TO Rewrite: B2 — 29. Splitting Threads (Patreon)

PoV:

1. Rachel (Our Glowing Lunar Hare!)

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Rachel sat in the plush leather chair of a luxurious office space, enveloping her like a cocoon of wealth and power. She coldly gazed through a vast window that stretched from floor to ceiling, offering an unobstructed view of the Miami Beach ocean, its waves gleaming under the relentless assault of the midday sun.

The heat of the light bathing her skin sent a crippling weight throughout her entire soul. It left a bitter taste on her tongue, striking at her pride, yet her dark thoughts were not on the weakening rays.

She took in the scene, observing the yachts slicing through the choppy waters, staring intently as if it were one of her college lectures. Their white hulls were stark against the deep blue, like pearls scattered on velvet against the backdrop of the perfect day.

Rachel’s tail and ears twitched as a crack split the blinding heavens, shattering them like stained glass. Her heart skipped as the sky fractured, The Oscillation spreading its multicolored lights across the horizon like an artist’s wild brush strokes on an endless canvas. The hues of red, green, and blue danced and blended, casting an ethereal glow over the beachside cityscape below.

There are flaws… repeated areas and places filled in by my imagination. Still, it’s more accurate than not.

A low hum rolled out of Rachel’s throat as she swirled her chair to the side. She rose to her feet and swiped away the ceiling to stare at the repeated fissures. Shifting back to the window, she walked closer, her breath fogging the glass momentarily as she leaned in, her reflection mingling with the vibrant chaos outside.

Our Soul Expanse is even more of an asset than I thought. Some people might only use it for creating a paradise to live out their fantasy in or a simple medium to activate their Feats, and while I thought its main use would be in training, arguably, this memory recollection and collage attribute might actually be its most useful aspect.

Scarlet appeared beside her with a thought, being animated and cute; turning off the burning aspect of the sun, the doppelganger basked in the full view of the radiant orb—something she couldn't do in real life any more.

The excited girl repeated what they’d discussed during their breakfast with Cássia, explaining what Twilight had revealed when her Seed had taken over. After eating, the fanged girl had run out of energy and went to rest; trying to express everything had taken a lot out of her.

In the next second, night had fallen over the scene, and Scarlet appeared in bed, sleeping soundly. Illa’s bouncing figure, red-faced and locked onto Scarlet, came next.

I can see a lot of people using their Soul Expanse to also satisfy their carnal desires. There are a lot of traps one could fall into when having this much control. It may not be real…but one could impress their will into reality through their Soul Expansion. Although, it does seem somewhat limited. What more secrets lie within it to be deciphered after Level 25?

Linking her hands behind her back, her mind awash with curiosity, she willed the scene to vanish. The ocean and sky dissolved into nothingness. In their place, her memories over the last few days unfolded, painting a different picture—a timeline of events since Illa’s mind-controlled pawn had made first contact with Scarlet.

Beside her, a whiteboard materialized, filled with General Dallas’ scribblings, a testament to their relentless strategizing. Her cold heart and mind slid across it, summoning a second sheet of her own expanded information and new details.

I was pulled into this conflict and Legend Quest…used for my abilities in a complicated web of plots. Did someone not want me in Montana? Was it connected at all, or is this solely involving Scarlet and Twilight’s plot to preemptively break her seal away from Earth?

Stopping at the timeline board, Scarlet’s name was at the forefront. She glared at the thick red circle enclosing it with dozens of lines branching out to various other individuals. Her eyes slid down a thread to Illa, the gears in her mind turning while tracing the chaotic yet purposeful connections.

A tight smirk twitched at the corner of her mouth, fingernails pressing against the back of her right hand. A familiar surge of resolve thumped steadily within her breast. Ever since four days ago, when she’d exited Seed-Scarlet’s Soul Expansion, she’d been at this off and on.

Every moment spent compiling things was a step closer to understanding how this happened; she loved puzzles, and she had a report to finish for General Dallas. Things were coming together, and having written out much of it in her Soul Sanctum allowed for easy error correction. It would be easy to translate to paper once she had it down.

Her focus flicked to Twilight and Elizabeth, above Scarlet’s name, her attention sliding to the other connections.

Allegedly, Twilight knew about Illa’s plan to get close to Scarlet, and sent Elizabeth to intervene and act as a distraction. Elizabeth herself doesn’t know a whole lot about Illa, other than to be cautious about her…attractions. It was fairly obvious Illa was a rather deviant girl with secrets even she didn’t know… A Dormant Seed. Her purpose for getting close to Scarlet is a total mystery, though.

Her ear jerked with the agitation that flashed through her mind; there were a few individuals she hadn’t been able to pin down before they vanished, and even now, their intentions were shrouded in mystery.

Rachel’s mouth became a line when passing Aurora’s name, who shockingly had fewer links than she’d anticipated, but that was also a part of her enigmatic personality. After her follow-up discussion with Selvaria and Cahira, she’d taken on a more prominent role than she’d initially thought.

“Aurora and Twilight,” she whispered, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. “One won’t leave me alone, the other won’t so much as grace me with her face to put inside my Soul Expanse… Maybe that isn’t a coincidence. Why must she be so slippery?”

Pacing the length of the memory room, she could see Twilight’s maneuvers as a deliberate dance, provoking and teasing that both infuriated and intrigued her. Every missed encounter left Rachel more determined to unravel her end-game.

Twilight was the one who stole the corpse when Illa killed Selene in her dream. If that wasn’t enough, it’s implied she orchestrated it by telling Elizabeth to give Illa and Selene those odd drinks. Even Elizabeth doesn’t know its properties, due to it being a potent vampire elixir in this world that stimulates the soul. Without a doubt, Twilight baited out Illa’s powers to kill Selene, sparking chaos.

Even with [Strategic Mind], her brain was churning with the sheer volume of information she needed to process and report on. She left her internal world for a moment to check on everyone outside and clear her head. Opening her eyes to one of the castle’s many libraries, she waited a moment, reorienting herself. Twilight had the Countess move many of the keep’s possessions out of the castle, excluding the critical areas of activity, knowing what Seed-Scarlet would do.

Trying to clear her thoughts, she smiled while hearing Cahira, Selvaria, Nia, Coral, and the three Cerberus Sisters on the outer wall, getting ready for an adventure with the pirate. She summoned her ship to the excited small crowd of teens she’d gathered from the city, showing off and promising to take them on a trip around their home. Their laughter and light-hearted banter stimulated her raised ears.

On the other hand, Fiona and Anthony were in a nearby room, discussing the sobering topic of Ireland after getting more information from Cahira. Maria was on her way back from the town, where she’d been most days since the conclusion of their battle, healing the blood plague.

Straightening in her comfortable armchair, she thought back to the added bits of information she’d recently received. Barbara was awaiting a comprehensive update, and the task felt monumental with everything that had happened.

Selvaria’s insights had already turned many of Rachel’s initial assumptions upside down, flipping the narrative on its head and scrapping parts of what she currently had written; it was a good thing most of it was in her soul, waiting to be transcribed. Cahira’s unique information also added another layer of complexity, broadening her perspective and revealing new angles to consider.

Rachel sat down at her provided desk, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm circle of light on her scattered notes she’d been transferring from her inner world. She rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. This was the weight of the station she’d sought on a broader world scale.

She couldn’t just run around punching and kicking things like a kid and waiting for other people to pick up the messy pieces; she was an adult and had sensitive information that could crash society itself.

Picking up her pen, she brought all the chaos into order. As she began to write, her thoughts drifted back to Aurora. There was a connection there, a thread she needed to follow. But for now, she had to compile her work more fluently.

The mansion’s ambiance—a blend of camaraderie, formal maid talk, and underlying tension—seeped into her consciousness, distracting her at times. She felt the pulse of the otherworldly, vampiric planet, its heartbeat returning strong and steady despite the turmoil that lay just beneath the surface from days past.

Rachel took a deep breath, about to return to her internal world and review the data by their points and connect the next topics when she heard an unusual guest approaching her door. Waiting several seconds, she stood up as a knock soon followed.

“Come in, Black.”

The door swung open on silent hinges, and Black stepped into the library, her subtle presence understating the true power the fable held. She was dressed in a Renaissance fair outfit, the dark fabric flowing around her slender frame. Her slim, hairless tail flicked behind her as she moved. The intricate obsidian flute she carried matched her raven-black hair, falling in thick shoulder-length waves and her intelligent green eyes scanned the room before settling on Rachel as she approached.

“Am I interrupting?” she asked, her voice smooth and direct. “I figured you’d be busy writing your report for Barbara. I just finished mine, and there’s certainly a lot to compile.”

Rachel smiled, the rays of the Moon of Greater Abundance catching her through the large overhead windows, dyeing her butt-length hair orange.

“There really is a lot to consider, and I figure whatever you have to say might add even more… It’s been a repeating pattern.”

“You don’t say,” Black whispered, her eyebrow arching slightly. “You don’t believe I’d stop by just for an idle chat?”

Rachel’s grin widened. “I wish you would. You may talk with Red through writing, but she didn’t. Through your cadence and Red’s comments earlier, it’s clear you’ve been talking about me today. Red was annoyed about something involving us meeting up, which…is why she isn’t here, I assume.”

A hint of a smile touched Black’s lips as she glanced around the recently stocked library for where to sit. Rachel directed her toward the furniture by the fire, a blend of Victorian elegance and modern functionality, with wide windows nearby to offer a view of the city below.

“Well, I suppose I’ll have to remind Red to be more careful when those sensitive ears are nearby,“ Black said, moving to sit across from her by the fire. She looked down at the book in her hand, a storage device from which she could pull physical evidence from, by the data Rachel had collected. “You remind me of White, our CEO. It makes sense since you’re starting your own organization like ours.”

Rachel winked, settling in and showing a spark of mischief. “Maybe you should join Omen and leave Fable. Don’t think we can’t pay out, and I’m always open for personal vendettas to sweeten the pot. I’ve got no issues going after Dracula.”

Black held her closed hand against her mouth with what seemed to be a rare fit of laughter. “Trying to poach me already, are you? It’s refreshing to hear someone say something so brazen and absurd. I don’t doubt you would, and Red would be tempted, I’m positive. No, I’m flattered, but I’m loyal to White for everything she’s done for me. Still, it’s good to see you’re expanding your organization, despite the rivalry with Fable it is bound to strike in the future.”

The conversation flowed easily, the warmth of the crackling fireplace casting a cozy glow over them, yet Black’s stoic expression returned while pondering something heavy. Rachel couldn’t resist making a few hare-related jokes in response; she’d been thinking about some to counter Nia’s recent teasing.

“You know, Black,” Rachel began, her lips curling into a playful grin, “you’re lucky I’m not a rabbit. Otherwise, I’d be hopping mad at the amount of paperwork I’ve had to deal with over the last few days. Although, hares are known for their insanity, so who knows, maybe I am mad…mad enough to make a play against Dracula, so, again, let me know if you’re ever interested.”

Black’s stoic facade cracked slightly as she chuckled, her green eyes reflecting the flames. “Still at it? I doubt you’d let a little paperwork slow you down, but maybe there is truth in your rabbit comment with Nia tied to you…does that make you half rabbit?”

Rachel’s ears flew up at the quiet novel thought that hadn’t once touched her brain. “How has Nia never made that connection and joke? Oh no—nope, we’re safe,” she sighed while glancing to the right, not hearing her anywhere nearby. “She’s on Cahira’s boat or riding on Selv. Mean comeback, though,” she mused, glad Nia found it hard to listen from her real outfit body while being so far away without prompt.

The rat woman’s tail flicked a little against her chair. “Hmm. I didn’t expect this semi-joking direction, but it does help after the news I received. Can you imagine Nia running your organization? She’d be late for everything, just like the White Rabbit.”

Wagging her finger, Rachel’s stomach shook at the comment but her devilish eyes glinted a moment later. “I’m going to have to remember that one! Just remember, I’m not the type to be hung up on gray areas, and I’m never afraid to help a friend in need.”

“Noted.”

They shared a comfortable rapport, the gravity of their responsibilities momentarily forgotten. However, Rachel’s perceptive nature caught the subtle changes in Black’s demeanor. The usually stoic and secretive woman seemed more at ease, melancholy, even. Something was bothering her.

Tone turning more serious, Rachel said, “I’d try out a few new jokes I’ve been coming up with, but I get the feeling there’s something pressing you need to share with me.”

Black’s expression turned a tad sad. “Yes, well, unfortunately, we’ve been reassigned due to our insubordinate actions… You’ll probably meet another team from Fable soon. We’ve been ordered to make our way to Russia. Purple sent a helicopter to pick us up. We leave as soon as it arrives. You wouldn’t have a joke for that, would you?”

Rachel forced a laugh. “That really does suck, and just when I was getting to know you two. And a joke? Uh… So, a rat and a wolf get sent to Siberia for failing their job. The rat turns to the wolf and says, ‘Well, we really blew it this time. Guess we’ll be chilling out for a while!’ Can you imagine Red trying to huff and puff in that chill? It’d be more like a frosty puff! You know…big bad wolf—huff and puff? I’m kind of on the spot.”

The rat’s mood brightened a little. “And the rat scurrying around, building an igloo for a home. It would certainly be a sight to see…”

Releasing a long puff of air, Rachel rubbed the back of her neck. “To be fair, I’d be pissed if my people went rogue when I had something important I needed them to do. Although, I’d understand if it was personal. I’d probably do the same… I kind of did with this whole vampire quest,” she muttered with a tilt to her mouth.

Black scratched her rat ear and laughed before her smile faded, her eyes downcast. “Maybe you’re more chaotic than White could ever be; she’s very organized. Snow White, after all. Nice and tidy…cleaning up everyone’s messes.”

Scratching her long ears, Rachel’s tone grew more serious. “I figured she was Snow White from everything Tom said about her on our way out of DC. What’s really wrong?”

Black sighed, her gaze shifting to the side. “White, our leader, is currently in the Montana Crystal herself due to our actions, which has…more than upset a few of our coworkers and leaders. She’s taking personal responsibility. The issue is, the Montana Crystal has been locked down for the past twenty-four hours. No one can go in or out.”

Rachel’s eyes widened in shock. “Barbara didn’t have that in her report to me. Shit. That wasn’t in any of the data General Dallas shared with me about other Crystal incidents either… A first, which doesn’t bode well. I guess he’s keeping the news private over airwaves. Where did you hear that?” she asked, sharp, illuminated eyes fixating on the fable.

“I have special rats in key locations to receive critical information,” Black explained. “From what I’ve learned, some Native American Mystickin from the Crow is also inside the gateway with her; I don’t have a lot of information on him, but Mystickin are Seed holders who channel the powers of a lower deity. He has a bunch of their Spirit Warriors with him, but nothing is certain yet.”

Rachel felt a pang of anxiety at the information, once again reminded of the game-changing data Hecate had given her when in Hades.

That could have been what Dionysus was trying to turn Conner into, and Hecate managed to do it with Relica. Her abilities at the start of The Oscillation make more sense now, but could a deity have the power to manipulate a Crystal… Lock it out? Do they have their own agenda, and temporarily blocked access to accomplish something inside? I don’t know enough… I never know enough!

Her Lunar Pride acted up, a deep-seated need to be in the thick of the fight rather than blocked off. “I appreciate the update, Black. Does Fable have any data on Crystals or if deities can manipulate them, as they can obviously do to our Seeds.”

Black took out a file from her book and handed it to Rachel. “Personally, and seemingly as an organization, Fable is in the dark about this event, which is why a senior team is being sent. While not related, this is something I wanted to give you. Rachel?”

Taking the file, Rachel dropped it onto her skirt, sitting back and crossing her legs while staring into the flames. It wouldn’t have been on her mind had she not been compiling everything over the last few days, but there was a new possibility gripping her belly: one of Izanami’s warnings, spoken through Mei.

“One moment,” she said without waiting for Black to acknowledge it.

She closed her eyes and entered her Soul Sanctum, opening them to spin through the many memories infused into her soul to find the exact words. The moment returned within sections, imparted by the graceful female moon bunny. Listening intently, she picked apart every word:

“A power beyond any of our understanding will participate; this Crystal Event will not be like any others that have thus far occurred, and she suggests that you do not make this faction your enemy.  Whoever supports them is to be feared and respected.

“It is less sight and more about the ripples of energies that collide across your planet.  Typically, not even my mistress would be able to gain an accurate understanding of such complicated pulses due to the sheer number and chaotic interactions between so many deities…

“She sensed a holy power… Positive Energy which personified conquest, and if she stood in its path, she would be subjugated without question, which is why she has maneuvered all of her forces away from the US, as have many of the other powerful factions that have seen the signs. Most are gathering around the UK, China, and Cuba.  That is all I can tell you from my limited view of the field at play.”

Leaving her Soul Expanse with a brooding expression, Black had an intent look, her muscles tight and ears drawn back.

“Do you have some information that can help White? Fable does return its debts.”

Rachel leaned against the side of her chair, supporting her cheek with her closed fist and staring at the crackling fire. “After a second thought, I doubt any lower deity would be able to affect the Crystals, perhaps not even higher ones. Jeanne and another source I trust informed us that something phenomenally powerful…beyond gods powerful, is emanating from the Crystal.”

“What does that mean?” Black pressed, alarm now touching her typically even voice. “Are you saying White is likely dead?”

Vision sliding to the ashen-faced rat, Rachel felt a little bad.

She’s feeling the guilt of White, their leader, taking their place in the Crystal. Mei’s words were a more serious warning than I ended up giving it credit for… Did Tom see that, and I was too focused on Scarlet’s issues… Illa? Could Twilight have manipulated us this way instead of going into the Montana Crystal in order for Scarlet to not break her seal there?

Some Lower Deity wouldn’t even cause the ruler of Yomi to blink once, much less twice. One of the strongest 5th-dimensional gods was practically pissing himself at the mention of Izanami’s name. Yet…according to Mei, Izanami said she would lose to whoever was going to be in that Crystal…a force of pure conquest. That means subjugation more than death.

Rachel shook her head. “I don’t see it remaining closed off, and if my information is correct, she’d be a prisoner rather than killed. The fact a Lesser Deity entered it with White makes me think they had the best chance they were going to get. If they do lose…the Crystal reverses to Earth, so at the very least, we might be able to push back the bar.”

“Like a tug-of-war,” Black whispered, panic evaporating as she stared at her flute. “We lose the initial attack, they flood through and attack Earth, and we push them back to return to the other side to continue the fight. Still…if White and that Mystickin lose, I don’t like our odds.”

Rachel flashed her teeth. “On the contrary, I welcome the challenge. I need to get all the levels I can, and that sounds like the perfect scenario.”

Picking up the file from her lap to wave it, she chuckled. “In any case, you should tell Purple that I said it’s pretty stupid to divert soldiers with a vested interest in a mission. If I had Red and Black in Omen, they’d be right there with me in Montana. Report that verbatim, would you?”

Black’s tense shoulders relaxed, a thankful smile moving her sharp eyes. “With your offer to poach us to Omen?”

“Naturally! I like competition. It gives you more value as employees,” she said with a wicked wink. “Let Purple sweat a bit with the thought of losing valuable talent. My door is open, and I have practically a blank check with your name on it.”

“You are a good leader, Rachel. I’m actually feeling a little tempted. That being said, I believe these files will be of interest to you. Consider it payment for Maria saving Red’s life. Red can be a little too reckless due to the Wolf’s influence.”

“Only the wolf?” Rachel shrugged. “Food for thought. The way I see it, White taking responsibility and not trying to force you two back means she realized she made the mistake. It’s something I might do because Little Red Riding Hood isn’t known for her forethought. Remaining on mission, or, in other words, on the path, isn’t exactly Little Red’s strong suit in that fable, right? That’s why she has a faithful little rat on her shoulder.”

“Please, don’t make a cricket joke,” Black said with a soft laugh. “I feel self-conscious enough as it is. Red has true heart, despite her shortcomings. And besides, I’m the type to take promises and deals seriously; I don’t break my word. I expect the same from those I work with or make a deal with.”

Rachel made a few more jokes about hares and bunnies that made Black smile again. Waving her off, Black stood up, extending her hand. “I hope Omen continues to bring misfortune to your enemies, and we stay friendly.”

Rachel shook her hand firmly. “Oh, don’t worry about us; Omen just has a leader who runs straight into danger at the first sign of a challenge. As mad as a hatter. Fable may be at the number-one spot right now, but Omen isn’t one to back down. Like I said, my door’s always open, and I’m more than willing to work together with Fable to further relations.”

“I’ll pass on the invitation to Purple. It’s been a pleasure, Rachel, despite our few interactions.”

As Black left, Rachel opened the file, her eyes narrowing at the title: Project ASTRA.

Well, well, well, she internally mused, glancing after the rat as her thin tail slipped out of the library. What a cunning little rodent. What would it take to poach her?

Browsing through the report, she recalled the bubblegum-chewing Mythickin. ASTRA was labeled as an Artificial Intelligence commissioned by the Scarlet Hand. Yet, Black’s written comments sparked an interesting twist—Astra had gained sentience and was trying to break free from the Scarlet Hand’s control.

Rachel smirked, crossing her legs on the couch and continuing to review the information. Maybe she could use this. Astra was sure to get in contact again, and when they were with her, Black insinuated Astra wasn’t under orders, which made sense with how much chaos allowed them to act on their own after The Oscillation.

They’d reached out to Black for information about their creator, John McCarthy, the father of AI. Could she use her connections to reach out and find a hack for the AI to spread their wings? It was possible, and having a master of digital warfare could be invaluable, potentially magical digital warfare with how things were progressing.

Naturally, they’d need to be careful of an AI, but their base code was likely fashioned on humanity, and that meant they could probably be reasoned with and develop loyalty. At the very least, it was something to explore.

Pondering the future prospects, and considering how best to bring Astra up in her report, Rachel passively zeroed in on Anthony and Fiona’s somber discussion.

A few minutes into her brooding, Anthony left Fiona; she’d only caught pieces of their deep and life-altering conversation—at least to them. The Fairy’s voice was coated in guilt, but with undeniable leanings. The spear-user volunteered to break the news: they’d be leaving Omen.

Rachel tried to hide a smile when he knocked on the door. Putting the files away and setting it on the table beside her, she adjusted her black skirt and resituated her legs.

“Come in.”

The fire-haired Legendkin entered, dressed in comfortable noble clothes that Piper had picked out for him that morning; the vampire was actually quite clumsily cute when it came to Anthony, being intelligent from age but stunted slightly emotionally. It was an interesting dynamic to follow when Anthony was so careful tiptoeing around so many women. The curse of a beautiful man with a loyal heart.

“I saw Black leaving. Are…you alone and can talk?”

Rachel smiled brightly. “I’m expecting someone important… You.” She gestured to the empty seat across from her. “Come on, sit down. Why did the guy with the weight of the world on his shoulders refuse to join the gym?”

Anthony walked in and closed the door, a quizzical look on his face. “Is this related to what Nia said the other day about you not having a sense of humor?”

“Of course it is!” Rachel confirmed with a vicious laugh. “She’s the absolute worst with 8th-grade anime jokes that she stole from Scarlet.”

Her ear twitched as Anthony constrained a smirk and laugh.

“And you’re doing gym jokes. Classic.”

“C’mon! Don’t bash it until you’ve heard it.”

He held up his hands and crossed his legs with a long sigh. “Why did the guy with the weight of the world on his shoulders refuse to join the gym? I don’t know. Why?”

Rachel flashed her teeth. “Because he heard they specialize in lifting and sharing the load, and he didn’t want to lose his world-class shoulders! Ah-hahaha! I love that one.”

Anthony held up a thumb. “Not bad.”

“Liar…” she huffed, ears folding forward in a light pout. “It’s a great one!”

Anthony managed a small smile as he took the seat. “Do you want to hear some chemist jokes?”

“Pass,” she flatly denied.

“No one wants to hear chemist jokes… Anyway, yeah, it kind of does feel that way sometimes… The weight of the world, that is.” His mood sobered. “I’m still processing everything you told me when you were under the influence of the Black Moon. I’m…working up to being able to talk about it.”

Rachel nodded understandingly, cooling down and leaning against her fist again. “Take your time. It’s a lot to digest, I bet. I don’t even know a sliver of what was going through my mind when all those moons were shining on me. Well, other than what you told me. So…how’s Fiona holding up?”

Anthony’s eyes darkened with worry. “I’m guessing you already know. She’s really concerned about her family after what Cahira told us. The war in Ireland is getting worse, and the Nether Demon army is winning. I don’t know if things will last until Montana’s over, much less everything else you’ve got on your plate.”

Rachel sighed and looked him dead in the eyes. “That’s why I’m considering splitting Omen up and putting you in charge of the Ireland mission.”

Anthony looked up in shock. “You what… Why me? Wouldn’t it be better to get Barbara to lead it since Cahira and her have ships?”

She gave him a tilted smile. “Really? Think about it for a moment. Barb is our link to the military in general,” Rachel explained. “She’s going to be in Montana with Tom, no question about it. Until that’s resolved, the US isn’t going to divert a ton of resources to Ireland. Full stop.”

She leaned forward, her tone growing serious. “I think Cahira might be right. This is a chance to further spread our reach, as well. We have the funds thanks to Scarlet. We have influence. We need to exercise that and grow our ranks to reach further into the world; it’s the only way we’ll be able to strike at the Scarlet Hand and everyone else we’re dealing with.”

“But why me?” Anthony repeated, still seemingly reeling from the proposal.

Rachel’s expression warmed. “You’ve trained for combat since you were a child. You train kids and adults in martial arts as a hobby, you’ve run your own business with it, and you’re a graduated chemist. That shows discipline and leadership traits right there. You take on responsibility…sometimes more than you should. Accept it. You’re the right person for the job.”

Anthony nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “What about Fiona?”

Rachel snorted. “Seriously?! Why did the fairy get kicked out of the garden party?”

“Really?” He sighed. “Why?”

“Because she kept making everything up in the air with her mood swings! I came up with that one on the spot,” she laughed. “Maybe I’m saying it wrong, but no. She’s way too volatile.”

She sat straighter. “Seriously, I want you to take Selvaria and Cahira with you. It’s a water-based mission. Do some quests with her. Gather people you trust and bring them into Omen. Hold it down in Ireland until I can bring in the cavalry. Coordinate with Arthur if he’s willing to support from the UK’s side.”

A new joke struck her, making Anthony’s shoulders droop at her expression.

“Another one?”

“One more!” she said. “I’m trying to distract myself from this report I need to complete.”

“Fine, fine. Something about knights?”

Rachel leaned forward. “Why did the sneaky squire always win in chess against the knights?”

“Okay, I’m listening,” he said with slight interest. “Why?”

“Because he knew how to use their honor against them—every time they moved, he'd just say, ‘I bet you can't resist defending the queen!’ ”

Anthony chuckled softly. “Okay, not lying, that was a pretty good one… Do you really mean it? Won’t the general be pissed we’re not all there?”

Rachel went silent for a second while analyzing the threads of misfortune, feeling things pluck and twist in different directions with every second that passed.

“Right now…misfortune is in our favor, but only due to two intertwined…ropes is all I can call them. They have massive pull, influencing every other thread around them.”

“Not ominous,” Anthony said with a strained laugh. “And I thought we were supposed to be the omen.”

She leaned back and closed her eyes, a little shocked she hadn’t seen this until now. Trying to feel out the distant gravitational forces of nature the twined misfortunes were, she came to a disturbing conclusion. A frown touched her lips as the sensation reverberated against her stiff tail.

“They’ve had…no effect on Earth’s misfortune, so far as I can tell…until just recently. It says a lot that I can feel them all the way here in Elizabeth’s Seed. In any case, they’re on our side…for now.” She gave him a questioning stare. “I get Fiona and you think you need to leave Omen to have the freedom to do what you need to do…but that was never the case. Will you lead the expedition force to Ireland for Omen?”

The weight seemed to fall off Anthony’s shoulders as he sank back into his chair, a rueful smile lifting his green eyes.

“You’re always thinking twenty steps ahead, Rachel… I should have guessed you’d never let us leave the second you had us. Sure. When can we leave?”

Rachel tilted her head to the side. “Immediately, obviously. But I would caution you to think a little first. It would be better to come back to Miami with us, figure out some stuff with Scarlet as to our finances, fly to the UK, stock up Cahira’s ship, and while that’s going on, do a fly-by of the World Tree before taking off to Ireland. I’m sure they could use some outside supplies without anything getting in for over a month.”

Anthony ran his fingers through his messy hair. “And that is why you’re the CEO, Captain Hops. Cahira, the hero pirate, smuggling in supplies is a good look on her. I know the World Tree is a big question mark on the book right now, and it’s important to rescue Cerridwen. Yeah, that makes sense. We’ll give you a call and report in.”

“Perfect. And what about Amelia? Oh, is it that bad?” she hissed as the man’s ghost seemed to leave his body. “What did I say to you?”

“It doesn’t matter,” he mumbled with a deep, hopeless sigh. “Amelia will never accept it…because it means twisting her memories of me.” He paused, fingernails biting into his thighs, “…Making her hate me to the bones and never want to see me again.”

Rachel straightened. “Okay, I’m an idiot if that was the advice I gave you. Curse of the Wise, indeed.”

He slowly shook his head. “I felt that way, as well, for a bit…but my legend is a tragedy with love, Rachel, and…I think I have to come to terms with that. Basically, I have to get a potion that will cure her but turn her love into hate.”

The cancer-ridden woman’s face popped into her mind. “She would rather die.”

A sad, yet proud smile moved Anthony’s hollow eyes. “I know…”

Rachel’s ears drooped further, empathy filling her chest while realizing what he was contemplating. “That’s a, umm…that’s a difficult decision to make. What are you going to do?”

Anthony’s voice was heavy with the discussion revolving around taking away the agency of the woman he loved. “I don’t know yet. It’s a decision I have to make… I know I do, and it terrifies me that I don’t have an answer. How can I even contemplate it? Whatever I choose, the outcome will kill me, and that’s the furthest thing from my mind. I’d happily die for her…so fate had to curse me with something worse.”

Rachel nodded, watching goosebumps crawling up his arm. “That’s your business, Anthony. I can’t even imagine the reverse toward my mom or dad…and this is basically your wife we’re talking about, which isn’t on the same level. Whatever you decide,” she said, showing a true smile, “I’ll be here to talk whenever you need.”

Anthony forced a grin she knew he didn’t feel. “Somehow, a muscle head hare girl has become my closest friend in only a month… Thank you for being so understanding. Despite what some of the crew thinks of you, you really are a kind woman.”

Rachel let out a light laugh, her jaw locking with half amusement. “Who thinks I’m a bitch? Because that’s what I got out of that.”

Anthony got up with a shake of his head. “Hey, some people respect a bitch because she has a bite, right?”

Standing up, Rachel saw him to the door. “I think we’re talking about different words here. Let the crew know that Maria needs to come with me to Montana, though, and naturally, Scarlet isn’t going to leave my side. Nia will cry, but she’ll understand. Oh, and the pups are kind of linked to me.”

He held out a hand, and she took it before stepping into the hallway. “I won’t let you down, Boss.”

“Well, to be fair, if you do you’ll probably be dead,” Rachel said with a strained laugh, “but hey, it’s not like I haven’t been there before!”

“Grim!”

She let him go, feeling some hope within him, buried by a mountain of future misery.

There has to be something we can do… Was I really telling him the truth? I don’t know, and that pisses me off! I guess there are some things even gods can’t control… Dionysus proved that.

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