Chapter 186: The Blood of Gods

The blonde woman hummed, taking a sip from her previous wine glass while showing a grimace. "That does put things into perspective. Vengeance is understandable, though I prefer a just trial and proper sentencing, be that death or another punishment. That being said, I am not one to judge how you choose to present yourself before God’s throne. Right or wrong, we all make our choices."

Tom chuckled. "Not a topic to laugh at," he added, "but that is far more liberal of a take than I would have thought from you as a saint, Jeanne."

Charlemagne rubbed his chin, intelligent brown eyes drifting between them. "So, in your blind rage at the time, congruent with your channeling of Negative Energy, you acted on impulse. I doubt that you can stop whatever curse Hell’s flames left on the young man... unless you absorb that power into your spirit again, which seems unlikely, given your current state. Although... there is the idea of a transfusion."

"A what?" Rachel’s eyebrows drew together, Arthur following her gaze to the calm Legend’s spontaneous inclusion. "You want me to give him a transfusion? My blood is entirely different than a normal person’s. As a side note, it even tastes like mint."

Jeanne cleared her throat and shook her head, braid bobbing against her chair. "While that is a fascinating detail, there is more to it than that. Perhaps your blood could be toxic to him on its own, yet there is a Divine Energy emanating from you that is impossible to miss for Legends like us," she stated, crossing her legs and shifting to get a better angle to talk to her.

"Charlemagne and I have been doing many of our Quests together to better understand certain principles, and Michael answered my prayers in a dream... We know you have the goddess Nike within you, which is how you survived the energies of Hell."

"Nike?" Arthur mumbled, his vision sliding to Tom, who let out a low sigh. "So that is one of the secrets you’ve been keeping... The Greek goddess of victory is literally inside you? It all fits now. Charlemagne, are you saying the Greek concept of ichor is true, and that Rachel literally has the blood of gods inside her right now?"

The liquid in Rachel’s mouth dried up as misfortune spun in circles now that she had that information, and one thought shot to the surface. However, Charlemagne showed his forethought and intelligence network as he voiced the connection she’d made aloud for all to hear, making her gut tighten.

Sitting comfortably in his chair, the man sipped his wine, gazing into the crimson liquor. "It is very faint. However, the potency of it goes beyond words; drinking straight from the source could be equated to drinking from the Holy Grail... Something I would caution any mortal to refrain from, since they couldn’t hope to process such divinity... without a filter, that is.

"This method could work to sustain Galahad, buying more time, or..." He paused, meeting Rachel’s glare. "...Or it could also help Anthony’s fiancée Amelia to the point of running and walking again... at least for a time."

This man was far, far too perceptive and knowledgeable, yet that was a part of his legend, being one of the greatest kings in history.

"There’s a catch," Rachel growled. "What aren’t you telling us... Why are you telling us this without requesting anything in return? This is all too convenient."

Jeanne played with her empty glass on the table, showing a sad smile. "Because it is the right thing to do and a condition I gave to Saint Charlemagne for delivering the good tidings the archangel gave me. He likely wouldn’t have shared it if I hadn’t insisted."

Her vibrant blue eyes sparkled with sincerity as she shifted to press her hands against her thighs, giving nothing but positive vibes. "I misjudged you, Rachel, and for that, I apologize and ask your forgiveness. I understand you are no saint, but you are also no devil. Good deeds are rewarded, and I would like to foster goodwill between us."

Arm rising to press her fingers against her breast, she said, "I do have a request that you may deny if you so choose. I would like to help in the recovery of Nike, and I have the Positive Energy that can be used to stabilize what your mother has started. She has quite the skillful hand to have done what she has already."

"And how do you know about my mother’s powers?" Rachel growled, trying to fight past her suspicious nature and pride to overcome these challenges herself. "Who told you?"

Smile becoming forced, the pretty blonde shook her head. "Oh, that would be concerning. My apologies. It was the Archangel Michael in a dream. I cannot say how he knows."

The angels are watching me, hmm? I suppose that could mean that Eostre is forming a more positive relationship with that faction...

Deciding to ask point-blank, Rachel looked right into the woman’s bright blue eyes. "Why would you help me when I have no intention of reciprocating? Are you or the angels hoping to get something out of Nike? I know you’re saints, but I’m no sucker. You want goodwill between us... for what? No games."

"I’m not saying I’m trying to do this for nothing! I want to be totally transparent—well, as much as I can be," she mumbled, clearly not happy with something that passed between her and Charlemagne when their eyes met. "Michael told me that you would be a critical piece in protecting my home in the future and that the Wings of Victory are needed."

Tom leaned forward, having quietly listened until now. "Needed for what? We’re allied with France, so a big enough attack against the EU would pull in the US. Do we have specifics?"

"No," Charlemagne whispered, pouring his own glass of wine before swirling it in a circle. "What I can tell you is what you three already know... a bigger picture is being painted behind the scenes, and the Scarlet Hand has its fingers in it. The organization has become fractured by Rachel’s unconscious actions, though, which is a feat worth noting," he said, raising his cup to her.

"That being said, I have friends... rivals, even, in other countries who have access to knowledge in areas none of us are privy to..." His glowing brown eyes darted to the general. "...Which is how I know the Montana Crystal will be a massive catastrophe if it is left unchecked. It will open in two days’ time, and you’ll need to call in every countermeasure you’ve been contemplating, including Fable."

"Fable?" Rachel asked. Recalling something Astra had said but wanting confirmation as to how it was relevant, she pressed the topic; the emperor was bringing more pieces to the table. "If you want transparency, then you’re going to have to give us more than that."

"Agreed," Tom said with a sad chuckle, "but I’ve learned that Charlemagne isn’t here for transparency, Rachel. Jeanne is, and it is there that the two butt heads at times... It’s probably why he brought her, since she can build connections he cannot."

The blonde woman crossed her legs and folded her arms. "Humph. That is most likely the case, and something I have some issues with myself. But this isn’t a topic that needs to be rehashed. We both have our own views on things. Yes, I agree with Charlemagne in that he does see a bigger picture, but that doesn’t change my position on what I think is right. A difference in approach does not mean we are opposed. My offer remains, Rachel."