Daily Life of Monster Girls in Alabama

by GoatManofAnime

It's time for a MonMusu fanfiction that takes place in sweet home Alabama, nuff said.

81. Adjustment Period

Chapter 75: Adjustment Period

It was yet another pleasant Saturday morning in the city of Huntsville. The sun rays shined down on an apartment complex near downtown.

An alarm clock sounds playing the Fairy Tail opening 'Strike Back' spurring the figure lying under the dark blue comforter awake. The young woman throws turns over, revealing to be Cheryl wearing her usual blue underwear and Meta Knight t-shirt, then feels around her nightstand to silence the obnoxious device but end up knocking it to the floor much to her frustration.

"Gah stupid piece of…", Cheryl spat in annoyance, throwing the comforter off, then reaching down to pick up the phone and shutting off the alarm that read '8:30a.m'. She sharply exhales, getting out of bed now that she's up.

Her neck-length brown hair was a total mess and she was still a little sleepy but chose to power through. She strips down to her underwear, revealing her lean figure, perky C-cups, a small but cute rear. She takes a moment to check herself in the mirror, happy to see she was building a little muscle and getting the plump ass she wanted.

That gym membership was starting to pay off.

As she prepares to take a shower and head out to her 'job', she goes and grabs one of her shirts off the nearby chair, she sees small multiple holes in it.

"Oh yeah, this one got Swiss-cheesed by Zwei last night, gotta remember to bring it to Camilla for fixing." Cheryl said to herself, tossing the shirt on her bed she then looked for another one before settling on an orange short sleeve blouse, blue jeans, and her only clean pair of black panties.

She really needed to go to the laundromat.

It's been five days since she's been taking care of Mr. Bizzell's homestays and in the time…it's been a learning experience and challenge for her and the girls.

Hell, her first night as a host was right on the full moon schedule. She'd read stories before on various social media posts recounting hosts experiences over the years with liminals that DIDN'T take the sleeping pills before full moon effects kicked in; some of them hilarious, some disturbing, some very horny, some terrifying, and some straight out of a Lewis Carroll fever dream.

There we stories were relationships and even entire marriages had been ruined due to one of the host pair cheating with the liminal student. Typically, these host men and women were arrested since 'giving into' a liminals instinct during a period they cannot reasonably consent is considered rape in accordance with ICEP. Although, since then there have been an increasing number of hosts 'running away' with liminal houseguests after a full moon, some even leaving their current spouses or fiances.

Luckily for Cheryl, Ein was there to make sure she wasn't too overwhelmed and even helped her with preparing the girls to weather the full moon storm that night. However, just to be safe, she wanted to stay the night to make sure they were all ok, an act Mirabelle and the others appreciated.

The rest of her first week as host went by relatively smoothly with her attempting to learn more about them.

Mirabelle and Ein were probably the easiest to get a read on.

The purple centauress was the quieter of the two but enjoyed anime like she did, especially magical girls. In fact, she seemed more obsessed with Sailor Moon than SHE was with Fairy Tail. Naturally, they had plenty to talk about and she quickly learned about her impressive green thumb evident by the beautiful little garden in the back of the house that she was more proud of.

She was basically the introverted and nerdy but esoteric British girl that could somehow use the plot of Sailor Moon Super S to explain why this country's tax system doesn't work.

Ein was the second easiest but noticeably the most responsible out of the group. She took it upon herself to explain all Caleb and their house's features to use in case of emergency, dietary needs, Lyca's morning jogging route, and even kept a detailed journal of their daily routines based on what she's observed; a fact she was proud of but her sister and Camilla were annoyed by. Although, after a couple of Zwei's 'pranks', Cheryl quickly learned of Ein's reservations and discomfort when it came to her body or 'sexy stuff' in general.

She was basically the group's slightly prude, overly-responsible big sister.

Lyca and Zwei were a bit more challenging mainly because of how much energy the two have.

Lyca was like an energetic and friendly puppy who was constantly on the move but was quite self-sufficient, a fast-learner, and an early riser. She was the definition of 'grind' as every morning she'd be up doing full strength training with the equipment in her room and a cardio session, which involved running nearly FIVE MILES from the house and back. Every morning! If that didn't surprise enough it was the amount of food Lyca required to regain her energy after her 'workout'.

Apparently, Caleb had done plenty of research on her species and had a crazy amount of patience and thriftiness. He created a 'special' meal plan to supply her body the nutrients she needed while also staying within budget…with a little help from whatever discounts he could find. It was a spectacle watching the werewolf put away an entire pot of beef stew and rice AND two chicken breasts only for her distended full stomach to recede back to sexy rock-hard abs in less than a minute. What is this girl's metabolism?! Anyway, despite that, Lyca genuinely seems to like her, even saying she wouldn't mind her becoming a 'packmate' permanently and 'have fun' with Chief too. Cheryl couldn't help smiling but didn't understand why the others looked at them weird after she said that.

Overall, Lyca was the VERY fit, sweetheart wolf with the soul and personality of a golden retriever.

Zwei…was a bit of a handful to say the least. Similar to Lyca, who she appeared to be close friends with, she was quite energetic with a more bombastic, saucy personality and a tongue as sharp as her arm scythes; which apparently, like her sister's, functioned similarly to Wolverine's bone claws if he was also an airbender. She was really into video games and appeared to have a knack for fighting and RPGs which allowed her to bond with her a little. She was quite grateful for Chery's Elden Ring guidance during the Radahn boss fight and how to effectively 'respec' her bandit character's stats. Despite that, she learned Zwei enjoyed teasing and playing pranks on her sister and the girls. Her favorite was slicing holes in everyone she was fond of clothes, usually in areas that exposed some naughty bits much to their annoyance. So Cheryl became yet another 'victim' of her weird form of affection.

In short, she was basically the gamer girl middle child menace of the group.

Last but not least, the most difficult to get a read on was Camilla. The female elder devil mainly kept to herself much of the week, not really socializing with Cheryl as much as the others. The only times she had significant interaction with her was when she and Ein were cooking for everyone. Cheryl tried to help but…her cooking skills were, to put in lightly, practically non-existent. She nearly burned the rice and beans one day leading to Camilla to verbally berate her…in full Spanish anger no less. Never imagined being called a imbécil(moron) nine times by a pissed off devil.

Then there was yesterday when she went to check on the Camilla and found her levitating off the ground in a meditative blue aura surrounding her body. She let her inner magic fanatic show at the worst time interrupting the elder devil's spell formulation, much to her displeasure, prompting Camilla to shoo her out then putting up a red barrier so she couldn't get in. Despite her apparent coldness, she was quite caring towards the others. What's more, she never outright said she didn't like Cheryl's company and, from what she's heard from the others, Camilla was QUITE upfront about disliking someone. Camilla seemed to appreciate Cheryl happily gushing over and praising her home cooking, respecting her boundaries, even actively trying to help out around the house with little chores.

Overall, Cheryl would place her as the aloof, slightly temperamental but loving aunt of the group.

Twenty-five minutes later Cheryl was out of the shower drying her hair before starting to put on her clothes. She looks at her phone, then sees a notification from ICEP showing her first week's deposit went through.

"Yes. Paycheck of the week baby! I love being a host!", She happily celebrated while slipping into her underwear and bra then putting on her outfit for the day. She examines herself in the mirror doing her best sexy hair flip, "Lookin good!"

She was eager for things to go well today as it was her and the girl's first 'real' outing together. All week they've mostly been at the house, only occasionally going out to the nearby places like the park for fresh air but now wanted to really DO something together with them. Besides, she noticed the despondent behavior Mirabelle, Lyca, and Camilla exhibited when they thought she wasn't paying attention. Avoiding sitting in his usual spot, staring longingly at his bedroom door, she could tell they missed Caleb a lot, even though it's only been five days so far.

Cheryl was determined to help take their minds off things for a while and hopefully enjoy themselves.

As Cheryl exits her apartment on the second floor of the patio-staircase combo prepared to lock the door, she notices an folded up stabled copy paper that had been placed on her door fall to her feet. She picks it up, opens it, seeing it was a letter from an official declaration from her landlord to all residents saying their rent was being raised…again.

"The fuck?!", Cheryl expressed in disbelief.

"Good morning, Ms. Banks. I see you got my letter."

Cheryl grumbles at that familiar facetious tone of voice, one she loathed since she moved here, as she turned to see her landlord standing a doorway down at the end of the balcony. He was a tall, skinny, caucasian man with brown hair wearing glasses he did not need and casually leaning against the railing with a smug grin.

"Yeah and I was just my way to slap you. What is this, Mac?", Cheryl demands, showing him the letter.

"I believe that would be called paper. Invented by the Chinese I think.", he said

"You know that not what I mean! Why are you suddenly raising my rent!" Cheryl asked getting annoyed.

"Um, it's not just you, you know, don't be such a primadonna. I'm just following the housing department's new policies since they started getting more liminal tenants. Who, by the way, unlike you tend to pay their rent on time.", He haughtily spoke, "It's just another 60 dollars added on, surely an independent woman like yourself can manage that."

"On top of 60 from 3 months ago!?"

"Times are changing. If you can't adapt or afford the adult world, you can always go back home but given what I read on you that is not entirely an option is it? Ahh it must've been hard being an orphan. Unwanted, unloved by this cold cruel world.", He spoke in a dramatic tone and pouty lips at her, earning more of her ire. He always seemed to enjoy throwing that fact in her face he got from her background check. She tried to complain before about how invasive he was during the process but was ignored since it was his word against hers.

As much as she wanted to throw this miserable sack of garbage off her balcony, she just smiled at him, to his confusion.

"You know what? Fine, whatever. You're not gonna get to me today. If you'll excuse me, I don't wanna be late for work.", Chery chuckles, putting on a smile before turning away from him.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot your thriving career as a waitress. They must tip you VERY well if you can afford to live here. Either way make no difference, so long you pay me what's owed. I'd hate to see you on the streets doing God knows what to get by.", He arrogantly remarks.

"Ohoho, don't worry about that, you'll get your damn money. Plus a little extra to get some Panoxyl for those pimples under your neck!", Cheryl retorts gestures at her own neck.

"GASP shit, is my eczema acting up again?!", Mac panicked, examining his neck in the reflective glass windows.

"No that's the two whopper juniors I saw you wolfing down in the parking lot, you fat fuck!", Cheryl remarks, descending the stairs.

"I AM NOT FAT, BITCH!", he shouted at her.

"YOU'RE GETTIN' THERE!", Cheryl shouted back, flipping him off as she went to her car.

Mac clenches his teeth and fists, silently screaming and throwing his fists in a fit then feels his neck realizing, to his shock and horror, he DOES feel bumps under his neck. He rushes to his office to treat this imperfection lest that 'orphan rat' mock him again.

Cheryl could now be seen driving down the street headed to the Bizzell household right as a black sedan with two familiar figures passed her by.

…

Fantina yawns, her head resting in her furry hand looking out of the window a bit tired, "Can you explain to me why I was dragged out of bed on a saturday to go to the office JUST for you to pick me up?"

"Well, agent Sterling believed it would be good for us both if we got more acquainted with each other. There may be more extreme circumstances where he'll rely on me to act as your escort." Clawthorne explained, delighted by the idea of her superior trusting her to such a degree.

"Seriously? You can craft a spell that cancels all non-Elven magic but you can't pick up sarcasm? Sterling already told me I was going with you today while he attends his meeting.", Fantina replies with an eye roll.

Clawthorne glanced at her in slight surprise then pouted a little, "O-Oh, is that right? Then our first stop isn't a surprise. As his student, you're going to need proper clothes to wear. Um, not that there's anything wrong with your current…attire."

"Save it I was told to get more 'proper clothes' back when I first became an agent. Jeez, humans are such prudes when it comes to petite girls' bodies but when a bimbo with big knockers like yours does it ohoho SUDDENLY it's not such a big deal!", Fantina vented in clear distaste.

"I…am pretty sure that's not all how that works. Besides, I'm referring to how your attire when you first joined was a bit…risque from what I heard. Skull bikini with gems and a cape may be appropriate in your culture but humans have certain standards that don't always mesh with ours. You think I wouldn't rather wear the ancestral ranger clothes of my people instead of this…business suit?"

Fantina goes silent for a moment, understanding what she meant. It was hard having to hide her species' traditions underneath a government uniform just to be more easily accepted in the country.

"I suppose not. So, any suggestions on where to get some 'appropriate' clothes for someone of my stature?", Fantina facetiously inquired.

"As a matter of fact, I do.", Clawthorne responded with a cheeky grin, "Trust me, I have a feeling they'll have everything you need."

"I'll hold you to that but if you take me to somewhere full of children's clothes I'm kicking your ass. A few agents pulled that crap on me my first couple of week as an agent.", Fantina warned.

"Well that's awfully cruel. Luckily, you're with someone who sees you for the petite woman you are.", Clawthorne replied with an assuring grin

Fantina looks to her inquisitively then responds with folded arms, "Yeah and don't you forget it."

Clawthorne smirks at the baphomet's pouty behavior, finding it amusing as they continue to their destination.

….

Cheryl eventually arrived at the Bizzell residence, pulling right into the driveway where she noticed another vehicle parked.

"Hm? A visitor? Wonder who it could be?"

She exits her vehicle and then knocks at the door. It was quickly answered by Ein.

"Oh! Good morning Ms. Banks! Please, come in!", the tall weasel woman cheerily spoke.

"Morning, Ein. Hey who's–"

"Well hey there!", came a friendly masculine voice as Cheryl sees an elderly African American man seated on the couch with Mirabelle, Lyca and Zwei. He looked at her with a smile, "You must be that temporary host the girls told me about, I'm Andrew Bizzell Jr. Caleb's uncle."

"Oh! You're his uncle? Nice to meet you, I'm Cheryl Banks!", Cheryl happily greeted, shaking the man's hand, "So to what do I owe the honor of meeting you."

"He was simply stopping by for a visit." Ein said, walking up behind her.

"I just wanted to make sure the temporary host was treating my nephews girls right."

"And also join us for a bit of breakfast Camilla had already prepared.", Mirabelle knowingly spoke as Junior gave her a playful, similar to how he'd do with his own daughter.

"We saved you a chicken omelette! Uhh MOST of a chicken omelet hehe!", Lyca stated, slightly embarrassed, pointing to an omelet sitting on the counter with a corner eaten off.

"Ehh thanks Lyca but I'll pass. I already ate a few protein bars on the way over."

"Sorry, I should've known better than to leave it unattended for nine seconds.", Ein apologizes.

"It's fine. Where IS Camilla by the way?"

"She's in the shower getting ready. She's actually been in there a bit longer than usual.", Mirabelles answered.

"Hey, you look familiar though. You related to Patricia Beanblossom over on Buttermilk Road?", Junior inquires, getting a better look at her.

"Uhh, no sir. I don't have any relatives around here(I think…)"

"Oh, ok. So, are you enjoying being a host so far?", He asks.

"For the most part, yes. In fact, I'm actually taking them out on our first little group field trip to the movie theater."

"Oh what movie? Is it one of those new movies ICEP has been promoting? Vanessa tell me they've been making all kinds of remakes with liminal actors lately."

"Who's Vanessa?", Cheryl raises an eyebrow.

"Dear's cousin and his daughter. I really haven't seen her in quite some time come to think of it.", Mirabelle points out with a thoughtful expression.

"She's been busy since she went back to school after moving to Knoxville. She's doing good though."

"Oh smashing.", Mirabelle expressed, sounding pleased.

"That's good to hear. Anyway, after very careful consideration of EVERYONE'S preferences, we all settled on this new one everyone's talking about lately", Cheryl responded, showing the old man her phone with movie poster featuring black background with various blue face silhouettes and what appeared to be a male Dullahan and female human posing romantically as his scythe pulls her close by the waist. The title read 'Wonder of You' in shadowed blue letters with a tagline that read 'A Death God seeking life's purpose, a woman with little time left, a romance made written in stars.'

"It's a romantic comedy and action movie that also tackles some heavy themes of death, purpose and enjoying the little things life has to offer. All the while the main character fight against his death gods to protect one human woman. Apparently, this Alistar Bane is a really talented actor and the first undead liminal with a main character role!", Cheryl emphatically explained.

"We've tried not to spoil ourselves by looking up reviews online so we're going in blind. I hope the fight scenes are as cool as the trailer made it look!", Lyca excitedly stated.

"I really hope they get romance right and we can see an actual connection between the two and cheer them on as we see their love bloom." Mirabelle said really hoping romance will be good

"Also at worst it should at least be cheesy fun." Zwei said .

"What time are y'all leaving?", Junior asks.

"The show time is 12:30 p.m. today and it's a three hour long movie. We have nearly two hours until then and the trolley arrives at 11:00 a.m. for this route, which is about 15 minutes from now", Ein explained, checking her phone with the time schedules in her calendar.

"In that case, I think I'll go then y'all can get ready.", Junior says, trying to raise up from the couch with shaky knees as Mirabelle politely helps him, "Thank you baby girl. It was nice to meet Ms. Banks. Y'all have fun and be safe now. Tell Camilla the food was real good."

"We will! See you later Uncle Junior!", Lyca happily waves as the old man waves back before walking out the door closing it.

'Huh, it must be nice having family close by.', Cheryl thought a bit sadly with a small grin but also thinking how lucky Caleb was..

Right at that moment, Camilla walks out of the hallway breathing a sigh of relief with a faint blush in her cheeks.

"Ah, there you are Ms. Santana. You sure took a while in the bathroom. Are you ok?", Ein asked, noticing the sweat on her forehead, afraid she may have a fever.

Lyca's nose twitches, picking up the elder devil's strong, hormone-filled sweat. A scent she was quite familiar with. It wasn't just her, Zwei could pick it up too and smirks at Camilla knowingly.

Down the hall, the door to Caleb's office has been cracked open and inside, on the futon, still lingering with his scent, one of the cushions had a notable wet stain.

"J-Jes, I am fine.", Camilla assured, wiping her forehead before noticing Junior was gone and sees Cheryl then says in a neutral tone, "Ah, so ju have finally arrived.", She says changing the subject.

"Yep! You excited for your first ever public theater experience?", Cheryl asks, trying to hype herself up.

"Oh jes, I can barely contain myself.", Camilla sarcastically feigns excitement, "I do not understand the appeal. From what ju described, we are basically watching a movie like we do on the televisión except much bigger and surrounded by humans.", She spoke with slight disdain near the end.

"Hey come on, it's more than that it's about the experience and having some fun. Theaters have their own little charm about them…if you can ignore a few obviously issues."

"Ha, imagine selling a car the same way you sell a movie! Oh it's got it's charm if you ignore the dents on side and missing battery.", Zwei jokes.

"I personally wouldn't it. I haven't been able to go with Dear yet since, well, things kept coming up.", Mirabelle remarks, not only thinking of her lover's work at his firm but everything else life's been throwing their way lately.

"I would also like to experience American cinema in all its questionably ethical glory.", Ein added.

Cheryl gives an appreciative, twinkly eyed grin to her two beacons of support as Camilla looks to her inquisitively.

*Honnnk honnnk*, a horn sounds outside coming from the liminal trolley.

"What the? That can't be the trolley! It's not supposed to be here for another ten minutes!", Ein expressed in disbelief, looking at her calendar.

"Well I guess he's hustling to get off the clock early. I'll go out and stall him while you guys grab whatever you need!.", Cheryl offered, going out of the door.

"I'd better go grab my purse.", Mirabelle says before teleporting away to the entrance to her bedroom. She then notices Caleb's office door cracked open and a familiar musky scent lingering in the air, making her bite her lip before shaking her head, deciding not to think about it right now going inside her room for her purple sailor moon wallet.

…Elsewhere…

At Huntsville's Lane Plaza shopping district, the familiar sight of humans and liminals going in and out of stores, liminals running their usual stands peddling their wares to random shoppers.

Fantina and Clawthorne could be seen making their way down the sidewalk passing a few stores with a Kikimora advertising special sales by spinning a giant arrow sign at a new Mediterranean-style restaurant. It took them longer than expected to get here because of a traffic detour caused by a container spill carrying dozens of Slimes left the street impassable and very slick.

"Ugh, are we almost there yet? I feel like we've been walking for hours.", Fantina complained.

"Hmm, yes. It's on the next left.", Clawthorne assured, taking a quick look at her phone.

Fantina sighed resting her arms behind her head casually taking a look around at the various humans and liminals interacting with each other. She was, admittedly, a little impressed at how far human-liminal relations have progressed since she was an agent but knew all too well this only surface level. She's spent enough time in the shadows to know the cruelty and prejudices among every race is still very much alive to this day.

'Still…', She thought before notices a bakery shop as they walk by filled with a wide array of sweet treats, even one of her favorites, chocolate eclairs. She then notices the owners inside. A female Holstaur and her human husband making a new batch of vanilla creme cakes smiling happily as they did so together. Fantina couldn't help watching from the glass remembering Sterling presenting her with a batch of eclairs as a peace offering after their first meeting.

"Hm? Is something wrong?", Clawthorne asked, noticing the baphomet not following staring at the baked goods.

"No.", Fantina casually replied, turning away from the bakery continuing to follow the elf woman, who gave her skeptical look but chose to to address her action further. As she continued, Fantina noticed, among the several civilians going about their day, certain individuals that caught her attention. Her experience in the field along with her period among criminals heightened her intuition when it came to reading people. She could tell from their demeanor and subtle behavioral traits that they were not ordinary civilians, "So, you think this many agents is enough?"

Agent Clawthorne looks at her, surprised that she was able to notice, then smiles in defeat, "Heh, I should've guessed they wouldn't slip past someone like you."

"That doesn't answer my question. Is ICEP really this serious about making sure I behave?"

"Huh? Who said they were here for you? You're my responsibility.", Clawthorne asserts then looks around, "Area like these, ones with fairly popular liminal-owned businesses have been targeted more and more by the Hunters as of late, especially in this state's southwestern counties. Most liminal businesses are funded through ICEP loan programs so, on top of keeping everyone safe, we're protecting our investments. Of course, there's still only so much we can do."

"Makes sense honestly, but it feels like an area this big would be hard to cover every store.", Fantina points out.

"True, there's still only so much we can do after all. That's why every liminal business now has a legal right to defend their property by any means necessary so long as it abides by the country's laws.", Clawthorne informs her as the Holstar-Human couple from before could be seen happily assisting two customers while a shotgun and a glock 19 were hidden in a compartment behind the counter just below their feet, "But enough about that, here we are." Clawthorne said pointing at a building

"This is the place?", Fantina asks, looking at the display window with humanoid, centorean, insectoid, even reptilian mannequins dressed in the latest Fall apparel. She looks up at the sign the reads 'Weaves Tale' and notices the spider-like design and loose silk thread on the building roof corner, "Gee, I wonder what species the owners are?", Fantina sarcastically asks as they walk inside, looking around at the wide assortment of clothes.

"Hello! Welcome to my store.", Spoke a feminine voice getting their attention. They look to see a large arachne woman with a black carapace body and crimson red star on the abdomen and wearing a nylon zip-up jacket with her large I-cups barely contained hanging on a sideway web spun between two buildings. She dismounts the large thread landing in front of the doors then politely bows, "My name is Maybelline, call me 'May' for short. It's a pleasure to see you again Ms. Clawthorne."

"You know her?"

"Why yes, I actually went to her for some tailoring since the clothes I was provided by ICEP didn't exactly…fit in certain areas.", Clawthorne responded, slightly embarrassed, hugging her breasts.

"Of course not.", Fantina flatly spoke.

"I don't remember there being so many threads out here.", Clawthorne remarks as Fantina looks around to her confusion.

"Aw, so you've noticed. I figured the keen eyes of an elf would notice. There are just a few precautions to keep the riff raff and degenerates at bay. I have a business and clientele to defend you know.", May emphasized, holding up one claw causing the once invisible threads all around them, covering the full perimeter of the store, to reveal themselves much to Fantina's surprise.

"I understand and apologize for you needing to do that if we had little more man power available I could possible convince them to-" Clawthorne said looking down

"Nonsense! In these times, we all need to learn to defend what we treasure most. Be our own savior.", May stated assuringly, "Now then, back to business, are you perhaps here to pick up your order?"

"Yes but I'm mostly here for Ms. Fantina today.", Clawthorne replies, gesturing to the baphomet.

"~Ahh, I see. It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Fantina.~", May says with a sultry, predatory smile, offering her large clawed hand to the baphomet who recoils slightly, "Don't be shy little lamb, I don't bite.", She spoke as her mountainous breast dangled in full view of the baphomet girl, much to her annoyance.

"No but literally every other part of your body is a lethal weapon.", Fantina remarks, shaking her carapace hand with her thumb and index finger, "Also, i'm a goat. A FULL GROWN goat. Have any outfits for someone like me, 'Not so Itsy Bitsy'. "

"Ms. Fantina!"

"Ohohoho! Aren't you delightful?", May lightly chuckles in amusement to Fantina's annoyance, " Don't you worry, Miss. We have a multitude of outfits to please anyone of any species, lifestyle, belief, or gender. We even do custom designs for liminals with unique physiques, isn't that right Ms. Clawthorne?

"Y-Yes! I can certainly vouch for their quality. They can do a variety of different clothes styles for any occasion.", Clawthorne assured, "You can ask her for anything you want."

Fantina pauses a moment then glances off, "I…I don't know what I want."

"No problem, miss. *clap clap* Augusta!", May claps her hands calling for her employee. Seconds later, another small black arachne female with five small crimson red stars on her abdomen descends from the ceiling.

"Yes, Madame?", Augusta says in an obedient tone.

"Please help the lovely Ms. Fantina find a wardrobe suitable to her unique character."

"Understood. Right this way miss.", Augusta says, taking Fantina by the hand, pulling her along as she scuttles.

"Hey, alright fine! Stop pulling me! I'm fucking biped!"

"As for you, right this way to pick up your order Ms. Clawthorne.", May says to the elf woman gesturing her to follow.

"Oh, of course, thank you."

"No no, thank you for your business. I think you're going to enjoy how it turned out. ~I sure the one you admire will love it as well huhuhu.~", May says in a sly tone prompting a feverish blush from the blonde elf woman.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about it." Clawthorne denied with a blush.

"Huhu, sure Honey." May remarks with a toothy grin. "Now let's get your order and you to one of our changing rooms to see how it came out."

"that won't be necessar-'' Clawthorne tried to say only for May to grab her hand.

"I insist that given that your friend will need a little time to find what she wants besides it best we ensure everything is right with your order and as one of my favorite customers I can't in good conscience let you leave without ensuring that it fits perfectly." May insists leading her where her order is.

…. Elsewhere….

The trolley could be seen in front of a large movie theater called 'AMC Valley Bend 18' with many humans and liminals alike either in line buying tickets or exiting the theater. The trolley pulls away as Cheryl and the girls all step towards the theater, each of them taking in their surroundings with varying degrees of curiosity and excitement.

"Whoooaaa this is amazing!", Lyca expressed with twinkling eyes and wagging tail.

"So this is a movie theater? I say, it's quite larger than I expected.", Mirabelle expressed, taking it all in.

"That's what she said.", Zwei jokes

"It is nice but not that impressive.", Camilla spoke, downplaying the experience a bit.

"That's what SHE said, damn."Zwei repeated her joke

"Stop that.", Ein chides her sister.

"Oh believe me it's wayyy cooler inside. Come on, let's check in.", Cheryl happily assures, walking ahead while gesturing to them to follow.

As they proceed through the lot until they arrive at the ticket booth right as an owl harpy-human couple get their tickets Ein goes up to the teller and presents her phone with a QR code.

" 'Wander of You' for six please."

"Thank you ma'am, give me one moment.", The human female replies scanning the code then printing off all six tickets and handing them to Ein, "There you go. Enjoy!"

"Thank you. Now, everyone, be careful not to lose these. Both because we need them and because I read that litter is already a problem at these places. Don't be a part of the problem.", Ein advised as Camilla and Zwei rolled their eyes.

"Ok mom.", Cheryl replied in a cheeky tone, throwing open the doors.

As they stepped in, they were immediately greeted by the sight of various arcade games with bright colorful lights and sounds from the machines to their left with children, their parents, and liminal host families all having a good time. There was a snack area with three dark skin human women making popcorn, filling up drinks, and selling their merchandise as the delicious smell of buttery goodness and sweets permeated the air. Their right was a long velvet rope leading to a female dark elf taking tickets while three green slimes could be seen moving along the floors picking up trash with their tendrils and dissolving it like sentient Roombas. Along the walls were various posts aligned in a series of the movies that are playing today along with advertisements for films to be released later in the year, some of which starring liminal actors.

There was also a group dressed up as Batman characters with a human male as Heath Ledger Joker, a red oni male in full Batman outfit, his human girlfriend as Catwoman, and a female Ghoul as Harley Quinn.

"Whoa cool, cosplayers!", Zwei expressed with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm guessing they're here for the new Batman movie, the one with the half-vampire actor, 'Drake Cüla'.", Cheryl answers.

"Aw, how come we're not seeing that?"

"Eh, I heard the story's kinda bland and the acting takes itself a bit too seriously. The fight scenes are good though but that alone doesn't make a movie engaging enough."

"You'd rather us see something truly worth our dime, how thoughtful.", Mirabelle acknowledges

"Thanks, like I said your first theater experience should be special.", Cheryl remarks with a smile as Camilla looks at her with a neutral expression.

At that moment, they notice the cosplayers appeared to be roleplaying.

"Batman. I didn't file my taxes Batman. The government takes enough as is. It's my money, Batman.", The male human dressed as Heath Ledger Joker monologues while the human woman and female ghoul snorts and chuckle behind him. People began recording and taking photos on their phones.

"No Joker! The roads need repair! The school buses need tires! The Jays need to be creased!", A male red oni in full Batman costume replies in a raspy, overly serious voice, "Think of the children and their un-creased Jays, Joker!", A red Oni dramatically stated as the other movie goers burst out laughing. As did Zwei, Ein, Mirabelle, Cheryl and Lyca, along with other bystanders while Camilla merely observed, a bit confused but intrigued.

"I don't care, Batman. I need the money for me and the love of my life, Batman.", the joker cosplayers says, presenting the ghoul Harley Quinn cosplayer leaning against her baseball bat as she drags a big red lollipop against her tongue with a lecherous expression, "Just look at that smile, it puts a smile on my face, Batman.", he says as the Ghoul girl giggles sweetly, taking the whole lollipop in her mouth.

"But Joker! The IRS Joker!"

"I'm not afraid of the IRS, Batman."

"No Joker! That's Cap!", the red oni blurted out prompting another fit of laughter from the spectators. He and the rest of his cosplaying friends bow before going about their business.

Cheryl and the girls also proceed further, thoroughly enjoyed the the performance.

"Hahaha, how delightful!", Mirabelle happily applauds their performance with a grin, her tail swaying behind her.

"Quite the unique spectacle, wouldn't you agree, Camilla?", Ein inquired.

"It was…interesting.", Camilla admitted.

"If you like that, you guys should go to a Comic Con or even Kami-Con down in Birmingham." Cherly suggested. "You can see a LOT of people and now Liminal expressing themselves through cosplay of literally every kind of franchise."

"Wait, there's a place you can dress up like that all the time?" Lyca asked in amazement while Mirabelle also appeared intrigued by the idea.

"Not all the time, the events usually last a few days. The really big ones usually take place in cities like New York. I've been to a few conventions over the years. They're really fun!", Cheryl emphatically replies, "In fact, there are a few coming up near Huntsville later this year if you wanna check them out."

"Oh smashing! I'll be sure to inform Dear!", Mirabelle expressed excitedly.

"Yay! We're going to a condemnation!", Lyca happily stated, tail wagging, raising a few eyebrows.

"You mean 'convention'?", Cheryl asks.

"Yep!"

"We will have the best costumes there cause I got a connection." Zwei said proudly.

…at the facility…

Drei was currently grinding up some roots of a Mandragora she collected in her room when she suddenly stopped, getting a strange feeling.

"I don't know why…but it feels like someone just volunteered me for shit without my consent."

…back at the theater…

"So half a week surrounded by humans like that? I may have to stay home.", Camilla replies, not liking the idea of a large crowd as is but ones full of costumed weirdos is too much.

"Hey, don't worry. What's really fun about those events is they always have a little something for everyone, including quieter rooms full of board games and other stuff where you can chill and decompress from the crowds. Plus, there are many different types of conventions depending on your interests; gaming, anime, horror, fantasy, sci-fi just to list a few."

Camilla ponders the idea for a moment.

"Still, it's your choice, just something to consider, you know?", Cheryl says with an assuring grin as Camilla looks at her quizzically, silently appreciating the consideration, "Anyway, you guys wanna kill some time with a few games before the movie starts?"

"Oh yeah! Lycs, let's go check that out over there!", Zwei stated, pointing to the Halo multi-person shooter cabinet with the two human kids inside currently.

"Sure!", The she-wolf happily replies following her.

"This movie is going to be long. We're going to need snacks too.", Ein points out looking over at the small line of people at the concession stand.

"Uh just a word of warning, the food at these places gets expensive to an unreasonable degree. Expect to spend like…a mortgage payment on a few orders of popcorn.", Cheryl forewarned.

"Not to worry, I've lived on a budget for years, I know how to get deals.", Ein says with a confident almost proud smirk, "Come, Ms. Marequine, they may have discounts available to ICEP students."

"Alright then. We'll be right back.", Mirabelle replies following the wind weasel, leaving Camilla alone with Cheryl, yet again.

"Hey, wanna go check out some of the arcade games here? ~I got token money~", Cheryl offers, presenting a twenty to the Elder Devil.

"I am not as into these…video games the other two appear to be.", Camilla replies with folded arms.

"Well, maybe you just haven't found one that really speaks to you. Video games are a kind of art, you know?"

"I fail to see how THAT can be considered a form of art.", Camilla skeptically replies looking at human child play a SpongeBob SquarePants fighting game with a loud goofy laughing sound effect.

"Everyone has their niche. Come on, I'm sure we'll find something you'll like.", Cheryl assured giving her a warm smile.

Camilla's expression softens a little, realizing she wasn't going to stop annoying her. Why did she care so much about her enjoying of these games?

"Ugh…fine, if it will appease this strange fixation of yours.", Camilla relents begrudgingly.

"Yay! Come on, let's do the Marvel vs. Capcom first!", Cheryl rushes on ahead like an excited child as Camilla sighs following her wondering WHO was the caretaker again?

As that was happening, the Batman movie cosplayers could be seen heading to their screening room but the female Ghoul as Harley Quinn stops the human Joker by grabbing his arm.

"Huh, babe what are ya doing? They're gonna start soon."

"Yeah, in like 10 minutes. ~Plenty of time for a quick snack.~", The female Ghoul whispered hungrily, pressing herself against him and gently but firmly biting his ear sending ripples of pleasure flowing through him immediately, "Whaddya say, Mister J? Wanna put a smile on my face?", She whispered huskily, discreetly showing him a condom in her cleavage.

"You really are the love of my life.", He whispered back before the pair rushed into the nearby men's restroom for some mad love.

…. Elsewhere….

"Ooh, that would be an excellent choice for you!", Augusta the arachne approvingly spoke.

"Don't you think it's a bit…much?", Fantina replies, checking herself out in the multiview body mirrors. She wore a frilly white skirt that was one gentle breeze from accidentally flashing someone along with a matching top that exposed her shoulders and flat stomach. Next to her was a stack of clothes she 'accepted' as fitting her style.

"Sweet that outfit brings out your charm, everyone loves white. It's the color of purity and grace."

"Lady, I'm the furthest thing from pure as one can get! Plus, I'm sure if I were ONE ketchup stain or wine spill from being a living canvas, I'd self-consciously move gracefully as hell too. Sorry, this one's a hard pass. It'll be dingy in like a week.",

"Hmm, I suppose that's true. Not many can handle that level of responsibility.", Augusta admits with a ponderous expression.

"Not that I can't, I just don't have time and don't want to have to deal with that hassle.", Fantina remarks going back into the changing room and using a weak spell to strip herself to her underwear then fling them out to the arachne, "What next?" Augusta looked around for something that she might like when she spots something that put a smile on her face

"Alright then, how about this one? It's a part of a new season of elven fabric that has been growing very popular lately, especially among the human women." Augusta says proceeding to lower a bundle of clothes, using makeshift pulley from her threads, into the dressing room.

Fantina instantly raises an eyebrow before picking up what looked like a green vest combined with a hoodie along with mixing in orange around neck, stomach and chest. Speaking of the chest there was also a design to have a hole in that chest area to emphasize the cleavage along with a form fitting that seemed to hug sides though it seemed to have been adjusted for a more petite body like her own.

"What in the 9 circles of hell is this?",

"It is a one piece dress that is based on Wood Elven design that can also double as a scouting cloak or just a hoodie. Fashionable AND functional. Plus, it's part of our 'petite' line of outfits for a woman of your lovely stature. Beautiful is it not? The use of colors of green and orange would make it easier to prevent stains and the design is fairly tough so it doesn't rip easily. Though, if you don't like colors I could talk to madam about doing custom piece just for–"

"No. That is not what I meant. Why did you give me this?"

"Well…seeing you arrive with an Elf and see that gave me the idea to–"

"Give me something to make me look as good as her? No thanks. I'll pass!", Fantina says in mild irritation, levitating the cloth out of the changing room and dropping them in the arachne arms.

"No! That wasn't my intent—", Augusta catches herself deciding on a different approach, "I just thought you might appreciate it since you seem to prefer more practical clothing."

"There's not anything practical about that! So if you would kindly take that away.", Fantina replies.

"R-Right. Apologies."

Fantina could sense the arachne girl's dejected tone, realizing she was being unnecessarily harsh on her, "Haa, listen Augustine? Am I saying that right?"

"It's Augusta, ma'am."

"Right, sorry, anyway…I know you're just doing you job and you wanna make me a satisfied customer, all that jazz. I'm…just dealing with a lot right now. I didn't even want to be here. My 'host'...forced me to get new clothes for myself while HE attends some stupid meeting.", Fantina vents a little.

"O-Oh is that right? Well, that's nice of him. He must care about your well-being alot if he lets you buy as much as you need.", Augusta says, trying to look at the brighter side as she lowed a new bundle down to her .

"It's more of a necessity! Something to show I.A. my 'needs' are being satisfied. Nothing more. It's not like he actually cares how I look." Fantina said as grabbed a shirt looking at before she put it on.

"And I see now. You rather it be him with you shopping and commenting how you look. Yeah, I can understand that. It's more meaningful for you to have your male's opinion."

"W-What? That's not what–STOP twisting my words!", Fantina rebukes the claim with a deep blush.

"No need to be shy ma'am. I'm sure if he wasn't busy he'd love to help you. What guy wouldn't want to have a girl model for him?", Augusta says with a grin.

"I said SHUT UP!", Fantina stated, flustered, throwing the door open revealing her new changed outfit, "Get your mind out of whatever perverted gutter you–"

"AH! That's beautiful, ma'am!", Augusta interrupts the goat girl's tirade, admiring her outfit with multiple twinkling ruby eyes, "You look stunning!"

Fantina pauses, taking a good look at herself in the mirror behind her. She wore a sleeveless dark red shirt with a white collar and red ribbon tied into a bow along with a pair of matching red short pants that are her upper thighs.

"Is it…really?" As she looked herself over

"Of course, really! The color palette matches your eyes and blends well with your fur. Not to mention it accentuates your body perfectly drawing eyes to your strengths and gorgeous figure. Perfect for a petite queen like yourself!"

"You're… not wrong." Fantina said, looking at her body starting to like the outfit as she turned her look at the back.

"Yep! You're going to drive him crazy, girl! Why not get a picture to send him? I bet he might cut his meeting short.", Augusta says in a sly tone and wide grin.

Fantina blushes bright red, her imagination wandering as she plays a scenario in her head where Sterling showers her with adorations to her satisfaction. Then he'd grab her by the shoulders, throws her onto the couch as he hovered over her with heated lust in each other's eyes and–

"Gahhh!", Fantina screams out like a goat, literally grabbing and tossing those fantasies out of her mind, her face burning hot before pointing a finger at the arachne, "Look here you–"

"Ms. Fantina! Is everything alright? Clawthorne asked as she came rushing to her

"Yeah, I'm fine, don't wor–", Fantina assures turning to see, to her stunned shock and Augusta's excitement, the female elf was wearing a black and green dress, cutoff at her toned thighs, made form-fitting Arachne fabric, that accentuated her curvaceous figure out plump butt. She wore black leggings with her match heels to bring it all together. There was even a V-cut opening that gave a good view of her ample breasts with green embroidered elven symbols around black collar on her neck. The outfit would be best described, at least to Fantina, as a mix between very intentionally revealing "sexual" lingerie and something a lady assassin would wear to seduce her targets if they had a spy fetish.

"What. The fuck. Are you wearing?" Fantina expressed looking to elf woman up and down.

"Hm, this? It's my order. How do I look?", Clawthorne asked with blush on her face.

"Ohohoho! You look gorgeous! The design really screams 'lovely yet lethal'!", Augusta excitedly stated with starry eyes and wide grin, "Wouldn't you agree Ms. Fantina?"

Fantina looks at the arachne incredulously, then notices a couple male shoppers checking out the sexy elf woman, adding to her annoyance. She then folds her arm with a sullen pout, begrudgingly responding, "She looks…ok, I guess."

"Oh, thank you, Ms. Fantina.", Clawthorne remarks in appreciation, "And I must say you look stunning in your outfit as well."

"Yeah, tell me something I don't know.", Fantina responds, turning her back then glances, "But thanks anyway."

Clawthorne looks at her with surprise for a moment then smiles.

"Sooo, whaddya say? That's TWO positive reviews. ~Let's send your host a few cute pics so he can see what he's missing~.", Augusta coos at the goat girl.

"Don't start that agai–"

"W-Wait! You mean…send agent Sterling pictures of your outfits?!", Clawthorne stated, getting up close to Fantina with a serious expression.

"What? No, it's just something she was spouting about–"

"Let's do it.", Clawthorne interjects with a serious tone and slight blush.

"What?!", Fantina expressed, shocked at her proposal.

"Ohohoho, you wish to join in as well? How exciting! I haven't had a good modeling session since that darker tone human, Baizzel, and his homestays caused a stir" Augusta

"What are you even talking about?! I'm not MODELING for anyone! And why are YOU insistent on it?!"

"Ms. Fantina! It's important that I, your chaperone, provide evidence that your needs as a student are being met. Photographic evidence is typically the best! Of course that also means, there needs to be evidence of me performing my duties! So…", Clawthorne drones on continuing to list reasoning as her face grows redder and her eyes fill with manic desire.

"THAT SURE IS A LOT OF REASONS TO SEND HIM NUDES!", Fantina blurted out as the elf woman continued ranting and the arachne looked on with excited grins.

'Looks like these two are after the same fly.', Augusta thought with a mischievous grin, watching the two bicker, 'I wonder, who's web will he be caught in first?'

…back at the movie theater…

"Hey! What can I do for you?", Spoke dark skin human employee.

"Still deciding…", Ein replies while scanning the menu items, taken aback by the price of one large popcorn at over twenty bucks. There were also a few candies with liminal byproducts like 'Slime Gummies' and 'Daisy Duke Drops' made from Alraune nectar.

"Blimey, that's a tad much for a small box of candy. I could buy two manga volumes at Kame House for that much.", Mirabelle comments to herself but loud enough for Ein to hear.

"Ahem, i'm actually out today with ICEP student as their chaperone. You wouldn't happen to have discount prices for students wouldn't you?", Ein calmly asks.

'Oh lord, another one of these folks here.', The female employee thought while maintaining professional demeanor, responding with, "Yes ma'am we do but you would need proof of their ICEP status. From EACH student in your care."

"Oh bother, we'd have to get out of line to find Camilla and Lyca. The movie will start soon.", Mirabelle disappointedly remarks, noticing several more people behind her.

"No problem, Ms. Marequine! I always carry a printed copy of all your student IDs just in case.", Ein proudly remarks, pulling out a paper with three scanned copies of the girls' student IDs much to Mirabelle's amazement.

'What the hell? I know she don't carry…', The female employee thought incredulously while trying to maintain her professionalism with a smile, "O-Ok but we um we need to see BOTH sides of the cards."

Ein casually reaches into her sash and presents another copy paper with the scanned backs of their cards, "Here we are!", She happily as the employee frowns in surprise and Mirabelle gives a delighted grin, "Also, I've taken the liberty of signing up for your customer rewards program which offers a 1000 points incentive bonus when you purchase 3 or more tickets on your site. I believe we can use that in concessions along with the 25% student discount as stipulated in the terms of conditions. Correct?"

'This bitch crazy as hell…', the employee thought with a dumbfounded expression, "Um…yes ma'am…that's correct."

"Excellent! Then we'll take three large orders of popcorn with the optimum amount of butter please, don't want to dehydrate in the middle of the show."

"Oh, now wait a tic, I like a bit more butter.", Mirabelle says as the female employee looks at her strangely hearing 'bu-er' instead of butter.

"I guess you can have a bit extra on yours. Did you want a different flavor of butter? They have eight.", Ein asks.

"No thanks, original is the better butter.", Mirabelle says, her British accent fully taking over as the female employee hears 'be'er bu'er'.

"How's it better? The low sodium always tasted fine to me.", Ein inquires.

"But it's bitter! I don't want bitter butter, I want better butter.", Mirabelle replies as the female employee looks to her confused, "Miss um…'Betty'?"

"Yes ma'am, that's me, Betty.", Betty the female employee, responds, ignoring how her name was pronounced.

"Alright, I'd like a bit of better butter in my bowl, Betty. Not the bitter butter, the better butter.", Mirabelle happily orders as Betty and a few customers behind her look at her strangely.

"This centaur up here rappin' Man what the hell?", One of the customers utters.

"Uh…ok, I got that. Anything else?", Betty reluctantly asks, her anxiety creeping at its peak..

"I'd also like a large bottle of water(pronounced bo'el o' wa'er)."

Betty gives her a look, takes out her phone and opens Google Translate, "I'm sorry, can you say that again ma'am? Please?"

While that was going on, Zwei and Lyca occupied with the Halo game, showing off their teamwork that carried them further ahead in the games level than anyone in a long time, greatly impressing the children and teens that watched them in awe, cheering them on.

"Woohoo! Cleared out the whole sector!", Zwei whooped ecstatically along with Lyca proceeding to double high-five the she-wolf, "Ok, five minute break."

"You guys are awesome!", one of the little human boys stated in admiration followed by a few other children.

"Thanks little pups! You wanna go another round with us? We can ", Lyca happily stated, her tail wagging.

"Yeah! I wanna go next!", one of the little boys.

"You already got to go! It's my turn!", the youngest of them complained.

"No it's not! You're dumb!"

"You're dumb!"

"Hey!", Lyca barks firmly, getting their attention, "Nobody's dumb here! Be nice to each other and take turns! It's your turn now little one. Are you ready?!"

"Yeah!", the little states as Lyca picks him up, helping him into the controller seat next to her.

"Don't worry, we're still gonna win.", Lyca assures the other boy with a smile noticing his pouting expression that quickly turns to a trusting grin.

Zwei watches on with a pleased grin seeing the she-wolf's 'nanny side' at work yet again.

"Hey, did you check out that new 'Weiz Katt' Twitch stream last week?", a human teen says to his human friend and male wererabbit homestay, making Zwei's ear perk up hearing that name.

"No I was busy shopping with your parents, remember? Wasn't she playing Elden Ring the last time watched?"

"Yeah, she continued this week in the volcano manor!"

"Wait, who's Weiz Katt?", the human friend asks much to their surprise.

"You haven't heard of Weiz Katt?!", the wererabbit guys stated, "Dude she's this new Twitch streamer that popped outta nowhere and who's been getting really popular lately. She is sooo funny and crazy good at fighting games. She made one dude cry on stream in street fighter. Funniest shit I saw all week!", he chuckles as Zwei listens in.

"Nobody knows what she looks like or even if she's a human or liminal. I hope she does a face reveal soon. A sexy voice like that has gotta have a cute face behind it!", the wererabbit smirks as Zwei rolls her eyes.

"Yeah maybe she's one of those hot werecat girls.", one of the guys remarks wistfully.

"You're just saying that because you're down bad for the cashier lady at Burger King! Shut the fuck up! Plus, Weiz Katt could be a slime for all you know.", his friend pointed out to one of the blue slimes slinking along the floor picking and dissolving any trash.

'Not a slime but she is slick.', Zwei thought to herself with a discrete smirk. She then takes some tokens from her pocket, "Ok Lycs, and boys, ready to beat some more 'alien race we can't pronounce' butt!? For Master Chief!"

"Chief?! Where?! I'll save you! Ahhhhhhh!", Lyca elicits a war cry proceeding to fire at the oncoming alien attackers.

While that was going on Cheryl and Camilla could be seen walking around enjoying some of the other games. Or more accurately, Cheryl tried out some of the games while trying to coax Camilla into playing with her. Street Fighter, skee ball, air hockey, claw grabbers with stuffed toys, Jurassic Park, even Initial D racing, none of it appealed to the Elder Devil.

Once more, she was, once again, garnishing some unwanted attention by some humans that intentionally avoided her even whispering foul, ignorant comments when they thought she wasn't listening. When she felt her anger creeping in, Camilla started doing the breathing exercises Ein showed her to tune them out and keep herself calm. Though they helped with the faceless nobodies it did very little with her 'host'.

"Oh, you're definitely gonna like this one!", Cheryl emphatically stated gesturing to a arcade game called Rampage featuring a colossal white gorilla suplexing a dinosaur, "It's got giant monsters fighting to the death. You're into that, right?"

"Haaa, will ju just give it a rest? I keep telling ju I am not interested in these machines ju humans use to entertain yourselves", Camilla replies a bit coldly before turning to leave.

Cheryl rushes over blocking her path to the devil woman's surprise and annoyance, "Hey don't say that. We haven't even seen all the games. I'm not quitting until we find one that right for you."

"Why do ju even care?! Ju could leave me to myself until this movie starts and ju would still be paid all the same." Camilla said annoyed want find somewhere where from here

"It's not about that! I want you to have fun. I wanna know more about you too other than what you DON'T like."

"Well, that is all ju are going to hear about if I stay h–", Camilla retorts before stopping mid-sentence upon noticing, in one of the corners of the arcade, a fairly large machine with a large TV in the center. It is decorated in vivid black, orange, and red with designs of several demonic creatures and hellfire patterns. As the Elder Devil drew closer, the TV screen showed images of hellish landscape with demonic monstrosities rushing at the screen before being swiftly killed in extremely brutal fashion. Camilla eyes widened in surprise and intrigue then looks at the sign above with the words 'Doom Eternal' in red with Doom Guy in his signature pose.

"Whoa. When did they put this one in?", Cheyrl remarks, walking up to the machine.

"What is this…Doom Eternal?", Camilla inquires curiously.

"Oh…uh it's basically a game where you play this guy called Doom Guy seeking revenge by…killing demons, and angels, and gods. Mostly demons though.", Cheryl reluctantly explained, not sure how the literal Devil would feel towards a game about killing demons. Her fears appear valid when the Elder Devil gives her an inquisitive look, "You know, we can just…move on. Forget we even saw this one."

"No."

"Uhhh what?"

"I said no. I want to try this one, unless ju have a problem with that?", Camilla says, giving her a side eye.

"No no, it's cool. Let me just set you up.", Cheryl assures, grabbing some tokens from her pocket and inserting them.

The game starts up immediately playing Mick Gordon's 'The only thing they fear is you' guitar riff as Camilla looks at the flaming screen with a man shoving a huge shotgun into a monstrous demon's face.

"Ok, pick this up and point it at the screen. Now pull the trigger.", Cheryl instructs.

Camilla pulls the trigger at the screen as the guy blows the demon's head off sending a shower of blood everywhere, much to her surprise, as the game starts. Immediately, heavy metal music plays around her, filling the Camilla with a sense of urgency before two monstrous demons rush; grotesque cybernetic blob with a flamethrower arm and muscular barbarian horned monsters with twin battle axes.

"Shoot them! Kill'em before they mob you!"

Camilla grits her teeth pulling the trigger, pointing it at the barbarian head, then blasting his head to smithereens. Her eyes widened before pumping off a few rounds in the blob demon.

"Nice!", Cheryl exclaimed.

Camilla glances at her then back at the screen with a little smirk, "That was…pleasant.", she admitted right as she's rushed by several human soldiers in battle armor but had deathly pale skin like zombies and glowing demonic red eyes. She starts shooting at any that dared to approach her, splattering their brains on the screen. A few of them start glowing with orange energy to Camilla's confusion.

"Oh shit, you can do glory kills in this?!"

"Glory what?"

"It's a melee attack. Ok uhhh try pressing that orange button on the side of the gun, hurry!", Cheryl instructed.

"Do not tell me what to do! This one?", Camilla retorts before pressing the button.

Immediately, her character grabs the human, slicing off his legs as he hollers in agony before silencing him with a blade through the skull. Camilla eyes widen with mouth agape in awe before pressing the button again. This time grabbing another human and stomping his skull, splattering it like a gory melon much to the Elder Devil satisfaction. She presses the button to finish off the last one by cutting her right down the middle with a chainsaw spraying his blood and innards all over the screen as Camilla's smile widens.

"Ohohoho! This is fun! Give me more enemies to butcher! Now THIS is a game I can enjoy!", Camilla happily chuckled with an unhinged smile.

"R-Reallly? Yes! I knew we'd find your niche!", Cheryl smiles, glad to be bonding with her, then notices another horde of demons and demonic humans, "Here they come! Fuck'em up!", Cheryl exclaims then notices a woman looking at her strangely with her kid, "Oh sorry, please fuck'em up!"

"Gladly.", Camilla replies, pumping the gun controller to reload, smiling sadistically ready to rip and tear them all apart.

While that was going on, Mirabelle and Ein could be seen approaching the arcade while their snacks were being prepared.

"I can't believe even with the discounts it was still over 60 dollars. They really need to bring back the barter system.", Ein remarks in slight dissatisfaction.

"Well then we'd have to bring back the monarchy and the black plague.", Mirabelle says in a snarky tone, "I'm sure Drei would fancy one of those bird masks the doctors wore."

"She doesn't like masks that cover her eyes, says she 'refuses to hide her soul.' or something. Anyway, those two are still over there…", Ein remarks gesturing to Zwei and Lyca surrounded by a group of human children and teens watching them play, "Now where are Ms. Santana and—"

"Ohohohohohoho!", came a deep demonic laugh that caught theirs, and other patron's, attention.

Mirabelle and Ein exchange worried looks before quickly hurrying to the source. They were surprised to see Camilla chuckling ecstatically playing a video game and seemingly enjoying it while Cheryl and a few male patrons observe, even cheering her on.

As they drew closer, they could clearly hear the heavy metal music and see on the screen a barrage of gore as Camilla blasted, hacked, slashed, stomped, dismembered and disemboweled every enemy that came her way. All the while, Camilla chuckles in her demonic voice with an expression of pure sadistic pleasure.

"Um Ms. Banks? What's going on here?", Ein asks, getting the human's attention as Mirabelle recoils a bit uncomfortable seeing the carnage on screen.

"I found Camilla's gaming niche! She is like CRAZY good at Doom! It's like she's in her element! She hardly even needs to SHOOT anymore!", Cheryl ecstatically spoke, turning to see the Elder Devil performing glory kill after glory kill only occasionally using the actual gun.

"Hahahahahaha! Ruuuun! Ruuun! I'm coming for ju!", Camilla gleefully stated in her demonic voice proceeding to paint the screen with collage of red and mayhem, unnerving a few other patrons that entered the building while a few teens watched her play with intrigue, cheering for the hot devil lady.

"Yeahhh, she seems right at home.", Ein spoke disapproval and was concerned by the Elder Devil's over-enthusiastic behavior.

"WOOO! Let's go Camilla! RIP AND TEAR! RIP AND TEAR! RIP AND TEAR!", Cheryl starts chanting as the human teens start chanting along with her, spurring the Elder Devil even more.

"RIP AND TEAR!", Camilla shouted, proceeding to cleave a large demon in half with a chainsaw.

"I… never mind" Ein said, deciding against saying anything but hoping that this behavior will STAY in the games.

"A-At least she is having fun, hehe.", Mirabelle remarks with an embarrassed grin, trying to look at the positives then raises her fist in support of her friend, "R-Rip and Tear!"

Ein sighs relentingly then raises her fist in reluctant support of the Elder Devil's virtual killing spree, "Rip and Tear…"

…Elsewhere…

More time passed since Clawthorne and Fantina arrived at the clothing store. They could now be seen at the checkout counter with May scanning them out.

"Ok, Ms. Clawthorne, $108.69 is your total!"

"Right!", Clawthorne nods, handing over her ICEP company credit card as Fantina visibly sulks beside her, still upset. Next to her were several multi-colored ones with all her new clothes and a few black ones containing Clawthornes dress and new lingerie.

It was bad enough being forced into a modeling photoshoot and had the picture sent to Sterling but she drew the line when two of her fellow Arachne coworkers showed up with different kinds of lingerie, FOR HER some admittedly cute others just too embarrassing even for her to try on; even worse that bimbo elf was a little too open to that suggestion. She still got a few of them but absolutely refused to let them send THOSE pictures to Sterling.

"You've got quite a few lovely outfits, I do hope you both enjoy them.", May sweetly spoke before looking at Fantina, "Feel free to come back anytime. If you need anything custom made you can put in an order on our website. I hope you enjoyed yourself.", she says, handing the goat girl a black business card with red writing.

"Thanks for the tip. I might take you up on that if I need several dozen hooded capes made.", Fantina spoke sarcastically while taking the card.

"Actually,we can do that if you want. We recently added a section that covers various robes and hoodies for a a variety of species" August said

"Those could be good gifts for your witch friends right?" Clawthorne asked as Fantina looked at her inquisitively.

"Hmm, I suppose so. I'll put a pin in that for later." Fantina said, actually considering the idea.

"Excellent! It's good to know we can expect your patronage in the future. Huhu maybe next time you could bring that man of yours so you model for him in person. Hopefully he's enjoying the pictures you sent him.", Augusta playfully teases Fantina blushing with a furious expression.

"Ah! I forgot to check if he saw them!", Clawthorne stated, taking out her phone quickly looking through the messages.

"Both of you are VERY lucky this damn collar is holding back most of my mana. Otherwise, I'd string you up and suffocate you both with your OWN TITS!", Fantina growled, fists clenched with an angry glare, catching both women off guard.

"Hohoho, quite the feisty little one isn't she?", May chuckles in amusement.

Fantina shoots her a glare then turns away with a huff, "Whatever, I'll meet you outside, elf."

"Wait, Ms. Fantina!", Clawthorne called out but the baphomet ignored her walking away. She sigh regretfully then turns to May, "Apologies for her behavior, she's just bit agitated, I'll be taking her bags with me again thank you."

"No worries, miss. Are you sure you'll be able to handle all of these yourself?", Augusta asks, gesturing to the various bags of clothes.

"No worries. I'm always prepared.", Clawthorne replies, producing a small green satchel with elven symbols sketched into it out of the cleavage of her suit. She opens it then summons a small dark green magic seal in her palm, "Stand back please."

Augusta does as instructed scuttling a few feet back. Clawthorne points her hand with the magic seal at the clothes making the bags glow with light green energy. She speaks a few words in native wood elf language and all the clothes are sucked into the small satchel, to the amazement of the arachne and two wererabbit customers behind her.

"Ohohoho! Incredible! Magic is certainly practical!", May rapidly claps chortling in amusement as did Augusta.

"Thank you. Ok, have a nice day.", Clawthorne stated, slinging her literal magic satchel on her shoulders as she hurried to catch up to Fantina.

She quickly walks out of the store looking around for the baphomet, finding her propped against the wall of the store.

"Ah, there you are. Please do not walk off like that!"

"I SAID I'd be waiting outside for you, knife ears. And don't talk to me like I'm your fucking kid or something!", Fantina retorts not liking the elf woman's tone.

Clawthorne takes a deep breath, "Alright, apologies, I just want to make sure you're safe. It's still dangerous for liminal students."

"I can take care of myself. I'm not a child and I can more than handle the average idiot with a gun. Also, where are the clothes?"

"Right here. All of it tucked away in a pocket constructed of wood elven magic!", Clawthorne spoke a bit proudly.

"Should I even ask where you were keeping THAT cause I feel like I'm going regret it." Fantina asked

"Somewhere safe, since it is my only one, and that's ALL I'll say."

"You kept it between your breasts, didn't you." Fantina flatly spoke as Clawthorne flushed red, going silent and noticing a couple of humans walking by giving her strange looks as the baphomet said, "That's what I thought, ok where to now?"

Clawthorne snaps back to attention, "R-Right! There's a lovely store that sells a variety of personal care items for liminal species. Agent Sterling wanted me to bring you there."

Fantina looks at her curiously then replies, "Alright then, lead the way."

Clawthorne nods walking ahead as Fantina follows along beside her. A pensive expression on her face thinking about everything Sterling has been doing for her lately. Her coven, her autonomy, now basically letting her go on a shopping spree on HIS dime? Why?

"He…sure is taking this 'host' thing seriously, huh?", Fantina spoke wistfully, getting the elf woman's attention.

"Of course, why wouldn't he?"

"It's just…I don't know. Weird!", Fantina expressed.

"What's so weird about it? He knows you can't go on living and not be properly cared for. Lots of agents host liminal students of their own. REGARDLESS of their circumstances.", Clawthorne emphasized that part for her to understand, "Besides…he clearly cares for you. Why wouldn't he want you to be comfortable?", She continued with a hint of jealousy in her words.

Fantina looked at her a moment then straight ahead seeing people caring about their lives without a care while she was stuck in head, trying to understand her position as she touched the collar on her neck. She is a student by name but really she's a hostage. Sure, it was for the benefit of her beloved witches but she's still under ICEP's thumb. Was that a bad thing? Yes…but since it's Sterling's thumb…

Clawthorne suddenly gets a message on her phone prompting to check it and immediately light up, "Ah! It's agent Sterling! He saw the photos. He says 'That outfit with the dark red shirt makes you look cute, Fan-fan. You look nice too, Agent Clawthorne'."

Fantina eyes widen in surprise, cheeks flushing red upon hearing that.

'He…thinks I'm cute?', She thought averts her downward in embarrassment while hiding a tiny grin, feeling her heart racing and her goat tail wagging wildly.

'Haaaaaaa! He said I look nice! So happyyyyyy!', Clawthorne thought with a wide, ecstatic grin, blushing feverishly with tiny white hearts in her emerald green eyes. She giddly sways side to side, giggling like a perverted loon.

Civilians, noticing a pair of liminals on cloud nine, either raised their eyebrows at the two weirdos or tried to ignore them entirely.

…Back to the theater…

After killing time in the arcade area, Cheryl and the girls could now be seen into the auditorium where their movie was gonna play. They were about five minutes late as they had pry Camilla away from her new favorite game. Eventually coaxing her when Cheryl offered to help get her a copy of the game so she can play at home.

As they made their way into the very dimly lit auditorium with the enormous screen playing a trailer for a new spy thriller movie, they made out, into each seating section an audience mix of human and liminal viewers. Some of these viewers had no humanoid bodies so needed to sit in a specially designed composite seating area evident by a melusine-type lamia seating with her body coiled up on a large, cushioned platform. There were even adjustable perches for nocturnal avian or insectoid species like mothmen.

"Alright everyone, we're in section 14-C, the one with the composite seating for .", Ein says, leading the group up to the 4th section of seats, the second highest point in the theater.

Mirabelle carried all three popcorn bowls, candy, and drink thanks to special saddle-like holsters on her back made for centaurian patrons. Effectively making her the 'snack pony' of the group as Cheryl affectionately coined.

"Whoooooaa! That screen is huuuuge!", Lyca expressed in amazement, getting the attention of a few movie goers.

"Lyca, please, don't disturb the others here.", Ein lightly chided.

"I will tell ju what is DISTURBING! How loud this whole area is!", Camilla stated, covering her hypersensitive ears.

"Oh, here! I figured these might come in handy.", Cheryl stated, taking out little packs of ear plugs and handing one to Camilla, who immediately accepted, "You guys need any too?"

"We're good, we have our own built-in buffers.", Zwei points to the tufts of fur in her weasel ears as Lyca does the same with her canine ears.

"I can just reposition my ears.", Mirabelle chimes in move her equestrian ears forward and back to the sound position.

"Ok, no need to flex your oratory super powers in me."

"Can you guys keep it down?", a male human asks, slightly annoyed prompting a cold glare from Camilla.

"Yeah. We're trying to watch the movie! Have some courtesy!", a female Arc imp stated in his defense.

"Curta-see-dees nuts! The movie hasn't even started it's just trailers!", Zwei retorts holding up a small bag of planters' peanuts from Mirabelle snack harness

"Zwei!", Ein chides her sister before politely bowing to the pair, "Apologies, we'll keep our voices down.", she then urges the group along to their seats, "Zwei, PLEASE try to behave during the movie."

"Hey, they started it."

"Well I ended it and it's not going to start again!"

"Still that 'curta-see-dees nuts' line was wild as fuck. They are not recovering from that for a while.", Cheryl commends, high-fiving the wind weasel as they move into their seats.

"Ms. Banks, please DO NOT, encourage her.", Ein rubs her forehead then starts passing everyone their snack and drinks from Mirabelle's snack saddle along the row, "Ok, everyone grab your snacks."

"Thannnk you. Here we go.", Cheryl says handing one of the large popcorns and two bottles strawberry fanta to Zwei and Lyca.

Camilla tucks her wings into her back sitting down in the somewhat small, folding seats downward and shifting to try getting comfortable, "Gah, couldn't they have these for those of us with wings?"

"Probably an ergonomics thing. That or too cheap to update ALL the seats.", Cheryl remarks placing the large popcorn bowl in the empty seat between them as the Camilla rolls her eyes.

"Ah, I suppose that's my section.", Mirabelle remarks, able to make out the number on the platform seat because of her night vision, "A bit further back from your row, innit?"

"At least ju have room to stretch senora.", Camilla complained.

"Tall girl problems.", Zwei remarks.

"Now now, Camilla, it's so once you…ergh!", Ein grunt slight, squeezing her butt in the seat shimmying to try getting comfortable as Camilla gives a deadpan eyebrow raise, "Ooh, this is a bit of a tight squeeze."

"Tch, culo gordo(fat ass)", Camilla scoffs.

"Thicc girl problems!", Zwei stated emphatically before shoveling popcorn in her mouth.

"I wish I was thicc.", Cheryl shakes her in discontent then dumps some Skittles in her mouth.

At that moment, the large screen changes into a blue background with a well-dressed handsome black man grinning and the words 'Stake it on Drake'

'This film is in association with Drake Goodlove of Liminal Liability Insurance LLC', the announcement on the screen.

"Who the hell is Drake Goodlove?", Zwei questions.

'Hi, I'm Drake Goodlove.', the well-dressed handsome black man stated appearing on screen in a lawyers office.

"Hey guys look, it's Drake Goodlove.", Lyca says pointing at the screen, getting a chuckle from a few random patrons.

'I'm here to ask you a question : have you, a love one, or friend ever experienced property damage or even destroy belongings caused by a liminal? Whether intentional or not?', the man on the screen asks as Ein and the girls feel called out somehow, 'With more non-humans entering society than ever before, the chances for liminal-caused damages have skyrocketed that most insurance cant cover. Put your financial fears and hurt feelings to rest by purchasing one of our liminal liability insurance policies. Harpies crashing through your window trying to fly at night, Slimes deteriorating to flooring and walls in your home, Oni tripping and smashing in the hood of your vehicle, we've seen it and we've covered it so much more!'

"What is this insurance this human speaks of?", Camilla questions.

"It's a scam.", Cheryl casually answers as the Elder Devil raises an eyebrow, "Well, technically, it's meant to protect you against unfortunate circumstances like medical costs or funeral expenses…except for when it doesn't THEN it's a scam."

"And apparently there are those like him who 'protect' others from liminals being liminals.", Ein remarks with slight discontent yet can't deny logic behind businesses like his.

"Not gonna lie though, he's kinda hot. He could probably get me in a pyramid scheme if I was THAT easy.", Cheryl remarks as Camilla gives her a skeptical look as the commercial starts presenting phone and website information, "What? I said IF I was that easy. For all we know, there's at least a couple ladies here that'd fall for it.", Cheryl spoke as a human woman a couple rows down pauses, her phone having the website pulled up, then putting it away.

Mirabelle could be seen enjoying some of her popcorn as the advertisement came to a close, proceeding to play another trailer, this one for a new Star Wars trailer called 'Wookie' featuring a shaggy brown-furred male Kobold as the lead.

"Pardon me, miss."

Mirabelle looks over, eyes widening and nearly choking on her popcorn, upon seeing a centaur woman with black-furred lower half and fair skin, dark silver hair, tail, hooves and a pair of reddish black horns protruding from her head to match her ruby red eyes. She was clad in a gothic themed red and black cloak with a much more immodest design, not covering her legs at all and even accentuating her equine body. She wore a black shoulderless gothic-style jacket with an opening the gave an eyeful of H-cup cleavage. On her right breast, there was black rose tattoo with the thorny vines spelling 'Darrell' in cursive. She even wore black and red rose thorn pattern centaurea leggings and arm gloves with visible ruby red ear and lip piercings. A Bicorn.

"I think you're in my seat.", the Bicorn politely spoke as Mirabelle noticed her southern Welsh.

"U-Um…I-I think there's b-been a–"

"Hey, bae? Sorry ma'am. Gwen, you're right here 14-D.", spoke a fairly hefty dark skin human, gesturing to the platform next to Mirabelle's.

"Ah, silly me. Apologies there love.", Gwen the Bicorn says in a genuine tone and warm grin, catching Mirabelle off guard. The Bicorn's suddenly vanishes in a reddish black smoke veil moving at blinding speed around the theater before reappearing in the platform seat next to Mirabelle's with a puff of shadowy black and red miasma, "First time in the theater."

"O-Oh…is that right?"

"Bae, here's the popcorn.", the human man says handing her the snack then adjusting part of the platform seat into a regular beside the Bicorn, "Let me turn my phone volume off."

"My darling Darrell and I are on a date. Apologies if I made you fret.", Gwen says to Mirabelle with a warm grin.

"What's good?", Darrell greets her.

"O-Oh it's, no trouble."

"I didn't think I'd run into another centaur today. I'm Gwendlyn Rose, or Gwen for short.", Gwen introduced herself as Mirabelle looked at her in surprise.

"M-Mirabelle. Mirabelle Marequine. Pleasure to meet you."

"Bae, come on, we can't be talking out loud like that."

It was honestly the first time she had met a Bicorn in person. She'd heard, from her mother and the retainers, that they were debaucherous and immodest people so they typically don't associate with them. Yet they were quite similar to her kin as both are loathed by the Chironian followers because of their 'blessings'. Still…she didn't seem that bad. Maybe her mother was exaggerating.

Mirabelle looks at the Bicorn smiling and quiet chatting with her dark skinned human lover. They looked surprisingly good together, freely whispering as though in their own world and wondering if that's what she and Caleb look like from the outside.

She frowns a bit wishing she could enjoy the cinematic experience with her lover by her side.

"Hey, Bae, it's starting.", Darrell gets her attention, as the lights around them dim, growing darker. The theater was quickly filled with glowing pairs of eyes in nearly every seat from various species, except for the one non-owl variant harpy girl in the bottom front.

"Oh, splendid!"

Cheryl and the others look up at the screen requesting everyone to turn off their phone before starting a countdown.

Mirabelle eats some popcorn watching as the movie begins, hoping to enjoy herself. That was until she heard low moaning and soft kissing sounds next to her. She glances over with glowing purple eyes to shockingly see the Bicorn nuzzling up to him, planting tender kisses on his neck.

"Bae, what are you doing? The movie just finally started.", Darrell, her human lover, quietly chides the overly affectionate Bicorn.

"Huhu, apologies darling, but you know the moment the lights go out…~my hunger grows~", Gwen whispered, gently licking his ear sending a wave of pleasure in the area.

Mirabelle sideseyes the pair incredulously, hardly believing they were really doing it in such a public area. At that moment, the movie officially starts with all the logos having finished beginning with a vast gray sky overlooking a large willow tree prompting a narration of a Lord Byron poem related to Death.

'Ok, just ignore them. Look at the screen, don't look at them. You're going to enjoy yourself. I'm sure Dear would want you to as well.', Mirabelle told herself internally.

"~Huhu, darling…I think I just found another use for this butter.~", Gwen seductively whispers.

*ziiiiiiip*

Mirabelles eyes widened, ears drooped down with a small frown, upon hearing that familiar sound followed by the Bicorn's lover shuffling and complaining then softly groaning, quickly resigning to his fate. Much to her horror, Mirabelle is quickly reminded that this was a ROMANCE movie and it was nearly three hours long.

"Oh bullocks…", she softly utters as the couple.

….Elsewhere in agent Clawthorne's car…

The pair could be seen driving through town having spent nearly two hours in the shopping district having picked up everything that Fantina needed and stuffing it all into Clawthornes literal magic satchel. After completing their shopping venture, the two felt their tummy's rumbling and opted to grab some food from anywhere close by. It just so happened one of the establishments 'close by' WITH a vegan option was also Clawthorne's favorite restaurant.

"~Whopper Whopper Whopper Whopper junior, double, triple whopper, flame-grilled taste with perfect toppings. I rule this dayyy~", Clawthorne sang the anthem of her favorite restaurant as they pulled into the parking lot with the large BK-sign right above them. The windows were lined with posters of titular burgers, new milkshake flavors, and combo meals. All the while, Fantina wore an annoyed expression, resting head to her palm as the elf girl happily sang.

"~You rule your season today! At BK have it your wa—~"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT BK!", Fantina shouted having had enough of the elf girl's tone-deaf singing, "CHAOS, why did I let you drag me here of all places? WHO EATS HERE?!"

"I do. I like Burger King.", Clawthorne says, puffing her cheeks out, offended.

Fantina gives her a confused look, "You…hahh, it's not even worth the question. I just wanna know if this is REALLY the only place around with a vegetarian option? How deep in the capitalist stained shit pockets are we?"

"There are two barbecue places close by that serve salads but I doubt you'd be satisfied with such small portions of side dishes.", Clawthorne replies, turning off the vehicle and unlocking the doors, "Besides, they have plant-based items here for herbivorous liminals like yourself. Come along. Give it a chance.", she urges, stepping out of the vehicle.

"Ughhh, chaos dammit. Stupid burger loving long-eared..", Fantina muttered under her breath, stepping out of the vehicle, closing the door shut.

The pair walk inside the restaurant, passing the nearly empty tables and stools. There were only was at least six human adults and two liminals, a male lizardman with a human female and a female Apsara with a male human, seated at the tables enjoying their food. Fantina recoils at the smell of greasy fast food.

She never was a fan of these kinds of human establishments since they rarely sold anything that was even remotely natural tasting. There were only a few she'd go to that Sterling introduced her to but, even then, she still never liked the artificial garbage these humans, now even liminals, choose to consume.

"Welcome to Burger King. What the hell do you want?", Said a male dark elf in BK uniform. A spoke with a sullen tone and deadpan expression, focusing intently on Clawthorne in slight disdain, catching the pair off guard.

"Excuse you?", Fantina says, stepping up to the counter to the undeterred dark elf.

"Hey! Ezerio, what's wrong with you? Don't talk to customers like that!", said another employee, a short dark skin chubby woman coming to salvage their business, "I'm so sorry about that y'all, he's new here. Ezerio go check on the chicken patties!"

"Understood, ma'am.", he says in a deadpan tone, shooting one last glare at Clawthorne before walking off muttering what sounded like 'ugly tree hugger' in his elven language. She merely scoffs at the dark elf's rudeness. They could see there were four workers total; three being human women all cooking or working drive-thru.

"Quite the help these establishments are getting nowadays.", Fantina comments, arms folded in discontent.

"I apologize, these ICEP contract workers are a gamble. Sometimes you get somebody who work they tail off other times you get folks like him. So what can I get for y'all?"

"Oh, do you have the plant-based meals?", Clawthorne asks, prompting an eyebrow raise from Fantina.

"Yes ma'am, we have the BK Impossiburge meal which comes with a double vegan meat burger, soybean chicken flavored nuggets, large fries, and a drink. We also got tofu chicken sandwiches and double or triple veggies burger meals.", the woman answers, putting on a smile for them.

"So? What'll it be?", Clawthorne looks to Fantina.

She pauses a moment in thought then softly sighed, "Whatever I'll take the Improbaburger or whatever meal. That's it for me."

"Alrighty, and for you ma'am?"

"Yes, can you please get me a whopper Jr with onion rings and make it a meal so I can get a drink."

"Ok, will that be all?"

"No, I'm not finished. That's not everything. Can I please get a double whopper with no cheese? Can get a number two with a large drink? I have plenty of money so I don't care how much it costs me, so throw in extra fries but please don't make them too salty.", Clawthorne finishes her order as Fantina tilts her head incredulously.

"Ok, will that be all ma'am?"

"Yeah, will THAT be all?", Fantina emphasized in disbelief, hardly believing that the entire order was for just her.

"Yes. Much appreciated.", Clawthorne happily replies, handing her credit card to the cashier as Fantina shakes her head.

"Alright, here is your receipt, I'll call you number when you're ready.", the woman says handing the party and card back to Clawthorne then walking away.

"Ok! Let's find a table.", Clawthorne beams a smile as Fantina scoffs at her.

…Back to the theater…

The girls were now past the halfway mark in the movie and so far everyone was enjoying it more than expected. The writing and acting were a little hammy, especially from the dullahan main lead, but it was balanced out by the main heroine's down-to-earth and snarky personality. The effects were great and the last couple fight scenes between the dullahan and 'Revenants', the minions of the antagonist 'Lord Death' were very engaging and dynamic. Mirabelle, on the other hand, found it difficult to watch the movie. Not because she didn't find the movie enjoyable; delightful in fact. Her neighbors' saucy antics and pillowless pillowtalk on the other hand was already poking at a few sensitive nerves. It only got worse during the ROMANTIC scenes in the movie like the one happening now.

'How can you say that after ALL i've done to be with you?!', the dullahan actor stated on screen.

'I DIDN'T ASK FOR ANY OF THIS!!', the human female actor passionately vented before breaking down in tears, 'You said it yourself, I didn't cherish my life until I knew I was gonna lose it! But what did I even DO with my life up until now? So many years I've wasted on things that didn't really matter! So much time I spent always moving but never changing! Always wanting more but never satisfied! Never having enough. Never BEING enough! Why would you want to be with someone like that?'

As the actress poured her heart out, Ein, Cheryl, Mirabelle, Lyca and several others were glued to the screen with teary eyes, heartstrings tugged by her performance. Camilla watches the scene feeling an aching feeling in her chest as well, surprisingly relating to the human woman more than she should. Zwei could be seen on her phone with the volume off choosing to distract herself a little to avoid shedding tears as well.

"Because he loves you, you fool!", Cheryl blurts out, catching the Elder Devil next to her by surprise, before sobbing in her hands, "Wahhhhahaa she's just like me for reeeall…*hic* in a way."

"*sniffle* Me too.", Ein utters, dabbing the tears from her eyes with some tissue, blows her nose, then hands a pack to Camilla who rolls her eyes before passing to Cheryl who eagerly accepts, "It's like looking at a mirror."

"A mirror in a circus fun house, perhaps. I guess ju would be her reflection.", Camilla remarks, reaching into the now almost empty popcorn bowl getting a handful.

"Why would you say that?", Ein whined with sad green weasel eyes.

At that moment, the dullahan could be seen embracing the woman pulling her in for a tight embrace and pouring HIS heart out to her. Vowing to be by her side to the end as the woman looks at him with the first genuine smile she had in a very, very long time. She throws herself at him kissing him deeply, to his surprise and almost knocking his head off, before holding her close deepening the kiss further as Cheryl, Ein, and several people smile widely, some even screaming 'YES' to the top of their lungs. The scene continues, transitioning into a full makeout session with the audience looking upon the scene in intrigue. The dullahan lies the human female on her back, prompting her to remove his top exposing her generous B-cups in black bra. The death god removes his obsidian black armor showing off his fantastically chiseled and toned muscular light blue body. Cheryl and a few other single women look upon the scene, nearly drooling at the sight.

Cheryl looks at the scene feeling a bit excited by the sight as Ein and Zwei visibly blush not expecting to see something like THIS. Mirabelle, Lyca, and Camilla could be seen staring up at the screen letting the imagery sink in while thinking of their own human lover.

"Yeah get your man and never let him go!", one of the liminal patrons stated.

"And if she don't want him, shiiiiit I'll take him!", A human female stated, prompting a few chuckles.

As the scene continued, showing them passionately embracing each other with camera shifting angles constantly on the human female's pleasure-filled expression, Mirabelle recoils hearing the lewd sounds of the couple next to her. She glances over eyes widening in shock and face going red upon seeing her mate, Darrell, with his hand down between her front legs churning her front pussy with his fingers as she soft moans, her breath hot and body trembling in desire. In turn, Gwen could be seen jerking him off, her finger up and down his cock. Squeezing and contorting with expert precision as if her hand alone was a sex organ while Darrell grits his teeth trying to endure the intense pleasure. Mirabelle stared speechless at the very lewd, shameless spectacle wanting to look away but couldn't.

Below, the arch imp from earlier could be seen rubbing her human partner's crotch through his pants, turning him on as he looks at her before leaning in for a kiss. She happily returns it, pulling him into a French kiss as Camilla and Ein eyes widen at the sight. Not just them, Cheryl and the girls notice a few other couples getting frisky in their seats as well. Ranging from sloppy makeout to some straight up performing sex acts in the dark.

"What the hell?", Zwei expressed seeing a pair of humans furiously making out, even starting to remove their clothes.

"Whoa, are they mating here?", Lyca spoke in intrigue with a blush, rubbing her knees together feeling familiar heat in her loins.

"Lyca, don't look at them!", Zwei stated, covering the she-wolf's eyes.

"Arrrre you guys seeing this shit too?", Cheryl asks, gesturing to the Satyr female's head bobbing up and down a guy's lap two rows down.

"We have no choice but to see it.", Camilla utters with a slightly strained expression, seeing the arch imp now in her lover's lap grinding her butt against his crotch trying to entice him to 'whip it out'. Camilla breathing becomes ragged, cupping breath feeling her hardened nipples.

"What is going with everyone? Is this scene really THAT good?", Ein questioned in disbelief.

Sidenote: Bicorns are an extremely lascivious centaur species. So much so that their mana, which constantly radiates from their bodies, has a potent aphrodisiac effect that gets stronger the more aroused they get. The range of effect is also determined by their arousal and can vary from several feet to up to a mile. The only individuals not affected by this are those that never lost their chastity.

Gwen then notices Mirabelle staring at them and winks at her with a small grin. This sends a chill down Mirabelle's spine as her arousal became unbearable.

'I NEED TO USE THE LOO!', Mirabelle screamed in her head before teleporting in a flash of purple mist, surprising the Bicorn.

That was when the scene faded to black right in the middle of the actor's love making scene, much to a few audience discontent.

"Oh come on, just when it was getting good!" one of the liminal patrons complained, wanting to see more of the intimacy with her partner.

Suddenly, everyone in the theater ragains their senses. Mostly embarrassed by what they were doing in public, some frantically straightening up their clothes as Camilla and Lyca feel their heat dying down.

"Shit! What the fuck?", Cheryl realizing her pants were unfastened before ripping her hand away from her now wet womanhood in profound confusion, "What just happened?"

The arc imp in front of them ceases her movements, realizing what she was doing.

"Hey hey! Babe? What are you doing?", her lover asks in confusion.

"N-Nothin'! W-What are you doing?", The arc imp female retorts looking him up and down, focusing on his bulge. He then crossed one leg over the other to her surprise, "What?! It's a nice cock."

"I don't know. Everyone just…lost themselves to that s-sex scene.", Ein spoke, hardly believing what she was saying as Camilla looks to her, equally unconvinced.

"Damn, this acting is better than I expected.", Cheryl remarks.

"You're telling me. I never heard of second hand horny from a movie before. How was it?", Zwei jumps in as she and Ein remain unaffected thanks to their chastity which was their saving grace.

"What about you, Ms. Marequine?...Ms. Marequine?", Ein spoke, looking up to see Mirabelle was gone…along with the Bicorn and her boyfriend.

…in the women's restroom…

Mirabelle could be seen in the bathroom splashing cold water onto her face to clear her head and cool herself down. She takes some deep breath, slamming her to either side of the mirror as the faucet runs in the sink. She stares at her reflection for a moment, brushing away her purple locks.

"Mess?"

A childlike voice spoke, startling the purple centaur. She looks down to see a small, gelatinous bluish-green slime with beady white eyes and green tipped antenna looking up at her.

"Ah…n-no little one. No mess.", Mirabelle forces a small grin.

The little slime nods then turns around slinking away then sliding right underneath the restroom door as Mirabelle sighed softly. At that moment, the door flew open and two familiar voices were heard, both chuckling, immediately putting her on edge. Suddenly, a wave red mana sweeps over the walls covering the sink. A small shock forces Mirabelle to withdraw her hands as the Bicorn and her human mate appear ecstatically kissing and groping each other before noticing the nightmare.

"Oh. So this is where ya scampered off to.", Gwen sweetly expressed as her boyfriend looked away a bit awkwardly.

"Y-Yes, well…I just needed to um…"

"Powder your nose a bit, love?", Gwen regally spoke with a hint of playfulness as Mirabelle blushes in embarrassment, "Huhuhu, only teasing. I can understand. My darling and I were just about to get a quick romp in after that little performance on screen."

"Sorry ma'am. Once she start fiendin', there ain't much that calm her down.", Darrell apologized.

"Oh, I can think of ONE thing huhuhu.", Gwen hummed with a lascivious grin, rubbing his crotch making him flinch and Mirabelle look away in embarrassment, "Though I must say, you're quite the beauty when in the light. Can't recall the last time I met a Nightmare."

Mirabelle was taken aback by her statement, slowly backing away, "W-What is it that you want with me? What is this astral ability of yours?!"

"Ah, nothing at all, love. Just a little something to keep out the riff raff.", Gwen says as a human woman outside touches the door, only to get a small shock, withdrawing immediately in confusion before a red magic seal appears with the words 'closed for cleaning' in comic sans appear, "Apologies, I didn't mean to frighten you. Believe me, I have no quarrel with you or your kin, we're in the same rubbish boat when it comes to those Chironian blokes after all.", Gwen assured the nightmare.

Mirabelle looks to her quizzically, not sensing any falsehood in her statement or intent to harm her, "So…I can just leave?"

"Of course, do what you love! Though, I LOVE for you to stay! I'd be happy to share my beloved with a fellow Brit.", Gwen eagerly replied as her boyfriend facepalms shaking his head.

"I-I beg your pardon?"

"Don't listen to her ma'am. It's just this whole thing in her culture about her wanting to make a 'harem' or something with more women."

"What's wrong with wanting others to taste how delicious that cock is? It only gets sweeter the next time WE shag.", Gwen expressed licking her lips with a lascivious expression unnerving Mirabelle a little, "Besides, you can't deny Ms. Marequine is quite ravishing! Don't hurt the girl's pride now!"

"I mean…she aight. Maybe hit it once…only if she is ok with it.", Darrell admitted , looking Mirabelle up and down actually liking her form, unnerving the purple centaur..

"N-No, of course not! I have a husband!", Mirabelle stated firmly, still a bit unnerved much to their surprise.

"Ohhh! That's even better! Where is he now? Is he still watching the movie too?", Gwen asks, becoming excited.

"N-No, he's…not here. He's off on a…assignment for work. He won't be back for weeks.", Mirabelle regretfully spoke with a somber frown.

"Aww, you poor girl. You're missing your hubby, aren't you?", Gwen softly spoke, approaching her then gently laying a hand on her shoulder, "I hope it hasn't been too hard on you."

"It's been an…interesting adjustment period but myself and the others are–"

"Others? Are there other women living with you?", Gwen inquires, becoming intrigued.

"Well, yes. The three of us are his homestays and…we're trying our best to keep ourselves together while he's gone. Ms. Cheryl and Ein have been quite helpful as well."

Gwen looks to her in admiration, "Haaa, that is absolutely marvelous. A harem of females caring for one another while THEIR husband is away. The girl's back home would love a story like that!", she expressed in excitement to Mirabelle's shock.

"Come on bae, she didn't say they were in harem!"

Mirabelle shifts her gaze with an embarrassed blush to the guy's surprise and Gwen's delight.

"It doesn't look like you have anything to worry about. You all love him AND each other, right?"

Mirabelle pauses a second thinking of Cheryl and the others then nods, "Yes."

"Then the rest will fall into place. It may be a bit of a slog but you can do it together. I believe in you!"

"I…I suppose you're right. Thank you", Mirabelle nods.

"Oh, but one bit of advice, love. Harems are best when kept to between five and eight members. Keeps his spirit energy rich and flavorful and harmony in the group, especially when it comes to hanky panky. You're fine with him adding more variety to your pot, right?", Gwen asks with a wide, lustful grin.

"Eh?!", Mirabelle expressed with a deep blush, taken aback by the question.

"Bae, come on! That's enough! I'm sorry ma'am, we'll let you go now. Bae, please drop the barrier.", Darrell requested, deciding to step in out of embarrassment and not wanting to subject a stranger to their weirdness.

"Oh alright.", Gwen shrugs then snaps her finger immediately dissipating the spell around the door, "

"Ah, t-thank you. Bye now.", Mirabelle says, pushing open the door, exiting the restroom and leaving the pair as the barrier covers up the door again.

"Such a sweet young lady…"

"Yeah.", Darrell admits before feeling a familiar hand grope his rear making him flinch.

"~But not as sweet as my darling Darrell~", Gwen huskily spoke with hunger in her eyes that could rival the horniest Pyrow.

Outside, Mirabelle could be seen heading back to her auditorium while deep in thought at the pair's boldness. Sure, she and dear had been more intimate in public, especially that one time at the park but even then weren't NEARLY as shameless. Still, she could sense they truly loved each other, no different from them.

'You're fine with him adding more variety to the pot, right?'

Mirabelle pondered those words stopping in her tracks as a few other movie goers walked past chatting, goin about their business, and the slime from earlier could be seen slinking along the floor picking up any stray liquids or pieces of trash.

"Ms. Marequine! Senora! Mirabelle!"

Mirabelle turns, surprised to see Ein, Camilla, and Cheryl stated rushing towards her.

"There ju are!", Camilla expressed in a worried tone.

"Where did you go? Don't just disappear like that!", Ein stated, equally worried.

"I-I only went to use the loo, that's all. Sorry if I caused you all a fright.", Mirabelle quickly apologized.

"You scared us for a minute there. I almost thought, you might've been kidnapped or something. Then I thought 'how could anyone possibly kidnap a WHOLE centaur in broad daylight?' I mean, that's just crazy!", Cheryl says, shaking her head at how ridiculous it sounded while the girls looked at her incredulously.

"Not as much as you'd expect, unfortunately.", Ein mutters softly to herself, glancing away in disappointment.

"What was that, Ein? ", Cheryl looks to the wind weasel curiously.

"I said let's go before we miss even more of the movie! That and I'm just realizing we left Zwei and Lyca in a dark room full of horny adults.", Ein replies, starting to walk with haste.

"So wait, are you concerned about them or the other people?"

"Both."

The others follow her passing by the same restroom Mirabelle came out of immediately hearing faint moaning coming from inside. They try to ignore it deciding it's not worth questioning as Mirabelle faintly blushes.

"I do not remember this place being so…", Cheryl spoke.

"Horny?", Camilla raises an eyebrow.

"Shameless?", Ein added.

"I was gonna say empty. Where the hell is the staff?", Cheryl questions.

As they continue, the slime earlier slinks towards the restroom door struggling at first as it feels like hit wall until finally it slips under the door, barely bypassing the barrier, feeling the linoleum floor with its tendrils for any mess. Instead, it's beady eyes catches an interesting sight.

"Haa…haaa…yes! Yes! Right there darling!", Gwen moaned in pure bliss, hands against the wall while Darrell thrusted her black horse rear. Their fluids trickled onto the floor with each lap of the regions connecting.

"Mess.", the slime utters slinking over to the pair that was too occupied to notice. It extends into blue tendril and sucks up the puddle of strange, sticky fluid wiping it clean. The slime hums in satisfaction, glad it was being helpful, before it's entire body began to jiggle violently slowly changing from blue to dark purple.

…. Meanwhile…

After receiving their food, Clawthorne and Fantina found themselves at a table near one of the windows.

Fantina stares at her rather simple meal in front of her then looks at the piles of food and two different drinks the elf woman ordered for herself. She could hardly believe ALL of that was for her. She also couldn't believe the elf chose to wear one of those stupid paper crowns on her head.

As she watched the elf woman blissfully humming that idiot theme song while unwrapping her double whopper with cheese then taking a bite. She grins happily with her mouth full as Fantina shook her head in disbelief.

"You know…it takes a special kind of skill to completely shatter the public perception of your species as dignified, god-like forest warriors but bravo. You've done it. It is now sodomized and buried under BK wrappers."

"Is that really how humans see us? Heh, they truly enjoy projecting their lofty ideals of our people.", Clawthorne casually replies, taking a sip from one of her diet Cokes, "Aren't you hungry? You haven't touched your meal or your crown."

"I told you I'm not wearing this stupid thing and I'm surprised you, a grown woman, would. Don't you feel even the slightest bit ridiculous?"

"Why would I? I'm having it my way.", Clawthorne half-joked with a smile as Fantina rolls her eyes before looking at her burger with a bite taken out, "I mean that literally you know. Wood Elven society is a lot more rigid and conservative. Females aren't afforded as many luxuries or opportunities regardless of position in social hierarchy. Here, I, and others like me, can truly do and be what we want. I didn't know what that truly meant until the first time I tried one of these.", Clawthorne emphasized, taking another bite of her burger blissfully humming and the taste.

'my way huh?', Fantina thought to herself, picking up and unwrapping her double vegan burger. She examines it a moment then takes a bite, surprise by the sudden burst of flavor. Sure, it still tasted a little artificial but not as bad as other things.

"So? How is it?", Clawthorne asks.

"Good enough. I should be able to stomach this but I just know I'm going to walk out of here ten pounds heavier.", Fantina shakes her head admittedly proceeding to try the soyabean nuggets.

"Nonsense! I've eaten here for months and I haven't gained anything."

"Yeah, I wonder where it's all going.", Fantina sarcastically spoke, noticing the elf's ample breasts touch the edge of the table while her plump rear stretched the fabric of her skirt.

"You know, if you keep staring at my chest I'll start to believe you're a pervert.", Clawthorne replied with slight annoyance as Fantina flushed in embarrassment.

"As if! It's not like anyone WOULDN'T notice!", Fantina stated, also annoyed, then gestures to some human male teens at the table down from who quickly turn around.

Clawthorne wanted to retort but knew it'd only escalate things. She takes a deep breath and lets out a losigh, "Listen, if we're going to be working together, it's important that we communicate better."

"Oh really? That something you read in the updated new employee manual of theirs? Let me tell you, half of it's bullshit the other halfs a scam.", Fantina bitterly spoke.

"No, it's something I want.", Clawthorne assured her as Fantina looks at her skeptically, "Why don't we play a game?"

"What kind of game, long ears?", Fantina raises an eyebrow.

"Simple. We each take turns asks each other questions and giving facts about ourselves. So, I ask you questions, ANY question, you give an answer then I say a fact about myself and vice versa. If either of us can't answer the question or the fact we give is a lie, that person loses."

"And how will you know it's a lie?"

"Trust me, wood elven women always know.", Clawthorne says with a smirk.

"Cheeky. So how can I be sure YOU won't lie?"

"I, Elia Clawthorne, solemnly swear upon the goddess Enü of the forest, to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.", Clawthorne proclaimed, right hand up with thumb in her palm, "I swore upon the sacred goddess' name. If I break it, I must slice off both ears, burn my palms, then stab myself in the heart with my own arrow. As is elven tradition."

"That's pretty intense for a FOREST goddess!", Fantina stated incredulously, surprised she was that serious, "Haa…why do you even care?"

"I just…think it'd be good to get to know each other better.", Clawthorne spoke honestly, to the baphomet's surprise, "I'll start! What's…your favorite color?"

Fantina raises an eyebrow, "Really? You pick the worst conversation starter question EVER?"

"It's not proper to answer questions with another question."

"Ugh, fine! I like red. Happy?"

"Yes.", Clawthorne happily replies, taking a bite of her burger.

"Yeah, now you have state a fact about yourself."

Clawthorne swallows then takes a sip of her drink, "Alright, I'm 107-years-old and the youngest among five siblings, three sisters and two brothers."

Fantina looks at her curiously as the teenage boys look back in shock "Well…we're off to a good start.", she replied, not that surprised given what she knew about elven longevity.

Clawthorne gives her toothy grin, "Now it's your turn."

Fantina looks at her for a moment then smirks deviously. Despite it being a dumb game, she still wouldn't lose her, "Ok, what are your body measurements?", She asks as the teenage boys look at them curiously and expectantly.

'Hehe, I was gonna ask her weight but that's just too cruel. Still, there's no way she could answer a question like–'

"75 centimeter bust, 42 centimeter waist, 68 centimeter Hip.", Clawthorne casually answered before finishing the rest of her burger, leaving Fantina stunned and the teenage boys confused.

"Is that big?", one of the boys whispered, not understanding the metric system.

"I don't know, let me check. She said 75…", one of the boys replied searching for a unit converted on his phone.

"Will that answer suffice?", Clawthorne asks, raising an eyebrow at the baphomet pushing her breasts up to make them bounce, not the least bit ashamed, much to Fantina's frustration.

"Tch, yeah."

"Well then, time for a fact about you.", Clawthorne says, unwrapping her whopper Jr.

"Yeah yeah. Hmm…I'm technically French. My mom gave birth to me in Marseille buuut fled to the state of Maine to escape angel attacks on the coven."

"Ah, I'm so sorry to hear that. Why Maine?", Clawthorne asks.

"It's the only place in this country nobody gives a shit about. Hell, the only reason people know it exists is because that 'King' guy."

"Hm, I suppose that makes sense. She is quite wise to choose that place to keep you safe.", Clawthorne sweetly remarks.

"Yeah, she was…", Fantina spoke a forlornly before taking another bite of her burger.

"O-Oh…I'm sorry…", Clawthorne expressed.

"It's fine. Your turn." Fantina said

"R-Right. Question. Hm…why did you become an ICEP agent?"

Fantina stops chewing then swallows, composing herself, "I did for my coven."

"Your coven? How exactly would that–"

"Sorry, I answer the question! If you want more details you will have to wait until your next turn. Unless you don't want to stick to your own rules?", Fantina raises an eyebrow at the elf woman.

Clawthorne sighed in defeat, "Alright, fair enough."

"Alright, so now a fact about you."

"Ok, my fact is more or less the answer to your question.", Clawthorne replied as Fantina looks to her curiously, "I ORIGINALLY joined ICEP because I wanted a way out of my clan."

Fantina raises an eyebrow, "A…way out?"

"I mentioned earlier how females of my race aren't afforded as many opportunities. I'm no different. No matter how much I training to be a ranger, a warrior to protect people, I was still just a woman. My own father didn't even expect much from me. He the type that's set in old ways and traditional gender roles.", Clawthorne coldly spoke dipping her fries in ketchup then plopping them in her mouth. She winces at the taste and shakes, "Haa, I told them not to make them salty. Anyway, one day ICEP representatives from this country came and offered any elves looking to 'branch out', no pun intended. Naturally, I signed up immediately."

"So why did you want to become an agent? From what I've seen you would have been better off as a student or even a worker at one of these places."

"Yes, I suppose it would be nice. But, I still desired to help people and as an agent I'd protect a variety of people including my kin. The training was difficult, even more so than that of a ranger. There were days where I thought of giving up entirely.", Clawthorne admitted.

"Why didn't you?"

Clawthorne paused for a moment, "I…I found some inspiration…in the form of your host, Agent Sterling and…well…you."

Fantina was taken aback by her words, "Uh…me and…Sterling?"

"I've heard so many stories about you two. An unlikely pair that came from nothing but accomplished so much for just a pair of agents being crucial to ICEP getting a foothold in this area of the country. Despite the volatile state with more liminals entering the country and paranoia amongst the human populace, both of you and the other agents at the time managed to keep the peace and protect the innocent. It was so inspiring, I knew I just had to stay. I wanted to be just like hi–er, you two!", Clawthorne faintly blushes, correcting herself.

"Ok, so you were some sort of SUPER fan of ours. That is equal parts flattering and a little creepy."

"Hehe, I-I suppose so. But then..I hear you just left ICEP. Abandoning the organization and your partner or, at least, that's what was told back then. I just couldn't believe that after everything you did, you would just leave at such a crucial moment in ICEP's development! Despite that, agent Sterling kept pushing forward and, for a while, I kinda got anxious to hear who his new partner would be. What species would they be or would be an entire team? But as weeks turned into months…then two year passed…he continued to…work alone."

"Guess they left out the part where they fucked over species like me and my coven with their bill when telling their story, huh?", Fantina bitterly spoke, skewering one of nuggets with her finger claws, "Can't say I'm surprised, gotta protect their PRECIOUS fuckin' P.R."

"Yes agent Sterling told me the day I… met him before that I was conflict by that feeling betrayed by you leaving and then less year ago finding out you were now working with one largest criminal organization in the state who heavily exploited Liminal's I just-" Clawthorne said getting more emotional as she spoke only for Fantina to interrupted her.

"HEY listen here, I don't care if you're more than twice my age, you don't know shit about how the world works. Liminals like you…the ones they shower all the love upon like confetti wouldn't understand what the rest of us have to endure. Always having to prove we're worth even being treated with common decency. I did what I had to for more coven. Do I feel bad about some of the shit I've done, LIVES I've ruined? Yeah. Would I do it again if it meant my girls have a CHANCE of happiness? Also, yes.", she says before eating both nuggets.

"You're right. Back then, I didn't fully understand this world or this organization, even now I can't say confidently I do yet. I was looking at it the same way I did back home where everything was black and white. I learned some of our fellow agents were working with the Malones. Then in that meeting after that…massacre as I was heading into that meeting my mind was racing wondering what gonna do for those innocent suffering from that tragedy. All they cared about was losing their profit from Liminal goods and their P.R. while going at each like wolves fighting over meat. I couldn't express it at the time but I felt sick. I had nearly wanted to step out of that room and scream from what I was hearing. Aren't WE supposed to be good guys? What are we doing? These are people not products! Only people there who had any shred of decency was director Greenly and agent Sterling."

Fantina looks to her sensing the sincerity in her words, "Not surprised to hear that lost count amount greedy bastard's I met as agent. Everything isn't all black and white or even gray, the world's just a lot more complicated than that. You're still young, well, YOUNG by your species standards, you'll learn to accept like the rest of us."

"I suppose you're right.", Clawthorne replied before realization hit her, "Oh! Oh dear, I think that was three questions from you. Kinda went a little overboard, hehehe.", Clawthorne lightly chuckles in embarrassment.

"Heh, looks like it. Tell ya what, screw the rules. Go ahead, ask me a question.", Fantina suggested with a small grin.

"Alright…what did…you think of agent Sterling when you first met?"

Fantina looked at the elf in surprise seeing her curious expression, "Well…first impressions ARE important and his was…utterly terrible. First time the director at the time introduced me as his partner he said 'DUhhh director? Who's child is this?' ", She emphasized in the stupidest sounding voice possible to Clawthorne's slight amusement.

"Ok, go on."

"So I did like any self-respecting short person and defended my honor. I punched him hard in the dick.", Fantina says with a clenched fist and sadistic smirk.

"Is he ok?!", Clawthorne shouted in concern, surprising some of the other customers.

"Don't worry, I held back a little. I didn't cause any permanent damage."

"Haaa that's good.", Clawthorne sighed in relief then her cheek flush pink, "F-for him, I mean, not for perhaps someone trying to…bear his children or anything. Purely hypothetical!"

"You done?", Fantina asks, eyebrow raised to which the elf woman silently nods, "Anyway, after that I was most indifferent to him. He was a work partner and nothing else, just means to help me support my covenant. Then, one day…a couple of asshats rubbed me the wrong way. At the time, liminals couldn't fight back at humans even when THEY were the instigator. One of them tried to throw a bottle at my head and…"

Fantina trails as the memory of Sterling shielding her, letting the glass smash against his back. The stern but protective look in his eyes is still fresh in her mind years later. He then turns around to face her attackers and brutally subdues the three men, breaking a few ICEP codes and several bones that weren't his that day.

"Wooow, that's amazing! To think he defended you so valiantly.", Clawthorne croons with starry eyes of admiration.

"Heh, I guess that's one word for it.", Fantina lightly chuckles, playing with a nugget on her claws, "After that, I felt like…he was truly different from everyone else I'd encounter up to that point. We started growing closer on and off missions. Don't get me wrong we still annoyed, teased, and argued but…the bond was still there…growing. I thought I truly found someone I could–", Fantina stops herself not wanting to finish.

"I understand. You don't have to finish. It's hard when…tough choices have to be made and we don't know who they'll hurt in the process.", Clawthorne replied reassuringly as Fantina looked at her with slight intrigue.

"Right. So…I guess I owe you another question now if I'm keeping track?"

"Correct! Let's see…", Clawthorne affirms then pretended to ponders her thoughts a moment. She knew what to ask but wanted to be careful how she said it, "Ms. Fantina…what are your feelings for agent Sterling now?"

Fantina pauses, eyes widened in surprise as a faint blush crosses her cheeks, "W-What are you even talking about?"

"Questions don't answer questions.", Clawthorne points out, slightly peeved.

"Don't get snippy with me, long ears!", Fantina snaps at the elf, causing some of the customers to look their way.

"Apologies. Just a friendly discussion.", Clawthorne assured the other patrons before looking back to Fantina, "Apologies to you too, I thought I worded that correctly."

"Well, you didn't!", Fantina snaps at her, annoyed but not as intense as before. She takes a deep breath and sighs, "Anyway…I…don't really hate him. I'm still kinda mad about what he did to me and my coven in the name of 'progress' but…I know I can't hold it against him forever. I mean, he's trying to help me and my girls. I'm guessing it's just out of guilt though."

"I don't think so.", Clawthorne replied solemnly, getting the baphomet's attention, "I've been around agent Sterling a short time but I can sense he truly cares for you. He knows your coven is important to you and…you're important to him.", she says with a slight ache in her heart.

Fantina looks to her in surprise then turns her gave at her half eaten sandwich. Was he really doing all this…because he genuinely wanted to? Even if she doesn't forgive him?

"Now, I owe you a statement.", Clawthorne says, ripping the baphomet from her thoughts, "Regardless of Agent Sterling's past mistakes or his disappointment and disillusionment towards this organization, it doesn't change the fact that he's still a genuinely good man and my inspiration. I wish for nothing more than to be at his side as long as possible. If not as a MON partner then…perhaps a different kind of partner.", She says with a smile, cheeks blushing red.

Fantina flinches, taken aback by the elf woman's brazen declaration feeling a mix of anger and jealousy but chooses to force a grin before straining out, "I-Is that so?"

"Yes. I'm not giving up. No matter what. I've prepared to give everything I have.", Clawthorne says with a grin while a fierce, determined aura surrounds her, "What about you?"

Fantina pauses feeling less angry and more intrigued, "Making a serious declaration with that dumb crown on your head? You're something else, you know that? At this rate…I might actually develop enough respect to use your name."

"We're at BK. Have it your way, Ms. Fantina.", Clawthorne replied with a smirk.

Fantina smirks back "Yeah you're right about that. It's about time I start doing it MY way." lightly giggling with a slightly menacing energy at the elf woman who giggles back with a similar energy. All the while, a few customers looked at the table with the giggles liminal weirdos in confusion not wanting to get involved with them.

…Movie theater…

It was nearing the end of the movie. The dullahan, after battling lord death itself in a climactic final showdown, found himself badly injured and on the verge of being erased from existence. In a final act of selflessness, the love of his afterlife gave up her all spiritual energy, through much protest from her death god lover, in order to restore his physical form. His cries of despair as she vanished into nothing stunned Mirabelle and the rest of the audience.

They were now at the end where, after being banished by Lord Death, the dullahan could be seen wandering the earth for decades, alone. Or so it seemed. Turns out the spiritual essence of his lover had bound so tightly to him she now existed as part of him. Her influence guiding him to similar lost souls that still had life in them and taught them to enjoy their time on earth to the fullest while being mindful of that time. Though he could not longer hold his beloved in his arms, he could feel the warmth in his undead heart that would so long as he NEVER forgot her. It was a bittersweet ending. One that was the topic of mixed discussion after it ended.

"Personally, I think it could've been better.", Cheryl expressed her slight discontent as she and the girls walked out of the theater.

"I don't know about that. I think considering all they went and the implications if she stayed, then it could have been a lot worse.", Ein chimed in.

"I guess but…I don't know. Feels sad they went through all that but don't get to be TOGETHER together."

"Life is not always that simple, senora. Sometimes we have to take whatever happiness we can find for how long we can.", Camilla says, appearing to accept the ending for what it is.

"I agree. At least the two of them will always be together for eternity.", Mirabelle expressed, also pleased with the ending.

"Sooo if she's part of him now does that make him a hermaphrodite? While we're on that, if he masturbates does that mean he's cumming for two?", Zwei proposed with a ponderous expression as the others looked at her with mixed reactions.

"Zwei, what the fuck?", Ein says in slight annoyane.

"Wow, you really let the intrusive thoughts win huh?", Cheryl added as Zwei shrugged.

"I really enjoyed the fight scenes. That scythe thing was so cool slicing through those evil ghosts. It makes ME wanna fight a dullahan as strong as him too!", Lyca excited stated, energetically shadow boxing as Mirabelle and Ein give nervous grins.

"Let's…not wish for that.", Ein remarks, not wanting more danger after them for a while.

"And YOUR thoughts got hands I see!", Cheryl stated as Lyca beams a toothy grin.

"Anyway, the trolley should be arriving in…ten minutes.", Ein says, checking the trolley schedule on her phone.

"Cool! That's like an hour. Guess that means we can get one last gaming session in.", Zwei suggested as Camilla's eyes burned red with eagerness to go back to butchering people and monsters.

"Nooo. It isn't. We're not all splitting up so I have to scramble to find everyone. We're sticking together until the trolley arrives.", Ein firmly stated.

"Boooooo.", Zwei expresses annoyance and disappointment.

"Jes, boooo.", Camilla chimes, equally displeased as Ein scowls at them.

"Hey, don't worry. The trolley makes a stop in the shopping center. We can stop by Gamestop for Doom Eternal and 2016 if they have it

then maybe get something to eat.", Cheryl points out, catching Camilla's attention.

"Ju heard her. We have a new destination.", Camilla says in

"Alright I can use my card to get some points and see what they have that could add to my collection." Zwei said getting excited

"Fine but only if you both stay here and wait last thing we need is a-" Ein was saying

"OHH! Hello there, love!"

Mirabelle and the others turn to see the bicorn and her dark skinned human lover approaching them.

"Ah, hello Ms. Gwen. Did you and Darrell enjoy the film?"

"Oi love, we barely even got to see the full ending before I was getting the cravings again.", Gwen cheekily spoke, crooning on her boyfriend's shoulder.

"It's all good though. We'll just stream it when it comes out next week.", Darrell spoke.

"Uhh, you gonna introduce us to your new friends here, Twilight sparkle?", Zwei questions

"Oh, apologies everyone. This is Gwendolyn Rose and her host Darrell…um…"

"Hackett. Darrell Hackett. Nice to meet y'all", Darrell replies in a nonchalant tone as Camilla looks at him uninterested and unimpressed.

"Likewise.", Cheryl greets him with a handshake.

"Pleasure to meet you both. It's nice to see truly branching out and being more social.", Ein replies, shaking the Bicorns hand.

"You make it sound like i'm a shut-in knob.", Mirabelle pouts in displeasure.

"Hi, I'm Lyca! Wow, you look way different than Mira. I've never seen a centaur with horns!", Lyca happily stated, tail wagging in excitement while darting around the black furred centaur.

"Funny you mention, love, I used to have only ONE horn. Then I met my beloved. Now i'm TWICE as horny! Hahahahaha!", Gwen chuckles ecstatically, joined by Cheryl and Lyca.

"I LIKE this woman.", Zwei stated in approval as Ein raises an eyebrow.

"You lovelies plan on sticking around a tic? My darling and I were just about to head on back home. We plan to welcome the newest member of our family."

"Newest member?", Mirabelle asks, raising an eyebrow.

"AND I TOLD YOU I QUIT. I DON'T WANT EAT TRASH! I WANNA EAT DIIIIICK!", screamed a shrill feminine voice catching their, and other movie goers attention.

Mirabelle and the others were surprised to see a dark purple slime girl yelling at whom appeared to be the female human manager. Her body had taken the form of a young woman with voluptuous curves, dark purple with a strange floating black inside her gelatinous form near the center of her G-cup slime breast. She turns away in a huff, leaving the manager stunned, as she saunters over toward Darrell and Gwen. Each step she took sent ripples of magical sparks in her black core and she wore a devilishly, lascivious smirk. A dark slime.

"Oh, there she is now! Everyone, meet Messi."

"~Hi, i'm Messi~", Messi the dark slime introduced herself.

"W-Wait! I seen her species somewhere before. She's a dark 're quite dangerous. What's one doing here?!", Ein stated, suspiciously eyeing the slime.

"Yeahhh that's…kinda our fault she's like this.", Darrell admitted appearing quite embarrassed and ashamed.

"Explain.", Ein eyes even more suspicious as Camilla and the others look to them dubiously.

"It when darling and I were having sloppy, sexy time in the loo, some of our love fluids were eaten by one of the cleaner slime they have here.", Gwen told them as Cheryl and the others look to them with mixed expressions.

"Ok, explain LESS.", Cheryl stated.

"H-How does that even…how is that possible?!", Ein stated flabbergasted.

"Mana corruption.", Camilla spoke, getting the others attention, "I can feel mana radiating off of her is similar to hers. Your mana must be quite potent to overwrite her own in such a short time.", Camilla asks the bicorn with a dubious expression.

"We Bicorns ARE known for our overwhelming personalities. I don't just mean these either huhu.", Gwen playfully points to her breasts furrowing her eyebrows.

"ANYWAY, long story short, she can't stay here any more and since it's basically our fault she likes this now, she's gonna stay with us until we get help from our coordinator.", Darrell interrupts.

"Oh, don't be so bashful, love. She's grown quite fond of you. Why not make her the first member of our harem?", Gwen says as the dark slime girl suddenly starts nuzzling the dark skinned man to his discomfort.

"I'm sorry, you're fucking WHAT?", Cheryl stated in surprise as Ein and the others looked at them with similar shock.

"You're making a harem? Just like that?", Zwei stated as Camilla and Ein shot her incredulous looks.

"IGNORE HER!", Darrell shouted, then takes Gwen's hand, "Alright Bae…and Messi…let's head out."

"Ok darling!", Gwen happily replies, kneeling her lower half, allowing him to mount her. Messi changes into a smaller childlike form, sitting in Darrell's lap.

She shifted a bit until she found what she was looking for then got a smile as she relaxed on her spot as Darrell got a slight blush.

The others watch as the Bicorn rose up with her human rider on her back, looking surprisingly majestic.

"Wait, you're not waiting for the trolley?", Mirabelle asks them.

"Nah, we don't live that far away so it's faster this way."

"And it's more bloody fun!", Gwen happily chimes in the waves, "Bye for now Mirabelle, best wishes to you and your harem sisters!"

At that, the Bicorn gallops away, her body emanating a reddish-black and pulsating with red lightning as Darrell eyes glow ruby red. The two vanish in a flash of red energy and black smoke, leaving red glowing hoof marks on the pavement.

"I like them, they seem nice.", Lyca expressed with a smile.

"I think I might have misheard her but did she say 'harem sisters'?" Cheryl asked, a little confused but also now very curious. Mirabelle and the others look at each other with mixed expressions.

At that moment, the trolley bell could be heard as the transport vehicle approached the theater.

"Oh look! A welcome distraction from another insane encounter. Let's get the hell out of here and go get that game and eat.", Ein advised the group, not wanting to unpack whatever that was.

"You got weird taste in friends there, Marequine.", Zwei cheekily remarks.

"Have you MET my company?"

"Get on my back, Cheryl! Let's piggyback all the home like the dullahan did his mate. I need be a strong as one of them.", Lyca stated, kneeling in front of Cheryl in piggyback pose.

"Sure. I always wanted to be carried like Kagome. This is close enough.", Cheryl emphatically stated, getting on Lyca's back as Zwei gasps in shock and jealousy, "Onward Inuyasha!"

"GET ON THE BUS!", Ein and Camilla shouted in annoyance at their antics.

"We need to get to that store before some pandejo steals MY new favorite pastime!", Camilla added as Ein looks to the her dubiously, questioning her priorities.

Mirabelle sighed looking up at the sunset sky with a small grin then to Ein scolding Cheryl and Lyca as they got on the trolley. They weren't the most normal group of people but they were her people. No they were Her…sisters, her family.

" , hurry up! You don't want to be left behind!", Ein called out to her.

"Coming!", Mirabelle stated lightly gallop before boarding the trolley with the others bound for their next destination for the evening.

…meanwhile…

After finishing their meal, Clawthorne and Fantina departed from the restaurant head back to the cultural exchange office. The sun was setting, barely hanging in the sky as the evening slowly began to creep in.

"Ugh, ok yep. Definitely going to have acid reflux later. There was definitely SOME traces of meat in that burger.", Fantina complained, rubbing her stomach with a sickly expression.

"Apologies, there are antacid tablets in the glove box. Perhaps your palate is a bit more delicate than I thought."

"When you're raised on natural foods, anything else is basically garbage. I can't believe YOU ate all that yourself! Aren't you even a little sick?", Fantina spoke incredulously, going through the glove box grabbing a box of TUMS then popping a few.

"Why would I be? We elves are quite adaptive and can eat just about anything. In fact, thanks to our connection with the forest goddess, anything that touches our lips has its natural flavored brought out instantly making it more delicious."

"So it's not that you find restaurant food delicious, you just have a cheat skill that makes it taste better than it actually is!", Fantina stated in slight annoyance.

"It's more of an inherent trait that I can't turn off. Barely any mana is even required.", Clawthorne answers then glances at Fantina, "By the way, how are you adjusting to the collar? I can understand it must be frustrating to not be able to use your full potential. I hope it's not too much of a nuisance."

"Well, it's definitely a pain hearing this go off the second I go even a bit over limit, which is apparently often according to those office drones. But after a few weeks It's not too bad though half the time I hardly notice it there unless I am taking a shower and for a while changing."

"I-If you say so. I just don't want you to feel powerless. We're trying to avoid a similar experience like what the liminals felt with the Malones collars."

"Ok, first off, I can STILL use my mana. I'm just limited to either basic spells or low mana ones. I found that through a little experimenting, which let me figure out a solution around that changing issue. Second, WITH or WITHOUT my magic I am not powerless. I think you should know that, even back when I was an agent, I could run hands with liminals more than twice my size and WIN. If you were such a fan of me you'd know I was not to be trifled with."

Clawthorne pauses a moment in thought as they passed by a lining of building. At that moment, her picked up a distinct feminine shriek of someone in distress and a group of men in the corner of her vision as they passed by prompting her to put on the brakes.

"Of course we can't have a peaceful day can we?" Fantina said her ears having also picked up cries as she went toward her belt only be stop by Clawthorne

"Stay here. You're a student, remember? Let me handle it.", Clawthorne says with a serious expression, parking the cars off to the curb.

"You can't be serious?!"

Clawthorne takes out a black Smith and Wesson sidearm from her pants, "I'm deadly serious.", she then leaves the vehicle, shutting the door then rushing to the group.

'Damn that fat chested idiot! if something happens, I know I won't hear the end of it from him.' Fantina thought, facepalming as she went open the door only to find it was locked, 'What? I know this bitch didn't just CHILD lock me inside!'

Further away, a group of five men could be seen harassing a male human and his Apsara girlfriend.

"Stop! YOU LEAVE HER ALONE YOU FU–GAH!", The male boyfriend shouted as one of the men restrained before getting jabbed in the stomach with a wooden plank by one of the men, hunching forward in pain.

"Darling!", the Apsara shouted then turned an angry glare at the men, "YOU BASTARDS!", she shouted as a veil of liquid cover her arms and legs before performing a split kick on two men holding her back, knocking them down, surprising the others. She moves with the grace of a dances performing spinning knocking another assailant away.

At that moment, a gunshot goes off surprising the Apsara as one of men held a gun to her lover's head, much to her horror.

"That's a enough of all that now! Make one more move and I'll blow this fuckin' traitors head off!", he warned staring her down as she and her boyfriend gave horrified looks.

The Apsara drops he guard, relenting to his orders much to the gunman's satisfaction. At that moment, she struck hard in the back by an aluminum bar by one of the men she kicked, bringing her on all fours as her boyfriend cries out.

"Raghhhh bitch! Fuckin' animal! You wanna kick me?! Huh?!", the man shouted, repeatedly kicking the woman in her stomach and face, quickly joined by two others, as her boyfriend cries in protest and the gunman and one holding him laughs.

"Get off of her! You fucks!", her boyfriend shouted and thrashed trying to get free and help her.

"HEY! Shut your damn mouth you suck fuck. Bout to have a stroke over this damn fish n***r", the gunmen bitterly spoke, jamming the firearm into his cheek.

"Da…rling…", the Apsara weakly spoke, her face badly bruised and bloody and feeling incredible pain in her abdomen. She weakly reaches her arm out to him before one of the men stomps on it with a sadistic grin.

"Hey, check this out y'all. She trying to get to her man."

"You wanna give him more of that fish pussy! Ain't that right boy! You like to fuck fish don't you?", one of men mocks her boyfriend, grabbing one of the Apsara fin-like ears yanking it hard enough to lift her head as she whimpers in pain. Her boyfriend grits his teeth in anger.

"Hey, you know what? She's not that bad looking, built close enough to a human.", one of the men spoke, lifting up her dress to get a good look at her, "Think I'll try her out see what got this pussy willing to betray his own kind over."

"Heh, go ahead man.", the gunmen replies giving boyfriend a cold glare, "Show to fucker what happens to animals that wanna act human."

"Get off up, bitch!", one of the men stated, grabbing the Apsara by the hair, forcing her up to her feet as her boyfriend cries out in rage before they throw her against the trunk of a nearby car. One of the men, pins her head against the glass before reaching his hand up her dress forcing her underwear down.

"NO! Reimi! LEAVE HER ALONE!", her boyfriend despairs.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!", Clawthorne yelled getting the groups attention as she pointed her gun at them, "Drop your weapons! Now! You're all under arrest by the authorities of ICEP!"

"How about you back the fuck up you damn elf bitch before I splatter this animal brains all over the concrete!", the gunman threatened, pressing the gun harder into his face, "All we're doing is setting this right! Restoring the natural order before you creatures came along."

"This is what you call order? Harassing and dehumanizing innocent people?!", Clawthorne says in disgust, noticing the three men ceasing their horrendous act upon that Apsara woman.

"People? You must be as brainwashed by ICEP as this pussy over here if you believe you're one of us. They can dress you up in suits, parade you around like you're better than us all they want, you're just a filthy animal like that fish bitch over there.", The gunman says looking to elf up an down.

Clawthorne glares at him in disgust pointing her pistol right at him, "Drop your weapon. Now."

"Or what? MON can't kill humans in this state. Why don't you wait for you human master to come tell you what to do? Meanwhile, they can still have some fun with her. But if you wanna uphold the laws your masters told you to follow, you could always take that bitch's place and we let them go.", the gunman mocks gesturing to his friends who chuckles, proceeding to unbuckle his pants then spread the Apsara legs. Clawthorne feels her anger surging barely containing herself, having never actually killed another person before.

"I said stop! You're all going to pay for your crimes against an innocent host family as is my duty! This is your last warning! Drop you weapons and get down on the ground, now!", Clawthorne replied, glaring intently at the gunman as her hands quivered.

The gunman looks at her with a cold glare then smirks, not noticing his weapon faintly glowing with red energy, "Very funny bitch. VERY FUNNY!", He shouted turning his gun and tries to fire at the elf but to his and Clawthorne's, surprise the weapon vanishes in a flash of red energy, "What the fu–"

"GAAHH!", the guy that pinned down the Apsara cries out, now lying concrete holding his face.

The other men were stunned to see a short liminal woman with goat horns standing before them after kicking their comrade off the Apsara.

"Tch, isn't this a pitiful sight?", Fantina spoke looking at the whimpering apsara with her rear fully exposed in a humiliating pose. A familiar sight she's seen more times than she can remember and was NEVER used to it. She held the gun in her large paw, her finger too big for the trigger, to use it "You humans always sure rely on these to give you any semblance of power.", she spoke letting it float upward into the air, out of anyone's reach.

"Ms. Fantina?!"

"YOU FUCKIN' MONSTER!", one of rushed her with an aluminum bat from behind to bash her skull ash in.

Only for her to catch it with her hand, easily stopping it in place as the guy struggles to pull it free with all his might.

"LET GO YOU FUCKING PIPSQUEAK!"

"You know, I was gonna just bash that bat into your face but because of that comment...", Fantina bitterly spoke, yanking the bat out his grip then thrusting the bottom right into his crotch. He doubles over in pain as she follows up with an upper ward hammer punch to his face, smashing it in and knocking on his back out cold in a bloody mess.

"RAHHH!", the other guy rushes her, brandishing a large hunting knife ready to stab her in the back.

Fantina expertly pivots on her hoof out the weapons path then delivers a strike with her palm on the man's wrist, making him drop the weapon with a pain cry. She then up with a hard punch to the gut, an uppercut, and, in the blink of an eye, leaps up to a roundhouse to the face. Her rock hard hoof shatters his jaw as the force sends his body into a spin cycle then lands hard on the concrete.

"YOU LITTLE SHIT–", The former gunman shouted before Clawthorne pressed the gun to his head, silencing him.

"What part of 'don't move' do you not understand?", she coldly spoke having her gun at his head as he glare at her in frustration.

"FUCK THIS!", the guys holding the boyfriend shouted, throwing said boyfriend to the ground before rushing Clawethorne with a switchblade, aiming for her side.

Clawthorne quickly lowers her gun as she he conjures a green magic seal at the spot, deflecting the blade, much to her assailant's shock before she swiftly roundhouse kicks him in the chest, sending flying and slamming into the concrete wall. He falls down face first out cold.

The former gunman then grabs the hunk of wood from earlier rushing at her. She swiftly dodges, the fires a round into his arm making him holler out in pain dropping the plank. Before the man could fully process it as she created another magic seal though this time on her body as she moved with near-blinding speed, appearing behind then she hit him in the back of the neck. He falls to the ground unconscious as Clawethorne breathes a sigh of relief as the seal on her body vanishes.

"Well, that was a decent workout after a substandard meal.", Fantina remarks stepping up to the elf woman easily carrying the two men as she drops them at Clawthorne feet out cold as the apsara woman fixes her dress, trying to salvage her dignity best she could.

"Ms. Fantina?! I told you to stay in car!"

"What and miss out on saving your ass? You're welcome by the way.", Fantina dismissively replied.

"I had it under–"

"No, you didn't. You had a clean shot to take him down when he charged you but instead of taking it you just blocked him with shield", Fantina cuts her off with a serious glare, "If you're not prepared to kill someone in order to save a life, I suggest you NEVER pull that gun out again. Trust me, there's FAR worse people out here than these shitheads. Besides, liminal students can defend themselves if they're threatened so I upheld my civil right…with these hands." fantina said raising her fur covered hands

Clawethorn goes silent knowing she couldn't deny the truth in the baphomet's statement.

"Reimii!", the human boyfriend rushes past them to the apsara woman.

"D-Darling…", she weakly spoke, leaning against the car still badly injured from the beating she just took, "Y-you're alright my love?", she soft asks forcing a smile as he held her in his arms, a horrified expression as he saw her bruised face.

"Oh god…Reimii…"

"Let me take a look at her!", Clawethorn stated, going up to them and conjuring a green magic before kneeling beside them. She winces upon seeing the badly injured woman before holding her hands out front.

The apsara's body glows a warming green light as the bruises and swelling fades away and her pain subsides.

"Ahh, darling.", the apsara spoke, more lively than before and with a wider grin much to her boyfriend's delight.

"Baby!"

"Sir, please don't move her. Her broken rib requires a bit more time. Don't you move either sir", Clawethorn advised as both nodded in understanding.

"Right. Thank you. Thank you so much, both of you. You saved us.", the man expressed look at Clawethorn then Fantina.

"It's no big deal. We were LITERALLY just passing through.", Fantina waves him off, her back turned and arms folded in indifference as Clawethorne glances back skeptically, "But, you're welcome or whatever."

"W-Wait, you two look familiar. Weren't you at Burger King?", the apsara questions.

"Oh, well–"

"Nope, you're mistaken. I have never set hoof in such an establishment in my life.", Fantina cuts her off as Clawethorne and the couple look to her dubiously, "Now if you'll excuse me, somebody has to make sure these guys stay put.", she says, creating red magic seals at one of the unconscious guys' feet and hands then moving to the next.

"She…means well.", Clawethorn assured the couple with a smile, continuing to heal the apsara as she takes a glance at Fantina.

…

Nearly two hours have passed since the group left the movie theater. As planned, they stopped in the shopping district and picked up a copy of Doom Eternal for Camilla along with used copy of games that have been on Zwei's 'to-play' list for a while.

Afterwards, they decided to hang around for a while longer, visiting some new stores and enjoying each other's company and grabbing dinner at a new Mediterranean-style restaurant owned by a group of female Kikimora. They enjoyed themselves, chatting and joking, as Cheryl learning a bit more about the girls.

Eventually, they took one of the last trolleys back home. Not wanting to stay out too late as due to recent events spurring 'Hunter' activity. Fortunately, they got home safe and sound, now relaxing in the living room after a long day. Or at least they should…if not for two liminal women arguing over gaming rights.

"I SAID I am USING the P4S station!", Camilla stated firmly, holding up her copy of Doom Eternal.

"It's called a 'PS4', say it right! Besides, I got to it first! I'M playing Injustice 2!", Zwei argued back, holding her games.

"Doesn't Chief have two of these consoles? Where's the other one?", Lyca questioned.

Zwei pauses, eyes widening at the mention of it.

…. Flashback a few days earlier…

"Stop hiding from me you PUSSY! Stop sniping and one–vee–one already!", Zwei shouted within the panic room, playing Rainbow Six Siege with an irritating player online that killed her every round. They proceed to get another headshot on her, driving her over the edge.

"YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!", Zwei yells, stomps in a fit then tossing the remote, accidentally smashing it into the console and leaving her stunned, "Oops…"

…Flashback end…

Zwei shakes her head from her thoughts, "Not important. I'm using it!"

"Wrong! I am! Ju spend too much time on these devices anyway. Listen to your elders!", Camilla retorts.

"Wha? Elders?!"

While they argued, Cheryl could be seen with Ein and Mirabelle casually watching as Ein shook her head in disappointment.

"Never thought I'd see Camilla fussing over a Dear's tele game.", Mirabelle lightly giggles.

"Hey, she just needed to find a genre that speaks to her.", Cheryl replied.

"I'm terrified to know exactly what it said to her given the TYPE of gameplay it has.", Ein replies, still concerned.

"She'll be fine. Nobody ever done any crazy playing those kinds of games."

'That's…not exactly what has me worried.', Ein thought.

"Well, I hope you guys had fun today. I'll be heading home but I'll check back up Monday."

"Wait, you're going out this late in the evening?", Mirabelle asks, a bit surprised

"Yeah, but I've driven back wayyy later than this. I'll be fine."

"You're welcome to spend the night. There isn't a full moon tonight and we have plenty of room, so it's not a bother at all.", Ein assures.

Cheryl was taken aback by the offer, unsure of just how to respond, "I…are you sure? I don't wanna make myself TOO comfortable…or subject you to any of my weirdo…ness. I don't wanna be an inconvenience."

"Nonsense! It wouldn't be an inconvenience at all. Besides, I, along with the others, happen to enjoy your weirdo-ness.", Mirabelle beams a grin at her to which Ein nods in a agreement.

Cheryl looks at them a moment in surprise before smiling back in appreciation. It had been a while since she'd felt genuinely welcome anywhere.

Suddenly, the shouting from the devil and weasel girl breaks the mood entirely.

"Ok! I've had enough of their–"

"Wait wait, it's fine. I got this.", Cheryl assures, blocking Ein's path then goes to the pair, leaving Ein confused.

"That's it! Why don't we duel for the spot?", Zwei stated irately, extending her scythes.

"Please! It will not be much of duel!", Camilla furiously spoke, conjuring a blue magic seal in her palm while Lyca glances between them in panic.

"Hey hey hey hey hey! Come on! Non of that!", Cheryl stated, getting both liminals attention, "Zwei, let take some time getting Camilla to the combat on THIS type of controller."

"Seriously?! But I–"

"I know, you're the better gamer but that's why she needs the time more. Besides, afterwards, I can teach you some tricks I learned in college when playing Flash. I think he's perfect for your play style. Deal?"

Zwei looks to her intrigued then begrudgingly replies, arms folded concedingly, "Fine. Don't take way too long though."

"Hehe, we won't.", Cheryl assured then looks to Camilla, "So, you ready to rip and tear through the forces of heaven and hell? And enjoy a good story but MOSTLY the other thing?"

Camilla looks to her a moment then smiles widely, "Ju really need to ask?"

At that, Cheryl quickly inserts the game into the console, booting it up, then taking a seat next to Camilla. Whom didn't seem to mind in the slightest.

Mirabelle and Ein looked to each other and smiled at their friend's progress before locking the front door to join the others for a peaceful evening.

"Does anyone else feel a draft against their back?", Cheryl asks, feeling the back of her shirt as Camilla and Ein were taken aback, seeing several freshly cut holes in her shirt.

Zwei snickers to herself with a mischievous grin.

"Zweeeeiii.", Ein growls, towering over her sister like a shadowy figure with menacing green eyes, cracking her knuckles threateningly.

"Bye.", Zwei grins widely before vanishing with blinding speed as a gentle breeze blew from the now slightly ajar sliding glass door.

"Get back here!", Ein stated vanishing with a slight stronger breeze, "Apologize right now!", he voice could be heard outside, feet heard pattering on the roof.

Camilla sighed, choosing to ignore them while using a spell to repair Cheryl clothes, who's eyes twinkle in amazement at the magic being used. Lyca stood in the sliding door opening, listening with excitement at the two Karmaitachi antics.

Mirabelle shrugs her shoulders, shaking her head, accepting the madness.

…Elsewhere…

After waiting for the pick up team to arrive, the Hunters were immediately taken into police custody. The apsara and her host provided their statements of what happened, including the assistance they received from Fantina and Clawthorn.

As a pair of agent's finished securing the last of the hunters in the vehicle, while their weapons, including the gun, were taken in as evidence.

Fantina and Clawthorne were now finishing up their testimonies.

"Are you sure there was no one else involved tonight?", the officer asked.

"For the last time, No. Geez, if THIS is what you call a fast response, how long does a house call take?" Fantina said, annoyed by the officer's repetitive questions after having to wait almost an hour for the agents to arrive and then another hour to finish wrapping everything up, "Since when did things get so…unprofessional around here?"

"Says the traitor responsible for the mess we are still cleaning up.", one of the human MON agents bitterly muttered to another.

"What I wouldn't give to see her in the stockade with the rest of the criminal garbage.", a female Anubis MON agent muttered in disdain to her partner, who agreed. It was still loud enough for Fantina and Clawthorne to hear.

"Hey! If you have something to say, say it to my face! Sand mutt!", Fantina challenged, going up to the Anubis.

"What did you just call me?", the Anubis snarls, summoning a golden metal staff with a scale atop then turns to face her, "I can't hear you from down there you tiny little drug dealing goat whore!"

"I'll show you who's tiny you judgemental sand bitc–."

"Enough!", Clawthorne stated, putting herself between them, "There's been enough violence for one night, don't you think? Our job is keeping the public safe and that includes showing them we CAN be relied on.", Clawthorne motions with her eyes to the host and Apsara watching from a distance with worried expressions.

"Tch, whatever. Just keep that bitch away from us. Not like she belongs here anymore.", The Anubis makes her staff vanish, turning and walking away in a huff as her partner followed, shooting a disgusted glare at the goat girl.

"Was that really necessary?", Clawthorne asks in a serious tone.

"If making a bitch shut her bitch mouth up when she's doesn't know what she's talking about is deemed unnecessary, then I don't wanna live in this world anymore."

"That's not what I meant and you know it! We're all trying our best and we're all frustrated that we can't save every liminal family that goes through something like this. We can't be at each other's throats when we need each other more than ever.", Clawthorne vehemently stated.

"Tch, you make it sound like we're allies.", Fantina bitterly replied, "Let me tell you something. None of the dipshits like them from the office give a shit about me and would rather see me locked up forever or deported. They only barely tolerate me as you just saw. I have no allies here."

Clawthorne pauses, unable to denounce or deny her claim since she has heard slander against the baphomet by her colleagues throughout the week.

"Fan-Fan!"

A familiar voice got the pair's attention as they looked, to their surprise, to see Sterling getting out of his vehicle and hastily rushing to them.

"A-Agent Sterling?! What are you doing here?", Clawthorne expressed.

"Are you kidding? I heard about the report from MON team 3. Of course I'm going to come make sure you're ok!", he stated in a serious tone, catch Clawthorne by surprise as her heart races and face flushes.

'H-He was worried about me?!', Clawthorne thought to herself, crooning in delight, her feeling pink and fuzzy.

"You ARE ok, right Fan-Fan?"

"Of course! A few humans with bats bigger than their brains couldn't stop me. Even with this little handicap of mine.", Fantina emphasized, hooking her finger under the collar.

"Well, that's good, but still you're a student. I don't want you getting involved in situations like this often! You're not an agent anymore."

"I don't need a reminder, believe me. Besides, I only got involved because of this one's poor situation control skills.", Fantina says, gesturing to Clawthorne who jaw drops in surprise then bows her head apologetically when Sterling looks at her, "Buuut she managed to redeem herself a little by healing the victims and helping to restrain the criminals."

"I see…", Sterling says, looking at them ponderously.

"Heyyy. What are you thinking? I know that look anywhere! You're plotting something!", Fantina accused pointing a finger at him.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Fan-Fan. I was just thinking about how good it is that you're safe. Both of you are. Regardless of your powers and skills, it won't stop me from worrying.", he quickly diffuses with a sincere voice.

Fantina and Clawthorne were taken aback as a sudden warmth filled their hearts.

"W-Whatever, it's not like …I asked you to. I can take care of myself…idiot.", Fantina replies, arms folded and looking away to hide her blush.

"Thank you so much for looking after her today, Agent Clawthorne. I trust you were able to get everything she needs?"

"Of course, sir! Everything is right in here.", Clawthorne beams happily, presenting the magic satchel to him as he raises an eyebrow, "And before you ask, elven magic."

"Ah, cool! Well, MON is almost done here and I'm through for the day. Shall we go home, Fan-Fan?"

"Chaos yes! I can finally cook some real food to put in my stomach.", Fantina complained, her tummy still bothering her.

"Agent Clawthorne, are you parked nearby?"

"Oh, I'm only a couple blocks away."

"If you want, I can drop you off at your car. It's no trouble.", Sterling offered as Clawthorne eyes lit up.

"You know, chivalry was never your strong suit. She's perfectly capable of–"

"I'D LOVE–I mean, I'd appreciate that. You're very kind, sir.", Clawthorne stops herself then him an ecstatic grin much to Fantina disappointment and annoyance.

"Alright then, everyone pile in."

"Shotgun!", Clawthorne moves with near blinding speed, beating Fantina to the passenger much to her surprise.

"Ok, hop in back, Fan-Fan."

"Seriously?"

"What? She called it. ", Sterling replies, shrugging his shoulder as Clawthorne closes the door with a satisfied expression, glad to be seated next to in his vehicle.

"You're both ridiculous…", Fantina sighed, climbing in the back seat, "Can you move your seat up a little? I'm not that small?"

The trio settle in as Sterling vehicle makes a small u-turn to drop off Clawthorne then head back Sterling apartment after a long day.

…Elsewhere…

At an old abandoned distillery across a set of railroad track, somewhere in Southeastern Alabama, a slender, male figure in a black hoodie and ragged cut jeans could be seen walking to the property and slipping past the rusted gate. He continued up to the dilapidated building with broken out dirty windows and unused equipment rusty equipment, noticing a door was left wide open. Almost beckoning him to enter

He takes a deep breath before walking inside the large nearly dark room with only sources of light being the rays shining from the windows.

"Hey! I'm here!", the man called out, his raspy voice echoing through the vacant. He pulls down his hood, revealing a skinny human man, late twenties with messy brown hair and scraggly facial hair, "We doing this or what?!"

"Keep your voice down.", came a gruff masculine voice getting the man's attention as a floating ball of light appeared, partially illuminating the area.

Standing before him in the dim light rays was a tall Caucasian man, average build, wearing a black suit and pants with white collar shirt underneath. He was fairly old but quite handsome, around late forties to mid-fifties with noticeable graying in his brown hair, neatly trimmed, Van Dyke beard to complement black thin-framed glasses and green eyes. He also wore a black fedora with a reverse sun tarot card in the black strap.

"I hate when peace it disturbed. It's always by somebody who can't appreciate the peace that comes with silence. That quiet reflection we all could use every now again. Don't you agree, Mr. Fitzpatrick?"

"What the hell are you talkin' about man? Are you the guys or what?", Fitzpatrick asks, clearly confused

"I'd say it's a pretty straight forward question.", A feminine voice spoke, appearing out of the shadows with menacing blue eyes and into the light, seductively swaying her hips as she joined the bearded man's side.

From what Fitzpatrick could make out, her appearance was that of a fair-skinned human woman in her mid-twenties but she clearly wasn't human. Evident by her long, pointed ears, silver hair, thick pale blue devil tail with black chains coiled around it, and large black feathers protruding out both sides of her hips. She appeared to be dressed as a nun, or at least, the SEXY variety with black belts on her ankles, wrists, and neck and black knee-high leather high heeled boots. Her nun outfit fully accentuated her hourglass figure, especially her hip and the opening of her Double D-cup cleavage was shaped like an inverted cross. A Dark Priest.

"Apologies, my beloved William can be a tad, how do you say, 'cryptic' at times. But that's just what I like about him.", She spoke in a noticeable French accent, her tone refined but laced with desire as her tail rubbed against the bearded man's arm.

"Now isn't the time, Adelaide and I'm not your beloved. Stop calling me that.", William brushes her off, retrieving his arm from his grip.

"Awwww, why must you wound me so, ma Willy chérie?", Adelaide whines crooning on his shoulder, much to William's discomfort and Fitzpatrick's added confusion.

"Ah geez, can you just not tonight? It's already been literal hell trying to maintain my pride and joy without my beauty station.", came another feminine voice with a noticeable lisp in her speech.

Fitzpatrick looks to the right to find another human-like woman in her early twenties with pale skin, black eyes, a slim but shapely figure complimented by D-cup breasts sitting one of the windows, combing her long, black hair that was more than twice the length of her body. She also wore a burgundy Japanese-style kimono and black high-rise sandals to make herself look taller. A Kejourou.

She places her large, red and white blossom pattern atop her head then leaps down. Her hair black hair quickly shapeshifts into a large hand, stopping her descent, much to Fitzpatrick's shock before it reshapes into a black recliner.

"Anyway, so you're the scrub the old geezer was talking about, huh?", The Kejourou says as William shoots her a glare, then examines the raggedy man before her, crossing her legs, "Not impressed."

"What did you say to me, bitch–?!"

At that moment, part of the kejourou's hair quickly transforms into a long black spear, silencing the man as the blade made of hair stops just at his throat.

"FUCK!", Fitzpatrick stumbles back, horrified and heart racing as the kejourou stares blankly at him without a hint of emotion on her face.

"Sadako.", William firmly spoke giving her a look as the kejourou, named Sadako, retracts her spear hair then reshaping it back into normal hair, "Word to the wise, NEVER call her a bitch or insult her hair. Not to mention we've been…kinda on edge since our previous employers all died and their organization imploded on itself. So there's that."

Fitzpatrick backs away, now becoming more afraid of the trio, "So you're them huh? The Amphetamine team. Then I guess that makes you the boss of these two right?"

"He isn't the boss of me.", Sadako coldly spoke.

"~He can boss me around anytime, anywhere, in any position.~", Adelaide utters hungrily, clasping her hand with lustful devotion in her eyes.

William shoots her a stern look, not even bothering to respond, then looks to Fitzpatrick, "Nah, I'm just the "cook". The Mistress calls the shots. She's the key to our product."

"Mistress? Who–", Fitzpatrick spoke, backing up only to bump into something behind him then hear a soft, amused giggle.

He whips around shocked and stunned silent as a large, dark and imposing figure looms over him with a Cheshire-like grin, menacing golden eyes and bioluminescent purple orbs and strange markings creating the eyes and silhouette of a king cobra.

Her top portion was that of a very beautiful woman with generous H-cups partially restrained by a black tied up crop top, curvy hips and toned stomach, long black and magenta colored hair, light purple skin, long pointed ears and a long forked tongue.

Fitzpatrick notices her lower half was that of a large serpent with dark purple scales that shimmered in the faint light along with cobra-like frills attached to her head and back. She wore a tight fitting black leather skirt with a zipper to cover her private region but also accentuate her plump human-like rear section. An Apophis.

He was horrified as she stared down at him as if putting him in trance with her sheer presence. Even worse, he realizes someone her size has managed to sneak behind him completely unnoticed with her serpentine body blocking his nearest escape path.

"That would be me, Deary. Huhuhu. You may call me Mistress, or you can simply call me 'Raynell' but I would much prefer Mistress", the Apophis spoke, her words silky and hypnotic but every syllable practically dripping with venom. She tilts her head curiously, "So you're the informant out dear William contacted? What news do you have?"

Fitzgerald struggled to speak a moment before her eyes narrowed slightly, sending a surge of fear through every cell in his body. Every nerve was screaming for him to do what she asks or die.

"Y-Y-Yes, ma'am. Uhh, ICEP's been cracking down on gluttony fang, the streets are basically dry now. They've got eyes and ears everywhere. I barely managed to slip through. Everywhere…except one spot, you can use. I-I'll show you. Nobody will notice. You can start back cooking.", Fitzpatrick stuttered.

Raynell smiles widely in satisfaction as she began to lightly giggles in amusement.

Fitzpatrick looks confused before William slaps a hand on his shoulder, making him flinch then turn to him.

"Who said we stopped?", William ask him looking him dead in the eye then nodding to Adelaide.

She immediately raised her hand creating several more balls of light, fully illuminating the building and revealing several large tables with various chemistry lab equipment from graduated cylinders to beakers along with a few large tanks of methylamine.

Fitzpatrick steps forward, wide eyed before noticing a single white table stacked with plastic ziplock bags full of dark purple crystalline materials, "I-Is that…how did you…"

"My lab equipment with the Malones may have been destroyed or damaged beyond salvaging but…luckily I had some equipment in storage from my old job.", William plainly answered.

"Huhuhuhuhu, ohhh my lovelies, I've been oh so lonely without you these past few weeks. I'm sure you all must be practically starving for your Mistress' love flowing through their veins.", Raynell expressed in sheer delight, hugging and caressing her body sensually as she slithered towards the table filled with gluttony fang, her creation.

Adelaide and Sadako give their Mistress room as does William, looking on as she picks up one of the bags smiling in delight. Fitzpatrick looks on as well feeling more nervous by the minute, wondering what he signed up for.

"~And I have so much love to give, huhuhuhuhu.~", Raynell giggles with a delighted, unhinged smile as her eyes glowing brightly.

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WN

Sup Fam! I'm back! Sorry about the wait. Life has been kicking my assssss lately! Despite that I managed to get this out before the month was up.

I actually debated splitting this chapter up to keep to my weekly schedule but decided to make this one EXTRA long. I thought people may not like that at first but then I remembered this was MY story and I have free will to do whatever I want.

That being said, I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you thought of it, show much love and appreciation to my coworker Sandshrewmaster and my beta readers. Until the next, possibly shorter, one. PEACE FAM!

P.S. Did you know Darrell and Gwendolyn were also going to be the main characters for this story when I scrapped the Troll? Welp, now I'm making them honorary side characters.

P.S.S. Don't forget to follow this story on AO3. I've had WAYYY too many problems uploading lately on here.