500th Time Reborn, A World Only Known By Women: The Karma System

​ I left the manor but used my new medallion to transform into a black cat rather than my usual fluffy white form. This was more in line with the type of smooth-coated cat that you didn't want to cross your path, which was perfect for me.

I bounded out of the manor, leaving the door open, but I was sure someone would get it. I needed to go stop by Listenia's to see how her mother and she were doing. I hoped that everything was going alright; I had meant to go back last night, but after the long day at Bramma and needing to help Morgana, I was too tired.

I made my way to the edge of the property and slipped out undetected. I trotted down the street, taking care to keep to the shadows.

There was a group of women prowling around, and I was sure that they were looking for me. These women were really crazy sometimes!

I made it to Listenia's shop but went out of sight and then jumped to the roof. I made my way to the chimney and slipped down unnoticed.

I landed in the basement but ended up getting a lot dirtier than I had thought. I switched between forms until I was clean but ended up knocking over something.

"Elfinia! Go kill the rat in the basement! I am tired of hearing it knock things over!" I heard Listenia call.

I wondered how this exchange would go? Goddess asked to kill a vermin?

"You want me to go kill a rat?!" Elfinia shrieked back, and I stifled a laugh. Not too much had changed yet, but I didn't expect Elfinia to just fold so easily.

"Yes, that is what I said. Is the mighty Goddess scared of a rat?" Listenia sneered, and I heard something like a screaming noise of frustration, but it was a familiar sound.

That sound seemed to dislodge old memories, and my past with Elfinia started to unfold in my mind.

Elfinia had been very close to me and was protective of her time with me. Whether it be for training or lovemaking, Elfinia had always required me to give her my full attention. Maybe I had been too harsh on her, I thought, as the memories continued to play out.

I remembered one particular incident where Elfinia had gotten so frustrated with me that she had turned into a rat and tried to bite me. I had quickly subdued her, but not before she had managed to draw blood. I could still see the look of betrayal in her eyes as I held her down.

"Please, my lord! Forgive me! I didn't mean it!" She had cried, and I softened my grip on her.

"I know you didn't," I said, gently stroking her hair. "It's okay."

She had looked up at me with relief and love in her eyes, and I realized then that no matter what happened between us, Elfinia would always be loyal to me.

Now, all these years later, it seemed that she was still just as loyal, even if she was on the other side of things.

I decided then that I needed to talk to her and see if I could help her remember who she really was. It might not happen right away, but maybe after I was done with the Riftwalker, I could take her out and spend some alone time like we used to.

For now, I moved into the shadows as I could hear Elfinia stomping down the stairs. Maybe a little fun would be an excellent way to start things off.

"Where is that rat?!" Elfinia yelled, and I could hear her coming closer.

I transformed into a rat with the same druidic shapeshifting ability and darted out from my hiding spot. Elfinia saw me and screeched before taking off after me.

I led her on a merry chase around the basement, knocking over everything I could. Elfinia was getting frustrated, and I could see the anger building in her eyes.

Finally, I stopped, and Elfinia pounced on me, but I transformed back to my human form, wrapping her in my arms and making her scream loudly.

"Ahhh! Get it off me!" She screeched, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"It's just me, Elfinia," I said, gently setting her down. "There is no rat."

"What?! But I saw it! It was right there!" She protested, and I shook my head.

"No, I transformed," I said, and she frowned.

"Why are you here?" She asked, and I sighed.

"I told you I am here to check up on you," I said, but Elfinia's eyes were filled with tears.

"No!" She screamed. "Why are we both here?! Why are we not in Yaggisdral?! You did betray me!" She exclaimed, and I shook my head again.

"No, Elfinia, I didn't. What happened was for a reason, and I told you what I was doing. I am sorry that you got dragged down here, but I will make it up to you, I promise," I said as I wiped her tears.

"You left me!" She accused me, and I nodded.

"I did leave you," I agreed softly. "But I am here now, and you need to get your shit together. I taught you to be much more than just a bully. After things settle down, I promise that we will talk more and do things like before if you want."

"I don't want to be here!" Elfinia sobbed, and I pulled her into a hug.

"I know, but it's not forever. I'll make it up to you, I promise," I said and then pulled back from her. "Honestly, this is your fault. If you had just listened to me, none of this would have happened."

"You're a jerk!" Elfinia yelled, and I chuckled.

"And you're still a brat," I said, and she frowned. "But I do still love you, even if you are hardheaded."

"I hate you!" Elfinia screamed and then stormed off back up the stairs.