Chapter 42: Under Observation

Rachel laughed and pulled back, holding up her arms. "Whoa! Something positive about yourself? No way! Ugh... I completely understand. Heh. Don’t let the guys hear you; they might think you’re going soft."

"Manipulation," Scarlet snickered. "I actually love it. You can manipulate me a bit if it’s like this... Thanks. I’m feeling so much better that it’s...literally insane how good you are at this."

"That’s good...ish. Haaa. I mean it, though. I don’t know you, like, at all," Rachel whispered, knotting her legs at the uncomfortable vibes sinking into her gut. "I’ve only been focusing on what I want. But, to get to the heart of your question about manipulation... You know my misfortune ability?"

Scarlet nodded, settling down a little and shrinking in her chair. "Mhm. But what about, you know...my mom? A-And everything else that’s been going on? How do your manipulations fit with that? I feel like I’m the unlucky one bringing misfortune to you, not the other way around."

Rachel hummed. It was a depressing topic she didn’t want to get into, but it brought up an excellent point that shockingly opened up the answer.

"Hmm. You’re turning it around on yourself again, being the monster. Umm. Well, I think we can both see that the cult apparently already wants me dead. So, uh, I’m kind of already a target, so it has literally nothing to do with you. Screw them! Right?" she laughed.

Scarlet snickered at her tone. "Even if it’s dangerous?"

"And leaving you alone is going to fix everything?" Rachel asked with an uplifted eyebrow. "I don’t think they’re a fan of me, to begin with, by that message Peck left. And if they don’t want me hanging around you, then cool—all the more reason it makes me want to do it."

Rolling her eyes, Scarlet fixed her hair. "Haha. You’re so rebellious! It’s still dangerous—I’m dangerous."

"Dangerous. Mmm." She shook her head, a thoughtful twist coming to her mouth. "I think I already have this weird fixation with danger, so...that’s not really a deterrent, Scarlet. To put this discussion to bed, I think it’s more like I’ve tied our problems together in a way where if something is good for me, then it’s good for you.

"My abilities kind of pulled me into this direction," she admitted, "but I was the one who pulled the trigger, and you were the one to accept it. I’m a big believer in destiny and not fate... We make our own paths: the good...eh-heh, and the bad. I think I even manipulate myself sometimes," she grumbled, adding a pouting glare to the side. "I’m a real problem."

"You really are!" Scarlet laughed, doubling over with tears leaving her eyes. After a few seconds, she calmed down and asked the heart of her question. "So, if I’m getting this right... Your ability is connecting our fortunes because with us together, you have a better shot of getting what you want, but it’s manipulated in a way where I also get what I want?"

"That’s...my hope," Rachel said with a pained shrug. "It seems that way. Plus, I do like that you don’t see me as a ’bunny’ or ’rabbit,’ so you get points in that regard."

Rachel’s hands tightened against her belly, a sudden wave sickening her with feelings of dread of what might happen if she didn’t address this now. "I...actually have this fear that you might see me as some cold, heartless bitch, manipulating everyone around her like some kind of puppet master, using my pawns and throwing them away. Heh. Thoughts? I’m crazy?"

Scarlet crossed her arms, her face becoming somewhat unreadable as she thought. "...You really do think a lot, Rachel; I’m seriously so intimidated and impressed by everything you do. Wow. The way you can talk to people and know exactly what to say... I guess we have only just met, but you’re so...together. And I’m not."

The reaper forced a laugh. "Crazy? You kind of are! Too crazy good... I’m scared I’m not good enough. You’re so confident... And, ah, pardon the comparison, but you have the energy of a battery-charged bunny!"

Rachel gave her a fun leer and smirk. "I’ll let that one slide since it’s a compliment, but only because it’s you, cry-bat."

"Hehe. Thanks. Umm. I’m okay with that, I guess. Does that...leave any room for growth?" she tentatively asked. "I want to grow."

"Of course it does," Rachel sighed, feeling a wave of relief pass through her as her ears drooped forward. "So, acquaintances going on casual friends while pissing off a cult?" Rachel offered, holding up a hand with a grin.

"Deal," she said, tension visibly leaving the girl’s shoulders. "Thanks for taking a chance on me—on bringing life back into my life and protecting me."

"Hey, that’s a two-way street; it takes two to tango, right?"

She giggled. "I have no idea how to dance."

"Looks like we have something else in common!" Rachel chimed. "I’ve always been more of a fighter than a lover, which...is probably why all the guys see me more as a bro than a girl. Maybe that’s why..."

[Strategic Mind - Advanced to C-tier]

[Mental Acceleration - Advanced to C-tier]

"Why what?" Scarlet asked, but Rachel’s mouth snapped shut on the off train of thought; she had been wondering why she hadn’t been approached by a lot of guys recently, and that had possibly contributed to her internal self-reflection, but now that she had a better grasp on her personality, she knew for a fact it was her attitude.

Wow... My own hubris screwed me, she internally groaned, glancing down at her toned and filled-out, far less muscular figure. Damn hormones. I really was so aggressive and driven that I came off as a bitch to people. I guess I don’t have anyone to blame but myself.

Rachel tried to get more out of her sudden sour attitude as she deliberated on her teenage years; she was different around her family since it was her family. Well, her parents and brother—her extended family didn’t get the same treatment, such as her poor cousin, and now she could see her own influence on him.

It was like a veil had been ripped off her eyes, and now she saw herself for who she was—for better or for worse. The Oscillation had smacked her in the face with a seemingly healthy dose of reality, at least in her case, though that appeared to be one of its effects on the changed people.

By the time their break was over, her [Lunar Pool] had built back to 40%, which wasn’t ideal; it made her want to punch something since a full hour didn’t even give her half when it had drained at a much faster rate in the twilight.

With the air cleared between Scarlet and her, Rachel felt much better about the girl’s mental state; sure, she was still leaning on her—and significantly, at that—for support, but Rachel wasn’t carrying her anymore.

Rachel managed to walk on her own with the help of the stored moonlight bolstering her Stats and, thereby, her physical well-being, but it was nothing compared to how she felt under the dual celestial spheres. It was hard to judge how her levels and varying [Lunar Pool] had affected her body compared to when she’d first become a lunar hare.

Sitting down to talk with the general, it took her another hour to finish her story and answer the rest of his inquiries; the last part seemed to be almost exclusively focused on her experience in Anthony’s quest, the dream she had of the goddesses, and her thoughts on the optional Divine Feat she’d been offered.

General Dallas sat back, staring off into the distance for several seconds as they waited for the closing verdict; this was where her life would take a turn, yet the man was not done surprising her. Rachel’s ears shot up in shock as his gaze drifted to the left, speaking to someone she had not heard in or around the room. She’d been careless and focused too much on the general.

"What has your experience been from what she’s described?"

A soft, feminine voice hummed, pondering her response. "When I entered the quest, I had a very different experience, as you are aware, but I went in alone. Perhaps we should attempt an experiment where I lead a team inside. It is worth noting all those that entered had changed from The Oscillation, as well."

Scarlet leaned forward, asking what Rachel wanted to know. "Who’s that? I didn’t know someone else was listening."

The general breathed out a heavy sigh and shifted the screen around to show a tall woman with auburn hair, wearing a Marine uniform and a rosary around her neck; Rachel figured she had also been touched by The Oscillation, as the soldier looked like she could be a professional model.

"Allow me to introduce Captain Barbara Hall, a.k.a. the legend of Saint Barbara, patron saint of artillerymen and the US Marines. As is with all special forces recruits, her enlistment is kept confidential, but she was the first female graduate to have gone through the pipeline to become a Marine Raider officer."

Barbara chuckled at the introduction, her illuminated yellow eyes showing nothing but confidence, yet her tone was humble. "I quite enjoyed your story, Rachel. As for my opinion, General, I believe she should be moved to the next phase you’ve outlined to me."

"I thought as much," Dallas mumbled, his focus returning to her as he went straight into business. "I’ve sent for someone to meet each of the myths and legends in Miami. His name is Doctor Richard Raynott—he has two Ph.D.s, one of which is in psychiatry, and more than thirty commonly cited published works, specializing in the military field.

"He’ll be on the flight tonight, reviewing the files I will give him, and will start with you tomorrow, Rachel. Captain Hall will also be making the trip to oversee everything and determine if we are to move to phase three. She will keep me updated."

He bridged his fingers again and studied her with a hard stare. "I have a good idea of what it is you’re seeing, Rachel, but everything will hinge on multiple factors outside your and my control over the next few days. Lt. Mateo will take you to the hospital to see your parents and await Captain Hall’s arrival. Don’t do anything rash."

The feed cut, leaving them in silence, and Rachel’s shoulders slumped as she sat back, mind surprisingly blank.