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And with that out of the way...

Welcome back, my lovely reader!

Things are picking up steam my lovely reader! No turning back, nothing to do but keep pushing forward! Major reveals abound and paths all conjoin into one road! Our humble little bunny... okay she was never very humble, but our bunny from so long ago... She now plays a pivotal role in so many others' fates!

Will discovering her past self have unexpected ramifications though? How will she handle things? Can she even hope to do the things Lorelai is praying she can help with? One thing is for certain and that is, if you know Alice, you know she doesn't take kindly to her loved ones being fucked with.

Let's jump right in!

--*--

Episode 19:

A Paladin Restored

Alice frowned as she put a hand to her hip. "Are you really sure about this, my love?"

"Triallia seemed fully confident in it and she's much more ancient than we are." I gave a shrug as we walked through the house to the foyer.

"Sure, but... Well, the others were able to recall him after you forced them to dig back into their thoughts. Shouldn't that be the same for me? I've tried but can't even remotely recall it," Alice sighed the last of the words as we came to the foyer where Toroah was waiting.

"It may be because it's a past life, not a memory you've experienced in this current existence? That's just my hypothesis on the matter." I cut my eyes up to the rabbit who was giving us both a loving smile. "What do you think, Tor?"

Toroah had clued in on our topic and rubbed at his chin. "Well, past lives memories and the moment of death have always been something that we just couldn't recall unless the greater powers that be willed it. It's probably not the same kind of power as what was used to mask the memories."

"That does make sense. Masking memories would be different from just not having-" Alice perked her ears and seemed to process something as she clenched her fist. "W-wait a sec! Is this going to do something weird to my head? Like... would the past memories override my present ones? Would I forget my current life and such?"

Toroah frowned and shook his head. "No, that's not how it works Alice. You would just 'remember' things, it wouldn't do anything to present you."

"Are you certain of that, Tor? I'll kill your stupid Seraph if they wipe her memories or something." I snarled the threat, clenching my fist as the taller rabbit frowned upon me.

"Lorelai, I swear to you I would not allow something like that to happen to our rabbit." He put a hand to his chest. "Also, please do not be so eager to threaten the most-"

"I'm right here, no need to talk about me like I'm not, you two." Alice pushed between us, laying a hand on each of our chests. "And if your Seraph tried to take the memories of you, or anyone else I love, Toroah... Lorelai will have to get behind me on people ready to kick their ass." She snarled the words, her eyes already glittering red as I felt her energy growing tenser.

"L-Look! I don't think we have to worry about any of that, okay? Let's just go meet with the Seraph, all the other Archangels are already present!" Toroah frowned as he stepped back and summoned the gate.

Alice snorted through her nose before moving to hook her arm around my own. I gave her an approving nod as I poked my nose up and sauntered right through the gate with her on my arm as if proceeding to a ball with my princess.

We once again found ourselves in that nondescript area, though I was more and more convinced these days it was just a large room, not actually a place in the sky somewhere. All of the Archangels were present including my brother Ezekiel.

Gloria's ears perked, tail already wagging as she saw the two of us enter, her eyes shining with adoration for the both of us. I couldn't help but smile at her and Alice did the same. Of course, once Alice realized what had transpired between Gloria and I, one of the first things she did was drag all three of us into bed together.

Several of the angels looked tense though, and I could understand why. This wasn't just about Alice, most of them still had memories of the former Paladin masked, like they had Ryder. Ezekiel was the only one that had fully broken free and that was because he had been turned.

"Welcome back our allies, this is quite an unorthodox meeting to be sure, yet now that you are present and we truly perceive your soul for what it is. It would appear the truth is before us."

"Maybe you should have looked a little harder, maybe I could have been the Paladin and you just never knew." I scoffed and ran my fingers through my bangs in a flourish. The gesture made Alcie giggle and Ezekiel snort out a laugh, all the others present but Gloria just grumbled though.

"Empress Lorelai, it's good to see you again as well." The voice came out sounding flat and unamused.

"So uh... before we do this, am I going to lose my memories or something?" Alice called out, interrupting our banter. It was only fair, this was her moment after all.

"Your memories of your current life will remain intact as Gloria's did, my child."

"Yes, it's an odd sensation, my love, but it simply will feel like you've recalled things suddenly, I have suffered no ill effects from having the memories of both my lives." The retriever gave her a reassuring smile, moving to gently grasp her hand.

I watched the two of them hold hands, thinking back to that time years ago when Gloria first fell. My brother no doubt was as well, I saw the look of regret in his eyes before he averted his gaze, jaw clenching.

"Let us get things underway. This goes without saying, but as to the rest of you, we will be restoring your own memories of the Paladin with this as well, so please brace yourselves for that."

Alice shivered a little, then pulled from Gloria's grasp, standing out on her own as she thrust a hand out. "W-Well, come on then, let's do this!"

I watched her eyes widen, the natural blue in them growing sharper before suddenly shifting to gold. Her outstretched hand clenched in a fist as she closed her eyes, a grimace on her gentle face as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Our daughter, welcome ba-"

"My armor, you have it prepared?" Her eyes opened, red as blood as she spoke the words out coldly.

Just like that, the jeans and shirt seemed to just fade into the silvery-hued sheets of armor as I'd once seen on Ryder. Alice looked it over and frowned, then offered an all too familiar grin as she spoke out, "This won't do, I need the sides to hug my hips more, also add a little window right here in the chest piece to accentuate my cleavage. I'm a temptress, got an image to maintain these days."

I heard the disapproving grunt from the Seraph but the changes were made without any argument. Alice giving more directions until the armor sheets looked fully customized and hugged her small curvy body in a surprisingly sexy way.

"Memories are one thing, but I'm not busting my own ass to practice the sword again. I'll have a halberd this go around, and add some of this to the mix." She nodded to me as I calmly reached into the bag at my side and tossed a large slab of bloodsteel to the ground.

"As you wish, our daugh-"

"Reforge Ryder's sword with some of that too!" She snapped out in a haughty declaration as the Seraph's voice just grunted again and I saw the slab of metal just blink out of sight.

"Hmm... no wings eh?" Alice tapped her chin in thought then shrugged as flames erupted from her back, the hues of them constantly shifting between hellfire and divine, her feet slowly lifting off the ground as she gave the ethereal wings a few awkward flaps.

"How- How is that even possible?!" Ichiro stammered out, his eyes wide.

Alice smirked and willed the wings out of existence, landing on her feet once more. "It's magic, I don't gotta explain shit."

An awkward silence filled the room before she finally sighed and put a hand to her hip. "What? You all not going to rush into my damn arms and tell me how happy you are to see me?!" She glared at the trio of Archangels with an expectant cock of her brow.

"Sister... that really is you in there, isn't it?" Samantha strode over, dropping right to a knee before Alice.

"Yeah, it's me, Sam. You want proof? I'm the one that told you to give it a rest with swords and start slinging around that stupid hammer." Alice showed her sharp teeth in a cocky grin. "Also, maybe I taught your lazy ass everything you knew about using that damn forge."

Her blue eyes widened and Samantha just threw her arms and wings around the rabbit, her teeth gritted, eyes closing as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Gods! A-Alicia...I don't even kno-"

"Hey now... lose the I and A at the end then add an E. Let's stick with Alice these days, okay, Sam?" She cooed the words, moving her fingers through the angel's hair, stroking it lovingly.

Alice gave a snort as she looked up at Ichiro. "You look old as dirt, like always. Were the memories of me masked for you as well?"

Ichiro sighed and shook his head. "Yes, I'm sorry, Alici- Alice."

She grinned and gently pulled from the bovines massive hug. "C'mon Sam, I just got this armor on, don't waterlog it!" Samantha gave a huff as she moved to wipe her face clean of the tears, giving a few nods as I watched her stand and compose herself.

"Sorry I left you to pick up the slack, Ichiro. Wasn't planning to get ripped to shreds, dragged to hell, then reincarnated. I forgot to add it to my daily planner and give you a heads up." Alice hummed the words as she grinned and pushed her hands back behind her head, her little fluff of white tail flicking at the base of one of the armor plates.

Ichiro did something I had never seen him do, he gave an earnest smile. The st bernard nodded as he leaned on the staff. "It's fine, but next time please at least leave a message with my secretary."

Alice gave him an approving grin at the return banter then spun on a heel sauntering right over to Toroah. "And then there's you... Here we are, still together... threads of fate, or some fortune cookie bullshit like that, huh?"

Toroah put a hand over his rosary and shook his head. "I- I want to cry, but I'm also, so very thankful we found one another again, despite it all..."

She grinned and folded her arms. "I hope you realize the wedding is off, Toroah, I'm not the monogamous type these days and apparently neither are you, but you know, I love you and we'll still fuck like bunnies."

Ezekiel gave a disapproving grunt at the banter and Alice showed her teeth in a grin as she looked to the lion. "Ezzy, you son of a bitch!"

The lion was just standing there one moment the next he slammed to the ground with a mighty impact, looking stunned as the rabbit loomed over him, her flaming wings outstretched, feet off the ground as she clenched her fist. "I told you I'd belt you one next time I saw you over that drinking contest!"

Ezekiel snarled and rose to his feet, throwing his own fist out as Alice just smirked and caught it in her smaller palm, the force pushing her back in the air with the movement of the punch.

Me, Rachel, and Gloria just sat there watching the rabbit and lion have a little sparring match. It stood to reason none of us would be part of this little trip down memory lane. Rachel, like Ryder, didn't even enter into the fold until after the Paladin had fallen. After a few moments I cleared my throat loudly, both the lion and rabbit halting what they were doing, each tangled up in a grapple with wide grins on their faces.

"Are you done catching up, my love?" I called out dryly.

Alice and Ezekiel shared a smile before pulling from one another. The rabbit huffed out and walked over to Rachel, cocking a brow as she looked the fox over. "Rachel... this is an interesting situation we find ourselves in... let me ask you a question."

She frowned and straightened her posture a little. "W-What is it, Paladin?"

"Since Ryder is my little headspace boyfriend from ages ago, does that mean you'll get off your high horse about me dating your daughter and let me bang you now?" Alice cooed the words, her eyes shining red as Rachel gave a little awkward bark at the words.

"Alice... is now really the time for that?" I sighed and folded my arms.

"I mean, I'm still a sex demon, even if I'm now a divine scion as well." Alice gave a shrug and smirked. "I've been a clusterfuck of powers and a complete mess from the start, but one thing I've always been is horny."

The Seraph's voice rang out at last, "Our daughter, it is done."

Alice gave an approving snort as the halberd just appeared in her grasp, sized for her smaller body. The rabbit looked it over with a surprisingly astute eye, analyzing the workmanship of it. "Hmph... age hasn't slowed you down, still a hell of a smith. You got my partner's sword as well?"

The longsword just popped into view in its scabbard before her feet. Alice scooped it up in her offhand, tossing it over her shoulder towards me. I caught the divine blade, feeling the overwhelming power from it as I casually clipped it onto my side, now sporting three swords.

"Seraph, I'm none too happy about you pulling this bullshit, hiding my memories from everyone. I get why you did it, but I'm still not thrilled." Alice casually spoke the words while looking the halbert over, giving it a few swings before willing the polearm and her armor out of existence, leaving her fully bared before everyone.

"Oh, right... good thing that wasn't my favorite outfit." She gave a snort and walked over to me with a cocky grin on her face, her perky breasts bouncing as several of the room's occupants just awkwardly averted their eyes.

With an exaggerated sigh, she willed the armor back upon her form and gave a shrug. "Lorelai... I think this goes without saying, but you have my sword, or spear as it were." Alice frowned and rubbed her chin. "Or would it be axe? You have my polearm, how's that? Doesn't sound as cool but whatever."

I giggled at her rambling and moved in, giving her lips a quick kiss, but then Alice snarled and threw her arms around me forcing me into a deeper embrace. I grunted as my eyes widened, feeling the unfiltered divine energy roaring through me, an odd mingling of all the other amalgamations of power the rabbit had as well.

Our tongues rolled against one another as I groaned out at the intensity, then huffed in protest as she broke from me to grab up Gloria, pulling her down and giving her the same. My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped back composing myself as I watched the retriever snarl and growl while kissing her.

The other angels just awkwardly looked away as Alice finished by diving on Toroah next, knocking him to the ground and shoving her mouth to his own as well. I sighed and put a hand on my hip, stomping forward a few paces. "So anyway, Triallia can punch a gate open into the lowest level, now that we have Alice fully rocking her Paladin memories again, she should be able to act as a key."

She pulled back from her makeout session with Toroah, wiping her jaw before climbing off him and helping the other rabbit back up. "Yeah, that's no problem."

"It would appear the time is drawing close at hand, what of our children? Can they join you?"

My head shook as I answered, "Triallia isn't sure on that. Told me to give her a month to talk to her scholars."

Alice showed her sharp teeth as her eyes shifted to gold. "That works out, I've got to talk to Kazemde and Elias. I know of my wolf's gambit somewhat and what she tried to do. I plan to change the rules of the game to suit my desires."

"Your wolf?" I cocked a brow.

Toroah cleared his throat. "Ah, even though Alicia was my fiancee, her and Charlotte were quite close, it was something I didn't make a fuss about..."

I frowned as I looked to Alice. "Ah, so you mean-"

She clenched her fist and snarled as the gold in her vision bled away to red. "Yes... it's beyond personal that my beloved has given herself up for this. However, if I can bend the rules, make prophecies go unfulfilled, the Lord of hell will have no choice but to return her soul as the bargain was unfulfilled."

"What if he refused?" I asked dryly.

Alice showed her teeth in a smarmy grin. "You and I will kill him in cold blood."

"My child, you speak madness!" The Seraph quickly responded as the two of us grinned at one another.

"Madness is not keeping their kind on a short leash. I've met several good ones of their kind, but all the aristocrats are corrupt. Like with the Great Spirits, new ones would take their place. If we have to clean house to get Charlotte's soul back, so be it." Alice shrugged as if it were no big deal.

"And, like it or not, if he refuses the transaction, he'll be exceptionally weak for breaking an oath of agreement," I followed up as Alice gave me a nod.

The Seraph spoke out with a surprisingly stern tone, "You cannot, this would plunge us straight into a war with the entirety of the underworld."

"So be it." Ichiro snarled out as we all looked upon him. "Twice we've had them take a Paladin from us, we've more than enough provocation to declare it. I, like Lorelai, suffered for nearly two centuries with the knowledge of my brother's imprisonment and my own powerlessness to save him."

"I agree. The centuries of suffering Alicia, Ichiro, and Ryder have had to endure? We are more than justified!" Samantha offered her own support of the idea.

"The magi, the lycanthropes... why, with recent events, perhaps even the Faemarch. We stand to create quite the unified front against the demon hoards." Toroah also nodded.

"Seraph! I'll wipe the lords of hell out myself to get what is mine returned to me!" Rachel barked the words out, clenching her fist as she snarled.

"We should summon all our forces back to the citadel and prepare for war then. There is little need to keep them watching our own allies when the real threat needs to be addressed." Gloria gave a nod to Ezekiel who returned her gaze.

"It's true, Seraph. All six of your Archangels stand opposed to your passivity, what will you do?" Ezekiel snarled out the words in challenge.

There was a long heavy silence to follow and I cleared my throat. "Seraph, we are not so different, you and I. We both want what is best for our family. I understand your fears, however, I am not asking you to fling your children against an army of demons. I'm asking for you to be at the ready."

"Please explain, Empress of Bloodstone."

I sneered at the title, but this had become a diplomatic situation so I let it pass. "Simply put, I want the weapon of mass destruction primed and ready. I don't plan to negotiate civilly, I plan to do it at gunpoint. The armies of the nine hells are mighty, but they would be swept clean by a united front of Fae, Lycanthrope, Vampire, Magi, and Celestial."

"I didn't ask. This is happening, period. As the supreme commander of the military, I order all of you to gather your squads and prepare them. Ichiro, provide my brother Ezekiel with a personal squad of knights as well as my sister Gloria. If we have fallen in the greater world, offer them a position within Gloria's unit, allow them the opportunity to redeem themselves. Gather the cadets as well, we will have everything ready to throw at them like we did during the Crusade wars," Alice spoke out the orders, giving each of the Archangels a cold business-like gaze.

"Seraph, the winds of change blow in your face, be sure you don't spit into them," Alice spoke the words pointedly as she simply threw open a gate to the Archmage's chamber of the magi circle. "I go to do my part, I will rally the magi and others, but first I must speak with Ryder."

Like that, she was through the gate and we were left alone. I gave a whistle at how impressive she had been, I found it rather sexy if I'm being truthful. I did enjoy when my rabbit took the reins both in and out of the bedroom.

"So it is." I moved over to Ezkiel and slapped a hand against his arm. "Brother, I will explain things to mother. Stay here for now with your family, be the leader I know you are, the leader Ryder knows you are."

He clasped a hand over mine and nodded. "What will you do sister?"

"I will do my part. I will ready the whole of the Bloodstone court, but I'll hope it doesn't come to that."

The Seraph called out to me, "Lorelai, do you think your people will so readily rally to you, rally to you over celestials in need?"

My ears lifted at the Seraph's words as I showed my teeth with a snarl. "My people trust me, Seraph. They trust I have their best interests at heart, which I do. We count demons amongst our ranks, but the underworld has never attempted to ally with us. It is still a threat to us and has technically struck against one of our most cherished diplomats, a very clear provocation for war."

"It would appear the powers that be, move against our will. We will pray that the course our children pursue is the correct one."

"Your holiness. Should we secure Charlotte's soul, must she be returned to the cycle with no memories, or can we not just restore her body?" Ichiro quirked a brow as he leaned against his staff.

"Her body is gone, but we could offer her ascension, should she agree she would be reborn as any new celestial. We could then reawaken her memories as we had just done with the Paladin."

"Well, speaking of Paladins. Why not just make another weapon to store her soul in? Could you not just make her a Paladin posthumously as it were? The weapon will restore her body so long as the soul is intact, isn't that the way it works?" Toroah chimed in, cocking his brow.

"Our son, we do not have an infinite wellspring of power to simply... That is to say there has never been more than..." The Seraph's voice trailed off for a long moment, then finally with a tone of resignation, spoke once more, "Perhaps it is possible, Ryder petitioned her as a Paladin long ago when we first offered him the position, he said she was more befitting of it... Give us time to see if it is possible."

"I think that is the best course of action. Charlotte sacrificed her very soul for him and all of us, if any is worthy of such a title, it would be her." I voiced my own approval, then hissed out as I cut my eyes towards the source of the divinity.

Glaring hard I spoke in deceleration, "I will cast aside my misgivings in their entirety and trust your kind in this time to come. Show me you are half as honorable as you claim to be and you will have the greatest allies you could hope for. Aim a dagger at my back, and know I'll end you myself, not your people, but you, hand of your useless gods." My teeth showed as I spat out the warning, then stepped through the gate to where the Elder awaited me.

--*--

Elias Blackpaw:

The divine flame; Elias is one of Lorelai's oldest proteges. He wields divine radiant flames, also known as foxfire that was bestowed upon him from his former sire. The flames Elias draws forth can purify and dispel alike, tearing away magical barriers or hexes if channeled properly.

Elias was an original member of Lorelai's house of Silverpaw but eventually left when he became estranged from his wife Sarnai. He established house Blackpaw with Katrina Blackpaw who would later go on to become his personal mistress along with Alice Blackpaw.

When Elias made amends with his wife, they agreed to share joint leadership of house Blackpaw. He is one of the few of the vampire race that the Celestial council considers an Archvampire. He shares a close bond with Archangel Toroah.

--*--

With Alice at the Magi Circle.

I sauntered through the gate with a grin on my face, Kazemde giving a startled hiss at my sudden intrusion. "Alice! Goodness, you gave me quite the shock!"

"Sorry, Kaz. I was eager to talk to Ryder and you," I hummed the words, putting a hand on my hip, feeling the smooth clingy plate of armor there, waiting on the barrage of questions that was about to erupt from his mouth.

Kazemde's hood puffed out as his mouth gapped slightly. "A-Alice...?"

"Yes?" I folded my arms, giving him a playful smile.

"Why are you dressed... why do you feel like a Paladin?"

"Normal mundane rabbit turns out to be ancient soul of Paladin after being turned as a vampire, read all about it on page thirty seven of this weeks daily star!" I huff the words out with a dramatic flourish of my hands.

The humor was obviously lost on the cobra as he tried to process it. I scowled and folded my arms, making a mental note to make Kazemde get out more. Finally, he spoke out, "It's true, isn't it? You... there's no mistaking that aura and energy. I feel the same thing when I commune with Ryder."

"It is true and we've got a lot to talk about Kazemde. I'm about to bust hell wide open, literally, not figuratively. Before that though, let me talk to my cellmate boyfriend." I stretched my hand out expectantly as I nodded at the large ruby on his desk.

"O-Oh... well, yes! I was just chatting with Ryder when- wait, boyfriend?" He cocked a brow.

"I spent over a year rooting around in his head, you think I didn't flirt with him and shit? Paladin or not, I'm still me, Kaz. I was spiritually banging incubi and succubi down there for ages, it's no wonder I turned with their traits." I gave a laugh as I sauntered right over and snatched the gem up off the desk, showing my teeth as I spoke out, "S'up?"

There was a long pause before finally, recognition took hold. "... A...licia?"

"Hey lover, how you been?" I gave Kazemde a wave of my hand as I sauntered right out of his office with the gem in tow, making my way through the tower as if I were holding a conversation on my cellphone.

"Alicia! H-How?!"

"That dip-shit Seraph was useless when I got back and I just had a feeling if I went back to mortal-land, I'd figure something out, looks like my hunch was right!"

"It's so... Thank the gods!"

"Thank Lorelai and Triallia instead." I laughed out as some of the mages I passed gave me odd looks, but had obviously seen the gem from time to time. Rumors no doubt abounded about what it was. Then again I was a succubus strutting around in skimpy armor, maybe that was what the looks were all about.

"Triallia? That's the Great Spirit Lorelai told me about. Last I heard she was going to be going to meet with her."

"That's right, love. The short version is, well... she's told you about... Alice, yes?"

"Her lover? Yes, quite a lot actually! I'm thrilled she managed to find love despite everything that's happened. She's mentioned her, Sarnai, and even recently, Gloria."

"Ah, I've been a poor influence on my sheep." I giggled as I hip checked a guest room door open, willing the armor away as I flopped right on the bed naked. "Short version, that's me, Ryder. I'm Alice, I was rocking my former soul the whole time and now I remember it all."

"Gods! That must have been such a shock for you!"

I shrugged as I held the gem to my chest. "Feh... only a little, I was more pissed off than anything else. But hey, I said I'd get it sorted, and here we are. Thanks to Lor and Trilly, I'll be seeing you again, and we've got a lot of things to discuss, we're busting you out real soon, lover-boy."

"Wait, how and when?"

Even I could hear the eagerness in his voice, or thoughts as it were, I couldn't blame him, It had been nearly two centuries now. "That's what we're going to go over, love. I also want you to speak with my master and brother, Elias. He will be playing quite the pivotal role in things to come, but before that."

My eyes sharpened as an edge came to my voice. "Tell me, everything about Charlotte, everything you know of her mentality, the words she spoke to you, and the deal she struck. Even the smallest scrap of information, I need everything."

--*--

Katrina Blackpaw:

Blood Revenant; Katrina joined house Silverpaw when Elias found her in Germany during the second world war. She was one of only a few vampires born with the gift of Thaumaturgy which allowed her to use her own blood to perform various feats.

When Elias became estranged from Sarnai, Katrina remained with him in the forming of house Blackpaw. Later with Alice's influence, she'd become his lover as well as his wife's. Katrina had deep-seated feelings for Sarnai Blackpaw from well before, even going so far as to refuse to strike her down in a pivotal moment in the battle for her Master's life.

Katrina Blackpaw branched out her study to the ancient forbidden art of blood magic, blending her unique gift with the cursed magic to become a truly formidable force to be reckoned with. She was able to stand before Triallia alongside her Master when she came to Sarnai's defense. Katrina is brutally powerful and even an equal to Elias in one on one combat.

--*--

A few weeks later I stepped back into the Faemarch, but not a flowery field, this time my boots landed on well-hewn stone flooring. A rather eccentric throne room spread out before me, in fact it wasn't a room at all. I was literally standing on a path of stone surrounded by dense tangled forest growth that seemed to spiral upwards to an open canopy of foliage that let light beam down right on the throne Triallia was perched upon.

The vines and roots of the area seemed to perfectly coalesce into making natural walls and entry halls that branched out to other sections of the complex. Instead of braziers, large man-sized flowers dotted the area, giving off a soft ambient light that seemed to illuminate the portions of the area the canopy light didn't reach. Of course, we had already confirmed some time ago the Faemarch's sunlight didn't have the effects the light of the mundane realm had on us.

"Welcome to my home, Lorelai. You're only the second from the mundane realms I've allowed to visit my inner sanctum. I'd say to feel privileged, but I know you won't." The vixen showed her rows of sharp teeth in a smug grin, flipping her hair back as she lazily stood from the throne that looked to be made of tangled roots and leaves.

"I can appreciate the hospitality, Triallia, thank you for having me in your home." I took a knee and offered a respectful bow, lowering my head as I spoke the words.

The spirit barked out and put her paws on her hips. "Well, you can be dignified when you wish to be, can't you?"

"Simply put, I strive to uphold a proper representation of our kind when I'm not desperately seeking to protect them or the ones I love." I rose and put my own hand on my hip. "I will of course afford respect and be civil when we are not locked in combat, especially as a guest of your home. I assume I have hospitium while here?"

"Of course you do, that was a given when I invited you." The Ninetails rolled her myriad of tails as she sauntered right over, that same hungry look upon her muzzle she had when we parted. She leaned in close to me and I couldn't help but feel myself lean back slightly as she gave me a huff. "Oh, I recognize that scent... Sarnai gave you a proper send-off, eh?"

"I don't hide my activities, of course, I did have the courtesy to clean up after, but I suppose your scent would be extremely keen." My cheeks still darkened as I glanced away.

"Well, come along, we're going to go to the archives." Triallia stepped back a few paces before turning, her mass of tails rolling along and even I could clearly smell her desires, I also caught Alice's scent on her but it was faint, as if a few days old. My lover had no doubt woken up the spirit's sex drive with her attentions.

Triallia cut her green eyes back towards me, as if silently acknowledging my thoughts on her scent, then stepped a little more to the side so I wasn't walking directly behind her.

We moved through one of the huge archways of tangled foliage and down an oddly lit corridor with small flowers that glowed as the larger ones in the throne room had, keeping the interior constantly bathed in light.

Stepping into the next chamber, I came across a massive sprawling library that seemed to stretch out before me, bookshelves made of gnarled root stretching high into the air with tangled vines that acted as ramps, spiraling upwards multiple stories, not unlike how the magi circle's tower would do. Once again, there was a canopy of leaves that just parted above to shed light fully down all over the interior of the library.

"Gods... If Kazemde were here he'd faint..." I looked around, slowly taking it all in. There had to be millions of books and scrolls in this area. Forgotten knowledge from who knows how long ago.

"Hmm... yes, I had to actually grow a few more floors for it once I took possession of my sibling's collections. That was one of the details to me not just imprisoning them and torturing them for the rest of time." Triallia growled the words and motioned me to follow with a paw as we started up one of the ramps.

We scaled up to the third floor equivalent of the library, all the while various fae spirits flitting about doing their own tasks assigned to them. It was not unlike the magi circle in that regard, scholars doing what scholars did, only now as various creatures out of a fairytale book.

"My lead scholar is a little... eccentric, please bear with her, Lorelai." Triallia sighed the words out, the tone in her voice saying she was already tired at the idea of dealing with her.

My brow rose as we stepped before a centaur or centauress more accurately. Her white and green ears perked up as she sensed our approach and I heard the heavy clop of hooves as she slowly turned to face us. Of course, her lower half was that of an ancient primitive-horse, fur-like hair sporting mostly white with patches of green that streaked through it. Her upper torso sported a thin coat of white fur that shifted to an almost mint-colored green like Triallia's did, but seemed to fade to a soft copper-colored flesh past her navel.

Unlike the fox-spirit, her facial features were much more mundane in appearance, her cheeks round and sunken in just enough to give her dimples. Her sky blue eyes widened at the sight of me as she trotted right over to me, the movement making her very large breasts bounce and sway in the thin leafy-looking top she wore. I mean, I've got a lot going on upstairs, and even then she had several inches to mine.

"Oh, my mistress! Oh... oh! Where have you been all my life, cute sheep!" The centauress clopped around me, circling me like a cat would as I snarled and shifted my hand to my wakizashi. Triallia rolled her eyes as she stepped back a few paces.

"Relax, Lorelai, she's harmless, just has no common courtesy," Triallia grumbled as she folded her arms.

"You're one of those... vampires, correct?" She peered down at me curiously. She had a few feet on me which was no surprise.

My eyes shifted to red as I hissed out through my teeth, "Something like that..."

"You smell good! You wanna mate?" She gave me an eager grin, her tail flicking a few times at her flank as she looked me over like a predator ready to pounce.

"I don't even know you." I spat out and narrowed my eyes.

She tilted her head curiously, her drooped ears lifting. "Eh? What's that got to do with anythi-"

"Erymysios!" Triallia barked out with a growl and the centauress gave a shocked huff and rose back up, her back straightening as she clopped back over to the desk she'd been standing at.

"Apologies, Mistress! I just lose focus when something so lovely passes by!"

"Hmph... I suppose I should be flattered..." I eased my tension as Triallia shook her head.

"Don't humor her, Lorelai. She gets enough attention. I'd know the secrets of the universe by now if she spent half as much time doing her tasks as she did having sex!" Triallia snarled the words while glaring at the centauress.

"Mistress! I work very hard and play very hard, I can't help it if mating is so fun!" She huffed out with a pout.

"Explain the celestial and gate theory to Lorelai, now." Triallia barked the orders and Erymysios gave a quick nod of her head.

The centauress shifted straight into a scholarly tone, "The spatial quantum foam that displaces during regular temporal fluctuations seems to be harmonized with the adjoining wavelength of the destination route. Divine energy signatures would collide with the displacement, leading to reactionary friction of the adjoining entryway."

I blinked a few times then clicked my tongue at Triallia. "Could she give me a summary?"

Erymysios gave an awkward cough as she rubbed the back of her head with a grin. "Sorry! Uhm... angels go in, they get thrown back out. It's not a matter of charging in faster or harder either, it would match their inertia."

With a nod of understanding, I spoke out skeptically, "So how did said angel get dragged into Kalinae's gate then?"

"Given what I know of the situation, I believe the demon used a symbiotic transferal of highly entropic life energy to stabilize the quantum foam dissipation, hence-" Triallia glared at the centauress as she cleared her throat. "Uhm... We'll call it a blood gate for simplicity's sake. She used a special uhm... ritual that used her own uh... life force to create the rift. This is why as she was attacked and injured, her real self sustained some damage, but mostly it just uh... shortened the time she could remain."

"So... by using her own life force, she was able to break the rules, so to speak?" I cocked a brow as I rubbed my chin.

The centauress gave me a bright grin and nodded. "Yes! Also, it's highly likely she sacrificed several other life forces in the process of completion of the gate!"

"So... we can't get angels in without sacrificing others?" I glanced over at Triallia.

"Well, that's not entirely correct, it's just a source of energy, but if you've already got cattle at the slaughter, why not, yes?" The Ninetails tapped a padded-finger to her head. "Think like a demon lord, why prick your finger for blood, when a dozen souls can do the work for you."

I frowned at that and nodded. "So what about occupancy?"

Erymysios perked up and cleared her throat, Triallia giving her a glare before she frowned and composed herself. "Uh... well if we are talking about a 'blood gate', then there is no limit, however, there isn't anything stopping something from coming in from the other side either!"

"Meaning, if I did this, I'd need you to have beings to watch my back while I held the gate, beings able to stand up to Demon Lord level power. Even Kalinae's personal sentries would be comparable to the Lords that reside in the levels above hers. If I have to stop channeling my powers to fight, the gate will close." Triallia gave a nod, elite magi, and vampires?" I gave Triallia a challenging grin as her eyes widened.

The Ninetails frowned as she spoke dryly, "Ah, Alice mentioned something to that extent. Are you hoping my people will join in on this little war you're brewing, Lorelai?"

"As I told the Seraph, I mostly just want to have an ace up my sleeve. You get more with kind words and a gun, than just kind words." I showed the fox a challenging grin. "Not to mention if it did come to it, all of us together would handily route them, I'm sure there would be much to gain from subjucating the losers of the conflict."

"You tempt me with more power, you know me so well already, my ewe. Yes, I think we're going to have to have a long personal talk when this is over." Triallia licked her chops as she looked me over like a piece of meat.

"Oh! Don't forget about me, Mistress! I'll happily-"

"Yes, I know! You rambunctious ball of sexual energy! For now, focus on your tasks!" Triallia barked out as Erymysios interrupted the sexual tension.

I bit my lower lip and shook my head, refocusing before giving the Great Spirit a nod. "So you in on this? I think we can handle things without having to pull the trigger, but it'd be reassuring all the same."

"It sound fun, I'll give a whirl." The Ninetails waved a hand dismissively. "I'll explain to my siblings they are to gather their most elite forces, and that they themselves will be supplying the life energy for the gate, that will keep them weakened so they won't try anything too... foolish, while I am focused on my own task."

There was a loud blast of pressure as I slammed my fist into my open palm, flames rolling off my form as I snarled with a wide hungry grin. "Yes! Oh, I'll rip that little demon whore apart piece by piece, I'm going to relish this..."

"Oooh gods! This sheep is delicious, can I pounce her, mistress?!" Erymysios cooed out excitedly as I shifted my red eyes to her, a haze in my vision as I realized my ancient blood's hunger was starting to overwhelm me at the sheer thought of things. I snarled and composed myself with a sigh.

"You back with us now, Lorelai?" Triallia gave me a knowing grin.

"Apologies, this has just been a long time coming..." I folded my arms, averting my eyes as the centauress clopped about on her hooves as if getting ready to tackle me to the ground.

"Rein it in. If you go full-tilt mindless rage, she'll play you with ease, Lorelai." Triallia cautioned me as she wagged a padded-finger.

I cut my eyes at the eager Erymysios and cleared my throat. "Anything on the whole soul and contract issue?"

The centauress perked her ears and slapped her pawhands together, the motion making her breasts bounce rather exaggeratedly. "Yes! Mistress's new wife has garnered quite a lot of information from the imprisoned-"

"Wife?!" I hissed out furiously and wheeled on Triallia, eyes red and fangs bared.

"Erymysios you idiot! She isn't my wife, just my lover!" Triallia barked out then gave me an apologetic look. "Peace, Lorelai, I'm not trying to take your rabbit from you."

My heart was pounding as I pushed a hand to my chest, turning from them. I was furious, the very idea of it. Did Alice truly have this kind of hold to my heart? I knew I loved her, knew I'd die for her, but such unbridled jealousy was not something I'd felt often.

"Sorry! I only assumed! Uh... Lorelai?" Erymysios frowned and spoke out to me as I lifted my ears and turned to face her once more.

"Apologies for my outburst, please continue, Erymysios."

The centauress gave a grin and nodded. "As I was saying... I've gotten as much of the contract pieced together as I could from the information I gathered from both of the Paladin's along with what some of the celestials were aware of."

She clopped over to the other side of the table, looking over a parchment as she continued, "So... Charlotte agreed to fall under very clear pretenses. It seems she would cast away her divinity and aid the demons in their plot. This was in exchange for the sword and a chance to say goodbye to Ryder."

I frowned at that. "Fuck... so the contract was completed."

"Not quite all the contracts..." Erymysios winked as she wagged a finger. "You see, that was only one contract, and it was with Kalinae directly. She offered her soul directly to the Lord of the Underworld for very specific conditions."

"Yeah? And what were those?" My brow rose, feeling my heart thumping in my chest harder.

"He wouldn't free the Paladin, but the contract offered the Paladin a chance to free himself, as it were. When the time came, when there was a chance for it, Kalinae's chains upon him would fail and he'd be allowed a moment to attempt to strike her down."

"Okay, but that obviously hasn't happened yet, it's one of those prophetic what-if scenarios. So, basically, if we bust in, confront her, the contract could be complete, he'd be freed to join us, but that would also seal Charlotte's fate. That's... pretty fucking evil, I've got to admit." I frowned and shook my head.

"Yes, but Alice has other plans," Triallia spoke out conversationally.

"She mentioned Elias, I have an inkling of an idea, but you know more?" I tilted my head at them both.

"I've already summoned her, she should be joining us shortly." Triallia glared over at Erymysios who was already looking eager to see the 'wife' of her mistress. The fox growled and waved a paw. "You get back to work, we'll meet Alice in the throne room. You're not touching that bunny, while she's here, she's mine and I don't share what's mine!"

Erymysios gave a disapproving groan as Triallia stalked off and I gave the centauress an apologetic nod before following her. I lifted a brow as we walked, giving her an expectant look. The Ninetails scoffed and once out of earshot of the eager centauress spoke, "I only say such things to keep my followers at bay. My people are very... eager, Lorelai. We are spirits of the spring which is ideal mating times for most beings."

I cocked a brow at that. "So you don't want her messing with your subordinates because of some worries over powers or something?"

"Gods no... I'm just a greedy fox. It's one thing if one of her other lovers like you is present, but when she's here, none are to lay a paw on that rabbit." Triallia growled the words possessively and I nodded.

"Fair, so long as you remember she-"

"Yes, I know... if any were going to make her a wife, it is you. I've sensed your bond plainly, Lorelai." I frowned at her words, feeling my heart thumping in my chest at them. I had far too many lovers these days to consider matrimony, but then again, Elias and Sarnai did just fine, both having their fair share of mates.

We didn't have to wait long once we returned to the throne room, a gate snapping open just a few minutes after. Alice sauntered in wearing snug blue jeans and a t-shirt with a heavy denim jacket over it. Her halberd was slung over her shoulder a grin spread across her face. "Oh, if it isn't my favorite ewe and nature spirit."

Triallia gave a hungry growl as she moved before her, the two clasping hands and paws together. Alice deftly tilted her head to the side, giving a full open mouth to muzzle kiss, already looking adept at kissing her despite the differences.

It was odd to see, my heart still thumping in my ears as she broke from Triallia, giving her a loving coo, a hand under the Ninetails, jaw, scratching her chin as the dog rolled her tails, giving a pleased growl.

She saw I was staring and gently pulled from the vixen to saunter right up to me. She stabbed her halbert into the earth and threw her arms around me, pushing into a deep open-mouthed kiss with me as well, our tongues flicking and rolling as I shuddered.

We kissed for several moments before she pulled away, giving me a cute huff before breaking from my embrace to gather her polearm back up. "So... should I assume you called me to mull over our plans?"

"That's correct, my love." Triallia growled as I blinked at the endearing pet name, it hadn't been that long, but this was Alice we were talking about, and the Spirit hadn't had affection in centuries.

Triallia took a seat on her throat once more as Alice paced between the two of us. "So what are you up to speed on, Lorelai?"

"Everything, but apparently you have some plan to avoid the contract she agreed to with freeing him?"

Alice showed her sharp teeth with a haughty little smirk. "Of course... I believe a certain ewe once told me, you outfox the fox..."

I smiled at the memory and waved a hand. "What's your plan, Paladin?"

She hummed proudly at the title and flicked her tail. "Charlotte's contract is very clear. The bonds will fail, he will have a moment to strike. Once that happens, the deal is done."

"Yes, that seems to be the gist of it." Triallia sat forward, tails rolling as she cocked her head. "But you... you plan to annul that option, don't you?"

"That's right, my foxy-love!" Alice wagged a finger. "Here's the gist of it. Val has a connection with Ryder, and Elias has spoken with him a few times, isn't that right, my ewe?"

"Well, yes. Ryder and Val actually considered one another as friends. Elias spoke with him a few times over the centuries but doesn't really, know him, per se." I gave a nod to the questions.

"All the same! So, Val comes in with us, while we're busy taking out the trash. He and Elias get to Ryder. Val sets up a dreamland connection with the there of them. At this point, Elias who is our resident enchantment busting specialist will get to work tearing down those chains and torpor on him."

"Are sure Elias can do that, especially from the dreamscape?" I cocked a brow curiously.

"Totally, time will be slower once there and I've no doubt my master will figure things out, especially with Val there to help! Hopefully, by the time everything is torn down and Ryder is free, we've already put Kalinae down. This will null him being able to strike her down himself, and also null her binding weakening at a pivotal moment."

"At which point the contract is broken, the Lord would have no choice but to return her soul at that juncture." I gave a nod as I rubbed my chin in thought.

"I'd like to wax melancholy for a moment if I may?" Triallia barked out as both our gazes shifted to hers. "Demons are nothing if not conviving. The master of the underworld has nothing but time on his paws. Perhaps the contract was worded in a way that can be malleable?"

"I thought that as well, but apparently when it comes to contracts for souls, even the dark gods get preeeettty pissy with you if you mess around with them. They have to be very specific and concise." Alice wagged a finger as she hummed the words.

"Mmm... perhaps, but I would still use caution with this approach." The Ninetails frowned as she rubbed her chin with a paw.

"It'd be no fun if it didn't have some kinks to work out. He messes with us, me and Lorelai will boot his ass to the abyss and the dark gods can find a new boss for the place!" Alice huffed the words and jabbed a thumb into her chest.

"Damn right we will, love." I gave her a cocky huff as we both knocked our fists together.

Triallia gave a laugh that sounded mixed with a bark. "You're both mad, but your confidence is infectious. Very well, It will take a few weeks to organize all the moving parts. Let us get to work."

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