Rachel was momentarily frozen in place, [Mental Acceleration] and [Strategic Mind] working in tandem to link everything she’d heard and was seeing. Alexa had transformed into a Magical Girl Angel, and reverted to a twelve to thirteen-year-old in appearance.
Immediately, her thoughts connected it to Zoe’s situation since she looked to be fifteen or sixteen after The Oscillation. The two-tailed cat’s ears were pulled back, already dealing with a lot, with her family situation, and now having to comfort Alexa.
Stepping forward only seconds after coming into the room, she reached out to stop her sister-in-law from tripping on her sheet in her haste and falling onto her face.
Voice softening with her ears high, keeping track of everything around her, Rachel whispered, “I’m here, Alexa,” placing a comforting and supportive hand on Alexa’s shoulder to keep her stable. “We’ll figure this out together. It’s okay.”
“Is it, though?” she cried, her stiff wings fluttering as Scarlet scooted into the room and shut the door. “Look at me—oh-no…Rachel!”
Nam’s concerned tone came from the front room, Jeanne and Felix jumping up with him to run up the stairs. “Alexa—Rachel, you’re back?!”
Rachel saw a pained smile on her mom’s face as she got to her feet and Alexa looked up at her in desperation. “He can’t see me, Rachel, please…”
Scarlet responded without a word, closing the door and pressing the lock button on the knob before moving to stand beside Zoe. “How are you doing?” she whispered, holding up a hand that the split-tailed cat took with a thankful, downcast nod.
“Not good…but I’m managing.”
Rachel sighed, mouth becoming a line as tears continued to welled up in Alexa’s eyes, her golden irises shimmering, the liquid sliding down her cheeks like sparkling diamonds. She shifted her grip to carefully pull her into a gentle hug, keeping her hands low on her back to not touch her wings.
“Please, Rachel, help me,” she whimpered, her voice trembling and a frightening gaze darting to the door as the nob rattled.
“Rachel,” Nam urgently called out, his tone swiftly calming but she could hear the frustration in it that was unlike her calm big brother. “What’s going on? Why can’t I come in, Alexa? Please…”
The angel’s eyes widened in panic, and she turned her face away, body shaking against Rachel’s as her wings quivered. “Nam, I…I can’t let you see me like this,” she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper. “I just…I don’t want you to see me like this… Please, Nam. I can’t…”
“Why, Lexi—I’ve already seen you… I just…I want to help…”
Swiftly analyzing the situation, Rachel tilted her neck to the left and right to loosen it up before lightly drawing away from Alexa, showing an encouraging smile at her panicking sister-in-law. [Strategic Mind] brought everything she knew and had come to understand about the former blonde to the forefront of her mind.
“Let me handle this real fast, Alexa,” she softly urged, guiding her back to her mom. “I only have thirty minutes to be here, and a lot to do… I’ll talk to Nam real fast. You take some deep breaths. Okay? Mom, Zoe, Scarlet?”
They silently nodded and went past her to take her place as Alexa let out her emotions in weak, silent tears. Rachel turned and went to the door, hearing the helicopter they’d used touching down in a cul-de-sac. She still had time, and despite the high emotions, she had to maximize her time and impact because there was a lot to get through.
Opening the door a crack, Nam jerked his head up, but Rachel scooted out, forcing him to retreat. He tried to speak yet Rachel shook her head, his shoulders slumping as Felix and Jeanne hovered a distance away, listening.
“Nam, cool it a little. She needs some space.”
“Rachel…”
“No, I get it,” she interrupted. “I know you’re worried about her—she’s your wife. I’m the last one you’d think would defend her…but you’re not seeing what she sees in the mirror. Think about it…”
“I am,” he softly defended, arms crossed and moving to the nearby railing to stare down at the downstairs front guest area. “I don’t care how she looks. I’m just…nothing has changed for me. I don’t know why she won’t let me in…”
“Really?” Rachel took a deep breath and let it out as he looked up at her, brow furrowed and searching for answers. “You can’t see why she wouldn’t want you to see her like that? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but…I severely misjudged Alexa as a person, and I think you have too, Nam.”
His fingers tightened, locking his jaw and closing his eyes while letting the flash of anger pass. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes and looked at her, the frustration passing to a searching plea. “What am I missing then? I try to give her everything she needs…”
Showing a weak smile, Rachel jabbed her brother’s shoulder. “There’s the problem, bro. Think about how Alexa grew up… She was her father’s little princess, trapped in her safe tower, given whatever she might want, and handed over to someone, yes, she loves, I’m not denying that, but part of that reason is because she had a bit more freedom than at home…”
Rachel paused, seeing the reality of Alexa’s internal struggles dawning on his face. “Alexa has always been a caged bird. You gave her more freedom. She does love you or else she wouldn’t be acting like this…because she doesn’t want you to see her as a child in need of your attention, protection, and care but a woman…
“She wants to be a woman, Nam, to stand next to you…not behind you or to solve all her problems like her dad. Alexa grew up without being able to develop any life skills or branch out to figure out what she wants to do because she was never allowed to. With Mom and Dad, they’ve been slowly drawing her out of that shell. But now this… This is her worst nightmare.”
Her brother breathed in deeply, his nose turning red as he turned his back to her and gripped the railing to stare down at the blackened windows. “How…do I help then, Rachel? I feel…so useless. How can I help my wife?”
Rachel placed a hand on his back, tense and hot as he struggled getting air into his lungs. “By following Mom and Dad’s example. Be patient with her. She is trying to grow into a woman that she feels is worthy of you, Nam, which is probably why she was so hostile toward me since I’m…kind of what Alexa wants to be,” she mumbled. “Be proud of her… Support her when she comes to you, and don’t project your feelings onto her.”
He swallowed, leaning over the railing before relaxing. “…Thanks, sis… I know your time is limited. Help Alexa. I’ll be okay.”
“Good.” Heart softening, Rachel patted his back for comfort before turning to Felix, hearing the helicopter touch down. “Elena is here with your sister. Why don’t you and my brother go downstairs with Zoe; she needs some attention, too.”
The Hispanic boy’s tension eased and he nodded, his accent lighter than the unicorn’s. “Yeah, I’m worried about her. Is my sister okay?”
Rachel glanced at Jeanne, her arms crossed and looking at her phone, no doubt following the breaking news on the attack against her homeland; the blonde’s gaze lifted as Rachel addressed her. Her blue sun-dress still showed rips from the battle she’d engaged in the previous night, reminding her what might have happened if the saint hadn’t been here.
“Maria needs to meet with you, Jeanne. She needs to give you Catherine’s last will and testament, with a few other things she needs to talk to you about. It might be best to go out and meet her before flying to France. I know you need to get going.”
The saint’s face softened, and moved to hug her. “I will do that, and should we not see each other again, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time we have spent together. I am terribly sorry for being unable to ensure your family’s safety…”
Laughter shook Rachel’s chest as they met, and she shook her head upon drawing back. “Nonsense. If you hadn’t been here, I’m positive there would have been many more attacks. Thank you. I look forward to going to France eventually, so there needs to be a France left to tour. Stay alive to show me around.”
“I will make sure of it,” she chimed, her blue eyes sparkling with delight as her accent thickened. “Until the next time we meet.”
Waving her off, Rachel held up a thumb to Felix and her brother. “Zoe can hear me, so…there she is!”
The door cracked open and the anxious cat girl exited, her ears low, looking adorably vulnerable. “You don’t need to give me so much attention…”
“Just the right amount,” Rachel returned, taking her hand to bring her into an embrace. “I’m sorry to hear what happened… Just know that you’re not alone. If you want to tell me anything or let me in on your plans, then just talk to Felix and Nam. My ears are always listening…”
Zoe swallowed back her emotions, her chest fluttering with a deep breath while tightening her grip for a second. “…You’re too good to me,” she whimpered.
“A matter of opinion,” she chuckled. “Like I said…”
“Mhm. You’re always listening… Thank you.”
Ruffling her hair, as a Domestic Cat might like, given her personality, she was happy to see a bit more strength in Zoe’s shyly smiling face, red as it might be.
Letting Felix take over, Rachel slipped back into the room, glad to see Alexa calming down. She scanned the room, taking in her sister-in-law’s condition with her mother and Scarlet.
Her mom stood by, her face a mix of concern and support while Scarlet held her hand, but sizzling flesh made her brow furrow; it was very faint, likely unnoticeable to anyone without her hyper enhanced senses. “Scarlet?”
“I’m fine,” she urged, showing a fanged smile. “It’s really weak; my healing is more than enough.”
“Your what?” Alexa asked. “Nam?”
“It’s nothing,” Rachel returned, kneeling down in front of the angel and gently taking her other hand. “Like I said, I’m short on time. Nam calmed down and said he’d wait until you’re ready.”
Her wings drooped to the bed for the first time as Alexa’s tight muscles relaxed and she breathed a long sigh of relief, blinking back more tears. “Thank you…so much, Rachel… Hah. And now they bend… What’s happened to me? No, I’m listening…” she said, trying to rebuild her strength. “What do I need to do or tell you?”
Rachel’s mind raced as she considered their options, time slowing with her accelerating synapses. “The people coming to examine you from the UN do give off strange vibes, but they passed every test I did on their way here. They’re on a tight schedule, as well, and I’d rather they return with me than stay. We need to be quick.”
Alexa’s tears slowed as she listened, her breathing becoming more even. “What can I do?” she asked, desperation still tinging her voice.
Glad to have her mother and Scarlet to help bring her sister-in-law to this accepting state, Rachel squeezed her hand and pointed at her blouse. “As you know, Nia had similar trouble with reverting to a child after the incident with a certain unfavorable drunk,” Rachel chuckled. “We were able to circumvent that by acquiring a Feat.
“If you’re asking for my advice on what can help in the short-term, then you might already have the option. Even if not, if you level up, you should be able to do the same, if you truly want it and don’t want to remain like this.”
“Yeah, no!” Alexa choked, her sparkling silver hair weaving against her shoulders. “I don’t want to look like this.”
Scarlet’s vampiric eyes lit up, no doubt continuing to track the UN representatives. “Oh, you could get like…a Reverse Magical Girl transformation! Selvaria was able to get a Feat to return to her human-self, too, but…yeah, expect there to be some, eh, complications.”
Instead of grimacing, Alexa’s face lit up with hope as she began to think. “Right… Selvaria gets younger or older depending on how full her [Water Pool] is, while Nia has a six hour limit as an adult before having to wait eighteen hours for it to recharge… No, that’s good.”
“Have you gone into your internal world? It’s called a Soul Expanse or Soul Sanctuary.” Rachel pressed.
Alexa shook her head, her eyes wide with fear. “No, I’m too scared. Zoe tried to help me, but there’s just so much going on—a-and what if it made things worse.”
“That’s okay,” Rachel reassured. “We’ll do it together now. Mom, your shamanistic powers can help if things do go south, right?”
Her mother’s silent so far yet reassuring presence seemed to steady Alexa as they looked to the dark-haired matriarch of their family. “I can. I’ve been ready to use it if required,” she stated, directing their attention to her bell beside the bed.
Rachel’s gaze lingered on it while the angel prepared herself. I want to ask Mom so many things… She has a whole life none of us are aware of. Yet, I also need to respect her privacy and decision… She is my mother. You certainly make it hard, though, Mom. Grandpa Park might have some secrets, too…
Letting the feelings go to center on the task at hand, Rachel looked into her sister-in-law’s eyes. “Okay, focus on my voice and try to stay calm. It’s a lot easier than you think, this breathing exercise my grandfather taught me pulls you right into it. Are you ready?”
“Mhm!”
Rachel gently guided Alexa through the process, her voice steady and reassuring. The angel closed her eyes, her body relaxing as she entered her Soul Expanse. After a few tense minutes, she heard Wolfgang drawing near their house. Jeanne greeted Maria and went on a walk around the block, and Rachel heard quite a few neighbors mumbling to one another while sneaking looks outside their windows. Oddly, only the two nextdoor—the new Filipino neighbors—seemed to be minding their own business.
Alexa opened her eyes, a spark of hope lighting up her face.
“Rachel, I did it. I’m Level One—it was so clear! B-But I have three Feat Points and a Stat Point. There’s something that can help me.”
Her hands trembled as she reached up to the golden bow on her neck. “I, umm, I probably should have asked first, but I was so excited—I just took it. Can you give me some space? Please… Please work!”
They retreated a bit, and Alexa’s trembling fingers grasped the golden bow at her neck. Her eyes were wide, a mixture of fear and hope, the tension in the air, each second stretching out as her sister-in-law took a deep breath and pulled.
A soft, radiant light began to emanate from the bow, enveloping Alexa in a warm, golden glow. The transformation started subtly, with her angelic features shimmering and blurring, as if they were being redrawn by an unseen hand. Rachel’s eyes widened in awe as she witnessed the metamorphosis unfold.
The golden light intensified, swirling around Alexa like a protective cocoon. Her wings, once stiff and cumbersome, seemed to dissolve into the light, leaving behind a trail of sparkling dust. The glow enveloped her entirely, creating an ethereal aura that lit up the room with a soft, heavenly radiance.
Rachel could hear a faint, melodic hum, almost like distant chimes, accompanying the transformation. Alexa’s petite, childlike form began to stretch and elongate, her limbs growing and filling out in her energy-like frame to their original proportions. Her hair, once a thick cascade of shimmering white, darkened and shortened, returning to its natural, lustrous blonde.
As the transformation neared completion, the golden light began to recede, leaving behind faint, shimmering traces in the air. Alexa stood before them, her 21-year-old self restored. She was still breathtakingly beautiful—far more than even her previous stunning features—but the angelic aura was subdued, manifesting only in the star-like pupils of her golden irises and the faint, glowing halo that floated above her head.
Alexa looked down at herself, her eyes wide with disbelief. Tears welled up and spilled over as she hugged herself tightly, her shoulders shaking with sobs of relief. “It worked,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “It’s not perfect…but I’m me again.”
Rachel could feel her brother’s relief past time and space just looking at the woman in front of her. Still, as she watched Alexa embrace her restored form, Rachel knew this was far from over, and there was a lot more to address than just her physical appearance.
Crossing her arms and cocking her hip to the side while examining the golden halo above the blonde’s head, Rachel smiled. “Well, that works. You’re no longer a little girl, Alexa. I knew you could.”
Scarlet held her hands behind her back, not even looking bothered by the light that had hit her due to its extremely low level. “What about the restrictions and drawbacks? Are there any?”
Alexa wiped away her tears as Molly moved forward to embrace her.
“You look divine, sweetie… I’m so happy for you.”
The angel returned the embrace and looked up at Rachel with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Rachel. I couldn’t have gone through with it without you suggesting it…” She looked at her hands as Molly drew back, flexing her fingers as if to ensure they were real. “My, umm, my base form is still the Transcendent Angelic Magical Girl—I’m guessing the Transcendent is like your Mythickin—but I can temporarily transform back to this for thirty minutes.”
Scarlet’s eyes and shoulders drooped. “Only thirty minutes? No, I mean, that’s amazing, Alexa!”
Alexa took a deep breath, her expression more thoughtful now examining the dress she’d worn the night before, now returned, while reaching up to slide her finger over her halo.
“When I was in my Soul Expanse, it was like everything became clear. I saw my options like a game screen—Zoe mentioned it to me before. And I just…knew which one to choose. It’s called ‘Reverse Magical Girl.’ I didn’t hesitate.”
Stolen story; please report.
Rachel breathed a sigh of relief, ready to tackle the next problem as Wolfgang talked with the soldiers outside, Barbara, Nia, Coral, and the Cerberus Sisters with them.
“Well, we survived that crisis. Now, we need to make the most of our time. Are you ready for the examination? Wolfgang is almost here… Mom?”
Her mother’s fingers curled in on her palm, her smile never wavering, but agitation twitching underneath her calm facade.
“Hmm?” Brown eyes blinked, she gave a short start, and Rachel noticed something odd about her mother for the first time. “Oh, how did Nia extend her transformation time?”
“Umm… It was the Legend Quest reward, so it was probably a lot stronger or enhanced because of that. Are you sure you’re okay, Mom?”
Scarlet glancing between them. “Yeah, you feel really anxious and agitated, Molly. Is there something else that could cause Lexi trouble?”
“No, no… It’s something else,” she said with a strained laugh, clearly brushing it off. “All Alexa needs to do is advance the Feat, correct?”
The fanged girl smiled and nodded. “Yup! Early levels are easy.”
Alexa turned her star-golden eyes to her, vision darting to her flawless hand and arm. “That makes sense…” Alexa tilted her head, consideringly. “If it was due to the influence of a Legend Quest…maybe I can find a way to extend mine too.”
Rachel felt a screw drill into her gut as [Strategic Mind] told her where things were heading. However, she couldn’t focus on that right now.
“We’ll figure it out, Alexa. For now, let’s focus on what we need to do next. I only have twenty minutes left before I promised I’d leave.”
In probably the most wholesome moment they’d shared since knowing each other, Alexa went in for a hug, and Rachel felt a rush of Positive Energy, similar to Mei and Chang’e, rush into her from the angel’s subdued glow.
“When it came to this, out of everyone…I know I can count on you, Rachel. Thank you for being my sister.”
It was hard not to let some of the ice in her heart melt at that confession from a woman who she’d hated not two months ago. “Yeah… Let’s go downstairs and figure this out.”
Feeling reassured, Alexa agreed and they moved out of the room. Barbara blocked Wolfgang from going inside, knowing Rachel could hear them and would let her mother know when they could enter. The real hero was probably her father since he was on the phone with Alexa’s dad inside the garage, and being a barrier between him and his daughter.
On the way down the stairs, Rachel glanced back at her smiling mother.
She doesn’t want Wolfgang to examine Alexa, but she’s not speaking up about it… She really seems agitated about their presence. Why can’t she tell me? Why have you been so frustratingly secretive recently, Mom?! No, has it been my whole life?
And…if all Legends, Myths, and uniquely changed people have glowing eyes and changed appearances…why have you remained the same? Then again, I guess all mothers are legends, so who knows, she thought with a bit of humor to curb her tense tail.
Rachel noticed Zoe’s exhaustion while talking to Felix and Nam, her puffy red eyes rimmed with dark circles that spoke of sleepless nights and stress. Molly moved to support the cat now that Alexa’s issue was solved, who managed a tired but genuine smile.
As they descended the stairs, Rachel’s heart warmed at the sight of Nam’s reaction. His eyes filled with tears as he saw Alexa, his relief and joy palpable as he rose to his feet, and Alexa ran to him. He caught her in a tight embrace, his voice broke as he held her close.
“Alexa…you’re back to normal? I’m so glad you’re okay!”
All the blonde could manage was a weak, “Mhm!”
As her brother spun his angel around and held her, Rachel had to shake her head. The fact he says ‘she’s normal’ again speaks volumes as to how he sees her… She’s definitely gone from a seven to an eleven on the looks scale, with a halo to boot, yet she’s normal… Or I’m reading too much into it.
Alexa clung to him, her own tears mingling with his. “Nam, I was so scared…but Rachel helped me. She made it possible…but only for thirty minutes in a day.”
Nam looked over Alexa’s shoulder at Rachel, his eyes filled with gratitude. “More than enough. Thank you, Rachel.”
Rachel shook her head, a modest smile coming on. “Alexa did it herself. I really didn’t do much, and, yes, it may just be for thirty minutes, but that can increase given time. Also, she’s not like Nia, bro. She’s an adult, no matter what she looks like, so treat her like it.”
The blonde’s shining eyes met hers with a silent thank you, her brother chuckling softly.
“Absolutely… I don’t want to make you feel trapped, Alexa. Just…talk to me, please. I want to understand… I want to listen.”
“That’s all I need,” Alexa mumbled, pulling back a little to move in to meet his lips. “I’m trying… I’ve been trying to be useful…to learn. Just…be patient with me.”
He responded by returning the kiss and meeting foreheads with his wife. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
Letting the lovebirds be struck by cupid again, Rachel turned to her mom, unsure how this conversation would go after her previous subtle reactions. “Mom… The Director-General of the World Health Organization is outside, waiting. Do you want him to come in…or do you want to turn him away? It’s your decision,” she respectfully stated.
Her mother blinked as if the question was silly, yet her subconscious twitches gave away her true feelings. “Why would I turn him away when someone so qualified would make the trip to see how they can help Alexa? There may be things that come up that are…surprising,” she whispered, her fist pressing into her thigh, “but I can explain. Are you ready, Alexa?”
The blonde withdrew from her husband, lifting a hand to run a finger over her halo before gulping and taking Nam’s hand, squeezing it. “I’m ready.”
Alright, Mom, Rachel internally mumbled, confused by the cryptic warning and reluctant twitches. She glanced toward the door as she prompted Nia and the Cerberus Triplets checked in. Any new updates, Investi-bend-ation Services.
“Don’t make fun of the name!” Nia huffed. “We were working hard, and I didn’t even get my tail or ears bit, I’ll have you know! Report: she’s weird.”
“Super weird!” Irida chimed in. “Mmm! So, good!”
“Hang in there, Agent Ruby!” Nia cried. “Oh, not the ears!”
Aleka growled at her older, red-flaming sister. “You’re letting her pet you and rub your belly! And what about you, ‘fearless captain’ Nia? Where’s the pride?”
Thalia’s cautious tone silenced their youngest sister. “For once, it’s not their fault, Aleka… This Sera woman is using spiritual pressure points to soothe and send pleasure through their spiritual nexus. She’s far, far too knowledgeable for a mortal…”
“Now that you mention it,” Aleka mumbled, “she is using them, Big Sis… What do we do? I didn’t even recognize it until you pointed it out. That’s…terrifying. I can’t sense any Infernal Energy from her, but she has to have it, right?”
“Not necessarily,” Thalia returned. “She certainly is using some sort of veil to obstruct our vision of her soul. Even if we’re weakened in this state, it would take an extremely skilled devil to accomplish that in Hades. Demons don’t specialize in this kind of skill set. I can’t say for certain she is a devil…but she has the skills of one.”
Nia gasped. “What do you mean you don’t want to scare her, Coral?! You scare everyone! Why are you always harping on me? No, she just…really complimented my outfit. She was nice…”
Noted, Rachel whispered, breaking away from the conversation as she picked up the radio on the table and handed it to her mother. Let’s see what my mom does.
Her mom gave her a surprisingly soft and mournful smile while accepting it. “Well, if you want me to do this, I will, darling… Chris, I understand the Director-General of the WHO is outside?”
Rachel’s hands tightened against each other at the base of her tail as her mother maintained eye-contact.
You really are becoming more of a mystery, Mom…and I don’t want to distrust you. I know this is all uncomfortable to you, and judging from the call Nia overheard when I was recovering, you may have left the organization your side of the family is in, this is a part of your life you don’t want us to get involved in… I don’t know if they’ll allow that to happen in the end, but I owe you my whole life, Mom, so…I’ll respect it.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Very well… Only Wolfgang and his personal assistant can enter. The two bodyguards need to stay outside. I don’t like their vibes.”
Rachel could hear Wolfgang’s voice crackle over the radio with an entertained laugh. “Did you hear that, Helena, Ingrid? You’ve been marked. But it is understood, Ms. Park. Ms. Sera and I will be right in. The examination shouldn’t take us more than five minutes.”
A silence fell over them Rachel went and opened the door, allowing Wolfgang and Sera to enter, accompanied by the Cerberus Pups, Nia, and Coral. The tension in the room increased as Wolfgang and her mother exchanged a look.
“I appreciate the—”
Rachel went on high-alert with Zoe and Nia. The Hellhound Sisters took one look at the split-tailed cat girl, their ears flattened, and they tucked their tails between their legs before bolting out the door.
For the first time, a bewildered Nia was the one to give chase, with Coral following, “Hey! Thalia, Irida, Aleka—what spooked you? Hey!”
Wolfgang’s confused smile grew while shifting to glance back at the bunny, wolves, and bun slime’s retreat before greeting everyone. “Quite…the welcoming committee you have here. Huh. I wonder what struck them?”
He took off his fedora and placed it on the hat rack by the door before fixing his suit and staring at the stunned blonde, everyone else recovering from the Cerberus Trio’s unusual action.
“Alexa, you’re not what I expected based on our conversations. It looks like you used your Seed recently,” he remarked, glancing at Rachel, still attempting to decipher what would have terrified girls who could be considered Marchioness’ of Hell. “Fascinating. Quite the unique transformation.”
Wolfgang’s brow creased as he turned to his mysterious blonde assistant, who was fixated on Zoe, her face ashen. “Sera, hmm…what’s wrong? The Domestic Cat Beastkin… No, there’s something odd about her?” he whispered, rubbing his chin and scrutinizing the stiff, split-tailed girl. “A green fire in her soul?”
Sera blinked and smiled, brushing back her golden hair behind her ears and laughing it off. “No, I was just a little startled. The cat just has the most ominous vibe I’ve…ever experienced, which is saying a lot. No wonder those adorable pups ran away; the hunger and energy in your soul, sweetie, is…quite frightening! You’re certainly one to look out for.”
“Me?” Zoe mumbled, sinking further into her chair as everyone centered on her. “I, umm…sorry?”
Everyone in the room exchanged shocked glances, but Sera’s gaze quickly moved to Molly, a small smile lifting her full lips before shifting to Alexa. “Director-General, I believe we are close to figuring out the truth behind this mystery.”
“Indeed!” the German hummed, now scrutinizing Zoe with interest, but Rachel wondered if Sera was redirecting because she wanted to escape the vicinity around the Domestic Cat as much as the three pups. “Alexa, it seems we needn’t waste time with instructions since someone has been so kind as to teach you how to enter your internal world—the one you used to obtain your Feats.”
Alexa gulped, her throat a tad dry as she glanced at Rachel before nodding. “You…just want me to enter it?”
“Excellent, and that would be wonderful. If you could stand still and enter your internal world while opening yourself up, then I can see the path to your Seed to analyze it. I look forward to seeing its unique structure.”
Nam squeezed Alexa’s hand, giving her a reassuring look. She complied, closing her eyes and focusing. The world slowed in Rachel’s eyes as she watched for the slightest twitch from either Sera, Wolfgang, and her mother; the German man’s eyes widened first, moments after the blonde retreated into her Soul Sanctuary.
“Fascinating,” he muttered, running his fingers through his hair and shifting his head to the side. “So…that’s the reason for this unique transformation, Ms. Park. The Greater Seed inside your daughter-in-law was meant for someone else and was deflected away to land inside of Alexa, slowly adapting to her soul until the need arose, and it activated.”
Rachel’s mind raced. “Why…direct that at my mom? What do you mean, deflected?”
Wolfgang’s lips curled as Molly’s cool brown eyes dug into his. “Ms. Park, perhaps I should be taking lessons from you! Your spiritual signature was the last to interact with this unique Seed before it latched onto Alexa. The Greater Seed was meant for Nam, was it not?”
“What?” Nam mumbled, Rachel as shocked as her brother while staring at their mother. “I…was meant to have the Seed?”
“How peculiar,” Wolfgang continued, turning toward the door to collect his hat. “Well, I don’t expect to be welcomed much longer, so I’ll take my leave. Rachel, I trust you can handle things from here since you’ve done such an amazing job so far. I appreciate the mysteries you have given me with this visit…and there are so many.”
Rachel saw the mix of emotions on Alexa and her brother’s faces as Nam asked, “Mom, is that true?”
Wolfgang stirred up a hurricane as he left, Sera directing one last glance at Zoe, a shiver running down her frame before leaving. Rachel could hardly take notice, though. And now she understood why her mother was so reluctant.
Molly glared daggers at Wolfgang’s retreating back. He paused at the door, looking up. “Might I add that this is a lovely house. There’s a lot of shamanistic charm and protection mysticism within and around it, yet someone managed to cut through it recently… Someone dangerous. I suggest patching those. Good day,” he said, his vision lingering on Molly before he exited.
In the ensuing silence, Nam’s voice was full of urgency, now somewhat accusatory as their mother remained quiet, looking off to the side with a deep frown.
“Mom, how deep does your knowledge go on The Oscillation? What organization is our family involved in? Is Dad involved—grandpa?! Did you redirect the Seed into Alexa and away from me so I wouldn’t turn out like Rachel? Why would you do that?”
Molly sighed deeply, her eyes filled with a mix of guilt and resolve. “Mmm. This is…a complicated discussion for only ten minutes. I was afraid of inviting Soul Readers into the house, and I was right. I do owe you all an explanation,” she said, looking between them. “No. This solely has to do with my side of the family.”
Anger flashed across Nam’s face, but Rachel swiftly intervened, her voice gentle. “Nam, we should give Mom the chance to explain herself. Scarlet, could you stay with Zoe?”
Scarlet nodded, her eyes flickering with concern as she glanced at Zoe. “Of course. Zoe, if you need anything, I’m here.”
“I’m here, too,” Felix reassured.
Their mother’s throat constricted and she squeezed Zoe’s hand before standing. She wiped away a tear from her eye. “You…were always so loyal to me, Rachel, even when I didn’t deserve it. Given the time constraints, Rachel, Alexa, Nam, can we step into the other room for a minute?”
Rachel left Zoe in the front room with Felix and Scarlet, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. They moved to the kitchen, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken tension. Molly took a deep breath and pulled out the bell she’d taken from upstairs, charming it three times; abruptly, all sound outside of the kitchen died, a Divine, Positive Force surrounding them. It took a moment for their mom to gather her thoughts as they looked to her for an explanation.
“First of all,” her mother began, giving Alexa a pained smile. “I didn’t redirect the Seed to you. It was always a possibility it would go into you, but it was not my intention, nor what I’d hoped,” she confirmed, her voice steady but filled with emotion.
Nam’s scowl made it clear he was hurt. “Why did you single me out instead of Rachel?”
“Oh, I would have,” their mother said with a strained laugh while looking up at her. “Trust me… I would have if it was possible…but it wasn’t.”
Rachel’s gaze fell to the floor, arms crossed and looking back to their first meeting after her change. “…You know so much more than you’re letting on, Mom. How you acted when we met and I decided to work with the military… You were terrified…even angry at me. Can you tell us anything, Mom?” she asked, eyes lifting, searching for even the smallest answer.
Vision downcast, she breathed in deeply and let it stream out. “Not much without lying, and I know you don’t want that, so…no. Know that your father has no idea… I’m sure we’ll have our own discussion after this.”
She walked over to one of the walls with a soft smile as she ran a hand down the ‘rules of the kitchen’ sign she’d made, based on the Korean Goddess of the Hearth, Jowangsin’s laws. What I can say is that our family—my family—is a part of an ancient organization in Korea.
“When the Seed appeared, I did everything in my power to protect you all. Alexa’s transformation was an unforeseen consequence, but we can find a way to help her control it. It’s not a curse, sweetie…but it will be for Nam, considering what we all know you are considering.”
She turned to show a watery smile. “No matter what I try to protect you, I always end up hurting my children in the end. I can see I have been too…controlling while raising you. I was absent when I shouldn’t have been, trapped in my own guilt. I’m sorry.”
Rachel listened intently, trying to piece together the puzzle. Her mother’s revelations were shocking, but they also made sense of many unanswered questions regarding her own life. She could feel Nam’s tension beside her, his fists clenched tightly.
“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Rachel asked, her voice not as frustrated as she would have thought. “No, I suppose…you did in your own way with all the stories you told us growing up, now that I think back to all your Korean fairy tales and the spins you put on it.”
Their mother’s eyes filled with regret. “I wanted to protect you. I thought the less you knew, the safer you’d be… That I could prevent the Black Rabbit from finding us—from hunting you. But I see now that keeping secrets has only made things worse.”
A shiver ran down Rachel’s spine to the tip of her stiff tail, her brother having heard the same stories as her growing up as Alexa glanced between them, totally lost.
“The Pure Onyx Rabbit?”
“The Black Rabbit,” Rachel whispered, now picturing a black-haired counterpart to herself, a Mythickin Lucky Black Rabbit. “The Lucky Rabbit that battled alongside Seonangsin to drive the Limpid Jade Hare…Misfortune away. Her brother…”
Nam’s eyes widened. “You mean…I would have hunted my sister? Wait, if my Seed was meant to turn me into the evil counterpart to Rachel—no, or was she supposed to be the evil one?”
“No,” their mother sighed, moving over to bring both of them into a hug. “No, you have the wrong idea. Your seed was not meant to be the Pure Onyx Rabbit but something else. I can’t elaborate, but Alexa is not destined to kill or hunt Rachel. The Seeds adapt to its most compatible host or that which is nearest to it…”
She glanced at the blonde, still trying to come to terms with everything she was hearing. “There is danger in knowing certain things that cause a ripple across time, space, and dimensional boundaries, even as tightly locked as this Maelstrom is. Do not talk about this when my barrier fades…for all our sakes.”
Rachel’s throat constricted, caught between two rocks grinding together while looking at her strong, yet fragile mother. She thought about the drunk driver incident, Seo’s death, the traumatic outcome with her mother blaming herself, the division it caused in their family.
I want to press the topic…but I also trust you, Mom… You’ve given up everything for us, including your side of the family. How can I doubt you when everything you’ve done has been to put us first, even if a little overprotective…shouldn’t I respect your decision? If anything, it’s the Scarlet Hand’s actions that forced you into hiding everything.
With that, the Divine Force faded away, and her mother sagged as exhaustion took her. Rachel immediately supported her, carrying her to a chair as Alexa and Nam looked at one another.
“Mom,” he began, “what does this mean for Alexa?”
Rachel was the one that answered, looking up with a stressed smile, still trying to internalize the revelation—somewhere out there, a Black Rabbit was looking for her, and he terrified their mother. “Alexa, I saw it upstairs… You want to level up…and not just to increase the time you have as an adult, don’t you?”
Nam’s jaw latched together, no doubt going through similar emotions to their mom when Rachel told her what she wanted to do. Alexa started to shut down, her gaze dropping to the floor and grabbing her arm, not wanting to cause any friction. Yet, Rachel broke in before anything could be said.
“Nam, Alexa…I’ll be candid. I’m not comfortable with you joining me, Alexa. We’re at a level that is far too dangerous for you to join the Montana Crystal.” She looked up with a small smile. “However, I know you’re trying to become your own woman and be proud of yourself…to feel like you’re doing something important.”
The blonde gulped and cleared her throat. “All I’ve done is cosplay, watch anime, read manga, and do…nothing with my life. I never could…”
Rachel rose and walked over to her conflicted brother, seeing his eyes reflecting on their earlier conversation. “No, we do get it, Alexa. You don’t need to explain. It is dangerous, Nam—the Crystal might reverse, for all we know. Still, I will promise she is not going into the Crystal, but I can help level her in-between missions if she joins Omen…which you are in charge of administration. Talk it over as a couple, and tell me what you want to do because I told you what I am comfortable with… I’m going to catch up with Nia and the pups.”
Pausing at the door, she glanced back with a small smile, knowing the answer already by her brother and sister-in-law’s faces. “If you choose to go, pack quick. We leave in five. And, Mom.”
“Hmm?” she said, looking defeated upon looking up at her.
Rachel’s face softened. “I love you. Go talk to Dad. I’m sure he’d like to hear it from you. Alexa’s her own woman now, and her dad has to accept that… See you soon because I’m coming back from Montana. I heard about Zoe, too. I like the decision, besides, she’s apparently got more teeth than a Hellhound,” she winked with a giggle. “So I feel you’re safe with a stray kitty around.”
Turning on her heels, she snatched Scarlet to teleport them near Nia, Coral, and the triplets. Her heart was lighter than when she’d arrived, despite the twists. Her mother truly had done her best for them growing up, shouldering such burdens, and she’d taken a totally different route than Scarlet’s parents.
Mom, you’re too good for me… I’m sorry for the hell I put you through growing up.