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TO Rewrite: B3 — 7. The Challenge
🕑 Added 2024-08-27 23:35:45 +0000 UTCPoV:
1. Rachel (Our Lunar Hare!)
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Rachel swept over the newly-formed Soul Sanctum, taking in every detail of the Yin-Yang audience chamber. The Positive, Negative, and Neutral energies flowed through the space like an unseen current, pulsing with the rhythm of her and Nia’s synchronized souls. Each section created an intricate balance that kept the sanctified and corrupted zones in harmony.
The chamber was vast, with high, ornate ceilings, marked by the different entities she’d come into contact with from each energy type. It arched like a cathedral, and the air carried a soft hum, almost like a heartbeat. The Positive zone glowed with a soft golden light, bathing the area in warmth, while the Negative zone held a darker orange, more mysterious and haunting aura of Halloween, swirling with shadows. The Neutral zone in the center acted as a buffer, its soft, silver glow providing a stabilizing influence between the extremes.
It’s actually something beautiful… Rachel mused, though she knew the true test would come when they started using the space for actual visitors. Twenty-four hours… Longer than I thought, but it makes sense it would take some time to solidify and fully activate.
Thalia, Irida, and Aleka had scampered off somewhere outside of her Soul Expanse, doing who knew what but probably getting into trouble.
She glanced over at Nia, who was helping Nike settle into one of the chairs in the Positive zone, not that the force there would currently do anything for her. The divine woman still carried an air of elegance, but Rachel could see the fatigue in her movements. Even this short journey from Nia’s sanctum nearby took a lot out of her.
“And you said this short skip and a hop wouldn’t be a problem,” Rachel chuckled, crossing into the Neutral zone and sitting beside Nia once she’d left the personification safely in her seat. “You’re going to be sleeping for a bit after this, aren’t you?”
Nike offered a small smile but shook her head. “Despite the cycling hues below us, the energy hasn’t solidified yet. And yes, I will be quite catatonic for a few days, most likely. I hope I don’t miss your first meeting here…I fear I might, though.”
She paused, releasing a gentle sigh before her electric-blue eyes scanned the room, finally ending on “There are going to be drawbacks to this chamber, now that I see it in action, but nothing I hadn’t predicted—sustaining it, for one. The powers on all sides need to build up to 100% before we can have the most time with a deity or their messenger. And even then, it’s a balancing act. Keeping all the energies aligned would typically be challenging.”
Rachel leaned back in her chair. “And that’s why you agree with us on the buns. Funneling their excess energy here means I have flood gates ready to open up if I get full, so nothing is wasted. With the conversion element of the buns, it makes it all the more possible to sustain something like this audience chamber.”
She clapped her hands. “I knew you wouldn’t disappoint, Nike.”
The woman chortled and brushed back her white hair, taking a more comfortable position. “You needn’t praise me too much. Once your Lunar Pools are full, any overflow can go into this chamber.”
Nia chuckled, holding up her hand as if ready to make a grand announcement. “Our White Moon bun will be made when we get to Montana. Without further adieu…” She grinned mischievously. “Our golden bun is ready to be cooked.”
Bright golden light began to condense in front of them, swirling in the air like a miniature version of the Greater Moon of Abundance. The energy coalesced, and moments later, a small yellow bun materialized, blinking and yawning as if waking from a long nap.
“Aurelia,” Nia proudly declared. “Yes, I’ve been looking up names online. This one means ‘the golden one,’ and it fits her perfectly!”
Rachel’s ears perked up as Coral, who had been resting on her hand, suddenly shivered as if sensing the change in the atmosphere. The orange bun hopped down to the ground, her eyes locked on her new golden sibling. “Fififi?”
Aurelia stared back, her golden eyes gleaming with curiosity before she, too, leaped down. “Ririri?”
Both stood stock-still, appraising one another. Then, without hesitation, the two buns opened their mouths wide, lunging at each other in a playful yet competitive display of sibling rivalry.
“Hey!” Nia exclaimed, half-rising from her seat. “They’re going to—”
“Let them duke it out,” Rachel interrupted with a smirk, watching the buns roll around in a blur of orange and gold. “They’re equals, so all they’ll do is wear each other down. Besides, it’s good for them to sort out the pecking order now. White will get them in order.”
Nia grinned, settling back into her chair. “Fair enough. And you’ve already named our next bun, huh?”
“Seems appropriate,” she shrugged. With the buns occupied, Rachel shifted her focus back to the more pressing matter at hand. “So, about our Feats,” she began, her tone becoming more serious. “Nike, you mentioned we should wait until Level 20 to use them but our Stat Points are fair game?”
Nike crossed her legs, plucking at her dress to settle it around them, her expression thoughtful as she considered how to respond.
“My thoughts are, you can use them because they’re less affected by change than your Feats. I expect there is a hidden mechanism within them for advancement, as well, the higher a Stat goes. No one has been able to prove it as of yet, but there should be a breaking point within one’s soul to reach…hmm. How should I describe it? The next…Soul Bracket, I suppose.”
“Interesting,” Rachel nodded. “In that case, my hammer provides enough of a [Power] boost, so the next logical step would be to increase my [Control Resistance]. If I’m right, it is basically Soul Resistance,” she asked, looking at the personification for confirmation.
“Perceptive,” Nike chimed. “In essence, you are correct. Someone gains control by infiltrating your soul and manipulating your Intelligence. So, you could see many side benefits from strengthening the walls around your soul.”
Rachel grinned, half-following the buns roll around the chamber and figuring the triplets were off getting love from Maria after they left. Surprisingly, Maria was more of a Neutral Force than a Positive one; her solar aspect did bother Scarlet a bit, though.
“Two points into that will provide a solid defense then. As for the remaining three points… I’m thinking about spreading them across [Speed], [Agility], and [Quickness]. If there is a breaking point, I’d rather get it in those than any other. With [Mental Acceleration]’s continual Grade increases, I’ll need the [Dexterity] to keep up with my enhanced perception. Speed in combat is—” she cut off with a yawn.
Nia leaned against her armrest and watched her with a small frown. “I like that idea, but you really should get some rest, Major. I can wake you when we get to Montana. Scarlet and everyone else are getting ready to turn in for the long flight.”
Rachel stretched out her arms. “I have been up for a while. Are you sure? Won’t you be Little Bun when this is over? Oh, no,” she groaned, rubbing between her eyes. “Little Nia will make White.”
“Have a little faith,” Nike giggled. “Little Nia is a lot more capable than you think. That childish surge of energy and boundless confidence is sure to make a wonderful bun.”
“Huh.” Nia scratched the side of her head, ears tilting with the action. “I never thought about it like that. Maybe it would be good to have Little Nia do it since she wholeheartedly wants a good commander under her to reign in the rowdy soldiers.”
“I can see that,” Rachel agreed, rising to her feet to lean left and right. “I’ve also been meaning to ask General Dallas about that earring I got during my first Quest with Anthony. If I don’t remember, then remind me, would you? If it amplifies the wearer’s speed in short bursts, then the higher I go with those Stats, the more effective it’ll be.”
Nike smiled, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Not only do you use your gut feeling of misfortune but you also are thinking with your head. That’s such a rare thing. I’m sure many gods and goddesses are jealous they can’t have you as their Mystic. I can see why so many of them are also trying to gain your favor.”
Rachel felt a surge of pride at the personification’s words—possibly [Lunar Pride]—but beneath it was the ever-present weight of responsibility. There was so much more to do, so many challenges ahead, but for now, she would focus on the steps in front of her.
“I’m sure the moment I step off the plane, I’ll have a lot of people judging me and some will want to test all the rumors. So, it should be good to rest my soul—mind, body, and spirit. You win, Nia… What will you be doing?” she questioned, eying her Living Denier.
“Me?” her mirror grinned. “I’m going to be running through fights of all our past matches to sharpen up. My younger-self won’t do a hop of training, so I need to make up for the time lost.”
“Jealous,” Rachel huffed, opening her window, inserting the points, and activating[Lunar Amplification] in preparation to absorb lunar energy when they landed. “Well, wake me when we’re there so I can test out how fast I am now…”
Leaning back, she fell through the chair and floor with a thought, entering oblivion—falling asleep had never been easier. Then again, ever since her grandfather had taught her a few of his taoist breathing techniques to help with her nightmares as a little girl, she’d never had that problem.
Rachel stirred as something shook her awake, her eyelids snapped open to catch Scarlet’s toothy grin looming over her. Scarlet’s fangs gleamed in the dim cabin light, her playful eyes locked on the tiny figure sprawled atop her—a miniature version of herself, snuggling against her, fast asleep.
Little Nia’s white hair was splayed out across Rachel’s chest, her smaller ears twitching every so often as she grumbled about holes in stockings.
“She’s so cute like that—like a little you!” Scarlet whispered, her tone dripping with amusement. “Never thought I’d see you so…motherly!”
Rachel’s lips twitched at the corners as she exhaled softly and let her head fall back onto the pillow, careful not to disturb the little bunny girl. Of course she’d fall asleep the moment she reverted to her child state. Oversight on our part, thinking she can handle responsibility. “Have we landed?”
Scarlet nodded, pointing up front where Barbara, Maria, her big brother, and 13-year-old-looking Alexa were busy retrieving their luggage from the overhead compartments. The soft sounds of zippers and hushed conversations blended with the hum of the plane’s engines winding down.
Rachel’s ears flared out, branching left and right while listening to the maelstrom of noises that fed through the evacuated city of Billings Montana and its organized chaos—military activity buzzed in the air, with the distinct sounds of drones and aircraft filling the atmosphere.
She caught Tom’s voice amidst the din, his tone brisk as he reported to someone on the phone about an airship that had encountered a Crystal Break in Texas. The soldier on the other end reported in:
“No casualties, but damage to three F22s,” he was saying. “There were also some injuries. They managed to take out the bat creature between the new missiles Area 51 put together with the help from the Legend of Richard Gatling. Repairs are needed… Advanced medical attention for two of the Legends they brought would probably be appreciated. They’ve lost all hearing and one lost an eye…”
Rachel’s focus shifted back to Nia, passively listening in on the conversation while her finger gently poking the bunny’s cheek. “You’re getting heavier, you know that?”
Nia stirred with a groggy groan, her eyes slowly blinking open before narrowing in mock offense. “Mmm… What? Heavier? I’m not! It’s Mom’s fault…too many outfits… I’m perfect for my age!” She rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep, her voice filled with indignation despite her drowsy state.
Rachel chuckled, sliding the tiny girl off her body and onto the small pull-out bed they were on. “Sure, sure… So much for waking me up.”
Nia mumbled something incoherent, already curling back up into a ball, clearly eager to return to sleep. Rachel shook her head with a fond smile before standing up, stretching her stiff muscles while listening in on multiple areas to get a better understanding of the situation.
“Do we have a place to freshen up?” she asked, glancing toward Barbara.
The Legend gave her a thumbs up before adjusting the strap of her duffle bag. “A few wealthy civilian families rented out their residences for military use. One house was reserved for us—five bedrooms, six bathrooms, pretty spacious. Although…I’m not so sure about the accommodations with the wolf girls and Coral involved… Anyway, it should only be a five-minute drive from here,” she said with a dubious shake of her head.
“Perfect,” Rachel muttered, retrieving her phone from the counter. A quick glance at the screen confirmed the time: 8:30 p.m. “Yeah, I wouldn’t be worried about Thalia, but her two little sisters are a terror to their environment. Coral is a problem, too, but I’ve got a plan for her. Plus, they seem too exhausted right now. Huh. Night’s already fallen. Good. Anyone here to give us an update, or do we have a plan?” she continued, glancing back up at their military contact.
Barbara motioned toward the doors as the flight attendant opened it, letting in a surge of chilling air. “Tom will meet us at the house. After that, he’ll show us where HQ is and give us the details on the Crystal situation—Maria?”
Rachel’s gaze shifted to the unicorn, who was bundled up in two layers of clothes, hugging herself tightly and staring out the window with a grimace. The piles of snow scattered around the base and the biting chill in the air didn’t escape Rachel’s notice, nor did the grumbling complaints from soldiers about the freezing temperatures.
“It’s below freezing,” Rachel remarked, her breath fogging up the window as the heat in the plane was swept out of the open doors. “You good, Maria? You’re shaking like a leaf in the wind, girl,” she added, meeting the woman’s usual energy.
“Está pinche heladísimo, cabróna!”
“Lovely,” she giggled in response, Scarlet and Alexa mirroring her. She turned back to Barbara. “I’d rather follow behind on my own to soak up as much moonlight as possible. I’ve never ran in the cold, so it’s a new experience I’m excited for,” she added while stretching her arms up and twisting her hips before moving to her legs.
Barbara smirked, clearly anticipating that. “I figured as much. There’s a Humvee waiting for us with a roof-mounted machine gun if Scarlet or anyone wants to sit on top to cheer you on.”
“Dibs!” Scarlet chimed.
“Yeah, no, chicas. I’m gonna be in the heated shit. ¡Sácame de este infierno!” she snarled, teeth chattering.
She hurried past them to get into the vehicle and muttered something under her breath in Spanish; a string of colorful slang that Rachel made a loose guess as gangster-speak for hating the cold. Her teeth chattered as she pulled her jacket tighter around herself. “Frío de la chingada…”
Rachel laughed softly, foregoing Scarlet’s offered coat—the girl was still in shorts and a tank top since she didn’t feel the weather like they did. [Lunar Pride] wouldn’t let her show that weakness to the vamp girl.
“Let’s go then.” As she stepped toward the exit, Coral and Aurelia popped out from her Soul, both buns glaring at each other, though they looked significantly more worn out from their earlier scuffle. The orange bun huffed indignantly, while Aurelia, the golden bun, merely narrowed her eyes and lifted her head in challenge.
“They’re still at it,” Rachel muttered, amused by the stubborn rivalry between the two.
Nia, rubbing her sleepy eyes while flopping back over on the bed, mumbled from the bed, “Coral and Aurelia are too fussy… They hate each other… I just wanna go back to sleep.”
Rachel smiled softly, her tone teasing. “Go ahead, Nia. I’ll wake you when it’s time to make White, unlike a certain other failed alarm clock.”
Nia saluted half-heartedly, her voice muffled by the blanket she pulled over herself; in a twinkling light, she vanished back into Rachel’s Soul, leaving behind a lingering warmth. “Thank you, Major…”
“Wait…” Rachel plucked at her black tank top with a narrowed eye. “Am I your slave, carrying you around everywhere?”
“What was that, Major? I can’t hear you past all these hopping bunnies I’m counting… Thank you, love you, you’re the best… Zzzzzz.”
Rachel rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Scarlet, who was now helping Alexa with her custom coat, slipping her wings through the slits in the back. “How are you feeling, Alexa? I see you’re already making additions to your wardrobe.”
The young girl gave a small smile, though her expression carried the weight of exhaustion and the uncomfortable aspect of being a grown woman in a teen’s body. “Like a little kid…but I’ll be fine. Thanks for asking.” Nam, ever Alexa’s supportive husband, stood beside her, gently squeezing her hand once it was through the coat sleeve.
“We’ll get through this, Angel,” Nam softly soothed, his voice calm and reassuring as he held out her gloves to put on herself, knowing Alexa didn’t want to feel like he was dressing her like a child. “It’s progress.”
He then turned to Rachel with a nod. “I’ve got a few stops to make—Barb linked me with some potential recruits for Omen. I’ll meet them for breakfast—well, I guess a late dinner.”
Alexa’s gaze softened, though there was a hint of disappointment. “I was hoping we’d have breakfast together…”
Nam smiled warmly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “If that’s what you want, I’ll wait. We can enjoy it together.”
Scarlet couldn’t help but coo at the exchange. “You two are so cute,” she whispered, her teasing tone earning a shy smile from Alexa.
As they made their way toward the exit, Scarlet leaned in closer to Rachel, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
“I tried to check out my Feats and Stats, but everything’s all static and question marks. I think Seed Scarlet is still interfering, but at least I don’t have the crazy storm to deal with anymore or her scary presence under it. I might need to confront her if I want to make more progress.” She hesitated for a moment before adding, “Do you, umm… Do you think you could help train me for that?”
Rachel smiled, her tone reassuring. “Absolutely. I’d like to fight Seed Scarlet myself… Well, I guess I did and I died,” she mumbled with an annoyed twitch of her ear. “Imagine that. I died but won. Well, we’ll work on it when we have time.”
A grateful smile tugged at her lips, making a fang poke through. “Thanks, Rachel… Really. I really do feel like the clumsy little sister, always being taken care of.”
As they reached the steps leading down from the plane, Scarlet reached into her pocket and pulled out a small hair bow. “Here,” she said with a hopeful smile, handing it to her. “Your hair might always be perfect, but it can still get in the way with the wind, right? While you’re running, I just thought having it tied would be better.”
Rachel accepted the bow with a chuckle, tying her hair into a high ponytail. “Good thinking. Can you…”
“Mhm! Uh… A nice bow, and it’s blue which kind of blends in with your silver glow.”
The moment the moonlight hit her, she felt a surge of strength course through her body, rejuvenating her after the long flight. She waved Scarlet off as the fanged girl vanished in shadows, appearing in the wrong hummer that was waiting for them, spooking the driver, and having to swap to the other one with an embarrassed laugh.
Gazing across the chilly, Montana night landscape, she figured it was what they liked to call a long winter here in the cold places of the world…or was it a late spring? She breathed in the crisp air and let it go in a visible stream that made her smile.
It has a bit of a bite to it I like! Hopping up and down she stared up at the last quarter phase, somewhere between the full and half moon. We’re heading toward a new moon in a week. How will things be on the other side? I hope you come through for me, Mei, Moongmor.
Gauging how fast her pool was filling up, she waited for everyone to get in the vehicles, watching military planes come and go off the runway, bringing soldiers and equipment. Nam had nicely taken her small bag of items her mother seemed to have packed for her since she was just fine with whatever Nia had in her inventory.
My recharge rate seems to be far less here on Earth than it was for the White Moon in Anthony’s Quest, and definitely much longer than the Unique or Event Moons… Based on everything I know so far, it seems right to correlate the distance of the moon to the planet and its phase to affect its recharge time.
[Lunar Amplification] only activates once I have 50% in my pool, multiplying its recharge rate by double… If it takes me a little under 2 hours to fill up my near depleted pool right now, then it should take me about 90 minutes total once the amp applies.
Her tight muscles relaxed as she closed her eyes and took in the cold, slightly windy sensations that fed back to her sparking synapses, helping to wake her up.
Still, just being under an active moon trumps a full pool without it. At least with how it makes me feel…like I’m invincible. It’s like every fiber of my being is stimulated. At 3% of my pool, I feel like I’m 50% while under direct moonlight.
Stepping out onto the tarmac, Rachel took a deep breath as the hummers started to move, savoring the crisp night air while lightly jogging behind them. Under the sunlight, I’m like a child when I try to run, but here… I’m a cheetah at full sprint, and I haven’t even capped.
Rachel’s feet barely made a sound as she moved south from the bustling airport to quieter streets, the cold air biting at her skin with each step. She felt the drag created in her wake, moonlight kissing her glowing white hair, her typical lunar hare attributes fully awake under the pale glow. Every breath she took felt like fire, igniting the dormant energy coursing through her veins compared to her drained and moonless experience over the past twenty-four hours.
This is where I belong… she mused, enjoying the freedom of the night while advancing to acrobatics to tell their vehicles to increase their speed.
Her ears twitched at the distant hum of military vehicles near the Crystal, her senses picking up the organized chaos happening not far to the southwest.
The smell of exhaust, sweat, and the faint scent of cold metal permeated the air ahead of her from their military escorts, grounding her amidst the intoxicating power surging through her body. Each stride was precise, controlled—a dance perfected by all her hours of training in her Soul Expanse, dashing around Elisabeth’s complex city, and many battles or sparring matches.
By the time she reached the safe house, the moon had shifted slightly higher in the sky. The building wasn’t modest but was still smaller than her parents house. Rachel barely glanced at the layout as she slipped inside without much for greets from the single soldier waiting at the door, heading straight for the shower. The others were taking their time getting out, talking, and discussing arrangements as Nam prepared to split off to his own meetings.
Rachel didn’t have time for luxuries—her blood itched for progress and to get back under the moon. The difference when out of it was huge. Poking Nia awake to undress, the girl groaned, and Rachel took her into the shower to help the girl clean up a little. The hot water stung at first, then soothed her tense muscles, eager to return to the chill as she rinsed away the grime of travel.
“Major… What’s happening?” Nia’s voice was drowsy, a blend of curiosity and sleepiness. “My ears! Oooh. That feels good… I like warm water, too. I like the washer and dryer better, though. Woosh-woosh, zap-zap, and so hot it makes me want to melt with its amazing massage.”
“Haha. I guess I’ll have to throw you in over the day or something.”
“No! Don’t abandon me to it all day. Just as long as it takes for me to be all spiffy and smelly—the nice smelly.”
“So demanding. What a little princess dress.”
“I am,” she proudly proclaimed as Rachel moved down her hair. “Oooh. I like that smell—this is a new one. It’s like…the forest,” she chirped.
“Yeah, it’s nothing serious. Just a shower. Go back to sleep when we’re done,” Rachel whispered, finishing up and turning off the water. She grabbed a towel, but Nia simply removed the water the second Rachel brushed against her hanging top, which magically appeared on her, transforming to her tank top and shorts. “Nicely done, Captain.”
“Always ready, Major!” she said, louder than needed, with a salute as Rachel moved to comb out her semi-dry hair and braided it loosely to keep it out of her way. Nia’s tiny yawn echoed in her mind as she returned to her room and was much faster at braiding Rachel’s—almost instantly—while using the ribbon Scarlet had given them. “All good, Major Hops! I’m going to snuggle into bed again with the buns. They’re… Oh, they want to go out and soak up moonlight.”
Rachel smiled as the pair of enemy buns exited in a shower of sparkling light to glare at each other across the bathroom sink. “You two stay a meter apart, girls,” she said, placing a hand on their heads and folding down their ears. “There’s plenty to eat outside, so go play out back.”
Opening the window, she felt the crisp air hit her as the buns hopped out. She shut the window and prepared to go downstairs since Tom would be there within five minutes, and he was bringing company…one being a surprise gift for her, or so she assumed by their conversation.
Wake me if there’s a fight. I don’t want to get kicked in the tail while I’m sleeping… That would be so embarrassing!
Rachel chuckled, examining the braid in the mirror that hadn’t even fogged yet with how quick their shower was. “That would require me to get kicked in the tail in the first place. And who do you think your Major is?”
“The meanie who would think it’s funny to wake me up with a kick,” Nia huffed.
“Maybe,” she admitted with a short laugh, “but you were all cuddled up with me earlier and everything was fine.”
That’s because I’m always cuddling you! I’m your clothes, remember, genius? Oh…you’re making fun of me! I drooled, didn’t I? Do I drool?!
Rachel’s lips quirked into a smirk. “No, Nia. You don’t drool, and thank God for that. Fair enough with the clothes comment. Nice one, Little Bun. I like my little captain, too. I wouldn’t trade you for even the finest outfit.”
There was a soft sniffle from Nia. “Even if it was the prettiest dress? No, no, you’re not girly like me. Uh… Or the bestest boxing gloves?”
Rachel laughed softly, patting her chest to comfort her living outfit. “No one compares to my cute little bun. Now, go back to sleep.”
Nia snuggled closer to her, feeling the girl hug her tight with love, and Rachel left the bathroom to walk down the hall.
So many things to do, she internally mused, glancing at the doors to her left and right; not one person had gotten into a shower yet, instead mingling downstairs. Her ears twitched again, moving away from the house and picking up the conversation outside—Tom’s voice carried through the city of noises, and Rachel focused on the familiar cadence.
“…wanted to test her worth. This is her chance,” Tom was saying, his tone brisk, authoritative. Rachel’s brow arched with mild amusement. Tom’s throwing me under the bus again to get rid of another headache, isn’t he? Someone must be pushing to have this woman he’s with put into the lineup and he doesn’t want it to happen.
She slowed her pace on the way to the first level, tilting her head to catch the other voice—a woman’s, sharp and impatient.
“…not being able to prove myself is the issue. No one has let me fight to my heart’s content—to the death. If I need to earn my place, then allow me to show you what those other poser Legends can’t do. Mr. Paul Bunyan, or whatever his name is here won’t take me up on the offer.”
“Because it’s stupid,” the deep-voiced man laughed. “Why would I hurt such a pretty lady and remove a potential ally from the workforce? Why do you have to be in the main Alpha Company that is being sent into the next Crystal? You won’t meet my challenges.”
“I’m not going to ‘chop trees’ until one of us gives up—that is stupid and pointless! Idiot.”
Rachel smirked. A test… Well, I guess I’ll humor them. She hopped up and down a bit on her new running shoes that her mother had given Nia to eat before heading downstairs. A warm up match to see where I’m at, is it, Tom?
As she reached the front door, she spotted Barbara, Scarlet, Maria, and Alexa with a few military men, sitting around the living room and sharing their experiences over the past week. They looked up as she passed right by them for the door, giving them a welcoming gesture.
“I know you’re all invested in how many times the Crystal has changed shapes or colors, but…want to see a quick show?”
“If it’s outside, count me out, chica,” Maria called from the front, clearly uninterested in leaving the warmth of the house. “I got my hot chocolate brewing in the kitchen, so…pass.”
Rachel chuckled, grabbing the door handle from behind as the others got up, interest in their faces. “You can watch from the second-story windows, Frosty. I’ll make it quick.”
Barbara shot her a questioning look. “What’s coming our way, Rachel? Is the General bringing someone he didn’t tell me about?”
“Mmm.” She tilted her ears forward with a sparkling grin. “Tom’s got a surprise gift for me. A little exercise to get the blood pumping in this chill.”
Maria snorted while heading for the kitchen as the whistle of heated water rang out. “If I can see the shit from upstairs, I’ll check it out.”
Scarlet grinned wide, fangs gleaming as Rachel took them from outside to the cold night’s embrace, but Rachel barely felt it with the empowering moonlight.
“A fight!” the black-haired girl stated. “No doubt. Oh, Barb, do you like to bet? Alexa?”
“I’ll be upstairs. My small, frail body doesn’t do good in the cold…”
Moonlight seeped into Rachel’s skin, rejuvenating her with each passing second as she did a few controlled flips across the front of the house to reach the street.
Barbara gave her a sidelong glance on her way out, only Scarlet joining her for the full outside experience. “I’ve never called myself a saint. Everyone has weaknesses and betting is one of mine.”
Scarlet’s blue eyes lit up. “How about five grand on Rachel? Or do you prefer longer odds?”
Barbara choked, goosebumps actually running down her arms. “Do you think military gals have that kind of betting cash? How about five hundred on your five thousand—one-to-ten odds since I wasn’t there in the Legend Quest to see what she’s like now, and we bet on how long the ‘surprise gift’ will last? Three minutes. Rachel likes to play with her food, last I remember.”
“Three minutes?” Scarlet scoffed. “Naaa. Sure, Rachel likes to play with her food, but she doesn’t like a boring fight. If it’s not to the death—I bet it’s not—then a bit of showboating, sure, I can see, but three minutes? Two, max!”
Rachel’s smile grew, adjusting her tight, warm, and snuggly tank top as she waited. “You know, I’m not 100% right now, girls.”
Scarlet hissed, glancing at Barbara who returned the look. “Oh yeah, I forgot you’re not at full power… Uh. Maybe it’ll be closer to three minutes, but I still think two tops. We’ll see.”
The rumble of a vehicle pulling up broke their banter, and Rachel’s ears perked as she heard heavy footsteps approaching—a giant blue bull lumbering over three meters tall, stopping only when the hummer did.
Rachel chuckled at the stunned looks Barbara and Scarlet exchanged before turning their attention to the rest of Tom’s group. A tall, muscular man in flannel, clearly channeling the Myth of Paul Bunyan, whatever that was, Rachel didn’t know, and a harpy woman with sharp, classical features.
The woman barely was out of the vehicle before she was sizing Rachel up, more than a head shorter than her, yet looking cocky as a bird could. She puffed up her chest as she approached, her claws clicking against the ground.
“Is this the one I’m supposed to incapacitate?” the harpy asked, her voice dripping with confidence. Her feathery arms ruffled with a smirk. “I can hardly sense any strength from her.”
Really, you can’t tell we’re not on the same level…granted, I probably feel weaker right now since I’m so drained, Rachel internally sighed, not feeling much from her. Probably near level eight or nine for her.
Tom gestured toward Rachel, wearing a small, knowing smirk. “That’s her. Have at it, girls. You wanted a spot on the next assault team. She’s got a leading spot in it.”
The harpy’s lips curled into a smile as she raised her chin, took a calming breath, and spoke with butter power that rippled through the air. “Bow before me, bunny woman.”
Rachel’s tail and ears stiffened, her smile widening. “Bunny woman? Did I just hear you choke?”
“Oh, shit.” Barbara stifled a snort. “Did I just win?”
Scarlet groaned. “No-ho-ho… Why did you say that?! I lose.”
Rachel felt the vocal-empowered command strike her spirit, but it bounced off her advanced mental defenses, including Nia’s natural ones, like a thin stick against a wall of steel. She raised an eyebrow, triggered amusement making her ear twitch left.
Nia stirred again, quivering in confusion. “What’s going on, Major? You have that scary vibe…”
Rubbed her nose with a short chuckle as the harpy’s smug expression soured into confused frustration. “No, no, Nia,” she cheerily replied aloud, a hand resting on her hip. “Go back to sleep. I just need to educate a little bird with a big beak… Is mind control really the best you’ve got, Aella? Because it’s weak.”
Feathers ruffling further, Aella shook them out with a short laugh. “So, you’re not just all looks for the fetish lovers. It seems you’re growing a tad stronger as time goes on, so…are you willing to bet your life on your position?”
“Have you looked in the mirror, bird brain? And, oh, no, no, no,” Rachel replied, tail twitching with excitement as she tilted her head toward the street and laughed. “You can go for my neck all you want…but don’t worry. I won’t kill you because…then I’d be a bully.”
Scarlet scooted closer to Paul and Tom. “Uh, General, Rachel is kind of a bully when she does get mad… Is this still good? Is it, really? I’m kind of scared for the harpy lady now.”
“What did that chick do to you, hoss?” Barbara asked her general. “You know this isn’t fair. Rachel doesn’t go easy on anything from what we’ve seen. She always goes hard.”
Maria’s voice made Rachel snicker inside as she reached the upper level with her hot chocolate and peered down at them in the dimly lit front yard. “The hell’s goin’ on with—oh, shit…bird bitch steppin’ up to Rachel? Damn. Chica’s cooked.”
“Oh, the taunts are rich,” Aella sang, massaging her throat as Rachel waited in the middle of the street with a challenging smirk. “I’ll put your ass to sleep soon enough, darling. I can kill her, can’t I?” she asked, her bright green eyes alight as a bird of prey while glancing at the general for confirmation. “The hawk can skin the rabbit?”
Tom held his hands behind his back and tilted his head to the side. “Let me put it this way. You don’t respect anyone who doesn’t overpower you, and you’re Senator Chief’s granddaughter, you got kicked out of Italy for being too aggressive, and dumped on me to figure out what to do with, so…basically a pain in my ass I can’t ignore.”
“Keep charming me,” the woman snarled, shooting him a glare while squaring up with Rachel several meters away. “Everyone is so sensitive here in America.”
Tom made a simple gesture. “If you want a spot. Take it from her, who has one. Whatever it takes. This is what you wanted; the call of the wild, life and death. It shows how detached and self-absorbed you are if you haven’t heard of Rachel yet when your grandfather voted on her organization and those like it two days ago. See if it is everything you thought.”
“Humph. Everyone talks this or that to me, scared to step on my grandfather’s toes…”
“Talk? Me?” Rachel snorted. “You’re in the wrong lane, lady. I think you’ll give up and show your true tail feathers soon enough. You’ll be singing my praises as I hang you upside down, plucking your feathers out, one by one.”
“Oh, the bunny can hop,” Aella chortled, rolling around her neck and raking her talons across the sidewalk, cutting deep rivets in the pavement.
Rachel’s eyes sparkled. “And the big bird lives in a small cage. Show me how well you sing…before I crush that windpipe.”
A swirl of shadows brought Scarlet between them, clearing her throat and throwing up her hands, surprising them both.
“I want a clean fight!” she roared, grinning from ear to ear. “I want sucker punches, and hair pulling, and biting! Lots of biting! Okay, ready?” She pointed at the smiling harpy.
“More than ready.”
Looking at Rachel, she gave a look that said, are you actually going to kill her? “…Ready?”
“Ohh. I am always ready when I step into the ring,” Rachel returned, hopping left and right on her toes and stretching out. “The senator’s granddaughter is waiting for a lesson on reality.”
“Right… Talk is cheap, so you best watch what you say. Try not to die,” she hissed at the disgruntled harpy before yelling, “Fight!”
As Scarlet vanished in shadows, Rachel took a slower approach to test the waters a little; even a Level 8 or 9 could pose a challenge if she was careless. She circled the harpy, her eyes gleaming under the pale light of the moon, feeling her lunar energy coursing through her veins.
Aella flared her wings, her talons scraping against the ground as she sized her up, her lips curled in a smug grin. “You’re not as intimidating as your friends seem to think, bunny girl. I’ve fought stronger people in the Vatican before I was kicked out of Italy.”
Rachel tilted her head, her long white ears bending forward slightly as she considered the boast. She wasn’t surprised by the harpy’s arrogance—many underestimated her because of her appearance.
Let’s play along, for now… Rachel thought, her tail swaying lazily behind her. Besides, I need to give the audience a good show and tighten the betting odds between Scarlet and Barb. Oh? Taking the initiative are we?
Aella was the first to move, her wings flapping powerfully as she took to the air. In an instant, she dove toward her, talons aimed for her throat. Rachel waited until the last possible moment [Mental Acceleration] bringing her to a crawl.
“Come on, you have to do better than that,” she chuckled.
Sidestepping, her movement so quick it left an afterimage. Aella’s claws slashed through the empty space where she’d had been, and the harpy let out a frustrated screech that died in her throat as Rachel’s fingers closed around her thin ankle—then, she let go and spun away with a giggle.
“Too slow—that’s one death,” Rachel teased, her voice calm and controlled, a small smile playing on her lips as her braid whipped with her in a circle.
Aella whirled around, her wings kicking up a gust of wind, yet she looked less sure of herself now. Beating her wings, a whirlwind whipped past Rachel as the woman took higher into the night, several glowing feathers shooting out like bullets to pierce her.
“You’re fast, I’ll give you that,” Aella admitted, her voice strained as she recovered. “But let’s see how you handle this.”
Sticking her hands in her pockets, Rachel made minimal effort to sway around each projectile, keeping herself grounded and stepping back with the wind. Aella twirled in the air, silver energy illuminating her talons as she slashed in a vicious arc, sending razor-sharp, Wind-based elemental energy toward her.
“Really? You’re fighting like you’re scared, bird arms.”
Rachel ducked low to stop from being blown up from the air, dodging the strike with ease for it to rip up the pavement. “Let’s speed this up a bit.”
She blurred while jumping into the air, flipping in an arc.
[Lunar Grace: Activated]
Hanging over the surprised bird, a silvery disk materialized to stop her flight. Kicking off of it, Rachel smiled as a glow shrouded Aella, and she beat her wings hard to evade, launching backward. Momentum breaking past the gale, her knees bent as she hit pavement and shot right back toward the harpy.
“We’re not done yet!”
The harpy’s eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, and she let out a piercing screech that reverberated through the air, aiming to disorient Rachel.
“Stop!”
The sound waves rippled through Rachel somehow stopping all her momentum and distorting the space around her with the reverberations.
Interesting, Rachel thought, wincing as the noise hit her ears, but her mind remained clear, her volume control kicking in to dampen the effects of the harpy’s vocal assault. She has some promise with these abilities. She’s just too cocky.
Aella showed a bit of sweat on her forehead, her face flushed while spinning to rake the air to send another slash of Wind-based energy and hail of feathers to pepper her.
“I’m more than a pretty voice…huh?”
[Lunar Grace - Flash Step: Activated]
Vanishing in a pulse of lunar light, she appeared on the ground, dodging the focused spay for Scarlet to eat with her blood so as not to enter a house of onlooking soldiers. Putting tension on her thighs, she dashed forward, using a lunar disk to stop her momentum and jump up to meet the stunned harpy in an instant.
“It seems you’re out of tricks! My turn.”
A swift elbow to the harpy’s midsection left her gagging and stopping another scream. Aella let out a pained grunt, but Rachel grabbed her hair to stop her from being sent back, another lunar disk taking them to the ground to smash the woman’s face into the pavement.
Wings flapping wildly, Aella choked as blood leaked from her broken nose and tears fell from her eyes. Rachel tossed her up a tad to grip her neck with her hand, now taking her second out of her pockets to slap her across the face, leaving a loud sound cracking through the space.
“Well? Are we done?” she asked with a bright smile, taking her to the ground and pinning her thrashing legs to prevent her talons from gutting her. “C’mon, let me hear you say it—oh, can you not with my hand around your throat? Hmm?”
Chest convulsing and panic in her eyes as the heat of the rapid conclusion faded, Rachel’s grin widened while letting up a little.
“P-Please, stop—”
Another smack silenced her, leaving her face half smashed and split cheeks leaking blood onto the ground. “Will that scream work if I open up a few more holes in your face? Hmm? Do you give up? I could break your left wing—aren’t bird bones hollow?”
Aella choked on the blood in her mouth and shook her head, long wing arms practically useless in this position as they beat against Rachel’s sides.
“Shake your head or nod… You don’t give up?” Her eyes widened further, recognizing the trap as Rachel’s smile grew. “Any way you answer I get to keep beating you! Slap two. Shake your head and you’re not giving up. Slap three,” blood painted the asphalt. “Nod, and you aren’t giving up, still! Am I still a bunny?”
Aella was hiccupping now, face ripped apart and blood staining her broken skin as she shook her head.
“No? Good. Seems like we’ve learned our lesson. Is that all you’ve got, though?” Rachel asked, her tone almost bored as she looked down at the defeated harpy. “You talked a big game, but in the end, you were just another bird with clipped wings.”
Aella groaned, her body trembling as she tried to push herself up, but it was clear she didn’t have the strength left to continue the fight. “You wanted to prove yourself, but you’re not ready. Maybe one day you’ll be strong enough to take me on, but today’s not that day. One can always dream!”
Crawling off of the woman’s chest, she grabbed a handful of her hair and dragged her toward the house as she struggled, whimpering the whole way. She heard the murmurs and uncertain tones from those who had watched the one-sided beating. She’d had what little fun she could from the cocky harpy, though.
Throwing open the door, she dragged the now limp harpy, seemingly having lost consciousness along the way or fainted from the pain. “Maria, I have a patient for you,” she called out, tossing her bloodied form onto the front room floor.
Too easy, Rachel thought, her tail flicking behind her as she walked away, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her silver hair. Maybe some other recruits will give me a better challenge. Well, let’s see what Tom has to say about that.
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Comments
Opala
🐇
Andy
Damn, that was brutal. Lol
