Chapter 184: Hell or High Water

Fingers spreading for her palm to press against her cheek, Nia grunted in their private conversation, keeping her focus on the cityscape.

"I like it better when we have clearer targets and enemies. This idea of dubious alliances, frenemies, and working with Relica sets my tail on edge." Her tight-eyed glare darted to her. "And I told you my younger self wouldn’t be able to keep important secrets. Coddling me isn’t going to teach me any lessons."

Ahh, Rachel nodded and smiled. So that’s part of the reason for your agitation. Look, Nia, the others find you adorable, and admittedly, you can be very sweet and earnest. Give yourself credit where credit is due. I know none of this is your scene, and you want to have an easily identifiable target to beat with a hammer, but remember: right now, your battle is getting into the hearts of my family, which you’ve done phenomenally at thus far.

"If you say so..." her slightly slimmer rabbit doppelganger grumbled; Rachel had to wonder if her mother had talked to Nia about eating more, which could work since outfits were her primary diet. "I’ll remain silent and observe, then. It’s not my place to make these decisions anyway. I’ll watch your back and see if there are any suspicious parties trying to listen in on us."

Holding up a fist for her partner to bump, Rachel chuckled at the bun’s resigned sigh. You’re doing better than you think, Captain Bun. Now, should I go with a bun, or would that clash with that poofy tail of yours?

She laughed as Nia folded her shirt to pinch her arm, making her rub the smarting area. Haha. A braid, then?

Nia’s mood improved at the mention of fashion. "No, I like the idea of a bun. In fact, why not use the matching phoenix-themed, U-shaped hairpins your mother bought us? I can craft it the opposite way so it highlights our contrasting styles."

Go for it, Rachel chimed, happy to have her outfit make fashion choices, especially when Nia was far more refined in her taste and understanding of the topic. You’re my expert, Captain. And... I think I know where our dates are...

Her twin rolled her eyes before her vision darted to the rear window. "Your mother is doomed with a daughter like you."

Oh, bite my tail! Rachel shot back with a huff. I’ve got game.

"Anyway," the bun mumbled, "is there a reason why they’re traveling on their own instead of joining us? It seems we would be the topic of a private discussion, or they’re trying to make us believe that’s the case."

Legs crossing the opposite way, Rachel chortled, regaining her composure. Enjoy the attention, Nia. You’re the one that likes fashion and glamor, so show off your style if you want to ’show me real game,’ or is it all talk?

"Pfft. Like I have skin in the game," she snorted, pointing at her real body that tightened around Rachel’s tail for a moment. "I’m just spouting the concerns your mother subtly impressed on me through her offhanded questions."

It’s relentless! Rachel sighed, shifting uncomfortably while trying to shrug off the topic. This meeting is actually perfect for kickstarting our public image after the Miami body cam footage was released to the public. Yes, I’m sure there will be a buzz of speculation that follows after this, and one could be a spy since that is what you are hinting at, but that is with every celebrity meet-up from this point on. We have enough showings without the negative press, and now we’re rubbing elbows with foreign dignitaries.

"I suppose," Nia whispered, dropping her teasing remarks. "I still don’t like all the cloak-and-dagger shit. It’s not like we’re friends with these people... Something just feels off about this. What are you feeling, misfortune-wise?"

Leaning against the side cushion again, Rachel scanned the brightly lit evening stores as they neared the restaurant, the shops welcoming more business with the spotted crowd of physically changed individuals.

There are too many directions we can go and threads to count compared to when we were in Miami. It’s as if everything blew apart into a million angles after the Legend Quest. Until we narrow down our paths, all I’ll get are vague impressions that could shift at a dog’s bark... One string of events made her pause before discussing it with her Soul Item.

"But," Nia pressed.

But this trip to Miami tomorrow for the funeral is big... There’s something that will come out of it that will make a massive difference. I’m not sure if it is positive or negative for us, and the same can be said for this meeting. My gut feeling toward the saints and Arthur has been flipping by the day, to the point I can’t make my decision. I have to feel my way through the discussion to be sure.

"Haaa. Well, hopefully, that will change tonight."

Silence took them as Rachel studied her uncomfortable outfit. It was hard to explain how close they’d become in the last few weeks. Perhaps that was due to her literally wearing the young woman or their tied spirits, but it was nice to have someone reliable and relatable nearby, and someone who could bring comedy, adorable cuteness, or a pair of eyes to watch her back.

It also helped that she could literally feel the joy her moon bunny outfit got when Nia was called upon to support her in even the simplest of tasks; they were partners, and she’d never felt that way about anyone before.

Whatever comes, she whispered, showing a genuine smile, I’m glad you’re here, Captain Bun.

Nia snorted and returned the grin. "Hell or high water, Major Hops; we’re in it together. I’ll keep an ear out so you can focus on the dinner."

When Rachel gave her a casual, two-fingered military salute, the bunny returned it, fixing their hair into the proper, contrasting bun that Rachel could never have done. It was time to go to war.

Their trip to the restaurant was faster than she anticipated, and her three-inch heels met a red carpet as she exited the vehicle; a small group of photographers was outside, snapping pictures to sell to gossip sites as the cold wind pressed their skirts against their legs. Several A-list celebrities had made an appearance for the opening of the high-class establishment.

It felt somewhat uncomfortable to have so many cameras on her, but this was the life of anyone in the political scene, and she had to get used to it if she wanted to reach anyone who had influence.

She did her best to remain neutral, Nia walking beside her as she proceeded down the carpet for a pair of doormen to greet her. However, just before they swung the doors open, she paused with a half-smile and turned to see Arthur and Tom exiting the SUV behind them.

Tom wore his full military uniform, complete with a rainbow of medals and his four stars pinned to his shoulders, while Arthur had his fitted, slim-cut suit that showed off his frame. No women were with them as they approached, the photographers whipping into a buzz when they met.

"Rachel," the handsome blond greeted with a showy smile and posh British accent, "what excellent timing."