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.

65. Temporary Solutions

Chapter 60: Temporary Solutions

"How did THAT happen?!" Ein exclaimed, raising up from her seat before realizing she was likely overstepping her boundaries, "I-If you don't mind me asking?"

"Wasn't she like, a part of the literal Russian mob four days ago?! Why is she an ICEP student now?! Better question: why is she STERLING'S student?!"

"How is ICEP OK with this?!" Mirabelle asked, profoundly confused.

Clawthorne was taken aback by the series of questions then looked at Fantina, who turned away from the group, wanting no part in any of this anymore.

Clawthorne sighs to herself then firmly stated, "Listen! The circumstances surrounding Ms. Fantina's…current standing are highly confidential. ICEP has granted her a temporary amnesty so long as she is compliant with the terms of their agreement."

Caleb along with the others looked to her with mixed expressions and mixed feelings about the entire situation. Ein and her sisters, along with Mirabelle, were especially unsure about how to feel towards the Baphomet.

"Still…is that safe?" Caleb spoke getting the Clawthorne and the other's attention, "I'm not a hundred percent filled in but it seems to me you guys barely have any common ground as is. How are you even sure she won't just turn y'all first chance she gets?"

"Wow. I DEFENDED your sorry ass and now you repay me with that? Just wow," Fantina remarked, scoffing at him.

"Hey, I'M not the one with a mafia background! It's a perfectly reasonable to be a LITTLE suspicious!"

"Well, as far as ICEP and police are concerned, you're technically a vigilante and therefore punishable at ANY time they feel like it. So I suggest you watch your tone."

Caleb's jaw dropped slightly, knowing he couldn't deny that fact, but still cursed under his breath.

"I can understand your concern, Mr. Bizzell, and I assure you and the others, Ms. Fantina has agreed to be fully compliant with our leaders conditions and, in return, agreed to hers. It's not in her interest to break that agreement. Isn't that right?" Clawthorne answered, shooting an expectant look at the Baphomet.

Fantina grumbles under her breath in disdain then begrudgingly answered, "Yes."

"But as an extra precaution, we've also placed this upon her. Ms. Fantina, if you kindly."

"Fuckin' long eared, cow udder-having…SEE?" Fantina cursed under her breath before shouting in annoyance, holding up her goat leg.

Caleb and the others could see a silver brace with a small flashing electronic transmitter fastened to the upper section of where her hooves begin.

"Is that a…tracker?" Ein inquired.

"Technically, it's a mana-suppressing collar outfitted with a GPS tracker. The elves from my village worked with ICEP's mana technology research labs to develop it."

"Whoa, so ICEP just had these this whole time?" Mirabelle asked, amazed and slightly concerned.

"Well, no, they're still in development. This one is simply our latest model that we're currently hoping to put on the market for police to suppress and dangerous liminals. The boys at the lab we really happy to finally have a test subject," Clawthorne said with a slightly chipper tone much to Fantina's irritation.

'SHE'S A GUINEA PIG?' Caleb and Ein thought incredulously.

"Well, sorry to break it to ya, but I don't think it works, she just…magicked her scythe out of thin air like two minutes ago," Caleb pointed out.

"The collar merely suppresses mana enough to prevent the use of high level spells, charms, and enchantments. Summoning objects required far less energy than teleporting yourself or others," Clawthorne emphasized, creating a yellow magic seal, summoning Lyca's blue plastic cup from the table behind them, "We're currently fine-tuning ways to suppress hostile behavior. As you can see, it's still a work in progress."

"Fuck. You," Fantina retorted to the Wood Elf.

"So, it's a friendlier alternative to the enslavement collars," Drei plainly spoke.

"Thank you! Paging Hypocrite! Dr. Hypocrite!" Fantina blurted out.

"You're welcome."

"Fuck you!" Fantina shot back, still angry at the weasel for selling her out.

"Wait, is she serious?!" Zwei said incredulously.

"It's not…quite the same. We can't force her do anything, she still has her free will while wearing it," Clawthorne explained as the others, especially Camilla and Mirabelle looked at her with skepticism.

Suddenly, a notification sound rang on her tablet, prompting her to check her message.

"Ah, it seems Agent Sterling is requesting a meeting. With that, we must take our leave. You can expect further details later today concerning your community service, Mr. Bizzell," Clawthorne informed them.

"Yes ma'am," Caleb responded, choosing to accept the situation.

"Right. Thank you all for your time and have a pleasant rest of your day," Clawthorne lightly bowed to the group, left hand over her heart before turning to leave, "Come along, Ms. Fantina."

Fantina scoffed before reluctantly following her but then stopped and shot a glare at Drei.

"You! I'll get you back for this," she warned, pointing a furry finger.

"Technically you should be thanking me for reuniting you with your old partner. So that should make us even," Drei pointed out as Fantina glared at her frustratingly.

"Ms. Fantina, we're leaving," Clawthorne called, holding open the door.

"...Whatever," Fantina harrumphed before walking out and the door audibly closed behind them.

Caleb and the others released a heavy breath in relief, finally able to decompress from the tense atmosphere.

"Fuckin' hell…" Caleb muttered.

"That was a right cack-handed experience if I have ever seen one," Mirabelle sighed.

"Not sure what a crack hand is but that was reallllly stressful," Zwei remarked, flopping limply against the couch, "Still, it is good we aren't getting fired, for now at least."

"Yeah, true, so we should be much more careful from now on," Ein said, emotionally drained like the rest.

"Or, at the very least, more conspicuous with our activities," Drei commented.

"Still, it's crazy! That whole thing with Fantina!" Zwei pointed out.

"First she's an enemy, then she's an ally, then she's an enemy, then our ally again, now she's a student? What kind of sort of flip-flopping poppycock is that?!" Mirabelle expressed in clear displeasure.

"And what do you think that whole deal is she has with ICEP anyway?" Zwei said.

"If I had to guess, I'd say they're intending to use her to hunt down what remains of the Malones as predicted," Drei answered then touches her chin in thought, "Still, the way she was acting, seems there's more to it. What could ICEP be holding over her to make her fall in line to that extent? I wonder."

"I say it does not matter what that punta's circumstances are," Camilla spoke getting the others attention before looking to Caleb, "What matters is where WE go from here."

"Yeah, I'm glad they aren't taking Chief away forever but…he still has to leave us…" Lyca whimpered softly, saddened by the news.

Camilla, along with the Zyklons gave pensive looks, not at all fond of how things had turned out.

"I suppose there was no good outcome in the end. I knew that but…it still hurts knowing we'll be separated," Mirabelle sadly spoke, her shoulders slumped.

Caleb lifted up both their heads by the chin, forcing them to look at him.

"Come on now, we all knew there'd be consequences. All things considered, I say this was the best possible outcome. I'm just glad it mostly worked out how I wanted. You three were seen as victims of MY irresponsibility and that's what we're runnin' with," Caleb stated.

"But you weren't…you were just trying to protect me! If anything it's my–"

"Stop! Don't say it, Moon pie," Caleb cut her off, startling her as her eyes filled with tears, prompting him to wipe them away with his finger. He also gently pet the top of Lyca's head to calm her, "It'll be OK. All I gotta do is finish the community service I.A. thing and then come back home."

"But six weeks, Señor?!" Camilla inquired, still not in favor of the idea.

Caleb sighs lowly, "Listen, I know it's hard now but it'll get better once we've all adjusted. Besides, it's ONLY six weeks. Not only does this line up well with my suspension from work, but it'll be over before we even know it."

"What if someone finds out who you are? We won't ever see you again," Mirabelle whined, striking a chord with Camilla and the others.

"They won't," Caleb said in a serious tone, "I don't wanna entertain 'what if' scenarios. We should just focus on what is definite. I finish my time, then I come home, and we go back to our lives. You girls are way too precious to me to focus on negative stuff. We'll be OK, you guys believe that…right?"

"I believe you, Chief. It's scary to think about but…if you're gonna tough it out for us, then I'll do the same for you!" Lyca said, caressing his palm to her cheek, then beamed at him a warm grin.

"Thanks, Fuzzy."

"I…I will need some more time to process this but I promise I'll always be on your side, Dear," Mirabelle replied, laying a hand to his chest with the dark purple chevalier mark.

"I know, Moon pie. Thank you."

Camilla watched them with a pensive expression as she clenched her fists before turning and walking away.

"I will be in my room," Camilla said quietly, as she turned and left.

"Cami?"

"Camilla?"

The Elder Devil ignored them as her footsteps pounded down the hallway before a door audibly slammed closed, much to their concern.

"I should go talk to her," Caleb said, turning to leave before Drei stopped him.

"No, what you SHOULD do is give her some space to process everything. You all need time to fully come to terms with your circumstances."

Caleb pondered her words, still worried for his girlfriend but chose to trust the young weasel's judgment.

"OK, you're probably right."

…Meanwhile…

A black Chevrolet Impala could be seen traveling down the street before merging into traffic. Agent Clawthorne was in the driver's seat, focused on the road in an upright posture. Fantina was sat in the passenger seat. Unfortunately, given how the car was designed, she could barely see over the dashboard even with adjusting the seat, which served to add to her growing list of frustrations she had been feeling recently.

"Can you tell what that was about back there?" Clawthorne plainly spoke, getting the Baphomet's attention. Her tone sounded calm with a hint of dissatisfaction as she kept a neutral gaze on the road, "You were very rude to me in front of them."

Fantina looked at her a moment, then shifted her gaze dismissively, "I was just trying to hurry things along. Not that I care but the last thing those people need, after what they went through, is some newbie wasting their time with scripted lines and terms of conditions read out."

"I was simply doing my job. There are procedures for handling situations like this!" Clawthorne attested.

"Oh really? You tell me ICEP trained you to handle that EXACT scenario those people are living? Of course not. Nobody could have predicted anything like that! It's fine to know the procedures but you should have common fucking sense too!" Fantina shot back as Clawthorne gripped the steering a bit tighter.

"Oh? I suppose how you treated that Elder Devil woman isn't showing a lack of perception?!" Clawthorne retorted.

"Please. All I did was give her a healthy dose of reality. It is certainly better than giving her a false perspective that everything will just magically work out, no pun intended. But honestly, I don't care about any of them."

"Unbelievable. You say I don't have common sense," Clawthorne sighed, shaking her head.

"What was that?" Fantina shot a glare at her.

"You've been given a golden opportunity to redeem yourself with ICEP and it seems like you don't even want it!"

"Redeem myse–LOOK HERE. I only agreed to our little proposition for the benefit and well-being of my coven! I could give a rat's yeast-infected vagina during menstruation about ICEP!" Fantina retorted viciously before slumping against the car seat, arms folded.

"Disgusting. Also, how dare you?! This organization is built upon giving species like you a doorway into a new life!"

"Yeah, a doorway into a new life of being exploited for what you are and you can do. In the time I've been gone, not much has changed within ICEP. Liminals are still a profitable commodity. You're no different. Yet even the mightiest of us are still bending over backwards for one reason or another," Fantina remarked in a less hostile, almost contemplative tone, "It's also the only reason I agreed to that other portion of this deal."

Clawthorne wanted to shoot back at the incredibly disrespectful goat girl but decided it wasn't worth the headache. She sighed, looking ahead before merging right, taking an exit then coming to a stop sign.

"Making you a student was the only way to keep anyone from trying an addendum clause that could overrule their decision and have you deported. Agent Sterling also wanted to ensure you could still perform your duties as leader of your coven. He's out here right now, finishing up their living arrangements," Clawthorne said as Fantina's ears perked up slightly.

"Is that so? Good," Fantina said while trying to look out the window.

"Yes. Despite how you feel towards other agents or ICEP in general, the are still good people in this organization just doing their best to make this all work. Sterling is no different. I can tell…he still cares about you," Clawthorne said with a hint of jealousy before taking a right down the street.

Fantina's eyes widened slightly at those words as her thoughts started racing a bit before calming herself down. She didn't respond but looked away at the passing trees and buildings out the window.

"What…do you think of him? As his old partner, I mean," Clawthorne spoke carefully but listened closely to her words.

"W-What do you expect me to say?! He was a dumbass but a good guy…just made a lot of very questionable choices," Fantina remarked, turning away hiding the rosiness on her cheeks, "Now? I don't know. I am…glad to know he's helping my children," she sighed.

Clawthorne gave her an inquisitive sideways glance as if analyzing everything she could from that statement. It was clear, to her at least, there was something more than gratitude in her words.

"That's good. At least, he's trying."

"Yeah, whatever, I'll give him that much"

"Besides, I'm sure you'll enjoy being his ward a lot more than being his partner. Aren't you lucky?"

"You're enjoying this aren't you?" Fantina grumbled in annoyance as they got closer to the exchange office.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Clawthorne remarked with a slight smirk.

'That annoying bimbo… but is she right? Do I still have a chance?' she thought to herself.

….

Back at Caleb's house, over an hour had passed since the Elf agent had left. Caleb, Lyca, Mirabelle and the Zyklons had finished eating their breakfast then put the dishes in the washer. The entire time, Camilla refused to leave her room, much to the deep concern of Caleb and the girls. Drei maintained that the Elder Devil needed time to herself to process everything that had happened.

With not much else to do, Caleb decided to go into his office for some alone time. Mirabelle and Lyca could be seen watching that 'Key and Peele' show Caleb enjoyed watching on Hulu, trying to take their mind off things. They, along with Zwei, seemed to be genuinely enjoying the comedy skit show, even getting a few giggles at the main character.

"Hahaha! These guys are freakin' hilarious!" Zwei laughed, holding her stomach as the African American duo continued their audience segment before transitioning to one of their skits.

"Haha, right?! I really fancy that Jordan Peele. He kinda reminds me of Dear," Mirabelle chuckled.

"I think the bald guy is funnier," Lyca commented with a giggle, "But yeah, the other guy looks a little bit like Chief."

"Eh, I don't see it. Keegan is my favorite too, he's so crazy," Zwei waved off before her eyes widened, seeing the comedy skit featuring both characters in an office setting and saw Keegan's character's design for the skit, "Case and FREAKIN' point!"

"Blimey! What is that on his head?! Is that his hair?!"

"It looks like a little TREE!" Lyca said, eyes glued to the screen.

"A palm tree at that," Drei commented.

"Girl, this man's head is an island! Oh my God," Zwei blurted out, chuckling before Ein whacked her in the back of the head, "Ow! What the hell?!"

"Can you two PLEASE focus?!" Ein said, frustrated at her sisters ignoring their conversation.

"How come it was just me then?!" Zwei retorted.

"Cuz I'm waaaay over here," Drei said, having quickly moved out of range of Ein's wrath.

"Sneaky bitch," Zwei glared.

"Says the speedster too slow to react," Drei commented.

"Ohohoho, now those are fightin' word–AH!" Zwei said, rolling up her sleeves before Ein karate chopped her head, "WHY?!"

"FOCUS! We still need to decide which one of us will go with him for those six weeks," Ein stated, as her sisters and Caleb's homestays looked to her.

"Well, why don't you let Chief decide?" Lyca suggested.

"It's better we decide amongst ourselves, rather than getting a male involved. That way not one of us is seen as superior to the other in the trinity and causing jealousy and envy which could effect our teamwork," Ein answered plainly, much to Lyca and Mirabelle's slight confusion.

"It's a Karmaitchi thing," Drei added.

"Ugh, at the risk of getting chopped again, we could draw straws or something," Zwei suggested as Ein loomed menacingly in the background, her chopping hand ready only for Drei to interrupt her.

"I'll go," Drei said as the others looked to her inquisitively.

"You know I was joking about straws, right? Shouldn't we talk about this more before making a decision?" Zwei respectfully suggested.

"That's right. We should at least discuss pros and cons," Ein brought up.

"OK then. Pro: I'm the only one with the medical knowledge and can keep his now…unique biology confidential. Any of the so-called 'physicians' there will likely have a number of questions that he won't have nearly enough answers to. The ones he does will likely cause a new set of problems," Drei said.

"Con: You'll be going alone surrounded by…who knows what other liminal species! Who knows what could happen?" Ein pointed out with a concerned tone.

"Irrelevant. According to Clawthorne, there's security personnel everywhere so I, technically, won't be alone. Also, I Three-vee-oned a group of dangerous liminals a few days ago…and almost succeeded."

"That's true but…" Ein trailed off, pondering to herself.

"Pro: Out of the three of us, I stick out the least. Your presence alone give others the impression you're with law enforcement. Not to mention your…assets drawing wandering eyes," Drei gestured up and down Ein's body.

"W-Why would you say that?!" Ein demanded, blushing heavily, covering herself with her tail.

"And Zwei is Zwei," Drei gestured over to her sister.

"With great power comes great resprawnsitrilitrunce," Zwei said doing an impression of one of the Keegans' characters to Lyca and Mirabelle's amusement. Ein gave her a blank stare of disappointment.

"Fine, I concede, you're right about that," Ein said with a sigh.

"Lastly, while Agent Clawthorne didn't directly say it, whoever goes with him is responsible for keeping his involvement with this week's event confidential. That includes anyone looking to discover the truth," Drei pointed out with Ein and Zwei eye's widening at that realization.

"So that would mean whoever goes…" Zwei started, getting what Drei was saying and not liking it.

"Would also take the blame for the truth getting out," Ein finished as she, Zwei, Mirabelle and Lyca looked to Drei incredulously.

"Sis, you can't! There has to be another way!"

"She's right! We can figure something else out!"

"Like what? Only one of us can go and if you can't tell we don't have anything to lose if one of us fails. This is the most optimal solution we have," Drei firmly replies before looking off, "Besides, I'm the one who suggested the idea to Sterling, so it's my responsibility to see Mr. Bizzell through."

"It's never just your responsibility, sis. You know that! The trinity goes into battle together," Zwei enforced, stepping up to her sister.

"We'll complete this mission like any other. And we'll do it as sisters."

"Hey, don't forget about us!" Lyca said, "We'll help out too!"

"You'll be responsible for us while Dear is away. The least we can do is try making it easier on you. I don't care what ICEP says, you three are wonderful agents. We'd have met a ghastly fate if not for you. I'm sure Dear feels the same," Mirabelle assured as the Zyklons look at her inquisitively.

"Thank you for saying so, Ms. Marequine. We're just glad you're all safe," Ein replies, her heart warmed by the centaur's sincerity.

"Yeah, letting the bad guys do whatever they wanted? Not exactly an option," Zwei added with a wink, arms behind her head.

Drei looked between them and nodded approvingly.

…Meanwhile…

Caleb could be seen inside his office, seated in front of his desktop computer with his phone and a blue set of Raycon earbuds in his ears. A playlist could be seen on the phone screen with a list of songs from Kendrick Lamar on autoplay. He was currently listening to 'Alright'.

Caleb raps the lyrics to himself while bopping to the beat in his chair, losing himself in the vibe and slowly coping with the cards life had dealt him.

Suddenly, a knock at his door caught his attention. He removed one of the earbuds and tapped a button, pausing the music so he could hear better.

"Yeah?" he inquired.

"Señor?" uttered the voice of Camilla to his surprise.

He stood up, teleported over to the doors, and opened it. Immediately, he was greeted by the Mexican demoness standing in front of him.

"Hey."

"Hola…are…ju busy?" she inquired.

"No, not really. What's up? You good?"

"Jes, I am now but…" Camilla trailed, her demeanor noticeably uneasy and avoiding eye contact.

"You ready to talk?" Caleb said, getting her attention as he opened the door wider and stepped back a little, inviting her inside.

Camilla simply nodded and stepped inside before he closed the door.

The pair took a seat on a large blue two-seater futon arranged across from his desk. Her wings folded snuggly in her back, resting against the soft cushions.

"I'm ready when you are, so take your time. I'm not going anywhere," he assured her, patiently giving her time to collect her thoughts.

Camilla grit her teeth then took a deep breath before blurting out, "Forgive me, Señor!"

Caleb was taken aback but just let her continue.

"It was not right to just storm away like that. I just…I just needed to be alone."

"There's nothing wrong with that, Camilla. Today–well, this WEEK has been stressful on all of us in more ways than one," Caleb agreed with a sigh then looked to her, "We're still here though, all of us."

"For now, Señor. We have barely had any time to relax and now I learn I must part with ju for weeks at a time?! How can I just accept that?!"

"It is what it is. We all knew there'd be consequences. It could've been so much worse but….we just got lucky," Caleb shrugged.

"Is that it? I am supposed to trust that I will not lose what all I have to blind fucking luck from now on?" Camilla said in dissatisfaction and slight anger, "I reject that! If ANYONE is going to protect mi familia it will be me!"

"Then who's gonna protect you?" Caleb said, causing her to look him in the eye, "If I had let you have your way, you really think ICEP would just bend to your will just because you're powerful? They have PLENTY of powerful liminals as agents. You may be strong but even you can't take on an entire army by yourself."

"Ju do not know what I can do!"

"Actually, I DO! I know exactly who you are," Caleb replied, not backing down from the irate Devil, "That's why I accepted ICEP's deal. I wanted to protect you and the others the best way I can. Especially you from yourself!"

Camilla paused at his words, staring at him quizzically. She realized that denying any further would only prove him even more right.

"Camilla, I understand why you don't want to lose anyone ever again. I saw and I FELT your pain from that day when your…" Caleb stopped, knowing he was touching a very sensitive subject but this is the root of their issue right now and they needed to tackle it now.

"I know…" she plainly remarked in a hollow voice, "It never left. I have only been able to deal more with it…since I found ju."

Caleb didn't respond, sensing her forlorn tone.

"But, lately, it seems that I am still struggling to hold onto what little happiness I have. More enemies keep popping into our life, threatening what we have. It's almost like I NEVER left the desert!" Camilla expressed, her voice cracking a bit as she clutched the fabric of the cushion.

Caleb placed a hand atop hers, trying to comfort her, "Life is a desert, Camilla. Doesn't mean we can't survive and adapt to it. We're just lucky we're not in it alone anymore."

"Surviving appears to be all ju humans are good at," Camilla despondently remarked.

"Ain't gonna deny that. It's like nature decided to give humanity points in endurance and nothing else."

"That is what has me worried most, Señor!", Camilla stated, "As much as I want to deny what that little goat punta says, deep down I am afraid of losing ju BECAUSE ju belong to a weak species!"

Caleb was taken aback, feeling slightly offended, "OK, hard not to take offense to that."

"I am sorry, Señor, but it is the unfortunate truth."

"Come on, I'm not THAT weak. I know judo. I fought two liminal assassins and a RUSSIAN man this week…and won!" he affirmed.

"That is true but I can assume ju only managed to survive because of Señora Mirabelle's power she bestowed and one of us was there with ju," Camilla points out.

"Well…you're not completely wrong but–"

"And even those powers don't give ju enough before because ju can hurt yourself if ju overuse them!"

"I just need to get used to them more. I haven't even had them that long so just need to keep training when I can," Caleb emphasized, creating a spherical purple barrier around his fist then morphing to other three-dimensional shapes before dispelling it, "Shoot, I can teleport from room to room now. In my own home but still…it's progress."

"That is good but what if ju are attacked again before ju can truly master them? Ju will still be in danger until then. I can only feel at ease if I am there to protect ju," Camilla expressed, solemnly interlocking her finger to his.

"It won't always be possible for you to be with me everywhere Camilla. Besides, you can't really believe I want my girlfriend to always be stressing over my safety. As a man, I just wouldn't feel right," Caleb said as he brought his head close to hers, pressing it against hers.

"I know, Señor, and I am sorry if I made ju feel inadequate in ANY way! I wish to treat ju as the male ju are but, ju must understand. It is in mi gente's [people] nature to be protective of our husband and it takes a lot everyday to hold back my instincts. If I TRULY were to follow them, I would have flown away with ju to a remote area and locked ju in a cage where no one could EVER hurt ju! Where we can love each other without fear."

"OK…not gonna lie, six months ago, if you offered that I might have considered it…but not anymore. I would never give up experiencing everyday with you and the others. No matter the risks," Caleb affirmed, gently squeezing her hands.

"Señor…", Camilla somberly utters, moving closer to him until her thigh touched his, "I just wish I could be there with ju."

"I won't be alone and I'll call and check up on y'all everyday. It's only six weeks. That should feel like a minute for your species."

"Longevity means nothing to a woman forced to be apart from her mate, Señor," Camilla spoke as she felt a sudden aching in her chest, "I am just afraid…that ju will disappear someday and I will never find ju. Just like…"

Caleb lifted her head up, seeing her ruby red eyes welled up with tears as they slid down her mocha-colored cheek.

"You don't have to say it," Caleb said, wiping tears away then caressed the back of her head, brushing her pointed ears and black horns, "I'll say it one more time: I am not going anywhere. I love you."

Camilla leaned forward, pressing her forehead to his and stared into his chocolate brown eyes. Their lips met in a tender embrace as a comforting warmth slowly replaced the dread and doubt in the Elder Devil's heart.

She parted from the kiss, staring him in the eye, then replied softly to her lover, "I love ju too but…I would not mind if ju kept saying it."

"For you baby, I'll say it until my vocal chords give out. I will turn into Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy…for my baby," Caleb jested with a grin, then booped her on the nose, causing her eyes to widen in surprise as her tail excitedly swayed.

Camilla lightly chuckled before pressing herself against him, "Ju are ridiculous."

"And you're too good for this world," he remarked playfully, feeling her tail snake around his waist, "For real though, this world did you straight dirty."

"That it did, Señor. That it did."

"Oh well, it just lost out on someone incredible," Caleb shrugged, "I'm a fortunate soul."

"That ju are, Señor. Be grateful I allow a little human male like ju to even touch this body," Camilla spoke in a husky tone, mushing her breasts into his arm.

"Believe me, I am," Caleb remarked, planting a tender kiss to her lips. A thought suddenly occurred to him, "Hey, why don't we both relax for a bit with some Kendrick Lamar?"

"Kendrick…Lamar?" Camilla tilted her head curiously.

"Yeah, I was just listening to my collection of his music," Caleb replied before taking out his earbuds and phone then handing one of the buds to Camilla, "Put that little rubber end in your ear like an earplug."

Camilla looked at the small object curiously, still a little behind on human technology, but did as instructed while he tapped on his phone.

"This one of my favorites," Caleb happily said, starting the song on his phone called 'All the Stars'.

Immediately, Camilla was surprised to hear an odd but strangely inviting melody in her ear. She then heard a man singing quickly, followed by a woman. A small grin formed on the Elder Devil face then looked to see Caleb bopping his head to the beat. She copied him, bopping her head trying to match his rhythm as they smiled widely, vibing to the beat together.

"Yeah, that's right, that's right. This shit goes hard, doesn't it?" Caleb said with a grin, still vibing.

"It is such an energetic but relaxing melody. And if I'm honest…it is also putting me in the mood," Camilla happily responded before a lustful smirk crossed her lips. She looked to him with a familiar hungry gaze then guided a hand up his thigh.

"Oh. Guess I'll just keep it on loop then," Caleb smirked, tapping the loop command on the phone then placed it to the floor. A thought suddenly occurred to him, "Wait, hold up a sec."

Caleb teleported out of her grasp, to her confusion, then returned seconds later with a vial of Drei's spermicide.

"Just to be safe," he said with a wink, jostling the vial of liquid as Camilla playfully rolled her eyes. He quickly applied it, wincing from the usual burning sensation, then turned to her, "Aight, now re–AH!"

Before he could finish, the Elder Devil tackled him to the futon, quickly straddling him.

…Lemons…

Camilla peppered his neck in kisses, lovingly sucking on his skin as her breasts mushed into his firm chest. He held her close, rubbing her back and caressing her wing before kissing the nape of her neck as well. Even giving her a nip with his teeth, inciting a startled but delighted moan of pleasure from her.

"Mmmm, do ju like how I taste?" she seductively uttered, her gaze narrowed on him like a predator about to devour its prey.

"Yeah, sweet and spicy. I wanna eat you right up," Caleb flirted, bringing his hand up to caress her lips with his thumb as the Elder Devil's tails flailed repeatedly, rubbing against him in visible excitement while her cheeks flushed.

"What is stopping ju, mi amor? Maybe I will take the initiative instead and eat every last bit of ju?" Camilla breathily spoke before pressing her lips firmly to his, which Caleb happily accepted while running his fingers through her silky brown hair.

She eagerly pushing her forked tongue into his mouth, moaning softly, as his own coiled around hers in a heated, passionate exchange. Camilla's lower body grinded hard against his crotch, able to feel the stiffness of his erection in his trousers as Caleb let out low groans at the sensation. His hands ran over her entire body, lightly caressing her side and hips, gently squeezing her plump ass and busty breasts, inciting louder moans from her. All the while, the music in their ears just became background noise the more their arousal grew.

"Ahhhh…Señor, I want ju right now!" Camilla breathily cried, her eyes filled with lust as her lower half pressed against his bulge to where he could feel the heat of her womanhood through her fabric.

"Y-Yeah, I want you too, baby," Caleb grunted lowly before undoing his belt but Camilla stopped him, to his confusion.

"Too slow, Señor. I have a better idea," Camilla said with a mischievous grin before getting off of him, standing to his side. She conjured a pink magic seal in front of her hand, pointing it towards him.

"What are ya doin'?" Caleb asked with a dubious expressing, sensing she was up to something.

"Dis," Camilla said, tilting her head and beaming him an innocent grin before snapping her fingers. In a brief flash of pink light, all of his clothes vanished from his body, leaving him stark naked much to his surprise.

"Gah! Ayo! What the hell?!" he shouted, covering his genitals with his hand.

"How do ju like mi spell, Señor? I crafted it the other day so we never have to waste precious sexy time getting undressed," Camilla explained, puffing her chest out proudly.

"That's great but maybe a little warning next time? Where even are my clothes?"

"Right there," she pointed to the other end of the room where his clothes were neatly folded with his sneakers placed at the side, "Do not worry about getting dressed either."

She created a green magic seal in her other hand then snapped her fingers. In a flash of green, Caleb's clothes and sneakers reappeared back on his body much to his amazement. She then sassily snapped her fingers again, creating a flash of yellow, once again stripping him and leaving his clothes folded to the side. She smiled proudly at her own brilliance.

"Holy shit, that's practical…but still…"

"Awww, are ju still upset?" Camilla pouted her lips, tilting her head innocently before dawning a devilish grin and snapping her fingers causing all of her clothes to vanish, leaving her completely naked as they reappeared, neatly folded beside Caleb's. She then put her arms behind her head, posing seductively, her tail swaying and wing unfurling slightly as her smile widened in satisfaction at his awestruck face, "How about now?"

Caleb gulped before clearing his throat as he regained his senses and decided to tease her, "I'd say you're like…ninety-five percent forgiven."

"How about I raise ju to a hundred percent?" she spoke while leaning over, snaking her arms and letting her tits dangle down as she stared at him, quite amused by his difficulty maintaining eye-contact. She could see his erection already twitching in anticipation. She wrapped her fingers around him, starting to jerk him off as his masculine scent slowly increased in potency and spurred her desire, "But it looks ju are ready there."

"Ngh...I'm always ready," he grunted in a husky tone, looking her in the eyes as he brushed his finger across her nipples, sending a jolt of electricity that made her shudder.

She smiled at him before lowering down between his legs and took his length into her mouth. Caleb clenched his teeth and gripped the cushions, feeling her soft, moist warmth and slippery forked tongue coiled around his girth. Camilla suddenly engulfed his entire length, sending Caleb over the moon as she hummed in delight at the feeling of his hardened shaft rubbing against her tongue and head bumping the roof of her mouth.

She started bobbing her head at a moderate pace, using his knees for support as her breasts bounced wildly with her movements. Caleb emitted groans of pleasure, his breathing ragged, then looked down at the Elder Devil whose upturned eyes were filled with pure love and desire while moaning at how good he tasted. Camilla herself especially enjoyed watching him lose himself in unbridled lust. He looked so free and happy and, in turn, made her feel free and happy.

Suddenly, she could feel his cock twitching, signaling he was on the verge of blowing, and she immediate slid her mouth off him, leaving a strand of saliva as he looked to her in confusion and slight dissatisfaction.

"W-What are you–?!" Caleb started before she pressed a finger to his lips.

"As much as I love tasting your spirit energy through mi mouth, Señor, I much rather ju fill me up here," Camilla expressed while spreading open her drooling lower lips for him to see as her juices trickle onto the floor, "Now let me eat ju up."

Caleb smirked at her as she copied him earlier, "Guess I brought that one on myself huh?"

"Ju started it, I want to finish it," Camilla huskily spoke, crawling up to him, straddling his waist while gently pushing his back to the cushions. She positioned herself over his awaiting manhood.

Caleb grabbed her sides, guiding her down before feeling the tip of his cock prod her quivering, wet lips. The demoness lowered herself and quickly buried the entire length of his girth into her pussy, with no resistance because of her arousal earlier, moaning to the ceiling in pure ecstasy. Her tail coiled lovingly around one of his legs as she hugged him close, mushing her breasts into his chest.

She started moving herself up and down, gradually increasing her speed until she was bouncing in his lap, her hot, breathy moans of pleasure increasing in proportion.

Caleb held her sides, grunting as her hot walls constricted around him. He could feel her voluptuous Latina ass slapping against his lap with every bounce as her large smooth breasts flopped and rubbed wildly against his chest. He bucked his hips, matching her rhythm and plunging deeper, making Camilla moan loader at the sensation of him hitting the entrance of her womb.

Camilla then pressed her lips against his as the two made out heatedly, her tongue practically dancing with his. Caleb reached up and squeezed one of her heavy breasts, causing her to elicit a startled but delighted gasp as his fingers molded her flesh like clay.

She felt him twitching inside her, alerting that he was nearing his limit, prompting her to increase her pace even more.

"Tan bueno! Tan bueno! Juega conmigo más, mi amor! ¡Dame todo de ti! [So good! So good! Play with me more, my love! Give me all of you!]" Camilla huskily spoke, her breathing ragged.

"Eres asombrosa, bebé, [you are amazing, baby]" Caleb breathily replied in Spanish much to Camilla's surprise.

At that moment, Caleb thrusted his hips up, filling her womb with a good amount of his hot sperm.

"OHHHHHHH!" Camilla cried out, burying her face in his shoulder as she felt her orgasm hit. Her body radiated with a red aura for a moment before dissipating and she went limp, resting against him as the mixture of their love juices dripped out from their connection onto the cushion.

…Lemon Drops…

Camilla took a moment to catch her breath as Caleb hugged her while petting her hair, "That…felt great, mi amor."

"Yeah, I think we both needed that."

Camilla then raises up with a curious look, "Senor, did ju just…speak mi language?

"Heh, yeah since I don't really need as much sleep anymore I uhh just fill time with anime, reading, or learning a new language or two on Babble. How'd I do?"

Camilla stares at him a second then gives a warm grin before replying, "It was good. Though maybe work on your enunciation but I understood ju clearly. I…I am so happy ju wish to learn my language."

"I mean Spanish IS the second national language of this country and it will keep both my mind busy and from going insane from boredom. But, yeah, that's not the main reason I chose it. I wanna talk with my girlfriend in both languages. "

"Huhu, then how about I see how much you learned. I want to hear ju say how much ju love me in my tongue.", She lovingly spoke before pulling herself up disconnecting from him as the mixture of their cum spills from her opening and her tail uncoils from his leg.

"How about I say it and show it?", Caleb remarks huskily, trailing his finger up her thigh. She smirks in satisfaction upon seeing his manhood was already hardening again.

"Oh? Do ju want me to ride ju again?" Giving him a seductive smile

"Nah.", Caleb slyly remarks before teleporting then grabbing her hips from behind as she gasps in surprise. He then lightly pinches the base of her tail between his fingers.

"Hahhhhhhh!", Camilla releases a pleasured cry, arching her back slightly as a surge of serotonin ripple throughout every nerve in her body. Her wings twitch erratically as her knees tremble, quickly losing strength.

"Quiero montarte ti estas hermoso caderas, nena.(I wanna ride at you and to beautiful hips, baby.), Caleb spoke sweetly, not knowing his pronunciation was off.

Camilla ignores it with an appreciative smile, her lust spurred by what he MEANT to say.

"Como quieras, mi amor(As you wish, my love)", she spoke before getting down on her knees then resting her upper half against the futon, her breasts mushed into the cushion, as she sticks her voluptuous rear towards him. Her womanhood already pulsating with heat as cum from his previous load trickles out.

Caleb gets on his knees and grabs her hips proceeding to grind her hard shaft against her plump latina ass while she bit her lip in frustration at his teasing and her tail snakes around his torso.

"Please, do it already!", She cries, shaking her hips impatiently against his cock.

Caleb licks his lips and lines himself up before thrusting right into her awaiting pussy as she elicits a sharp moan of pleasure.

...

Unbeknownst to them, Ein was on the other side of the door, listening as her face flushed red with a dumbfounded expression, hearing the sounds of their love making.

'W-W-What in the–? I come and check on these two because I heard them shouting, then it went quiet, and NOW they're…What the hell happened in the span of two minutes?!' Ein thought to herself, flabbergasted.

"Hey, is everything good?" Zwei spoke, startling Ein into making a short high-pitched weasel screech as her tail and fur stood erect.

Ein then quickly covered Zwei's mouth, much to her confusion, shushing her to be quiet as Zwei raised an eyebrow.

It was at that moment she and Zwei were interrupted by Camilla's muffled voice.

"Sí, mi amor! Ahí mismo, más! [Yes, my love! Right there, more!]"

Zwei raised an eyebrow at Ein who nodded in solidarity.

'So, is there a reason why you're listening to them having sex?' Zwei signed with her hands, while looking at her sister who went deep red at realization of her words. Ein then grabbed Zwei's body with one hand, lifting her up and carrying her under her arm while still covering her mouth before quickly going back in the living room, rejoining the others.

"Ms. Ein, is everything OK? And why are you carrying Ms. Zwei like a lamb?" Mirabelle asked in visible concern and confusion.

"Why's your face all red?" Lyca inquired.

"Everything's fine!" Ein blurted out, eyes shut as Zwei hung limply, giving her a side glance, mouth still covered. Lyca and Mirabelle gave them confused stares as Drei simply looked at her knowingly.

"Are they just starting or fini-" Drei spoke before Ein cut her off, removing her hand from Zwei's mouth as she used it to now grab Drei, lifting her up and putting her over her shoulder as she made a beeline for the door.

"Everything's fine!" Ein screamed as she ran out the door, slamming it closed behind her as Mirabelle and Lyca looked at each other, confused on what had just happened.

…Elsewhere…

Back at the Huntsville exchange building, Fantina could be seen being led to another room by Sterling and Clawthorne. On the way, they pass several agents and building staff who immediately took notice.

"That's her, huh?" one of the female agents whispered to a male agent, "That's the liminal they brought in? The one working for the Malone?"

"Why the hell are they letting someone who trafficked people in here?" the male agent whispered back.

"I heard she used to be an agent here. In fact, I hear she's Agent Sterling's old partner," another female agent joined in to the pair's shock.

"What?! That's insane!"

"So, she turned her back on everything we stand for and now they just welcome her back like nothing happened?! What kind of bullshit is that?" another male agent stated in disbelief.

"Gotta be some kind of reason. Nepotism or something."

"Maybe she sold out the Malones to save her own skin."

"All I know is that I wouldn't trust her. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm keeping my sidearms handy in case she tries anything. Just got it registered. I can put down a Red Oni with these rounds," one of the male agents boasted, showing off a well-crafted tranquilizer gun.

"For the last time, nobody cares about your bonus, Steve," the first female agent told him, clearly annoyed.

Despite their attempts to conceal their conversation, Fantina could hear every word and conflict just didn't cover how she felt. One half wanted to stick that gun where sun didn't shine and the other just wanted this day be over for her to crawl into her bed and pull covers over her body.

"Ah, there you are, Agent Sterling," said Director Greenly getting Fantina and the other two's attention. They looked to see the Elf man seated with Venus in a meeting room. The Witch lady was enjoying some of the macarons and tea laid out on a large tray oakwood table.

"How did it go?" Fantina asked, desperate for some good news.

"It went as well as we suspected it would, given the situation and as expected there were those who refused to cooperate," Greenly said, taking out two folders and passing them over to Fantina.

"We are currently running the background checks on those who refused to listen as we are currently keeping them in low security prison for the moment, seeing if there are any major reasons in their pasts that might be the reason why they didn't want to come with us," Greenly said.

"What about the girls who separated from them?!" Fantina asked, having opened the first folder.

"Gamma and Nova are doing OK. I explained the situation to them, and they seemed to understand. I told them they didn't have anything to worry about because their Big Brothers are GOOD men…" Venus emphasized, shooting a look to Greenly, "...and they'll be back soon."

"If we don't find anything that could be problematic, we will see if we can convince them that we aren't their enemies and that what we are offering is their best chance and hopefully get them back together with those girls, but given what you told us where these men came, we can't rule out the possibility that they had personal reasons for join your coven," Greenly explained

Venus was about to rebuke his statement until she remembered the situation with one of the Big Brothers and how he abused one of the Witches while putting on an act.

"If it's for the best, then we'll have to wait and see. Hopefully, there won't be any issues preventing them from returning the their respective…um, partners," Sterling pointed out, not knowing a better way to describe the nature of their relationship. It still caught Fantina's attention as she gave him a inquisitive stare before refocusing her attention.

Fantina started looking through the second folder.

"What about the rest of my children?" Fantina asked.

"We are just finishing the last paperwork for their residence at the I.A. and have all their student papers set, along with marriage certificates being printed as we speak. Of course, we still need do background checks for those other men as well but as long as there are no major crimes then ICEP can sweep anything else under the rug for them and give those men, along with the Witches, a fresh start," Greenley assured.

"A fresh start…" Fantina spoke, looking to the folder at all the pictures of her children and their Big Brothers. A small grin spread across her face at the prospect of her children living happy lives with men that appreciated girls like them.

"Speaking of I.A., how did the meeting with Mr Bizzell go? Did he agree with the terms of his punishment?" Greenly asked.

"He did. For the most part, everything went smoothly," Clawthorne answers, shooting a glare at Fantina whose smile quickly faded.

"I assume the Elder Devil in his care gave you the most trouble. That or the werewolf female," Sterling jumped in, arms folded in indignation.

"Mainly the former. However, surprisingly enough, Ms. Fantina actually managed to convince her to go along with everything. As unconditional her methods were, they were quite helpful."

Fantina gave her a surprised glare to which the female Elf smirked cheekily. Sterling, Greenly and Venus looked to the Baphomet in amazement.

"Astounding. Clearly the reports on your time as an S-class agent weren't exaggerated," Greenly expressed.

"Yeah, well…I'd be lying if I said I didn't earn my rank for a reason," Fantina remarked nonchalantly with a hint of pride and hiding a smirk.

"It's good to see your skills haven't dulled at least. Glad you could help," Sterling complimented as Clawthorne looked at him, a bit saddened.

"D-Don't think I've just been sitting on my hands these last few years! Working with a group of criminals, you have to stay sharp at all times," Fantina said, turning away while hiding an embarrassed blush.

"While we're on the topic of criminals, we've gotten reports from our undercover operatives that a smaller organization, and even former associates, are already mobilizing to seize control of the Malones' former territory," Greenly informed.

"Which means they will be fighting for, not only the territory, but also for the support of the Amphetamine Team and their drug. If any of them want to gain same stranglehold that the Malones had, their best option is creating a new market for Gluttony Fang. No doubt current addicts will be looking to get their fix," Sterling pointed out, leaning back in his seat.

"If we're going to prevent that, we need leads into locating their associates."

Fantina looked to Sterling, seeing a composure that she hadn't seen in him since their early days in the program. She could sense that the pressure of the program had shaped his formerly rash mindset.

"If it's leads you want…you can start with a man named Sean Fitzpatrick," Fantina spoke, getting the others' attention, "He's one of the high profiting dealers the Malones employed and the one who assisted the Amphetamine Team in distributing their product throughout Central and parts of North Alabama. You can find him in downtown Birmingham."

"Excellent! We have several operatives stationed there already. I can call for an investigation into his exact whereabouts," Greenly stated.

"That's where my information mainly lies on them since Rosé had me act as transport for a lot of their main dealers when they were getting started to help negotiate with their deals. I never met them officially since Rosé never made me," Fantina said.

"It's fine. We know one of them has to be a Lamia species which would force them to be in an environment that that species can live in for prolonged time, let's say a few months, without drawing too much attention to themselves. So if we can apprehend Fitzpatrick and even if we only find out where he's been meeting to get his supplies, we can narrow down their potential hideaways and eliminate them one by one until we flush them out," Sterling explained.

"It would be nice if we actually had more information on just who the Amphetamine Team are. Even just their general species would be enough prepare for any possible contingencies," Clawthorne said in a skeptical tone while eyeing the Baphomet.

"Sorry I didn't socialize with illegal drug manufacturers enough to know every little detail about them! I was too busy seeing my coven was well taken care of!" Fantina retorted in slight disdain before a thought occurred to her, "Wait, I think I remember one of Mama Rosé's sons mention having met the creator of the drug and seemed terrified of them, his body was trembling when remembering it."

"How does that help us?" Clawthorne asked.

"You see, the kid wasn't phased by much but he had a overwhelming fear of snakes, especially the black mamba. Plus, the way he described that Lamia chick…how her words were hypnotic and maddening to where he almost lost his senses. He especially hated those creepy black scales. Any species you can think of that has a black body and intoxicating presence?"

"...Only one species comes to mind with that description…and if so, then finding them just become all the more urgent," Sterling said in a cryptic tone.

Clawthorne looked to him before realization slowly dawned on her, "Sir…you believe we're dealing with an Apophis?"

"No, I'm hoping we're NOT dealing with the most dangerous Lamia species on earth and some guy's fear made him over exaggerate but knowing our luck, that's unlikely," Sterling said, rubbing his head

"How did…Why would an Apophis want anything to do with a group like the Malones?! Or humans in general?! No offense," Clawthorne said, looking at Sterling who removed his hand and looked her straight in the eye.

"That part is easy; their species are drawn to power and control. They desire it, ironically enough, like a drug addict desires the next hit," Sterling answered in a grievous tone.

Fantina went silent as Venus looked over to her in concern.

"Well, I think we've done all we can for the day. Best thing is for now we get our information together and prepare for the coming weeks. We're going to find this Fitzpatrick and, in turn, find and capture this Apophis and the rest of the Amphetamine Team," Greenly affirmed, standing up then turned to Venus, "Ms. Venus, if you would accompany me?"

"Certainly. Just one moment," Venus nodded then went over to Fantina and wrapped her in a tight hug, "Everything will be fine. Please don't lose hope now, love."

"I won't. Tell everyone I'm always thinking about them and I'll come see them as soon as I can," Fantina replied with a smile yet masking a little sadness.

"Mr. Sterling, I'm trusting you now. You better treat this girl like the sweet little goat she is! She deserves it after everything she done for us!" Venus stated.

"Venus!" Fantina exclaimed, blushing in embarrassment.

"Haha, don't worry I will," Sterling lightly chuckled as Fantina's jaw dropped, adding to her embarrassment.

"Oh, I know you will…because if you don't, I'll brew up a curse on you so bad everyone in your BLOODLINE will feel it!" Venus threatened, levitating up to eye level with the agent glaring with malicious intent.

"Uhh…noted," he simply responded, genuinely a little bit afraid.

"Good," Venus plainly said, morphing from a dark scowl to a bright smile in a microsecond.

Fantina facepalmed herself at being embarrassed by her mother figure.

All the while, Clawthorne watched them with an uneasy and envious expression.

"Agent Sterling, Ms. Fantina, Agent Clawthorne, I wish you all a safe rest of the day and please get some rest. You're gonna need it," Greenly advised as Venus followed him out, leaving the trio in the room.

"We're going to have our hands full," Sterling sighed, sitting back down in the chair.

"Only slightly more than usual, sir," Clawthorne pointed, out handing him a bottle of cold water which he graciously accepted, "I'm just curious as to how an Apophis even managed to get into this country. I thought they were explicitly banned from entering."

"How does the average person who wants get into a country but can't because they're not allowed in legally get in?" Fantina asked her with some sarcasm in her voice. "They get smuggled in."

"I just find it hard to believe that ICEP border patrol would miss a several foot long black snake woman!" Clawthorne stated in annoyance.

"Smugglers are really creative with how to get liminals of all shapes and sizes into this country. Honestly, it's admittedly impressive," Sterling points out.

"Are you actually taking her side on this?!"

"No, I'm just stating what is objectively true, doesn't mean I believe it's morally right," Sterling clarified before quickly changing the subject, "Anyway, let's get back on topic right now. You discussed the details we asked to convey to Mr. Bizzell and his homestays right?"

"Yes, sir."

"I trust you left out the part about his temporary adjunct for now. I.A. is still going through the candidates and I'm expecting to hear from them soon."

"Correct."

"Good. In that case, you've done an excellent job today, Agent Clawthorne," Sterling praised the blonde Elf woman.

"T-Thank you sir! It's always a pleasure," Clawthorne happily expressed with a light blush in her face.

"Pfft…simp Elf," Fantina scoffed, turning away.

"What was that? I'm afraid I didn't hear you," Clawthorne said in irritation at the Baphomet.

"I called you a simp! Isn't that what younger generation humans call an ass kisser nowadays?" Fantina replied.

"Wha–how DARE you?! Don't forget your place," Clawthorne berated.

"My place, huh?! Mind telling me where it is? You big boobed, long eared–"

"ENOUGH!" Sterling shouted, making both girls freeze up, "Will the two of you stop bickering like children!? We ALL have a stake in this regardless of past or our reasons. We're in this together."

Clawthorne looked at him for a brief moment then shifted her gaze away in shame. Fantina folded her arms, turning away as well, scowling, not from anger, but from realizing he was right.

Sterling sighed and walked to the door then turned to both girls, "I have some to finish up before leaving today. Agent Clawthorne, please escort Ms. Fantina to the safe room on the West wing for now."

"U-Understood, sir."

Fantina scoffed at the thought of being forced back into that room again while they did their job like some child. She used to be an S-class at this branch, dammit! Then there was him, Sterling. What right did he have to order her around? She clenched her fists, deciding to knock him down a peg.

"Hey! STERLING, YOU KNOW WH–"

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Sterling said in realization, turning to Fantina, "Our movers have finally finished putting most of your possessions from your coven into my spare bedroom. As of today, we're officially living together."

Fantina's jaw dropped and her entire body froze as those words echoed in her head.

'Living together…living together…living together…'

Fantina was rendered completely speechless, face flushing in embarrassment as her mind started racing.

"That's all for now. I'll see you both later," Sterling spoke before exiting the room.

"Ah…ah…ah…" Fantina stuttered, her brain working in overdrive, trying to fully comprehend the situation.

She already knew she was his student but she figured it was in name alone to keep the higher ups happy. She thought she'd be forced to stay in the building's safe room or something! She didn't expect to ACTUALLY be moving in with him! The idea was WAY more than she signed up for!

"H-H-Hey, did you kn–WAH!?" Fantina stuttered while stiffly turning her head to Clawthorne then letting out a shocked yelp upon seeing her.

Clawthorne stood silently, her body trembling, shadow covering her eyes, clenching her ever tightening fists to where her knuckles cracked as a menacing green aura made of pure jealousy and malice radiated around her.

Fantina was taken aback, slightly afraid of the Elf woman right now. She decided she was better off far away from her.

"I…I'm…just gonna…go to the safe roo–"

"No," Clawthorne said in a deep, menacing voice that made a chill run down the goat girl's spine. The Elf woman took a deep breath and exhaled before beaming a warm, cheerful smile, causing the aura to vanish instantly then said in a calm tone, "Agent Sterling asked me to escort you back to the safe room. So, come along, please."

"R-Right…" Fantina cautiously spoke before following the Elf woman out of the room. At the same time, making a mental note, for her own sake, about what she just witnessed.

…Back to the Bizzell house…

Three hours had passed since Agent Clawthorne's visit.

After enjoying some great music and a heated embrace, Caleb and Camilla eventually rejoined the others in the living room. The latter immediately apologized for her less than dignified behavior earlier, to which the others gladly accepted. However, they couldn't ignore the musky, carnal scent wafting from the pair's bodies which led to another…somehow less awkward apology.

The group was now going about the rest of their day.

Mirabelle was in the backyard tending to her garden and removing pesky weeds by burning them away with purple mana.

Lyca and Zwei could be seen enjoying a few rounds of Street Fighter V on Caleb's PS4.

Drei was next door in her room, grinding up a strange green powder then adding water, causing it to form into a thick green gelatinous mass. She tore off a piece, rolled it into a ball, then sat it to the side to harden with the other Bungie Balls.

Ein could be seen in her room training with a specialized equipment for liminals of high physical strength to clear her mind. She was currently benching nine hundred pounds.

Caleb and Camilla were at the dining room table, enjoying the end of the light novel they had bought during their visit to Kame House.

"¿Qué? I am confused. What was over the hill? Is that it?" Camilla asked, pondering over the ending.

"I'm…not sure. It just stops at them walking over a hill," Caleb said, flipping the book around to make sure they didn't miss a page, "Yeah, no, that's it. Maybe it's one of those 'imagine your own ending' kind of stories."

"That is unsatisfying. It only means others can simply decide their fate, for better or worse. They were never in control," Camilla expressed, feeling that she was cheated.

"True, kinda ironic having a story about defying fate JUST to have the reader ultimately decide it," Caleb agreed, then looked to the Elder Devil, "But hey, at least your English reading has gotten so much better. I barely had to help much this time."

Camilla looked at him in realization then smiled to herself, "I…I suppose I have. It is because of ju and Señora Ein after all."

"It also helps that you're a crazy fast learner," Caleb complimented as Camilla proudly raised her head with a grin. He then realized what she had said, "Also, Señora Ein? That's new."

Camilla caught herself in realization, "Jes well…it just slipped out on impulse. That is all."

"I don't know. You guys have gotten pretty close. Really close indeed. I DARE say…you guys are best friends," Caleb teased with a smirk knowingly, reminding the Elder Devil of the experience when they played that stupid game they made up.

"Keep it up and your head will be best friends with the ceiling.", Camilla replies half threateningly.

"Alright alright feisty Devil Mama. So anything specific you want to read next?"

"Well there's this light novel series Senora Mirabelle has been insisting I read, saying it is among some of the best manga she read." Camilla said with some uncertainty.

Caleb thought for a second when it clicked " Oh I know, she really got into that series. She even re-created the first few chapters a couple nights ago in my Dreamscape. I think you will definitely enjoy it and should wash away the nasty taste of that ending." Caleb said excited to go back through that series with Camilla.

"I would like that very much, Senor.", Camilla replies, still unsatisfied by that stories ending. Then another thought occurs to her, "Um, Senor…ju are used to Senora Mirabelle entering your dreams. What…is it like?"

Caleb was a bit surprised by the question but tried to answer anyway, "Well, um…it's hard to describe but it's basically feeling like you can do anything yet knowing none of it's real. It can be exhilarating but sometimes…it's terrifying and depressing. Sometimes you may even see things you can't unsee or control… and you lose yourself in it."

Camilla looks to him solemnly sensing his despondent tone.

"Honestly, I'm probably not the best person to ask since I'm basically renting these powers from my girlfriend slash wife. For more in-depth, you'd have to talk to the Moon pie.", Caleb advises, changing tunes to not dampen their spirits, "Anyway how about I grab the first volume and we can go from there."

"Of course, Senor. But let's continue in my bedroom, it's more comfortable than the chair. I will get us a snack to enjoy too."

"That sounds really nice, just no Takis please. You may like em' but I can already teleport, I don't need to breathe fire too."

"Oookay, Mr. Lightweight.", Camilla rolls her eyes teasingly, swaying her hips walking by before slapping him on the butt making him flinch.

He shakes his head with a smirk before teleporting to his room.

… In the living room…

"Oh yeah and that's game baby!" Zwei cheered, pointing her finger up to the ceiling in a victory pose. On the screen, her character, Juri Han, could be seen striking her own pose.

"Aww, I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I keep pressing the buttons like I always do.", Lyca groans, looking at her controller.

"You can't quite button mash your way outta the fight in this game, Lycs. Kinda need to memorize a LOT of combos to do all the cool stuff."

"I really just want to do the fireball throwing things that Ryan guy does."

"His name's 'Ryu' and you mean the hadoken.", Zwei clarifies, "Anyway, that moves overrated. My girl Juri Han doesn't need no hadoken cuz she got them LEGS."

"Eh, Chun li's are better.", Caleb spoke, having teleported in getting their attention.

"Blasphemy!", Zwei dramatically stated, pointing a finger.

"No, what's blasphemous is calling an iconic move like the hadoken overrated."

"It's really cool, isn't it Chief?", Lyca stated with starry eyes.

"Damn right! This girl gets it.", Caleb heartily stated, "Hell, I can basically throw one for real."

"Oh yeah! Your purple fireball thing!", Lyca stated.

"Well, Moon pie says it's highly concentrated astral energy blast fuelled by intense emotional–blah blah blah, it's a hadoken! Nobody can take that away from me…except maybe Moon pie.", He proudly says before muttering the last part under his breath.

"Come on, it's just a slow moving ball of ki. I can literally just casually step to the side to dodge it. Heck I've dodged yours when we train with ease.", Zwei remarks, unimpressed.

"That was just practice! I just need time to…ok, you know what? I'm getting off track here. Have either of you seen my paperback copy of Arifureta anywhere?"

"Oh yeah, I kinda borrowed that a couple days ago, boss. Should be in my room." Zwei told him with a sheepish grin.

"Seriously? You could've ASKED first.", Caleb replies a bit annoyed.

"I know, I'm sorry. I was gonna buuuut…you, Lycs, and Twilight Sparkle were kinda taking your sweet time in the washroom and…didn't wanna interrupt."

Caleb lightly blushes at what she was referring to then notices Lyca looking at him hungrily, cheeks flushed with a wide grin and tail wagging.

Caleb audibly clears his throat, "Ahem, understandable. But next time leave a note or something when you borrow stuff from me. Can you go get it?"

"I would…but we have a rule at least ONE of us has to be here with you guys at any given time.",

"Really, and you can't break it once? For like five minutes?" Caleb ask with doubt

"Ein really a stickler on it, besides any rules we make as sisters are sacred to us."

Caleb sighs lowly, "Alright fine, I'll get it myself then. Do I have permission to go in your room?"

"Permission granted this once just don't move too much of my stuff, I have a system set up.", Zwei replies pointing an authoritative finger.

"Noted. Ya see how easy that was?", Caleb says, raising an eyebrow.

"As easy as dodging those balls you fire off." Zwei replied with a smirk.

"Pause! My balls are powerful! Double pause." Caleb remarks creating then dissipating a small ball of purple fire-like energy before he teleports out the room. Lyca then realizes something.

"Wait, what about when Ein ran out with you and Drei awhile ago?" Lyca asked.

"That was an emergency sister meeting and it was mostly for Ein's mental health."

…Next door…

Caleb knocks on the door of the Zyklon house, noticing a couple of people walking by on the other side of the street. He also sees, further down the road, a U-Haul truck and guys carrying furniture out of a house into the truck.

"Hm, looks like another family on this block movin' out.", He utters before the door opens, getting his attention but doesn't see anyone until he looks down.

"Well, how's this for roll reversal?", Drei comments, "But at least you're not the fraternity guys again."

"Don't get me started. Anyway, Zwei took a book from my room and left it in her room. Mind I go get it? Don't worry, got her permission."

Drei looks at him inquisitively for a moment then shrugs, "Ok, come in. Shoes off."

"Ok, bet.", Caleb does as requested, placing his shoes near the entrance, like he sees the Zyklons do at his house, leaving him in just black and green compression socks.

"Go up the stairs and it's the second door to the left.", Drei instructs while levitating on a mini-cyclone of air high up over the stairs railing landing on her feet. At that moment, Caleb just teleports to the top of the stairs as she gives a blank stare.

'It must be nice to have that life hack.', she thought.

"Second to the left, there we go. Ok, I'll be out of your hair in a few minutes.", Caleb says.

"That's what you think.", Drei says in a cryptic tone.

"What's that mean?"

"You'll find out. I'm busy right now so try to keep noise level to at least a five.", Drei spoke, going into her room, closing the door.

"Kay, weird, even for her.", Caleb remarks going to Zwei's room then touches his head, feeling a small headache forming, "Ooh, should probably ease up on the teleporting for a little bit."

He gently opens the door to Zwei's room and is immediately greeted with the horrific sight of one the most untidy rooms he has ever seen. There women's clothes, sandals, and undergarments strung all over the floor, the dresser, the nightstand, even the window; half of which he's never even seen her wear. Among them were half empty liter bottles of Sprite soda and bags of Lays chips with stale chip crumbs on the floor. He reluctantly steps inside, recoiling at the weird, spicy smell and seeing stacks of dirty glass ramen bowls atop her dresser, with used chopsticks, plastic cups, bras, tights, panties, and a metal spatula. WHY HELL IS THERE A SPATULA?

He then looks at her bed seeing it in utter disarray with blankets and sheets either balled up or hanging off to the floor along with her pillow flung out the cases to the floor and said cases tied in some kind of makeshift rope with a soccer ball attached. All the while seeing no sign of the manga.

"Reallllly should've ask her where specifically it is. Then again I doubt it'd help much. Eyhaah!", Caleb remarks picking up a half empty liter of Sprite then flinging it away seeing a dead mouse floating inside wiping his hands on his shirt, "Says she has a system more like a damn ECOSYSTEM, Jesus. I don't know where to even begin looking in this mess. The hell with this, I am bringing her ass over here to find my shit."

Caleb proceeds to storm out of the room, only to bump into something large and soft causing him to stumble back as the figure lets out a startled cry.

"Ohh!"

"Ah! Geez, Zwei?! What are you–?!", Ein stops mid-sentence realizing it wasn't her sister she bumped into, "M-Mr. Bizzell?!"

"Yeah, it's me. Sorry about that, Ein. You...ok?", Caleb says before noticing her attire. She wore a dark green skintight jumpsuit cutoff at the shoulders and thighs. The material greatly accentuated her defined muscular legs and biceps, toned abs, and curvaceous figure.

"Oh, I'm fine, thank you fo–no wait! What are you doing in Zwei's room?!", Ein stated, her cheeks flushed.

Caleb quickly snaps out of his thoughts, "I…ahem, I was just looking for a manga your sister borrowed without asking. She gave me permission to look for it."

Ein paused for a moment, taking in his words, "O-Oh…is that right?"

"Yeah but uhh…no offense to her but I think that's gonna be easier said than done.", Caleb says, looking over his shoulder at the state of the room.

Ein got the hint as she mentally facepalms in embarrassment. She then bows her shamefully with her hands together much to Caleb's surprise, "Understandable! I am SO sorry you have to be subjected to my sister's disorderliness!"

"H-Hey, it's…not…well it kinda is bad but I'm pretty used to it. You should've seen my cousin Vanessa's room way back when we lived together at my uncle's house. Swear she could give Zwei a run for her money."

Ein gives him a curious look before sighing with a half smile, "I-Is that so?"

"Yeah, I was the clean one, she was the messy one. Kinda feels like it should be the other way around but life had other plans.", Caleb replies assuringly, "Anyway, I was just about to go bring her here to find it."

"I doubt even she remembers where it is. Trust me, I've experienced what you're going through MANY times.", Ein expressed with an annoyed scowl before softening up, "Please, allow me to help you. It's the least I can do since she's my sister."

"Oh, ok then. Honestly glad you offered because I was not looking to moving her underwear out the way."

Ein blushes deeply, "R-Right! You can…let me handle that."

"Yeah. So…by the way, what are you wearing?", Caleb says while trying not to stare too much.

Ein flinches, blushing in embarrassment while hugging her chest, "Ah, this…well I was just using my weight training set and this is my compression bodysuit. I-I can go change if–"

"No no no, it's…fine. It looks…great on you.", Caleb replies, hoping he didn't make things awkward.

Ein blushes brightly from the compliment and touches her hands together fidgeting nervously, "Oh…t-thank you?"

The two share an awkward deafening silence as they look to each other.

"I-Imma just start on this side of the room.", Caleb says breaking the silence, hurrying inside.

"R-Right!", Ein agreed follow behind him.

They both take opposite end of the room while making as little eye contact as possible.

…Meanwhile at Caleb's house…

"Haha! Got ya, this time!", Lyca excitedly stated, furiously mashing her controller.

"Not a chance! Get a load of this foot work!", Zwei retorts.

At that moment, Mirabelle teleports in wear her dark purple gardening apron with visible dirt stains on it and matching garden gloves.

"Phew, that takes care of that weed rubbish. Lavender is coming along nicely but may have to trouble Dear for some lyme for the soil if they're going to germinate proper. Season is quite different here than back home.", Mirabelle thought out loud before taking a somber tone, "But I know he has much more on his mind right now."

"Hey, Mother Nature, trying to concentrate here!".

"Ah! Apologies! Got in my head for a tick."

"Well get some head quieter, trying to nail these combos!", Zwei stated as her character (still Juri Han) lands a devastating finishing move on Lyca's character (Cammy), "So sorry Lycs but my leg game has trumped you leg game."

"Darn it, not again! Thought I had it that time!", Lyca expressed in frustration as Mirabelle gives her a sheepish smile.

At that moment, Camilla enters the room looking around.

"Has anyone seen Senor? I have been waiting for almost fifteen minutes."

"Eh? Dear isn't here?!", Mirabelle inquires, immediately concerned.

"Oh, he just went next door to grab that book I borrowed. I think Drei sent a text a couple minutes ago that he was over there", Zwei answers.

"Oh…good.", Mirabelle sighs in relief, not sure if her heart can take something else bad happening so soon.

"Alright! Let's do a rematch! I'm just getting warmed up with her. I really like her fighting style!", Lyca stated with a competitive gleam in her eyes.

"Ok, bring it!", Zwei emphatically stated as Mirabelle give a plain stare at her.

"How long does it take to find a book? He should have been back by now.", Camilla remarks.

"He probably just doesn't know the layout of my room. I have a very delicate system."

"Then where'd you leave it?", Mirabelle inquires.

"I wanna say…either in the robes mountain or green panties galore…", Zwei replies earning confused looks from Mirabelle and Camilla, "...Yeah he's gonna be there awhile."

Camilla sighs pinching the bridge of her nose while mutter, "Esta maldita chica(this damn girl)"

"What book was it, Camilla?", Mirabelle inquires.

"The one ju that recommended to me some time ago."

"Ohh, you mean 'Arifureta'! I actually have a copy of the first volume. We can read together if you want?", Mirabelle offers.

"Really?", Camilla says in an intrigued tone then gives a ponderous look, "Would that be fine with Senor?"

"Dear is already halfway through the first volume, we'd both be saving him time backtracking through the story. It was also give him time to find his volume and join us."

"That is true. I will take ju up on that senora.", Camilla happily accepted much to Mirabelle's delight.

"There we go! See? Everything worked out–AH", Zwei chimes in before tensing up seeing Camilla's dark, imposing looming over her with menacing red eyes as Mirabelle smiles nervously while inching away, "I-I-I'll just…text my sister's to tell him he doesn't need to rush."

"Ju do that. Come Senora.", Camilla coldly spoke glaring down at the now trembling weasel before turning and walking down the hallway with Mirabelle in tow.

"Haaa can't decide who's scarier, her or–"

"YES!", Lyca happily cheered as her character performs her special attack resulting in a K.O. on her opponent much to Zwei's shock, "I WIN! GO CAM! GO CAM! GO CAM!"

….Meanwhile….

"Ok, now this is just disturbing…yet accurate.", Caleb remarks holding up an empty white trash can with an ahegao face drawn with a sharpie marker then placing it off to the side next to a large garbage bag full of trash.

He and Ein had already gotten all the trash in the room and could now focus on the clothes. Caleb handled her clan robes and other clothes she bought since moving to the states while Ein focused on the underwear and other unmentionables.

"THAT'S where these were! Dammit Zwei!", Ein stated, holding up a large frilly green bra more than twice Zwei's size. Ein blushes realizing she said that out loud then whips her head towards Caleb.

"Yep, nothing like facing this direction while I clean up my bodyguard's room.", Caleb says with his back turned to the embarrassed weasel girl and picking up clothes.

Ein breathes a sigh of relief and slight appreciation at his consideration, "Apologies again for having you do this. It's not your responsibility."

Caleb glances back at her, seeing if she put the bra away, "I know but it's the only way I'm finding my book. Besides, I already said I understand living with a messy family member. It's a headache sometimes but one you're used to."

"That is true. My sister's and I, even as children, we've always found ways to annoy each other. You'd be surprised how creative we were.", Ein lightly chuckles while putting away her sisters underwear in the dresser.

"Haha, yeah I can imagine. One time my sister…", Caleb trails off looking back on memories with his brother and sister only for reality of their current relationship with them, or lack there of, to hit him, "Tamika um…used to get on both mine and Nate's nerve all the time. She was the only girl so of course she wanted to have her way. Nate, he always had to be the level-headed one even if he was wrong. We weren't perfect but we had each other. We were close…now…"

Ein looks to him with a solemn expression listening intently the cautiously asks, "Do you…ever miss them?"

Caleb pauses a moment then takes a deep, "Sometimes. Then, I remind myself…they definitely don't miss me. I doubt they, or any of my family besides Junior and Vanessa, ever really cared about me. I just learned to accept it."

"Forgive me but are you truly ok with that?", Ein spoke in a concerned tone, "For us Karmaitchi, our sisters and brothers, our clan, they are a substantial part of who we are. Isn't it the same for humans?"

Caleb begins to feel a lump in his throat and quickly changes the subject, "It's different for some of us. That's just how it be though! No point in dwelling on it. I can't…I can't change the past. But enough about all that, let's just finish cleaning this room up."

"O-Ok.", Ein reluctantly agrees, resuming putting away her sister's undergarments in certain drawers, as he continues folding up robes and shirts into neat stacks. She felt an aching in her chest while sneaking glances at him and knew she didn't want to leave him feeling upset, "Mr. Bizzell…I…I never got the chance to thank you."

Caleb stops folding for a moment and looks to her curiously,

"For well… keeping your promise."

"Promise? I am not sure what you mean by–", Caleb pauses realizing what she meant, "Oh, right. I mean I did say I would take full responsibility."

"Yes but…it's one thing to say it but to actually do it? It just feels different to have someone else take the responsibility rather than it being forced on us."

"What do you mean forced on to you?" Caleb asked, eyebrows raised.

Ein looks away despondently, "You see back home, Karmaitachi aren't viewed too fondly among most humans. It's all because of the horrendous atrocities other clans have committed against them and other races that's garnished scorn towards our kind as a whole. The Zyklons, despite all we've done to make things right, are still forced to bare the sins of our enemies."

Caleb goes silent a moment as he places another folded shirt in a stack, taking his time to process her explanation. With a deep sigh, he then replies lowly, "Guess we all have a cross to bare…"

"What was that, Si–Caleb?"

"Like I said, you can't change the past. You can only make things better starting now and moving forward. What happened with the Malones and Komanda Monstra, that was all our responsibility, not just yours."

"Still…I feel responsible for letting things escalate that far. You protected mine and my sister's credibility but risked getting yourself sent to prison for life! We could've lost either way!", Ein vented, closed the dresser drawer tight.

"We didn't though. Somehow, someway, against the will of this fucked up world, we won. We're safe, all of us. It could've been much worse."

"That may be true but…it's our job as your bodyguards to protect you and the others!"

"And you and your sisters did just that. You kept us safe, we kept EACH OTHER safe. But you can't control everything, Ein. Trust me, it's impossible.", Caleb stated, turning towards her with stern but caring eyes, "Protect me and the others the best way you can and I'll protect you the best way I can."

Ein wears a dumbfounded expression, eyes widened as her heart skips a beat at his words.

"You…you want to protect…me?", She inquires.

"I mean, yeah, I may not be as powerful, experienced, smart or even as fit as you three but I am hella stubborn and durable. As long as you're here, I've got your backs. No matter who or what comes at you."

Ein stares at him, seeing in his eyes that he was completely serious. A strange sense of relief and warmth slowly grew within her. As the strongest of the trinity, she was always responsible and used to supporting her sisters alone. She never imagined anyone, especially a human, would genuinely care for them enough to put themselves at risk. Then again, ever since she met Caleb, he always treated them like regular girls and accepted her, accepted her sister's and the others for who they are, regardless of their past or capabilities. He was…different…just like…

"Hey, you good?", Caleb asks out of concern, noticing her staring at him.

Snapping back to her senses as Ei goes red.

"I-I'm fine! Let's just keep looking for–Ah!", Ein stated, trying to hastily walk around only for her foot to get caught in the bedsheet as she fell forward.

Reacting on instinct, Caleb teleports and catches her but the momentum from her body cause him to fall backwards and they hit the floor; the impact ringing throughout the house. Fortunately, their fall was cushioned by the pile of folded clothes.

"Ah my back, you ok?", Caleb inquires, wincing from the pain in his upper back then noticing something heavy and firm but oddly pleasant against his chest.

"Y-Yes, I…", Ein utters, eyes shut touching her head before opening them realizing, to both their surprise, their faces mere inches apart.

Caleb's chocolate brown eyes locked into her emerald green before he glances down seeing her mounted on top of him, her mountainous breasts mushed into his chest and stretching the black fabric to its limit. Her lower region was pressed against his groin as her plump thighs pinned him to the floor and her tail lying limply between his legs. His intoxicating scent fills Ein's senses as she feels his firm, kind arms, involuntarily, wrapped around her, hugging her securely and notices his finger against her lower back. They could feel their hearts pounding and breathing slowly growing heavy.

Ein was the first to snap back to her senses and blushed bright red, heart racing faster, before pushing herself up off his chest, making her breasts bounce. Caleb to reality quickly withdrawing his hand keeping them apart, as she straddles his waist.

Ein waves her hands defensive as she lets out a flustered weasel screech then furiously stuttered, "Ahheee! I-I-I-I'M S-S-SO SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO–I WASN'T TRYING TO–I DON'T WANT TO–EHHHH!"

"Nono! It's ok! It was an accident! A very, VERY weird accident but still an accident!", Caleb stated, also a bit flustered and trying to ignore the sensation still on his chest before a jolt of pleasure up his spine up feeling her large butt pressing into his crotch. His eyes widen in horror as he could already feel his body reacting, "Oh nonono…Ein you gotta move right–"

It was too late.

Ein gasps, eyes shot open upon feeling something hard poking against her butt, then looks to Caleb with trembling eyes.

"D-Don't tell me…is that…", Ein spoke in disbelief, already knowing the answer.

Caleb gulps unsure of how to even answer as they stared wordlessly, their hearts pounding in anticipation.

"What did I say about keeping things to a five? You're at a nine right now.", Came the voice of Drei, startling the pair, "Annnd what did I just walk in on?"

Their jaws drop, faces drained of all color in pure shock upon seeing the short weasel girl standing in the doorway with a plain expression. Neither sure how to even BEGIN explaining this situation.

"D-Drei! This isn't what it looks like! I promise!", Ein vehemently stated while still straddling Caleb lap.

"This was an accident! She just tripped and…I tried to catch her and…THIS happened! ", Caleb explains, before realizing how ridiculous it sounded out loud.

Drei raised an eyebrow at the explanation, then looked to her sister and asked plainly, "You… actually tripped and landed on his dick?"

"DON'T WORD IT LIKE THAT!", Ein shouted clutching the sides of her head as steam wafted from her bright red face.

"What the hell?!", Caleb remarks incredulously at her question then replies, "But yeah, BIZARRELY enough that's what happened!"

"Anime protagonist luck?" Drei shrugs guessing only receiving glares from the pair as she notices something on ground, "Isn't that your book you were trying to find earlier?"

They look to where Drei points on the floor to a hardcover book now flipped open from Ein tripping on it.

"Y-Yeah! We found it.", Caleb says moving before Ein moves off his lap and they stand on their feet. Caleb quickly scoops up the light novel and flips through the paper noticing, to his displeasure, a few fingerprint stains on some of the pages that smelled like soy sauce, "Alright, aside from it smelling like soy sauce and laziness it's all good."

"I-I'll make sure to reprimand her later.", Ein assures understanding his grievance as her face returns to it's usual complexion.

"Bet. And…thanks for helping me look for it and everything. Sorry about that…experience.", Caleb replied, giving her a smile before awkwardly apologizing.

Ein's heart flutters a bit before sheepishly replying, "Of course and…it's no big deal. It was an accident."

"Right! An accident."

"The more you guys say it, the less meaning that word seems to have." Drei points out.

"WELL IT IS!", Ein and Caleb shouted simultaneously as Drei instinctively covered her ears.

"Ahem, Aight, I'm head back over there. I know Camilla's probably pissed by now. Thanks again.", Caleb remarks, walking out the room then teleporting to the bottom of the stairs, leaving the sisters alone.

Ein stands there, her thoughts racing as Drei looks to her inquisitively.

"You know, I'm not going to stop you two if you want to bang, but I would advise going literally anywhere else to do it. There is no telling what you will get from this room." Drei said, looking around at numerous health violations she saw just from glance.

"It. Was. An. ACCIDENT!", Ein shouted flustered as she stormed out of the room, only stop, turn around, then grab her bra and leave. All the while, Drei was completely unfazed.

"I was kidding!", Drei called over her shoulder before hearing a door slam shut, "Mostly. Huh, I can see the floor again."

In the her room, Ein sat at her bed with her bra beside her, clutching the blanket. She could still remember the sensation of his body pressed, his arm holding her, and could smell his lingering scent on her clothes. She clutches her hand between her chest feeling her heart racing and legs rubbing together the more she thinks about his smile. Then her mind drifted to that sensation when sitting in his lap and how big he felt.

'Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! You're his bodyguard, dammit! I can't think about him like that.', Ein shakes her head berating herself internally before flopping on the bed covering her head with a pillow. She then hugs it solemnly unable to deny how pleasant the experience was and, deep down inside, wanted more, 'Is this…how Camilla and the others feel?'

….Back to Caleb's house….

"Wait, when did you get your own copy?!", Caleb stated in disbelief as Camilla and Mirabelle, who were in the dining room currently enjoying their volume while enjoying a plate Pepperidge farm chocolate macadamia cookies, looked at him strangely.

"The postman brought it just last week when you were at work, Dear.", Mirabelle answered.

"Haaa, well that was an hour I'll never get back. At least, managed to find my copy and hopefully I NEVER HAVE TO LOOK THROUGH ZWEI'S SHIT AGAIN!", Caleb said before opening the door shouting the last part.

"THE SYSTEM WORKS!", Zwei shouts from the living room.

"At least ju found it Senor, now us three can read all enjoy the novella together.", Camilla chimes in before taking a bite of a cookie.

"Yeah, guess you're right.", Caleb shrugs before taking a seat, "How far into the volume are you anyway?"

"We're nearing the end of the second chapter. Camilla's really enjoying the main characters personality.", Mirabelle informs while showing him where her book was marked.

"He does not take shit from anyone and is merciless to those who harms his beloved. What is not to enjoy?", Camilla coyly remarks, resting her chin to her hand.

"Sounds like you found your spirit animal.", Caleb remarks while flipping pages, ignoring the stains until he at their mark, "Alright, I'm ready when y'all are."

"Hehe, isn't this grand? The three of us enjoying a light novel together. It's like our own little book club.", Mirabelle cheerfully spoke, her wispy purple tail happily whipping about.

"I quite like the sound of that, Senora."

At that moment, they hear Zwei loudly cry out from the living room, "Ohhhhh! And that's my girl! Go to hell thunder thighs make way for Lightning Leg Juri Han babyyyy!"

"Yep, we got the gamer club in the living room and the book club in here. That balances out.", Caleb remarks half-sarcastically.

"By the way, what took ju so long to find your novella Senor?"

"Zwei's room is messy as hell! Underwear and trash all over the place, had to clean it up to even see my feet let alone find the book. Luckily, Ein was there to…help.", Caleb hesitates a bit to finish the sentence, remembering their awkward experience.

"That was kind of her, Dear. At least it wasn't too hard on you."

"What wasn't?", Caleb whips around with an interrogative stare.

"The…cleaning and searching?", Mirabelle says, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh…right, right. No it wasn't at all hard.", Caleb says before audibly clearing his throat looking to his book, "Alright, Moon pie, wanna pick it up?"

Mirabelle and Camilla give him confused stares and glance at each other.

"Ok?", Mirabelle says as Camilla shrugs.

….Hours later…

It was now past six in the evening and a black car could be seen going down the highway at moderate speed.

Sterling could be seen driving while Fantina sat buckled up in the passenger seat. Luckily, his car still has the modification made when they were partners, allowing her to adjust the height to actually see out the windshield.

The pair sat wordlessly with only the sound of the road and vehicles breaking the awkward silence. Sterling glances at Fantina, who was watching the scenery pass by while resting her chin to her palm. She then notices him looking at her before he quickly turns his attention back to the road. Fantina gives him a skeptical look before turning away with a low sigh.

…Earlier…

"Sir, you can't be serious!", Clawthorne all but shouted from inside Sterling's office to the concern of the other agents close by.

"It's already done, Agent Clawthorne. Interspecies Affairs' director has already processed her status in the program."

"I understand that but…how could the Director have you become her host?! Why not just keep her at one of their facilities?"

"They wanted to make sure she doesn't have too much contact with her coven to risk suspicion among the staff but also someone who knows her enough to keep her in check. I happen to fill both requirements. It was out of my hands…and now, I'm her caretaker.", Sterling replies, leaning back in her chair with a sigh.

"I-Is that safe? Even if her mana is suppressed and we can track her, what's to stop her from attacking you?!"

"Fantina is not stupid. She knows if pulls any kinda stunt it would destroy any chance her coven has at decent life. Besides, I have put my life in her hands time and time again in the past and I'm willing to put that faith in her now. Contrary to her personality, she does pull her punches. I'm speaking from experience.", Sterling assures the elf woman.

Clawthorne seemed taken aback by his statement, then down sadly with a ponderous expression. Sterling could sense her unease and decides to try alleviating her concerns.

"If you're still worried, don't be. Worse comes to worse, I can still use the failsafe.", He says showing an app with the ICEP logo.

"No, it's not that sir. You just…seem to really care about her.", Clawthorne spoke in a despondent tone, her shoulders slumping.

Sterling was taken aback by the statement before taking a moment to collect his thoughts, "Well…she is my responsibility. Same as you and the rest of this branch."

"I wouldn't mind being higher priority though.", Clawthorne mutters softly under her breath.

"Say again? I didn't quite hear that."

"N-Nothing sir, just thinking out loud! I'll get back to my station now", She assures putting on a smile before hurrying out of the room.

Sterling raises an eyebrow at her odd behavior but chooses to ignore it for now. He had other priorities at the moment as he looks down at Fantina's MON badge in his hand.

…Present…

Sterling's car pulls into his apartment as Fantina looks around curiously at the expensive looking buildings. He soon comes to his unit and parks the vehicle. The pair exit as Sterling leads her to his unit. All the while, barely saying much to each other as Fantina takes in the surroundings. The neighborhood was surprisingly much cleaner and quieter than she thought as she looked at Sterling quizzically. How much exactly does he make to afford living here?

They eventually arrive at his unit and Sterling unlocks the door, pushing it wide open giving her a good look inside.

"Ok, starting today you'll be living here.", Sterling says to her. Fantina looks up at him trying to read his intentions, finding no ill-will in his demeanor. She wipes her hooves on the doormat before stepping inside.

The apartment was fairly average with the usual furniture layout. Only notable features were his more personal belongings such as a vinyl record collection and large, framed posters of 70s and 80s musicians hanging up.

Fantina genuinely couldn't help looking around. ICEP agents are strictly prohibited from sharing personal details of their lives (at least when she was an agent) so she's never seen his apartment until today. She's brought out of her thoughts upon hearing the door close and Sterling locking. It was now fully sinking in that they were completely alone now.

"Are you gonna just stand there all night or do you want me to show you to your room?", Sterling spoke, getting her attention.

"Y-Yeah, sure."

She follows behind him passing through the living and kitchen then enters a short hallway where several framed photos were hanging on the walls. Most were of a Sterling showing him as a child with his parents, graduation from high school and college, and his training day as an agent along with other people she didn't recognize.

She stops in place upon seeing a framed photo of her and Sterling smiling while at a music concert together a few months before the bill was set to be instated. They were so much happier back then…and so naive.

"So…this is where you live?", Fantina inquires, looking at him.

"Yep.", He answered plainly, "Did you expect worse?"

"Well given how care for yourself back when… we were together you had a certain habit when it came to money."

"Yeah…things change.", Sterling hesitantly replies before opening a door to a room wide enough so both of them could walk in.

"Yeah, they do. More than I– " Fantina coldly spoke with eyes closed, walking in to the room and stopping mid-sentence upon seeing the inside.

In stark contrast to the rest of the unit, this room had been fully laid out with all of her belongings from her coven house with decorations related to witchcraft to a bookshelf with all of her favorite novels and spell books passed down from past coven members. There was her large wooden table full of occultist items from ritual bowls with mystic symbols carved on them to actual voodoo dolls to jars of various bizarre animal parts and even a large leather bound diary of spells and incantations Fantina created herself. There was even a small bronze statue of a baphomet. Only difference was the brand new queen bed and a thirty-two inch smart tv hanging on the wall.

Fantina was dumbfounded as she walks inside looking around, seeing everything was there down to the small jar of cat teeth.

"What…how did you even…?", Fantina expressed in disbelief.

"I owe most of the help from your…friend? godmother? Venus, I'll just call her 'Venus'. Anyway, she gave me a list of everything that was in your room so nothing would be lost. I got you a TV and new mattress too since the other one was in rough shape.", He explained as Fantina looked at him incredulously.

"You…did this for me? Why?"

"Well, it would be problematic if my student wasn't able to acclimate to the environment. Giving you a sense of familiarity will improve your–"

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEAN, DAMMIT!", Fantina shouted, cutting him off and clenching her fists tightly as Sterling is wordlessly taken aback, "Why wouldn't you just let them deport me and my coven?! Why would you have them make me your student?! What do you even have to gain?! Aren't you angry?! Don't you hate me?! TELL ME! WHAT'S YOUR ANGLE HERE?!"

Sterling merely looks at her, seeing her panting while glaring up at him, before letting out a heavy sigh.

"I was just…glad to see you. To have you beside me again."

Fantina pauses at his answer, sensing the sincerity in his tone.

"You're here because you're useful to the organization to bring down the criminals threatening the safety of innocent people. That doesn't mean it's my reason. There is no angle and I don't hate you, Fantina. I just…want to be there for you.", Sterling solemnly expressed his voice laced with sorrow as he kneels down on one knee meeting her eye line.

Fantina lightly blushes, staring back into his silver-gray eyes knowing in her heart he was serious. Despite that, she refused to let down her guard.

"Y-You expect me to just forgive you now? You think you can solve everything by just being here now?!"

"No, of course not. It's all just a temporary solution.", Sterling admits before reaching into his pocket and taking something out, "However, I'd rather we use what time we have to clean up our mess."

Sterling opens his palm presenting, as Fantina eyes widen in surprise, her MON badge along with an ICEP student ID card. She takes both but was especially transfixed by the badge.

"T-This is…my…", Fantina utters, completely dumbfounded that he kept it all this time. She then looks to him her eyes quivering as she fought back tears, "But why?"

"Simple. Whether as a student or an agent, you're still my partner.", He replies with a smile as she stares at him, her heart skipping a beat. Sterling raises back up to his feet, "Take your time to get settled in and you can help yourself to whatever is in the fridge. I'll be in my room across from this one if you need me."

Fantina eyes widen before turning away hiding her blushing cheek then softly replies, "O-Ok. Can I be alone now… please? I feel drained."

"Y-Yeah…same. I'll just leave now ", Sterling admits before turning and stepping out the room but then looks back and says, "Good night."

"You too…", she uttered softly before Sterling nods and closes the door shut, leaving her alone.

Fantina sighs as she takes a look around the room again before walking over to the bed, and flopping down on her back in exhaustion. She stares up at the ceiling in deep thought.

'What the hell is even happening anymore? Didn't we leave things on bad terms and now we're living together?! What is my life becoming?'

Fant then raises her old badge up to her face, putting the student card aside, still in disbelief that he kept her badge for her all this time. She holds the badge close to her chest, against her beating heart as she closes her eyes.

In Sterling's room, he could be seen getting undressed from his work clothes. The top half of his body fully exposed showing his toned abs and well-defined muscular stature from physical intense training. On his right shoulder was a Guns and Roses tattoo of twin revolvers and roses with thorny vines curling around it.

He removes his belt putting it to the side before sitting on the bed proceeding to kicks off his shoes sighing in relief. He then looks to the bedroom door in thought.

'What the hell were they thinking? It was awkward enough as is with her in the office but now we have to LIVE together? I'm just supposed to make it work?!', Sterling thought, flopping on his back in agitation towards his superiors, 'She already doesn't trust me after what I did back then. Plus, having to work with Malones….it's no wonder she thinks I'm trying to get something from her with what I'm doing.'

He then remembers the look in Fantina's eyes moments ago. For a few seconds, she seemed genuinely at ease. For that moment, she looked with the same passion as back then. He takes a deep breath relaxing his mind as he contemplates the idea more.

In the other room, Fantina could be seen lying on her side, cradling the badge against her heart, as the same idea ran through her head.

As if sharing one mind, one thought ran through their skulls at this moment.

'Maybe…things will be different now.'

'I just need to show her I've changed.'

'I just need to show him I can change.'

Sterling and Fantina thought almost in perfect unison, respectively.

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WN

Sup Fam? Hope everyone is doing ok. Personally, I'm keeping on keeping on doing my best. Not really much to say at the moment. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Currently trying to stick to a consistent upload schedule as part of one of my New Years resolutions. As usual, big thanks to Sandshrewmaster and my betas, you guys, gals, and nonbinary pals are amazing.

See ya soon, Peace Fam!

'My Mind' by ProducedbyMelv plays in the background