Chapter 41: Family Ties
...One awkward amount of time later...
After getting themselves together, each group now sat in the living room. The furniture was moved and adjusted to allow space for High Priestess and her associates. Good thing the couch set could be disassembled as reassembled for moments like these.
The entire left side of the room close to the front door was occupied by High Priestess and her associates while Mirabelle and the others sat adjacent to them now fully dressed. Mirabelle, Camilla, and Lyca all wore their usual casual clothes. Zwei sat with them dressed some black Adidas sports shorts and light blue t-shirt with the sillouhetttes of seven water-type starter Pokemon on it. Both where a little to big and hung loose but at least gave her some modesty. She wasn't gonna complain. Caleb was nice enough to lend her and Ein some old clothes after their exhibition stunt.
Drei was later moved to Caleb's room to rest. Her sister's were curious why she would deliberately use her sleep drug on herself but Caleb informed she was simply 'tired' from last night. He refused to elaborate any further.
Quickly sensing the growing tension in the room, Caleb decided to diffuse said tension using good old Hulu and mid-morning breakfast. He put on an American comedy show called 'The Last O.G.' while he got to work in the kitchen with Ein's assistance. Lyca and Zwei were at least enjoying the show cracking up at the jokes. Emmeryne, one of High Priestess associates, couldn't help chuckling as well and was chastised by her peers. The entire time Mirabelle avoided eye contact with her mother as much as possible but could feel her cold gaze pierce her core.
" *zoom* Alrighty! Who wants some breakfast?", Caleb stated appearing in front of everyone holding a tray full of blueberry muffins and two plates of breakfast wraps along with napkins on foam bowls, "The wraps to left of the garlic chicken and egg and the ones on the right are full of veggies."
Lyca and Zwei waste no time in grabbing chicken wraps and muffins with Camilla grabbing a couple for herself. Mirabelle is hesitant but takes a muffin.
"I also brewed some tea if anyone wants some.", Ein added joining everyone. She wore and oversized grey t-shirt, the only one to fit her, with the words 'The Heavy' in all red going across her breasts along with dark grey sweatpants that hugged her shapely butt.
"That's quite alright. I would much rather have a explanation right now.", High Priestess brushes him off shooting a look to Mirabelle who tenses up while Lyca, Camilla, and Zwei glare at her.
"We will. Believe me, we will. But first, you're...well wouldn't say 'invited' but you're guests still and family to my homestay so I'll feed ya.", Caleb puts a warm blueberry muffin and veggie in a foam bowl and presents it to High Priestess, "You're a long way from home so you must be a little hungry. Moon p...I mean Mirabelle just loves these veggie wraps whenever I make'em for her."
High Priestess sniffs her ear twitching at the sweet scent of the pastry but keeps her composure not wanting to seem interested.
"U-um, i-i'll take it.", Emmeryne spoke earning curious looks from her group and Caleb, "I-I mean just to make sure for her protection that it is indeed safe to eat of course."
"Ok, sure", Caleb says handing it to her which she graciously accepts.
She bites into the veggies wrap and her mouth bursts with the flavor of fresh veggies, light seasoning, and mild sweet onion sauce, "~Hahhhh so yummy! Lady Mirabelle really has these everyday?!~", she blissfully stated her cheek puffed out which Caleb thought was cute as the other Nightmare look to her skeptically.
"Yep. Those are fresh veggies straight from the farmers market down the road.", Caleb answered as Ein also handed Emmeryne a cup of green tea as Mirabelle watches cautiously. Emmeryne accepts and happily sips the warm liquid sighing blissfully, "Got one satisfied customer. Anyone else hungry?"
High Priestess pauses glaring skeptically at the man then noticing her associates watching Emmeryne their mouth watering. She herself couldn't deny her cravings.
"Ahem very well. It would be rude to reject your hospitality.", High Priestess says in a proud tone while turning away hiding her cheeks flush a light shade of pink.
Mirabelle watches curiously as Caleb and Ein proceed to serve her mother and the members of her clan. One-by-one High Priestess' associates faces light up complimenting and thanking the pair. High Priestess herself couldn't help lighting up.
"This is...exceptional.", She says.
"Thanks ma'am.", Caleb accepts with a smile to which High Preistess simply nods. Caleb grabs a couple of chicken wraps and sits in his recliner while Ein joins the others.
High Priestess looks around seeing her daughters group and her associates enjoying the food while the telly plays in the background. She notices even her daughter seems less bothered by her presence. Heck, SHE herself feels a lot calmer and...welcome in this man's home. What is happening here? What kind of power is this?
After a good ten minutes, most of the food and tea were already gone and everyone seemed to be more relaxed. Caleb decided to get things rolling.
"Ok. How about we get things rolling?", Caleb says clapping his hands together and proceeds to turn off the tv.
"Awww", "Awww I was really getting into it.", Lyca and Zwei whined.
"You guys can pick it up later.", Caleb quickly assured before turning to high Priestess, "Alright, my name's Caleb Bizzell. I'm your daughter's host. This is Lyca Kessler and Camilla Sartana, I'm their host as well."
"Hi.", "Hola", Lyca and Camilla greeted respectively.
"This is Ein, Zwei, and Sleeping Beauty in the back is Drei. The Zyklon sisters."
"Hello.", "Heyo!", Ein and Zwei chimed in.
"Charmed to meet you all.", High Priestess spoke in a dignified tone, "I am Madeline Marequine, 29th High Priestess of the Crescent Moon clan. These four are my Retainers, Matilda, Elaine, Freya, and Emmeryne Marequine."
"Pleasure to meet you all.", all four simultaneously greeted in a regal tone.
"Pleasure is ours. So, are you all Mirabelle's sister's or...?"
"Oh, no no! We are in no manner related to the High Priestess by blood. In fact, we each belong to different clans.", Matilda clarified.
"We're more akin to attendants and protectors to the High Priestess and her successors.", Elaine added.
"Sooo why the shared surname? Oof, that's a tongue biter.", Zwei says.
"You mean twister?", Ein corrected.
"No, of course not. That's biologically impossible.", Zwei replies as a few of them raise an eyebrow.
"Well, when a new High Priestess steps into power, she is given the option to choose her retainers from either within her own clan or from a sister clan. Only one per clan. Afterwards, we temporarily the family name until the next High Priestess decide otherwise.", Elaine continued.
"Hehe, nevertheless, we treat the other members as our sisters and we assist and raising her successor. We've been with Lady Mirabelle since she was the cutest little babe.", Emmeryne croons as Mirabelle blushes in embarassment.
"Indeed she was.", Matilda joined in adding to her embarassment, "She would always come up with the silliest games to play."
"Hoho, remember the first time she met the Dryad Chief and she-", Elaine stated but was cut off when High Priestess Madeline audibly clears her through getting all her retainers attention who quickly return to their stern, regal form.
"While we are on that topic, I believe it's time we get back to our primary topic of discussion.", HP Madeline spoke focusing on Mirabelle who shifts her gaze to her lap, "Daughter, what have you done?"
Mirabelle tenses up gripping her skirt, "I...I...I was...just..."
"Just wasting time on trivial things as per usual? Running off and neglecting your responsibilities to your clan?! Tarnishing the sanctity of family crest?! Are ANY of those correct?!", HP Madeline scolded as her retainer gives looks of concern and Camilla and the others go on the defensive. Caleb steps between them.
"Whoa whoa, wait a-"
"YOU be silent! I'm getting to you soon!", HP Madeline stated cutting him off. Caleb stops Lyca and Camilla from jumping in and reluctantly let's her continue berating Mirabelle understanding these are family matters, "Do you have ANY idea how worried I have been?! Almost TWO MONTHS I hear NOTHING from you of how your mission is proceeding!"
"I know! I-I'm sorry Mother! I-I just been...busy.", Mirabelle spoke in a low, shameful tone.
"Too busy?! With what?! You couldn't ONCE inform me of your status?! You have five perfectly good dreamscape right here!", HP Madeline stated gesturing a the Caleb and group each wearing looks that said 'Wait, what?' before she continues,
"I actually tried reaching out to your astral form. Every time I tried there was always obstruction. As if the connection was being cut every time! It was your doing, wasn't it?", HP Madeline says her in a sour tone as Mirabelle couldn't conjure a reply her demeanor already answering for her, " So this whole FUCKING time I could not reach you ! You could've been DEAD for all I knew!"
Mirabelle flinches looking down in shame as Caleb and the others wanted to take her defense. Yet, to some extent, they understand where her mother's grievance was coming from know it to be unwise to step between a mother disciplining her child.
"I-I'm so, so sorry, mother! I...", Mirabelle gulps placing her hand to her chest and lowly spoke, "It's true. I...I was severing the connection whenever you attempted to appears in the dreamscape."
Caleb along with Lyca look to noticing her downtrodden and shameful expression while Emmeryne and the other retainers were utterly flabbergasted by what they heard. HP Madeline's expression turns dark with shadow appearing to cover her eyes. Caleb felt a chill run down his spine.
"Oh no, I know that look anywhere.", Ein whispered to Camilla, "Our mother's always had it when they just done with our crap."
"I understand what ju mean. This is...going to be hard to watch.", Camilla whispered back becoming more worried for Mirabelle.
HP Madeline takes a deep breath, "You know what? I am not even surprised. You have always been this way. Whether it be...sherking your training or obsessing over that...ahnimay Sailor scout moon nonsense!"
"It's NOT nonsense-"
"SILENCE!", HP Madeline cuts her off startling her daughter and her retainers. Her mother massages her forehead, "I thought, perhaps, allowing you to come to this country and participate in this...exchange program farce, you would accomplish at least one of your duties as the future High Priestess of the Crescent Moon clan."
Mirabelle doesn't respond only looking more dejected by the second.
"Uh, Ms. High Priestess ma'am?", Caleb spoke getting her attention as she turns to him, "You keep mentioning her 'mission'. What exactly was it?"
"Dear, no, wait-"
"Oh hush!", Madeline stated as Mirabelle obediently goes quiet much to Camilla and Lyca chagrin, "I was just getting to that. Her mission...was to find you."
Caleb along with Lyca and the rest were taken aback by her answer. He looks to Mirabelle her looks at him with pleading eyes.
"Me? Why me?", Caleb inquired
"Well, to be more accurate, someone LIKE you.", Madeline started making Caleb and the other look to more confused, "One of a High Priestess' important duties is securing the family bloodline once she has reached her 20th cycle. This means finding an acceptable male, mating with them, and conceiving the next High Priestess after her. Typically, the only males we select are the Centaur belonging to clans in our neighboring territory but, on rare occasions, we breed with humans."
"So then...why did you send Mira away from her home?", Lyca inquires earning a cold look from the Madeline.
"Well, young Kobold, my daughter was so unsuccessful in her endeavors to seduce a decent partner that I had no choice. I blame it on her extremely arbitrary standards. None of them were ever good enough. I thought by now she would have taken this one's seed and have returned home by now", Madeline spoke looking to Caleb as he takes a moment to process what he heard.
"Of course not!", Mirabelle spoke abruptly turning to Caleb, "I could never do that with someone I wasn't even in love with!"
Caleb looks to her seeing the desperation for him to believe her in her face. He did, he knew in his heart her words were true.
"It's not about what you FEEL for them!", Madeline stated firmly putting Mirabelle back on edge, " All that matters is securing the bloodline! By now, you could gotten what you needed and be done with him!"
No! I couldn't do that to him!", Mirabelle stated defensively. Caleb does his best restrain himself from jumping in. Ein and the others appeared deeply conflicted right now as well.
"I suppose not. Instead you would rather bestow upon him, a human, our clan's sacred mark!", Madeline says sounding irritated.
Caleb is taken aback a moment quickly realizing what she meant.
"Wait...do you mean...this mark she gave me the day after we met?", Caleb says pulling back his shirt collar showing the deep purplish-black hoof mark with a lighter shade crescent moon in the center. Madeline retainers give stunned looks whispering to each other.
"Are you-?!", Madeline deeply inhales and exhales massaging her temple then looking to Mirabelle, "Did he say that you bestowed...our clans mark...to someone you JUST met? Are you serious? Have you gone mad?!"
"Well...I...I just knew I could trust him...so...", Mirabelle trails touching her fingers as her mother and her retainer stare at her incredulously.
"Ok, I'm pretty lost here. Mind telling me what all this means?", Caleb spoke up.
"Haaa, basically, when my daughter RECKLESSLY...", she emphasizes looking right at Mirabelle who looks down in shame, "bestowed our clans mark to you, she automatically made you a member of the family; something she had no right to do since she is NOT the High Priestess yet."
"Wait, what? Moon pie, is she serious?", Caleb spoke in disbelief as Camilla and the others turn to her curiously.
"T-Technically, yes, but...I could just sensed there was something about you I liked! Something I never encountered before! So I...", Mirabelle tried to justify feeling her words falling flat. Caleb gave her a questioning look.
"You decided to bind him to you, so you wouldn't lose him.", Madeline pointed out catching Caleb and the other's attention.
"What do you mean 'bind me'?", he inquired glancing to Mirabelle suspiciously.
"When she bestowed it to you what she didn't know by doing so binds your dreamscape to her astral form.", Madeline explains
"Why is that mark so significant anyway? Isn't it just to identify members or whatever?", Zwei inquires.
"It's a bit more complex than that. It's similar to the marks that identify higher ranking members like my Retainers.", Madeline says as Emmeryne and the others exposed heir left should revealing a very different variant of Caleb's mark, "However, the mark he has allows him to draw the power of the High Priestess from her dreamscape through the link between them. Over time the link has gotten stronger."
"She first noticed it a couple months ago. The astral energy of a new clan member appeared out of nowhere. It was faint and weak at first but overtime it grew more and more intense.", Elaine added.
"At one point, two astral signatures, one of them Lady Mirabelle's, appear putting out a tremendous amount of energy. The new signature was also filled with intense...violent rage and malice! For High Priestess safety, we kept our distance.", Freya explained looking at Caleb with slight scrutiny.
Matilda jumps in now, "Until very recently, she sensed two strong astal energy signatures suddenly spiked to their most intense level yet. It was strong enough to rival the High Priestess herself! It even revealed Lady Mirabelle's location!"
"At that point, we simply had to come here and assess things ourselves. Perhaps finally be reunited with Lady Mirabelle!", Emmeryne spoke with a small grin, "We each pooled our energy for the High Priestess to teleport us here!"
Caleb and the others look to her curiously before Camilla speaks up
"Pardomeme, ju all keep saying say 'astral energy'. Is that what your people call your mystic arts tied to control of mana?", the she-devil questioned.
"Not exactly, though in many ways it is similar to mystical energy used by beings like yourself. In many Asian countries, we found there beings that call it 'ki or chakra'. To each there own.", Emmeryne explained shrugging with a grin.
"She's right. That what we always called it.", Zwei emphasized generating a small rotating ball of pressurized air before Ein nudges her making her notice Madeline glaring at her impatiently. Zwei quickly dissipates the ball, "Ahem, sorry."
" Now, I see my suspicions are confirmed about you, Mr. Bizzell .", Madeline continued catching Caleb's attention, "You and my daughter share an incredibly powerful link. I believe even my dream scythe would have difficulty severing it."
"Her dream wha?", Lyca whispered to Zwei.
"I don't know. Might be a them thing.", the weasel shrugged.
"When I was in your dreamscape, I could feel the great power you possess. I could barely hold control over your psyche when you were backed in a corner. And I see it's just as capable utilizing these powers in the physical world. You are essentially a male High Priestess; a living contradiction.", Madeline says before her voice turns colder, "and that makes you very dangerous."
Caleb along with Mirabelle and the other girls look to her in confusion.
"What? Dangerous? Why?", Caleb spoke incredulously
"No human should EVER have this kind of knowledge of our abilities! I let my daughter join the cultural exchange program under the condition she NEVER let the humans gain true knowledge of our capabilities! And what does she do? Sully our family pride and, worst of all, allowing the humans of this ludicrous program access to our precious secrets through some Agent Sterling bloke", Madeline stated irately as her retainers looked at her with concern.
"Wha-how did you-", Caleb started before Madeline cuts in
"Through your dreamscape you fool!", she insulted causing Camilla to glare menacingly at her digging her claws into the couch fibers. Ein pats her shoulder to calm her down and hold her back.
"Don't call him that!", Mirabelle stated, "He was only doing his job as my caretaker! The information shared to Sterling is very confidential. He would never allow it to circulate publicly without my consent! He's doing so much to protect our image from the public. Besides, it's not ICEP intent to exploit us. They only want to know more about our people and eventually come to accept us and-"
"Are you DAFT girl?! Do you really think we should put my faith that? It doesn't matter if you trust a handful of people. If even ONE has malicous intent, it would be disastrous! And there's this one!", Madeline stated pointing to Caleb, "His access to your abilities poses a risk of exposing us! You can to deny it and say you'll 'be careful" but what if he is captured and forced to tell what he knows? What if he loses control just like earlier in front of other people? ...Or has he already? Worst of all, I learned through his dreamscape the he is the target of a criminal organizations that EXPLOITS non-humans for their abilities. What if THEY find and capture or learn of my DAUGHTER!?"
Caleb and Mirabelle pause unable to say something in their defense as they think back on their experiences the last couple weeks. They along with Ein and the others feel dread creep through their senses unable to deny Madelines accusations.
"Heh, your reactions tell the whole story. Do either of you SEE how much you are putting ours and our sister clan's safety in jeopardy?! We've lived relatively peaceful out of the line of sight of those that despise our existence. I refuse to allow anything or anyone destroy that.", Madeline spoke coldly with hints of saddeness in her voice. Her retainers wore crestfallen expressions as if ruminating on her words. Mirabelle kept her head low in shame fighting back her tears.
"So...what now?", Caleb spoke getting Madeline attention, "Where do you want to go from here?"
Madeline gives him a cold look, "Well, first, I am going to do everything in my power to sever the astral link between you and my daughter. You'll lose her power and return to being a normal human. After that, my daughter shall withdraw from the exchange program and return home immediately. It's for the best."
The room fell silent as Caleb, Camilla, Lyca and the Zyklons are taken aback in profound shock at the idea of losing Mirabelle. Mirabelle herself wore an utterly devastated expression as if her heart had just been broken in half. Madeline retainers look to their High Priestess then see the look on Lady Mirabelle face. Their hearts hurt for her but they couldn't deny Madelines logic and knew she's only thinking of her clan's safety. They were conflicted but their duty as retainers had to come first.
Caleb stood in thought slowly coming to the realization of just how much Matilda said is true.
"YOU CAN'T BE SEROUS!", "QUE MIERDA(WHAT THE FUCK)!?", "Are you kidding, lady!?", "You can't be serious?!", Lyca, Camilla, Zwei, and Ein hop up shouting simultaneously startling Madeline and her retainers flinch. Mirabelle remains silent looking downwards in thought with her purple hair obscuring her face.
Caleb is also taken aback before Lyca rushes to Mirabelle side.
"NO WAY IN HELL YOU'RE TAKIN' MIRA!", Lyca snarled bearing her fangs at Matilda and her retainers, "Even if you're her mom, I going with you means we lose a member of our family forever, then I refuse!"
Matilda and her retainers are surprised before Camilla also steps up.
"That is right! She is not going anywhere!", Camilla stated glaring at Madeline, "I understand your concerns as a woman...as a mother...but this CANNOT stand! If ju want her, my have to go through me!"
Madeline is taken aback before she and Camilla lock eyes intensely.
" ! Ms. Sartana! That's enough!", Ein stated getting between the two groups, "Apologies, she...didn't mean that. What she meant was, you need not worry because your daughter is in good hands. My sisters and I highly trained MON special agents with several operations under our belt."
"Humans? Liminals? There's nobody we can't handle. Heck, ask these two. They know what we're talking about.", Zwei said pointing to Emmeryne and Elaine. Both Nightmare tense up recounting their first encounter with the weasels and looking away in embarrassment. Ein gives her an annoyed look and Zwei backpeddles, "Ahem, no offense! You guys are still great."
Madeline ignores her comment, "I appreciate your resolve but I've already decided long before arriving. I am taking my daughter home today and that's final. If you insist on stopping me...I will not hold back.", she emphasizes as purple aura flares momentarily around her body along with her retainer glaring intently at Lyca and Camilla.
Lyca lower her ears and emits a low growl while Camilla generates two small magic seals in her palms. Ein, Zwei, and especially Caleb could sense the growing hostility in the atmosphere unsure of how to settle the group's down. Until...
"No.", Mirabelle uttered catching everyone's attention. Her head was still lowered.
"What was that?", Madeline spoke as her retainers look to Mirabelle a sinking feeling in their stomachs.
"I SAID 'NO', MUMMY!", Mirabelle shouted raising her head showing her tear stained face catching everyone off guard, "I'M NOT GOING WITH YOU! I'M STAYING HERE...WITH CALEB AND EVERYONE!"
Lyca and Camilla step back giving her a little space as the Zyklons, Madeline and her retainers, and Caleb stare at her mouths slightly agape. Caleb feels the side of his chest throbbing as a aching feeling of sadness spreads through his being.
"Do not use that tone with me! I am your MOTHER! I am only doing what is best for YOU!", Madeline stated asserting her authority as Lyca and Camilla step away letting the two have at it. Emmeryne and the other retainers give concerned glances to each other.
"That is NOT what is best for me!", Mirabelle stated her voice slightly cracking.
"And what? Staying here is?! As long as you are with his man you are in constant danger! If not gangsters or assassins, then humans that'll harass you on your appearance alone! You are MUCH better off in the safety of our clan!", Madeline affirms
"Safety?! Closing ourselves off from the rest of the world, living in the shadows as if we don't exist at all?! To simply OBSERVE societies changing around us but NEVER be a part of them?! That's not safety that living in FEAR mummy!", Mirabelle stated as her mothers eyes widen, "Gods, I spent HALF OF MY LIFE in our clans villages! All I knew about modern technology, humans, and other Centaur was from what others told me or brought back as souvenir! I-I didn't even know what ICE CREAM was until I FIFTEEN!"
Emmeryne shyly grins rubbing the back of her head and the other retainers look to her judgingly.
"The first dreamscape I ever entered, I saw so many things. So much outside of our villages! I wanted more! So...I kept lying to get new male candidates!", Mirabelle said which surprised to her mother and her retainers, "Anime, video games, human cities and cultures, foods, Sailor Moon? I wanted to experience it all myself with my own two hands!"
"Is THAT why you kept failing your missions? Because you were sidetracked?!", Madeline stated in disbelief.
"You're missing the point! All you've and every other clan has ever told me was that the world was cruel and full of enemies that hate our people! That it was a terrifying place! You were lying to me! Why?!", Mirabelle demanded.
"W-We were PROTECTING you! You and the other High Priestess candidates in our sister clans!", Madeline insisted
"Well I didn't protecting! I needed FREEDOM!", Mirabelle stated heartily, "Living with Dear has been the best experience of my life because, for once, I'm not afraid. I'm not alone. I'm safe! I feel loved in ways I never thought I COULD be loved!"
Caleb eyes widen feeling an intense warmth spread from the area of the mark throughout his body.
"Love? I-Is THAT what I just witnessed earlier?!", Madeline questions her breathing unsteady and putting Caleb, Mirabelle, and the others on guard, "Well you have a right bloody warped version of it!"
"Y-Y-You got it all wrong! That was-", Mirabelle tries to explain but was interrupted.
"I know EXACTLY what it was, I got everything I needed when I entered his dreamscape. My own daughter...embroiled in some...THREE TIMING perverse relationship! Is this the FREEDOM you desire?! To be this degenerate's MISTRESS along with these two other trollops?! Disgusting!", Madeline stated in revulsion as Caleb and Mirabelle jaws drop in shock.
"Oh HELL NO!", Camilla stated raising to her feet startling Madeline while her retainers prepare to defend her. Camilla was about to confront her when Ein blocks her path.
"Ms. Sartana, stop, wait!"
"Get out of the way! Who does this perra (bitch) think she is?! How dare shejudge our relationship with Señor?! I don't care if she is Señora mother, I will snap YOU in half!", Camilla stated glaring daggers at Madeline making her flinch.
"That's right!", Lyca joined, "Nobody badmouths out pack no matter who they are!", Lyca stated glaring right at Madeline as Zwei steps in to hold her back.
"Enough! Both of you!", Caleb stated getting between the two groups.
"But Señor she-", "But Chief she-"
"I know girls! But let me handle this, alright?", Caleb said as the two liminal reluctantly back down. He then turns and faces Madeline, "Ok, ma'am, yes it's true we have a...unique relationship but it's not what you think! I love your daughter just as much as I love Camilla and Lyca!"
"It's true mummy! He loves us all equally and he tries his best to make us happy!", Mirabelle spoke as her mother gives her a surprise.
" *snort* ha...haha...ahahahaha are you serious?", Madeline chuckled unconvincingly to Caleb and Mirabelle surprise, "You expect me to believe that lie for a second? And the worst part is, you actually DO believe in it, don't you?"
Mirabelle pauses.
"Oh my word, he's deceiving you, you naive little girl! He's just using you to get what he wants. Wake up and stop behaving like a child clinging to her toy and realize that before you get hurt! And it WILL hurt tremendously!", Madeline says as she clutches her chest
Mirabelle looks to her mother with shock, "W-Why would say that?"
"Ma'am, I'm sorry but that is going over the line now!", Caleb stated as Madeline retainers eye him cautiously, "Now I love Moon pie I'm IN love with her along with her. And nothing will ever change that!"
"Oh? Are you sure? Then let me tell you what your precious "Moon pie" would have done if she had carried out her mission.", Madeline says as Mirabelle eyes widen in horror.
"Mummy, no, sto-"
"Hush child! He may as well know at this point.", Madeline chastised before facing Caleb.
"Know...what?", Caleb inquires.
"Nothing Dear, it's-"
"QUIET! ", Madeline cuts Mirabelle off again, "I mentioned earlier that when our a species reaches our 20th cycle, she is find a suitable male and mate with him. Do you know why that is?"
"No, not really.", Caleb answered
"Well, it's because we are only able to give birth between the ages of 20 and 35.", Madeline says to the surprise of Caleb and the rest save for Mirabelle, "You see, Onieori, the progenitor of the Nightmare race recieved the blessings of the Goddess Nyx for the power to rule the darkness and all metaphysical planes. In exchange for this power, our fertility changed drastically. Not only with out fertility cycles but we are only able to give birth to females of our race. There's no such thing as a MALE Nightmare."
"Ok, I'm following you so far."
"That means we must breed with males of our Chironian counterparts or, if necessary, humans. Unfortunately, these Centaur despise and revile all 'Children of Onieori' as cursed, wicked heathens while humans call us demons. Yet, we still have to keep out race alive so we select a male that strikes our fancy-"
"Mummy, please!", Mirabelle pleaded
"Hush! And we invade his dreams while he slumbers. In it, we take the appearance of what their ideal mate based on information gathered from frequently visiting his dreamscape. We then proceed to seduce him.", Madeline explained as Caleb suddenly thinks back to the dream he had the night Mirabelle came to live with him. Madeline's tone grows more doleful, "If he's receptive, we then uses his weakened psyche to gain control of his body in the real world!"
Caleb eyes widen looking to Mirabelle who wears a horrified and sorrowful expression shaking he head to him.
"Mother!"
"And we forced them to sleepwalk to where our physical bodies are present...and...we force them to assault us!", Madeline forces out feeling a lump in her throat. Her Retainers look to her shocked at her admittance to their shameful method of breeding. Their hearts also sink upon seeing Lady Mirabelle with tears streaming down Mirabelle face in utter devastation. It hurt but they remain resolute at the High Priestess side. Madeline herself falls silent a moment noticing the shocked expression of Caleb and his girls realizing what she just done.
"Moon pie...", Caleb spoke clearing a lump in his throat as Mirabelle could barely force herself to look at him, "Is what your mother says true?"
His tone was not of anger, nor disgust, nor fear, but one of expectation.
"...yes.", Mirabelle reluctantly answers in a whisper as Camilla and the other look to her with mixed expressions. She looks to him with desperate eyes.
Caleb goes silent not able to find words to express the emotions richocheting in his mind. He then walks up to her and kneels down until they were at eye level. Mirabelle whimpers afraid of what was to come next as she looked to be about to sob even harder.
"Ok.", Caleb utters taking her hand gently as Mirabelle and everyone else looks to him in surprise.
"What?", Mirabelle spoke in disbelief.
"It's ok, Moon pie.", Caleb spoke caressing both sides of her face wiping her tears away with his thumbs. Mirabelle eyes twinkling hopefully his big, strong but kind hands.
"I would NEVER hurt you! *Hic* The day I first...entered your dreams, I knew you were different. I-I knew...I couldn't do that to you...and j-just leave you. *sniffle hic* I wanted to stay...because...because I had found the man of my dreams.", Mirabelle whimpered staring devotedly at him, "I love you."
"I love you too, it's ok.", Caleb says standing up hugging her head to his stomach petting her head as she whimpered into his shirt. Camilla, Lyca, and the Zyklons watch them unable to help smiling
Madeline and her retainers watch the scene flabbergasted.
" 'Ok'?", Madeline uttered in disbelief, "How is it OK? What we do it's...it's...and you say it's OK? What's wrong with you?"
Caleb looks to her with a stern glare before standing up patting Mirabelle head as strongly, "What's wrong with you? If you really cared for your daughter as you claim you wouldn't torture her like this just to get your way!"
Mirabelle and the others observe the two of them as Madeline clutches her cloak tightly in her fingers.
"How dare you? Who...who are YOU to speak to me that way? You think I'm doing this for my own interests?! I'm trying to save her. I'm trying to save her from the pain...that loving someone like you brings! You're not a mother. What do YOU know?", Madeline spoke quivering with anger and sadness, "Do you know how YOUR mother if the roles were reversed? How would she react to your polygamist relationship with these and MY daughter?!"
Mirabelle along with Zwei's eyes widen knowing a landmine had just been triggered.
"What?", Caleb says in a deep tone glaring as his mark glows and purple take on a menacing purple tint, "What the fuck did you just say?"
Madeline and her retainers immediately sense a powerful force rising within the young man.
"Eso es( That's it)! I have had ENOUGH of this-", Camilla stated raising only for Zwei to grab her arm pulling her back. She shakes her head advising the Elder Devil to stay out of it. Camilla looks to Caleb again as she and everyone else look to him in shock as his body is enveloped in shimmering purple aura and a purple mist begins to waft from his ankles. The mark on his chest burns brightly spewing purple flames which soon began to flicker from Caleb's fingertips.
"Nightmare Caleb...", Lyca uttered softly in amazement as the Zyklons and Camilla look to her to back to Caleb.
"I'll as again. What. The fuck. Did you say.", Caleb spoke his voice becoming slightly distorted and filled with anger and glaring intensely at Madeline.
The Nightmare and her retainers recoil fearfully sensing the threatening levels of astral energy he was outputting at once. Madeline stood to much to her retainers surprise until they follow her lead. The high preistess meets him at eye level as her aura flares up as well surrounding her entire body. Her retainers knew she was getting serious and prepared protect her.
"D-Dear, please-", Mirabelle attempts speak before her mom jumps in.
"D-Do you think y-you scare me?!", Madeline shakily spoke visibly trembling as she scowl at him , "Y-Y-You thinking standing there trying to intimidate me with power that not really yours will make me back down?! Well I won't! Never! Men like you...always use...", Madeline voice cracks a bit as tears begin to form in the corners of her eyes. Caleb angry demeanor softens a bit noticing the familiar pain in her voice.
"Please stop! Both of you!", Mirabelle pleaded as Caleb looks at her a moment before noticing Madeline aura flaring more intensely.
"That's right! This is getting out of h-", Ein attempted to pull Calen when...
"ENOUGH OF THIS!", Madeline bellowed before a pulse of purple aura rips from her body covering everyone and everything within a twenty foot radius in glowing purple energy.
Caleb stood feeling his entire body going stiff as wood. The most her could do was turn his head. He was shocked when he noticed that Camilla, Lyca, and the Zyklons sat motionless staring unblinkingly in a sort of daze. He sees Mirabelle was in a similar position as him; conscious but unable to move.
"Enough.", Madeline spoke coldly as she approached Caleb with her retainers raising up as well, "We are severing the astral link...and then...my daughter shall return home. That...is final."
"...Understood!", her retainers reluctantly agreed in unison after noticing the pained look on Mirabelle face.
"No! Mummy, you can't!", Mirabelle begged as Emmeryne and Elaing goto console her.
"We're so sorry, Lady Mirabelle.", Emmeryne spoke sadly.
"Forgive us, but we must do this.", Elaine added not able to look Mirabelle in the eye.
"No...", Mirabelle whimpered sadly.
Madeline stands facing Caleb then reaches her hand up placing it to his forehead. Her eyes glowing with blinding purple as Caleb starts to fall into a daze. Matilda and Freya place their hands to her and their eyes take on a similar glow.
Caleb became drowsy as he struggled to stay conscious. He stares at Madeline's blank glowy-eyed face the looks to Mirabelle. The pure despair on her face coupled with the thought of losing her. The woman he poured his soul out for gave his heart to and who warmly accepted it and more. At that moment, something arose in Caleb and the only one thing ran through his head.
'NO!', he screamed internally as purple flamelike aura covers his entire body surprising Madeline and the others. Using all his willpower, he forces his right arm to move. He glares at Madeline with burning purple wisps in his eyes the immediately grabs her clutching her head. Her retainers gasp in horror.
Madeline feels her senses becoming overtaken, her body starting to feeling heavy as stone as her mind falls
...Dreamscape...
Caleb's rubs his eyes feeling a slight headache before they widen getting a look at his surroundings realizing he was in the dreamscape but noticed it was quite different from his own. Instead of a realm of purple light and mist, this was a solid white blank realm lined with what appeared to be water color paintings. He walked around feeling he was being guided by some unknown force. He came upon a painting surprised to see it was of, who appeared to be Mirabelle but with longer hair standing in the foreground. It was then he realizes it was her mother in her 20s! She wore a melancholic expression with her hands clasped together in prayer. The was a white broken heart shape in her chest. He then notices the title of the painting engraving at the bottom, 'False Attraction'.
The painting ripples like water beckoning Caleb to touch it. Instantly, Caleb is feels a rush of memories flooding his vision jusr like with Camilla.
He sees flashes of Madeline's days leading up to when HER mother was preparing to pass the torch of Preistesshood on to her. As per their...tradition, Madeline was tasked with seducing and procreating with one of the male Centaur from a clan in Rome. Caleb learns she searched for a 3 days only coming across, in her opinion, rather unappealing males; many were boorish and vulgar muscleheads. That was until she met...him, Octavian Lambos. A unique specimen as he was one of a handful of males that behaved with the refine etiquette of a truly honorable knight. He was a tall, handsome golden brown stallion with chiseled muscles and a sexy masculine voice. Naturally, he had plenty of female admirers for his superb jousting abilities, suave personality, and the fact he was next in line to inherit the clan estate. Nonetheless, It was love at first sight.
She began invading his dreams, learning more and more him, while appearing as his supposed ideal mate. She took control of his body one knight guiding him to a secluded area in his estates courtyard where she had been waiting. Right before he could mount her, she broke her control over him deciding she do this to her first love. He reacted with shock at first but, to her surprise, he wasn't repulsed by the fact she was Nightmare. After that, the two began a secret romance keeping out of the watchful eyes of the other Centaur in the clan. He was always kind to Madeline despite his family's hatred of her kind and showed levels of intimacy she had never experienced. He told her she was special to him. She eventually became pregnant with his child and ecstatic by the news even reporting back to her mother about her success. However, she didn't tell her she wanted stay and raise the child in secret with her new lover. At the same time though, Octavian's clan soon became aware of his sudden disappearances at night.
One night, Madeline was eagerly awaiting to tell Octavian the good news. What she didn't expect were several members of his clan to discover them together being intimate. They were absolutely appalled and disgusted. Three of the female knights forcefully dragged Madeline out by the hair holding her captive with swords. They accused her of seducing the young Lord with her 'wicked magic' to which Madeline pleaded for them to listen to her. She turned to Octavius believing he come to her rescue. Instead, he acted just as repulsed and even horrified at what she been "forcing" him to do, much to Madeline's shock and profound hurt. Octavian father insisted they execute her immediately. Madeline tearfully begs to be spared even cries out that she was pregnant with his son's child.
They, especially Octavian, were shocked and even more disgusted. Then one of the knights, a tall F-cup Centaur woman with long platinum blonde hair approaches her with hatred in her gaze before slapping Madeline hard to the ground. She berates her for seducing her recently proposed fiance much to Madeline horror. Octavian approaches his "fiance" assuring her everything would be ok and they would "take care of the heathen and the abomination inside her."
Octavian leans and whispered in Madeline's ear, "It was fun while it lasted.". At that moment, her heart shattered realizing he had just been using her the entire time. Two female Centaur hoisted her to her feet as Octavian enraged father decided that killing was too soft. She needed to be humiliated like she humiliated his family which the other males happily agreed. As they all close in on Madeline, she let's out and anguished scream sending a powerful shockwave of purple aura ripling through Octavian and the others. All the Centaur collapse to the ground unconcious as Madeline teleports away. Madeline reappears far from the estate in a forest sobbing violently. The scene transition to where she returns home, tells her mother the truth, and was scolded at first before being comforted by her and her retainers. Madeline later made a vow, that she would protect her child no matter. She would give this child TWICE the love in place of her so-called father. She would never let her child be blinded by desire...like her.
Caleb feels a hand grabs his shoulder tugging him backwards out of the scene. He gasps for air feeling like he had been submerged underwater. He then sees Madeline, in present day , standing over him among the portraits.
"How dare you?", she asks in anger and saddness, "You had NO RIGHT to see that!"
Caleb stands up giving her a sympathetic look, "I...didn't mean to. I just...I-I can't believe that happened to you."
"Well believe it! It's in the past so don't you DARE pity me!", Madeline berated him before looking away at one of the paintings of her and 3-year-old Mirabelle laughing together, "It not like it really matters noe anyway."
"Clearly it does. Is...is that what you're afraid I'll do to Mirabelle?", Caleb inquires in a serious tone as Madeline remains silent already confirming the answer, "Ms. Marequine, I would NEVER do something as cruel and dishonest as what that asshole did to her. You've seen inside my head, look again if you want! Come on. Do I really seem like the kind of man who would hurt her intentionally?"
Madeline doesn't look at him only remaining silent before sadly answering, "That's what I believed at first. I let love blind me from finding the truth. I can see my daughter is the same as me at that age. Neither of us had experienced HOW cruel people from outside our domain could be. She's young too, she hasn't experienced what it's like to be in love and then betrayed!"
"You're wrong, mummy!..", came the voice of Mirabelle.
Caleb and Madeline turn in the direction it came from surprised to see, not just her, but Freya and Matilda at her side waving sheepishly.
"Moon pie? What are you...HOW are you in here right now...with those two?", Caleb inquired.
"When saw your astral body enter my mum's dreamscape, I just had to follow you. Emmeryne and Elaine tried to stop me but they know a single dreamscape can only handle so astral bodies at once.", Mirabelle explained as she walks up to them looking around at the paintings, "hmm, it has been awhile since I was in your dreamscape, mummy. You keep it as tidy as ever."
Madeline shifts her gaze reminiscently before responding, "I suppose. Now, tell me, what do you mean by that?"
"I...I believe it's better if I show you.", Mirabelle say offering her open palm to her mother. Madeline gives her and inquisitive look then reluctantly reaches and clasps her hand to her daughters. The two Nightmare entire bodies glow brightly while rippling and distorting like tv static. Caleb goes to them out of concern but Matilda and Freya stop him.
"It's ok young man, this is perfectly normal.", Freya spoke assuringly.
Madeline is bombarded with images and scenes of Mirabelle time some coming to the United States and joining ICEP. The fear, uncertainty, and disillusionment upon being rejected many times by potential hosts because of her appearance. The hosts who DID take her in, later she found out their bad intentions toward her and forced them to kick her out while confessing said intentions. Then she showed her memories of her...and Jason. How well things started out before he gradually began emotionally and sexually abusing her. The shame, fear, pain, and disgust she felt everyday up until he was finally caught by Sterling.
Madeline was understandably shocked and saddened by her daughters past trauma but then is bombarded with memories of Caleb, Lyca and the others. Every laugh or cry they shared, every time Caleb made her feel safe, loved, and appreciated. The doubts and insecurities she had that soon replaced with trust by his comforting warmth and support. Lyca and Camilla, once her rivals, now are like surrogate sisters. Even the danger she felt, be it the Fourth of July weekend, the encounter with Malone/Fallen Angel, or just strangers that whispered words disdain or malice, served as reminder of what their loved has survived so far and will continue to.
Mirabelle releases her mother's hand as their bodies return to normal. Madeline looks to her daughter in utter disbelief
"Mirabelle...I...I...", Madeline struggled to find the right words to describe what she felt at the moment.
"Mummy...it's ok, I know.", Mirabelle spoke understandingly, "You just didn't want me to suffer...as much as you have...because of...father."
Madeline eyes widen in shock as Caleb looks surprised as well.
"Y-You saw everything?", Madeline asks in fear.
"I...only saw fragments when I entered.", Mirabelle answered, "So that is why you never wanted to talk about him. To think...I came from such a despicable man. However, I don't regret my birth!"
Madeline, Caleb and the retainers look to her surprised.
"I am YOUR daughter, not his. I was loved and raised by you and my clan. I know you were just trying to protect me from the pain you experienced. However...", Mirabelle trails touching her palm to her heart, "the pain I experienced has led my heart to the happiness I now everyday I'm with Caleb! I refuse to hide and be afraid...because...I found someone just like me that I can face the world with!", she stated proudly as Caleb smiles going to her side.
"I couldn't agree more, Moon pie.", Caleb affirms taking her hand the two interlocking her finger to his. Madeline and the two retainers see the pair smile adoringly at each other. Caleb turn to Madeline.
"Ms. Marequine, it's ok if you sever the...astral...bond or whatever between Moon pie and me.", he said surprising everyone especially Madeline.
"But Dear-", Mirabelle started but Caleb hushes her with a gently finger to the lips.
"No baby, it's fine.", Caleb affirms looking to Madeline again, "I want to protect her too. If you believe me having access to her powers endangers her, then I don't need them. All I ask...is you please let her stay."
Mirabelle heart flutters upon hearing his words and Madeline and her retainers were also taken aback by his selflessness.
Madeline stares at him sadly, "You truly love her...don't you. You're not lying. You're in love with her."
"Yes ma'am. But not JUST her.", Caleb answers, "Lyca and Camilla reside in my heart as well. I myself struggled to allow myself to let them in or even admit that love. I learned that the heart is complicated and can hold more people than we realize. This whole...four person relationship is still new to me...and your daughter...but everyday we figure it out with the others. It just...works."
Madelines gives a shocked look before Matilda jumps in.
"H-He is telling the truth High Priestess. I entered the dreamscape of that Werewolf girl earlier and I saw she was quite happy and deeply in love with this young man."
"I entered the Demoness dreamscape and...she was had similar feelings toward him.", Freya added.
Tears began to flow down Madeline's cheeks, "And I wanted to take my daughter away from someone like you. *sob* I truly am wicked. I'm so sorry, darling. Please don't hate me!", she anguishes collapsing to her knees to her retainers concern.
"Mummy, no!", Mirabelle goes and hugs her mother to her surprise, "I could NEVER hate you! Because...You're are my one and only mummy!"
Madeline looks into her daughters eye with a small grin and hummed back, "And you're my one and only daughter"
"And together we'reeee..."
"TWO CHEEKY PURPLE BUGGERS!", Mirabelle and her mother exclaimed at the same time pointing at each other with toothy grins before chuckling lovingly.
Caleb smiled warmly at the two of them before noticing Freya and Matilda approach both equally delighted at the scene.
"Huhuhu, they certainly haven't done that in a quite some time.", Matilda giggled reminiscing fondly.
"Not since Lady Mirabelle was much younger at least.", Freya added in a warm tone remembering Mirabelle as a little mare.
Mirabelle and Madeline finish their mother-daughter embrace before standing to their feet. Madeline caresses her daughter's cheek lovingly.
"I was wrong. You've grown so much more than I realized.", Madeline spoke sweetly before looking to Caleb, "And I have you to thank for that."
Caleb rubs the back of his head sheepishly, "Yeahhhh, but really no. It was mostly her choice to change. The best I can do is be good company."
"Sometimes, that more than enough. I thank you as well Mr. Bizzell.", Matilda spoke in appreciation.
"As do I. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.", Freya added giving a warm smile.
Caleb blushes in embarassment, "Hey, come on now! It's not that big a de-Oh, right! What about the link and this mark? You guys can remove it now if you want. We got time...literally. Time moves like wayyy different in here."
Madeline pauses a moment in thought, "No. I don't believe it's necessary."
Everyone looks to her in surprise but before they could question her further the world around them begins to flicker and distort. Even the paintings around them begin to glitch out. They look to Madeline who appears to be breathing laboriously prompting her retainers to go to her side,
"High Priestess!", both Matilda and Freya stated supporting her on both sides.
"Mummy?!", Mirabelle exclaims
"Are you ok?! What's happening to this place?", Caleb stated
"I-I'm fine. I'm just not used to having this many astral bodies in my dreamscape at once.", Madeline answered forcing a smile, "Can we finish this conversation out there?"
"Yeah, of course!", Caleb agreed before realizing he had no idea how to leave, "Uhh, how do I-AH SHIT! HERE WE GO!", he exclaimed as his body goes flying backward at high velocity as every thing goes black.
...Dreamscape end...
"ohhh, are you sure we can't go in? They've all been in her there a long time.", Emmeryne bemoaned unable to stop pacing around the couch looking to Caleb, Mirabelle, and the other two retainers frozen in a trance.
"Stop pacing so much! You making me nervous! Besides, it's only been seven minutes. We'll wait as long as we need to.", Elaine stated.
"What about them?", Emmeryne says looking to Camilla and the others still frozen in a trance.
"I'm sure she will release them. Still...I didn't expect this man to jump into her dreamscape so suddenly and easily.", Elaine said looking to Caleb, "Maybe the High Priestess was right about him being dangero-"
"HAAHH!", Caleb gasps his consciousness instantly returning
"AHHHH!", Elaine screamed from being startled.
Mirabelle, Madeline, and the other two retainers quickly regain consciousness as well.
"Hoooo that's better.", Madeline sighed as she and the other readjust their senses.
"You're back! What happened!? What did he do?! Are you all ok?!", Emmeryne worriedly inquired.
"Everything is fine! There's no need to worry.", Madeline stated firmly but calm. She looks to Caleb who nods. She puts her hands together and a purple sphere forms and she releases a pulse of energy at Camilla and the rest. They each instantly regain consciousness glancing around in befuddlement.
"Uhhh...anyone else feel like they just sat through the world's longest, boringest history lecture?", Zwei inquired.
"Ugh, something like that. All I remember is seeing this purple flash and...", Ein says rubbing her head as realization hits her and the others.
Camilla immediately raises up glaring at Madeline, "Tu perra(You bitch), what du ju-?!"
"I APOLOGIZE!", Madeline stated sincerely much to Camilla's and the others, including Emmeryne and Elaine's, surprise, "I was wrong about Mr. Bizzell, on all accounts. I see now that he has no ill intentions toward my daughter. Furthermore, I treated you all with such flagrant disrespect without knowing the full story. I am truly sorry. Please, forgive me.", she finished bowing her head placing her hand over her heart.
Camilla and the others pause unsure how to respond. They look to Caleb questioning just what the hell was happening right now.
"It's alright girls. Moon pie and I explained everything much more clearly.", Caleb says.
"When?!", Ein inquired.
Caleb explained what happened, leaving out private details of Madeline's past, as the girls look to him silently processing the information.
"Ohhh that makes sense to me ", Zwei shrugs off.
"It does?", Ein says.
"I don't know, I just want all this to be over.", Zwei admitted.
"So...you were in HER head then Mirabelle and those two entered her head too. That's five people in ONE head...ow...this stuff hurts my head.", Lyca whines rubbing her temple.
"Well...whatever the case, we accept you apology and we're glad you understand that this was all a misunderstanding.", Ein replies as Camilla was a bit hesitant to forgive.
"Are we really going to forgive her so easily?"
"I mean, she did apologize Cami, and I can tell she means it. Why not?", Lyca replies.
"Thank you Lyca.", Caleb expresses, "Trust me guys, she really means it."
"Mrrghh, alright. But ONLY because I trust Señor's judgement. Ju are still on very thin ice.", Camilla says glaring at Madeline.
"I understand and that's fair.", Madeline said as Camilla looks away with a huff. Madeline turns her attention to Caleb, "Now then, Mr. Bizzell about our clans mark..."
"Ma'am?", Caleb uttered.
"After careful consideration, I...have decided to allow you to officially become a member of the Marequine clan."
Mirabelle and the girls were surprised even more so were her retainers.
"EHH?! High Priestess are you serious?!", Elaine stated in disbelief.
"What?! You're gonna take Chief away too?!", Lyca stated putting Camilla and the others on edge.
"Oh nononono, I intend to allow him and my daughter to continue living here. ", Madeline clarified as the other's settle down a bit, "As I mentioned, the link you and my daughter share has become so strengthened by your I doubt nothing short of death itself can sever it. But, of course, we cannot have TWO High Priestess candidates now can we?"
Caleb and the others wondered where she was going with this.
"So I am going to make an adjustment to his mark. He will retain our abilities but lose the power of the High Priestess. I can do make said adjustment right now in fact. Mr. Bizzell. If you please.", Madeline beckons them toward her.
Caleb stand in front of Madeline put on her mask with the eye symbol in meditation with purple flamelike aura emanating from her body. She order him to kneel on one knee. Then orders Mirabelle to come stand beside.
"Do you, Caleb Bizzell, dedicate your heart, under the eyes of Nyx and Onieori, to the Crescent Moon clan? To protect and love the future High Priestess with all your being?", Madeline spoke ceremonially.
"Yes, I do.", Caleb answered.
"You, my daughter, do you accept this human man, under the eyes of nyx and Onieori, as your most trusted confidante as you reach Priestesshood?"
"Yes, I do.", Mirabelle answered noticing a her mother smirking.
"Then as current head of the Crescent Moon clan, he shall be your...Chevalier. Take my hand, on which you will kiss to complete your contract.", Madeline presents her hand as her retainers gasp whispering to each other about something. Even Mirabelle was surprised by that.
Caleb hesitates before looking to Mirabelle who gestures for him to do it. Camilla looks annoyed as hell. Caleb gently takes her hand and kisses it. At that moment, a powerful sensation sweeps through his body and the mark on his chest starts to feel hot. The mark morphs from a large hoof with a small crescent moon in the center to three smaller split hooves forming a triad around a large crescent moon.
"Whoa...that was different.", Caleb said standing up touching the place of his mark as the warm sensation dies down.
"I made some adjustments so should have an easier controlling the astral energy. Huhu, I'm actually quite. I never thought I would be the one to bring a Chevalier into our clan!",
Caleb raises an eye upon noticing the retainers whispering to each other, "Okayyy, clearer the Chevalier title is a bigger deal than I realize so someone fill me in."
"Well, I'm sure you're aware of our Chironian counterparts' propensity for choosing a human to form a master and mount union. However, our race has higher...requirements and standards in this regard; and humanity's aversion to our appearance doesn't help either. Sadly, many of our race go their entire lives without experiencing the intimacy of having a rider. That being said, there have been stories in the past where a humans formed very close, intimate relations with a Nightmare. ", Madeline explained as the last part really caught Camilla's attention.
"What?! How come I never heard of these stories?", Mirabelle inquires feeling out of the loop.
"Many of the details of these stories have been grossly exaggerated over time, so they aren't very reliable sources. However, there are a few that ARE actually based on true cases where a human formed a bond with a Nightmare after fulfilling the four criteria.", Matilda explained.
"And it would that this young man has fulfilled all of them! He is the first Chevalier our clan has had in over 150 years.", Madeline stated earning surprised looks from Caleb and the others.
"Damn, that's a...WHOLE lotta years.", Caleb says
"So...what are these criteria that have to complete?", Zwei asks curiously.
"Well, both parties must accept wholeheartedly accept each other in this world and the dreamscape. Then the human must be indoctrinated into that Nightmare's clan and recieve a mark by the High Priestess.", Madeline raises her hand jokingly then proceeds, "After recieving his 'Chevalier' mark, the female may allow him to mount her and two share their first ride together. Lastly, the two consumate their union joining their hearts and souls. Huhu, I'd you two have completed everything and more, despite...not doing it in coherent order. Nevertheless, as High Priestess, I shall accept this union. Even if that union includes two people that are not even Centaur, I shall accept Lyca and Camilla as your 'Mistresses'. "
Caleb the other girls look to her with profound shock and disbelief.
"WHOA! Hang on sec here! Are you saying they had SEX?!", Zwei stated bluntly as Ein looks to Caleb and Mirabelle hoping it wasn't true.
Mirabelle blushes in embarassment as she and Caleb felt the eyes on them. They were trapped with no choice but to answer.
"Hahhh, yes...we did. Yesterday, in fact on our date", Caleb admitted.
"I knew that's what the smell was!", Lyca stated.
"But that's beside the point.", Caleb continued, " How do you even-wait...dumb question."
"Dreamscape.", Madeline says with an innocent shrug.
"Mummy...tell me that is ALL you saw from Dear's memory.", Mirabelle spoke in a serious tone.
Madeline tenses up blushing heavily touching her finger together in a vain attempt to look innocent, "Well..I may have snuck a peak at...a little of what you did during the full moon last night."
Caleb and the girls faces go comically pale and wide-eyed.
"YOU WHAT?!", Caleb, Mirabelle, and Camilla shouted simultaneously.
"What WHAT?!", Ein stated beginning to panic, "What did you guys...wait...you guys were all and in front of Mr. Bizzell's room naked. Why were you all together naked?!"
"T-Tell me you didn't see me doing...that...with them.", Mirabelle complained repeatedly glancing to Camilla and Lyca as both puzzle over what she meant.
"Señora what are ju...", Camilla pauses in realization blushing remembering their make out session, "Oh Diablos mia that is right."
"H-Hahaha! I get it, this is a joke, right?", Ein chuckled forcefully, "This is just some elaborate prank. I know for a fact that you wouldn't do something as RECKLESS and STUPID as having sex with Mr. Bizzell as ICEP students"
"Ok, Ein please, I can explain.", Caleb says attempting to calm her.
"Ohhhh, she means when we were all mating with Chief last night and we did sexy stuff with Mira. Yeah that was great!", Lyca stated upon remembering what she meant much to Mirabelle and Camilla added embarassment. Ein and Zwei jaws dropped in utter shock.
"Orrrr Lyca can do just put it out there. Thank you Lyca.", Caleb spoke sarcastically and Ein smile fades and her eyes twitches.
"No, NO! Ms. Kessler, that is not great! That is the exact OPPOSITE of great!", Ein angrily stated, "Why were you all naked in his room?!"
"Yeah Lycs how could you do something like that?! (without ME?!)", Zwei chastised scream the last part in her head.
"Oh don't misunderstand daughter, I'm not upset or disappointed. Heck, I'll admit your mummy was a little bi-curious in her late teens.", Madeline reminisces much to her retainers shock.
"Muuuuuum?! I don't want to know that", "High Priestess?!", Mirabelle and the retainers exclaimed stopping her.
"OK, WHAT IS YOUR DEAL?!", Zwei stated pointing to Madeline, " 20 minutes ago, you were leading a puratain crusade like Claude freakin' Frollo! Now you're super chill soccer mom?! What happened while we were checked out?!"
"Ah! Well...I guess now that I understand the kind of person my new Son-in-law is...I don't have to be as defensive.", Madeline dreamily spoke looking at Caleb.
Caleb and the others were dead silent a moment before...
"WHAT?!", they all stated in unison.
"Holllld up! Run that back! What are you talking about?!", Caleb demanded.
"Yes Mummy, kindly, explain!", Mirabelle added
"I DID say you've both completed the 4 Criteria. You recieving my blessing to become part of the clan completed said union. That union is akin to marriage and her daughter of the current High Priestess...well I'm sure you can put together the rest. So by the rules of our clan, you are now part of the Marequine family. You...don't have to change you last name though.", Madeline casually explains as Caleb and Mirabelle and the others stare dumbfounded.
Caleb could not find the words to express all he felt right now. He looks to Mirabelle who was just as lost as him.
Suddenly the hear a thud. They turn to see Ein lying face down on the floor.
"We're done. I'm done. Everything is so done.", the busty weasel uttered repeatedly in defeat and depression.
"Ahhh crap! Ein's broken again. Come on sis, pull yourself together!", Zwei says trying to get her sister up.
"Ahem, excuse our intrusion High Priestess we would just like to add that, as Lady Mirabelle future retainers, we would also belong to you.", Freya spoke dutifully placing her hand over her heart.
"Until then, we look forward to that day...Lord Caleb.", Matilda started in a regal tone bowing her head as the other retainers followed suit.
Suddenly, the Madeline's eyes glow brightly as she and the retainers go into a trance.
"Ohhh hell, what now?", Caleb says unsure if he's able to take any more surprises.
"Someone from our clan is contacting my them. Why, I don't know.", Mirabelle answered curious and slightly worried.
Madeline and her retainers release themselves from their trance and their eyes return to normal.
"My apologies everyone. I would love to stay a bit longer but it would appear I am needed back this instant!", Madeline explains as her retainers put their masks back on.
"Oh...well...alright then. It was nice seeing at least.", Mirabelle says.
"Ehhh...", Camilla utters making the gesture with her hand.
"Ahem, in any case, thank you Caleb for your hospitality and I apologize for the sudden intrusion. I promise to inform you in advance next time."
"No problem and yes...please do that.", Caleb spoke as calmly as he could.
Madeline goes and hugs Mirabelle tight before pulling away cupping her cheeks. She then gives a worried look, "Promise me you'll be careful. Ok?"
"I promise Mum. Please let everyone at home know I'm doing alright.", Mirabelle says with a warm smile, "I love you."
"I love you too, darling.", Madeline spoke sweetly. Lyca smiles as them as Camilla watches them then looks away in thought.
Madeline then goes to Caleb opening her arms to him.
"Uhhhh...I'm good thanks.", Caleb says feeling uncomfortable.
"Awww, come now. It's just hug from your new Mummy-in-law.", Madeline spoke sweetly as Caleb could feel Camilla glaring with bright red demonic eyes.
"...sigh, alright fine.", Caleb sighed deciding to get it over with. Caleb just barely touches her firm back while Madeline hugs him close. She then rests her head close to his ear. He could then feel her I-cups mushing ever do slightly to his chest making him tense up.
"Take good care of my daughter, understand?", Madeline spoke in a serious but caring tone.
Caleb pauses taking in her words, "I will. I promise."
Madeline closes her eyes and thanks him humming contently as Caleb tried pulling away only for her to hold him closer to the point he could smell a sweet honeysuckle scent from her hair.
"Ok mummy, I think you've made your point.", Mirabelle spoke sweetly with a hint of venom in her tone.
Madeline snaps back to reality and pulls with an embarassed blush, "Oh! Haha, sorry I got a tad carried away there."
Caleb stood stunned for a moment before clearing his throat, "It's alright."
Madeline's retainer's align themselves two to each side. They each link hands together before shimmering purple aura spreads around their bodies as the energy is absorbed by the High Priestess.
"Farewell, Lady Mirabelle!", Elaine stated.
"We hope to see you again soon! You as well Lord Caleb and his Mistresses, and his bodyguards...no hard feelings by the way", Emmeryne said looking to Zwei.
"We'll just call it a draw.", Zwei said fanning Ein's head.
"Bye everyone, it was lovely to see you all again!", Mirabelle stated waving to them as Lyca happily says goodbye as well and Camilla just sits wishing they'd leave already. Caleb waves to them as well.
Madeline lowers her head concentrating as hers and all her retainers marks glow brightly and they all teleport out of the house back to their clan creating mini ripples in the space they once occupied before returning to normal.
Caleb and the others immediately decompress letting out tired sighs. Seconds later, Drei appears from the hallway stretching her arms.
"Yawwwn, haa good roofie nap. So what I miss?", Drei inquired noticing the Mirabelle clones are gone.
"Well, Moon pie and I are now technically married.", Caleb replies his voice sounding hollow and Mirabelle smile awkwardly forcing a giggle.
"We're his Mistresses!", Lyca stated proudly as Camilla gives her a dubious look.
"They had a four way last night and I think Ein's dead.", Zwei stated as Ein lie on the floor; a broken soul her eyes empty and hollow.
Drei gives a plain look, "Good, everything's normal. Now I'm hungry. Caleb, I'm taking half that rotisserie chicken in the fridge if that's fine."
"Ooh, can I have the other half?", Lyca bounced up tail wagging.
"Sure, what the hell?", Caleb said plopping on the couch feeling exhausted as Drei rummages in the fridge grabbing. Lyca goes to the counter hungrily waiting as she splits the chicken down the middle and gives the half to Lyca who immediately begins gobbling it up.
Drei pops a piece of lemon pepper chick in her mouth, "Also, last night's foursome was my idea."
Upon hearing those words, all life returns to Ein's eyes. Her ENTIRE body immediately raises up to a standing position completely ignoring the laws of physics and startling Zwei.
"WHAT THE FU-"
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WR
Sup fam! How's every been? So...this chapter was originally meant to go out the day after Valentine's Day but I guess Microsoft Word that it was April fool's and decided to NOT save half of the entire chapter. So I had to rewrite everything. Then there was the snow warning. I was spending more time studying for exams that were later pushed back and also left my area with power or the internet for 2 days. In short, it's been a trial to get this out.
I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. All things considered it was fun to write. Right now though, I want to focus more of classes right now so may not get the next chapter(which I'm 3/5 Of the way into), until late March or early April. Don't worry, it'll be worth the wait.
AlRight that's about it. Make sure to follow, fav, and share all that good stuff. See ya later. Peace fam!