TO Rewrite: B3 — 40. Difficult Choices
Added 2025-04-08 21:44:49 +0000 UTCPoV:
1. Fiona White (Our Fairy Queen!)
2. President Leo Capell (President of the United States!)
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The magical tether-like energy dissipated around Fiona as she blinked back into her body, her tiny form hovering beside one of the World Tree’s massive roots. The Thames flowed quietly beneath her, aware of the spiritual journey she’d just undertaken but remaining passive—she could feel unseen eyes from deep within gazing upon her, resonating with the weight now crushing her chest.
Sweet sugar muffins… What have I gotten myself into, Mother?
Fairy dust scattered chaotically around her, a mixture of muted greens and dismal blues reflecting her emotional turmoil. Her wings carried her unsteadily upward through the mist, each beat feeling heavier than the last, as if gravity itself had doubled since she’d seen Nora—or what remained of her sister.
Aberrantkin… How could Nora become a slime? She was always so happy when I saw her… I saw her last month. Just…last month. The words echoed painfully through her thoughts. And She blames me. My own sister thinks I caused this…because of how popular I was? Because I was…more talented than her? I don’t understand, Nora! How…could you have bottled all of that in without telling anyone… Without telling me?
Tears welled in her eyes as she ascended, the sugary droplets threatening to spill down to her neck. She wiped them away with tiny hands, determined not to return to the safehouse looking as wrecked as she felt.
The knights stationed around the perimeter hadn’t even noticed her absence. At seven centimeters tall, she was practically invisible when she wanted to be, especially in London’s infamous fog.
On any other day, she might have found that amusing—the legendary knights of King Arthur outwitted by someone smaller than their thumbs. Today, it just made her feel more alone. Whoever wept within that colossal tree produced that disruptive mist, and the Scarlet Hand had utilized it.
It was brief, but she could faintly feel her on her way out. As sketchy as Crowley was, he’d been right, and she couldn’t deny it. Something was eating the tree, gnawing at its roots.
Do they really want to help her? Adele…maybe. Crowley? No. He’s totally self-absorbed. He’s the classic manipulator who tries to make you believe he’s trying to help you but it’s all for him in the end… I have to figure this out!
As she approached the safehouse window, she spotted Selvaria inside, her dangerous tail swaying as she paced with uncharacteristic energy for someone who typically lounged whenever possible. Even through the glass, Fiona could hear her monotone voice raised in what must have been alarm.
“—said she’d be back soon. Soon is over. But there’s no bell ringing. Cahira, if you gave her a faulty emergency whistle…” Her spines flared with color. “It’s been thirty-seven minutes and eighteen seconds. Something’s wrong. We should go look for her.”
“Calm down, ya big blue-haired torpedo,” Cahira replied, though her normally carefree expression seemed strained. “The wee fairy’s probably just lost track of time. Isn’t that right, Anthony? We have faith in the lassy!”
Anthony stood by the window, his posture rigid as he scanned the streets below. Fiona held her arms close to her chest upon seeing his furrowed brow. The anxiety radiating from him was palpable, his fingers drumming against the hilt of his sword that was now strapped to his side instead of inside his soul.
“She shouldn’t have gone alone. You should have told me she was getting antsy. Piper, you don’t need to give me that—”
Fiona tapped gently on the window pane, and all heads whipped toward her as if it had fallen through and shattered.
“Fi!” Selvaria’s face remained impassive despite her monotone exclamation. “You’re alive! I told Cahira you weren’t dead, but I was starting to wonder if I was wrong. Were you kidnapped? Did you fight your way free? Are there bodies? I can eat them to get rid of the evidence”
“Woah, you escalate fast, me lovely sea leviathan! And who be the one who was tellin’ ya to cool your tail? Almost swiped my leg off in one of those passes, lassie!” Cahira snorted. “Always so dramatic, this one.”
Anthony quickly opened the window, relief washing over his features. “Fiona, where have you been? We were about to send out a search party.”
As she fluttered inside, Fiona couldn’t help but notice Piper watching silently from the corner, her crimson eyes unnervingly perceptive. The vampire’s presence was unsettling outside of her domain; not threatening, but observant in a way that made Fiona feel even more exposed.
She’s actually super, super strong… Yeah, we beat her Legend Quest, but apparently she’s got her mother’s blood and protection in her. Her mother’s alive, somewhere, and there’s a connection straight from her to the vampire Emperor God. So… Why is she here again? No, I’m getting distracted.
“I…” Her voice faltered as she settled on the top of a chair, wings drooping. “I just needed to see the tree up close to confirm some things. I’ve been…feeling things since coming here—from the World Tree. Sorry for worrying everyone.”
“Ah, our wayward fairy returns.” Merlin materialized from another room, his ghostly form shimmering with what might have been concern. “And what did you discover on your unauthorized excursion? I always say that if one defies orders then one must return with fruit.”
“I…wish it were sweet fruit, but…no, nothing good,” Fiona mumbled, unable to meet his eyes as she rubbed her elbow. The truth lodged in her throat, suffocating and painful.
Anthony stepped closer, his expression softening. “Hey, you look like you’ve seen a ghost, and considering Merlin’s here, that’s saying something,” he tried to joke to lighten the mood.
He really is a pretty good leader and really sweet. I can see why he gets so many women chasing him, she thought, knowing it wasn’t easy to reign in a group like theirs as she glanced around and fixated on the bat-winged princess of another world. What should I say, though? I can’t talk about Nora… I can’t, can I? I don’t know… I don’t know.
A weak laugh escaped her, more of a hiccup than anything. “Umm. It’s just…the World Tree. It’s in pain… She is in pain.”
“Pain? And female, hmm?” Merlin’s eyebrows rose. “There must be more to that if the news ‘isn’t good,’ my dear.”
Fiona nodded, gathering her courage. She needed to tell them something—not everything, but something. So, she fed them what she’d been told, which lined up with what she felt from the tree itself.
“There’s a dragon chewing at its roots, I think. Deep down, beneath the Thames. And there’s someone connected to the tree… Yes, the tree is alive and female. But there’s a nymph, maybe, or a dryad? She feels more…ethereal than wood-like. So probably a nymph. She’s suffering too. I could feel it.”
Selvaria crossed her arms, her tail swishing behind her. “It’s my time! The epic Kaiju Battle of London is about to be a smash hit.”
“Hold that ample tail, love,” Cahira chuckled, moving to block her from jumping off of the now open balcony. “I get ya want to see some action, and I feel the same, but we can’t be triggerin’ giant lizard battles without sanction or ya may have the UK military breathin’ down yer neck! Ah, me bell. Thanks, tiny.”
Fiona flew up to support the pirate. “She’s right, Selv. They’re probably deep within the earth, not in the water. You’re at a disadvantage.”
“Mmm.” Selvaria’s vision narrowed, arms crossing and releasing a heavy huff. “I suppose you’re right, but we can’t just let the tree and pretty nymph suffer. She needs a heroine to rescue her and free her animal subjects.”
Merlin’s chest shook with silent laughter. “Omen certainly is ominous with its reckless and chaotic action. You’re now a liberator of the oppressed animal kingdom… What a group. In any case, if it is underneath the tree, then that means there are tunnels burrowed underneath London, and that is concerning. Good find, Fiona.”
“Yeah…” She saw Selvaria puff up her chest in praise, but she wasn’t finished. “I know it was stupid,” she whispered, rising to hover in the middle of the room. “I just…I needed to see what was calling to me for myself. Well, calling is a bit…much. It’s more like she’s just crying. She wants someone to know she’s trying to fight… Not just the dragon, I think.”
Selvaria nodded emphatically, steam blowing out of her nose and spikes flaring with color, electricity sparking along their length. “It’s never just one enemy. I bet there’s a secret villain standing in this room as we speak! It’s Cahira.”
“Wha— And where in the bleeding hells do ya get that idea, ya fat-tailed lizard! I happen to be quite the respectable pirate in me legends, I’ll be havin’ ya know.”
“Jokes aside,” Fiona mumbled, absently rubbing her elbow again, “I know I’m being targeted. But that’s just it—I’m being pulled in so many directions right now. It’s a lot. Erika is shouldering all of the legal and politics of Fable on her own right now, and after her terrible break-up. My family…”
Her voice broke on the word. She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself as the others quieted down. “I’m torn between what feels like a thousand different duties and I don’t know what to do… How does Rachel handle so many people relying on her? I don’t know…what I should do.”
Anthony’s stern expression melted as he moved forward to offer a finger that she could hug. Selvaria was quick to mirror him.
“Fiona, if it’s too hard to talk about, you don’t have to, but each of us are here if you need to talk. Believe me, I understand struggling with difficult choices… My whole life is filled with decisions that affect so many other people.” He glanced back at Piper, who inclined her head slightly, what Fiona took as a patient smile. “There’s apparently something big coming, and it’s coming tonight. Piper flew all the way here to warn us about it.”
“It wasn’t that difficult since my blood moves within Anthony’s veins but I could use a short rest for my wings…and perhaps they could use a grooming touch,” she invited with batted eyelashes that had Anthony clearing his throat and Selvaria glaring.
“I’d love to help ya groom whatever you need a delicate touch with, my pretty bat lass,” Cahira offered with an impish smile and twinkle in her eye. “I be the best when it comes to working out kinks and rubbing out tense muscles. Lotion, oil, maybe some scented candles?”
“How provocative are the women of your world,” Piper chortled, giving an appraising stare at the red headed pirate. “Perhaps you can teach me about your earthly customs once I retire since…I will require a place to sleep, and Anthony refused me the luxury of his bed.”
“And mine be always open to a pretty stranger, love! I entertain anyone with a pretty face, a honeyed voice, and a story to sing me to sleep. We can have a slumber party and play pirate’s poker, a secret told, a lie given, a truth withheld,” she winked.
“How cheeky and enticing. It is rare for a noble, like myself, to be invited to such…lowly activities. In any case, according to my sources,” Piper added, her voice now musical and formal, “the event will occur just before dark, during twilight.”
“Well, that’s not ominous at all,” Fiona mumbled, her voice tinged with sarcasm despite the gravity churning in her stomach. “And I wouldn’t mind a slumber party at some point. All of us could tell stories and maybe talk about something positive for once…”
She trailed off, feeling the mist flowing in from the river as it seemed to coil around her, and a voice whispered into her mind. “Do I know your rise, Queen of Fae? Second to none. Willing and able… Call forth the chosen one. Queen by fear and fable… Who will call you mistress? Who will fall on bended knee? Who will lift the sword…and lay down their life for you…”
Just like that, the voice was gone.
Selvaria came into view, the world moving in slow motion before speeing up. The leviathan swiftly shook her head, waving her stiff hand over her throat, telling her to abort when it came to Cahira.
“Fi?” Anthony asked, concern still written on his face as Merlin’s illuminated, mystical eyes studied her. “Are you okay?”
“Uh? No, yeah. Just…weird things have been happening… I feel like something wants…me to stay here. Not go to Ireland. I don’t know… It’s weird. I’m not sure if it’s the tree or the nymph. But, no, Selv, we should spend some personal time with Cahira,” she said with a strained smile. “We need to learn to get along as teammates.”
“Yeah, ya fun-hatin’ bag of scales!”
“Maybe if it’s card games… I don’t want weird stuff.”
“I know me limits! I’m quite the social butterfly for being a salted lady of the sea, I’ll have ya know. Right, tiny?”
Fiona figured the pirate woman hid a lot of heartache and turmoil behind her provocative behavior, and what she knew about the Legend of Grace O’Malley, the woman was a fierce champion for Ireland. She even sailed when pregnant.
Merlin interrupted them. “We should return to the topic Ms. Piper here brought to our attention. I’ve recently been informed President Capell will be making a world address soon.”
If she couldn’t distract herself with fun, social activities, then whatever Piper brought wasn’t going to do much better. She couldn’t care less about some mysterious event when all she could think about was Nora trapped in that glass container, her voice distorted as she condemned her older sister—condemned her. The memory made her stomach twist.
“Merlin,” she suddenly blurted, cutting through the conversation, “what do you know about Aberrantkin? Specifically…slimes?”
The question hung in the air, drawing confused looks from everyone present. Merlin frowned as everyone soon turned their gaze onto him.
“Mmm… That’s quite the non sequitur. Did you encounter something of that nature near the tree? This isn’t coming from nowhere, Ms. White.”
“I’m just trying to understand more about different transformations,” Fiona hastily interjected. “I know—uh, mmm… I know plenty about Faekin and Legendkin, but Aberrantkin are more obscure…and I just wanted to know how they’re doing as a type of changed people?”
Merlin studied her face, his eyes somehow looking more ancient, seemingly drawing upon some kind of magic to pierce through her question. “This feels like redirection, Ms. White…but it is deeper than that, I sense. Considering we were just discussing a world-shattering event, potentially hours away, your sudden interest in Aberrantkin seems…rather pointed.”
Fiona’s wings fluttered nervously, scattering dust. “Okay, you’re right. There is something I’m not telling you—I’m not telling everyone—but I’d still like an answer,” she admitted, meeting his gaze with more fire than she intended.
The wizard paused as a tension drew like a blow between them. It only lasted a moment before easing with the man’s sigh. “Hmm. Very well. Aberrantkin are essentially outcasts—those who don’t fit neatly into other categories. Often, they’re individuals who viewed themselves as ‘other’ even before The Oscillation. Their transformations frequently manifest this otherness physically, representing inner turmoil or self-perception… Generally, it is not pretty.”
He spoke softly, almost clinically, every word like a dagger twisting into her organs while picturing her sister’s twisted features and liquid-like form.
“Many Aberrantkin were previously diagnosed with various psychological or behavioral disorders. The transformation externalizes their internal struggles, for better or worse. It is similar to Mythickin, as you are aware of. It can be a tad more…difficult for them to adjust than the other types of changed individuals, though.”
Each word felt like burning needles, launched at her chest. She thought of Nora’s self-loathing, her bitterness, her accusations, the desperation and plea for help within those heated moments, moments she replayed.
You did this to me… I did this to her…by being the perfect sister? No, not the perfect sister… The perfect idol in our small town. How long have you been bottling this up, Nora? I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.
The tears she’d been fighting began to fall, sugary and sweet-scented as they rolled down her cheeks. Her tiny form trembled. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”
“Fi? What’s wrong? Is this…because you went to the tree?” Anthony stepped closer, concern etched across his face. “It’s not that deep. Fi…”
Selvaria moved forward as well, her massive tail rising like a weapon and fanning away the mist that had slowly entered the room. “It could be the mist! You have to think out of the box in these scenarios. Quickly, shut the windows, Agent Big Butt!”
“A new nickname ya given’ me, eh? It isn’t the worst,” the redhead laughed, darting to comply.
Fiona shook her head, desperately trying to compose herself. “I-It’s not the mist. I mean, yeah it’s weird and it talked to me, and everything is so… I’m sorry! I can’t say. I can’t…”
Cahira’s phone suddenly buzzed and she took it out of the back pocket of her tight, black leather pants. “Oh! Sorry, crew, but I be gettin’ an emergency meetin’ with a certain pirate that sent an SOS. I best be goin’ but, Fi, be there somethin’ a lass can bring ya back?”
“W-What? Why isn’t anyone trying to stop you? Aren’t you a-all worried about her being kidnapped?” Fiona asked, the irony of her question not lost on her as she sniffed back her emotions. It helped focusing on someone else.
Anthony forced a chuckle as the redhead swept back her wild locks and jumped out the window with a laugh, yelling for them to catch her if they could.
“No, you’re fine, Cahira. Call every hour. And honestly, Fi? I’m not really worried about her,” he sighed, going to the balcony to glance toward downstairs with the rest of them. The provocative woman was trying to convince one of the knights to join her, pulling on his arm and making the other knights stunned as what to do.
“Let him go, Cahira! I thought you were leaving.”
“Oh, such a spoil sport. Boo! Let a lady have her fun!”
Yet, with a laugh and slap on the butt to the young man she’d been teasing, she skipped off with a pirate’s song on her lips.
“Uh-huh. She’s not the type that does well cooped up in a house. As you can see, she was causing more trouble with the knights than she would be if she were kidnapped—flirting with half of them, antagonizing the rest.”
Selvaria rolled her eyes. “Yeah, it’s better she’s able to roam free to let off steam… Maybe Piper could go with her.”
“I get the feeling you don’t enjoy my company?” the vampire mused, eyes half-lidded while appraising her. “Have I not been on my best behavior? I haven’t had a drop of blood since I left Romania… Would you support my thirst Anthony, or should I get another volunteer?”
Fiona puffed out the stress in her chest. At least there were plenty of distractions around.
Selvaria answered first as Anthony breathed in through his teeth, preparing himself for the answer he knew he probably had to give. “This is why she should have gone with my drunk friend… There’d be less property damage that way.” Her monotone voice somehow conveyed both fondness and exasperation, but her gaze remained fixed on Fiona, concern evident despite her impassive expression.
Before anyone could press Fiona or the thirsty vampire could slide closer to the red-headed man, Anthony’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing before answering it as if it were a lifeline to the winged woman’s advances. As soon as he heard the voice on the other end, his expression shifted to alarm.
“Alexa, what are—who is this? Aella? What happened to Alexa?” He quickly put the call on speaker. “Say that again?”
Selvaria’s spines flared, aquamarine eyes igniting as she stepped forward, the scent of o-zone in the air with the electricity sparking along her spikes. “If you hurt Alexa, I swear I’ll freeze you in a block of ice for all eternity…and throw you to pluto!”
“N-No!” a skittish female voice replied. “I’m in Omen—I think. I was sort of recruited by Rachel into Omen after she, uh, basically beat my brains out. I’m still not sure if I’m really part of Omen or not—I’m freaking out here. Okay? A-Alexa won’t wake up! Maria’s also passed out after all the healing she tried to do, and nobody can give me answers!”
Anthony glanced at Merlin, who shook his head and gave a shrug, saying he had no clue what was happening. He probably wanted to stick on the ‘world-altering event’ that was about to happen, but true to their name, chaos and disorder abounded.
“Rachel wouldn’t just bring anyone into Omen. What are you—what Legend or Myth?”
Selvaria nodded approvingly at the question. “Yeah, I’m the Kaiju mascot of Omen, so if you’re causing trouble, expect to get a tail slap.”
“I…don’t even know what I’m supposed to say to that? Uh… I’m the Myth of the Harpy. Look, I don’t know what to say.” The harpy’s words tumbled out in a nervous rush. “Grace is nowhere to be found—off at some bar, I think—and I don’t even know if she’s actually a part of Omen or not. Alexa said you were second-in-command, Anthony, and I just… I don’t know what to do!”
“Slow down.” Anthony took on a more stern tone. “What’s happening? You’re in Billings Montana right now? Where’s Rachel?”
“Yes, Billings. My dad sent me here because…I was causing too much trouble. He’s a senator—anyway, Rachel’s passed out too! Just collapsed in a chair. When I woke up, she was already unconscious. Scarlet’s off talking to big shot military people or something and told me I couldn’t leave and to watch them.”
“How’s Nam doing?” Fiona asked, momentarily distracted from her own crisis. “Is he okay? We heard he was in an explosion.”
“Maria said he’s doing better before she passed out,” Aella hesitantly replied. “He’ll probably recover, even though he looks like he just came out of a crematorium—all blackened and charred. But Alexa…her halo and wings just started glowing, and she won’t wake up when I shake her! Is this normal? I don’t know anything about you guys other than…you’re insane badasses. Okay? That’s all I know! But I’m totally in the dark.”
The harpy continued rambling. “Captain Barbara’s in some secret meeting with Scarlet, I can’t reach General Dallas, and I’m too scared to call my father—he’s a senator, you know. Did I already say that? Something big is happening! The President is supposed to make a worldwide address in the next hour! Do I try to get a soldier to call Scarlet back?”
“The President?” Fiona echoed, surprised despite herself and looking up at Merlin, who had a look on his face that said ‘I’d tried to tell you all something big was about to happen.’ This was one of those rare occasions where world-changing events were actually happening outside her immediate personal crisis. Of course, if Rachel was involved, and she probably was if she was passed out and beyond reaching, then it would be huge.
Rachel, what did you do this time?
As the conversation continued, Fiona gradually edged away from the group, relieved that attention had shifted from her emotional state to this new crisis. Piper moved closer to Anthony, her voice low.
“…Whatever it is, it has all the higher deities scrambling.”
Merlin glanced sharply at Piper. “Now that is news. You’re sure all of the higher deities are scrambling? Where did you get your information from about the higher realms.?”
“I have my sources,” she evenly replied, “and yes, all of them.”
“Hmm. I need to meditate and ponder these developments.” His eyes lingered on Fiona for a moment longer than comfortable. “There are many threads converging at once… And I don’t believe in coincidences.”
As he turned to leave, Fiona felt a chill. He knew something. She had no logical reason to think so, but…he was Merlin. He probably did. The man put off this lower-tier wizard vibe, but she had this gut feeling that there was magic more deep and potent than any of them realized just beneath the surface of his facade.
“Ms. White,” he called just as he reached the door, snapping her out of her internal image of him. “Would you join me for a moment?”
Fiona’s heart sank. She glanced at Selvaria, who shrugged her shoulders. She reluctantly followed the wizard into the adjacent room. Once the door closed behind them, Merlin turned to face her, his ghostly form seeming more substantial than usual as he magiced his staff to his hand.
“What did the Scarlet Hand tell you?”
The question hit her like a physical blow. Fiona hugged herself, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. “Wow… So, you did know? How…did you know?”
“There’s a distinctive feel to powerful magic and certain…kinds of magic,” he replied educationally. “You have been learning that recently, I gather. You are a being of magic, which is different from those like me, who must learn the intricacies of the art to wield that you take for granted. Also, I sense you have not fully awakened your core essence…which may be about to change. The same is true for your unicorn friend.”
“That’s…big. I think? So you know?”
“I know you’ve been astrally projected recently—an ability you’ve never demonstrated nor shown any knowledge of. In addition, you failed to mention anything of the like in your initial report, which means you’re hiding it. The logical conclusion is that someone else invoked it upon you. The list of individuals capable of such magic who would specifically target you is extremely limited, meaning—”
“Okay. I get it…” Fiona’s shoulders slumped, her typically musical voice becoming hoarse. “It’s my sister,” she whispered. “They have my sister, Nora. They…saved her from Balor. That’s kind of hard to swallow, but she told me it herself… Unless she was brainwashed… I don’t think she was.”
The words poured out now, unstoppable as she looked up at him, desperation in her eyes while flying closer. “She’s an Aberrantkin—a slime. And she…she blames me for it.” Her voice cracked. “The Scarlet Hand says they can help her. Adele says their plans won’t hurt anyone if I work with them. I don’t trust the other one—uh…I don’t know if I can say his name—but Adele feels genuine.”
Merlin rubbed his chin, his young face betraying ancient wisdom as his eyes shimmered with that strange light—some kind of temporal magic that Fiona couldn’t identify.
After a moment, a faint smile cracked his lips. “This could actually work in our favor.”
“What?” Fiona blinked in confusion. “How could my sister—”
“Listen, Fiona… I understand the moral dilemma you’re facing,” he interjected, firm yet comforting. “But I believe they’re correct—the Scarlet Hand does possess both the means and expertise to help your sister. If Adele claims their plan is more refined with your cooperation…well, that aligns with what I know of her. She isn’t one who relishes in mass destruction but purpose. She is a woman of order and execution.”
“There are other splinter factions,” Fiona added, trying to be more helpful. “They’re likely trying to kidnap me too and Adele doesn’t want that to happen.”
Merlin nodded. “Precisely why this is fortuitous. The splinter groups lack the restraint of the main branch. Adele knows this. There is a bigger game being played. The splinter groups are far more dangerous with the knowledge they possess after Rachel caused that…hiccup within the organization.
“If you can gather information about them while learning more about the main branch’s goals…it would be invaluable. You being kidnapped…would be beneficial for us. Anthony will protest but not if you insist…”
He studied her with those ancient eyes, filled with something maybe even close to insanity underneath that wisdom. “This could get us closer to the source… How would you like to be a double agent, Ms. White? This way, you needn’t make a morally ambiguous choice. You can help your sister while helping us.”
Fiona’s wings fluttered uncertainly. “You mean…work with the Scarlet Hand but report back to you? Scarlet may…have a problem with that.”
“Exactly. And she most certainly would…if she knew.”
“You…don’t want to tell Rachel? I don’t know how to feel about that,” Fiona mumbled, trying to read between the lines as she floated back a little. “We went from me being bait to me being a spy… But I suppose I could do that. I just don’t know about the other things.”
“Mmm. We can discuss that,” he said with a small laugh. “But the path is clear.”
The possibility hadn’t occurred to her but the swift turnaround was like whiplash to her. Suddenly, Merlin was totally onboard. She could save Nora without betraying her friends…maybe.
“I do have to ask,” the famous wizard continued, his tone softer, “what about Ireland? Your sister may need you now, but your parents are still there, presumably. I can understand why you were feeling so torn.”
Fiona paused, considering the question. For a moment, she saw her parents’ faces, worried and waiting. Then she thought of Nora, trapped in that glass container, formless and lost.
“…Mom and Dad would want me to take care of Nora,” she resolved. “I need to take care of my little sister… I’m all she has.”
Merlin nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. “A quest, then, young fairy queen. We should inform the others, in fact. Though perhaps we should leave Cahira out of this particular confidence. Her legend may be built on loyalty to those she considers family, but I’m not convinced Omen qualifies yet.” He paused. “And there’s something about that Irish pirate that troubles me… There is a fog of mystery surrounding her that must be dispelled.”
As they prepared to return to the others, Fiona felt a strange mixture of relief and apprehension wash over her. Nora, I’m coming for you… I won’t abandon you. I’ll never abandon you.
* — * — *
President Leo Capell leaned forward in his chair, fingers steepled as he processed the information displayed on the monitors lining the walls of the Oval Office. The room buzzed with tense energy as his cabinet discussed the cascading global crises following The Oscillation.
“China’s fracturing is accelerating,” Secretary of State Victoria Dawson noted, gesturing to the eastern map projection. “But Empress Wu has maintained control over the Hong Kong province and appears open to discussions. Our diplomatic channels remain intact there, at least. She’s been asking for reports on Rachel… How much does she know?”
“Likely more than we can assume,” Leo muttered, stroking his white beard thoughtfully. “China has a deep history and mythology, with many deities. Rachel is a celebrity amongst certain factions of deities. I’ll need to get Rachel’s permission, but she may be helpful in negotiations, considering the leverage she can bring. And Russia?”
Secretary of Defense Marcus Reynolds grimaced. “The civil war remains largely hidden from international view, but our intelligence confirms at least four major factions fighting for control. The Ukraine invasion appears to be primarily a smokescreen for something much larger brewing internally and may not actually be perpetrated by the Russian government but someone wanting to further destabilize it. The EU is responding surprisingly quickly to the threat and our first shipment of supplies will be arriving tonight.”
“We need more assets on the ground,” National Security Advisor Elijah Cortez added. “Agent Lincoln is being deployed next week to assess the true situation but he’s still following the leads with Helsing in Europe as we speak.”
Leo nodded gravely. “A vampire army is being raised…to fight one another. It’s a civil war between those who remain after Elizabeth’s Legend Quest. It’s utter chaos. And Ireland?”
“The Scarlet Hand appears to be consolidating resources there according to Arthur,” Reynolds replied. “UK intelligence is compromised to a certain extent, as your meeting with him confirmed. We’re working on independent verification channels but Merlin’s reports have been…shockingly accurate. It’s almost as if he knows some of the splinter group’s movements before they make it.”
The President’s weathered face remained impassive, but his mind raced through contingencies. At fifty-eight, Leo Capell had faced numerous crises throughout his political career—from economic collapses to natural disasters—but nothing that had fundamentally altered the fabric of reality itself… Something that had so personally affected his family.
A sudden commotion from the adjacent family room interrupted the briefing—a low, rumbling growl followed by his wife’s hushed, urgent voice.
His cabinet members exchanged concerned glances.
“Continue the assessment,” Leo instructed, rising from his chair. His tall frame straightened as he adjusted his perfectly fitted suit. “I’ll be back momentarily.”
The former Kansas farmer, now leader of the free world, moved with purposeful strides toward the adjacent room door. His calm exterior masked the churning anxiety he felt whenever his daughter became agitated. Since The Oscillation, these episodes had become more frequent—it wasn’t random but triggered.
Opening the door, he found his wife Samantha kneeling beside their daughter in the corner of the room. The girl’s transformation remained as shocking as the first day it had manifested—golden fur covered most of her body, her face restructured into a leonine muzzle with whiskers and a small black nose. Her hands had grown into powerful paws with retractable claws, and a tufted tail swished agitatedly behind her.
“What happened?” Leo asked, his deep voice softening as he closed the door behind him.
Sam looked up, concern etched across her face. “She doesn’t want to be hidden anymore, Leo. She’s scared and…” she couldn’t finish what he already knew.
She feels like she let me down… How can I address this properly? It needs to be addressed…and it must be now, before She tries to take control again.
The President approached slowly, kneeling beside his adopted daughter. “Lily?”
Lily Capell’s amber eyes—so much like a lioness’ now—brimmed with tears. “I’m tired of being locked away. I saw on my social media page—everyone thinks I’m some kind of secret monster now or something to be ashamed of…or dead.”
“That’s not—” Leo began, but stopped himself. From her perspective, that’s exactly what it looked like. “Has She been talking to you and telling you that? Is it Sekhmet again? Have you heard her voice?”
Lily nodded, ears flattening against her head. “She spoke to me last night. She says…she says I’m special. That I’ve done nothing wrong. That I shouldn’t be kept hidden like…a criminal.” Her voice broke. “Why did I turn out like this, Dad? How long will I have to hide?”
Samantha brushed a hand through her daughter’s mane-like hair. “Has the press been asking about her again?”
“Constantly,” Leo admitted. “The official story about her being kept in a secure location for her protection is wearing thin. But that’s about to change.” He took Lily’s paw-like hands into his own. “There isn’t a map to help us through this, my little lioness. I’ve been planning to introduce you today.”
His wife gave him a stern look.
“What if Sekhmet contacts her again during the address—been waiting for this to have a stage?” Sam asked, worry sharpening her tone. “What if she tries to make another offer?”
Leo shook his head firmly. “I have no intention of accepting any ‘blessing’ or ‘gift’ from a goddess of plagues and war out of Egypt, no matter how it’s presented. I’ve had a fairly detailed understanding of where the higher beings sit in relation to the power structure from our friendly hare.”
“B-But she says she can make me look human again,” Lily whispered against his chest as he pulled her into an embrace. “Or at least more human. What if I want that, Dad? A little like a lion, like ears and a tail…is fine, but this… Not this.”
“There are other options, darling,” Leo assured her, stroking her mane gently. “It might not be as immediate as taking Sekhmet’s deal, but it’s safer…much safer. These gods and goddesses—they’re playing their own games, Lily. They’re looking for influence, and I can grant them a lot of influence. She’s trying to reach me through you…and I know it isn’t fair that you need to understand that…but you must.” He pulled back to look her in the eyes. “You’re stronger than she thinks… Stronger than even you think sometimes.”
Lily considered this, her tail calming its agitated swishing. “I…can be brave and fight her like Rachel fought Dionysus and the Legend of Antaeus? I heard the story through the doors,” she said, ears flicking with sudden excitement. “When can I meet the lunar hare—Rachel? I heard your meetings. I know she talks with the gods too. She must have answers.”
She caught her wife’s disapproving glare. There was a lot of violence and adult things discussed in their meetings that a twelve-year-old girl shouldn’t be listening in on.
“…When the time is right,” Leo promised. “Rachel is a very busy hare, as you know from the reports I get…”
“Yeah, she’s in Montana right now—that Crystal with the, umm, the Spirit of Conquest?”
Leo’s chest tightened, vision narrowing. “You…didn’t hear that from my meetings, Lily.”
She glanced away, eyes downcast. “Uh, no… Sekhmet told me that the golden-haired elf would conquer Earth… She brings with her chains beyond the 7th Wall. Everyone should fear what is to come…b-but I have faith in Rachel!”
He smiled but his heart was conflicted. Rachel wasn’t exactly the role model he wanted for his impressionable and vulnerable daughter. Not that she wasn’t extraordinary, but that she lived far too colorful of a life for what he wanted for his daughter, who had already been through enough hell from the media and peers—being the adopted daughter of the president was in some ways harder than being the president.
“I do, as well… But right now, there’s something big happening that I need to address. And I want you there with me.” He gently squeezed her hands. “I’m not ashamed of you, Lily. I never have been—you are my daughter, no matter what the media tries to claim or what those girls say to you. You can become a symbol of hope—showing that even the President’s daughter has changed, and that’s okay. Especially with what’s coming… Did She tell you what was coming?”
“What is coming?” Samantha asked, her voice tense as she glanced between them. “You’re scaring me, Leo.”
Lily’s eyes widened, a shiver running through her frame. “A Second Oscillation, Mom. Sekhmet told me it’s going to happen tonight… Athena set it off. Egypt is mad at something Rachel did… She released something—something bad, but that doesn’t sound like Rachel. She’s a hero!”
Leo’s expression sobered. “Is that right? Well…at least she’s correct about The Oscillation. It is happening tonight. As for what Rachel did… Well, some people could consider it very bad. She made it where things aren’t so orderly anymore, sweetie… After tonight, there are no guardrails, but we will persevere, because we’re strong.”
A knock at the door interrupted them. “Mr. President?” His chief of staff, Jonathan Hayes, called. “Everything’s ready. The press is waiting to be brought into the Oval Office for your address.”
Leo took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the coming announcement. “I won’t do this unless you’re willing, Lily. This is your choice.”
Lily straightened her shoulders, a gesture so reminiscent of her father that Samantha couldn’t help but smile despite her concern.
“I can’t hide forever,” the young lioness said firmly, showing a fire that he’d tried to inspire within her since he first held her as a baby. “I’m a Capell. I’m the President’s daughter. I need to be strong for everyone.” A hint of her old, mischievous smile showed through her transformed features. “Like a lion. Just like my dad, Leo.”
The President smiled, recalling all the times they’d played lion games when she was younger—how she’d roar and prowl around the house, and he’d chase her, growling dramatically. He’d never imagined that all those playful associations with lions would manifest so literally during The Oscillation. But they could turn this into something beautiful. Something she would feel comfortable with. He would spare no resource to help her develop into who she truly wanted to be.
But perhaps this was exactly what the country needed—a reminder that transformation could happen to anyone, even in the First Family. Perhaps Lily’s condition would help bridge the growing divide between the changed and unchanged better than any policy ever could. If that meant finding a balance between her lion and human side, then there should be solutions.
“Let’s do this,” Leo said, taking his daughter’s hand carefully. He could feel her nervousness in her grip, her claws retracted to avoid hurting him. “Are you ready?”
“Umm… Not really. But…we take one step at a time, because we’re the hunters. We’re in control… We work as a pack. Right, Mom?”
Sam took her other hand, squeezing it supportingly. “Always a pack.”
Together, they walked toward the Oval Office, where the cameras and the world waited to hear about the Second Oscillation—and to meet the President’s transformed daughter for the very first time.
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