Chapter 200: The Power of Conquest

"Hmm. Then allow me to make my opinions known..." It said a lot that the silver-haired bunny had to take a few seconds to compose herself. "Lady Eostre is not a Positive Energy entity, as my mistress is. She is a Chaotic, Neutral Force, which reflects on her followers and why Lady Cerridwen selected her to be the middle ground to act between parties since she is... acceptable," she carefully finished, letting her feelings on the topic be known.

Suddenly, all of Moongmor’s sporadic antics started to make sense compared to the refined, ladylike bunny in front of her. Also, Eostre was in the awkward in-between stages on the power scale by residing in the 4th dimension. She was strong enough to have followers within the Immortal bracket, yet was a plaything of the lesser gods, which didn’t put a lot of respect on her name. Still, Rachel had become rather fond of the tulpa.

Sucking in her bottom lip, Rachel thought back to her mother’s advice to get the pair to get along. It was probably something her mom felt with her shaman powers.

"Umm... You don’t like Moongmor’s constant advances and gifts, which is causing a division. I don’t know how this divine, uh, alliance works," she questioned, unsure if that was the right word, "if that’s what it is, but before we continue, can we address the rabbit in the room?"

Mei sipped her tea quietly, obviously simmering inside, despite her outward grace. After several awkward seconds, she sighed, put her cup down, and reached into her sleeve to extract her fan. "There can be no compromise, because all Moongmor sees is my beauty, and he wishes to debase it. Observe..."

She unfurled the fan to the side, creating a hole in space. Moongmor fell out of it, bound by silver threads. He stopped halfway to the floor, dangling by the string as he blinked once and glanced between them.

"Mei, my darling, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you, b-but you’re just so pretty, and I want to see you dance, and try new outfits, and you’d look sooo good in a short skirt, and tights, and maybe a low-cut blouse... My beautiful!"

Snapping the fan closed, Mei yanked the squeaking bunny back into the void. "As you heard, he is only interested in his image of me. He is an uncouth animal that can only reflect his mistress’ wanton lifestyle... I shiver every time I say Lady Eostre since she hardly reflects the word."

"Ouch," Rachel hissed, rubbing the back of her neck at hearing the lunar secretary’s brutal opinion. "Let’s put that on hold for a minute."

"Gladly."

Mei returned her fan to her sleeve before lifting her teacup to her lips, possibly attempting to wash away the bitterness in her mouth from the exchange.

Ears drifting to the side, Rachel watched the swirling lightning spark across the cosmic space they visited. She had bigger topics to explore than the interpersonal dynamics between higher beings. Although Moongmor was a bit overbearing and forward, and he seemed like the type of guy who couldn’t take a hint and made girls shy away, she was sure he wasn’t all bad. There was definitely room for improvement. Then again, Mei could probably be a little more lenient.

Her attitude sobered as she turned to an important topic. "What can you tell me about the Scarlet Hand and their activities?"

Mei’s red eyes lifted to hers. "Not all that much, I’m afraid. I can tell you they have a mighty faction on our side of the veil, which works to bring about their designs. However, they are not the only powerful group, and your misfortune has created many weaknesses in their organization that some believed impossible. Parts have even splintered off, creating divisions that others have exploited."

Hugging herself, Rachel shifted uncomfortably. "Was it really me that caused those weaknesses?"

"I cannot say it was you for a certainty." The silver-haired woman turned her gaze to the swirling cosmos around them. "That being said, from what little I can observe, the cracks in their framework developed shortly after their failed assassination attempt, and what appear to be severe hiccups have caused internal strife on our side of the veil. You are becoming something of a mortal legend yourself from the whispers passed between factions."

Rachel ran her fingers through her hair with a groan. "Yeah, well, contributing to the death of a lesser god while saving the Personification of Victory will do that, I suppose. Ugh. Is there anything Chang’e thinks I should be worried about in the short term?"

Mei’s mouth became a line as she set down her cup to look at her, and the elegant bunny’s voice was practically a whisper. "The Montana Crystal has a great many interests converging between multiple factions. However, Lady Izanami imparted a rather concerning warning regarding this conflict that she foresaw with the Seed’s power."

The warning the Archangel Michael had given Jeanne came to the forefront of Rachel’s mind. "I’m listening."

A grave expression creased the woman’s face. "A power beyond any of our understanding will participate; this Crystal Event will not be like any others that have thus far occurred, and she suggests that you do not make this faction your enemy. Whoever supports them is to be feared and respected."

Wanting a little more than that, Rachel leaned forward to rest her tight fists against her crossed legs. "Did she tell you what she saw?"

Mei shook her head. "It is less sight and more about the ripples of energies that collide across your planet. Typically, not even my mistress would be able to gain an accurate understanding of such complicated pulses due to the sheer number and chaotic interactions between so many deities..."

"But," Rachel said with a sigh, "Izanami isn’t your typical deity."

"That, she is not," the bunny agreed, setting her empty cup down. "She sensed a holy power... Positive Energy that personified conquest, and if she stood in its path, she would be subjugated without question, which is why she has maneuvered all of her forces away from the US, as have many of the other powerful factions that have seen the signs."

"Okay. And where are they gathering?" Rachel pressed, looking for any scrap of information that could tell her where the largest stages of conflict would be by using the higher veils as a prediction map.

Mei’s troubled gaze drifted to the side, scanning things beyond her sight. "Most are gathering around the UK, China, and Cuba. That is all I can tell you from my limited view of the field at play. Despite my earlier comment, I am thankful and recognize Lady Eostre’s contribution to providing a safe haven for the Lower Lunar Court, which comes in part thanks to your cultivated influence with interested parties. We are doing our best to live amongst... those who have different lifestyles than us," she finished with a pained smile.

Rachel returned it, figuring the woman was trying to comfort her about their earlier topic regarding Moongmor; perhaps she should be grateful the graceful bunny hadn’t incinerated the rowdy troublemaker for all his advances.