Rachel shut the door behind her with a click, leaving the unconscious harpy in a bloodied, tangled heap for Maria to clean up. The frosty night air was already dissipating the heat of the recent encounter, a shiver running down her spine from jitters involving the fight rather than the actual chill.

She heard Alexa’s soft and uneasy voice drifting from upstairs as she followed after Maria to the living room; her sister-in-law had always harped on her more brutal nature.

“That was…horrifying,” Alexa murmured. “Is that really legal? Like…Rachel beat her to a literal pulp—does she have brain damage?!”

Maria’s casual and slightly amused tone followed. “Chica, that’s just how Rach is. I thought you knew the liebre lunar before she changed? The harpy chica was asking for it, I bet, and you know Rachel isn’t one to back down from a fight. Don’t worry, I’ll have the bitch fixed up and singin’ soon enough,” she snickered.

“That’s not the point… Does it always have to result in violence? Why can’t people just talk things out?”

Rachel slipped her hands into the pockets of her gym shorts, a satisfied smile curling her lips. The moonlight outside bathed her skin in a gentle glow, making her feel ten pounds lighter, as if every step was a dance.

She passed the stunned door soldier and approached Paul Bunyan, who was leaning against the Humvee, his massive arms crossed over his chest. His expression was hard, and Rachel could see the disapproval etched in the deep lines of his face. She didn’t bother to soften her tone.

“You don’t have to like me, and fair enough,” she said, her voice low and steady. Paul’s gaze met hers, unyielding, but before he could respond, she turned to Tom, who was standing nearby, his eyes scanning the smeared trail of blood that led to the house.

“I’m not here to make friends. And pardon my language, but I’m here to do a job and maybe recruit a few more people who aren’t afraid to muck around in the shit. Is that what you wanted, General? And let me guess—you want her to join Omen, to take her out of your hair?” She smirked, her eyes flicking up to his bald head.

Tom sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before his sharp eyes darted to her. “You were a tad more brutal than I’d anticipated—a miscalculation on my part,” he admitted. “It seems your last mission has pulled out more of that savage edge you showed in Miami. But Aella needed to realize what reality is like. Every bully needs to be put in their place at least once.”

“Bully?” Paul scoffed, his voice a low rumble as his giant blue bull blew out a hiss of steam from his nostrils. “Has that happened to you yet, Rachel?”

Before Rachel could respond, Barbara stepped forward, her tone authoritative. “Cool your jets, soldier. We don’t need you picking a fight and opening up another spot that needs filling on the roster. Rachel hardly showed a tenth of what she can do in that fight—she is a killer.”

Scarlet chimed in with a strained grin, “Uh, actually, I hate to be that girl, but, uh, try less than one percent, if she was super serious. Rachel was holding back a lot! Nia didn’t even get involved. And especially after the B-word was thrown around. It’s a bit of a sour spot.”

Rachel didn’t pay Paul any mind, her attention shifting to the left as she picked up on the faint murmurs of soldiers in nearby buildings. They were passing out bets, talking about her in hushed tones, the word “Omen” spreading like wildfire.

It seems we won’t need to advertise. People will come to us… Good.

Tom cut through the chatter with his usual directness. “Regardless of how it was done, if Aella had kept on the path she was on, she’d be in prison or dead anyway. She could use some discipline…outside of the influence of the US government, where her father’s influence can’t cause problems.”

Rachel snickered, shaking her head and tilting her head to the side. “So, you’re dumping the problem kid on me? Fair enough, I owe you a lot, General, but we should probably discuss business.” Her expression became serious as she met his gaze. “There’s a lot to catch you up on. I’ll talk to Aella real fast and then join you on the ride over to the bunker. I hear the President will be joining us digitally in the debriefing. Is that safe? I’d bet my left ear that Astra is around.”

Tom gave a curt nod, clearly relieved to shift gears and to have a way to shove the harpy off on his problem list. “We’ve got that angle covered. Also…be warned your favorite person may be in the city for a short bit.”

Paul straightened a tad upon catching the looks that passed between her, Barbara, and Scarlet. Rachel’s vision became slits, her ears rising higher and tilting left and right, casting a wide net over all the voices within her lengthy range.

Relica is here? Great… I bet she’ll stop by to gloat at the worst time possible. I’d rather deal with Aurora… It’s a hard toss-up between them, though.

“Perfect… I’ll play nice, if she does.”

Turning on her heels, Scarlet fell into step beside her as they headed back inside, leaving Barbara, Paul, and Tom to their conversation. Naturally, the big lumberjack wanted more information on her.

Scarlet wore a frown while glancing back at the three. “Are you really going to bring that Aella girl with us? She has some cool moves, sure, but she would have been eaten alive on Elizabeth’s Legend Quest.”

“So would Alexa. I’ve got a plan in the works,” she stated, pausing by the door to look up at the lunar sphere overhead. “I don’t expect everyone to be up to snuff to join us or represent Omen. I need to find a drill sergeant of sorts to whip them into shape, and, since Anthony is off to the UK and Ireland, who I would normally give that task to…”

“…You need to find someone for the job,” Scarlet nodded, understanding brightening her face. “Is that what your brother is off doing?”

She shook her head and moved to open the door. “He’s just doing the initial screening for me. Nam knows my personality and who I’d like.”

Rachel caught the faint crackle of the radio, the voice of a commanding officer cutting through the static. He was asking for more details about the fight between two Mythickin that was passing between the ranks, and if Omen was involved.

His tone was a mixture of curiosity and concern. Word that Omen was in Montana was spreading like wildfire, and it seemed Erika had painted quite the picture of them in the congress address. Rumors were already circulating, some true, some exaggerated, but all contributing to the growing myth surrounding them.

Rachel stepped back inside the house, her senses still heightened from the fight and scanning for more information; a few details were pulling her alert ears. The warm air inside felt jarringly different from the crisp night snowy environment, but the most immediate annoyance came in the loss of moonlight once outside its rays.

Aella was huddled on one of the couches, hugging herself, her face streaked with dried blood, and her clothes torn and stained from their brief but brutal encounter. Her wings were limp at her sides, and she seemed to shrink into the cushions the second Rachel entered the room.

A smirk lifted Rachel’s lips upon seeing Maria, her hair tied up in a makeshift bun, coming out of the kitchen with cleaning supplies in hand—vinegar and warm water by the smell.

The unicorn gave her a dry, unimpressed look as she took in the bloodstains on the carpet and Aella’s sorry state; towels were under her to stop the blood from dying the couch.

“You really don’t know how to clean up after yourself, do you, chica?” Maria grumbled, setting down a bucket of water and pulling out more supplies. “Gotta treat blood fast, ya know? And give the chica a break. Damn. It’s just like you to beat the shit out of someone and act like it never happened.”

Rachel chuckled, understanding the gangster’s brisk personality by now. “Aww. She’ll be fine! And I’ll leave the blood clean-up to the expert since I have no clue how to get blood out of carpets, and yeah, okay, maybe I did go a tad overboard,” she replied, turning her gaze to Scarlet. “Or…wait, Scarlet, maybe you could do something about that?”

The fanged girl perked up, her blue eyes gleaming to be useful. “Yeah, I got this!” she chirped, stepping forward.

Before anyone could react, Scarlet’s blood flowed out from her body in a liquid tendril, sweeping across the carpet and absorbing the bloodstains with an unsettling efficiency. In mere seconds, the carpet was spotless, and Scarlet hummed with satisfaction as she reabsorbed the blood.

“High-quality stuff, Aella!” Scarlet remarked, licking her black lips and giving the appalled bird a thumbs up. “Thanks for the meal!"

Maria rolled her eyes, tossing the mop back into the bucket with a resigned grunt. “What’s the point of me getting these supplies if you’re just going to suck it all up, dammit? I should have known. Shit. Where were you at the neighborhood backyard clinic, chica? Could have saved me hours of breaking my back,” she muttered, heading back into the kitchen.

“Sorry… Should I be saying sorry?” Scarlet mumbled, left eye creased and looking at her for the answer. “Maybe not? Uh. You’re welcome?”

Aella, who had been watching the scene with wide eyes, sank further into the couch cushions. Her tough facade was clearly cracking, fear creeping into her gaze as she watched Scarlet like a hawk, no doubt feeling the difference in their strength now.

“What…what do you want from me?” Aella stammered, her voice trembling. “I’m sorry. I just…I don’t know…”

Rachel crossed the room, her footsteps light and deliberate. When she reached Aella, she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the harpy’s wing-like arms and pulled her to her feet with a firm but not overly forceful grip, making Aella flinched, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Please… I don’t want to fight anymore,” she whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I get it—you’re better.”

Alexa stiffened, observing in all her glowing teenage glory from the corner. “Rachel, c’mon… Maybe she needs a moment to cool off,” she suggested, her tone gentle. “She screamed when Maria healed her… I think she’s been through enough.”

Rachel chuckled softly, loosening her grip on Aella’s arm. “Relax, I’m not going to punch you again, bird brain,” she reassured, though the harpy still looked uncertain. Rachel took a step back, her eyes scanning Aella’s torn clothes and the dried blood that clung to her feathers. “Though I have to say, those clothes look like they’ve seen better days. Alexa, do you have anything she can change into? She’s somehow smaller than Scarlet.”

Alexa nodded, noticing the furrowed brow from both girls, unsure if she was dissing them both or not. The angel teen was already moving toward the duffel bag she’d left near the stairs. “I think I have something that might fit her—we actually raided some of your old clothes in storage for me, Rachel. Give me a second. I, uh—your mom said it would be okay.”

“Most of that stuff are things I wouldn’t wear for the most part,” Rachel sighed, looking back at everything her mom bought her. “My mom had a lot of ideas about family photo styles that didn’t work with my every-day wear.”

As Alexa rummaged through the bag, Rachel turned her attention back to Aella. The harpy’s expression was a mixture of confusion and vulnerability, clearly not used to being in such a compromised position.

“I see you wanting to blurt out ‘my grandpa’s a senator’ but that pride is blocking you from saying it, as well. I get it! I actually do… By the way,” Rachel began, her tone casual but pointed, “do you want to join Omen?”

Aella’s eyes widened in shock, and she seemed at a loss for words. “Join…Omen? But why would you want me?” she stammered, disbelief coloring her tone. “Didn’t you just tell me I wasn’t ready for fighting or whatever?”

Rachel smiled, a hint of understanding in her gaze while stepping slightly closer to get a better look at the small harpy woman. “I get it, Aella. I really do. There’s something in you—maybe a Feat or just your natural instincts—that pushes you to act like a predator, to be aggressive. Believe me, I understand what it’s like to have something inside you that drives you toward violence.”

She reached out, lifting Aella’s chin with a single finger, forcing the younger woman to meet her gaze. “But there’s a place for that…if it’s controlled. So, the question is, do you want to be a bird in a cage, locked away when you eventually go too far? Or do you want to do something that matters, to be proud of who you’ve become?”

Aella’s lips trembled, her eyes filling with uncertainty and fear. She could see her words had struck a chord deep within the bird’s soul, and for a moment, the harpy looked as though she might cry again.

Before she could answer, Alexa returned with a simple pair of jeans and a T-shirt. “I wouldn’t call these things ‘not your style’ ” she muttered. “But these should fit her,” she said, holding them out to Aella. “Yeah, I don’t know about the Omen thing, either. And why ask that after beating her to a pulp, Rachel? I don’t understand you at all.”

Rachel stepped back, giving Aella some space to breathe and accept the clothes. “You’re saying what I’m all about, Alexa. And you’re the one who wanted to join Omen first. Anyway, you’re in Alexa’s hands now, Aella,” she said, her tone lightening. “You two are teammates now, so you’d better get to know each other. Tomorrow, you’ll have someone to whip you into shape, so be prepared for hell.”

Aella blinked, Alexa mirroring her expression with a mix of surprise and confusion.

“What do you mean by that, Rachel—Rachel?!”

“But…I didn’t say I’d join,” Aella weakly protested, looking down at the clothes Alexa had handed her as the angel wore a glare.

Rachel turned, a grin playing at the corners of her lips. “I said exactly what I said. You need levels, Alexa, and Aella needs to be taught moderation and how to control her Feats, not let them control her. So, stop lying to yourself, bird arms,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of amusement as she walked away.

“You’ve been wanting someone to give you the time of day since you were forced to the States. If you want your dad and grandfather’s attention, what better way than to join Omen? Oh, I bet they’ll be furious! And don’t think this offer is open for everyone, feather-butt.”

Before Aella could respond, Rachel looked over at Scarlet. “Major Fangs…”

Scarlet snapped to attention, eyes sparkling with the title. “Yes, Major Hops?”

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“I’d like you to scout around while I’m with the General. Keep an eye out for anything unusual. We’ve got a witch on the loose.”

“Right!” Scarlet gave a sharp nod, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. “You got it, Boss.”

With that, Rachel left the room just as Maria returned, the unicorn growling about her never stopping a moment to catch her breath. Scarlet vanished in a haze of shadows, leaving Maria to comfort the harpy and angel.

She heard Tom and the others waiting in their warm vehicle, explaining to Paul how Omen would be basically doing their own thing in the Crystal, providing support when needed. It made sense that the Myth of Paul Bunyan, the American fabled logger, wouldn’t be alright with her more savage approach.

It didn’t matter in the end; he wasn’t her target. Aella was rattled, but Rachel knew that the harpy would come around once regaining her confidence by training beside Alexa.

The bird had broken bones that, when they mended, would make her a little hurricane. Having someone who could provide air support was always nice, as well, so it fit within the team dynamic. There was also a fire in her to prove herself, one that just needed the right fuel to burn properly now that she’d dug out the pit of all the ashes she’d been smothered with.

Now finished with Tom’s pet project, Rachel prepared herself for the weight of their upcoming conversation, which was a hell of a lot more complex than anything she’d just done or anything involving recruitment. The layers of politics and strategy that would come into play spun webs across her head as [Strategic Mind] helped her organize them.

As she stepped outside, the cool night air greeted her, and the moonlight once again wrapped her in its comforting embrace. She took a deep breath. Taking a moment to let the drive-inducing energy to propel her thoughts onto the next battlefield.

There’s a lot to report to Tom and President Campell, but Relica popping up is…unexpected. Hecate would have told her that we’d met. The question is, what effect Twilight had on her and if Twilight is playing everyone or if she’s still dancing on Hecate’s strings.

At the end of the day, is Relica a puppet of one of the two or the master of her own actions. That is what I need to discover in our next meeting. Or…more importantly, was Hecate involved with the car crash that ruined my life.

Dark thoughts rolling through Rachel’s mind, she joined the General, Myth, and Legend, who immediately started posing various questions about her plans as they took off into the night.

She dodged what was needed, went into more detail than necessary on mundane topics Paul brought up involving the Miami gang incident, and welcomed a ‘tree cutting’ competition with the Myth. He didn’t say she couldn’t use her own weapons, after all, and Nia was technically a part of her. Paul cooled down after that, seemingly being a fairly simple-minded man.

It wasn’t long until they reached the expansive supercenter parking lot, where the Crystal had conveniently appeared more than a month prior. An old bunker was stationed a bit outside the city, where Tom typically would be stationed, or at least a few of the ranking personnel to give orders if he was taken out. It didn’t take long for Paul to break off to join his own friend group of North American Legends and Myths.

The sealed off communication zone consisted of a Faraday cage and a dug out forward base bunker that had other magical devices to block listening ears. She smiled as a male soldier took their devices to store in a black box, locking eyes with the man as he chewed gum and slipped her an envelope.

Astra, she internally greeted with locked eyes with the AI’s stern, soldier’s face. Figures you’d be hanging around one of the most secure areas. Is it on Adele’s command or your own rogue mission to free yourself from the Scarlet Hand?

In the shuffle of men sweeping the area, the disguised AI disappeared behind a pile of snow. Rachel’s ears followed his movements, hearing him change cadence and rhythm on the dime with each twist and turn he made out of sight, maintaining a male appearance that fit the uniform. She kept track of him until discovering the content of the letter.

Barb’s brow furrowed upon seeing her opening the envelope. “What’s that? That…seems off. Were you expecting a letter? Oh, you have to be kidding me… Here? Where?”

“No,” Rachel mused, taking note of the horned devil hacker symbol he used on their first interaction. “Long gone and several different people at this point…”

Tom’s sharp eyes didn’t miss Astra’s calling card as they entered the sealed-off space. “Is it wise to bring that into a place we’ve already vetted?”

“If Astra wanted to get something in, I think they would have found a way,” she muttered. The second the thick doors were shut, the electricity and magical devices activated, and they were isolated in the private space, Rachel opened it up. “Astra plays a delicate game… Really?”

Rachel’s mouth became a line while looking at a QR code, and below it, read something she never thought she’d read aloud. “Verona has wonderful eyes. Her ears hear the most delicate of transmissions, and her mind dances with devils… Now she goes by another name?” Looking up, she asked, “Is Astra talking about me? I’m lost.”

“I second that,” Barbara grumbled, taking the offered letter and flipping it around. “You don’t have any more information on Astra that we’re not aware of are—General?”

Tom’s drawn together eyebrows lifted, whispering, “Verona… Verona! Shit.”

Moving to the laptop and working area that he’d set up in advance for them, he pressed a few keys, Rachel following after him with Barbara by her side. He glanced around, distrustful eyes scanning everything, something dark on his mind.

“What’s the problem, General? Are we compromised?”

“Not yet or else Astra would have said something… Verona isn’t a person but an old code name.” He opened a filing cabinet and flipped through a few documents. “No one is allowed in here—I moved everything inside on my own with multiple lines of security. I’ve been based here for a while handling this Crystal crisis so there’s been a lot of things I’ve dealt with and been briefed on throughout the world… Here it is.”

Pulling out a file with ‘Top Secret’ slapped across the front and sealed with a sticker that would be a pain to break and replace. Tom didn’t hesitate to cut it open and open the content, showing several photos taken of one individual.

“During the Cold War, the US had a project called Verona that was aimed at cracking the Soviet encryption codes, exposing many Soviet spies, including the Rosenbergs… With The Oscillation resurrecting many old organizations and key figures within history, we suspected the USSR might have old loyalists that aim to regain Russia’s former glory… The question is…if he’s saying you’re the spy, Rachel, or if it’s someone else.”

Rachel tilted her head to the side with a groan, her ears becoming somewhat limp. “I’ve already been through a masquerade death party involving guessing games. Black has evidence that Astra is an AI and was created by the Scarlet Hand.”

Barbara glanced down at the papers, cupping her chin and looking at the QR code. “So, this could be a ploy to drive a wedge between you and the US government to isolate you to make Scarlet an easier target?”

“Doubtful,” Rachel continued, putting a hand on her hip and moving to the whiteboard to lay out a diagram of everything she’d learned thus far. “I assume we’re free to get started. Whatever you’re using for the President will be up soon so he can join us, so I might as well begin writing things out. Look, there’s a lot here, and I’m sure you can fill in a lot more of the blanks than I can across the world stage…”

Proceeding to show the pair everything she’d been up to since their last group meeting, Rachel had to do a bit of catch-up for Leo when the US President joined them via some kind of magical projection device that was a new piece of technology developed by the DOD in the past few weeks, projecting his mind to a new location with the twin device.

After an hour of catching them up to speed, she concluded by drawing a line from Astra, to the Scarlet Hand, to one name, circling it as her three students brooded.

“…And that is why Astra is attempting to go rogue, defying the Scarlet Hand, and searching for the Legend of John McCarthy, the father of AI. So, it’s possible this is an attempt by Adele to fracture my support from the US government, but Astra has another agenda… Beneficial for humanity? Who can say,” she shrugged. “But, it is something to consider. Further questions?”

Barbara looked overwhelmed, mainly looking at the big hole and dozens upon dozens of questions surrounding Rachel’s confrontation with Seed Scarlet and Twilight.

Tom’s gaze was flitting between Elizabeth’s addition to Omen, Dracula, Helsing, Aurora, and Astra, which was a tad interesting to Rachel. He had so many dots no doubt spinning in his mind, yet all of that was need-to-know for her.

On the other hand, President Campell swept the entire board, his focus not lingering too long on any one topic, and he was the first one to speak while still sitting inside the Oval Office.

“Mmm. I’ve received many more reports and insights into higher planes from others recently, specifically from some of the Native American tribes with their Mystickin. The Crow have offered their assistance. All of that being said, the higher powers being terrified of this Crystal is what mainly has me concerned.

“The fact Izanami, Hades, Persephone, and many others have talked so fearfully about this Battle Royale Crystal has me thinking we should put even more resources here. It also makes for a perfect target for hostile forces to try and sabotage or cause trouble in order to make us stumble… There is a chance that the new USSR agents…or even old ones made young again are working in the shadows.

“I’ve heard about a few factions currently rising up in Russia, and the one who seems to be the most friendly to us is that of the Legend of Anastasia, or so the CIA reports claim. I’ll get in touch with General Davis, who is handling things in that region.”

He breathed out a long sigh and looked right at her, left and on her hip and waited for his verdict. “Whatever is on that QR code might give us further insight, but I’d need some fairly damning proof that you’re a Soviet spy, Rachel. You’ve been far too instrumental in ways that the USSR would want for themselves if you were with them. In regard to what is happening here, I’m sure Tom has some ideas on how to move forward on working the spy angle.”

Tom rubbed his shaved chin and shifted in his chair, staring at a particular section on the board. “I’ve got a counter spy group that can start looking into things. Astra isn’t done with this either; it’s just to soften us up.

“Getting back to the other topic, Rachel. Nike awakening, and the offer of help from the goddess’ Chang’e will be instrumental. Most of the Native American great spirits would likely register on Moongmor or Eostre’s level of strength…except for their more potent deities. There are more land gods, as far as I’m aware, not the cosmic kind.”

He pointed at the enemy side. “These Eldritch creatures seeking to corrupt our universe is a problem on a scale I can’t even begin to tackle. Right now we need to focus more on the micro than the macro. Scarlet’s true nature is…troubling to say the least, but it also means we have the ultimate trump card in our back pocket.”

“If we don’t nuke ourselves with her,” Barb said with a strained laugh. “To think that anime-loving goth girl is the force keeping back Eldritch creatures and greater gods is…something. Yeah… It’s something, alright. I have a lot more questions on that scale,” she muttered, rubbing the rosary resting against her bust, “but they’re more personal than necessary. What do you think about Rachel’s decision regarding Anthony and splitting Omen, General?”

Tom’s chest shook with laughter as he ran his fingers over his neck and shook his head. “The best decision she could have made, really. I’ll make some calls but it’s important to show Arthur we’re keeping our end of the bargain. He’s provided…a lot of support involving world affairs with his connections. With Cerridwen being trapped and the World Tree somehow linked to freeing her… I feel she’s too big of an ally to leave alone. We need more information she can provide. Can you still use the Black Moon?”

Rachel puffed up her cheeks and let the air go in a slow stream before shrugging her shoulders. “I’m positive it was pretty wounded by Seed Scarlet’s escape and needs to recover, however that looks for a Unique Moon, but maybe? It may still have the Eldritch from Elizabeth’s Legend Quest inside of it for all I know. There’s a lot involved with that I’m in the dark on.”

Leo chuckled and rubbed between his eyes. “I’m actually pleasantly surprised you were able to coax Elizabeth into secretly joining Omen. I’d like direct communication to her to act as a spy in Hungary since there is some potentially bad intel cycling through the CIA right now. It might help us root out a spy or two. But let’s shelve all of that for now…”

He paused and looked between them. “This Crystal is a pivotal point in how the nation will respond to this changing world. I have to show the American people that the US is still the superpower of the world… That we can protect them and anyone else who seeks help. That we can handle our own backyard.”

The President of the United States stood and looked her in the eye. “With that being said, Rachel, I want you to put your everything into this…even if it requires you to use your Unique Moons or your connections to these gods and goddesses. The whole nation is looking at us right now, and this will not just define my presidency, but the changed people who supported it. This is a critical moment in history that people will look back on.”

Rachel flashed her teeth, ears rising up a tad. “Does that mean I get more Executive Branch support? I have the leniency to do things how I see fit to get everyone ready for how brutal this Crystal will be when it finally opens up?”

Leo’s hard eyes didn’t show an ounce of reservation. “It does. I’ve called in as many favors as I can. I’ve brought Legends, Myths, and Mystics that were kicked out from other countries due to their hostility or gray actions among many others who sought glory. As an expert in these powers, sift through them with Fable and tell me who I should put on this next team…because we need a win, Rachel, and a big one. So what does your sense of misfortune tell you?”

Head shifting slightly to the left as she felt through the twining, snapping, and departing threads, her tail grew stiffer. “I know how this sounds…but if we try to win…then we will lose.”

Her expression became strained at the looks the others gave each other.

“Excuse me?” Barb grunted. “What does that mean? If we try not to win, then we’ll win?”

Rachel helplessly shrugged her shoulders. “Look. I’m not a prophetess. My misfortune is more like a vibe check. You all know I’m not one to lose. All I’m saying is that I sense this massive thread of conquest that is winding around us, which is why all the other deities ran away. If we want to win, we need to go with its flow, whoever or whatever it is.”

Leo’s expression softened. “I’ve stacked the deck as much in our favor as I can. I can only leave the rest in Tom, White, Barbara, and your hands, Rachel. You’ve given me a lot to think about on a bigger scale. The Scarlet Hand is in disorder, which I’ve left in Merlin’s hands since they’re currently centered in the UK. Now, I need you to focus on the micro here.”

Pride welled up in Rachel’s chest at seeing the company she was in and how far she’d come from being a college fighter girl to having the President of the United States relying on her, and she couldn’t have done it alone, which bit a little, yet told her she was growing. She wasn’t a single person, she was an organization now.

President Capell centered on her. “I’ve put my trust in all of you… The American people have. I stand behind your decisions. White is inside the Crystal, which means Green and Gray are currently running Fable in the States while Purple handles world operations. You’ll be able to work with them and sift through the wheat and the tares that I’ve gathered—and be thorough. Also…”

Rachel finished his thought upon seeing his gaze return to the board where the USSR was written. “I’ll keep my ears open, President. I’m sure Astra will get in contact with me again. As for the leverage?”

Tom raised his finger. “I’ll work on that angle, Rachel. You focus on what needs to be done with expanding Omen’s fighting force to handle what is to come. I like how loyal and dedicated to a mission you are—most men train much of their lives to obtain that level of discipline. We’ve placed a lot on your shoulders. How are you feeling?”

“Oh, wonderful!” Rachel chimed with a laugh. “I live off responsibility and achievement to do the impossible. So, does that mean Barb and I can start the games to see who is worthy of my time?” she asked with an innocent face.

Leo chortled and waved his hand. “Games? Well, I’ll leave all of that in your hands. I’ve got a meeting to attend with the UN Security Council… We’ll see if Empress Wu and a few others show up. Good luck, and God Speed.”

His magical hologram fizzled out, leaving Rachel to tilt her ears to the left and show a strained smile. “Uh, I forgot to ask, what does sifting through the wheat and tares actually mean? I’m not that big into bible stuff—just find out who is good?”

Barbara snickered and got up, throwing her arms in the air to stretch out. “To find out who bears fruit and doesn’t. Basically, who is worth their salt—their flavor. Should I go on?”

“No, I think I get it,” she laughed, excitement bubbling within her. “Alright. So, we are ready to start busting some balls and letting a rabid little rabbit test some Myths, Legends, and Mystics?”

Tom lifted an eyebrow, still studying the board. “Nia?”

Rachel’s smile grew wider. “Nia is my captain after all. I’ve got to give her the reins to sort through the weeds,” she said, winking at Barbara and making her shake her head with a silent laugh. “My brother will also vet a few basics to use as examples. In fact, maybe we should see how he’s doing, and I could go for a bite of something sweet.”

Playing between word games with Barbara on her exit, she left Tom to mull over the wealth of information she’d provided him. Now, it was time to see what her brother found out, and to bait a certain witch into an environment they’d most enjoy crashing.

Well, Relica? Rachel internally mused as she entered the snowy parking lot of the supercenter. Are you as predictable as I think you are? Nia, wakey-wakey. Are you ready to nibble on some new recruits and see how high they can hop?

“Hmm? Recruits?” she yawned, her clothes wiggling a little around her frame as she stretched out. “I’m snuggly with three hot puppies. Can I do it in like an hour? Make them do jumping jacks until I wake up.”

Brutal. I like it.

“Yeah. And only the ones that can jump five meters up get candy. Bunny fluffy candy…cotton balls…”

Rachel shook her head as the little girl drifted back to sleep and she paused as Nike’s gentle words tickled her soul.

“Can you delay your arrival by six minutes and thirty-seven seconds?”

Yes… Why? She questioned, catching Barbara’s eye. Am I waiting for someone?

“More like there is a better shot at victory with someone else being inside the place you are going. Just a hunch.”

Says the Winged Lady of Victory. Dragging my feet it is! I look forward to meeting whoever made your wings flutter, Nike. Let’s go get some breakfast. Who knows, maybe Astra will show up.