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TO Rewrite: B3 — 1. A World On Fire
🕑 Added 2024-07-16 23:30:06 +0000 UTCAuthor Note: As a reminder, next week there will be no public or $3 chapters but a chapter for the $5 and $10 patrons to elevate the $5 patrons to the same 2 ahead chapters as the $3 and $10 tiers.
PoV:
1. Rachel (Our Lunar Hare Is On The Move!)
2. Throw-Back To Draft 1!
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Rachel stepped off the helicopter, her senses bombarded by the whirlwind of noise and wind; yet, the most concerning part was the strings of misfortune shifting against her. Something sinister and long-reaching was moving in the background.
The relentless blades cut through the air, their roar drowning out even the faintest of sounds for most, but not her, as they headed toward a section of the closed docks where Saint Barbara awaited.
Hands stuffed in her shorts pockets, she squinted against the downwash, her ears tilting in various directions to catch snippets of conversation. The familiar scent of saltwater mixed with the faint hint of aviation fuel filled her nostrils, and the early morning Miami air, cool yet carrying the promise of heat.
Dawn was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting long shadows across the pier; the sky, a canvas of pale purples and pinks, slowly brightened as the sun prepared to rise. The air was crisp, with a light breeze carrying the tang of the ocean.
Scarlet would need to get into shelter soon, and the Marine captain had prepared for that with a blacked-out limousine they’d redesigned for her own unique use; Barbara had already told them that Omen would get a bill, which was fair.
Rachel took a deep breath, her small tail swaying slightly with each step as she absorbed the atmosphere, the slight humidity already beginning to cling to her skin. The Cerberus Sisters and Nia were currently asleep in Scarlet’s blood bed that trailed behind the hardened vespertine reaper—the Legend Quest had been the right choice.
Scarlet was the first to move, jogging over to the place where the helicopter dropped off their loads. “I’ll grab my father and strap it to the limo!” she yelled over the whirling blades, not that she needed to with Rachel’s sharp hearing.
Rachel nodded, watching Scarlet’s swift movements, her black hair whipping in the wind. She could sense the weight of the coffin even before Scarlet reached it, the burden both physical and emotional on the girl’s face that marked their week-long Legend Quest. It was still crazy to think it had only been two days on the outside.
Barbara stood nearby, sunglasses perched on her nose, her posture radiating authority and readiness. She acknowledged Rachel with a nod.
“Welcome back to shore,” the Legend said, her attention no doubt on the red-haired pirate as Cahira hopped out with a grin, stretching out and surveying the military ships patrolling the divide between Miami Beach and Miami. “We have a lot to do in a short time, so let’s get going.”
Selvaria, Anthony, Fiona, and Maria disembarked in turn, each reacting to the intense wind and noise in their own way. Naturally, Fiona was hiding inside Maria’s front to escape the beating blades. Separate vehicles were ready to take each of them to their pre-negotiated locations, and Barbara didn’t seem happy about something by her frown. She was sure it would come up soon enough.
As Rachel moved forward, she noticed signs of damage to the docks—scorch marks on the concrete, bent railings, and scattered debris. The remnants of a recent skirmish were evident, a testament to the vampire attack, but not as much as she’d anticipated.
Dracula’s assault had been a diversion, in any case. Barbara had already concluded there was another organization working the Dracula angle that President Leo had confirmed; other than that, it was classified and out of their hair.
The group gathered around Barbara, exchanging greetings and light-hearted jabs to ease the tension. Rachel’s ears tilted, picking up fragments of conversation from the dock workers and military personnel nearby. They spoke about the attack, or if it could even constitute that, with the warships that had met them before they reached the docks.
“Aye, looks like we missed a party,” Maria commented, her voice raised while following her toward the auburn-haired Legend. Her eyes scanned the damage, anxiety probably building and wondering if her block was safe. “We splittin’ up. Right, liebre lunar?”
“Just a minor skirmish,” Barbara replied, her tone more clipped and professional than Rachel had expected; something big must have happened. “No civilian casualties since another secret unit handled a bunch of stuff in the background and we handled their ships before they docked.”
She brushed her hair to the side and gestured at the cars she’d brought for them as a crowd further up on the docks watched them, reporters already clamoring to be updated. Rachel’s attention was drawn to a figure standing a little apart from the group, her posture stiff and uncertain. It took her a moment to recognize Selvaria’s mother, Teri, her presence a shock to everyone. Selvaria froze, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and confusion.
“Anyway, Anthony, that car will take you to your girl. The one over there is for Cahira, Selv, and Fi, but I’m guessing the kaiju is going to be a bit busy…” She trailed off as they watched Selvaria’s eyes grow big as her mother waved from a distance away.
“Mom?” Selvaria’s monotone voice was barely audible as she jogged to join her. “Why are you here? You’re supposed to be with Rachel’s parents…”
Teri moved forward, pulling Selvaria into a tight embrace. “I had to come,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “I needed to see you, to know you’re safe. And…there’s something else.”
“What?”
“Milo…he passed away while you were gone.”
Selvaria’s eyes started to water, a rare touch of emotion in her voice as she contemplated losing her best friend. “Oh… Okay. I, umm… I see…”
Selvaria and her mother shared a moment while the rest of the group turned back to Barbara, not understanding what was going on with the sea dragon’s loss; there was a slightly somber atmosphere, but they still cracked jokes about vampires, thankful to be back after the ordeal.
Rachel began calculating how things might change, yet soon realized Milo was Selvaria’s dog. Devastating, but something she could handle, and he was old. She’d need some time with her mother, which wouldn’t cut into the UK trip.
“Vampires, eh? It’s a pleasure to come ashore, Cap!” Cahira said with a grin, jumping forward to hug the much taller Marine captain. “The blood suckers always be causin’ trouble. Bet they didn’t expect to run into the bleedin’ US Navy! Don’t touch America’s boats, they don’t like that shit. Am I right?!”
Barbara chuckled, her stern facade softening slightly. “No, we don’t. And they won’t be back anytime soon. I hear you’ve been brought into Omen…but don’t make trouble for us and start stealing anything.”
The redhead blinked and flashed her teeth with an innocent smile while breaking away. “Never, Love! I’ve got a clean deck, lassy, and why would a reputable merchant like meself be needin’ to steal when I’ve got a sugar mama frontin’ the bill of adventure?!” she asked, hopping over to Rachel to throw an arm around her shoulder. “I’m as spotless as a virgin lass on her weddin’ day!”
“That, I highly doubt,” Rachel said with a strained smile while escaping her. “Don’t mind the flirty pirate. She’ll go after anything that moves, but let’s get going; Scarlet has a limited time and she’s getting her dad into place.”
“Aww. Don’t be paintin’ a fine lover like meself as a land-locked whore, puffy tail!” Cahira cried. “I assure ya, I’m as pure as—”
“As a merchant’s double-entry accounting book,” Rachel finished for her, rolling her eyes.
“Na, your lyin’ out of your ass, chica,” Maria bluntly followed up, turning the pirate’s cheeks a tad pink as she laughed it off. “You’re nowhere near a virgin.”
“When did I say I was? I’m sensin’ some distrust here, lassies!” Cahira laughed, “And I do be havin’ a fine ass; thank ye for the compliment, beautiful!”
“We get it,” Rachel sighed. “You’re on probationary hire. Now get moving before the sun catches up with Scarlet.”
“Right, you be an inspirational Leader! We’re goin’ ta find supplies for the poor souls of Ireland, so get your wings into gear, Flutter Butt, and flutter on out of heaven! We’ve got supplies to fetch!”
Fiona pushed herself out of Maria’s front with a small frown aimed at the energetic pirate. “Okay, this girl is trouble!”
“Where’s the Irish in ya, love?”
Barbara waved them toward their cars, Anthony already giving her a smile that said he had twenty on the redhead getting roasted or thrown off a bridge by the end of their journey. He went to the lone car to reach the hospital Amelia had been transported back to. Cahira and Fiona were already going to their vehicle, the fairy doing well at countering the pirate’s teasing comments.
Rachel let the stress building in her chest ease out while giving Scarlet a thumbs up as she went into the limo, the sun’s light starting to cast worry on her face. The soldiers nearby finished strapping the coffin on the roof, with Maria going to help. Barbara joined Rachel on her path to Selvaria, holding back tears while in her mother’s arms.
Placing a hand on the sea dragon’s shoulder, Rachel gave her an encouraging smile; Fiona and Cahira also calmed down as they approached, noticing Selvaria’s listless tail.
“Why don’t you take the morning with your mom? Talk to Cahira and Fi about catching up to them later. I’m sure they’ll be worried. Even heroes need time to mourn a pet, right?”
“Mhm… Thanks, Rachel,” Selvaria sniffled, hugging her as the girl’s mother gave her an encouraging smile. “I know a lot of people are counting on me. I just…didn’t have many friends growing up… People saw me as a monster.”
“It’s okay, sweetie,” her mother whispered, bringing her into another hug. “Thank you, Rachel.”
Barbara mirrored a compassionate smile before going to join Scarlet, stopping Maria on her way to check on the sea dragon. Explaining the situation and hopping into the seat beside Scarlet, Rachel gave Barbara a sideways glance, the muted hum of the engine a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions still swirling around them now that they were back in Miami.
The muffled clamor of reporters faded into the background as they pulled away from the docks, the cityscape gradually coming into view through the tinted windows.
Barbara’s demeanor is always so composed, but I can see the tension in her jaw. Something big must have gone down while we were gone. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Barbara’s golden eyes came into view as she took her sunglasses off and folded them to nest them on her uniform front. She adjusted the rosary around her neck, and Rachel decided to break the silence, her voice low but firm.
“What’s got you on edge, Barbara? The skirmish? Did something happen in Montana?”
Barbara’s lips pressed into a thin line. “A lot is happening in Montana. There’s been…movement, I suppose you could say. Not the kind I anticipated to be left in the dark on. Another organization has been active under President Leo’s direct command, working the Dracula angle. We managed to contain it, but there are too many variables at play now.”
Rachel frowned, her ears twitching slightly as she processed this. “I’m guessing it’s classified, even from you. If that’s the case, I doubt I’ll get an update on it when I make my report to General Dallas. That shouldn’t make you this upset, though, since you’re used to this kind of compartmentalization.”
“Yeah,” Scarlet mumbled, glancing between them. “If someone else is working the Dracula angle, then doesn’t that mean we can focus on bigger things?”
Maria’s arms tightened under her bust, her silver eyes narrowing. “Dammit. Rachel’s parents’ house was attacked, wasn’t it?” Rachel’s ears pressed into the ceiling, and Scarlet stiffened. “Shit is the only thing that would keep you stalling. How’s Felix doing?”
She took a deep breath, her fingers tapping a rhythm against her knee. “They’re fine, but yes, there was an attack on your family, Rachel. It wasn’t from the Scarlet Hand.”
Rachel’s ears twitched, her muscles tensing as a flood of thoughts raced through her mind. Another faction? Another threat? “Who then?”
Barbara scratched her nose and glanced at the blackened windows. “The attackers used ninja-like skills, but that doesn’t narrow it down much. Your mother is convinced it was from South Korea, but she refused to elaborate, saying she couldn’t. They were highly skilled and precise, targeting your mother specifically. And yes, Maria, Felix is fine.”
She looked between Scarlet, Maria, and her. “I’m guessing you want me to explain everything from the start. I made sure to get all the information through the night.”
Scarlet leaned forward, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light as she prepared her mind, letting it simmer to absorb the information. Scarlet’s tongue was lodged in her throat, clearly wanting to ask a host of questions but remaining quiet so as not to split the focus.
Maria chimed in, her tone more analytical than emotional. “And why the hell now? The timing can’t be a coincidence. What would they gain from targeting your parents?”
Barbara sighed, rubbing her temples. “As I said, your mother believes it’s related to her past. She wouldn’t give me details, only that it’s dangerous and not to pursue it. They were after something or someone she’s connected to.”
Rachel’s frustration simmered just below the surface, her fingers curling into fists. Another faction, another layer of complexity. “So they’re still targets. If my mother said it was from South Korea, I’m inclined to believe her. She has things she is keeping from me, as well.”
Scarlet shifted in her seat, her blue eyes narrowing and fingers pressing against her thighs. “I have a lot of property and stuff now, Rachel. A ton of it which I don’t even know if my mom would know about—my dad handled all of the financial stuff in our home. There are probably a lot of places totally off the grid.”
“Thanks, Scarlet,” Rachel smiled, knowing she was doing her best to help. “And Jeanne?”
Barbara’s expression darkened. “Jeanne was occupied with several powerful individuals who managed to isolate her for a crucial few seconds with some kind of dimensional shift—some kind of divine influence. It was all timed perfectly, but what they didn’t anticipate…was Alexa stepping in to save Nam and your mother by momentarily freezing time. Zoe also played a crucial role, scaring them off.”
A silence fell over the limo. [Strategic Mind] and [Mental Acceleration] were all that kept Rachel’s mind steady as her thoughts were thrown into wild territory at the image the Legend painted. “Alexa…and Zoe?” she repeated, the faces of her blonde sister-in-law and college Domestic Cat acquaintance punching her in the nose.
After several seconds, she slowly nodded. “Alright. Tell me everything. We can’t slow our current schedule, though. They’re fine. That’s enough for now. Take us to the Scarlet’s bank so we can create an account for Omen and explain it from the beginning.”
Barbara settled in, straightening her suit jacket and crossing her legs. “As far as we’re aware, it started with some new neighbors that moved in next door…”
Listening to the timeline of events as they moved through the busy early-morning Miami streets, Rachel took in every piece and tacked it to a board later to connect to her giant internal puzzle; currently, it was even locked to her since learning about their internal vulnerabilities that Aurora’s note left in Maria’s room pointed out.
When they neared the bank, Scarlet offered to go inside with Maria to fill everything out while they concluded their discussion. She vanished in shadows, bypassing the deadly sun to reach the bank’s interior to speak to the representative Barbara had set up for them.
Rachel sat back, rubbing her jaw in the ensuing silence after everything was laid bare. “…Hmm. So, Zoe is now alone… That’s terrible. I’ll have to address that, and it seems my mother is now attached to her. I can’t believe I thought my mother was strict when she’s the softest softy I think I know,” she mumbled while rubbing her forehead. “It makes sense, though…considering what happened in the accident. Huh…
“As for Zoe, she went into Anthony’s Quests with the others, so I’m not surprised she’s grown stronger since she’d have EXP bonuses with Mythickin being inside a Legendkin Quest. I believe she was near or at Level 10, which is quite high at this point, I’d say… Alexa, though.”
She shook her head, her mouth tightening while recalling her conversation with Aurora and Elizabeth. “Alexa awakened a Hidden Seed. It’s the first instance I’m aware of, but I did hear about their existence inside Elizabeth’s Legend Quest. A magical girl, huh?”
Rachel smiled, recalling everything she’d come to learn about her sister-in-law. “It fits her. And by the look on your face, there’s more to that than you’ve told me, but…my main concern is this…”
Sliding down a Wikipedia page linked to the United Nations, her vision narrowed while taking in every line. “This doesn’t feel right… How did the World Health Organization learn about Alexa’s transformation less than five hours after her change?”
Barbara played with her rosary. “I can’t say. All I know is that General Dallas told me that Secretary Hugh Auchincloss of the Department of Health and Human Services contacted him, asking about Alexa. He was asked to investigate it by the Director-General of the World Health Organization. His plane is touching down in DC as we speak… Normal people awakening Seeds is a huge deal, but…”
“How did they know so fast?” Rachel mumbled, eyebrows drawn together as she scanned down the website. “With how many legendary and mythical figures there are in history, with the added aspect of multiple organizations and cabals working in the background… The question is: who is running the WHO?”
“There’s a question,” Barbara chuckled.
“And Alexa accepted the request…despite Nam’s reluctance?” Rachel mumbled, scratching the base of her ear as it itched. “I get we have prophecies, and I have my methods of predicting outcomes with misfortune…which is hard to decipher right now, but it isn’t exactly positive at the moment. Why?”
Barbara forced a smile. “I’m told that her change wasn’t the…most kind to her. She’s locked herself in her room, and none of the soldiers have seen it, so I can’t confirm anything.”
“Hmm. Is it possible to stop off temporarily at my parents’ house?” she asked, not liking the way things were looking while swiping to the current Director-General of the WHO. “I understand this is a huge deal…and Alexa might be the first to awaken a Dormant Seed, which…is another level of suspicion. Still, I want to be there, at least to meet this guy. So…is it possible since the Montana Crystal is locked right now?”
She looked up as Barbara swiped through information on another tablet. “General Dallas already assumed you’d want to stop by after the attack, and…he’s also suspicious about the timing and arrival of such a huge figure in the UN. He gave you thirty minutes with your family and a helicopter to get to your house, but the plane to Montana is scheduled on a clock.”
“I get it! Tom wants me in Montana asap. We fly from Miami to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, take the helicopter to my mom’s house, stay for precisely thirty minutes, and go; I understand,” Rachel whispered, swiping up to the top of the sheet to stare at the former world-renowned genetics specialist. “Director-General Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart… A German… I don’t want to be racist, but…”
“No, I’m with you!” Barbara muttered, blowing up a picture of the handsome young man’s face on a German fashion magazine, taken only a week prior; blue-eyed, light-brown hair, and a sophisticated face, he displayed a level of mature charm that went beyond his youthful appearance. “He’s definitely a Legendkin…but the UN is keeping it classified and he has a spotless record.”
“So did Ms. Peck,” Rachel whispered, thinking back on Scarlet’s high school teacher who had slit a Green Berret’s throat before writing occult symbols across the whiteboard about how Rachel was going to be the end of all things before killing herself. “This is tied into something bigger; I can feel it. I just don’t know if it’s against me yet or in my favor.”
Barbara showed a sad smirk as she folded her hands across her lap and gave her a pointed stare. “Such is the power of misfortune… Sometimes, I wonder about you, Rachel. You turned Elizabeth, the Countess of Blood, into your ally and made deals with Hell Lords and gods alike. It makes me wonder if you’re the one pulling all the strings.”
Rachel looked up at the Legend of Saint Barbara with a mirrored smile. “You have a point. I get the gut feeling I don’t even know myself sometimes… That being said, all I can do is move forward and act…always act. I’d rather make my destiny than let fate hand me something on a plate. Also, can we keep the Elizabeth angle out of the conversation?” she asked, pointing at her ear.
“Fair,” the captain sighed, looking down at her tablet. “It almost feels futile hiding private things anymore… If I say ‘Astra,’ do you think they’ll show up to gloat?”
A secretive gleam lit in Rachel’s eye as the artificial intelligence Mythickin was brought up, recalling the information Black had given her. “Something tells me Astra will show up sooner than later. With that handled,” she said, pulling out the phone Barbara had given them on the way and looking through the contacts as her ears shifted to the left.
“We’ll finish setting Omen’s finances in order so that Anthony, Fi, Selv, and Cahira can get the needed supplies. It sounds like Scarlet’s almost got everything done… People jump to do what you want when you’re a billionaire and Maria’s on your ass.”
Barbara tilted her tablet to her to show a military black site. “Everything is set up for Scarlet to leave her father’s casket; the President’s Secret Keeper will be storing it in their private pocket space.”
“Fancy,” Rachel returned with a hum. “That should keep Scarlet satisfied.”
She tilted her head to the side. I’d rather her try to store him in the Red Sea, but that could also open up a whole can of worms. We need to be cautious in exploring Scarlet’s newly unlocked abilities. There’s a lot to still sort through. One being what Erika’s been doing in the background…
She heard Scarlet and Maria finishing up and activating the debit cards the bank had made; soldiers would deliver them to their group. In the meantime, she called Fiona’s overwhelmed fox friend, livestreaming agent, and lawyer. The happy vespertine reaper popped back into the limo with a grin and peace sign as the rings sounded, Maria being pulled into the teleport.
“Done! Oh, sorry, you’re on the phone. We’re going to Maria’s block next?” she asked, catching Barbara’s nod.
Maria breathed a sigh of relief as she settled in. “Damn straight. Little Zoe is an orphan now, huh? Shit. Some of the crew are going to want to hear about that… Elena’s going to want to know. It’s not often she gets attached to people.”
Scarlet glanced at her, still on the phone as Erika picked up. “That’s the Honey Badger Beastkin little sister you’ve got, right? You’re all adopted.”
“Mhm,” Maria sighed, pulling her braided silver hair over her shoulder. “I bet she’ll flip out with her Feats… Shit’s tough recently, and she doesn’t do well when people close to her get hurt,” she mumbled, looking somber.
Rachel let them talk, Barbara bringing them into their plans as she directed their driver to Maria’s street. Erika’s tired voice came through the speaker, likely just getting up for the morning after a late night.
“Hey, Rachel,” she yawned, a bit of heat in her exhausted voice. “Fi already called me and told me she was okay. I can’t believe you had me give two speeches in front of Congress and the Senate—I had a heart attack defending you! I’m going to have to charge Omen so much… I am a lawyer.”
“Right,” Rachel mused, shifting her head to scan the tens of thousands of voices throughout Miami, “but you did so well. I’m hearing all about how pretty, fluffy, and well-spoken you are here in Florida. Omen’s popularity is soaring through the roof! Who would have thought with a young, attractive fox woman as our face.”
“Quit trying to butter me up… Obviously, you want something more. I’m still here in DC…running out of my savings.”
Scarlet held up her hand, face brightening up, making Rachel chortle and wave her down.
“Yes, yes, we’ll be sending you Omen’s account info for business expenses. We just got that setup. We’ll pay well. I’d like you to get in contact with my brother to help coordinate the management of Omen as a Private Military Corporation. He needs something to distract him, I think…or maybe he doesn’t. Hard to say with things between Alexa and him. I can talk to him about it later today. Anyway, can you put Zoe on the payroll? I owe her.”
An awkward pause followed before Erika breathed in a stressed breath, and Rachel could imagine her fluffy fox tail bristling as she tried to process what she’d just asked.
“I’m…a lawyer!” she cried, sounding like she was frantically scratching her fox ears and messing up her hair. “I only did agent stuff for Fiona because she’s my friend! I’ll tell you what, I’m in DC and met some powerful people dealing with your political fiasco—and it has been a fiasco—but I think I can get the right people on this.”
Rachel flashed her teeth and held up a thumb to Scarlet, who was giving her a dubious stare. “Excellent! I knew you were the right fox for the job. I look forward to hearing what Nam says about your awesome skills. By the way, much respect—I wanted to be a lawyer before The Oscillation. Gotta go. I’m counting on you!”
“Wait, Rachel!”
Disconnecting the call, Rachel stretched out with a satisfied grin. “Things are moving! So, let’s finish up what we need to here and get on a plane. Misfortune awaits!”
It didn’t take them long to finish setting things up and to visit Maria’s block. She was a tad surprised when a haughty Elena joined them, refusing to be left behind, wanting to be there for the block’s mascot domestic cat—she had an interesting way of showing friendship. It also caused a bit of commotion since opening the door caused some light to burn Scarlet’s arm. With some choice words from everyone inside, they made their way to the airport.
Once boarded, she called everyone to make sure they were okay. Selvaria was doing better after spending time with her mom. Anthony was now with Cahira and Fiona, which was much needed with the dubious pirate lady’s playful antics, picking on the small 20-year-old fairy. Supplies were being acquired, and things were moving.
She called her mom once settled in and it didn’t take long before it connected. Although, her mother didn’t speak long, saying she was with Alexa and Zoe; she wouldn’t elaborate on anything. Her father was dealing with an emergency with one of his company’s major clients, so his phone was off. Figuring her brother would also be unwilling to talk about something his wife wouldn’t want to discuss, she called the last person she could, now feeling misfortune’s threads moving.
Well, this can’t be good…
“Rachel?” Jeanne asked, her tone far more serious and rushed than Rachel expected.
“Hey! Just wanted to check in. We brought back souvenirs. How are—”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t talk,” she stated, her French accent thick. “Charlemagne is on the other line. There was an attack on Élysée Palace ten minutes ago. I’m getting the details now.”
“Oh, yeah…” Jeanne was already gone, leaving Rachel to sigh and pull up the name. “Shit… Élysée Palace is basically France’s White House.”
Barbara moved through the private jet, Scarlet taking a short rest in the back to recover from the sunlight touching her; the girl had downed three blood packs. Maria was in the front, talking with Elena, who was actually pretty upset about hurting Scarlet.
“What’s wrong?” Barbara asked.
Rachel pulled up the latest news station in France, passing the tablet to the Legend as she sat beside her. “Élysée Palace was just hit by a bomb—at least, it looks that way.”
“Damn… It seems like the whole world is on fire lately. I just checked with General Dallas, and he says the Montana Crystal hasn’t opened yet. They’re getting a lot more Legends and Myths that are coming in as mercenaries, though. Also, I just heard Black and Red were brought back onto the—”
“This is your captain speaking. Please put your devices into airplane mode. We’re about to prepare for take-off.”
Rachel sighed and followed instructions. “That’s a relief… Yeah, the world is on fire, alright. I have my own things to deal with, though,” she growled, pulling up a saved webpage to read over it again. “Like why the Director-General of the World Health Organization wants to examine my sister-in-law…”
* — * — *
Inside the private jet, the hum of the engines provided a soothing backdrop as the group settled into their plush leather seats. Wolfgang sat at a table strewn with papers, his brow furrowed in concentration as he pored over reports detailing Alexa’s transformation and Rachel’s recent activities in Miami Beach. Beside him, a glass of scotch remained untouched, the amber liquid catching the faint overhead light.
Across the aisle, Sera Roth showed off her elegant and sleek appearance to the two other women who accompanied him. Long, blonde hair cascaded down her back in waves, her piercing blue eyes filled with seductive glee while adjusting her tight-fitted dress as she exchanged pointed remarks with Helena and Ingrid.
“You know, Helena,” Sera began, her tone dripping with mock sweetness, “for someone who likes to play the part of the ice queen, you really should have the looks to match. Blue eyes, blonde hair… Why, something like me! An hourglass shape of beautiful proportions… Not raven hair with lacking hips. Such a pity you don’t fit the bill.”
Helena’s lips curled into a thin smile as she adjusted her professional business attire and shot back, clearly agitated and trying to hide it. “At least my looks aren’t the result of some overdone glamor spell or metamorphosis. Some of us don’t need magic to feel confident, Sera…or hide our horns.”
Ingrid leaned back, her expression smug. “And yet, confidence doesn’t seem to prevent you from being outshone, Helena. Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before comparing yourself to someone of my caliber. My blonde hair and blue eyes are naturally perfect. Even The Oscillation couldn’t change your faults.”
Sera laughed, her seductive gaze lingering on Ingrid. “Oh, Ingrid, dear, you can have the Aryan package, but it doesn’t mean much if you can’t back it up. Maybe next time, pick a rival you can actually beat.”
Wolfgang glanced up from his papers, his expression amused. “You truly are a devil that loves to poke and prod, Sera. Are you quite sure this trip will be fruitful? Twilight advised us not to get too close to the Hare of Misfortune. Is the risk worth it to uncover more details about these Dormant Seeds?”
Sera’s smile widened, a dangerous glint in her eyes. She set her black handbag on the seat beside her and, in a flash of black flames, took on her true Nephilim appearance. Her horns curled elegantly, black flames and crimson lightning flickering around her. She crossed her legs and leaned forward to give him a red-eyed, seductive stare that made Wolfgang smirk at how fascinating a half-angel and half-devil could be.
“Every risk has its reward, Wolfgang. Besides, I enjoy a good challenge.”
The transformation caused a ripple of unease and glares from his assistant and personal secretary, both well into their eighties yet looking no older than twenty-five. Yseress’ illuminated ruby irises gleamed with a mischievous light as she met Wolfgang’s gaze.
“Twilight’s warnings are always appreciated, but sometimes, you need to step into the fire to see what burns brightest. Don’t worry. I’ll make everything run smooth as butter.”
Wolfgang chuckled, shaking his head. “Just remember, Sera…or should I call you Yseress? No, Sera seems appropriate if you’re going to be working with us, especially if Rachel already knows you. In any case,” he casually waved, “just remember, we’re here for a purpose. Distractions can be costly when research is postponed.”
Ingrid leaned forward, her tone conspiratorial. “Speaking of distractions, Wolfgang, any interesting findings on Alexa or Rachel’s blood charts I managed to sneak out?”
Wolfgang’s smile faded slightly as he returned to his papers. “Rachel’s activities in Miami Beach suggest she’s becoming more aware of the threads of misfortune around her. Her Greater Seed and genetic variance from her human side Pre-Oscillation are something to behold… She’s evolving far faster than any others I’ve seen. As for Alexa… Her transformation is…unique. We need to tread carefully.”
Helena raised an eyebrow. “Unique how? Is she a threat?”
Wolfgang sighed. “Potentially. The Dormant Seeds we’ve studied haven’t been activated like this before. She’s different. But she might also be an asset to discovering a hidden link. It’s too soon to tell.”
Sera, back in her human guise, leaned back with a satisfied smile. “Then let’s make sure we’re ready for whatever we encounter in Cocoa Beach. Misfortune or not, I have a feeling this trip will be worth every risk… I guarantee it,” the fallen Nephilim chimed, flashing her perfect white teeth.
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Comments
SME
Yeah O_o
Blinglee
Great chapter and that 2nd pov character . . . . Oh no it’s him 😳
