---

Rachel moved back against the wall, leaning against it with Scarlet by her side.  Fiona sat on Scarlet’s shoulder, having a little difficulty brushing back her black locks as they got in her way from the room’s fan; Cuba was a bit different than the Florida weather they were accustomed to, which was odd since it was so close.

She took a moment to assess each individual, knowing their names already before entering the place.

The Fairy’s attention was fixated on one individual, though; each of the twelve lieutenants was interesting in their own right, but only one was roughly the size of Fiona.

In the back corner of the room were two pretty chocolate brown-haired identical twins, and a smirking blonde-haired Pixie-boy sat on the left woman’s shoulder.

He seemed just as interested in Fiona as she was in him, yet he held his peace as Máximo talked with Tom.  Yet a single action caught Rachel’s attention above all others…

Her eyes darted to Araceli with a testing smile; warning bells went off in her head, Nia giggling maniacally as the woman failed to enter her mind.  Araceli’s dull eyes widened for a moment as Rachel shook her head, ears tilting to the side with her lips; she wouldn’t try again.

“The fool! Peer into the depths of the dark abyss and see the cuteness of Nia?!  Nia thinks not!”

Scarlet and Fiona had similar mental blocking skills that they’d gained after Relica’s attack; in fact, everyone in their group had gained mental-resistance skills once they were made aware of the Witch.  She returned her attention to the Pixie, more interested in him than the woman’s internal panic.

He wore some odd garments and had leaf-like wings that were smaller than Fiona’s, but considering that he was roughly a quarter of an inch taller than the Fairy—he didn’t have many options for clothes.  In fact, she wouldn’t be surprised if he had it custom-tailored to him by one of the local women specializing in sewing.

Edelira and Isabel were sisters that had grown up in some rough streets and knew how to use a gun, which was why the pair had gained some kind of ability that revolved around it.  Rachel wasn’t aware of the specifics, but they shouldn’t be a threat to her from the feats she’d heard from the tourists that spoke English or the very few that spoke Korean.

Benedict was the only Mythickin in the Province that hadn’t defected to the far west; he was somewhat close to the twins, having grown up around the same circles.  He was a Pixie and had abilities centered around control rather than straight damage.  Overall, Rachel wasn’t too concerned about his abilities with Nia around.

“He-he-he!  I’m OP, huh?!  Isn’t the Leader amazing?!”  Nia chimed as Rachel thought about her.

She laughed internally, keeping her features neutral.  OP and ultra-cute … Shouldn’t that be illegal?

“They’ll never know the depths of the abyss, nor its cuteness!  Hm-hm-hmmm!”  Nia snickered.

Turning her attention back to the throng, she listened to Máximo address Tom; things were beginning to hit the turning point.

“Máximo, I’ll be up-front and clear with you, and I expect you to be, as well… These are your people that will be affected by the decisions in this meeting after all.”

“Go on…”  he grumbled before dragging on his cigar; Rachel hated the smell, and it seemed a few others did, too, but they tolerated it.

“... Do you want to give a voice to your people—do you care for what they want, or do you wish to dictate what is good for your people because they can’t be trusted to take care of their own needs … Is your plan to force the stupid masses into doing what’s good for them?”

Pointed question … Tom’s not mincing words.

She could still see the bodies of the three men that had their throats melted through by Máximo’s acidic goo ability.  He’d murdered them without a second thought, playing judge, jury, and executioner, yet in a state like this, and as a warlord, that was the rule of law.  The question will be, would Máximo give up control?  He had his own sense of justice, from what she’d heard already.

The dark-skinned man took a long breath, pulling the burning herbs from his mouth to stare at them; his focus settled on Gisele on her shoulder before falling to her happily jumping rabbit blobs.

“... All I want is for my home country to thrive—for Cuba to rise again.  What the U.S. wants—what others want … It’s worthless to me.  Cuba for Cubans … to hell with the rest.”

“He sounds kind of mean…”  Nia mumbled.  “Scary, too…”

The issue is who he sees as a ‘Cuban,’ to begin with.  Anything he doesn’t agree with or like could be considered non-Cuban.

Tom cleared his throat, resituating in his chair.  “Let me rephrase the question … Are you willing to let the citizens of Cuba elect who is the best representative for Cuba and its future?”

“Look…”  Máximo leaned forward, putting out his cigar on an ashtray before folding his fingers atop his desk.  “General Four-Star Tom, or whoever you are … I’m not going to beat around the bush.  How can I expect Cubans to put their trust in anyone outside of our own cities and towns, much less a province?  Do you think any of these people believe some person in the next province will have their best interests at heart?”

His nose twisted as most of his lieutenants nodded their agreement.  “... Right.  People follow me because they know me—they know I will keep peace and order—like these scum who preyed on the women and children of my province…”

Máximo jutted his head toward Al, the Water Buffalo Beastkin.  “Take them out front and show them to everyone—anyone that does that shit will get the same treatment, and if you’re harboring criminals like that or participating with them … You're dead.”

Al nodded approvingly, reaching down with his massive arms to gather the bodies.  “Word will spread fast, and they’ll think hard about doing something.”

Hot air shot out of the warlord’s twitching nose.  “Right—we ain’t got no room in Cuba for scum—these foul creatures are no longer human—they’re beasts to be slaughtered.”

Scarlet had her hands held behind her back, watching the colossal Beastkin haul the corpses out; she was doing her best to keep her expression neutral, but Rachel knew the girl agreed with Máximo, to an extent, and she did, as well.  Still, it was the execution and motives behind his actions that were concerning.  Fiona would have torched them alive after Rachel told her what they’d done.

Tom sighed.  “If you’re not going to beat around the bush, then answer me straight, Máximo.  I’m talking about governance—governance only works so long as the people allow it or they’re forced to submit.  There are only a couple ways this can go down…

“Either someone takes Cuba by the sword, which includes you and your men, or the Demi faction in Havana, or the other warlords struggling for power.

“The Cuban people submit to that rule and become a threat to the U.S., as explicit messages have already stated, turning Cuba from having bad relations with your neighbors to becoming hostile.

“The Cuban people revolt, a majority die, and the remaining are left as slaves because they can’t hope to deal with so many organized Demi with abilities they can’t even comprehend.

“Or … the people are allowed to discuss how their country will move forward as a collective.  That could mean breaking into smaller territories, like you mentioned, and certain provinces and cities might choose that—but it will be a collective choice.

“Which option will you take, and depending on your answer … the U.S. will respond to keep its own interests intact.”

This was where it all boiled down to.

Máximo popped his tongue, withering gaze shifting to Scarlet, Fiona, Rachel, and her pets again.  “... That sounds more like a threat than anything else, Four-Star General Dallas … You must have a lot of faith in the soldiers to make that kind of statement.”

Rachel’s ears shifted toward a few of the lieutenants as their muscles shifted uncomfortably, giving their group dirty looks; the eleven that were left knew they were on their guard.

Liliana, Jhosep, Ernesto, and Alberto were the uneasy lieutenants, and only Jhosep and Ernesto really snatched Rachel’s attention.

Jhosep was an older gentleman with graying hair and a full suite of white armor; his hair was neatly groomed, was surprisingly bulky for his age, and had a power that could be troublesome for Scarlet, possibly her, depending on the specifics.

From what she’d heard, he was a Catholic, and some stereotypes were there for a reason.  The man was a little on the zealous side of things, which scared some people after his change into a Champion Spiritualist Templar gave him a full suit of plate armor, sword, and powers that corresponded to the Holy-Element and possibly Solar.

Ernesto could have been mistaken for some kind of lizard-based Beastkin at first, but from conversations inside the prison headquarters, Rachel learned he was an Aberrantkin Dragonewt, and after learning about Nora’s unusual abilities, she’d become cautious of Aberrantkin.

She didn’t know much other than the man was strong and could resist bullets, but that was at a dangerous level already.

Edelira, Isabel, and Benedict were fairly chipper and casual for the tone of conversation; the three weren’t all that close to everyone else, from what she’d gathered.

Araceli was very connected to Máximo; in fact, the stoic black-haired woman might have been romantically involved with the warlord—there was talk amongst his men.

Freddy was kind of there for the chance to blow things up by summoning cannons of some sort, and Luis was the resident healer; although, he seemed to have some kind of narcolepsy medical condition.  Currently, the man was having trouble staying awake.

Juan was the second Artificer she’d heard about, the other from Maria when she mentioned her time in California when she’d laughed about intimidating some Legendkin Dwarf.  He was a quiet man that just wanted to see things return to normal.  He crafted special bullets for the twins with a magical piercing affix, but Rachel doubted they could bypass Nia’s defenses.

“He-he!  Count on the Leader!”

Always.

Nia squealed at the praise.  “Yes!  What’s up with you being so nice to me now?  Hmm?  Oh!  It’s because we’re in the same club!  We’re club buddies, and I’m the Society's Dark Leader!  Oh, now it makes perfect sense!  Ha-ha-ha!”

Mmh … Yeah … yeah … Plus, you’re just cute.

“I’ve cast my cuteness spell of domination upon the masses!  All will know the cuteness of Nia!  Mua-ha-ha-ha!  The Abyss will prevail!”

Wooh…  Rachel monotony cheered.  World domination.

World domination!

It was surreal, having the lighthearted conversation with her cute little brat of an outfit in front of their current audience, utterly unaware of her inner thoughts and encrypted by not only her mental defenses but Nia’s, as well.

Although, her combat outfit was drawing Freddy, the Twins, and Alberto’s curious eye.

Tom’s voice wasn’t amused as Máximo threw up his feathers at the question.  “Rachel and her group were sent to Cuba because they are possibly the strongest and most trusted Demi in our nation.  I tell you this because it shows how seriously the U.S. is taking this change to Cuba’s governance and the allies Cuba, your land, stands to gain.”

Máximo’s brow furrowed at his statement, but Tom wasn’t done.  “The world is in turmoil, and predictably, the U.S. is still top-dog on the world stage.”

There’s China, Rachel thought, and a light glare touched her eyes at the thought, considering Korea’s history with the other nation.  According to Tom, the country was amassing their own Demi military might, entirely under the government’s thumb, but Máximo didn’t need to know that.

“Think about it, Máximo,” Tom pressed.  “What do you stand to lose by rejecting my offer, and what do you stand to gain from accepting it—everything I’ve said is not a threat but reality.  The Demi nation forming in your borders have made themselves a threat to the U.S., forcing our hand.

“Once we handle them, stability can be claimed by Cubans again, and the President has offered to be the first to extend a helping hand to Cuba—a peaceful and diplomatic hand in how many generations?  Are you going to be the one in Cuba’s history to slap it back?”

Máximo worked around his jaw, thinking hard on Tom’s offer; reaching forward, he picked up his cigar, lit it, and puffed on it for a full minute in silence, thinking in silence.

His calculating eyes turned to his twelve lieutenants as Al returned from showcasing the corpses.  “You each represent various factions of people inside the province.  What do you all think?”

Jhosep was the first to raise his voice, clearing his throat while turning his critical stare upon Scarlet; he had trouble working through English but managed it.  “I am be uncertain the Americans can be trusted—they spit in our faces and not allow passage when things bad.  Still, if they offer ‘elp now to purge our lands of this—this filth … I am for it.”

“Hey!  Hey!”  Benedict chuckled, speaking rather fluent English.  “Edel, Izzy, and I are chill with the whole thing, and we’re actually kinda interested in gettin’ to know these Americans more,” he said with a bright grin.  “We’ve always been looking to learn more about the crazy things we hear are up north.”

Isabel laughed, speaking just as fluently as the Pixie.  “Yeah!  Ya think we can visit to check things out?  It might be fun to see what’s on the internet—I heard it’s wild, Edel!”

“Tch,” Edelira gave her a sly smirk.  “You’ve got the brain of a sinner, Sis.”

“Aww, c’mon!  I know you’re curious, too!”  Isabel winked.

Jhosep huffed at the conversation, glaring at the trio.  “Lechery…”

“Fun!”  Isabel shot back with a teasing grin.  “You should ease up more on the rules, Father!”

“I will stick with the Church’s teachings forever,” he muttered, trying to ignore the girls’ expressions.

Freddy held up his hand; most of the lieutenants seemed somewhat versed in English and used it to communicate to Tom and Máximo, even if the general could likely speak the language or had a translator present.  “Eh—I just like to see things explode, but my town’s chill with havin’ a say in stuff and the like.”

Araceli spoke in her controlled, monotone manner.  “Whatever you decide is acceptable to me, Máximo.”

“Typical,” Liliana rolled her eyes at the woman’s statement, drawing her dark brown eyes, but Liliana ignored it.  She sighed, brushing back her blonde hair.  “If the women are treated fairly, then I’m fine with taking the U.S.’s offer to help—Lord knows we could use supplies,” she grumbled, eyeing Máximo.

Ernesto, the Dragonewt, nodded.  “I agree, Liliana.  No one is coming to Cuba’s aid but the U.S., and is there even anything left of the old order?”

“There is,” Tom replied, causing everyone in the room’s gaze to fixate on the device.

Here we go…

“Who?”  Máximo muttered.

“More of a what,” Fiona chuckled, drawing their attention.  “The Cuban military.  Right?”

Tom’s voice was firm.  “Yes, Fiona.  The Cuban military has been pushed to the Pinar del Río and is having a great deal of trouble keeping it at the moment.  We’ve offered help, but the man that’s seized control is a Major—all the other leadership was killed by the Demi invaders … or so I’ve heard,” he stated, throwing shade on the account.

“A coup within the military?”  Ernesto asked.

“Possible,” Tom replied, “but the details are too scattered to know for sure.  In short, they’ve refused U.S. assistance and are suffering greatly because of it—including the people of Pinar del Rí.”

Ernesto nodded, his slanted green pupils shifting to the floor as his long tail flicked to the side.  “I see … What are you planning to do?”

“With respect,” Tom evenly stated, “I cannot give you a full account of our movements—given the threat we face, there is no way of knowing who might be watching and listening.”

“Right, Lilian?”  Rachel smirked at Liliana, causing the blonde woman’s arms to tighten around her shoulders.

“W-What?!”  she asked defensively, and Rachel pointed at the window.  “You’re a Champion Summoner type.  Correct?  Specifically, you can summon some kind of eye to spy on things from a far distance.”

“H-how did you know that?”  she gawked.

“Humph,” Araceli’s cool stare shifted to the woman; they didn’t seem to like each other.  “It’s not difficult to ascertain, Liliana.  Look at her ears; she can probably hear for miles—I bet they have many sensory abilities to fully grasp a situation before going in,” she stated, turning her icy gaze to Rachel.

“Good on them!”  Benedict cheered.  “I like these Americans more and more,” he snickered.

Al shifted his large, hairy arms across his broad chest, turning his head to them; Rachel couldn’t see his eyes behind the mass of fur that fell across his face.  “Hmm … If Cuban people get to decide what happens to Cuba and the U.S. is fair, then I see no issue.  Luis?”

“Eh?”  the man snapped upright, having fallen asleep against the corner by the door three minutes ago.  A few words in Spanish were passed between them before he rubbed his eyes and yawned.  “... Oh … uh—yeah—yeah, whatever’s good.  If we’ll get food and stuff … medicine—lots of medicine,” he yawned again, wiping away the tears in his eyes.  “Medical people—stuff and all…”

Rachel lifted an eyebrow at the dazed response, and Al grunted.  “Luis uses mental power or something like that to heal people—he’s been exhausted since this whole thing started.”

Alberto hopped over to Luis, throwing a hand around the surprised man’s shoulders; the birdman’s voice was a bit annoying to Rachel’s ears.  “Indeed, my good man!  He needs rest, and medical personnel would help us dearly!  My own wife is stuck at home—a plague has hit us recently, causing poor Luis to practically drop dead trying to heal everyone!”

Juan, the Artificer, growled, rubbing his temple at the statement.  “It has been … troubling, to say the least.  Medical supplies would help.  Our doctors also have two to three other jobs to make ends-meet, which means they aren’t able to learn about the latest problems sweeping the world, and we’re not equipped to handle things like this.”

Máximo took another long drag from his cigar, releasing it in a long puff after hearing everyone’s opinion.  “I’m not so trusting of the U.S., but … we do need help.”

“You couldn’t hope for a better deal than the one our President is offering,” Tom responded.

“Humph,” Máximo glowered at the radio, “then why isn’t he the one talking to me?”

“He wishes he could,” Tom evenly replied, “but currently, he’s in a World Leader’s meeting with China, Russia, Australia, the E.U., U.K., North Korea, South Korea, Japan, among every other major nation that is still stable enough to attend.

“China is threatening to push into Taiwan and India with ground troops after India’s Prime Minister was assassinated.  North Korea’s up to its usual threats, among many other crises … We’re trying to avoid World War III.  That is why I am managing our southern hemisphere at this moment.”

Scarlet’s arms tightened around her body, giving Rachel a concerned look at the reveal; it was news to Rachel, as well.

“Oh…”  Ernesto mumbled in shock.

“Oof, yeah, not good, huh?”  Benedict mumbled, giving Fiona a forced grin.

Máximo grunted.  “... Fine.  I get it, the world is in chaos, but I don’t care about China or North Korea or India … I care about Cuba, my home, their home,” he stated, motioning to the others.  “If you are willing to lend Cuba aid—and not screw us over as the U.S. tends to do, then we’ll cooperate … But only if Cubans govern Cuba!”

“I think we’re done with that part, then,” Rachel commented, pushing herself away from the wall with a smile.  “That’s everything you needed to hear.  Right, Tom?”

“It is,” he paused, probably talking to Clay about some other news.  “... Right, we’ve been canvassing the area while flying above Cuba and been monitoring certain groups—it seems the warlord to your north has gotten word that you’re preparing to retake the west part of your province and has sent an assassination group to take care of your leadership.”

“N-No,” Liliana mumbled, eyes hazing over as she connected with her scouts.  “I would have seen any activity by the border … I’ve set up observation points all across the area.”

“Did you see our big turtle?”  Scarlet giggled.

The woman’s lips creased.  “Your what?”

“Thought so.”

“You heard them coming?”  Fiona asked, looking to her.

Rachel smirked, pointing her finger at the ground as her ears twitched.  “You wouldn’t see them underground.”

“Ah, smart,” Scarlet nodded, her eyes turning vampiric as she peered through the building and dirt to find the invaders.

Jhosep made a cross-symbol in front of his chest.  “Lord save us!”  he muttered.  “What are you—a demon?!”

“Vespertine Reaper, to be precise,” she absently replied.  “Oh—a Mole Beastkin, what do ya know…”  her frightening gaze lifted to give the priest a sharp-toothed grin that Rachel thought was cute.  “Nice to meet you!”

Isabel gave her a casual salute.  “Pleasures all ours, love!  Tell me, what kind of men do ya have in America?  I hear they come in all shapes and sizes!”

Rachel assumed she wasn’t talking about their bodies—at least, all of the male body.

“The food?”  Edelira pressed after her sister, expression watering at the thought.  “I heard people bathe in food!”

“Memes,” Fiona sighed.  “Yeah … it happens.”

“Insane…”

The trio seemed utterly unconcerned about the assassins sent to murder them because Benedict was all smiles at the Fairy.  “I’m less interested in the U.S. and more into you,” he grinned.  “How about we go out sometime?”

Fiona’s tiny frame went stiff as a board at the blatant statement.  “Huh?!”

“Wow,” Scarlet mumbled, lifting an eyebrow before shifting her halo-like red irises to Fiona to wait for her response.  In truth, even Rachel was shocked at how forward the boy had been.

“C’mon, what do ya say?  I can be a fun guy!”  he pressed.

“Time and place,” Edelira gave the tiny boy on her sister’s shoulder a light glare.  “Ya can’t go springin’ it on a girl like that…”

“Why not?”  Isabel teased, bumping her hip against her sister’s.  “Life’s short, Sis!  Take every opportunity, like Mom said!”

“Mom was kind of … Mom,” she muttered, lips pulling to the side while glaring at the wall.

Benedict hummed, studying Fiona’s flustered response.  “Hmm … Alright, I guess I’m being a bit too carefree!  Heh, it’s kind of a product of my change!  Sorry if that came out of nowhere, but yo, I’m totally into you!  Why don’t we handle all this business and go out for some ice cream?”

Fiona’s face turned even more red as he doubled down, and Rachel remembered she still needed to give her Fairy friend the number she’d gotten the previous week.  “I—I, umm … I guess we could give it a go…”  she mumbled before swapping to Irish.

“Oh, what’s that pretty…”

“Benedict,” Máximo groaned, “Let’s put the pranks and stuff aside to deal with the issue at hand.”

The boy gave him a dirty look.  “I’m not playing around, Máximo; have you seen her?  She’s gorgeous—got an awesome personality, too; I can tell!”

Maria’s gasping laughter drowned out Tom’s voice, making Fiona hide her face in her glowing green hair.  “He—he just went in like that, chica!  Y-yo!  Yo, I’m dyin’ here, Fi!  Did ya—did ya go down ta Cuba ta pick yourself up a good novio?”

“I’d like to be her novio!”  Benedict chimed, holding up his hand.  “Pick me!”

“Oh, no,” Scarlet whispered, “another person that can speak Spanish and English at the same time…”

Nia even pitched in with roaring laughter.  “... Yes!  Rachel, do you see?!  Do you see?!  Nia is the black abyss that draws people into her fine threads and makes boyfriends and girlfriends out of them!  Mua-ha-ha-ha-ha!  First, Anthony and you!  Second, Jess and Mason!  Third, Fiona and Benedict!  Now, go my black stings of binding!  He-he-he!  Go and ensnare Scarlet and Kyle!”

Eh … I kind of was going after Anthony before you were even born, kid, Rachel mused.

“I was there, though!  I was there when he first kissed you!  My power!  Nia’s the greatest matchmaker!  Fear the power of the Dark Leader!”

Okay … I‘ll give you that; you were there, but only from Scarlet’s peeping eyes.

Nia gasped.  “I didn’t say that!”

What other way would you have seen it?

The mental image of the multi-color-haired girl shouting at the sky filled Rachel’s head-space.  “Curse you, logic!  Curse you to the abyss!”

Giggling, Rachel motioned to them to follow her out of the room.  “Okay, charm Fiona when we’ve dealt with the mole army.”

“Curse you mole people for getting in the way of love!”

“Fiona…”  Benedict whispered, tasting the name on his tongue.  “Wow—what a lovely name that fits such a beautiful woman…”

“Seriously…”  Fiona moaned.  “Stop!  Let’s go…” she mumbled, zipping out of the room before Rachel even made it to the door; she could hear the embarrassed girl mumbling in Irish as she waited for them down the hall.

The others soon fell into step behind her.  “Here’s what I think,” Rachel grinned, cracking her neck.  “We take care of the mole people and follow their tunnel back to their base … What better way to repay this sacrificial gift they’ve sent us?”

Jhosep turned his disturbed gaze from Scarlet to give her a grin.  “Heh, I be like that thought train of—their blood will christen the soil for divine purgery.”

Benedict snickered at the mistakes.

“Oh, I’m up first!”  Isabel chimed, dashing forward to wink at her older sister, and the Pixie took to the air.

“Aww, c’mon, Sis—you’re always first…”

“Cause, you can’t shoot straight!”  Isabel snickered, poking her breast.

Edelira rubbed her chest, glowering at her twin.  “Because someone’s always yelling in my ear!”

“C’mon, girls!”  Benedict laughed, floating between them.  “I’ll pull their eyes away so it’ll be easy, and then…”

Isabel cheered, “Party!  Shots on Luis when it’s over!”

“Huh?”  Luis snapped awake for a moment, glancing around as Al carried his sleeping form.  “W-What’s goin’ on, Al?”

“It’s nothing … Go back to sleep.”

“Right … right…”

Freddy hummed, stroking his unkempt beard.  “If we’re underground—tsk, I can’t blow someone up…”

Scarlet pulled her hair back with a small grin.  “Umm, if it helps, Fiona can use Earth Magic to move stuff around.  It should be fine if some parts collapse!”

“Ah!  Excellent!”  he laughed, giving her a thumbs up.  “I’m likin’ this partnership already!”

Alberto and Ernesto jogged up to Rachel.  The Dragonewt glanced back at the warlord in the rear with Araceli.  “What was your name again?”

“Rachel.”

They began walking down the stairs leading to the basement, and Fiona kept ahead of them, with Rachel giving visual directions to allow her space from the Pixie.

“Rachel,” he whispered.  “Hmm … What is your assessment of Cuba?”

“Mmh?  That’s a rather broad question … In short, your people are terrified, ruled by a small minority of powerful individuals they don’t understand—you don’t have access to U.S. media, so you have no clue why this is happening.  Things just suddenly collapsed, including government supplies that everyone is sorely dependent upon.  They have no food, tourists are whipping the locals into a state of panic, and warlords are issuing ironfisted laws to keep order … It’s a mess.”

He snorted, but his expression was painful, he took a moment to collect himself before responding.  “Yes … We need help.  I want to trust you—but so many people have betrayed us and taken Máximo’s kindness for granted … He wasn’t like this before everything … everyone changed.”

“Not everyone changed,” Rachel evenly stated.  “Less than 1% of the global population, yet that’s enough to cause trouble when they get together.  You’re a very lucky—or unlucky individual … Have you noticed any strange tendencies?”

Ernesto scratched his scaled neck.  “Strange tendencies … Like?”

Rachel shrugged.  “Anything that seems off to you or those around you.”

“I … can’t say I have about myself—I just want to protect my town … the people I love, and after some town discussions, everyone decided that would be best served here, directing things in the province since I’m this new—well, Dragonewt, or whatever I am now.”

“Mhm…”  Rachel replied, knowing he wouldn’t divulge any dirty desires he had.  It was possible he didn’t have a craving for human flesh or something of that nature, but she doubted it.  He may be satiating it on the wildlife like Nora, but there seemed to be a pattern for Aberrantkin—even Selvaria, who wasn’t an Aberrantkin, had a hunger for large sea life, she even discovered a few Kraken inside Cahira’s quests and ate one.  “Just let me know if anything comes up—I might be able to help.”

Liliana and Juan stayed in the room since they weren't combat-types, and two eye-like creatures the size of a human fist floated to join Al from a floor they passed.

She listened closely to Máximo and Araceli’s conversation from their rear, keeping a reasonable distance.  Her chest burned with agitation at their assumption.

Araceli’s calm tone held little emotion, but Rachel caught a bit of anxiety hidden within her muscles.  “The rabbit girl can hear us.”

“I know … I don’t plan to hide anything.  How do we know they’re really from the U.S. and that was a U.S. general.  For all we know, this could be a trap.”

“That is my concern … They’re impervious, and the rabbit knows about me, too…”

“Tch … unfortunate…”

“Yes,” Nia cooed.  “How very unfortunate!  Slide further into the depths and despair … the Lunar Abyss is always watching … te-he-he-he.”

At least they’re being cautious.  Still, it’s not like we could offer any real proof except that we’re fighting on their side.  We’ve made good ground.

“Until the darkness takes them,” Nia whispered.  “Do not look into the secret society of Denier, or misfortune will follow!”

Oh?  The Lunar Abyss will follow?

“Only if they threaten the cuteness world domination!”

Brought to the world by Lunar Nia?

“And!  AND!  The Lunar Eclipse!  Right!  Right!”

Right … I’m your herald—the bringer of the Lunar Eclipse.

“All shall be made into the image of Denier cuteness!  Mua-ha-ha-ha-ha!  Rachel!  You’re not laughing with me?!  As a team!  C’mon!”

He-he-he…

“... Why do I feel like you’re laughing ‘at’ me and not ‘with me?’  Hmm?!”

Never.

“Fat ass…”  Nia huffed, pulled back on her underwear, and smacked her butt, pouting in the corner as Rachel giggled.  Nia was a new light in her serious world.

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