[hr]ATTN: [@PaulHaynek] (Takeshi), [@The Irish Tree] (Eula), & [@Rezod92] (Kerry)[hr][hider=Broken Doors Open Dangerous Paths To Explore]Like an explosion, everything happened with an unpredictable suddenness, as Carroll kicked the door in, then Eula shows up, then Takeshi showed up, with the Sword Devil barking at her, the Automaton holding two onigiri, the Human looking like he'd never seen a pair of lesbians, and all while she was buck-ass naked with several bite taken out of her from Kerry's efforts.

However, there was one thing that held true about Alice, and that was her recovery speed - upstairs and downstairs - as her combat style was based on quick and sharp parries and feint attacks. As such, recovering from shock and awe tactics was nothing but a momentary bout of hesitation, before she launched out of the bed - as if, phasing through Kerry.

"[color=976f29]Carroll~[/color]" Alice says, extending her left hand, in all too familiar motion, as her right arm fell eerily limp, "[color=0F52BA]To me.[/color]"

Carroll groaned, as her body liquefied slowly, and was being removed from Takeshi's hold, as she was being transformed by Alice's sheer force of will, and reformed in Alice's hand as a [url=https://i.imgur.com/Q7xxKWQ.png]demonic axe[/url].

"[color=808080][i]Don't you get uppity with me...[/i][/color]" Carroll growled, "[color=9b111e][b]'LEST I CUT YOU WIDE, LITTLE GIRL![/b][/color]"

In a moment of tension, Kerry, Takeshi, and Eula were witness to the return of the Wonderlandian Monarch, Alice... No, the Queen of Diamonds was back.

"[color=0F52BA]So confident someone under MY CONTROL,[/color]" Alice says, as she flexed her arm, and Carroll writhed in pain and fury.

"[color=9b111e][b]Control!? You know nothing of the word, but how to speak it! I'll show you control, YOU IMPUDENT BRAT![/b][/color]" Carroll snapped, as she unraveled and reformed in Alice's right arm - the muscles snapping to existence, and strengthening.

"[color=0F52BA]Release me![/color]" Alice growled, wrenching her right arm with her left, as armor raced down, and plunged into her shoulder.

Carroll just cackled, as she glowed red-hot, and initiated the transformation. Alice's dress transformed, as her height increased, and silver merged into her crimson hair, turning it pink, as it grew long. As Alice changed, so, too, did Carroll, as she lengthened into a long sword with a split blade that separated in the middle, then merged at the top once again, and deep, reddish-purple mixture for her two scissor blades.

For a moment, [url=https://i.imgur.com/xsZAo6Y.png]the figure[/url] stood motionless, and Terauchi Temple and further beyond would feel the Expression of Subjugation that only a Lilim possessed, as Alice's Mana gushed freely from her - flowers growing beneath her feet, and spreading their petals across the floor.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]Nnn![/b][/i][/color]" Alice suddenly groaned, as she reached up with her left hand, and started to strangle herself.

It was now or never for Eula and Kerry to react and separate the two…

[color=fff79a][i]What the hell!? Can’t even start making a nest around here without some shit going down, IN MY ROOM no less![/i][/color]

Kerry wisely kept that comment in her mind, barely able to redress herself once more before looking up just in time to see Alice in the middle of a transformation she has never seen before, Carroll encasing the mad hatter’s right arm in armor, up to her shoulder. Where did this form come from!? Questions for another day as the hornet saw Alice trying to choke herself out. Thinking quickly, Kerry threw out her right hand, black bracelet vibrating as Dusk flew into her hand. Then, she threw the spear into Alice’s right arm, hoping to disrupt this transformation because it was clear her future husband didn’t want any of this. As that was happening, the hornet then buzzed up to Alice’s new height.

[color=fff79a]”Alice, stop!”[/color], shouted Kerry as she tried to pry Alice’s hand off her neck.

After a moment’s hesitation in which Eula detached her head to escape Takeshi’s headlock, Eula would swoop into the room just as Kerry threw a spear at Carroll, the Automaton rushing to catch it rather than having it strike her…lover? Fiancee? Brunch buddy? She wasn’t sure…but she was sure she could reach Carroll. A hand would gently seize Alice’s right wrist, tracing down it ever so slightly until she touched Carroll’s midpoint. 

Her spare hand was fumbling a bit to not drop her head or the riceballs, until she tossed her head back onto her shoulders, a mechanical hiss sounding as her head repressurized. [color=C48BD3][b]"Carroll. I have brought breakfast,"[/b][/color] the automaton said, leaving Alice to Kerry to deal with. 

"[color=5d7947][i][b]Breakfast!? Pests, the both of you! You would assault divinity!? I will trade your souls for forgiveness![/b][/i][/color]" Alice barked, as Kerry and Eula pried at the two.

Her expression was empty, yet dark, as she spoke with confidence and hatred, yet authority and kindness, all feigned and genuine at once. However, as Carroll was gripped by Eula, and Kerry got a hold for Alice, her expression switched to panic and elation.

"[color=0F52BA][i]I can barely control this! She's only distracted! Hurry![/i][/color]" Alice groaned. "[color=976f29][i]Pull, Kerry! As hard as you can![/i][/color]"

"[color=9b111e][b]Pull harder, Automaton! Before she takes over again![/b][/color]" Carroll barked, as she barely peeled away from the armored hand, "[color=808080][i]Eula, be careful! My blade is vorpal! A single slip, and you'll rend your hand![/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"I won’t apologize for bringing the most important meal of the day. That aside, we need to speak,"[/b][/color] Eula said before fearlessly grabbing Carroll’s hand, using small pulses of her demonic energy stun gun to identify the cutting points and avoid them while tugging at Carroll.

[color=fff79a]”You two can talk AFTER we deal with this!”[/color], exclaimed Kerry as she flew behind Alice, one hand still trying to pry the hand on her neck while the other wrapped around the mad hatter’s waist for a decent grip before hovering backwards, pulling.

Between the two, and whatever was keeping the new form distracted, Eula and Kerry would be able to separate sword and duelist.

As soon as the duo was separated, Kerry and Alice careened into the wall and slid down to floor, both panting harrowing experience. The hornet being the faster to recover as both of her hands smacked into Alice’s cheeks before forcing her to look toward the bewildered and exasperated visage of Kerry.

[color=fff79a]”Alice, what the FUCK was that!?”[/color]

Eula would pull with care, and all the power a mechanical being had to try and pry Carroll off of Alice, digging her heels into the tatami flooring beneath before yanking the cursed sword off, holding her securely in one arm, braced against the other. [color=C48BD3][b]"I did not know what type of filling you would like, so I bought both plum and shrimp,"[/b][/color] she said, heedless of the danger holding a cursed weapon possessed…or, given that she’d done it once before, she didn’t fear Carroll’s weapon form. 

Much like with Kerry, Eula would find herself crashing with a unpleasantly heavy body on top of her, and be met with a deep frown; her free hand no longer gripping a blade, but groping a boob. "[color=5d7947][i][b]Shrimp is gross, and plum is for old people that can’t shit,[/b][/i][/color]" groused the Sword Devil, in a familiarly grumpy tone. Eula would notice, as Kerry was distracted, that Carroll looked like Alice, who didn’t look like Alice, but looked like someone entirely new, so didn’t really look like Alice in the same sense. It was as complicated and straightforward as Wonderland ought to be, but before Carroll could resume speaking, Alice would snap back to Kerry.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]How should I know!? I don’t even know you![/b][/i][/color]"[/hider][hr][hider=A Fork in the Road, Going Left (Collab w/ The Irish Tree)]At the mere mention that plums were only for old people who can’t shit, Eula would lift the riceball up, as if offended on its behalf. [color=C48BD3][b]"They’re perfect when paired with carbs to slow sugar spikes, and when pickled provide a good amount of salt for your dietary needs…"[/b][/color] Eula analyz-splained, before looking down at what she’d brought. [color=C48BD3][b]"But I can…bring something else, if you like."[/b][/color]

"[color=5d7947][i][b]Hm~[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll smirked, as she opened her mouth, only to be interrupted:

[quote][color=fff79a]”Huh? Alice, come on. Now’s really not the time for you to be fucking with me”,[/color][/quote]
"[color=5d7947][i][b]Not here,[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll says, standing up, "[color=5d7947][i][b]If you are offering food, I’ll take you up on it, whoever you are,[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll would pass Takeshi without saying a word, "[color=5d7947][i][b]Lead on, Automaton.[/b][/i][/color]"

Judging from the conversation in place on the other side of the room, Eula had a feeling some memory jogging was in order…but, she knew very little about Carroll. The only action they’d shared was a simple one, one that bears repeating, as Eula walked beside Carroll and held her hand.

Carroll tilted her head; her shock of pink hair tumbling over her stranger’s face. It was nothing like the Carroll that Eula bounded with, nothing like the Carroll that she was before that, but someone else. A stranger, standing where a friend once stood, wearing her skin... slime... and warming Eula’s hand just the same, yet not.

It was like putting sugar in a beef stew, instead of salt. Sure, it worked, but it was wrong.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]Handsy, aren’t we,[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll teased.

Eula would simply respond with: [color=C48BD3][b]"You entrusted your memories to me with that hand. I won’t let go simply because you aren’t yourself at the moment."[/b][/color]

"[color=5d7947][i][b]My memories...[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll hummed. "[color=5d7947][i][b]Surely, you don’t expect me to take a Prototype Synth at face value?[/b][/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"I am Eula 039. I am nobody’s prototype,"[/b][/color] Eula said, gently squeezing Carroll’s hand. [color=C48BD3][b]"I can bear you not remembering me. But you must remember Io. You have to."[/b][/color]

Carroll’s playful flippantness evaporated, as she suddenly slammed Eula into a wall, and glared at her. "[color=5d7947][i][b]Why do you know that name!? Are you one of mother’s spies!?[/b][/i][/color]" she growled, her hair fusing into a long, thin blade, before splitting in twain like scissors.

After colliding with the wall with a loud thunk, Eula looked Carroll in the eyes, gaze unwavering as one hand remained gently holding Carroll’s wrist. [color=C48BD3][b]"Those memories were entrusted to me by the Carroll I know. …That chose to…hold my hand. Even if the only spark is a resemblance…"[/b][/color] Eula’s other hand would suddenly shoot up, shoving the entire pickle plum-filled onigiri into Carroll’s mouth, the automaton saying: [color=C48BD3][b]"That scene…the breakfast you shared with her and your children. I remember all of it. Because you let me."[/b][/color]

Carroll gagged, as she was force-fed plum - of all things. It was infuriating in a uniquely distracting way. It tasted as terrible as she suspected, and expected - though, perhaps, that was because she wanted it to, so it did. However, it was... something she would do. Io was the type to push Carroll to do new things, regardless of how much of a spoiled brat she was being; you didn’t have seven children with someone you didn’t value, even Mamono understood that much.

Still... why would she trust her memories to someone that bore but a passing resemblance?

"[color=5d7947][i][b]Who are you... to me,[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll asks, lowering her scissors.

[color=C48BD3][b]"I am Eula 039. And I…"[/b][/color] …What was Eula to Carroll, even? The automaton wasn’t sure. But…she knew the last thing her and Carroll did. With a gentle hand, Eula would cup Carroll’s chin before pressing her lips softly against her cheek, the automaton’s cold expression melting a bit as she blushed, pulling away. [color=C48BD3][b]"...Have…yet to discuss what we are to one another. And would like you to remember so we can talk about it."[/b][/color]

"[color=5d7947][i][b]Huh!?[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll reflexively touched her cheek. Snippets of thoughts flashed by, like framed in a projection, across the canvas of her mind. Memories of Io. Memories of her daughter. Memories of the war. Her Mother’s Game. The explosion of magic, and the silence of exile. Memories of years of war, of fighting, of learning, of growing in hatred, until... silence again... exile again...

Snapshots.

Fragments.

Errant thought.

"[color=9b111e][i][b]I... I don’t belong here... I... We... Alice and I... Mother’s spell, the Curse of Exile.. I lost so much! I lost everything! I don’t want to remember![/b][/i][/color]" Carroll shouted, taking her head in her free hand; digging into her flesh. "[color=9b111e][i][b]I don’t want to be here! I’m not -- It’s not right! I... I am... no-one... An excuse... A waste...[/b][/i][/color]"

Carroll drew blood from her nails, and put pressure on Eula’s hand; threatening to crack it.

Eula would seize Carroll’s wrist, then gently hold both of her hands even as the metal of her hands creaked. [color=C48BD3][b]"Carroll. You have to. Even if its painful…even if it hurts you more than dying…that is the only way Io can stay with you forever. You have to remember,"[/b][/color] Eula said, her cruel kindness sealed with her moving Carroll’s hands away from her body, then looking her right in the eyes. [color=C48BD3][b]"Absence of memory is oblivion. I have no memories before awakening some time ago. If it grows too painful to remember…then share the burden. I have sufficient space for your grief. Your anguish. Your tears."[/b][/color]

"[color=9b111e][i][b]I don’t want to remember like this...[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=9b111e][i][b]Hate-filled. Angry. Io was my everything. That was centuries ago. Her power core is likely long since drained. Reduced to nothing more than a statue. My daughters... mine... the same...[/b][/i][/color]" she grit her teeth, metal grinding, "[color=9b111e][i][b]They’re gone! Dead! You would have me remember them, and burden you with my pain and hatred!? For what gain?! Pity?![/b][/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"To feel something other than emptiness,"[/b][/color] Eula said, smiling softly as she held Carroll’s hands tighter. [color=C48BD3][b]"I could never pity someone with a love so pure that they miss it more than anything. …But…I am simply a machine. If I can aid you, then I will. To stand by as you entrusted your memories to me, only to see you run from them…I wouldn’t dare break that promise. To you, or to Io."[/b][/color]

"[color=9b111e][i][b]A machine doesn’t aid. A machine assists. Aid heals. Assistance helps. There’s a difference,[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=9b111e][i][b]My head hurts... That plum is disgusting... I knew it would be...[/b][/i][/color]" she says, "[color=9b111e][i][b]You are...[/b][/i][/color]" Carroll closed her eyes, "[color=808080][i]...still confusing to me.[/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"You are simply too picky!"[/b][/color] Eula asserted, releasing a hand to boop Carroll’s nose. [color=C48BD3][b]"Come. Let’s find something you like for breakfast, instead. Though…given the state of the area, you may have to settle for rice dishes, like onigiri. Perhaps, they have some fish, too…"[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]I am not picky in the slightest,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]You are simply too tasteless.[/i][/color]"

[color=C48BD3][b]"You insisting that a delicious fruit is only for old people who cannot defecate is crass and overly picky in nature. …But…what do you like to eat?"[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Me? I can simply show you what [b]I[/b] like to eat,[/i][/color]" Carroll smirked, her familiar smirk looked off still on the face of a stranger, "[color=808080][i]Follow me, Little Miss Epicurean.[/i][/color]"

Taking Eula’s hand, Carroll would pull her to the kitchen area.

Eula would follow quickly, especially since the automaton’s (fair for her species) weight was rather hard to tug, following Carroll into the kitchen.

Carroll would look around, before smirking. "[color=808080][i]I know exactly what to make for breakfast,[/i][/color]" she says, before letting go of Eula’s hand, so she could work her magic. 

From baskets, she’d pluck eggs, carrots, and potatoes; scoops of rice, salt, and pepper; hocks of hams; handful of cheese; all with a purpose. To fire, she’d set water to cook the rice, pre-salting it with a splash of oil to keep it loose. As the rice cooked, she’d chop the carrots into thin slices, then quarter them, before cubing the potatoes, and setting them to sear and caramelize in an oiled pan. To the side, she’d set the veggies, and place down thin slices of the ham to char in the used pan, gaining flavour from the vegetables.

Finishing the rice, she would transfer a few scoops to a bowl, and mix in the veggies and ham while the rice was still warm and loose, while she cracked four eggs, and readied a skillet. Laying out the egg, she’d cook the underside semi-dry, before transferring it to a plate, and flipping the raw side back onto the skillet - spreading her hearty mixture upon the omelette, and let the bottom dry a bit, before she would use a spatula to bring up one side, and roll it over like a rolled omelette with the thickness of a folded omelette.

"[color=808080][i]Try that,”[/i][/color]" Carroll says, presenting the plate with a sprinkling of pepper.

[color=C48BD3][b]"Quite the display of cooking skills,"[/b][/color] Eula said, always impressed when someone cooked. She couldn’t really get a knack for it, and food made by someone else always tasted better anyways. Picking up a knife and a fork, Eula would take a bite of it and smile softly, suddenly lost in nostalgia. [color=C48BD3][b]"...It tastes wonderful. I haven’t had something like this since I came to Shizuyama."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]You'd be hard-pressed to find a creative touch in such a traditional place. Cooking is a wonderful adventure, with no place for stifling traditions![/i][/color]" Carroll says, as she clapped her hands, the pink in her hair was turning silver, as the stranger was crumbling away.

Eula chuckled softly. [color=C48BD3][b]"Not necessarily. Traditional cooking like Shizuyama’s have their place. The flavor of their rice, the texture of it…the sound of fish grilling over an open flame…"[/b][/color] Eula would take another bite of the omelette, before saying: [color=C48BD3][b]"Everything about one’s cooking informs you of their life. And, of their home."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Mayhaps, maybe, but nevertheless, if risks are not taken, then ground is never gained,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]Though, risk-taking does come with abominations like that plum ball covered in rice...[/i][/color]"

Carroll's hair would settle back into its boring, lifeless state, unlike the lovely, lively state it was before, and hang as hair and not cooking utensils. Eula was eye-to-eye with those piercing, hollow eyes that seemed to carry naught but contempt.

[color=C48BD3][b]"Fruit and rice go together!"[/b][/color] Eula said. [color=C48BD3][b]"A tavern in Eastersland had a wonderful dish in spring, a chicken and rice dish with peaches in it. It was delectable."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Curious,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, before leaning forward, and pressing her lips with the left corner of Eula's, "[color=808080][i]My cooking is still unbeaten. Though, perhaps, I'll try a dish like that...[/i][/color]" she says, one she drew back from stealing the bit of rice.

Eula would gently touch where Carroll had kissed, then, upon realizing she was just stealing rice, would promptly gain a deadpan expression as she threateningly lifted up the shrimp onigiri she’d had earlier. [color=C48BD3][b]"Now…try iiiiiit!"[/b][/color] Eula said, getting up and waving it menacingly.

"[color=808080][i]If I do, I want you to try something in return,[/i][/color]" Carroll says.

[color=C48BD3][b]"I can agree to that."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Kiss me,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, simply.

There was one surefire way to settle the strongest matter of emotions:

Chin up, face forward.

Eula would press forward without hesitation and kiss Carroll before she’d even tried the onigiri, experiencing the first true kiss in her life then and there as she held Carroll against the countertop.

Normally, Sword Devils made bargains, then reversed the order of execution in their favor as means of possession. To be outmaneuvered by Eula, it wasn't something Carroll had accounted for - largely due to how docile the Automaton was.

However, that wasn't the case here.

Leaning back, Carroll would take Eula's hands; unconcerned with the seafood-flavored ball of rice plummeting to the floor, as her arm transformed, and her link with Eula deepened.

Testing the waters, her tongue teased the lips against hers.

Eula wasn’t adept at romance, but could sense a desire for Carroll to taste of her, of the machine that knew nothing of touch, and allowed it. With lips parted she invited Carroll in, tightening her hold on her hands as they embraced as something more for the first time.

Carroll would bring Eula into a clash of tongues, a battle of emotions, and the flavors of each other - even if that flavor was a PLUM and her rolled omelette. After a minute or two of trading synthetic spit, Carroll would pull back, blushing, as she said, "[color=808080][i]There's your fruit and rice dish. Happy?[/i][/color]"

The automaton would plainly say: [color=C48BD3][b]"No,"[/b][/color] before diving back in for seconds, this time pinning Carroll to the countertop and kissing her once more. …She was a glutton, after all.

Carroll was momentarily taken aback by the simple refutation, before Eula took all the initiative, and pinned her down to feast. 

Once the machine woman had her fill Carroll would be freed from her iron grasp, Eula’s lack of needing to breathe meaning that the cursed sword would never need to come up for air if she didn’t choose to stop. [color=C48BD3][b]"There. Now, I have eaten my fill. …I wonder, if Kerry has helped Alice recover her memory as well…"[/b][/color]

Carroll never felt so blessed that her biology was relative to a Slime, so she didn't need to address most biological functions - like breathing. Instead, she could indulge her gluttonous... lover?... girlfriend?... the right term was yet to be decided.

Dinner guest, perhaps?

Regardless, her question would rouse Carroll's attention. It was true, if Carroll's memory had been temporarily corrupted... most likely Alice's was, too.

"[color=808080][i]I could always check, I suppose,[/i][/color]" Carroll offered.

Eula would get up and offer a hand to Carroll, as if she hadn’t just sucked her face for three solid minutes. [color=C48BD3][b]"...This time, I will accompany you. If you lose your memory again, I’m feeding you shrimps and plums to make sure you remember."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Such a threat, I don't think I would dare lose myself again, but...[/i][/color]" Carroll took Eula's hands in her head, pressing their foreheads together, "[color=808080][i]...will you be there, in case I spill? Will you catch me, if I start to fall again? Will you kiss me, as Eula, and only as Eula 039?"[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]If I need to use that power again, will you be who I use it for?[/i][/color]"

Eula would press forward, gently hold the sides of Carroll’s head in kind, and then nod. [color=C48BD3][b]"I can only be myself. I will be by your side as long as you want me,"[/b][/color] the automaton said, before suddenly picking Carroll up in a bridal carry, starting to walk towards the door.

"[color=808080][i]He-Hey! I can walk, you know![/i][/color]" Carroll says, kicking her legs fussily.

[color=C48BD3][b]"I am aware. But I am faster."[/b][/color]

"[color=808080][i]Yeah, but I need to sort this myself. Alice and I have to reconcile, both what happened and why,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]All I need from you is to believe that I can.[/i][/color]"

Eula would smile faintly as she let Carroll down, somehow already back at the building they’d started in. 

[center][color=C48BD3][i][b]"I believe in you, Carroll."[/b][/i][/color][/center]
Carroll nodded. "[color=808080][i]Then, I can. But, maybe, one more kiss for the road?[/i][/color]"

No more words needed to be said as Eula leaned in, giving a chaste kiss on the cheek before going in for the kill once more, this time only going for thirty seconds before releasing her blade of a lover. 

Carroll drew back, and smirked. "[color=808080][i]I'll be off, then,[/i][/color]" she purred, "[color=808080][i]darling~[/i][/color]"

Maybe, it didn't mean anything to Eula; terms of endearment, displays of affection, and the like. Maybe, she was operating on a system of call-and-response, gauging Carroll's calls and adjusting her responses.

Maybe, she really could process and replicate emotion.

Whatever the reason, it was a boost of confidence that Carroll needed to charge forward into the barracks.

A silent wave would see Carroll off, while Eula held a hand up, touching her own lips in fascination. So…this was how it felt…to be able to follow and complete a directive.[/hider][hr][hider=A Fork in the Road, Going Right (Collab w/ Rezod92)][color=fff79a]”Huh? Alice, come on. Now’s really not the time for you to be fucking with me”,[/color] Kerry replied, not wanting anymore stress today. [color=fff79a]”You and Carroll got into an argument and turned into….. whatever the hell that was.”[/color]

"[color=5d7947][i][b]That...[/b][/i][/color]" Alice asks, looking at herself; she hadn't changed back to herself in any capacity, so she was just seeing... who she thought she was. "[color=5d7947][i][b]I understand Hornets are prone to flights of fancy, but...[/b][/i][/color]" she huffed, "[color=5d7947][i][b]Regardless, you called me Alice. Such is not my name. It is my Title, Alice, the Queen of Diamonds.[/b][/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”What? How can your name be a ti-”[/color]

It was at this point that Kerry recalled a crucial bit of information about Alice. Specifically, how Alice…..wasn’t exactly [b]one[/b] person.

[color=fff79a]”Then….[i]who[/i] are you right now?”[/color], the hornet queried, her lowering to a neutral tone. Her hands were still on Alice(?)’s face as she gazed into the mad hatter’s eyes. 

Looking for [b]her[/b] Alice.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]You...[/b][/i][/color]" Alice started, "[color=5d7947][i][b]...have...[/b][/i][/color]" she locked eyes, "[color=5d7947][i][b]really pretty eyes. Big, too. Like, whoa. Huge. Beautiful. Anyone tell you that?[/b][/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Hmph….you’d be the first. Moving around as much as I have tends to make people not notice my eyes in more detail.”[/color], the merc answered with a slight chuckle, still neutral and focused on Alice. [color=fff79a]”Quick question: Do you know where you are?”[/color]

"[color=5d7947][i][b]I am here, as you are,[/b][/i][/color]" Alice asks. "[color=5d7947][i][b]Better question, why do you smell so familiar?[/b][/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”It’s familiar because you know who I am, you idiot.”[/color]Kerry whispered, the slightest hint of worry now creeping into her voice, but forged onward with hope. [color=fff79a]”Do you remember why you are in this room?”[/color]

"[color=5d7947][i][b]It’s a bedroom - mess of petals and goo? Why would I be in here...[/b][/i][/color]" Alice asks, before closing her eyes. "[color=5d7947][i][b]Shit... Something... Familiar... I sense something... but, it’s small... out of the way...[/b][/i][/color]" 

"[color=5d7947][i][b]There’s a Mana source in here... buzzing around, out of my senses... but, I feel it...[/b][/i][/color]"

[i]”Why would I be in here?”[/i]

Kerry closed her eyes and bit down on her lip as a sudden piercing pain was felt within her heart upon hearing those words. The worry had now mutated into dreadful fear. Yet still….

[color=fff79a]”Y-You’re here in this room because of [b]this.[/b]”[/color], Kerry muttered, leaning to touch foreheads as one of her hands took one of Alice’s and placed it on her stomach, holding it there. [color=fff79a]”Because it’s here where our family started.”[/color]

The hornet opened her eyes and Alice would see that they had become very wet.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]Family? Family...[/b][/i][/color]" Alice tilted her eyes, before frowned. "[color=5d7947][i][b]A family... I... wait... I remember something... vague... I...[/b][/i][/color]"

"[color=0F52BA][i]I remember... the wind... you... I remember you... and... something... It... We fought... I yelled... then, I left... we argued...[/i][/color]" Alice grit her teeth, "[color=0F52BA][i]Kerry... Mors? Morrigan? Moss... Help me... I...[/i][/color]"

Alice was struggling, but coming around.

There! There it was, in Alice’s eyes. A spark of memory!

[color=fff79a]”Kerry Maros! That’s my name, yes!”[/color], the merc responded, the fear being pushed back as hope surged within her heart as she made sure Alice’s hand was still on her stomach and Alice’s eyes remained on her. [color=fff79a]”Come on, Ali. Come back to me. You can do it, love.”[/color]

"[color=0F52BA][i]Love? Love? I’ve... we...[/i][/color]" Alice asks. "[color=0F52BA][i]All we’ve done is fight... argue... trifle... we couldn’t love each other.[/i][/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Yes, we have. We already did…”[/color]

Tears welled and fell down Kerry’s cheeks, tightening her hold on Alice’s hand to the life growing within her womb.

[color=fff79a]”You came back….and next thing you know……We fell in love.”[/color]

"[color=0F52BA][i]That sounds insane...[/i][/color]" Alice says. "[color=0F52BA][i]But...[/i][/color]" she felt the swirling of Mana beneath her palm. "[color=0F52BA][i]But...[/i][/color]" Alice grit her teeth again, "[color=976f29][i]Lying isn’t your strong suit, Kerry. You’re not clever enough for it,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=976f29][i]That’s my favourite part of you.[/i][/color]"

Kerry gasped.

[color=fff79a]”Ali? Are you…?”[/color]

"[color=976f29][i]My head is killing me. I don’t think it’s blood loss... so... what happened,[/i][/color]" Alice asks.

[color=fff79a]”Ali, you…..you……”[/color]

Next thing Alice knew, she was on the floor, her hands bound by Kerry’s as she looked up to a crying, irate pregnant hornet.

[color=fff79a]”YOU PERPETUAL DUMBASS!”[/color], she shouted, uncaring to the ones nearby that heard her as her tears fell onto the mad hatter. [color=fff79a]”What happened was you and Carroll getting into a fight after she barged in here with Eula and Takeshi! Next thing any of us knew, you two fuckheads fuse and transform into…..I don’t know what you turned into! All I know is that it took Eula and I to pry the two of you off each other! You almost didn’t remember me, Alice! You almost forgot [i]Gwen![/i]”[/color]

"[color=976f29]Oi... That's harsh...[/color]" Alice pouted. "[color=976f29]Curious turn of events, however, from the sound of it. Though, I'd never forget you or my little jellybean,[/color]" she says, snapped back to her usual overt confident tone, "[color=976f29]The whole of Varjo would have to kill me first. And, that's would take doing against the Queen of Terauchi Temple, and her King, Alice the Queen of Diamonds.[/color]"

"[color=976f29]Now, in regards to this position of yours...[/color]" Alice smirked.

Kerry stared incredulously at her lover. Their budding family just averted a heartbreaking crisis and Alice is more concerned with how she is straddling her. Unbelievable. 

[color=fff79a]”Don’t give me that shit. You made me cry, you ass. Do you have any idea how scared I got at the thought of you not remembering us? ”[/color]

"[color=976f29]I could ask the same...[/color]" Alice says, dropping all pretenses. "[color=976f29]Can you tell me how terrifying it is for your memories to rip apart and glue themselves back together, while staring at someone you can't remember or barely know, crying and begging for you, all the while, a voice is whispering venomous promises of power and strength if you just give in...[/color]" she asks, "[color=976f29]It's not like I wanted you to cry... I don't even remember what happened... No... I don't remember who happened...[/color]"

It would become painfully apparent, Alice wasn't playing around and being horny - [i]she was deflecting.[/i]

[color=fff79a]”Stop that.”[/color]

Seeing Alice putting on a front again, Kerry placed her hands on Alice’s face once more, more gently this time.

[color=fff79a]”Stop putting on that damn mask like shit doesn’t get to you because it clearly does. I just saw it!”[/color]

It would become crystal clear, Kerry wasn’t gonna let Alice shrug this off like she normally did.

Alice worried her lower lip, before she squeezed her eyes shut, and tried to banish all thoughts. Surrender was the last option after killing herself, but Kerry was slipping beyond her defenses.

"[color=976f29]I have to...[/color]"

[color=fff79a]”No…..You don’t have to…”[/color]

The kiss that followed chaste and simple, yet the weight of emotion and trust behind it would be enough to knock out even the Demon Lord herself.

[color=fff79a]”.....Not with me.”[/color]

Alice whine softly, though tears had broken beyond the barrier, and dripped down her face. "[color=976f29]I have to be strong...[/color]"

"[color=976f29]I can't fail her. I have to make this place her Kingdom...[/color]"

[color=fff79a]”A kingdom is a people, not a place. It’s wherever we make it, no matter how small or big it is.”[/color], whispered Kerry, a heartfelt smile on her crying face. She meant those words, one hundred percent.[color=fff79a]”As far as I’m concerned, my kingdom is wherever you are. And I don’t think Gwen would care either….[/color] 

[color=fff79a]”....As long as her daddy is there to give and receive hugs and kisses.”[/color]

Alice crumbled, "[color=976f29]...I don't know if I can come back from there, if I cross that line again...[/color]"

[color=fff79a]”If you cross that line, then I will cross it with you. If you ever should fall, I will be the one to catch you. Should you stray and feel lost, I will be your guiding light in the darkness. No matter what comes our way. Gwen and I will always be with you. After all….”[/color]

Kerry then showed Alice the ring and gave a warm smile.

[color=fff79a]”....I am your wife.”[/color]

"[color=976f29]Say it again...[/color]" Alice says, "[color=976f29]Burn it into my memory. Sear it into my soul, so I won't drift...[/color]" she says, taking Kerry's hand, "[color=976f29]Promise me, you won't regret running headlong and blindly down this wild road. Bind that power to you, heart and soul, so I can never be overcome again.[/color]"

"[color=976f29]Kerry Maros... Marry me.[/color]"

[color=fff79a]”....Allisyn Wunderland…”[/color], Kerry began with eyes filled with love, her voice lowered but her tone brimming with warmth and conviction. [color=fff79a]”I, Kerry Maros, do solemnly swear, through sickness and in health, through good times and bad, that I will always be by your side forevermore. Be it the gates of heaven or the depths of hell, nothing in this world will break this bond. I do, Ali…..[b]I do.[/b]”[/color]

"[color=976f29]It's a Frabjous Day, then! We'll need to throw a party! A wedding party! We'll need a priest, and invitations, and you will need a dress to show off![/color]" Alice beamed, "[color=976f29]We'll do this to tradition![/color]"

"[color=976f29]Hm. I should likely speak to Carroll about this, as well, and there is that pesky Heavenly Strike thing to accomplish,[/color]" Alice says, pressing a perfectly filed nail to get lower lip, before clapping, "[color=976f29]We'll just make a thing of it! A shared bachelor and bachelorette party of kicking some ass and taking back the Heavenly Strike technique![/color]"

The hornet giggled as she laid a finger on Alice’s lips, halting her joyous spiel about planning a wedding. [i]A wedding.[/i] Again, Mamono don’t do this. Yet here was Alice, doing exactly that.

[color=fff79a]”A wedding sounds fun, Ali. While I think it’s unnecessary, my mom would kill me if she found out I got married and she was the last to know. Not to mention my father would never forgive me if he didn’t walk me down the aisle. The invitations will take some time, considering the size of my family. [b]HOWEVER[/b]....we can plan all of this [i]after[/i] we drive the Varjans away from the island. We wouldn't want our big day to be crashed by a roving warband, now would we?”[/color]

"[color=976f29]True, true. I would hate to get blood on my suit,[/color]" Alice says, sitting up, and propping her chin on her fist, and her elbow on her knee, as she put on a grumpy, thinking face. "[color=976f29]So, take back the Heavenly Strike technique, then slaughter all the Varjans, and send out the invites. That's the easiest part,[/color]" as if blown away in a breeze, the powerful form of the Lilim blew away in magical dust, leaving Alice behind, so she could reach into her hat, "[color=976f29]Ta-da![/color]"

Alice would produce a fistful of fancily embroidered tickets with names and destinations, all of them being Kerry's extensive family. "[color=976f29]Anytime, anywhere, a Mad Hatter can throw a party by bending Time and Space. Her invitation will find you, no matter where you hide, as long as you are alive, that is. Accepting it will teleport you to the party, until it ends,[/color]" she beamed, "[color=976f29]We call it [O' Frabjous Day!] and it's the only spell I actually know.[/color]"

[color=fff79a]”How did you-”[/color], Kerry began to question as she took the tickets, only to then remember who she was talking to. [color=fff79a]”Ah. Nevermind. Mad hatter shenanigans is something I won’t question. You probably got the names of my family members just from touching me so much.”[/color]

Which might sound creepy to others, but after spending so much time with the wacky fungi woman, Kerry just went with the flow of it.

[color=fff79a]”How does a small spring wedding back in the Verdanlands sound?”[/color]

"[color=976f29]Sounds like a wonderful adventure,[/color]" Alice says. "[color=976f29]And, a magician never tells her secrets.[/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Pffft, fine. Keep your secrets. As your future wife, I have ways to make you talk.”[/color], the merc responded with a mischievous wink.

"[color=976f29]Well, the only secret I won't keep is you,[/color]" Alice says, before standing up. "[color=976f29]I better go talk to Carroll, since I can't leave my Best Man in the dark. You have to find yourself a Bridesmaid, too,[/color]" she says, "[color=976f29]Busy, busy![/color]"

[color=fff79a]”Ugh, guess I’ll have to find a Maid of Honor as well. I guess that could be Liliana, I don’t exactly feel confident in her being Gwen’s godmother. Jeez, we are going to be so busy, huh?”[/color]

Alice nodded. "[color=976f29]Indeed,[/color]" she says, "[color=976f29]Though, might be better off asking for someone else to play Maid of Honor. Not sure if a Fairy truly understands that much responsibility.[/color]" Suddenly, before Kerry could really formulate a rebuttal - if one did exist - Alice would sneakily press a kiss to Kerry's cheek, before ducking down, and pressing a second to her belly. "[color=976f29]Don’t bully Mommy, little jellybean. Okay?[/color]"

Standing with a wink, Alice would flitter from the room without another word.

For a moment, Kerry stood with a surprised look on her face, rubbing both her cheek and stomach after Alice snuck a smooch on them.

She could’ve sworn she felt a pulse in her belly, as if in response to the affectionate gesture.

[color=fff79a]”....Heh”[/color], she chuckled, blushing. [color=fff79a]”Daddy’s a smooth one, ain’t she Gwen?”[/color]

Then, the hornet made her way out the room as well, ready to take on another day.
[/hider][hr][hider=Forked Roads Often Merge Into New Paths]Having spend the better part of five centuries, or half a millenia, operating as a duo - sometimes as allies, often as enemies, but always for their shared goal of skewering their warden - Alice and Carroll would always line up, no matter how their paths diverged and forked off into their own solo jaunts. As such, it was no surprise to either that they would cross paths with the same purpose.

Stopping short of crashing into each other, Alice looked at Carroll, and Carroll looked Alice; the shortstack Queen and her Blade holding an awkward silence, before:

"[color=976f29][i]Hey[/i][/color] [color=808080][i]there...[/i][/color]"

They spoke in unison, inciting burning blushing.

"[color=976f29][i]You[/i][/color] [color=808080][i]first.[/i][/color]"

Again.

"[color=976f29][i]I’m[/i][/color] [color=808080][i]sorry![/i][/color]"

A steep bow tossed their head down; though, a step back on either end would have been advised, as the respectful motion resulted in a bonking of heads and hats.

"[color=976f29][i]Ow! My head![/i][/color]" Alice groaned.

"[color=808080][i]Yours!? Mine, too![/i][/color]" Carroll groused.

For a moment, the two locked glaring eyes before their expression softened, and they broke into a mirthful chuckle of shared pain and forgiveness.

"[color=808080][i]I see you have your mind as right as it can be for a Mad Hatter,[/i][/color]" Carroll says.

"[color=976f29][i]And, you, yours, selfsame, eh,[/i][/color]" Alice asks.

"[color=808080][i]To wit,[/i][/color]" Carroll says. "[color=808080][i]Eula... she broke through to me, and pulled me back from Her grip, and...[/i][/color]" she looked at the ground, "[color=808080][i]...whatever that I hateful creature I used to be.[/i][/color]"

"[color=976f29][i]It wasn’t just me, then,[/i][/color]" Alice asks, "[color=976f29][i]There was a... different memory... like... someone I was, and she...[/i][/color]" Alice frowned deeply, "[color=976f29][i]She didn’t want to leave. I’ve never felt like that.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]I don’t know if its a product of my nature, yours, or both... but... I know this much,[/i][/color]" Carroll looked up, her expression firm, "[color=808080][i]I never want to lose control again, so we need to train to gain a foothold on that power.[/i][/color]"

Alice smirked, "[color=976f29][i]Seems like you read my mind.[/i][/color]" Alice adjusted her hat, and looked to the sky, "[color=976f29][i]I have a child coming into this world. For her, nothing will hold me back - not even myself.[/i][/color]"

"[color=808080][i]Agreed,[/i][/color]" Carroll nodded, as she started to melt, and formed into her True Form; a large pair of scissors, one blade red, and one blade purple. "[color=808080][i]There’s still plenty of sunlight left. So, let’s get this figured out. I promised Eula, I would come back to her, and I never break my promises.[/i][/color]"

"[color=976f29][i]Same.There’s too much at stake to get lost in power struggles with my own mind,[/i][/color]" Alice says, "[color=976f29][i]I swore to Kerry, I’d never leave her behind again. I meant that. Promises have power in every world, and we’ll turn those promises into the power to stay in control.[/i][/color]"

Carroll hummed in agreement, as Alice took the red blade, and held the finger ring in her right hand as if a handle on a sword. At the same time, the purple blade’s finger ring would reach out and wrap around her sword arm; melting and reforming into a powerful, connective armor that brought Sword Devil and Mad Hatter under a single unity.

As the armor formed, the two blades split away from each other, and lengthened, before merging once more to form an empty hollow, like a tuning fork, and shared their color with each other.

Finally, Alice herself transformed; releasing her aura once more, and blasting Terauchi Temple and the surrounding area.

A moment of silence passed... before the fusion took off with an explosive speed, and disappeared into the woods.

<[color=976f29]SHE’S OUT OF CONTROL![/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]I NOTICED![/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]THERE’S A TREE IN THE WAY![/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]I SEE IT![/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]IT’S GETTING CLOSER![/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]THANKS FOR THE UPDATE![/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING![/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]GREAT IDEA![/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]YEAH! IT IS![/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]THEN DO SOMETHING![/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]LIKE!?[/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]I DON’T KNOW! ATTACK THE TREE![/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]WORKS FOR ME! ATTACK THE TREE[/color]>

Suddenly, the fusion drew back on her blade, and passed through the tree...

[center]"[color=5d7947][i][b]Heavenly Strike.[/b][/i][/color]"[/center]
...before landing in a clearing, as several trees fell behind her.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]...yeah, We can work with this.[/b][/i][/color]"

[right]<[color=808080]Though, isn't that the technique we are looking for?[/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]Yeah. Though, I have no recollection of it. She just... did it.[/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]It seems she remembers things that we can't. Like, a repository of knowledge.[/color]>[/right]

<[color=976f29]That could be handy... IF WE CAN CONTROL HER![/color]>

As Alice and Carroll spoke, the fusion was Heavenly Striking trees with reckless abandon, as if testing her blade like an overzealous rookie or an arrogant bandit. Deforestation was the name of the game in her heart, and she loved to play, as she swept in a whirling dervish of angles and death. Her motions only came to a stop whenever Alice and Carroll could unify and wrench control back.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]We gained control again. We are so reckless, if we hesitate for even a moment, We act instinctually,[/b][/i][/color]" the fusion managed between gulps of breath. "[color=5d7947][i][b]We have to focus on unification of tasks, of Our very thoughts; We must be One,[/b][/i][/color]" she surmises. "[color=5d7947][i][b]We need a name.[/b][/i][/color]"

<[color=976f29]What's a good name, though?[/color]>

[right]<[color=808080]No idea. I'm sure we'll think of something... wait... WE STOPPED CONTROLLING HER![/color]>[/right]

Loose, the fusion was back to playing her destructive game, until she was tired enough that control could be wrenched back.

"[color=5d7947][i][b]By the Queen's Cards...[/b][/i][/color]" the fusion panted. "[color=5d7947][i][b]All this power. It feels like... hers. Could this be the power of a Lilim's daughter? Insane. It's so hard to control...[/b][/i][/color]" she grit her teeth, and sank to one knee, using her sword to steady herself. "[color=5d7947][i][b]The sheer power of dynasty...[/b][/i][/color]"

Suddenly, the fusion looked up with a pretty smirk. "[color=5d7947][i][b]Dinah![/b][/i][/color]" she stood with a clap, "[color=5d7947][i][b]It's a perfect play! Dynasty! Diner! A name for We! A name for Me![/b][/i][/color]"

"[color=5d7947][i][b]My name is Dinah, Queen of Di...[/b][/i][/color]" Suddenly, the newly named fusion wobbled, "[color=5d7947][i][b]Queen of Di... Dia...[/b][/i][/color]" she groaned, and fell backwards, as her eyes closed, "[color=5d7947][i][b]...Diamonds...~[/b][/i][/color]"

As she hit the ground, Dinah would split into Alice and Carroll; the Sword Devil tumbling away from the Mad Hatter, and reforming to her Human Form to gather herself.

[color=808080][i]Alice... you okay...[/i][/color]" Carroll asks, as she crawled over. [color=808080][i]Unconscious, huh. I guess that takes a lot out of you more than me. Perks of being half-Lilim...[/i][/color]"

Carroll groaned, and forced herself to her feet, and collected Alice. It was a long trek back to Terauchi Temple...[/hider]