Thoughts reflecting on what she knew about Wu Zetian, including a Chinese show of a historical drama her mother had watched. Even if she wasn’t particularly fond of dramas—as her mother seemed obsessed with—she’d heard a lot about it nonetheless.

Born in the year of a total solar eclipse, many believed the cosmological display was a sign an important historical figure would rise out of those brought into the world that year, causing many to watch for the destined child.

Born into a very wealthy family, she had the fortune of dedicating herself entirely to the pursuit of education; Wu Zetian was engrossed in the arts, writing, and historical record of China that was available at the time.

Naturally, being of exceptional beauty, standing, and phenomenally intelligent—even in her early teen years—she was chosen as Emperor Taizong’s concubine, and had an affair with Gaozong, his successor within the five years between her marriage and the Emperor’s death.

Once the Emperor died, having secured an attachment to his successor through her affair, of which some historians believed both premeditated maneuvers, highlighting Wu Zetian’s intellect—she may have had a direct role in Taizong’s death—positioned herself to be brought into the next court instead of pushed aside.

Whether true or not, she rose to power by pinning her children’s deaths on the current Empress, yet those claims and rumors were called into question since they rose four-hundred years after her death with future generations muddling down the record in opposition to a female ruler. Deceptive or true, the Emperor believed her, and she was taken on as the new Empress of China around the age of twenty.

At this point, she became the barely-veiled, ruthless ruler over the evolving dynasty, and she founded her own secret police force, further clipping opposition.

Eventually, she shed the curtain and claimed her son was too weak to rule—either by her carefully controlled upbringing or natural temperament didn’t matter—successfully ejecting him from the throne, Wu Zetian took control of China, and Rachel had no doubt this woman had done the same in modern day.

The story her mother had told played in her head; a devout Buddhist—ironically once a lover of Wu’s—announced he’d discovered a scroll detailing the next Buddha, or enlightened one, would be a woman—the sign of the solar eclipse—and with the heavens on her side and many more than willing to believe the charming woman, she secured her reign with the people.

Part of her allure in history—according to her mother—was that she was utterly merciless to her opponents and the enemies of China, but kind to her people; lowering taxes on farmers and increasing production further solidified her support among the citizens.

A prodigy in politics, history, and artistic callings, her primary initial goals were the complete restructuring of State administration, thereby creating criteria for people to hold office that she had direct influence in, in an attempt to have China governed by the educated and not nepetistic dynasties, founding a meritocracy.

Although, not all parties were happy with her overpowering entrance and authority, especially since she took a hard stance against Taoism and Confucianism; mainly because they stood firmly in her way as a woman in power and moved to make Buddhism China’s primary religion.

She was by no means a femenist in that stance, yet dedicated herself to supporting the women of China, again garnering great support, and used her extraordinary looks and figure as a hot blade.

Unlike many authoritarian leaders, she did not see herself as the arbiter of all fact and truth, or above all others intellectually. She often sought counsel from both the affluent and common folk, setting up a suggestion box for their voices to be heard; she went so far as to have a means for even illiterate parties to have a scribe in order to have their ideas or complaints heard.

Taking all of that information into account in the short silence that ensued as they processed the information, Rachel took the seat beside Scarlet, folding her fingers to rest against her nose; much of what she’d heard from her mother could have been over fantasized, yet her mother enjoyed finding differences between historical fiction and fact.

One famous note Rachel recalled from her mother’s rants was her blank tombstone, Wu proclaiming history would decide her true legacy, and so it had.

Scarlet had her phone out, looking up information as she scanned for things in her own way. “From what I understand, she’s like… super ruthless, haughty, and hates anyone who tries to question her—she hates men, and made them like… second-class citizens—only women had basic human rights.”

She pulled up a strange pixelated video of a game, making Rachel sigh, but then again, pop-culture did play some role in this change. “She has powers that can take you into another dimension, and totally torture you to death! She can fight in hand-to-hand and fencing styles, too, and supposedly can torture any truth out of someone.”

Tom gave her a look that Rachel constrained. “Erm… sure. Anyway, what I do know is she’s an incredibly competent woman who was somewhat of a philanthropist and by no means disrespectful or haughty…

“Has she used ruthless tactics against companies or withheld funding from countries that violate human rights? Yes. But torture isn’t something I’ve been briefed on; that’s not to say it doesn’t exist—as we learned in Cuba—a hidden cannibal became a giant snake without anyone the wiser until she turned into the Mythickin.”

Anthony hummed, rubbing his chin and giving Scarlet’s fidgeting fingers a small smile. “In short, we should do our research and keep a watchful eye out. What do you think, Rachel? You seem to have your own opinion.”

“Oh?” Rachel mused, a sly smirk lifting her full lips as she leaned back in her chair. “What gave you that idea?”

“Hehe. Let’s just say, in my experience, you rarely drop a topic and go internal analysis mode unless something specific reorganizes your priorities.”

Tom rubbed his eyes as a chuckle shook his frame, making his chair squeak. “Good observation; I’m so tired, I didn’t even notice how focused you were on the topic… Something critical you’ve connected or heard mentioned about her?”

Ears drooping forward a bit, Rachel looked to the side, expression falling into a mild brood while folding her fingers across her stomach. “Surprisingly… no. My Mom got into a Chinese drama about her—she loves those kinds of things; from what I understand about these Seeds from what Scarlet’s mother let slip, and connecting the dots, she could be a Buddha, although…”

Anthony’s mouth tightened. “I have no idea what that means, but it sounds like it could be a problem. What are you questioning?”

Scarlet was already looking up the term, but Rachel continued to explain her thoughts, making her shift her attention away from her phone, and Tom was entirely centered on her.

“I… don’t see how she could be a Buddha, considering part of the Five Precepts is to not kill, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or drugs; according to what my mother told me about her life, she at least broke two of those rules.

“I only wonder if she used Buddhist teachings as a means to gain power rather than actually believing in the religion itself; she was a woman, and couldn’t hold political office under the other religions at the time, and so used the one that would be favorable to her… I’d say she seems to have the historical track record to do whatever it takes to make her vision a reality.”

“I see,” Tom hummed, glancing at a document on his desk. “I already have people going through all the historical accounts, and the President has ordered specialists to get together and determine their own views on his Legendkin based on her lore but, as we’ve learned, pop-culture also needs to be added to the mix.”

He sighed and shot Scarlet a weary smile. “Maybe there could be some nefarious stuff happening behind the scenes; I wouldn’t doubt it… And she may have done everything for China but, without a doubt, she had her own personal soldiers and political hit-squads. She’s not someone we can take lightly.”

“Haaa…” Rachel got up a second to brush her hair over her left shoulder. “I have a lot more thoughts on her, General, but it will need to wait until tomorrow night; I’ll do my own research—heh, my mom will certainly love me asking her opinion on something she’s interested in, as her drama likely plays a role in this Legend of Wu Zetian’s character.”

Tom rose to his feet, prompting them to do the same. “Glad you brought it up—”

“Oh, before you go,” Rachel interjected, “could you tell me a summary of her—at least what you currently know?”

“She is the de facto Empress of China now; what happened to the CCP?” Anthony added.

Stretching out as Anthony and Scarlet intently listened, the blue-eyed girl showing her own interest by taking notes on her phone, a low rumble came from Tom’s throat.

“Yes… All of our spies went silent or underground three weeks ago in the country, which seems impossible, and the CCP relinquished control to her—without a fight and in the midst of other conflicts in the country—as far as we’re aware.”

Interesting. So, she has the support of some high-player, and that person could be helping her keep control.

Rachel’s eyes narrowed. “So there are still internal conflicts happening in China; she’s winning on the world stage, but there are still parties attempting to fight for control?”

“Eh-huu-haaa… We simply don’t know, Rachel,” Tom groaned, working around his neck. “Maybe Scarlet’s thought on her being able to discover the truth about spies or opposition is true—torture or not—from what I’ve heard historically, she was extremely clever and intelligent politically; without reserve, I can tell you she does speak for China, or is at least their figurehead.”

“Where are her interests—her movements?” Rachel pressed, looking for any dots she could connect to her already scattered map of data. “Which countries is she in contact with or reaching out to?”

“Hehe. Basically—what do we know?” Tom yawned. “She’s an enigmatic woman… We have no idea who she was before The Oscillation, but suspect she was someone of great influence within China.”

He took out his phone and played with it as he spoke, shooting her over some files to browse. “These are naturally top secret, and few have seen this information beyond the President, so don’t transfer them or show them to anyone else.”

“Understood.”

“There is a small army of powerful Legendkin and Mythickin we’ve been able to catch from spy satellites and planes—some of these were only recently able to get when we picked up her listed flight to Venezuela… scheduled to leave around the time we were preparing our final mission in Cuba, and landing a short time after.”

Rachel’s ears pricked up at the connection. There were plans to have a helicopter leave Cuba for Venezuela, showing there was communication between at least one of the Warlords, and Relica’s group likely had connection to that… It seems like the most likely place Wolfgang would have gone, as well… They may have reached out to Nemesis.

Filing it into the back of her brain, her ears twitched as he went on and she swiped through the photos. “We can’t tell who specifically many of these Legends or Myths are—we suspect a few, but it's only speculation… Yeah,” he mumbled as she hovered over one of the grainy pictures.

“Is that what I think it is?”

Scarlet’s fangs pressed against her lower lip, whispering, “That has to be the Myth of Cipactli—a giant crocodile… fighting a giant spiked viper… Don’t tell me that’s Delphyne?”

“Our spy satellites caught that battle as the hurricane was dying down… off the coast of Venezuela, and we suspect there was another water Mythickin involved, but we couldn’t get a proper shot, considering the unnatural way the waves were moving—it could have also been one of their abilities—but we don’t know what happened in Venezuela…”

Rachel slowly nodded. “Something big happened… Wu Zetian was there, too?”

“Yes, and we suspect several others, but we don’t have much proof since the hurricane masked a lot of things, in addition to Cuba drawing most of our resources.”

Cipactli and Delphyne could be in competing factions, and they were clashing over getting to Wu Zetian, or whoever she was meeting… Maybe Venezuela was being pulled to their side? I have to figure out who we’re going up against…

“What are your thoughts?” Tom asked.

“Honestly,” Rachel hissed, rubbing her left ear as Yseress chuckled in her mind, not offering her own interpretation to annoy her, “I’m agitated… I can’t believe China’s political structure was totally uprooted without me noticing at all…”

She trailed off, jaw tightening at how behind they were; the Mecroaf’s intervention may have been more than a little invasive, yet at the same time, they’d provided a glimpse behind the curtain—it could have been their intention all along, and she had to know the specifics of what Tom thought about Wu Zetian’s thoughts.

“Tom…”

“Mmh?”

“What is your take on her question to the President?”

“Ugh… So, the Fate and Destiny comparison is vital to your thoughts—shit… I was hoping it was just her being a bit cryptic in strategy or stonewalling instead of an actual critical distinction…”

Anthony forced a chuckle, giving her a wink. “To be fair, reading too much into it could draw too much of your focus away from the important tasks at hand. You have detective Rachel to handle the future speculation and connection so you can do your job and not be stuck inside, questioning everything that crosses your desk.”

“Haha. True, thanks, Rachel… You really have gone above and beyond for your country, even if that’s more or less just you wanting to keep things stable for your family.”

“It’s mutually beneficial,” Rachel mused. “Fate vs. Destiny?”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Right… Give me a second to organize my thoughts.”

Vision closing, he leaned against the desk and puffed out a long sigh. “It’s… pretty obvious to me; Fate is an inevitability, set in stone—there is no choice or decision that can overcome the outcome—for instance, the sun’s future expansion is a fact and there’s nothing we can do to change that fate.

“Destiny, on the other hand, depends on your choices in life… A person may be—oh, heh, Wu Zetian, could be an example,” he laughed, now connecting the dots. “She was born in a privileged position that could lead to an incredible future—destined for greatness—but any wrong mistake could have blocked her, yet she pushed forward, exercising her options wisely to achieve that destiny.”

His expression fell again. “In essence, she is asking us if we believe we have a say in the future or not—how we react to her actions in Taiwan will affect the future—and will we be wise about it, or are we fated to clash; are we simply puppets to our nature, characters in a predetermined novel, or able to rise above the dictates of Fate.”

He turned to Anthony and Rachel. “What are your thoughts on that?”

She let her boyfriend go first as he stepped back against the wall and rubbed his chin.

“Mmh… I can see what you’re saying. Let’s see… The way I see it, Fate is what happens when you don’t take responsibility for your life—in a way, they are connected—Fate can be seen as the journey toward a set destination—the journey being our destiny… Maybe not exclusively connected.

“Eh, Fate is outside of our control—actions taken against us by others or the universe—it is seen as a negative aspect of the cruel nature of Existence, I suppose.

“On the other hand, Destiny is seen as more positive, as it is something we choose to follow—our goals in life we set—we shape and alter it. Personal qualities—courage, compassion, willpower—and even negative ones; your attitude and perseverance in your goal define your future or set your fate.”

Rachel hadn’t put a lot of thought into such philosophical topics, but she believed she understood the context from Tom and Anthony’s musings.

“In short, does the future act on you, or do you act on the future… If that’s the case, I lean on the side of Destiny.”

She had to puff out a short chuckle as Scarlet, as always, had to mentally bridge it with pop-culture. “Oh! So… Like our big, purple alien!”

Her voice deepened, trying to add a bit of humor to the dark conversation. “I am inevitable! Hehe, he’s saying he is Fate, and the heroes were Destiny, and Destiny won! Eh, in the end… After half the universe died—but umm, it all worked out because of hard work!”

They all laughed at the comparison, and Tom rubbed the back of his head, exhaustion in his voice again. “You’ve already given me a lot to think about… So much… How long do I have to consider your invitation and be content with your undisclosed conditions?”

Scarlet hissed. “Eh-heh… A few hours, maybe—when we go home?”

Rachel shook her head. “Not that soon, Scarlet! Hehe. We can do it tomorrow evening; it gives us time to settle down and for everyone to rest. Sound good?”

“Absolutely!” Scarlet breathed, happy it was pushed back at least a bit.

Tom got to his feet, paused for a second, and chuckled before rubbing between his eyes. “This scale is… insane.”

“And you don’t know the half of it, General,” Anthony constrained a chuckle, rolling around his neck. “Not even the half of it.”

“Heh, I bet. I appreciate the consideration you’re showing me; this must not be easy, and I won’t take your trust lightly—Rachel, Scarlet…”

“Mhm?”

A shiver ran through Tom’s body, the atmosphere darkening as he looked up at her, a mixed tone in his voice making the hair on the back of her neck rise as he posed a question that she honestly had never considered, which made a glint of fear settle into her chest.

“Rachel… can you at least tell me it isn’t you manipulating everything behind the scenes?”

Anthony and Scarlet gave her confused looks as she paused, full lips half-open as Yseress leaned forward in her Core to laugh; Rachel took a moment to even conceptualize that chilling thought. It was silly—impossible—then again, was it really impossible?

“Mmh… Your paranoia deepens, Mistress. Hmm-hmm-hmm, but I cannot lie that it has been a tantalizing itch in the back of my mind.”

“Rachel?” Scarlet whispered, sliding an out-of-place lock behind her ear.

“…Honestly… I can’t answer that, Tom,” she finally muttered, completely caught off-guard by the realization. “I don’t know.”

“Hahaha!” the general roared with laughter, popping the tense atmosphere. “That! That tells me I’ve put my trust in the right person… Who would actually suspect themselves but someone who truly wishes to find the answers, even if everything leads to themself? You’re amazing, Rachel! Goodnight!”

Hesitantly waving him off, Rachel wasn’t smiling like the others; it really was a probing and enlightening question to pose that hadn’t even been in the realm of thought.

Adelle asked me what entity my Seed passed through when connecting to my spirit… I’m not a specific Myth like Selvaria… Could that mean I’m an amalgamation of many lunar entities, which is why the Lunar Goddesses are interested in me… or am I something else entirely, and that Myth was the only thing that fit?

Gisele nuzzled the base of her ear, causing her to absently reach up to scratch her neck, having almost forgotten about the bird, as she exited with Scarlet and Anthony; her new sister broke into pop-culture references of Fate and Destiny, having totally tossed aside the idea she was some super agent, yet Rachel couldn’t get it out of her mind.

“If you don’t stop, you may drive yourself insane, Mistress,” Yseress warned, observing Nia as she slept in her imaginary bed. “Be mindful of where your mind goes; as you told Scarlet, a healthy dose of skepticism is good, yet too much internal doubt can pull you to a Hell that I, in fact, quite enjoy seeing and manipulating people into.”

Heh, way to tell me you're an expert on the subject. Still, I may just… Was it Twilight that guided me to Scarlet, or did I manipulate it myself somehow—or this Seed inside of me? I need answers.

“So… heh, nothing’s changed; as I said, Mistress, this is a hole you should not delve into unless you intend to go all the way and, in the end, it doesn’t change anything other than opening the possibility of self-destruction.”

Shut up.

“Hmm-hmm-hmm.”

Ugh… A corrupted Nephilim who thrills herself in manipulating souls to internally implode is trying to be sweet—to save me. What is even happening to me?

“No thanks for the angelic devil on your shoulder? Such a rude mistress I have,” Yseress mused, feigning a tragic tone. “Alas, I must endeavor to be the voice of… mmh-hmm, good, I suppose.”

Rachel snorted, making Anthony and Scarlet pause. When I uncorrupt you, I’m going to miss this snarky side of you, Yseress.

“Who says Nephilim, or angels, for that matter, aren’t snarky?”

Fair point. Hmm-hmm. You do add a layer of spice to Nia’s antics. Haaa… I suppose it really doesn’t matter in the end. If I am manipulating things, I can only hope I’d agree with the outcome, then again…

“Ah, hehe; indeed, Mistress… Self-doubt is not a healthy path, yet possible internal manipulation, on the other hand…”

If this Seed is merely enhancing who I already am, then that’s not a huge deal… but if it is someone else trying to force themselves on me… You’re right, Yseress; nothing has changed. I need to get to the bottom of what these Seeds are.

“It was my pleasure, Mistress! Always of service to poke and prod. Now, I must find a corner to rest without your… incessant thoughts rudely awakening me from my much needed—and might I add, deserved—relaxation.”

Hearing Maria telling the kids to get ready for bed, Rachel heard Jaenona returning to Anthony, and she motioned for them to go out of a side route to not give the children a reason to defy Maria’s orders; when they awakened, they’d be meeting their new families, and as could be expected, they didn’t want to let go of their pretty unicorn.

I’m glad I can poke back! Hehe. Anyways, sweet dreams, Cupcake.

Yseress’ flavorful voice came to a dead halt. “Cup-what?”

Oh… A smirk lightened Rachel’s face. I found something you don’t know—a shocking revelation, Yseress, but I suppose living in Hell… Mmh-hmm-hmm-hmm!

“I am not amused, Rachel. What is a cupcake—why am I a cupcake?” Yseress indigently demanded. “It sounds like an insult… A cup… cake? What is a cake and how does it relate to cups?”

No way… Actually embarrassed—the great deviless Yseress doesn’t know what a cake is, much less a cupcake? Mom would ‘love’ to learn this weakness of yours… Nia would die to learn her big sister doesn’t even know what a cake is.

“Rachel! Mmgm-hmm-hmm. Mistress, if you could please… quit stalling, and inform me of what this word represents, I would be, heh… greatly appreciative.”

Mmh-no.

“No?”

No can do, Pancake.”

“Another cake… with a pan now?”

Hehe. This is great!

“It really is not! Obviously, these have to do with cakes, yet… It has a connection with holding something? Cup and pan; both hold things yet one is for cooking and the other is for drinking?”

Such a smart cookie! Rachel congratulated and she could practically see the Nephilim’s red face and defensive posture.

“Cookie? Rachel, stop making up words; this is ridiculous! What in Lady Izanami’s name is a cookie, and how does it connect to a cake… Do cookies relate to cooking? A pan and cup could be…”

Laughter bubbling up, she waved Anthony and Scarlet’s confusion off. “I’m just—just talking to Yseress; let’s go to the front of the turtle.”

“Sounds like you’re having a great time!” Anthony chortled. “Good to see you smiling; it always looks stunning on you.”

“I’m really not having a ‘great’ time; this is quite vexing, in fact.”

For one of us!

“Aww, thanks, Anthony! Yseress and I are having a wonderful time,” she grinned at her lie and Yseress’ rolling eyes, cheeks actually hurting a bit with how much fun she was having with her internal half-devil.

“Unbelievable.”

Scarlet giggled, holding her hands behind her back. “Yeah, it’s been a bit since we’ve all been able to unwind and just have fun. I look forward to seeing Mom again.”

“Mhm! I’m sure Mom will love hearing all about the new experiences she can bring to our little, sick Nephilim.”

“Not amusing! I am not sickly looking; I have an absolutely dazzling body.”

The yellow skin does suit you more than the purple. Is that what you’re saying? Rachel taunted with a grin.

“Haaa… Will you stop this game, Mistress?”

I think I’ll ride this train to the cliff! Will you cave and ask Nia?

“…”

No, of course not; you couldn’t handle the embarrassment of learning something ‘groundbreaking’ from our little rabbit teen. Her big sister is the ‘biggest’ hoecake in the universe! Hmm-hmm.

“H-Hoecake? What do you mean by that, Rachel?! How am I—what does being a hoe have to do with cakes and me? Nothing! Nothing at all!

Nothing? I think Nia would disagree! Hmm, but will you ever learn what it is until I spring my trap? I think not!

“Humph! Mistress… Why are you doing this to me? Was I not helpful? Why must you provoke me with this—this cake business? What do hoes, cups, and pans have to do with these cakes?!”

“Wouldn’t you like to know, my internal Hotcake!”

“Mmgmh!”

Huu-haaa… Little Teacake, perhaps one day you’ll know, but for now, I’ll let your mind strew in a fluffy, creamy imagination of uncertainty; may your dreams be light and sweet! Night.

“I… regret having this devilish influence on you, Mistress, and yet… there is a level of pride I feel at this moment. How utterly bizarre… this dualistic emotion.”

Good talk!

Yseress stormed into her own internal room within Rachel’s Core, and she knew the Nephilim wouldn’t get a wink of sleep as she puzzled over all the different types of cakes she’d strung together to come up with an answer.

This is going to be so much fun! How long can I keep it up, though? Hmm-hmm-hmm. At least enough time to thoroughly enjoy it!

* * *

A short pause followed Cahira’s statement, Jack leaned to the side to examine her long legs, pondering her playful words; she kept a close watch on the Pirate, knowing he was as unpredictable as he was handsome.

He blew out a short sigh and he replaced his hat. “I’d be lovin’ a tumble in the sheets, Love, spillin’ mi stories ta a fine watery lass like yerself… Yet I be on an unfavorable clock, and it not be long before ya be in hot waters, and bein’ the gentlemanly kind I ‘appen ta be—not wantin’ ta cause strife where it not be had…”

Cahira gave him an incredulous smirk. “Did I say ya be full of shit, Jack? I believe I was bein’ too kind on ya! Heh, if it not be to run yer dirty paws down mi britches or ta start a spiff between ol’ Blackbeard and mi crew ta see ya protected… what be yer end goal in bringin’ the Queen Anne's Revenge ta mi shores?”

She tucked her lip under as Bastian, her Epic-Grade crewhand, ran through the closed door. “The Jolly Roger on the horizon, Cap’in; they be closin’ in on the port!”

Not taking her eyes off Jack’s forced smile, Cahira hummed, snapping her fingers for Wilkins to grab her another bottle. “Hmm… Not Edward Teach, I assume, considerin’ the Coast Guard would be breathin’ down their necks if they showed their face ‘round these waters.”

Leaning forward to glare at Ward, she muttered, “Ya safely hid Teach’s flagship in a place nearby, no doubt, Jackie… So what be yer angle?”

Jack lifted both hands, pivoting to point at Bastian and making Wilkins pause at the door. “Ya can’t be tellin’ me yer man don’t know the flag that the wind be holdin’, and ya call yerselves pirates, lads?!”

“Oh?” Cahira lifted an eyebrow as she turned an eye to Bastian.

“Erm—a goat with bones, Cap’in?”

Eyes widening and fingers tightening into a fist, Cahira popped her tongue with agitation. “First it be you, Jackie, and bringin’ Teach’s eye on me, and now ya be tellin’ me ya got somethin’ happenin’ with Sadie Farrell, eh? Why the Manhattan Goat be sailing ta Miami?”

Jack shrugged, shuffling to the side of her dresser to find another one of her hidden alcohol stashes—as seemed to be his gift—for when Wilkin denied her the spirit—there were time she may get a tad ‘too’ drunk—yet no one would would tell her that, and she’d drink if she wanted!

“Ah!” he pointed with a big grin at the bottle tucked behind her collection of fancy underwear, not accidentally looping a rather flashing purple-laced specimen around the neck before expertly popping the cork and taking a swig. “Mmh! Ya get the good stuff, Love—no, but why don’t we find out why the Little Obsidian Goat be comin’ ta pay respects to the great Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, no?!”

Rising to her feet to stretch out her chest, Cahira’s teeth flashed as she walked over to snatch the bottle from his grip and take a swig before handing it back, excluding the panties.

“Indeed, mi little, tweeting Sparrow! On our way out, I can see ya joinin’ me in meetin’ the New Yorker Pirate; it be good gettin’ ta know the neighbors, no?”

Throwing her arm around his waist and bringing it close to hers, she gave him a wink and tucked the purple-laced treasure into his pocket. “Ya be sayin’ ya need some luck, Jackie—what else be luckier, hmm?”

He grinned, throwing his arm around her shoulders as they swaggered toward the nearest exit. “It be as if we be fated! Hehe!”

“Now don’t be goin’ romantic on me,” Cahira scolded, snatching the new bottle of spirits from Wilkins as they passed and slapping Jack’s stern. “I only be entertain’ ya fer yer looks; once I get ya tied down on mi bed, I’ll be bootin’ ye off the plank first light!”

“Hehe! Understood, Love; I best be gone by noon, hmm? A lass of fire be the warmest bed when a kiss be had, yet a southern wind’s lick can put a mast aflame if a man not be treatin’ her right!”

“Haha! I like the way ya talk, Jack; maybe we can have a little fun with Sadie if she be willin’ ta have a little tumble, eh?”

“And rum!” he shouted with a laugh, pulling Mara’s questioning head out of a doorway to see what the commotion was about. “Lots and lots of rum! Ah, a mossy lass of the sea! It be a pleasure,” he boasted, hand swiftly darting back as Nemesis hovered behind her.

Cahira chortled as he brought them in a spinning circle to redirect their momentum in an attempt to hide his reaching hands before returning her slap, making her rear burn. “And—ah, ya not be lyin’ ‘bout her beasties!”

“Cheers! Nemesis, Mara—we lookin’ at havin’ a night of pleasure, huh? Hehe! Why don’t ya join us?!”

Nemesis huffed. “I do want to better understand this… culture Rachel is in.”

“Culture…” Mara hissed, eyeing them uncertainty as they continued to stumble in lock-step down the hall. “I wouldn’t say that, but… it could be interesting.”

“Wonderful!” Jack shouted. “Rum! Wilkins, bring the rum!”

“Captain?”

“Rum, Wilkins! Bring the rum!”

“…Yes, Captain…”

“A pirate's party!”

“Aye, mi Queenly Beauty—no finer ruby on the seas, ya be!”

Working her fingers between some flesh on his bum, she added pressure, causing a short jump and chuckle from the Legend.

“I told ya sore when this be over, Jackie; don’t be regredin’ yer choices ‘cause ya be stirin’ up a storm in me!”

“Never, Love! A Pirate’s Banquet we have! Haha!”