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TO Rewrite: B4 — 5. Divine Summit
🕑 Added 2025-06-10 22:15:46 +0000 UTCPoV:
1. Rachel Park (Our Awakened MC!)
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A vibrance rippled through Rachel, breaking a silence within her that left a tingling ripple of power. It oscillated in a similar way as when she first changed, only this was softer, more refined. Fingers intertwined with hers, she stared down at the smaller woman’s illuminated, aquamarine irises, the gentle breeze flowing around them, inviting with raw energy to not retreat and to step into the fire.
Not resisting, Rachel’s world exploded into golden radiance. Not the harsh, blinding light of her combat aura, but something softer—like dawn breaking through cathedral windows.
Reality rippled around them like disturbed water, and Rachel felt her soul respond with an eagerness that caught her off guard. Nike’s voice reached her, which was typically extremely rare without Nia as a translator while not inside her Soul Expanse.
“Your yin-yang chamber is expanding… I’ve never felt such aptitude in soul affinity. It feels…natural, as if it comes as easily as breathing.”
“What does that mean?” Nia swiftly asked, breaking into the conversation from her brother’s side. “It feels like I’m being submerged in warm water.”
I’m not sure, but I think my soul is expanding, Rachel whispered, looking up as the sky darkened, revealing a stunning view of a colossal, white moon that bathed them in light. If I were to guess, what we’re feeling is Butter attuning her soul frequency to ours.
“Much more than that,” Nike commented in awe. “She’s unifying our soul frequencies as one, allowing me far freer rein than I had before. I’ve…never realized how compressed my chest was until now. She’s healing all the damage you’ve done to your soul.”
But instead of dragging everyone into her inner world…
The asphalt beneath their feet transformed into polished obsidian and marble, the parking lot’s boundaries dissolving as Rachel’s chamber’s distinctive pattern spread outward in concentric circles. The central yin-yang symbol gleamed like starlight against the dark stone, while Butter’s gaze wandered in fascination.
Logically, Rachel wanted to resist and pull away. It was far too sudden, too spontaneous, and without even asking. Yet, it also gave her more insight into Butter’s natural draw than anything else could. In essence, she was performing a miracle out of thin air, and by the sounds of it, it wasn’t just Nike who was stunned; Butter didn’t even know what she was doing—pure instinct. That alone resonated with her in a way she didn’t quite understand herself.
From an angle, she could still see the golden clouds the former goddess commanded, showing the sky above them wasn’t quite a ceiling, but a barrier between the real world and her soul world.
Everyone who was touched by the circle dissolved to reform outside of it, bewilderment and shock on their faces as it stopped. The only ones left inside were Butter and her, Scarlet abruptly freaking out from beside Barbara as she tried to get in without effect, voice muted.
“Fascinating interaction!” Butter breathed, her eyes sparkling like polished gems as she studied the transformation. “Now, why do you think our souls responded like that?” she inquired with a curious smile. Her gaze locked with hers again, interlocked fingers tightening around hers. “You are as surprised as I am… Oh?! And who is this divine cutie?”
Rachel followed Butter’s gaze as a brilliant light materialized not far off, Nike appearing with grace that made the marble beneath her feet seem mundane, her wings no longer the damaged stubs Rachel remembered. They had grown substantially—still not full-sized, but elegant feathered appendages that caught the chamber’s moonlight like spun silver. Her white hair flowed like liquid starlight, and her presence radiated the confidence of Victory itself.
The soldiers and mercenaries outside the zone stared in stunned silence. This wasn’t just another mythickin or legendary figure—this was an actual 5th-dimensional Personification, somehow seen by mortal eyes, and her divine nature was impossible to ignore.
“High Queen Butter,” Nike returned, offering a respectful bow that somehow managed to convey both acknowledgment of power and her own inherent dignity. “I am Nike, Personification of Victory. Your healing touch has given me strength I thought lost forever.”
She floated down to stand beside them, examining her pristine garment and physical condition. “I apologize for interrupting your own questions, yet the power your necklace holds is far too weak to sustain one like me. No…this welled up from deep within your own incredibly dense soul, from places I cannot see, not only restoring me, but also Rachel and Nia’s residual soul damage. Your thoughts?”
Butter merely grinned and shook her head, radiant locks swaying against her shoulders. “My best guess, residual Positive Force from when I myself was a goddess reacting to your needs. Whatever the case, I am no stranger to a damaged soul,” she whispered, vision becoming distant as if looking back on a long journey to be where she now stands.
“I see. I believe the vast majority of deities on this planet have severely misjudged you, High Queen.” Her wings relaxed as she smiled, carrying genuine warmth rather than caution. “I’ve watched your entrance through my bond with Rachel, and I must say—your approach to conquest through unity rather than domination is…refreshing. Victory achieved through inspiration rather than fear creates far stronger foundations.”
As if waiting for that very moment, three small forms materialized around Nike like celestial honor guards. Coral flickered with mischievous glee, her translucent form glowing with soft pumpkin light. Aurelia descended with golden dignity, every movement reflecting the abundance she represented. Hayan appeared last, dropping into Nike’s open arms, pure white with an aura of calm neutrality that seemed to stabilize the very air around them.
The Personification giggled softly while squeezing Hayan.”My thanks, little guardians, but there’s no need for hostility here. Our guest comes in peace. In fact…she healed your mistress.”
Butter’s eyes widened with pure delight, and before anyone could react, she released Rachel’s hand and practically bounced toward Aurelia. “Oh my goodness, you’re absolutely precious! A bun of pure knowledge, luck, and Positive Energy—what do you lack, you sweet thing?” she squealed, scooping up the golden bun and hugging her against her chest despite Aurelia’s indignant squeak of protest, only to melt in her arms.
The entire time, Rachel watched the blinding blonde, picking apart every action and building an internal profile. Butter wasn’t a typical enemy; she truly was perhaps the most terrifying enemy she’d encountered yet, and that said a lot. Even Aurora was more manageable than this Spirit of Conquest…because, with Butter, there was no ulterior motive.
She’s pure, unadulterated, divine authority on a level perhaps equal to even Izanami or Persephone…maybe more. Butter does whatever she wants…but has genuinely good intentions. She will do more good than anyone…but in her style and time.
“Everyone has pets and little companions!” Butter continued, her voice filled with real longing as she gently stroked Aurelia’s mushy form and fur. “Even Rachel’s outfit is something divine and gorgeous—and I don’t use that word lightly. Look at this intricate design, the way she moves within her soul.” She looked back at Rachel with those dazzling eyes. “Is she shy? Because you have absolutely nothing to be shy about, dear.”
“Not typically,” Nia mumbled, but Rachel could feel the satisfied swell in her soul at being recognized. “By the way, I’m isolating my thoughts to just you, Major.”
Rachel felt her ears twitch with amusement and something else—protectiveness mixed with pride. “She’s protecting my big brother,” she explained, watching as Aurelia accepted Butter’s attention while maintaining her regal bearing. “Maybe…we could stop by there at some point.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful! I’m always up to meeting new people and connecting,” Butter beamed, still cuddling the increasingly flustered Aurelia. “A Soul Item is something…I didn’t know I wanted one until now, but yours is just…pure art! No wonder your soul resonates with such beautiful harmonies… There’s something deeper, though—like an echo,” she hummed, left eye creasing while staring uncomfortably long at her.
Trying to reground herself, Rachel filed every action and comment away for future reflection. Right now, she needed to bring everything into a framework, and, while the danger was essentially passed, not everyone knew that yet.
“I’d love to get lost in the weeds with you, believe me,” Rachel chuckled, taking a step back, ears tilting to the left, and showing an amiable smile, “but can we focus on a specific topic, say…what you just did to me?”
Butter released a long, reluctant sigh, but released Aurelia and took an elegant step back to give her breathing room. “As far as I can tell, this chamber within your soul was practically begging for energy to fill it. It’s similar to what Ms. Scarlet did,” she noted, taking a thoughtful tone while glancing toward the mad vampire girl outside the barrier.
“You’re not pulling inward to cause a sudden rebound, like Ms. Scarlet’s terrifyingly chaotic method—a method that is quite inefficient, might I add, for how she utilized it. No, you’re soul is maintaining and projecting a specifically designed segmented architecture of itself outward. Much more elegant. And infinitely safer for bystanders, given its safety protocols… I can see Ms. Nike’s handiwork in it,” the blonde said, shooting the winged Personification a smile.
“Guilty as charged,” Nike chimed. “Though I did not think it would be used in this manner.”
Around them, soldiers and equipment that had been in the parking lot were stacked neatly and tidily outside the invisible barrier. Rachel could see them pointing and shouting, but no sound penetrated the space. Tom was already on his radio, probably trying to explain to the President why she’d created a supernatural snow globe.
The girl’s gestures did catch her notice, though, and she followed her pointing fingers to the moonlit skies. Floating near her soul ceiling, four ominous buns rested, locked away in Selene’s protective cages: Crimson, Blood, Yomi, and Black.
Yeah, I know, Scarlet… No, that’s not what you’re pointing to, is it? she hissed as the sounds of cosmic chains rattling through the fabric of existence brought their gaze heavenward. Now it makes sense. This is your doing, Nungal. Yeah, it’s not truly Butter that has all the deities around Earth spooked… I can see why they’d be freaking out if she can just…do that.
The air pressure changed, reality bending in ways that made Rachel’s ears flatten instinctively. Even Butter straightened, her expression shifting to one of delighted anticipation.
“Ooh, you naughty goddess, you. I should have known you were involved in this little showing and odd resonance. Here she comes,” the blonde murmured. “She’s going to try to one-up my performance, isn’t she? So cheeky. I love it!”
The space above them cracked—not space itself, but the space within her own soul—chains peeling back layers Rachel couldn’t begin to understand. Not visibly—this was deeper than sight, a fracture in the conceptual foundation of existence itself. Through that impossible gap, violet light spilled like liquid starlight, carrying with it the sound of metal on metal, yet somehow less grating, that somehow made music as they moved.
And then she was there.
Descending like a lilac angel through the crack, Nungal’s violet hair flowed around her like she was underwater. She wore what looked like royal attire—a fitted black jacket with golden accents that somehow managed to be both elegant and subtly threatening. Her galaxy-filled eyes swept over their assembled group with obvious amusement as petals of deep reds, purples, and blues accompanied her.
“Well, well,” the cosmic being said, her voice carrying that same mixture of childlike enthusiasm and ancient authority Rachel remembered from their previous, if brief, encounter. “What a lovely little gathering! Though I think we’re missing a few key players, don’t you?”
She snapped her fingers, and chains materialized from thin air—not to bind, but to retrieve. Lapis lazuli links shot out beyond the chamber’s boundaries, and Rachel watched in shock as they wrapped around Scarlet, Tom, Barbara, and several others, tugging them through the invisible wall with surprising gentleness.
Tom stumbled inside, his hand instinctively reaching for his sidearm before military discipline reasserted itself. Barbara landed more gracefully, her eyes immediately snapping between Butter and Nungal, assessing the abrupt change in location.
Behind them, Wakalapi straightened, followed by the core members of Fable. White, Red, Gray, Green, and a very reluctant-looking Black. The dark-haired woman’s rat tail was bristling with tension.
“What the hell—” Tom started, then caught himself as he took in Nungal’s presence dominating the space and demanding attention on every level. Even without understanding what she was, every instinct he’d developed over decades of military service was probably screaming this was an apex predator.
“Language, General,” Nungal chided with a giggle. “We have ladies present! Speaking of which, perhaps something more elegant…” She gestured toward Butter with obvious affection.
“Don’t you look stunning in Elinor’s old body! Though I think we can do better than what the Susime weavers were able to come up with, don’t you?”
Before Butter could respond, Nungal waved her hand with casual authority. The golden-haired woman’s gown dissolved like morning mist, replaced by an elegant white gown that seemed to be cut from liquid sunlight itself.
The fabric rippled and flowed with each movement, somehow managing to be both modest and undeniably divine. Her rainbow pendant remained, but now it was complemented by subtle golden jewelry that enhanced rather than overwhelmed her natural radiance.
“There! I obtained those as gifts from a rather interesting group of what you might call ‘owl-like’ followers, who sought my support. They’d be destroyed if I took them back with me—too unrefined on a fundamental level… Much like this form I’m taking. Aren’t I benevolent?” Nungal clapped her hands together. “And that is much better. Can’t have my favorite chaos butterfly looking anything less than absolutely divine.”
Butter spun in place, laughing with genuine delight as the gown flared around her. “Nungal, you wonderful creature! Though I have to ask—where exactly did you pull this from? The dress, that is. It feels…familiar.”
“Oh, just something I had lying around from one of your previous lives. A small reminder of moments spent with you,” Nungal replied with deliberate vagueness, her smile carrying secrets.
“Now then, shall we get properly acquainted? I know our last interaction was a tad…pointed,” she giggled, a dagger abruptly spinning in her hand before it became petals to fall with the rest; it was then Rachel noticed just before they touched ground, they withered and turned to dust. “I believe some introductions are in order.”
The chains rattled again, and this time they reached beyond the chamber into what appeared to be total whiteness that Rachel couldn’t even perceive. From the yin side of the chamber’s pattern, an ornate obsidian chair rose from the marble floor. From the yang side, a pristine white throne emerged. At the very center, where Hayan sat with Nike, a simple wooden chair materialized—humble but somehow radiating more authority than either throne.
What is she doing? No, that’s… Rachel’s thought died as she recognized the gut-wrenching sensation, her tail flicking with nervous energy. This is…Hell, and so much more.
The air shimmered, and suddenly the sky above them tinted the color of blood, mixed with many more currents of power that made everyone’s tongues latch onto the roof of their mouths.
First, a figure materialized on the obsidian throne—tall, imposing, with storm-gray eyes that seemed to hold the weight of infinite strategies:
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and War, settled into the chair with fluid grace, her celestial armor gleaming silver and gold. The aegis across her chest bore Medusa's face, and her spear rested casually against the throne's arm, its blue flame tip flickering with restrained power.
“Nungal, I take it,” the Greek woman whispered, her voice carrying ages of authority, yet clearly cautious. “A rather…forceful method to get our attention. I see you desire an audience: mortals and deities of all stages.”
Although Rachel noticed something off about her from the last time she’d seen the goddess, she looked…tired, with dark rings under her illustrious eyes. She still hadn’t recovered from facilitating the Second Oscillation.
“Always straight to business, Owl Lady,” Nungal giggled. “I know you’re cranky and scared at how absurdly unfamiliar and ominous I am. Do you like the dying flower petals? I thought it was a nice touch. But don’t worry, you’ll find this…to die for? Hehe. Too much? I thought it appropriate for the company,” she added, directing them to her chains that shot into the ground.
From the depths rose three imposing figures that made even Athena straighten with wary attention:
Hades emerged first, Lord of the Underworld, his presence immediately dropping the temperature several degrees. His face was carved from marble and shadow, and his dark robes seemed to absorb light itself.
Behind him came Persephone, Spring’s stolen daughter, her beauty terrible and kind in equal measure. Flowers bloomed in her wake even as the ground beneath her feet showed the frost of death’s touch.
Finally, Izanami ascended—the fallen creation goddess whose very presence made reality seem slightly…wrong. Her kimono was stained with the colors of decay, yet she moved with liquid grace that spoke of power beyond mortal comprehension.
When she smiled at Rachel with that illusion of beauty, it was like looking into the heart of a beautiful poison. “My, my, this has taken a rather abrupt turn,” Izanami mused, her voice soft as silk and twice as dangerous. “A soul can magnify a specific part of its design? What secrets have you been keeping from me since your interaction with our dear hare, Athena?
“No, wait… Rachel, this is something far more fundamental that speaks on a level mortal souls could never hope to obtain. What…an intriguing little space you’ve created, Lady Nike. The smell of it reminds me of the gardens I once tended, before… Well, I’m sure you can imagine.” She trailed off, her smile never wavering.
Tom had gone completely pale, his military training utterly inadequate for processing the presence of actual gods. Yet, these were somewhat different, more tamed versions than the one she knew. Nungal was dampening the effects these entities truly had on souls. Hers just seemed to be unique, due to the Black Moon and the Eldritch influence…or whatever ties she has to the concept of misfortune and karma.
Barbara’s hand moved instinctively to her rosary, her faith no doubt suddenly the only anchor in a sea of divine power.
“This is insane,” Scarlet whispered, finally making it to her side and pressing in closer. “These are… These are actual gods. The ones you deal with? Like, the real deal.”
Rachel’s own mind was reeling, but [Strategic Mind III] was working overtime, cataloging power levels and potential threats.
This…is looking more and more like a mass slaughter about to happen or a grand alliance of some kind. She’s certainly throwing her weight around and proving a point, and…this is for the whole world to see, Rachel realized, glancing back at the soldiers and mercenaries, some of whom had their phones out recording. There’s no putting this back into the bottle.
Next, on the white throne, another figure began to manifest—Selene, the Moon Goddess.
Her alabaster skin glowed faintly in the space’s soft ruby light that shone from her moon, now above—sadly, just as Dionysus had stopped the light from touching her, Nungal seemed to be doing the same. That told her a lot right there. Nungal had plans for her.
Selene’s deep crimson gown shimmered like liquid rubies, and her pale eyes held depths of ancient sorrow. She carried a moonstone chalice from which silver mist drifted lazily.
“Young Hare,” Selene greeted softly, her voice carrying the melancholy of eternal night. “I am glad my power was able to be of service to you… Unfortunately, in the face of this new threat, I am all but a mortal. The others realize it, as well.”
The chains rattled one more time, and from thin air were tugged two more figures:
Mei materialized first, Chang’e’s chief secretary, her silver hair perfectly arranged despite the abrupt travel. Her ruby eyes took in the assembled deities with diplomatic composure, though Rachel caught the slight tightening around her eyes that suggested she was calculating political implications and why she’d been so suddenly yanked into this meeting.
“…Your Eminences,” Mei smoothly said, offering a perfect bow that somehow managed to acknowledge everyone’s rank simultaneously. “Lady Chang’e sends her regards and apologies for her absence… I apologize for my ignorance, but has something gone wrong? The repositioning of her lunar domain requires her personal attention, so she is otherwise occupied.”
Behind her, materializing through what appeared to be a small lunar portal, came Moongmor. The energetic bunny took one look at the assembled gods and promptly tried to hide…in front of Mei? His ears drooped with obvious intimidation, but the gesture wasn’t lost on Rachel.
“So many important ladies!” he squeaked, then seemed to remember his mission. “But none as beautiful as my beloved Mei! Lady Chang’e said to tell… Who is the new, pretty chain goddess? She has style!”
Mei’s fan snapped open with deadly precision, and she shot Moongmor a look that could have frozen lava before moving him out of the way with it—her ear brushed against his in passing, though, which Rachel didn’t take as a passive gesture.
“What my…enthusiastic companion means to say is that the Lunar Court stands ready to assist where needed. We are unaware of any new challenges or requirements. If needed, we shall return word of the collective war council to My Lady… Egh. Hellhounds…” she said with obvious disdain, hiding her face as if smelling something foul as the triplets finally arrived.
The bright fire erupted, and the Cerberus Triplets arrived in order of age, their ignited hair immediately identifying them.
Thalia landed first, blue flames perfectly controlled, her business suit immaculate despite the dimensional travel. She immediately assessed the power hierarchy in the room and positioned herself respectfully behind Hades and Persephone.
“My Lady, My Lord, how may we be of service?”
Irida bounced through next, red flames dancing with her excitement, barely containing herself from tackling Rachel in greeting. “This is so cool! Rabbits! I see rabbits, Aleka! All the important people are here, too! Are we having a party in Rachel’s soul? Wait, how is everyone in Rachel’s soul?” she suddenly realized, ears tilting in a confused, dog-like way.
Aleka emerged last, green flames flickering with calculating interest as she studied each deity in turn. Her predatory smile landed on the disgusted Mei and defensive Moongmor. “I see them, big sister. The pretty one looks tasty—”
“Girls,” Hades said without turning around, his voice carrying absolute authority and making all three go stiff, ears, tail, and all, in comedic fashion. “Behave yourselves. We are guests here…and our host happens to hold all the cards.”
All three triplets immediately straightened, their playful chaos replaced by perfect military bearing while locking onto Nungal like the hounds they were. “Understood, My Lord,” they said in unison.
Finally, the air shimmered one last time, but this arrival was different—desperate rather than grand. A flower began to bloom on the chamber floor, its petals trembling with effort, and from within it, Eostre emerged. She practically stumbled forward, her usual grace replaced by visible exhaustion.
The Goddess of Spring and Renewal looked nothing like the composed figure Rachel remembered. Right now, she looked even more haggard than when she was dealing with the god of wine and insanity.
“My Lady!” Moongmor cried, vanishing to appear by her side, trying to offer his tiny body for support while floating nearby.
Mei was right beside him, concern written on the rabbit-turned-human’s face. “I hadn’t even noticed… How careless of me. What can I do, Lady Eostre?”
Her face was pale with strain, her breathing shallow, and her hands shook as she immediately pressed them against the chamber’s foundation. That was when Rachel noticed it, as well; it wasn’t Nungal suppressing the overpowering energies of the more powerful deities so that the mortals weren’t affected… It was Eostre, pouring stabilizing energy into the chaotic convergence.
“Forgive me,” Eostre gasped, her voice carrying the warmth of spring mornings but edged with fatigue. “I’ve been…mediating between the mortal realm and divine interference since the Second Oscillation. The Egyptians are getting…bolder. So many pantheons trying to assert influence, so many contradictory energies…”
She swayed slightly, Moongmor and Mei catching her as she looked directly at Rachel with eyes that held deep concern. “Your chamber is remarkable, Rachel, truly unprecedented—but this many higher beings in a mortal-shared space… I‘ve been trying to shield them from the worst of the divine chaos, but I can’t maintain this dimensional convergence much longer. I don’t even know how this is possible! The pressure is…”
Her words trailed off as she gritted her teeth, clearly struggling against forces that threatened to tear her apart, causing everyone to look to Nungal, including Butter.
The violet-haired young woman’s expression softened with something approaching genuine sympathy as she made a gesture. A chain cut through the space beside her, hanging like a rope beside the struggling tulpa. Its links gleamed with lapis lazuli light, offering itself like a helping hand.
“Oh, you sweet thing. You know I would have done it myself, but you so willingly volunteered. I like to reward people who take initiative; it’s something the person I admire most finds to be one of the greatest virtues,” Nungal noted, her voice losing its playful edge for a moment.
“You’ve been trying to hold the line all by yourself, haven’t you? Always the caretaker, being the middle woman between Rachel and the higher realms. I don’t think you realize it yet…but Cerridwen is no longer there at your back, my dear lady…and here you remain.”
Rachel’s mind clicked into place on that comment, reflecting on everything she’d gone through. Ever since her whole world fell apart, she’s been basically a slave. I really don’t know the relationship between Eostre and Cerridwen, but that comment…
It even looked like Eostre herself was shocked at that statement. Nungal wasn’t done, though. “You are always protecting those who can’t protect themselves. Here—take my chain. Let me share the load. It will make the weight light as air, I promise… Think of it as an amplifier, supporting what you’ve already willingly chosen to hold.”
Eostre stared at the offered chain, clearly distrust warring with her desperation. “I…what price would such aid carry? No gift is ever given freely, Nungal.”
“Oh, I’d think a certain saint over there thinks otherwise,” Nungal whispered, gaze drifting to Barbara. “No price. Consider it professional courtesy between cosmic stabilizers… I am a warden, after all. My place is in law and order, yet even in the underworld, there is mercy. Besides, I rather need Rachel’s soul to remain intact for the conversation we’re about to have. We wouldn’t want you slipping up, despite all your efforts, and causing a soul collapse!”
That’s a possibility?!
She shot Butter a stare.
The blonde had the nerve to stick her tongue out and bonk her own head, like some kind of cartoon! Like, ‘my bad!’
Eostre struggled for a moment, silence stretching before reaching out, trembling fingers grasping the links. Immediately, her quakes ceased, and her eyes widened. Hers wasn’t the only one, as all the radiant deities suddenly became…somewhat average.
“Better?”
“What…kind of power do you hold?” Izanami whispered in genuine intrigue, looking down at normal, non-rotted flesh. “You…didn’t get rid of Yomi’s corruption but sealed it, with my Divine and Infernal Force. Instead of shielding them, you bound us to mortality. I feel…” She paused, then continued. “I actually feel unfiltered, positive emotion.”
“Congratulations!” Nike cheered, clapping from nearby Rachel.
Persephone breathed a short sigh, placing a hand against her chest and seemingly reflecting on her own emotional state. “I’m unsure if my mother would try to destroy you for this, or cry at your feet… The burden of the responsibility of Hades is practically gone.”
“Not fully,” Nungal chided with an almost bored wave of her hand, noting Hades’ piercing gaze that held a mix of emotions that were probably foreign to him. “Why ruin the fun and get rid of all your unique traits. After all, your Intelligence requires at least a little bit, or you’d basically go insane due to the vast amount of information your souls are required to process. Let’s get away from that, though. I’m on a schedule. You’re welcome, by the way,” she said with a wink at Eostre.
“First things first,” Nungal continued, her tone becoming more serious despite maintaining her cheerful demeanor. “Let’s talk about those nasty little organizations that have been causing so much trouble, and not just to my dear, lovely butterflies. The Scarlet Hand, for instance. Fate? I’m sure those ring a bell.”
The temperature in the chamber seemed to drop several degrees at the mention of that name. Scarlet tensed beside Rachel, and she saw her hand unconsciously move toward where her scythe would normally materialize.
“Oh yes,” Nungal said, noticing Scarlet’s reaction. “I know all about the fallen Eldritch Hell Lord your dear mother worships, and her merry band of cosmic terrorists sprinkled throughout your Red Sea.”
Wakalapi lit a new pipe, puffing and listening carefully from beside Tom. Fable and their group whispered to White, attempting to get more information from what she knew. Rachel listened closely, but according to the fable, she knew very little about the deity, and only Butter had interacted with her before this point.
Rachel decided to speak up as Scarlet began to panic, likely going down the spiral that this goddess might just decide to vanish her mother right then and there.
“Interesting. So, the Scarlet Hand targeted Butter and her twin sister, Elinor, who are under your protection? Clearly, there is a reason why you didn’t intervene…or couldn’t. There are limitations to your powers, as vast and all-powerful as they seem to us, you’re doing all of it inside of my soul. Eostre could do the same, using powers beyond her typical output within Conner’s Seed when given control. I’m trying to connect all the dots.”
“Ooh, I love that frame of mind and analysis,” Butter cheered, dancing over to stand beside her as if they were not teammates against the goddess of chains. “All this talk of Fate, Revilla-whoever-she-is, and motivations is so stimulating! So, Nungal, don’t be shy. Our dear hare here is onto something. You claim to be a prison warden. A woman of law and order within the Underworld… Priss’ domain. What does that say, hmm?”
Nungal shook with silent laughter, crossing her legs in the air and lowering herself to a more acceptable distance. “What a team, the brutal hare and the extravagant butterfly, working hand in hand. But don’t expect me to make things so easy, because there’s no enjoyment in the answers if you don’t obtain them yourself,” she stated matter-of-factly.
“Still… There are hints and guidance that can be given. For instance, did you know they didn’t only specifically target this bubbly blonde dunce but individuals with connections to higher powers?”
“How cheeky and rude of you,” Butter laughed, squinting an eye up at her. “Bubbly blonde dunce? Where is the beauty in that? At least call me a bubbly, pretty blonde dunce.”
“You never change,” Nungal snickered, her gaze settling on Rachel with uncomfortable intensity. “People like Butter and her sister. People like, well, people with interesting family histories, we could say.”
What does she know about my mother? The thought must have shown on Rachel’s face because Nungal’s smile became almost predatory, and that sequence once again turned Butter’s interest toward her. No, she made that comment because she knows I don’t want to get into it in public… It’s a power move. She really is beyond the 8th dimension.
“Questions for later, sweetie. Right now, we need to discuss the bigger picture, which Wakalapi and that old coyote have been waiting for,” she whispered, vision wandering to the silent Native American man, a ghostly coyote by his side now.
The animal spoke, deep and philosophical. “It is a first for me to meet any major deities outside of our local spirits… I appreciate the invitation, Lady Nungal. As you say, there is a schedule you must keep, but would it be appropriate to pose one question…”
Butter was practically bouncing on her toes, waiting. Scarlet was still reeling at the reveal that Revilla was apparently a mostly-dead Eldritch Hell Lord, whom her mother was following. As for her, she was trying to keep track of every detail to compile later, much like the others, including the now-sealed deities.
Nungal’s smile turned sharp as she appraised the animal. “You function more like a tulpa than a standard deity, Old Man, yet wander worlds beyond your power within your dreams… Go on, ask your question.”
That answer seemed to trouble him just as much, his ears tilting with his head while glancing to the side. “Mmm… In all my years walking between worlds, I have seen many who claim to bring order through power, and many who promise protection through control. The Founders who sent me on my journey whispered of a great severing—old bonds cut, familiar voices silenced. You speak of law and order, yet you arrive with chains that bind gods themselves.”
He paused, tilting his head with that characteristic coyote curiosity that had survived countless tales into multiversal threads. One who didn’t rule, like deities, so much as look for wisdom in the purpose of existing.
“My question is this, Chain-Bearer: Are you the knife that cuts the bonds, an executioner, or the thread that weaves them anew, sealing them? Because my people—all the peoples of this world—need to know whether what you offer is true sanctuary, simply an alliance, or perhaps…a more comfortable cage.”
The question hung in the air with the kind of quiet weight that only ancient wisdom could carry. It addressed not just Nungal’s immediate actions, but the deeper implications of her intervention—whether she was liberating Earth from one form of cosmic manipulation only to replace it with another, more subtle one.
Nungal’s expression shifted through several emotions in quick succession—amusement, respect, and something almost like nostalgia. She clapped her hands together with genuine delight.
“Oh, you magnificent old storyteller! Now that is the kind of question that makes eons of Existence worthwhile!” She floated down closer to Old Man Coyote, her galaxy-filled eyes sparkling with what looked like genuine affection. “You ask the question everyone else is thinking, but haven’t quite found the way to voice. This is why I’ve always adored tricksters—you attempt to see the patterns behind the patterns.”
She gestured to her chains, and for a moment they transformed into flowering vines before shifting back to lapis lazuli links.
“The truth, my friend, but you’re thinking too sinisterly for a young maiden like myself! It’s almost hurtful…if not a trick to get me to divulge more insight.”
She presented a few items out of thin air that snatched their attention. “I am neither knife nor thread—I am the locksmith. The cage already exists, has always existed, built by those who mistake control for protection. The Founders you mention? It’s intriguing that you would know a Founder at the level they operate, which tells me…you don’t know who they really are.”
Rachel’s mind fixated on that bit of info. There was a faction called the Founders that existed. Nungal hadn’t met them herself and indicated they were potentially dangerous to her or even more powerful, but now there was the question as to what the old man meant when he said they put him on his path.
“Let me guess, this Founder was a black cat…but we are getting sidetracked and I’ve answered your question!” she said with another deliberate smile her way, knowing she was cutting short. Her voice took on a more serious tone, though the playful undercurrent remained.
“What I offer is not sanctuary, not alliance, and certainly not another cage. I operate plenty of those during my work hours, you could say. No, what I offer is…possibility. One that Rachel helped carve with that snap-in Fate’s thread. Marvelous work, that, getting both Eldritch factions to gain ground. Now I give you the chance for your people—all people—to forge their own chains, or better yet, to learn they never needed them in the first place.”
She winked at Old Man Coyote with obvious fondness. “Lovely question, by the way.”
Nungal waved her hand, and the air above them filled with swirling galaxies—not illusions, but actual cosmic structures visible from impossible distances. “Getting to the meat of this dish. You see, what you call ‘The Oscillation’ was just the opening move in a much larger game that set off a chain reaction. A war that’s been raging across multiple realities for longer than your multiverses have existed.”
The galaxies shifted, showing vast dark spaces between them filled with writhing, incomprehensible shapes. “On one side, we have what we call the Crimson Tide—Eldritch forces that believe in evolutionary consumption. They devour realities to fuel their own growth, spreading like a cosmic cancer through…everything and nothing.”
The view changed again, showing misty regions where reality seemed more fluid, constantly shifting and changing. “On the other side, the Ever-Shifting Mists—also Eldritch, but following a philosophy of positive evolution. They believe in adaptation and growth through challenge and radical change, rather than simple consumption.”
Butter had gone very still, her earlier playfulness replaced by focused attention. “And then there is Scarlet’s Eldritch soul,” she quietly noted, causing the vampire to squirm beside her. “I felt it myself, and it is…breathtaking. Frightening. Lucky, you are totally clueless about how truly powerful that soul of yours is,” she snickered, nudging Scarlet.
“Hey, no one’s ever trained me… I don’t know the first thing about myself to begin with.”
“No judgment! In fact, I’d love to help you grow and learn how to explore that side of you.”
“Don’t go giving promises you can’t always keep, you fatty butterfly,” Nungal chimed, making the blonde chuckle. “But yes, that could help dramatically for the future.”
“I’m not fickle! I keep my promises.”
For the first time, Nungal gave a teenage-like squint off to the side, as if saying, yeah, that’s a hit or miss when it comes to you. “You’ve certainly made substantial improvements in this life. In any case, you are exactly right about Scarlet, though.”
She beamed at her like a teacher whose student had just grasped a difficult concept. “And those Crystals you all know so little about, that keep popping up on your little planet? Well, they’re conduits. Tunnels that allow the Tide to reach across the vast distances of the Maelstrom—that lovely spiral dimension our dear Scarlet accidentally created when she broke reality for…some reason.”
“Oh, c’mon, just tell me!” Scarlet snarled. “You know the answer!”
Nungal paused, her smile falling slightly before it turned helpless. “Actually… No, that is one answer I still do not have. Honestly, I don’t care. It certainly made my dream come true.”
“What does that even mean?!”
“It means I have a secret, and here’s one I’ll reveal… The reason why we can all be gathered here? Why am I able to intervene more? Why, it’s because of you, Scarlet… When you activated your Soul Expansion for the first time and killed Rachel, you caused a fracture in multiple walls within the Red Sea. Quite impressive for a first attempt, really! Like grand dimensional fireworks,” she cheered, throwing her hands in the air to show blinding lights.
The implications hit Rachel like a physical blow. “The Crystals are using the Maelstrom as a delivery system. Are you saying they’re feeding energy back to the Crimson Tide? We’re accelerating the system?”
“Oh, you are a clever hare!” Nungal stated. “Yes, exactly right…and totally wrong! You see, yes, you are feeding them, but no, there is no solution. That’s the horror of Eldritch and the inexorable truth… There is no hope of stopping them. Only surviving to the end, which means…”
“Confronting the Eldritch sources at their roots!” Butter nodded. “Great. That shouldn’t be so hard now. We have a goal!”
“I love your enthusiasm. It’s such a contrast to Elinor… If only she could be more fun.”
“She’s improving! Don’t bash, Priss. I’m making amazing progress with her,” Butter huffed, challenging the goddess without a moment’s hesitation. “Priss is the most intense, gothic workaholic ever, but she’s my intense, gothic workaholic!”
Athena spoke up. “Not to get between your bonding moments, but I’d like a complete picture of this system you are describing, Lady Nungal.”
“Of course. Every Crystal that opens creates a small tear that the Tide can use to siphon power from your reality. Usually, they prefer worlds where they can establish permanent footholds—the repeated Crystals, such as ours, going down a straight path from here to the Outlands, the edges of the Maelstrom, where we, ahem, stronger deities, serve to act as Fate’s buffer, or that was her plan…”
“But me slipping past Fate’s threads changed the equation,” Rachel finished, pieces clicking into place. “I allowed a pathway for Butter to return?”
Butter’s expression had become thoughtful. “How mysterious! I really want to know how you brought me onto this path. What is that logic? I’m so excited for storytime! But, back to the topic at hand. So they’ll escalate since I’m not complying. Send stronger forces.”
“Bingo!” Nungal pointed at Rachel with obvious delight. “Since Butter didn’t cause the collision between worlds they expected, they’re sending a pulse to enhance the Crystal’s capabilities. You have approximately thirty-six hours before the opposition arrives. Then one week for the main event—four separate factions capable of devastating this entire state at their full capacity.”
The silence was deafening. Tom rubbed his bald head. “Four factions that can match…” He looked at Butter, who had casually reshaped her water into a replica of Scarlet.
“Not bad with this much divine interference. Oh, don't look so worried,” Butter interjected, spinning gracefully. “Four challenging opponents! Finally, some decent competition. And I have lovely support that just needs a little…refinement!”
Rachel’s smile grew, her heartbeat picking up. Now things were moving in the right direction.
“What of the spirits?” Wakalapi asked gravely. “The entities we call upon for strength to help defend the forward base?”
“Most already consumed by the death entity the Susime worshiped, yet Butter already handled him,” Nungal said with genuine sadness. “The Tide systematically cuts you off from traditional power sources, as well. But divine connections still work—which is why the Scarlet Hand targeted anyone with those connections.”
Rachel’s tactical mind kicked into gear. "Butter, how soon can you begin training. How personalized will it need to be?”
“Oh, very personal!” Butter said with a shake of her head. “Spiritual growth is different for every individual, which is why every Seed chose different people. Don’t worry, though! Honestly, you don’t need a whole lot of work, Rachel. You’re very perceptive and talented. I can tell with souls… Scarlet, though…needs some work.”
The dark-haired girl groaned, shoulders sagging. “How did this become a training arc?”
“Because a dazzling, truly gifted trainer showed up, silly! You have to take every advantage.”
Rachel turned to the assembled group. “Alright, that wraps things up. General, could you coordinate with the Pentagon—we need every available resource. It’s probably going to be a smaller team that can enter this portal, so we need to choose carefully.”
Tom rubbed the stubble on his chin and nodded. “There’s a lot to unpack here, but…what purpose did you have in bringing all these deities here, eh, Lady Nungal?”
The violet-haired woman’s vision creased, a small, secretive smile darkening her features. “Oh, to be so young. Do not think one such as myself is only having a single conversation. I’ve had years’ worth of dialogue already with these deities. The beauty of the refinement of higher beings. And look at Rachel, taking initiative and pushing things forward. Splendid!”
Rachel let that sink in, gaze drifting to the other deities, who all looked as if they’d each gone through a full war, contemplating deep questions. I’ll have to see what Eostre and Nike are willing to tell me.
“White, I know you’re stepping down, but I’d like you to have someone—Black, maybe—to identify who should be considered… She knows my standards.”
The rat woman gave her a thankful smile, while Butter was already talking to Scarlet.
“So you call that technique ‘Soul Expansion,’ hmm? It certainly has its uses and is vastly powerful, but only if you know how to use it properly. Priss and I found out these Seeds aren’t exactly optimized,” she snickered.
“Rachel, are we…actually working with her?” Scarlet’s voice carried terror and curiosity. “Can I really get stronger?”
“With my training, you’ll be giving me an enjoyable practice in no time!”
“Just practice?”
“Darling, darling! Babies learn to thrash before they attempt to crawl. Be patient with yourself, okay?” the blonde whispered affectionately. “You sound like a certain toad woman I know, always trying to prove herself… Speaking of, where in the butternuts are Mika, Adoncia, and White?! They’re probably having fun with your friends…”
Meaning…they’re fighting each other. Grace is a calamity and has a certain way with words.
Nungal had been listening with amusement. “In parting, I will warn you, Butter… Do not think your presence here goes unnoticed. Rachel, I give you one charge…watch over this impulsive social butterfly. She still retains many bad habits from many former lives.”
“We’ll watch each other’s backs!” Butter chimed. “No need to make it one-sided, Ms. Nun.”
For the first time, Nungal’s face dulled, showing a disdain that bore a hole through the bubbly blonde. “You’ll pay for that comment, Butter. You won’t know when…but you will.”
“Aww, don’t be so serious. What happened to all that spunk?”
“Ahem. I hate to interrupt…but what about Earth’s sovereignty when it’s over?” Tom bluntly asked, marching right up to them as the other deities seemed to be locked in their own internal dialogue.
Butter’s expression softened. “General, I never planned to go about this in the ‘ordinary’ way. Priss would be upset at me. No, I’m thinking more…creatively. We’ll discuss it! No worries. I’m here to help and to be helped… You see, my older sister would want me to get some…minor support from Earth because we were kind of taken hostage by alien toads, not that that is really a problem now, but…left Earth without much preparation.”
“How wholesome,” Nungal added with sparkling eyes. “I’ll leave the rest to you all… I’ve done my part. Next, the dominoes are in motion. Which paths will fail and which succeed? Some very powerful beings have invested in making sure humanity survives, including myself…but there is always opposition… Good luck.”
More questions I don’t have answers to, Rachel thought grimly.
“Alright,” she said, getting everyone’s attention as her tail bristled with anticipation. “Let’s spread the news and have a private round table with the President. We need to prepare.”
As the divine assembly began to fade, Nungal called out: “Do try to keep our chaos butterfly entertained, won’t you? Butter gets destructive when she’s bored."
The last thing Rachel saw was Nungal’s knowing smile as the blonde returned a sharp smile, and the distinct impression that this conversation had accomplished exactly what she’d wanted. And just like that, her yin-yang chamber began to dissolve, leaving her feeling somewhat weak-kneed.
Now she just had to figure out what game she was now really playing. Because, just like Elizabeth’s masquerade, she didn’t think this would turn out how she planned.
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