop! You think I enjoy being the high-ranking one here?" I barked the words out and wagged my tail, offering my friend a wide grin.

The cat showed me his own grin and shook his head. "I still can't wrap my head around all this. You a first... I had all the faith you'd get there, but not for like another decade or so."

"Believe me, I'm still trying to wrap my own head around it." I frowned and looked at one of the large stone sundials that were dotted throughout the citadel. "Damn it, I need to go report for duty." Of course, the realm was bathed in perpetual light, they were obviously enchanted to show proper time.

"That time eh? Will we still be going on missions and such together?" The lion tilted his head and I saw the concern in his eyes.

"Toroah already said I was an auxiliary unit."

"What the hell does that mean exactly?"

"It means I can join any units that request me, or Toroah sees fit to assign me to for support." I gave the lion a reaffirming nod. "So, yes, I think that will be a possibility."

"Yeah, like Commander sod-for-brains would allow that!" The lion grumbled and I frowned at his reasoning.

"Hagen is a pain in the tail, but I don't honestly believe he would sacrifice the safety of a mission or his soldiers for his pride."

The lion gave me a shocked glare at my words. "You defending that blowhard? Wow, you're changing a lot, Ry."

I frowned at the words, recalling Rachel's own from earlier. "Look, I'm just saying, that I think he has the greater good of the unit in mind mostly. I'll admit he's got too much ego and way too many chips on his shoulders, but I do not think he'd stoop that low."

"I remain skeptical, but we shall see." The lion shrugged and turned away, waving a hand. "Drinks later?"

I rubbed the back of my head with a grin. "Ah, I might have to raincheck..."

"Seriously? Do you not have time for the low ranks now that you're a high and mighty first?" He growled and looked over his shoulder at me with a glare I could see he had a hint of jealousy in it. So it was bothering him, I figured it would at some level.

"Woah... that has nothing to do with it, I'll always have time for my best friend, even if I was a Paladin!" I barked the words out and moved over to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Really? So what's the deal then? We always have drinks on Friday." He cocked a brow as he seemed to ease his tension at my touch and words.

"Oh uh... I may be seeing Rachel," I spoke the words in a quiet but eager growl.

He turned to face me full-on, his eyes wide now. "The brown fox from the apothecary?! That tail you've been dreaming about for like the better part of a decade? Shut up, I don't believe it!" He huffed the words and pushed at my shoulders, making me back up a few paces as he grinned.

I gave a laugh and blushed, rubbing my head. "W-well yeah, we're no longer in the same unit, so-"

"So you were itching to get right at that tail huh? Couldn't wait to bend that little doggy over and make her yours eh?" He spoke the words with a wide grin as he slapped my shoulder hard in approval.

My cheeks darkened at his words and for some reason, it actually upset me a little. Rachel was so much more than that to me. Of course, I wanted to do that with her, but it wasn't the driving goal.

"Ha... it's not like that Ezzy. I respect the hell out of Rachel. I mean, of course, I want THAT with her, but, it's so much more, you know?" I folded my arms again, giving him a sympathetic smile for not joining in on the 'guy talk'.

The lion offered me a toothy grin and waved a hand casually. "Yeah yeah, I know, you're smitten with her, love her and all that."

I barked out at that word again and glared at him. "What's love got to do with this?!"

He smirked at my blushing cheeks and quirked a brow. "You tell me. Is it just a second-hand emotion?"

"I mean... It just sounds so strange to go saying I love her when we've not even had a date or anything." I looked down and rubbed the back of my head, feeling my heart pounding at the thought of her.

"Well, I've caught glimpses of some of the quick little touches and kisses you two would steal from one another, seen your hands brushing one another's while walking together. She's got it bad for you, and you for her, it's plain to see. Call it what you will, but there's something there, and it's not just the urge to bend her over." Ezekiel shrugged and met my eyes with a hard glare. "She's a good fox, even I can tell that. Just be honest with yourself and to her."

What is with all these people trying to be a cherub around here? I furrowed my brow and shook my head before mulling over his words, then nodded my head. "I see what you mean. Yeah, I think there is something there with us, it feels like we've got a string tying us together sometimes. I won't just outright profess my love for her, I don't want to scare her off, you know?"

The lion howled out a laugh and shook his head. "I'm not suggesting that, just think about what you feel and don't be afraid of it." He wagged a finger at me and showed his sharp canines. "Though I will say this. I'll give you this one, but you better not start canceling on our meetups over this vixen too much. Nine hells, bring her along, it'd be fun to have another drinking buddy around."

I gave the lion a smile, feeling thankful for his support and friendship, then nodded. "Thanks, I'll do that."

Ezekiel gave a surprised look at me, then I realized he was looking behind me as the lion stiffened his back and gave a salute. I looked back and almost jumped as Toroah was simply standing there, that same gentle smile on his lips he always seemed to have.

"S-Sir!" I turned sharply and gave my own salute, my tail and ears perked up at attention as well.

"At ease, I apologize for interrupting the guy talk." The rabbit hummed the words in a sing-song tone as his hands found their way to his hips, giving me a somewhat fussy look. "Ryder, as my first, you really should be more punctual, I shouldn't have to come find you."

My teeth clenched at his look, it was cute seeing him pout, but his eyes said he was legitimately upset with me. "I- I'm sorry, sir! I just, uh..."

"It's my fault, High Commander. Ryder said he needed to leave to see you, I ended up detaining him to gossip." Ezekiel gave a deep bow as I growled at him throwing himself under the wagon for me.

"Hmm... Though I sense the truth in your words, I can't very well let Ryder off without incident either, I see no drawn bow or arrowhead to his skull making him stay here." Toroah straightened his back, giving his tail a little flick before rubbing his chin. "Well, I suppose I will let it pass this time, in honor of your friend's selflessness."

"You are too gracious sir, it will not happen again." I took a knee, offering a formal bow of apology,

Ezekiel offered a similar bow, also taking a knee. "Likewise, I will be more mindful of detaining him. Thank you for your graciousness, High Commander."

"Yes yes, let us do away with the stuffy apologies and titles now. Ryder, I had every intention of meeting you here in the training facility anyway, so you simply saved us transit." The rabbit huffed the words as we stood, pushing a hand to his chest and looking smug, his nose poked up in the air.

"Wait- If I saved us trouble, why am I still-"

Toroah gave my forehead a thump with his index finger, eliciting a yip from me, feeling a little jolt of divine wrath come along with it, sending a chill down my spine. "Because you're still a bad dog for not coming when I commanded it," The words came from his lips sounding as much like an innuendo as they were intended to be.

Ezekiel widened his eyes as I winced and rubbed my forehead as if having suspicions confirmed and trying to tie the context clues together. Toroah lifted his ears and peered at the lion who stood just faintly shorter than him. I really was used to being the short guy of the group, I suppose I should consider myself lucky I was at least a little taller than Rachel.

"Ezekiel was it not? You seem to be processing a thought. Did you wish to enlighten us with it?" The rabbit cocked a brow, giving the lion a somewhat challenging look.

He quickly made a salute and shook his head. "N-No sir! I was simply in awe of your kindness and lost-"

"Hush now. You are a terrible liar, out with what you were thinking, third." The rabbit gave him a hard glare, making it clear it was an order.

He winced and gave another salute. "Apologies sir! Uh, are you two ah... together?"

"Yes," Toroah answered crisply and I bit my lower lip, looking away from the two of them.

"Damn... Ry, is this why you-"

"Ezekiel, let me be clear on something before you finish those words and earn my ire." The rabbit set the lion with a hard look as Ezekiel snapped his jaws shut.

"Ryder earned this position and would have it, even if I despised him. What we do off duty is our business and in no way will ever influence his duty, or advancement within our ranks. Is that crystal clear, third?"

The lion gave him a quick series of nods. "Yes sir, crystal clear, sir."

"And if this information leaves this courtyard, I will not be a happy rabbit, do you understand what I'm saying to you?" He now had his arms crossed, looking down on the lion with a fierce gaze that even made me want to shrink back from it.

"I- I have no idea what you are talking about, sir! I have no knowledge of anything to share!" Ezekiel spoke the words out sharply, offering another salute to him.

Toroah gave a satisfied nod. "That's what I wanted to hear. Now, will you be excusing us or joining in on the training with me and Ryder?"

"I will of course excuse my-" His ears lifted at the offer and looked straight upon the archangel. "Wait, you, are offering... to train me as well? The High Commander, wants to-"

"Yes, is it such a complicated thing? I will not force you, of course, this is Ryder's duty, not yours." The rabbit stepped away from us and with a flourish of his hand was suddenly garbed in leather armor with a rapier at his side.

"I would be mad to not accept! Yes, sir, I will happily train with the two of you!" Ezekiel clenched his fists with an excited grin, his large sharp teeth showing.

I couldn't help but smile to see how eager he was, and the way Toroah kept everything sorted with what we were and were not. Though that thump to my forehead still hurt, I'd already made my mind up to give him a few chomps the next time we were rolling around in bed.

We spent the next few hours sparring and doing specialized drills with the High Commander. He was every bit as powerful and skilled as his reputation, but so much more. It really was a thing you had to experience, words didn't do him justice. I wouldn't even see him move when he parried, his body just seemed to be in the position to deflect an attack when it needed to be.

"Ryder! Keep your sword arm down when you strike, Ezekiel, bend more at the knees during a lunge!" He shouted out orders and commands while we sparred. Even with me and the lion both coordinating our offensive, Toroah seemed to deftly dodge, sweep and parry all our blows.

I notice that Rachel had found her way to the courtyard, standing to the side and watching us from a distance. Of course she was, we had promised to meet for lunch after all, which would be about now. That's the thing about knowing a seer, if they want to find you, they can do so easily, they have a knack for sensing energy, especially those they are close to.

"Never let your blade strike squarely on the opponents. Always use a fluid strike, for if you connect too sharply, you will never be able to roll the blade to make a parry or counterstrike." The rabbit snapped the words out as he deftly seemed to just blur in my vision and the next thing I knew, my sword was leaving my grip, the tip slamming into the ground as I yipped in shock. Ezekiel made a similar gasp as his own sword simply flew from his grasp with a loud reverberating clash of silver.

Toroah huffed out and pushed a lock of platinum hair from his eyes, sheathing his rapier as he finally acknowledged the other knight in our presence. "You may approach, second."

Rachel lifted her brown ears and quickly moved over to the archangel, offering him a salute and frowning. "Sir! I apologize if my presence disrupted the training."

"At east, Knight." He smiled and met her eyes, flicking his tail a few times, seeing the gold flecks in them. "Gold in your vision, a seer. You must be Rachel. You know, Ryder won't shut up about you."

I barked out in protest. "Sir!"

The vixen gave a gentle smile towards me then shook her head. "Yes sir. It is an honor to meet you in person like this."

The rabbit folded his ears, his gaze looking a little sharper. "He tells me, you have a better sword arm than he has."

The vixen showed her teeth in a grin, blushing at the words but looking a little proud and haughty as well. "Well, we've not sparred since he became a first, but I won't deny I generally best him by a margin of two points or more."

I should have felt defensive or surly over her words, but frankly, I enjoyed seeing her being so confident and proud of her abilities.

Toroah gave an appreciative whistle and rested his hand on the pommel of his rapier. "It's not that I don't believe you, but you'll forgive me if I request you show me."

"Alas, sir. I did not come here with training on my mind, I do not even have-" She looked upon me, a smile showing on her lips, seeing I had collected my longsword and already cleaned the dirt off it.

I acknowledged the look and swallowed hard. A celestial knight's sword was important, it was crafted for them specifically. Though being disarmed or handled by another was common, to willingly relinquish it to one, was shown as a great sign of affection. On the rare occasion celestials wed, it was common to exchange swords with one another, taking your partner's blade as your own.

My tail fluffed out as the other two males seemed to look upon me, Toroah cocking a brow curiously. I met her eyes, seeing the dancing flecks of gold as she gave me that beautiful smile. She wouldn't ask, it wasn't her style, but I was already unbuckling my scabbard as I held it to her and lifted my chin. "Please, use my sword Rachel, it would be a shame to disappoint the High Commander."

She showed her teeth in a grin, collecting the scabbard as Ezekiel gave an amused roll of his eyes. "Why, thank you Ryder, I'll be sure to take good care of it." Rachel cooed the words out gently, her eyes shining as she showed me a happy smile while fastening the scabbard to the side of her uniform.

Toroah gave me a knowing smile and approving nod before he stepped back from us, withdrawing his own blade. "Ryder, Ezekiel, please step away from the vicinity."

We quickly moved to the sidelines, Ezekiel giving me a light jab of his elbow. "She really trapped you in that one, eh?"

With a playful bark, I showed him a grin, feeling my cheeks still warm from the whole display. "Ah, I mean, I don't think she meant to, I'd blame Toroah more so. Still, I didn't mind, I was happy to do it."

Rachel showed a proud grin as she withdrew my sword, setting her stance, her thick beautiful brown tail wagging as she titled her chin up. "Knowing I'm using Ryder's sword, you know I have to put on a good display, I'll not hold back, Commander."

"Please do not." Toroah hummed the words, then gave a surprised huff as the vixen launched herself forward. I was shocked by her speed, I'd never seen her move so quickly as she seemingly blurred before there was a loud clash of divine silver.

"Woah..." I gasped out at the display, watching the rabbit and fox enter a sort of dance. Blades flashing, sharp little barks coming from Rachel's throat with each strike she made, her eyes blazing gold in focus.

"Damn, look at her go. I can hardly keep up... She's going all out since she's representing your love, huh?" The lion nudged me again with his elbow as I glared upon him but quickly returned my focus to the sparring.

Several moments passed, which is quite a lot of time in a duel since most engagements might last at most, a few seconds. Toroah eventually managed to glance a blow to the side, using his own rapier to bring the longsword off course before deftly pushing the tip of his blade at her throat, signifying the point was his.

Rachel clenched her teeth and looked disappointed, no, she looked like she was remorseful for losing the point as if she had let me down.

"Fantastic form, you truly are as exceptional as he says." Toroah gave her a nod. "And all that coming in without warming up. Lift your head Knight, you've nothing to be remorseful for."

"T-Thank you sir, I apologize if my emotions got the better of me." She took a composing breath and paced away a few steps, then turned and set her stance.

Toroah offered a smile and lifted his ears. "Is it not finished?"

"I request we decide the better of three points, sir. I am unwilling to relinquish his sword yet, and so I find myself in need of an excuse to keep it a while longer." The vixen lifted her chin with a haughty look in her golden eyes.

My tail stiffened at the words and Ezekiel gave an amused bellow of a laugh. "Look at that, she's already decided you're hers! How does that feel?"

I glared at him but then grinned. "Not bad I have to say."

Toroah and Rachel engaged again, several more moments passing of parries and feints before a resounding clash of metal was heard, one sword being diverted off course as the rabbit showed his teeth in a wide grin with the tip of my sword at his chest.

I slacked my jaw in shock, but Rachel just frowned and stepped back before speaking, "Sir, I do not need you holding back, that point was clearly given."

The rabbit ran his fingers through his hair and smiled before rolling the rapier in his grip a few times. "It's poor practice if one doesn't know what to do when strikes follow through, is it not? Also, you managed to catch me off guard, it's an earned point."

"Hmph, fine, I suppose that's fair." The vixen set her stance and gave a nod, signifying she was ready.

"Let's end this then." The rabbit showed his teeth in his own haughty grin and simply blinked out of sight.

Rachel gave a surprised bark as he was just there on top of her with a piercing strike, but the vixen's body had already responded with shocking speed that even I couldn't track.

"Do not, underestimate, me!" She spat the words out, blocking and dodging each strike until the rabbit finally caught her knee up in a sweep, a similar technique I favored. Rachel hit the ground as the rabbit pushed the tip of his rapier at her chest for the point, but the fox seemed unwilling to accept as she fell fully to her back to avoid the touch, then swung her booted foot to knock the blade away as she righted herself, holding my sword in both her hands as she panted out.

"You are feisty! I can see why he likes you!" Toroah showed a wide grin as he pulled back a few paces, lowering his stance once more.

Rachel flicked the sword downward, then jumped upon the rabbit with a clash of silver, both holding their blades against one another as she stared right into the rabbit's eyes. "Do you think I do not smell him upon you?!" She hissed the words as the blades ground, both bearing strength against one another.

"I am no threat to you, Rachel, my sister. Rest assured, I will in no way hinder the two of you." Toroah cooed the words back in a sing-song voice that seemed to just make the vixen all the more resolved.

I frowned at the exchange, rubbing the back of my head as I realized what was going on. Ezekiel patted my back in sympathy. "And now you see why I don't want a relationship," He chuckled the words as he rubbed my back.

The two of them hopped back and Rachel cocked a brow up at Toroah's words. "Are you sure of that?"

"You've my word, of course, I'd not hinder the two of you, even if I had to withdraw from the stage to allow it to run the intended course." The rabbit tilted his head, rolling the rapier in his grip a few times.

"I am not a jealous female, so long as he is happy and you are not plotting, I am satisfied." She growled the words and sheathed the blade. "I yield."

Toroah showed her a grin and slid the rapier smoothly back into his own scabbard. "We'll call it a draw then."

The vixen offered a frown, then a salute. "High Commander, I apologize for my myriad of outbursts during our sparring."

"Emotions will run high in combat, my sister, even during training. I hold no ill will and my door is always open if you wish to discuss the matter further. We will of course do so without blades drawn, as I prefer my office to remain intact."

She smiled upon the rabbit, then walked over to me, wagging her tail slowly as she unclipped my scabbard from her hip. Ezekiel patted my back and grinned. "I'm getting out of here, I'll talk to you tomorrow, brother."

I nodded at the lion as he quickly disengaged, then I watched Toroah give me a wink before simply stepping back into a gate, the view of his office showing before it snapped closed, leaving me alone with her.

Rachel glanced around, acknowledging we had been left to ourselves, then gave me a small grin. "Thanks for letting me use your sword, I hope I didn't disappoint you."

"Never, never in a thousand years would you disappoint me, Rachel," I spoke out firmly as I looked into her eyes, then clenched my teeth as I rubbed the back of my head. "Uh... how long did you know about-"

"I could smell him upon you this morning, Ryder. I was not sure of whose scent it was, but once we began sparring and the sweating began, his scent struck me heavily, I was certain at that point."

I frowned and shook my head, "I- I hope this doesn't make you think less of me."

Rachel met my eyes and gave a shrug. "Who am I to dictate what you do and whom you do it with, Ryder?"

"You are... someone very important to me, that's who." I moved to grip her hand over my own scabbard, staring hard into her eyes. "Rachel, you mean the world to me, you have for years. I'd do anything to see you smile."

The vixen blushed and glanced away, a smile playing at her lips. "You are too kind, a horndog, but too kind."

"H-Hey... cut me some slack, Toroah is the first I've had in years, it's not like I'm strutting around the citadel claiming mates at every turn." I gave her a grin and gently brushed her fingers with my own.

"One does not need to constantly lay with others to be a deviant, it is very much the thought that counts, Ryder." She pulled away from me, taking my sword with her as she poked her nose up. "I've seen the way you look upon me at times, like a wild dog starved and hungry."

She was a seer and there was no denying it, so I simply shrugged. "Of course, you're stunning, I'd say you're like an angel, but that's a bit on the mark, wouldn't you say?"

Rachel grinned at my words, cutting her eyes back to the folded wings on her back, then back to my own eyes. "Perhaps, but it makes me happy to hear all the same."

We stood there for a few moments just staring at one another before she clutched my sword closer to her breasts. I'd like to say it was a sexy-looking thing, but the leather tunic didn't give much show in her chest. Still, I found it adorable, as if she were hugging a beloved possession. "May I keep this a little longer?"

I grinned and felt my cheeks darken at the implication of her words, putting a hand on my hip. "Of course, but I'll need it for my training tomorrow, you know."

Rachel looked like she was contemplating something, then turned from me, lifting her tail, ears, and nose in a haughty display. "That is fine, you may come to my quarters to collect it this evening."

I choked back a bark at her words, clearly understanding the offer she was making. The vixen glanced over her shoulder at me with a soft smile. "I will have some dinner prepared, so arrive with an appetite."

"A-Alright Rachel, I can't wait." I stammered the words out, winning an amused giggle from her at how nervous I already sounded, then the fox trotted off with my sword in hand. Her luscious brown tail rolled with the sway of her hips as she left me alone on the training field, unarmed and lost in my thoughts of the night to come.

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