The Susime Valley spread out before Butter, its vibrant, alien beauty capturing her active mind while analyzing everything it could represent for Priss and her. The landscape was a tapestry of color, with ruby grasses swaying gently in the breeze and strange, luminescent flora dotting the landscape.

Nergath extracted black chalk out of his bag and made a few notes on the bottom of the animal hide of the message he’d received before looking at her. “Do you wish to accept his invitation?”

“Mmm.” Butter leaned against her throne, looking down at her undead ri’bot mount with a fond smile; she’d grown to like these toad-like creatures. “Tell him I’ll let him know my decision at the gate when I make it to his fortress. I’m new and want to take the tour. Plus…I have a wonderful guide in one of his Fingers.”

Nergath’s body shook with silent laughter. “I have never heard anyone who made the Head of Seg'tharis wait when summoned. You certainly are brave, High Queen. I will send the message.”

Butter winked at him, her aquamarine eyes sparkling with mischief. “Yes, I’m a pretty face and a heathen—why don’t you add that part as well for the giggles! After all, even a heathen can command respect with the proper support,” she whispered, pointing at her hidden jewel between her bust.

White snickered from beside her, leaning against her horse’s head. “I love your energy, High Queen. I’m sure he’ll be feeling all sorts of things from that message. Tyrants typically love women who stand up to them since they naturally feel in a position of power and bemused if someone stands up to them. The first slight brings interest, the second…an ax. At least, that’s how it works for humans.”

Mika rubbed her mount. “If he follows standard ri’bot culture, then a defiant mate is something of value when they are seen as competent. Our love grows by our personal conflicts. I doubt it will translate to hairy humans with unnaturally many teeth…and similarities to quen’talrat, only far smaller and weaker. But, I will admit that the High Queen has a certain alluring aura about her that draws many ri’bot to her. I’ve heard the whispers.”

Andoncia hummed doubtfully. “You really see us as hairy, small quen’talrat?”

Nergath’s brow furrowed, sending his bird back to the Head of Seg'tharis. “I can see the resemblance.”

The maid’s mouth pushed to the side while looking down at herself. “We…look nothing like Quin—she has two heads, a tail, fur everywhere, and four arms.”

Mika shrugged, making White laugh again.

Butter let the conversation work through her, enjoying the energy her party had. In the distance, a crystalline blue river shimmered under the bright sun, its waters teeming with massive, gem-scaled fish that jumped out of the water on their path into the perfectly clear lake around the Life Village. Butter’s skipping heart swelled with excitement as she took in the scene, the anticipation of the unknown bubbling within her.

This place is breathtaking, and Priss’ body is here makes it all the more sweet of a sight, she thought, guiding her undead torlim mount down the gentle slope, Nergath explaining what they should expect on their descent from the shelf.

White, Adoncia, and Mika remained close since this was all potentially enemy territory. The Head of Seg'tharis managed to get Priss’ body. It must have been Shade’s doing. What is he cooking in his deep dark prison? It’s potent to be smelled all the way up here on the surface, she chuckled to herself. So much to learn and do.

Nergath calls this Life Village Utelira’s Haven… The same Supreme Chief of Life that resides in this necklace.

Her fingers brushed against the fabric of her top, feeling the imprint of the large gemstone hidden underneath her tank top between her breasts; the item was meant for a much larger creature with a thick neck, making it hang low. The sleeping, nigh-dead life entity within it was struggling to cling onto her power, a hope for relief emanating from within.

There is so much potential here… Why would Shade give us this…give me a body? All of this screams distraction, but he made it sweet as honey, which means there’s something even more important either to our south with the navleans, the western Tol’Val Kingdom of ri’bot, or he’s trying to direct us away from putting our attention on Kel'mal'tha. The White God’s black fortress certainly does peak my interest, but I’m invested here now.

Descending the shelf with her escort, Butter listened to Nergath’s lessons on their culture. The rustle of the sparse tree-cover along the hill and the sway of the red grasslands they walked on filled her with positivity. Yet, Butter noticed more signs of conflict within Utelira’s Haven that added to the historical conflict between the two factions.

Scorch marks marred the ground, and the remains of charred structures stood as silent witnesses to the recent raid. The once-lush areas showed signs of decay, the vibrant Life Energy drained away by the Death Faction, known among the Susime as the Hands of Seg'tharis.

Nergath rode beside her on his dragonfly steed. His emerald eyes scanned the horizon far ahead of them; it would take another few hours before they made it to the edges of the village.

“The damage you see is the work of Seg’tharis’ Left Hand,” he explained, his voice tinged with sorrow. “They are the military faction, who see it as their duty to corrupt and control everything they touch in the name of Seg’tharis… Half of them will still be alive.”

Butter nodded, her playful demeanor momentarily subdued by the gravity of the situation. She studied the multi-color skinned and splotchy followers of Utelira hung up by their tongues on wooden bars erected between the life and death sections of the valley, surrounding the floating crystal like a ritual for success or favor.

“They’ve done quite a number here,” Butter whispered, “but we’ll set things right. It’s what I do. After all, I am the Heavenly Conqueror, and they’re stepping on my toes.”

On their long journey, Butter soaked up the information Nergath provided more information about their hierarchy. In terms of power, as being the Seventh Finger of the Right Hand, he had the least rank within the Sages, but out-ranked the First Finger of the Left Hand. In essence, he was the tenth most influential figure within the Cult of Seg’tharis.

As they approached the outskirts of Utelira’s Haven, a sudden flash of light to their right caught Butter’s eye. The immaterial cube-shaped Crystal was roughly fifteen meters in width and dimension, its pinkish color and greenish glow radiating a pulse of energy—it was solidifying. According to their guide, it had been lingering over their valley for over two months, and their warriors entered it a month ago.

Nergath held out his hand for them to stop, and Butter noticed activity from the Death Cult’s fortress as skydaters took to the sky—Death Riders. They circled the floating device, releasing howl-like croaks that sent everyone in the Life Village into their homes. Butter figured they hadn’t responded to her arrival due to the Head’s orders.

“The First Conquest has concluded, the victors who achieved the most favor from Seg’tharis are allowed to bring back their prize and prepare for the next assault… A new contender will enter the Death Crucible.”

Butter leaned against her chair, having heard Nergath’s explanation regarding the cube-like Crystal. “So, square ones introduce a battle royal-type of challenge, and what happens to each side depends on how they perform. New factions are introduced to spice things up. Interesting… It must be a higher power that has made this game of conquest… I approve!” she chimed.

A towering monolith of shimmering quartz, stood at the heart between the factions, where the dozens of sacrifices hung. It pulsed with an inner light, sending out a ray that pierced the sky. The ground trembled, and a powerful gust of wind swept through the valley, causing Butter to steady herself.

Nergath dismounted, his expression grim. “Seg’tharis’ Left Hand returns from their Death March,” he whispered. “It only happens when a side has satisfied Seg’tharis to an acceptable degree…or they have failed so terribly that the conquest will continue on our own land. Prepare yourself for that possibility, High Queen, because if so, the valley will be locked into its own space, and no one will be able to escape.”

Butter crossed her legs upon straightening herself, pulled down a tad on her shorts and plucked at her tank top, she breathed in the scent of conquest. “Let’s go! I can feel the tingles already. You, White?”

“Like my first kiss,” the woman chimed, summoning her bow and knocking an arrow of pure light. “You ready, girls?”

Adoncia summoned her club and Mika prepared her torlim and knives.

However, Butter’s gaze was on the beam of light basking the center of the ritual site in blinding light as it faded, revealing a thick mist. As it dissipated, a group of over 150 ri’bot and their skydarters emerged from the mists.

She sat straighter upon spotting prisoners among the body-painted warriors of the Susime, their hands bound and heads bowed. Five of the seven Left Fingers of the Death Faction marched at the front, their dark armor glinting ominously. Butter’s eyes narrowed as she spotted familiar figures among the diverse crowd of captive creatures—a few humans, one being a woman with striking white hair, standing out starkly against the gloom.

One prisoner, a striking woman with white hair, struggled fiercely against her bindings, momentarily breaking free. A commotion broke out with a burst of ice shards and mist before the woman was pounced on and subdued again, bound in black rope.

Well, this just got ten times more exciting! Butter internally proclaimed to her three guards, feeling a strange pull towards the woman. I believe she has a similar Seed as me and my sister. We may be able to increase our numbers, after all.

“Let’s go!” White cheered, mirroring her earlier statement.

Adoncia squinted, glancing between the few humans that were amongst the snake-like creatures with four arms and were bound between skydarters by dark black ropes. “Are those…US soldiers—the United States? Are those ri’bot driving a tank?!”

Mika lifted an impressed eyebrow at the large metal device as it pulled many more snake creatures, their mouths as bound as their arms. “Impressive looking mounts, and they roar something fierce.”

Nergath’s voice was a low murmur in the ensuing silence since he couldn’t hear their spiritual conversation. “Lokar, the First Finger of the Left Hand…and they return with humans? Odd. I take it you know of them, High Queen?”

Butter couldn’t help but smile as the combat leader of the Death Faction noticed them, as did the white-haired young woman. He pointed for them to take the prisoners to the fortress as the howling Death Riders above lowered to help collect the spoils of war, dragged behind by two more tanks; the ri’bot seemed to be forcing humans to drive them.

Lokar directed his skydarter away from his raiding party and approached them. He was a lower rank than Nergath by his earlier explanation, yet his smug ri’bot face carried a smug arrogance.

Butter leaned over to ask her question before he arrived, “Nergath, can you claim the white-haired human and bring her to us? I’d like to see if she tries to escape. He shouldn’t know about your Head’s interest in me since he’s been in that Crystal for a month, as you stated.”

Nergath sighed while rubbing his chin. “I can, but it will cause more strife and call my conduct into question by the other Right Fingers… I will likely be summoned to the Court of the Right for a hearing since Lokar will challenge my abuse of power, and I am already on thin ice with my seniors.”

“Perfect,” Butter giggled, a devilish grin lifting her aquamarine eyes. “Why not allow me to do the talking to take a little more heat off of you.”

Adoncia and Mika gave her somewhat grumpy looks but they’d become used to her forward and risky plays; there was a method to her madness, after all.

“…I place my life in your hands, Radiant Eminence,” he whispered, glancing at the chain leading into her bust, where the Eye of Utelira was nested. “I hope to hear your strategy before an armed escort and two Right Fingers come to compel us to answer the summons.”

Butter gave him a sideward wink, her pink lips rising. “Trust this pretty heathen, I’m not one to underestimate, and your Head knows it, which is why he stole my sister’s corpse to lure me in. Shade knows how dangerous I am to your faction, and your Head wouldn’t want that vulnerability getting out there.”

She closed her mouth, bobbing her leg, in a stellar mood as the skydarter flew around them in a showy display, a red-skinned snake being dragged across the ground in a circle, already dead by its shriveled corpse. His body was decorated with black and white paint of some kind, resembling a skeletal design.

His eyes scanned Butter and her companions, curiosity mingling with disdain as he landed before them. “Well, well,” he drawled, a sneer curling his three-toothed mouth, bulging toad throat puffing up with pride. “What do we have here, Honored Seventh Finger? New sacrifices for the Bountiful Crystal of Death, and ones that look similar to the ones I captured? They’re feisty ones. Ugly things, aren’t—”

“Excuse you,” Butter chimed, waving amiably to catch his attention. “Is that any way to speak about your Head’s honored guest, Lokar? What rude officers you have, Nergath. What punishment does this call for among the Susime?”

White whistled through the Nexus, Adoncia and Mika catching up to her plot as the Horseman of Conquest revealed it. “How clever, High Queen! Using your position as an honored guest to beat the wind out of this punk and force recompense.”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Lokar’s triumphant poise fell into a deadly scowl, the atmosphere darkening. “You speak our language, unlike the others… The Inner Valley ri’bot tongue, and ride on torlim with a Roxim while speaking of authority? What is this foul creature, Honored Seventh Finger?” he snarled hopping off of his mount while pulling out a hook-like blade attached to black thread that hummed with Death Energy.

Butter chuckled as Nergath held his Death Staff between them, taking on a grave and serious tone. “Hold your bane, Lokar… You insult a honored guest of the Head that I am personally escorting… Look at what she holds.”

Mika, White, and Adoncia retreated a short distance as Butter showed a smug arrogance that matched Lokar’s previous energy while gripping the delicate thread of the pendant and lifting it out to display the dazzling jewel of life—unknown to them, a prison for their Supreme Chief.

Lokar instantly jumped back in shock, a blur to even Butter’s trained vision, poised in a defensive posture as several more Death Raiders split off to hover around them. Elinor didn’t miss the two higher Right Fingers who swiftly changed directions to join them.

“The Eye of Utelira?! How, the Head of Utelira is imprisoned within the—you are the ascended Radiant Eminence… A non-ri’bot?! What is this blasphemy, Honored One?”

Butter raised her voice, serene smile and regal bearing unshaken while presenting the blinding jewel as the sun hit it, making it glow. The approaching Fingers drew close enough to hear her speak.

“I am the Radiant Eminence, chosen by Utelira herself and requested by your Head… And you insult me, First Finger of the Left. How disappointed would Seg'tharis be by your conduct?”

The two Right Fingers dismounted their skydarters and smoothly knelt down in front of her torlim as she leered at them from her lofty position. Lokar swiftly mirrored them, snapping his jaw shut as some of the Death Raiders shot off to inform the rest of the Death Cult’s offensive force.

“Holy One of Utelira, it is good to see the Life Bringer has not abandoned her cult… And one that is not Susime. That is…unexpected. You are quite proficient at concealing your great power as Utelira’s Sanctified Body.”

The one to Butter’s left raised his head, eyes passive and holding potent death artifacts that would have made Butter salivate had she not had this pendant; Priss would be drooling, though.

“Allow me to introduce myself as the Fourth Finger, Kestaris of the Death Flames.” His cold eyes shifted to Nergath and loathing touched his face. “What might we do to correct this insult, Seventh Finger? Should not you have prevented this from happening, being the Radiant Eminence’s honored guide?”

Nergath moved forward with a solemn sigh. “High Queen Butter is a mercurial creature called a human, who has received Utelira’s Blessing. I am afraid Lokar has twisted his tongue before I had a chance to introduce him.”

Lokar’s face twisted with anger instead of shame, no doubt disgusted that the Right Hand were bowing their heads before a follower of Utelira. Soon enough, the illusion of her authority would dry up since these ri’bot were out of the loop as to the current state of things. Nergath’s presence only added to her authority within the sect.

Butter waved her hand dismissively, resting her fist against the side of her head and looking off to the captives. “Hmm… I can overlook the insult, Honored Ones…for one of those human captives—the white-haired one looks interesting.”

Lokar’s nose flared with anger as his large eyes darted to the area, doing surprisingly well to control his voice. “...Our greatest prize in this conquest, Radiant Eminence? The creature and its mist-like battalion were responsible for honoring our warriors in death… It was meant to be the crowning, sanctified sacrifice for our first victory in Seg’tharis’ Death Crucible.”

Nergath stepped forward, his presence commanding. “Enough, Lokar. You will show respect to the Radiant Eminence for her more than reasonable demand. Seg’tharis will be pleased at you reclaiming your Death Raiders’ honor.”

Lokar’s strained sneer faltered for a moment, and he inclined his body slightly to see if the other Sages would intervene. When they didn’t he swallowed and said, “As you wish, Finger of Seg’tharis.” His gaze flicked back to Butter, still mocking yet nose flaring. “I look forward to seeing how you fare against us in the inevitable conflict of the Game of Life and Death.”

Rising, Lokar returned his hooked weapon behind his billowing cloak and moved away to do as commanded.

Butter observed the returning raiders from her throne, the dark-armored figures contrasted sharply against the vibrant, if somewhat scarred, landscape of the Susime Valley. Lokar reluctantly complied with her demand as Nergath’s senior Fingers gave a few hollow words about awaiting their return to Shadethorn Bastion, their fortress, and took their leave.

Her attention shifted to the captives, particularly the white-haired woman. She stood out against the snakes, showing a certain grace, despite her brutalized appearance that contrasted her fellow prisoners. She wouldn’t know how badly she was damaged until she was brought to her but from this distance, she didn’t look great in her tattered clothes and ragged hair.

Adoncia’s low voice reflected her Oni temper while studying the various humans, almost all men. “They’re definitely military from the United States; they’re too diverse to be from another nation while wearing those colors and clothes. High Queen, this could change everything… Wasn’t there anything else we could have done to get them? Won’t they use them as bait or hostages?”

White snickered. “Hostages only work if you allow them to work, which is never a good door to open, sweetie. As harsh as it is, it is better for future hostages if you don’t give in to threatening demands like that or at least leave the door open enough to use it to your advantage.”

“Agreed,” Mika growled. “This will be a tough fight unless we can gain similar weapons. I can tell they’re highly trained, High Queen, I see very few females among them, as well… Something is wrong.”

You have a point, Mika, Butter hummed, internally soothing Adoncia’s worried and aching heart. There are so many interesting things to investigate. As for hostages…you’re only seeing the small picture, Adoncia. Where there is a few captured, there are many more. I don’t know much about this US and of A is that I’ve heard referenced by some of the humans, but I’ve heard enough to know it is vast and filled with humans… We’ve hit the jackpot, ladies. Priss is going to have a heart attack. I win!

Butter rose from her throne, her elegant movements drawing the attention of her companions and the surrounding overhead Death Raiders as she tucked her shimmering jewel back between her bust. Hopping down from her torlim, her bare toes met the shin-high red grass, soft beneath her feet as it folded.

Hands gripping her Life Staff, held behind her back, she hummed while watching Lokar gruffly direct one of his men to bring the exhausted, white-haired young woman to her. He didn’t even look back once while mounting his skydarter and becoming a blur through the sky, no doubt moving to join the two Upper Fingers to report to their Head.

There was a skip in Butter’s step while nearing the woman, her bound, liquid-like hair bouncing at her back. Nergath moved forward to join her with her three guards now that the dominating Life Jewel was safely tucked away and shining inward at her body rather than outward.

“High Queen?” White asked, more a question now than a warning as the defensive silvery-gray-eyed woman set her ground, ready to attack once the opportunity came.

I’m in no danger; she’s tough, but riddled with the fatigue of a long war… The Death Ropes are sapping her Life Force based on her defiance, she’s already growing wrinkles and losing physical strength, yet she finds the will to resist nonetheless. I’m not often impressed…but she might be worthy of it.

A burst of cool wind swirled around her aging and trembling figure. The Death Raider lifted his knife to deliver what must have been the thirtieth gash on what should have been fair, smooth, and pretty skin, now heavily damaged, but her wounds showed ice over them, sealing the cuts.

Butter drew power from the jewel between her bust, moved with a speed and grace that belied her playful nature, her staff spinning out to catch the shocked Death Raider’s wrist. He instantly retreated, the woman looking as stunned as the ri’bot as Butter’s purposeful steps brought her between them.

“Is that any way to treat someone else’s property, darling? I’m more than happy to drown you a few times to get the point across,” she giggled, flashing her teeth.

His large eyes narrowed, glancing to Nergath. “You challenge me, Holy One of Utelira?”

The white-haired woman’s shaking legs collapsed behind her, her breathing heavy, yet Butter didn’t look away from the Death Raider, her smile widening. “Challenge you? How bold! Let’s go! You’ve got me feeling all sorts of ways. If I’m a heathen to you, why hesitate and look at the Seventh Finger for permission? Are you a tadpole looking to daddy to say it’s okay?”

“You mock the Death Raiders…”

She lifted her other hand, water collected from the ground and air to form a sphere of water the size of the ri’bot himself. It formed into various shapes with her spinning finger.

“Oh, don’t worry! I’ll be sure to bring you back to life every time to show all the Death Raiders just how good you are. I can also rip the liquid from your body if that works better for you! Which do you prefer?”

His throat bulged with anger, but after one look from Nergath, he turned and left with a shout. “Seg’tharis be praised… You disgust me, clinging to life, Holy One.”

“You’re not worthy of Seg’tharis!” she laughed, making him pause, fingers trembling while gripping his death trident.

Aww, Butter internally lamented while letting the water fall to the ground and watching him leave. She turned to study the failing woman behind her after the sad ri’bot’s retreat. A pity. I haven’t even had my first fight with my new body yet. I suppose I shouldn’t waste it on him, though.

Her mind was already whirring with plans while observing the battered and somewhat malnourished-looking girl, her guarded, exhausted, and bloodshot eyes showing rings under them and now losing much of her grace after being prodded forward by the Death Raider’s trident.

She looks like she’s been through hell and back. I can’t let her suffer any longer. After all, she’s my golden goose to trump Priss for once!

Butter’s gaze softened as she took in the full extent of the woman’s condition, heart now aching; even with her willpower, she couldn’t summon the strength to stand. Her clothes were torn to shreds, and her body bore numerous bruises and cuts, signs of the harsh treatment she had endured.

Blue Eyes…

“Already getting some of our spare clothes out, High Queen… Eh, will a dress work?”

Wonderfully! I think she’d pull off red well with that white hair after I’m done healing her.

“Who…who are you?” the woman asked, her voice hoarse from disuse, barely able to keep herself from fully collapsing.

“You’re golden goddess, High Queen Butter,” she chimed, moving forward and bending down to set her staff to the side. Brushing back her messy bangs, she sighed. “Mmm. Now let’s get a good look at you—oh, quite the pretty face!” she exclaimed, using a finger to lift her chin, held low in case she needed to protect her throat from a blow.

“Bright white hair as fresh as snow, yet now dirty strands and tangled. Pallid skin, yet sharp eyes. Respectful, respectful… Eyes filled with the hollow look of someone who has seen too much suffering,” she whispered, empathy piercing through her usual playful demeanor. “Give me a moment, beautiful. In the meantime, can you tell me your name? What do you think, White?”

The woman’s head snapped up, her eyes meeting Butter’s with a mixture of confusion and hope. “You…know my name?”

“Your name?” White laughed, jumping down from her horse to stride over to tower over them. “I’m White, well…some people also call me Conquest, but that’s beside the point. I can see the resemblance; you could be my petite little sister! Don’t you think, Adoncia?”

“I can see it,” the maid absently returned, left eye creased while staring at the girl’s exposed, single torn bra strap, hole-ridden crop-top at this point, and ripped jeans turned short-shorts. “She might fit my extra bra… Give me a second to get into my own pack.”

The white-haired woman shied away defensively as Nergath approached, pausing at her reaction and casually holding his staff against his shoulder. “She’s quite the jumpy human, and she can understand you while you speak the Inner-Valley Tongue?”

“You understand them? What is their purpose? Did they make the Crystal Gateways? What about—”

“Shhhh,” Butter soothed, offering a warm smile. “No need to panic now that I’m here. I’m here to help you! Here…”

She swallowed and forced a smile, as tired as it looked. “Right… Thank you High Queen Butter. In truth, I’m the Fable of Snow White. Are you from…our Earth? You speak perfect English. Are you a Legendkin or Mythickin?”

“In time. We first need to take care of you,” Butter nodded, reaching out to gently touch Snow White’s arm. “Now, let’s get you out of those Death Energy infused ropes so it stops sapping your Life Force… Nasty little things.”

With a wave of her hand, Butter summoned a gentle flow of Life Energy that bloomed inside of the woman, the golden light washing over her and dissolving the restraints that bound her as if smoke. Her youth started to blossom once more under the Positive Force. As the chains evaporated, Butter guided her to a nearby rock, helping her to sit down.

“Just relax,” Butter softly urged, placing her hands on her shoulder before pulling her into a comforting hug. “I’m going to continue healing you now, so just relax… It’s okay to cry. Can I call you Snow since we already have a White in our party?”

Snow White nodded weakly, her body beginning to quiver a little as her nightmare waned. “A leader can’t cry… She needs to stay strong, no matter the circumstances.”

“Oh, you pure thing,” Butter cried, her heart melting at her shaking voice as hope filled her with the uplifting energy she radiated, pulling from the jewel nestled within her bust. Snow closed her eyes as Butter drew on the Life Energy within her to restore the Fablekin to her original healthy glow.

She felt the familiar warmth spread through her whole being as she channeled the Divine Force into the struggling woman’s battered body. The cuts and bruises began to fade, the pallor of her skin replaced with a healthier shine.

As she worked, Butter’s mind wandered to the implications of Snow White’s presence. A human, and one with a powerful aura, captured by the Death Faction in their Battle Royal. There was more to this woman than met the eye, and Butter was determined to uncover the secrets she held.

“There.” Butter pulled away, showing a charming smile upon seeing the much healthier and quite shocked looking human. “How do you feel? You certainly look prettier, and I’ve seen those children’s picture books of the story of Snow White, and might I say you blow that image out of the universe!”

Snow chuckled while rubbing at some of the few tears she had allowed herself to shed, her eyes slightly red and puffy. She took a deep breath, her eyes filling with gratitude. “Better… Much better. Thank you. Is there a way to free the others? What is the plan?”

Butter smiled, a mixture of relief and satisfaction washing over her as she stood and stretched out, not feeling stressed in the least. “You’re welcome. Nothing can be solved while frantic and brooding like old men hunkered over a pitiful fire…or my gloomy twin. I’m not the type to sulk over a last meal before the winter’s chill takes me! Life is meant to be enjoyed, the hard times, and the easy. Adoncia has your clothes.”

“Here you go, Ms. Snow,” the Colombian woman said, offering the items. “You can change behind one of the torlim for privacy, if you like. You look about as old as me, or maybe a bit younger—seventeen?”

Snow seemed to be calming down, showing a more strategic and military side as her brow set. She accepted the clothes with a thankful smile. “Thirty-eight, actually. The Oscillation made me quite a bit younger… I’ve been struggling to keep Earth’s forces in a defensible position for three months now. We lost a lot of our supplies in the first week… I sacrificed myself to divert them since I was losing strength, and it didn’t look like we’d survive.”

A faint smile tugged at Butter’s mouth, soaking up the information. “Well, Snow, that sounds like quite the story that we can discuss after you’ve gotten some food in your belly.”

“What? But—”

Snow’s eyes widened as Butter promptly shut down her ‘military mode’ coping mechanism and drew her into another warm hug, squeezing hard and making her cough.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Snow!” Drawing back, she flashed a dazzling smile. “You’re safe… Trust me. No one’s here to see you break. You don’t need to be a strong leader right now… So cry a little. Let it out. I’m here, Snow… You’re going to be okay.”

The woman’s throat constricted, her arms tightening around her given clothes. She glanced between them, White’s large, comforting figure, giving her a thumbs up. Mika’s scowl wasn’t aimed at her, the undead toad’s guarded expression directed at the circling Death Raiders. Nethath’s passive presence remained studious yet non-threatening. And lastly, Adoncia’s helpful and expectant smile, waiting to be of service.

Finally, her tearing-up silvery-gray eyes returned to Butter’s, her chest fluttering, and liquid fell down her rosy-red cheeks.

“There, there… We’ll get everything sorted out,” Butter soothed. “You’re a tough one, Snow…but everyone needs to cry out that sadness to let in the divine wrath that will replace what is shed. Believe in me… A reckoning is coming, and you’re looking at her,” she said, pulling her closer to let the soldier cry. “Be happy! This stunning heathen goddess is here to save you… I’m here, so you can cry.”