Chapter 24: Choices
"Y-You're partner?!", Ein stated in genuine shock.
Sterling turns away from her looking out the window with his hands interlocked behind his back, "That's correct, Ms. Zyklon. In fact, she was one of the best agents we had in the U.S. branch. Top marks in all training courses and top in her class on the I.A. exam. I know because we were in the same training course; where we first met."
"Really? That's one of the hardest exams in the organization! The ones that pass are qualified to lead entire districts!", Ein stated incredulously. She actually fought someone with those kinds of skills? No wonder she had such a rough time with her. She looks to Sterling, "So...what happened? Why is she working with the Malones?"
Sterling exhales collecting his thoughts before turning to the wind weasel, "Ms. Zyklon, i'm going to tell you a story and I need you to promise you won't tell anyone. Not I.A., not Caleb, not even your sisters. Do you understand?"
Ein pauses for moment before nodding, "Yes sir."
Sterling looks her in the eye seeing she truly meant it. He composes himself and began, "It was... 9 years ago. Back when the Interspecies exchange program was trying to find its footing. When humans first learned that...they weren't the only intelligent beings on this planet. When, for a moment, most other world issues took a back seat to the news that creatures of fiction were completely real. Protests, violence, public fear was rampant among Americans, hell most of the world, with citizens who people like you as demons or, more colloquially, monsters. It was...a chaotic time to say the least. It didn't help that many non-human were not eager to start integration to begin with and many actively sought to put a stop to it. I was just beginning my career as an officially licensed agent after transferring from the bureau of investigation as a deputy detective in Virginia before being assigned here in Alabama At the time, ICEP needed as many experienced personnel as they could find to keep the peace and quell the fear mongering running throughout the Southern states. Fantina and I were among the newly appointed agents working to ensure the increase progression of liminal integration and dispel public fear. Our relationship was...rough in the beginning. Hell, first day she was assigned to me first thing I said "Where did this child come from and where's my partner?"...She took exception to that; and by 'exception' I mean she kicked me in the groin with her rockhard hoof."
Ein recoils slightly as Sterling shook his head as nostalgia played in his mind. He continues, "Not the best way to start a relationship but we eventually found some common ground in our work. We weren't making very much back then so were a bit at odds with each other. We barely even said much to each other outside of work aside from briefing on our assignments. We were fairly successful in many of our assignments and I quickly learned she had her own unique yet...abrasive style in dealing with unruly humans and liminals. The two of us gained something of a reputation in MON as being the ONLY team consisting of just two members. We were even promoted to being the heads of the first Exchange office here in Huntsville. As more time passed, she gradually opened up to me more and more and we even did things together outside of work. She was such a free spirit. Always willing to do what needed to be done yet always following her own path. Fantina always had my back, even when things got too rough for either of us. I could tell she knew I would always be there for her no matter how complicated things got. Before I knew it we were practically inseparable. She was...an amazing girl. Very Proud, caring...and very passionate.", Sterling spoke fondly closing his eyes with memories playing and smiling warmly to himself.
"It sounds like you two were very close sir.", Ein says with a small grin.
Sterling's shot open, a light blush on his cheek, realizing he got caught in reminiscing before clearing his throat, "Y-yes...we were."
"Then...what happened? Why did she choose to work for the Malones", Ein inquires.
Sterling's smile dissolve to a frown. He looks away pensively at the outdoor scenery of buildings, "When the U.S. was getting ready to pass the exchange bill allowing liminals to integrate into our country, there was...a heavy divide in what species would be allowed into the program. Many species other countries deemed too "dangerous" had to be excluded. At least, for the time being until the public gained better understanding of them to dissolve their fears and we found suitable hosts willing to take them in."
"Oh yeah, I remember the Chinese government doing something very similar. They said it about keeping humans safe and liminals free from persecution...but...it just felt...", Ein trails
"Like bullshit?", Sterling replies surprising Ein, "Like it felt like an excuse for the ones in charge of the could flex their power on other species? That most of the species allowed at the time were known produce profitable commodities and services?
"Well I wouldn't say...that...but...", Ein spoke unsure of what to say.
"It's ok. Back then, that WAS the case, I could definitely see how biased we were. Arachne silk, weresheep wool, Scylla ink, anything considered valuable on the market produced by liminals the species were the, coincidentally, the first to be selected for the program. Then came the species excluded from the list. The ones considered to dangerous to be put into human...or even...a danger to our way of life.", Sterling stated.
"Your way of life? How? And what does this have to do with your partner?", Ein inquires
"I'm getting to it. By that I mean species with...practices and belief systems that are frowned upon or considered immoral and reprehensible in American society. Species like vampires, who sustain themselves on human blood, Harpies, with their extreme sexual promiscuity, Orcs, with their proclivity towards violent and depraved acts, or...Baphomets, and their beliefs in...the depravity and sexual charm of little girls.", Sterling finished while rubbing the back of his head.
Ein blinked in surprise, "Um...excuse me, sir?"
"Fantina's race is...very strong in their beliefs almost to a fanatic degree; Fantina was no different. They believed that not enough people appreciated the...charm and beauty of the...ahem "underdeveloped female form". They wanted all men and women to know this, espescially the former. Of course, this didn't bode well with the higher ups and immediately excluded her species from integrating for the time being. This enraged Fantina.", Sterling look down at the lower half of the building's roof covered brown stones then to the birds sitting along the edge, "The bill essentially discriminated against her and her people for her beliefs...even her appearance."
Ein slowly shakes her head in disbelief, "W-what happened to her after that? Did that make her leave?"
Sterling frown looking away somberly, "No, that crushed her, but drove her away from ICEP altogether...was me."
"Y-you, sir?", Ein inquires in shock.
"Before this section of the Bill could be passed, it needed, not only the folks in Congress approval, but the popular vote of each highly established exchange branch office head in each state. If a branch refused to cast a vote, the office shut down indefinitely and all liminal students would have lost their temporary citizenship. I along with Fantina were in charge of this state's branch office. Naturally, Fantina wanted to vote against but, unfortunately, at the time liminal MON agents did not enjoy the same judicial rights as humans and did not have the right to vote; which angered her even more. So...it fell to me. After meditating on it for some time...and I...I voted...yes.", Sterling admitted wistfully touching his palm to the glass.
"You...you...approved it. Sir?", Ein said in a dispirited tone as her ear slightly drooped downwards.
"...Yeah, I did. Though...if I didn't, the liminals living in this state at the time, who had settled here as their new home, who wanted nothing more than to be able build lives and be looked at as anything but...freaks...to have those dreams taken away! I did my part to make this country open to people any race or species. I did what was right for everyone! ...That's what I told myself before...Fantina confronted me. She found out what I did and...", Sterling trails.
Flashback
"How? How could you?!", a slightly younger Fantina stood in front of a slightly younger Sterling with a look of both anger and hurt on her face. The two were in the first modeled lobby of Alabama's first Exchange office.
"Fan...Fan I had to. If I didn't EVERY other liminal student in this state would have lost their temporary licensure and would have been deported! I couldn't let that happen! They all deserve a chance to be of society and to not have hide in the shadows!", Sterling protested earning a tense look from the Baphomet.
"A chance huh? Yeah, yeah I'm sure it's easy giving a chance to the liminals you ARBITRARILY PICK AS YOUR FAVORITES. Do you realize that more than half of the species on that list are the ones with most HUMANOID appearance. Meanwhile, the ones they decided aren't good enough or too dangerous or too different are the ones who ridiculed and abused because refuses to acknowledge them. People...like me...who, just of because of our appearance, our way of life, we're to be avoided and isolated from so-called 'welcoming' society!"
"Fan, it's not like that at all. The bill is still in its infancy and many of the excluded species are still being observed in their interaction in human society. As soon as we understand them better, they will be let into the program. I promise.", Sterling says approaching her with a comforting gesture only for her to back away.
"AND HOW LONG WILL THAT TAKE?! Months? YEARS?! You expect me to wait on a hollowed out promise from the people who don't want me here anymore to begin with?! Don't you understand...they got all they wanted out of me. I'm going to be deported soon and that'll be the end of it.", Fantina finished shoulders drooping in a dispirited voice.
Sterling kneels down on one knee in front of her, "Fan, listen to me, you are not going anywhere. You are a MON agent and damn incredible one at that! You aren't going anywhere, not if I have anything to say about it!", Sterling stated reaching to cup the side of her face only for her to roughly slap his hand away and backs away glaring at him.
"You've said PLENTY already with your decision! I TRUSTED YOU! YOU WERE MY FRIEND! You cared for me and you never intentionally treated me like a child or some freak! Do you realize how difficult it is for me? Everywhere we go, I feel the scornful eyes on the two of us together; like it's something unclean and disgusting!", Fantina gives a choked whimper at the end as her body trembled while clenching her fists.
Sterling shakes his head slowly with sorrowful expression, "Fantina I...I'm sorry...I just...", he stands to his feet shakily reaching out to her.
"DON'T TOUCH ME! I was wrong about you!", Fantina shouted hysterically tears filling her eyes and running down her cheeks, "You're just like everyone else! Deep down I knew it but I just saw how nice and patient you were and you accepted me for who I was! You listened to me and I just wanted that for so long. You were everything I wanted! I...I...L-L...", Fantina pauses looking into his blue expectant eyes as she chokes on her words realizing saying them now is pointless. She quietly backs away with a despairing look as tears continued to flow down her cheeks. She turns and runs to the front entrance sobbing. Sterling takes of after her.
"FANTINA, WAIT!", He call for her as she expands her scythe to its full size then slicing the door door down leaving it a pile of broken glass.
"STAY AWAY! I'M DONE WITH ICEP AND I NEVER WANNA SEE YOU AGAIN!", she shouts back taking out her MON badge and tossing it to the ground. She raises her scythe and slices a rippling blue portal. Sterling maneuvers over the broken glass shards watching panic as the portal expands. She steps through not even turning to look at Sterling.
"No! Fantina, wait, please wait! I'M sorry!", Sterling runs to the portal as fast as he can reaching out desperately to follow his partner. It immediately closes before his fingers could make contact. He freezes for moment before noticing her badge on the ground. He squats down and with a shaky hand picks it up clutching it fervently. The realization that his partner was gone slowly dawning on him. He slowly drops his arm to his side as he stood up slowly. His eyes welling up with tears as his throat tightened trying to hold in a sob, "I'm...sorry.", He spoke softly as her gripped her badge tightly.
Flashback end
Ein stood speechless. Many thoughts flowing through her mind after hearing that story and overwhelmed her so much she had to sit down in one of the adjacent waiting chairs.
"I never saw her again after that day. I tried to find her even having I.A. attempt to locate her but they never found any leads; she just went completely off the radar.", Sterling spoke wistfully. Ein looked at him with saddened eyes. He noticed before turning away and gripping the back of one of the leaning down with his head low then sighs, "Ms. Zyklon, have you noticed that unlike ICEP agents, I don't have a MON team?"
Ein looks up with an inquisitive expression. Admittedly, the question had crossed her mind before but never inquired further on the subject.
"After...I lost Fantina I just...didn't have it in me to be a leader of new recruits.", Sterling reaches into his suit pocket pulling out a badge. The leather stitching was slightly worn but the metallic seem to have been well-maintained.
Ein stated curiously, "What is that?"
" It's her badge; the only part of her that still with me. I only have one partner...and I traded her away so that the bill could be put in place. I choose to work alone because...I didn't want to replace her because she is irreplaceable. That might sound stupid and corny, I know. Especially when we need more functioning teams more than ever.", Sterling stated rubbing his forehead.
"N-No! Sir I...I completely understand.", Ein spoke up, "You did what had to be done for the liminals in this state and the country. It's not either of your fault. You were both given a difficult choice to make and...it had to be made."
Sterling was silent for a moment as he put the badge away, "I know and that part I don't regret. I...just wish things with the Bill could've been different then. And Fantina was right, it's been years since that day and these damn folks in the Senate still haven't appealed the section excluding Baphomet from the program.", Sterling grimaced gripping the arm of the chair. He then notices Ein staring at him with a worried look. He inhales and exhales before turning to her, "Ahem, I'm sorry for dumping my baggage on you like that."
"It's ok Sir, really and...I want you to know I'm so sorry about what happened to you two. But, the question on my mind is...what now? She's back...and you both on opposing sides. I-I MEAN we don't know the circumstances that led her to working for them! Maybe she's afraid for her life! Maybe she's not truly siding with them, they could be blackmailing her! Or even-"
"MS. ZYKLON!", Sterling interrupted her rambling making Ein jump and go quiet, "I get it. For now, we know the Malones have a powerful magic based liminal in their service which makes keeping an eye on mr. Nikolai one of our top priorities. As for Fantina, we'll be keeping a closer watch for her. I suggest you do your part and watch out for Mr. Bizzell."
"Y-Yes sir, of course.", Ein says in a respectful tone.
"Good. Now go check on your sisters, make sure you each keep an eye out for any strange activity. I need to make a call to the office.", Sterling says standing up then taking out his phone.
"Yes sir, but...are you-"
"I'm fine Ms. Zyklon now go do your job.", Sterling interrupts her walking to the window with his back turned. Ein silently raises from her seat.
"Yes sir.", she says giving a respectful bow before leaving.
Sterling looks over his shoulder ensuring she was gone. He takes his phone and opens a personal file on his phone. He taps photos and opens one of them. The screen shows a photo from 8 years ago. In it, he and Fantina were sitting with a water fountain in the background. The latter comfortably sat in his lap looking up at him while cradling his chin in one of her paws. Sterling grips his chest lightly at Fantina's badge in his suit pocket. He closes his eyes as her words, 'I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN', rang through his head along with the memory of seeing her in the parking garage.
'Fan...what are you doing?', he thought morosely.
Ein walks through to the elevators. Her eyes glance down the hall where there were some rooms a few doors down from one of the nurse reception desk. There was one gaurded by two stern looking ICEP agents in yellow padded armor; one a burly human man the other and even more burly gargoyle man. She decides things on that end were fine and continues on to find her sisters. As she leaves, a third figure appears from out of one of the elevators. They were tall, wearing a black business suit, and necklength blonde hair with their elongated ear poking through. They approached the reception desk with the nurse eyes widening for a moment at their appearance. Likely her first time seeing an elf in person.
"H-Hello? How may I help you?", she spoke in a careful tone.
"Good evening miss, I am Detective Greenly of the state Bureau of investigation .", The elven man presents his badge to her, "I understand that you recently taken in a notorious criminal in your care by the name, Nikolai ivankov? I've been sent by to question him."
"I'm...sorry sir but the patient is in no condition to answer any questions. He's sustained heavy injuries to put a comatose state. He nearly went into shock before bringing him in. Only hospital staff can enter and leave the room at this time.", The nurse replies. Greenly wears a cold look slowly accepting that his mission would be put on hold. However, there was something he COULD do to make sure his goal was accomplished.
"Hmm, I'm guessing that's where he's being kept.", Greenly says looking at the two MON guards before walking over to them. The nurse attempts to call him back, only getting out a few low utterances before getting from her chair. Greenly approaches the two MON guards who eye him suspiciously.
"Detective Greenly, Alabama Bureau of Investigation, please step aside gentleman.", Greenly stated presenting his badge. The two agents exchanged confused look before reluctantly doing as asked. The nurse approaches with a slightly frazzled expression.
"Sir, only hospital staff are permitted to enter! They are in a very compromised state!", The nurse stated trying to make him understand.
"So you've said. However, you don't fully understand who the person is you have under your care and the influence they have in certain areas...and even species. I'm just making sure that your patient doesn't recieved any surprise visitors.", Greenly stated before biting his index finger drawing a little blood before making a circle pattern with his hand. A turquoise magic seal appeared on the door as he began chanting something in an archaic language. He stops then places a bloody fingerprint on the door as the seal disperses covering the door. The nurse and the MON agents stand bewildered as the elf man cleans his finger with some tissue in his pocket, "I just but a seal on his room that cancels out all mystic arts in or outside it's range. It a limited range and it requires a small but of my own life energy to do it but it's worth it in circumstances like these Don't worry about entering, it has no affect on non-users of mystic arts."
"U-um...ok but what about your assignment?", The nurse inquires not understanding a word of what he said.
"I'll leave my contact information with one of the other receptionists to let me know when he is awake and coherent enough for an interview ", Greenly says as he leaves them. The MON guards exchanged glances before returnings to their post. The nurse attempts to follow him but finds no sign of him. She reluctantly returns to her station.
Inside, Nikolai lay in bed comatose. The entirery of his upper body, right leg, and even a third of his face were completely bandaged from the severe burns he recieved. A breath apparatus covered his mouth as the sound of the flowing air was accompanied by the beeping heart monitor. There was a window adjacent from his bed with the blinds halfway up which the nurse careless forgot to put down. Outside, a small figure could be seen peering inside. These sat on the lining of the building , their small frame and goat hooves making the rather easy, was Fantina with a remorseful look. She crouched down touching carefully touching the glass with her paw. It shocks her hands. Given her current elevation, she resists the urge to flinch before seeing the green veil of energy appear on the glass and disperse around the entire room.
"Tch, crafty sons of bitches. Bad enough this area is crawling with Mon agent now the one who put that barrier up for Jakob is here too?", Fantina curses before looking at Nikolai and the state he was in, "Then again, I guess it wouldn't have mattered either way. Sorry Nikolai, you're gonna have to hold on out here for awhile. Sigh, damn that idiot Angel!", Fantina finishes pounding the wall with her first cracking the concrete a little. Her thoughts played back the events of everything today trying to understand where it all went South( no pun intended). Her thoughts linger on the image of a Mon agent, one very familiar to her. Sterling. Her old partner. How long has it been? 6? 7 years? It feels longer yet he still looks the same. Like...nothing has changed.
Fantina shakes this thought out of her head. 'No! EVERYTHING has changed, including him! He made his choice. He didn't want me...so I found my own way. I'm not giving up on my dream no matter what I have to do. Hmmm, in the meantime, as much as I hate it, I have to tell her...everything."
Fantina then notices something flying in the distance slightly obscured by light of the setting sun. It appeared to be two liminal MON agents; one a hornet man the other a female Raven harpy.
"Dammit. They're patrols. Guess that's my cue to skidaddle. See ya later Nikolai.", she say before quickly dashing to edge of the building and brandishing her scythe. She leaps off the edge and slices a portal leaping through before disappearing in a glitter of red.
*****Meanwhile in Caleb's room*****
"Oh, Señora Mira? I've been meaning ask ju something.", Camilla says in a curious tone.
Mirabelle turns to her, "Yes, what would that be?"
"What happened before ju teleported me and la comadreja ( weasel)? Ju seemed...out of control.", Camilla stated as Caleb turned to Mirabelle with an curious expression unsure of what happened while he was held captive.
"Yeah...I mean you were kinda losing it there. I was really worried and THEN you and Cami just disappear out of nowhere?! Me and the old man were freaking out until Zwei calmed me down.", Lyca added with a worried look on her face.
"I-I'm sorry for worrying you all.", Mirabelle spoke solemnly, "I...honestly don't know what came over. Suddenly I felt this...surge of emotions and...I could hear Dear's voice echo through my head! The only thing I wanted to do at that moment...was go to you.", she spoke looking at Caleb with utter devotion in her eyes. Caleb couldn't help smiling warmly at her before cupping the side of her face.
"I get what you mean. After...seeing Filo die like that...I felt something boil over inside me...Then I just felt really exhausted. Then again I WAS tortured for 2 hours straight so...", Caleb replied.
Mirabelle nods intently understanding him, "It's strange. That's the furthest I've ever teleported before and it was somewhere I've never been before."
"Is teleporting like a big thing with magic users?", Caleb inquired.
"Not really. It is one of those spells that is easy to learn but difficult to properly control and master. I can use a similar form but it tends to drain a lot of my energy quickly; not to mention I feel nauseous afterwards. That being said, I believe that whatever happened, it is fortunate ju were able to find Señor in time Senora Mirabelle .", Camilla stated with a proud grin.
"I-It was just a fluke though! Besides...you and Ms. Ein did most of the real fighting. I can only use support and defense based magic so the best I could do was be a shield.", Mirabelle spoke lowly obviously feeling insecure.
*poke* Caleb taps her forehead, "Go away bad thoughts."
"Ah, Dear?", Mirabelle exclaims holding the spot her touched.
"I'd say you did more than enough. I'd be filled with holes if it weren't for you, Moon pie.", Caleb says gently squeezing her hand, "You saved me...again."
"He is right Señora. Ju were great, do not sell yourself short. Your mana is quite strong, I could sense it. Ju played a bigger role than me or the tall rodent girl.", Camilla added giving a supportive grin.
Mirabelle pauses a moment looking up to her with thankful expression, "Thank you...I guess I still have my habits. But you were brilliant as well Camilla, you gave that Angel a proper thrasher."
"Awwww, now I really wish I could've been there too! I would've beat the crap out of her! She needed to pay for how she treated treated all of us!", Lyca growled brandishing her claws in front of her face.
"Do not worry Señora Lyca, she will not bother us...ever again.", Camilla's last word were laced with obvious venom that prompted a curious look from Caleb and Lyca then a perturbed look from Mirabelle.
"Uhhh...Camilla...what do you mean by-", Caleb stated before being the door of the room flies open.
"Nephew!", called a familiar gruff voice. Mirabelle visibly jumps as she, along with Caleb and the others turned to see Caleb's uncle standing in the doorway. He wore black dress pants with matching shined dress shoes, pressed clean buttoned up suit jacket, and black fedora with white band around it. Underneath the jacket, he wore a white collar shirt with black floral silver pattern necktie. They notice one of the nurses stood behind him and he politely thanks her for escorting him before she leaves.
"Uncle Junior?", Caleb stated as his mouth partially hung open in surprise, "W-What are you doing here?"
"Me? Boy, that should be asking YOU! I go by yo house seeing if you and your girls wanted to come to tonight's Revival down by Morning Star, and I see all these police and ICEP folks parked around yo street and none of y'all are nowhere! I try to see what going they talking all around the monkey's ass so I don't what's going on. THEN I get a call saying you in the HOSPITAL!", The old man scolded in an irate tone before giving a sigh looking to his nephew with genuine worry seeing the bandages on his arms. His tone shifts to a softer, more concerned one , "What happened nephew?"
Caleb is silent first as Mirabelle and Lyca look to Junior with appreciation that he came to see about their host yet also felt a bit guilty for making his only nearby relative worry so much. Camilla stated silent eying the man cautiously trying to get a good read on him.
"I-I'm fine, Uncle Junior. Really I am, I just ran into a little bit of trouble is all.", Caleb explained not wanting his uncle to know the full story just yet.
His uncle approaches his bed. Camilla narrows her eyes suspiciously but then Lyca lightly taps her hand getting her attention before whispering about what a good man his uncle is. Camilla reluctantly backs down. Mirabelle shifts over to the side allowing his uncle to stand beside the bed right next to Caleb.
"Even a little bit is too much.", Junior laying a hand a Caleb shoulder, "Tell the truth now, what happened? I can't help until you tell me."
Caleb looks up at him before looking towards the bedsheets in thought, "Its...actually a long story...but...I guess the gist of it is...uhh..."
"He was attacked by an Angel! An...evil Angel who was...working with the Malones.", Mirabelle surprising Caleb as he looked to her wantingly.
"A what? Evil Angel?", Junior stated in definite shock pausing to meditate on it.
"Yes, there...are bad Angels out there Uncle. I was unlucky enough to catch the attention of one. Honestly, I'd be dead right now if it weren't for Mirabelle and Camilla.", Caleb replies gesturing to them both.
Junior eyes widen a bit having JUST NOW noticed Camilla. The Demoness crosses her arms staring at him coldly expecting the typical upon seeing her.
"Huh...you must be the new girl this boy done took in.", Junior says before extending a hand to her, "Nice to finally meet you ma'am."
Camilla is slightly taken aback before reaching up and shaking the man's hand, "Hola, ju may call me Ms. Sartana", she uttered
"Well, Ms. Sartana, thank you so much for saving my nephew...for the second time now huh?"
"I suppose so.", Camilla responded
"Heh, never thought I'd be shaking the Devil's hand but here I am. But...you do seem like a nice lady.", he says releasing her hand giving her an accepting smile. Camilla goes silent studying the man before he continues, "And you too babygirl! Guess this makes two-for-two for you too, ehehehehe!", He chuckles patting Mirabelle on the back.
"Oh! O-of course sir! I would never let anything bad happen to Dear!", Mirabelle says giving a shy grin collecting herself a bit.
"mmmrrgrrgrrr. I wish I could've gotten there too! But Sterling wouldn't let me through to follow chiefs scent. I could've taken that Angel AND those bastards!", Lyca stated bounding up to Junior.
"You would've beat they asses huh?", Junior chuckles.
"Damn right! AND do it without pants!", Lyca stated puffing out her chest.
"Pahahahahaha! Haa never change Lyca Darlin'.", Junior says patting the she-wolf on the head as said wolf mewled blissfully at the attention. Caleb and Mirabelle chuckled as well while Camilla gave a slightly reserved grin.
"Thanks Uncle Junior, for coming to see about me. And...sorry for worrying you.", Caleb says in a low voice
"Boy, now what I tell you about saying stupid stuff like that? You my nephew! The only one that I can talk to who don't got his head to far up his ass too far up his as at least. And don't tell me not to worry, I'll be worrying about you when nobody else is.", Junior replies.
Caleb gives a small grin, "Yeah...I know, I guess wanted to hear it."
"I tell ya truth you got everyone one of her ways. Little bean head nigga.", Junior chuckles playfully rustling Caleb head as the latter playfully wrestled away. Mirabelle and Lyca pause for a second after hearing him say the 'N' word. Caleb taught them it was a terrible thing to call member of his ethnic group...but also that it was fine if HE or another person in his group said it. A functional double standard.
"Y'all, don't he got a bean head?!", Junior heartily chuckles gesturing around the top of Caleb's head. The girls looks at Caleb tilting their heads.
"Who you calling bean head?!", Caleb stated in annoyance. Each of the girls eyes widen in realization before the sound of snickers and snorting trying to hold in the giggles filled the.
"Ohohohohoh I see! It is like Le poroto ( Kidney bean)!", Camilla laughed.
"Hahaha how have I never noticed before?!", Mirabelle chuckled into her hand.
Lyca goes over to Caleb and wraps her furry arms around him resting her head on top of his before proceeding to blissfully giggle while cuddling him.
"Lyca...honey...what are you doing?", Caleb asked plainly as the She-wolf continued caressing him.
"Hugging my bean head Alpha! Your head's the perfect shape for cuddles!", Lyca says pressing her cheeks to his.
"That I can't deny, Lyca.", Mirabelle added before going over to cuddle him as well.
"You guys have terrible bedside manner.", Caleb spoke defeated his voice muffled running Lyca rubbing against his cheek. Camilla chortles at the sight biting her lip slightly wanting to join in on the action.
"I quit yo huffin' and puffin' nephew. You should be glad some pretty girls wanna hug up on you. Hehehehehe Vanessa would love to see how far you come.", Junior chuckled.
Camilla turns to him eyebrow, "Va...nessa?"
"Ergh, she's my cousin and his daughter. How is she by the way? She gone back up state?", Caleb inquired after prying himself out of their comforting grips.
"Man, that child left a few days THEN had to turn around come back because she forgot her suitcase with her clothes.", Junior says shaking his head, "God help that girl."
"Still as absent minded as ever huh?", Caleb replies with a light chuckle.
"Yeahhhh.", He drones in a long sigh, "So how long the doctor you gotta stay for?"
"Well the doctor said I'd have nerve damage that'd take weeks of rehabilitation buuut Drei gave me some of her medicine so I should be ready to leave by tomorrow. In fact, it seems to be working cuz my muscles don't feel so numb anymore.", Caleb explained.
"Whoa, now whole up! ...Now who is 'Drei'? Is she another girl you got staying with you?", Junior stated.
"No...she's one of my bodyguards.", Caleb says reluctantly.
"ONE of?", Junior stated incredulously.
"Yeah...there's also her sisters Zwei and Ein Zyklon. They're MON agents from China assigned as my personal bodyguards. Also, they're weasels...with...wind powers? You should meet them they're...yeah.", Caleb grins sheepishly realizing how far our of the loop he left his uncle.
Junior glares at him with a stern expression, "Boy you better explain yourself right now before I put a knot upside yo head."
****meanwhile****
The hospital was a bit lively with several people both visitor and staff going about their business. Drei sat at one of the tables eating they're food. Drei was scrolling her phone as Zwei picked apart her fish.
"Ugh, this fish is terrible. It's like if somebody took a bunch of old fish parts and smushed them into one crap patty.", Zwei says sticking out her tongue in disgust.
"That's called the food industry. Also, I just saw you eat a meatball you dropped on the floor like 10 minutes ago. Why are you complaining?", Drei stated.
"Hey I have a very delicate pallete. Only but the best can enter this temple.", Zwei whimsically replies while making circles around her tummy.
"I think I faintly heard the sound of Gordan Ramsay's forehead vein bursting.", Dre replied before taking out a small metal flask then taking a swig.
Zwei looks up in anticipation, "I-Is that what I think it is?"
"Yep, my special rice wine blend. I brewed a batch a couple days ago.", Dre says taking another sip, "It's been a long day."
"Hey can't deny that. Give me some.", Zwei replies Drei takes out a second flask handing it to her. Zwei drinks a couple gulps, " Haaahhh, yeah that's what I'm talkin about!"
Suddenly, they're approached by a tall man in casual business attire and shy smile, "Uh, excuse me but aren't you ladies a bit young to be drinking?
Zwei and Drei give the man an annoyed and dismissive look.
"Aren't you a little old to be wearing candy cane suspenders?", Drei stated and the man's smile vanished, "Now beat it, school buses don't run this late."
"Yeah, get lost dipshit, you're killing my vibe.", Zwei added, "Go find a lower hanging fruit or just stand in a mirror naked."
"W-What no i-its not like that! I was just...making sure you ladies aren't underaged so-"
"Dude if you don't leave right now we're yelling 'child molester' to the top of our lungs." , Zwei warned.
"Wait listen I was only-", the man uttered stepping closer to their table
"CHILD MOLES-", the two scream before the man backs off then quickly walks away swearing under his breathe. Zwei and Drei fistbump each other.
"There you guys are! Haaa you could've at least texted where you were.", said Ein walking towards them.
"You would've gotten hungry eventually. It made sense to wait here.", Drei commented.
"Yeah, whatever.", Ein says getting a chair from an empty table then down joining her sisters. She then notices Drei holding a flask, "Oh good is that some of your special rice wine? Let me have some of that."
Zwei and Drei pause in surprise before Drei hands her a third flask. Ein takes it and immediately downs the entire thing only stopping to gasp for air.
"Have any more?", Ein ask her cheeks becoming rosy.
"Whoa! Somebody's trying to get buzzed. Usually you're scolding us for drinking while on duty. What got you all rattled?", Zwei inquired.
Ein pauses remembering her promise, "I-I'm sorry guys. I-I can't tell you.", Ein says in a sorrowful tone.
"Ahh, come on sis. It can't be that bad. What did you and Agent Sterling talk about while you were gone. You can tell me I'm a great at keeping-", Zwei stops noticing Ein raising an eyebrow give an expression that said 'really? Come on'.
"Well...most secrets. Come on, we're a trio, we share just about everything. Money, food, clothes, vibrators, even the same heat cycle.", Zwei stated nonchalantly
Ein sighs, "As unsettlingly true that is, I...can't this time. It's an order."
"What kind of order is that?! So Drei and I are left out of the loop while you have to bare that alone?! This is-", Zwei was interupted
"Zwei! Enough!", Drei stated as Zwei pauses, "It's not our business for now. I'm sure Sterling will tell us too eventually. For now, let's just respect Ein's privacy."
Drei the sets a plate of gravy meatballs and grilled chicken in front of Ein, "You're gonna need some dinner for your dinner."
Ein grins sweetly, "Thank you Drei."
Drei takes her seat as Zwei grumbles before stuffing her face with meatballs.
"Just be careful, ICEP's policies on fraternization is just as strict over here as they are back home.", Drei stated taking a sip of her flask. Zwei freezes her mouth stuffed with meat as meatball falls out of her fingers. Ein chocked on her chicken.
"Hnnngg *cough cough* Ack WHAT?! IM NOT TRYING TO SLEEP WITH HIM!", Ein shouted shooting up from her seat. The other people in the cafeteria stop what they're doing and turn the Zyklon's table. Ein's angry glare softens as she notices all the eyes on her the turns several shades of red in embarassment.
"Hahaha haaa, sorry...we were just...rehearsing lines. Guess I got too into the parrrt, haha. Sorry.", Ein giggles slowly shrinking down into her seat as the civilian resumed their own thing. Ein buries her head in her arms as wanting to disappear.
"Ahem...you know...there are better ways to get a raise but that is a good backup", Zwei spoke.
Ein pokes her head up bearing her fangs making angry weasel growls.
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WR
Sup Fam! Back again! Happy 2020! The year of the Rat, MY year baby! Sorry if this chapter took so long been busy with classes got my first Mechanical design project coming up next week. I plan to update again so bear with me. If any of you have certain monster girls you'd like to see let me know and see what I can do. Don't forget to check out my Monster Girl Love Stories since I plan on reviving it with updates. Particularly, one I have planned for Cupid Day.
Alright, that's all. Remember to follow, fav, and review. Peace Fam!