Chapter 73: Beckoning Disaster

Hopping over the edge, Rachel dropped four stories to the ground below, landing without much difficulty; it didn’t even hurt her legs that much, and her [Lunar Pool] was only seventy-eight percent.

The vespertine reaper appeared out of the shadows beside her as Rachel casually began her journey down 5th to meet up with Relica. Mateo’s men exited the back of the office space, breaking into teams after warning those inside to stay barricaded inside until the Coast Guard secured the area, building by building.

"Why are you always in such a rush?" the black-haired girl huffed, crossing her arms and walking beside her down the empty street.

Rachel hummed, holding her hands behind her back and taking a more casual stride. She slowly turned her head left and right, ears high and alert as she heard the SEALs, Green Berets, and other military teams brought into the large-scale operation start outward in.

They used Astra’s intel, along with what Rachel’s ears were able to catch on their initial arrival in the area. Marking each terrorist cell and catching them by surprise, the teams were hitting them hard. Few would be taken alive due to the circumstances; there were too many lives on the line.

Those bunking down or taking shelter across the city due to the firefights and fear were beginning to grow bolder with the military’s presence. Several parties hiding in the buildings just down 5th were questioning if they should make a run for the bridge off of Miami Beach after hearing the helicopters.

"I’m just not all that scared," she honestly replied, motioning for Scarlet to the cream building ahead of them. "We’ll be able to see Relica soon, so you should hide. Have faith in yourself, Scarlet. Be someone’s hero. Don’t forget, I’m here if you need me."

Scarlet’s throat constricted as she slowed to a stop, rubbing her sides. Determination set on the girl’s face. "Just...be safe. I really need a friend, a-and I don’t know if I can..."

Rachel laughed and turned to give her the same thumbs-up and smile the leviathan gave her. "I don’t think you’re the only one that wants friends, Scarlet. I’m sure Selvaria is worried about us, too. Let’s not make each other worry anymore and just win!"

"Pfft-hahaha!" Scarlet’s fear seemed to vanish, bloody tears coming to her eyes. "You really did channel your ’inner Selv’ there... Thanks, Rachel. I won’t fail!"

Shadows carried her away, and Rachel let the cheer and hop in her step fade, cold anticipation crystallizing within her heart. Swapping her hand to her elbow behind her back, her illuminated celestial eyes fixated on the table and chairs that were placed in the middle of Ocean Drive and 5th, where Relica waited.

Gunfire, helicopters, and whispered prayers wafted along the haunted wind that swept through the lifeless streets. An eerie vibe tickled her senses from one of the buildings south of Ocean Drive, foretelling an ominous nexus point.

"How long did you intend to keep me waiting?" Relica asked. Her bright-purple eyes shone with some kind of inner magic as she smoothly poured the contents of a steaming teapot into some cups. Setting it down, she pointed at the Black Hawks circling them. "I’m surprised by the show of military force, to be honest. Respectable."

Rachel sat across from her, placing her active radio on the table to be easily seen. Folding her legs and placing her hands atop her lap, she shook her head. "I don’t believe this is the place you told me to meet you. Terrell’s little club is in that rather unnatural-feeling building about fifty meters to my right. How can we build trust?"

"Forgive me," Relica sighed, glancing at the cleared cross-section. "It is rather cramped with all the vehicle barricades they have over there, and this was such a lovely spot. Honestly, maybe we should go for a walk. What do you say?"

"I’m fine, either or." The woman likely knew about the potential for snipers or had another plot in mind, but it didn’t matter to her. "I thought you wanted tea, though?"

Relica gave a short start. "Haha. I’m a tad nervous, which is so rare for me. You’re giving me butterflies! I have never seen Adele act like this about anyone. Hmm. Well, what do you think?"

Rachel grimaced at the tea, its earthy scent lifted on the breeze. "I don’t know if I should be offended or flattered by your effort... Carrot tea?"

"I know! I had to look up a recipe," she giggled, sampling a bit. "It’s...terrible. Haha. But the pastries are good!"

"I’m sure... What did you do to Terrell’s building?" she asked, truly curious.

She ignored the refreshments and stared at the warped, twisted appearance. She was sure normal people would see nothing wrong with it, yet something haunting about it caught her divine, supernatural senses. Scarlet was examining it from an alleyway, seemingly unsure if she should enter.

Relica gave a dismissive shrug, following her vision and taking another sip of the tea, despite her earlier comment. "Insurance. When is your fish friend going to show up? If she doesn’t come soon, I’m afraid we might have some trouble. Abeer isn’t good at waiting."

Rachel took the radio off the table, head tilting to her left as she spoke. "Soon... Team Gamma, five hostiles changed locations to the building across from you, the second floor, third building on your left. They discovered the mayor’s son and plan to use him as a bargaining chip."

"Tch." Relica’s souring expression drew her gaze; the woman’s light-purple eyes practically leaked venom, but not for her. "That...wasn’t a part of the script. Pity."

She lazily snapped her fingers; simultaneously, a loud pop erupted from the area, splattering the walls and ceiling. Lumps of what Rachel could only assume was flesh splattered onto counters and tables, dripping gore tapping against a sink.

Seconds later, panicked screams came from the mayor’s son. Through his partly unintelligible mumbles and pants, as he stumbled out of the room, Rachel confirmed what happened: the men had exploded in a geyser of blood, showering him and the room in their innards and bones.

"That was...something," Rachel muttered. "Gamma Team, Relica took care of the situation. All hostiles are neutralized; the victim is likely traumatized with some minor injuries."

An angelic smile was on the terrorist’s face. "You’re welcome! I don’t like it when people can’t follow simple instructions. I’m used to far more, hmm...aware subordinates."

Ears twisting to the left, Rachel heard Scarlet hype herself up and teleport into the haunting building; all sound inside died. She didn’t like it, but her gut told her that she needed to get things moving with Relica.

The military’s advance was swift and methodical as they pushed in from all sides, killing the gangsters and sending the hostages to be debriefed and questioned by the Coast Guard. She had to expose the truth since the snipers were already getting in position and taking aim at Relica.

"Let’s cut to the chase." Rachel’s smiling eyes fixated on Relica’s innocent gaze. "You’re out here in the open, free as can be, because you’re not afraid of me. Why’s that? If Scarlet’s mother, your boss, is terrified of me. Why aren’t you?"

Relica’s cheerful tone didn’t falter as she leaned against the side of her chair. "Why should I be scared? We’re having such a lovely conversation. Oh...are you starting to glow?"

[Lunar Coat - Advanced to E-tier]

[Lunar Pool - Advanced to D-tier]

[Lunar Cap - Advanced to D-tier]

"Haha!" Flashbacks of her time under the Azure Moon brought a wicked twist to Rachel’s lips as she held up her brightening hand and flexed her fingers; her braided hair and figure were taking on the same twinkling sheen. "You chose this spot on purpose; the moon is shining right on top of us."

Her eclipse-like ruby eyes drifted to the terrorist. "Why? We both know, at this point," she held up her hand, glowing luminescently under the bright half-full celestial sphere, "I could punch a hole in that chest of yours the size of a sunroof. Hmm-hm-hmm. I think I know the answer."

"Oh... Tell me, why am I not afraid? Maybe I’m just that brave, hehe, or insane! Sometimes I feel a little of both, to be honest," she cooed, rising to her feet with Rachel.