Chapter 164: A Bitter Resolution

Rachel held up a finger to Barbara, who seemed to realize she was talking to Nia by the patient, appraising smile she wore as she studied her changed attire; it had drawn more than a few eyes from those passing in the hallway before they moved on.

Why don’t we keep him for your little bun side for now? Eventually, I want to give him to Selvaria as a signing bonus to join the company. We could use a super-tough leviathan, and she’d probably get better use out of him than us. I’m considering having you pick up that Feat you can unlock to turn Lunar Energy into little soldier buns for you.

Nia paused, probably talking with the group she was with. "Your mother says she loves you, and Scarlet wants to know how you’re feeling. As for the buns, I’d love some privates to boss around, but I...do have my concerns. I’m not sure if they’ll follow Little Bun’s orders. I don’t think I have the commanding presence to whip them into shape as a kid."

Tell them I’m doing better. My stomach isn’t as sick, and I’m not on the verge of passing out; I’m just physically weak right now. We can discuss the bun business later, Rachel returned, still admiring her new outfit. Don’t you worry. I’m thinking about our upgrades. I just need to unwind a bit more before I dig into them.

In her opinion, it fit the ’being beautiful, yet not too much’ category, which was just what she liked; it served its purpose of distracting and making others underestimate her. Nia and her mother worked well as a fashion duo. Although a necklace might complete it, that could come later.

I have things to do, so have fun with what time you have left.

"Yes, Ma’am. We’re off to try something called...ice cream? Scarlet has blood to add to hers."

Exciting! Enjoy. Let them know I’ll be leaving the White House shortly.

"Will do, Major Hops."

Over and out, Captain Bun.

"Your mom made sure to remind you that you’re strictly on resting duties now! Don’t do too much and hurt poor Nike again!"

Yes, yes; I’ll be careful. You can tell Mom that I’ll sleep as much as she wants when this is all over.

"Sorry about that," Rachel said, crossing her legs to bend down and run her finger down the smooth, expensive-looking heels. "I was just giving a status update to my family."

"Cute," the auburn-haired legend chimed, "and I’m not just talking about the love for family. Although perhaps I should say you look more beautiful than cute; the colors really suit you, with your white hair and blouse, which contrast with the purple theme on the lower half. Have you considered earrings?"

"Haha. Honestly?" Rachel reached up to run a hand down her left ear’s full length. "No, I haven’t. Nia is the one who is always thinking about fashion. Clothing is another form of battle that I acknowledge and am lacking in experience, which is why I rely on my new partner."

"Double cute!" Barbara’s smile fell a tad. "How are things below?"

Resting her cheek against her closed fist, she gave a weak shrug. "Politics. It is getting to the part I’m interested in."

"Sounds good." The legend pulled out her phone to play with it. "Don’t mind me! Just let me know when you’re ready to head back."

Letting the conversation end, Rachel’s gaze drifted to a potted plant, letting the world fall away as she listened to the influential men below; it was hard enough to hear them talk normally due to whatever dampening magic had been placed around the White House. One thing was sure: President Leo was cautious.

Arthur’s voice was as handsome as his face, rich with deep strength and subtle wisdom. "...I’m afraid the UK officially denies any involvement with terrorists, as you have no doubt already received from the Prime Minister, which is why I reached out through some contacts to get the details directly from Merlin."

"Off the record, of course," Tom muttered. "What is the UK’s connection to Relica and the Scarlet Hand?"

"A complicated one," Arthur returned, sipping at his water. "I understand it is hard to trust what is coming out of London right now since paranoia is rampant due to Ireland’s aggressive—and quite spontaneous—negotiations... The giant tree outside of the window on Parliament Hill doesn’t help matters."

Leo leaned back in his chair. "Let’s skip all of this bullshit, Arthur. You chose to change your name for a reason, as did many others now taking on their new identities... I’m sure everyone in the UK knows you want something in the US. Rumors are circulating that former king and queen legends are making political plays on all fronts. You know what we want. What is it that you want?"

Arthur was silent for a time, probably looking at the curtains veiling the whiteboard with information that would make the whole world salivate. "What I want is to stabilize my home. Something unusual is happening in Ireland: the Irish Prime Minister is acting erratically, and some believe he is under someone’s influence. I’m looking for support, but Merlin thinks the US may be in bed with devils now...that white-haired hare woman I passed."

A short chuckle came from Leo as he repositioned. "Isn’t this a sticky situation? Your magician rescued a terrorist who attempted to murder hundreds of children and was instrumental in the murder of hundreds across Miami, and now he’s telling you we’re the bad guys? Rachel was trying to stop that terrorist and save hundreds of people. You’re not coming in on a good light, Arthur."

"I know," he stated without any hesitation. "And that is why I will tell you precisely why I am committing treason in telling you about this quite sketchy MI6 task force that I was made aware of on my flight over. It seems that the Scarlet Hand has infiltrated parts of the UK intelligence and military apparatus, and this task force, headed by Merlin, has been trying to uncover them... Relica is a vital informant."

Leaning forward, the legend’s voice lowered, making Rachel’s ears lift to try and catch the right frequency. "I have had two attempts on my life leaving the UK, one of which was on my way here. Someone, or many someones, don’t want me in this meeting. I suspect it has something to do with me learning about Adele...the head of the snake that Merlin’s been chasing leads on. Relica finally gave her up. We all seem to have a common enemy now."

Rachel forced herself back into the wheelchair, a bitter taste in her mouth as she projected where this would go. "Let’s go."

"Hmm?" Barbara set down her phone and rose to push her back to her makeshift hospital room. "Bad direction?"

She crossed her arms, fingers digging into her side. "An understandable direction... We’re probably going to be forced to work with that witch for a time, won’t we? Well, work with her until she’s no longer useful, but I will get my pound of flesh eventually. I can feel it in my bones—Relica’s days are numbered."

Ugh. Sorry, Mom, but I can’t stay still after hearing that bullshit. Just...please don’t be too mad that I need more time. Ah-heh, you are scarier than Conner when you’re angry.

Feeling an urge for violence, Rachel couldn’t get the tightness out of her chest as she breathed. "...Barb, let’s swap pace and go to an MMA octagon match. I heard some talk about one going on in an hour or two... I need to see a fight."