Chapter 58: Wins and Losses
"GET OFF ME! I'M GONNA KICK HIS ASS!" Sterling shouted as he thrashed while the large Arachne woman held him back after pulling him off of Caleb. He was, to her surprise, harder to restrain than she had thought.
Caleb gagged, rubbing his neck where he felt Sterling's vice grip-like fingers against his windpipe while Mirabelle and Lyca kneeled by his side. Camilla, after helping the Arache pull the Agent off her lover, now positioned herself in front of Caleb protectively. The Zyklons, particularly Ein, felt especially conflicted given the circumstances.
All the while, Fantina could be seen hidden from view, unable to teleport out due to her mana being drained.
"SIR! Stop! You need to calm down!" Agent Cody stated, trying to sway his superior back to reason.
"I don't NEED to be calm! I need to STRANGLE the shit out of this son of a bitch!"
"Do that, and I'll be forced to arrest YOU for assaulting a host, SIR!" Ketcher threatened, tightening her grip.
"At THIS POINT it's almost worth it! You know what these JACKASSES have done?!" Sterling retorted, trying to shake free from her rock-hard carapace arms.
"A-Agent Sterling, we only–" Ein tried to explain.
"AND YOU THREE!" he shouted, cutting her off, making Ein and Zwei tense up while Drei gives him a plain stare, "I can't even begin to describe how much you FUCKED up! You couldn't keep your charges safe. You ACTIVELY disobeyed orders and INTENTIONALLY put their lives in danger by chasing after a dangerous liminal group. All while bringing his charges with you to fight enemies that were trying to KILL HIM! Give me one fucking good reason why I shouldn't have you three deported and blacklisted as Agents for the sheer incompetence you three displayed right here and NOW!?"
As he berated the three, Zwei looked very nervous, keeping her mouth shut out of fear she might make the situation even worse, hoping her sisters had something up their sleeves for this.
Ein's face was deathly pale as, internally, she had given up. This was it for them. They had nothing to defend themselves with. They were going to become a disgrace to their clan and to their family.
Drei still kept a calm demeanor, knowing they only had one card to play that might get them out; she just didn't know for sure and she needed to pick her moment to play it just right.
"HEY! Don't talk to them like that! You should be thanking them because if it weren't for them, we wouldn't made it back, I wouldn't be standing here!" Caleb said, getting out from behind Camilla and teleporting in front of the sisters; his mana had already recharged a bit.
"Dear…" Mirabelle softly uttered as Sterling glared at him.
"They didn't disobey your orders. If anything, they did all they could to protect me and the girls by making the best of a bad situation that I forced them into! They are great Agents and if they weren't there, I know I would have been dead multiple times over so back off them! If you want to blame ANYONE, I'm right here," Caleb stated with Ein and Zwei couldn't help but feel moved by his words while Drei simply stared at him for a few moments before turning her attention to a certain goat girl still hiding away and listening in.
"Believe me, I haven't forgotten about you, Mr. BIZZELL, and the stunt you pulled! If you were literally ANY other host, I would be taking your students right here and now from you AND you'd be facing a life sentence in prison!" Sterling threatened, causing Mirabelle, Lyca and Camilla's eyes to widen. Lyca and Camilla got aggressive looks in their eyes much to the concern of Ein, Zwei, Cody and Catcher.
"You can't!" Mirabelle shouted, getting the others' attention. She trembled, clenching her fists, "He did it for me! ALL of them did it to save me from those Blighters! After everything we've been through tonight, YOU CAN'T TEAR US APART AGAIN! I WON'T LET YOU!" Mirabelle yelled, her eyes flashing purple for a brief second.
Her body radiated a purple aura, alerting Caleb and everyone else. He and the girls feared a repeat of whatever had happened before.
"Moon pie! It's OK! Calm down, stop please!" Caleb pleaded, waving his hands in desperation, trying to stop her doing something she would regret, "Relax. Breathe. It's alright."
Mirabelle, doing as he said, took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. The shimmering aura around her body slowly dissipated.
Sterling and the other two Agents gave ponderous looks about what they had just witnessed, yet feeling as though they had just dodged a huge bullet.
"Um, Sir? If I may add- " Cody tried to suggest something only to receive a warning glare from Sterling, silencing him.
Sterling then turned back to Caleb and the others.
"As I was saying, the ONLY reason that it won't be happening is it would do more harm to the program and liminals within it in the long run and I won't harm them for a personal need of revenge. However, I promise you right here, your actions will have consequences. You will pay for it," Sterling said.
"I already accepted that the moment I decided to fight to save someone I love," Caleb assured with a look of resolve.
He and Caleb stared each other down, the tension incredibly high, only for Drei's voice to break it.
"If I may, I would definitely say that whole scenario wasn't ideal, there were plenty of losses in MANY shapes and forms," Drei said, looking to Agent Cody and Katcher, who gave despondent looks at losing two of their teammates to the assassins, "However, we can't forget the wins we racked up today."
Sterling raised an eyebrow at the weasel girl, "Wins?"
"Correct. We retrieved Ms. Marequine, we defeated every single member of Komanda Monstra, AND brought down the leader of a dangerous criminal organization that you, and the rest of ICEP, have tried for years to put an end to. And it was done, by an ICEP and three MON agents. Don't you think THAT makes a more compelling story to tell your leaders who can market it to general people?"
Cody and Katcher had to admit that it did sound great and higher ups would definitely have a field day using that story for headlines of every major media outlet there is. Plus, it would help bring a positive image back to the organization with other races but Sterling kept a neutral look, staring coldly at her.
"Is that the best you got? You really think you can get yourselves off the hook with that? As if the ICEP would ever go with a story that is ludicrous to appease the people."
"You're a multi-million dollar organization. You've probably done and said crazier shit to appease the masses," Drei commented. Sterling sighed after a second, knowing she was right, they would eat that.
"OK, you got me there but do think that it will buy ME off to make me forget what you all pulled," Sterling asked, not relenting with his stare.
"No…but that is what SHE is for," Drei said, moving over to Fantina's hiding spot, getting everyone's attention, then yanking the Baphomet out by the arm.
"Ah! Hey!" Fantina elicited, not wanting to be revealed, and needing more time until she had enough mana to open a portal out here to… well she didn't know where but anywhere but here...
Sterling paused, his face shifting from displeasure to surprise, unsure how to respond except with one word, "...Fantina?"
Fantina looked away shamefully, yet feeling something deep within herself react upon hearing him say her name.
Sterling hesitated for a second before he took a step forward toward her, followed by another one and another as Fantina's heart raced, unsure of what to do or say.
'Actually we might have chance now since Sterling will think we are ones who-' Ein was thinking until she heard a sound that stopped her heart for a moment.
Fantina snapped back to reality upon feeling something hard clap around her wrist. She pulled her arm up, flabbergasted to see a pair of handcuffs clamped on both her wrists.
"Wha? What the?!" she expressed then looked to Drei who wore a dry look.
"Fantina, you're under arrest for aiding and abetting liminal trafficking," Drei said, much to Ein's horror and the others' surprise. She then took her scythe and kicked it across the floor a couple feet, "Won't be needing that."
'We are dooooommmed!' Ein thought despairingly.
"WHAT THE FUCK?! YOU LITTLE ASSHO–"
Drei cut her off by lightly jabbing her in the back of the neck with her claws, without drawing blood, much to Fantina and the others' surprise. Fantina fell to the floor, unconscious and limp.
"Ms. Fantina! Drei?!" Ein gasped, shocked by her sister's actions.
"What did you do to her?!" Sterling demanded.
"Giving you a game changer," Drei simply replied, "No need to be alarmed. I just used the last of my sleep inducing serum on her. She'll just be out for a few hours which is more enough time for us to negotiate."
"Negotiate what?"
"My proposal," Drei's answer caught the Agent off guard, " As I said before, she's a criminal as well for assisting the Malones in their activities. In that time, I'm sure she's gathered a wealth of information about their business associates and underground trades. Now that the Malones are practically finished, there's likely going to be a power vacuum that needs filling. The last thing we want is for liminals to be hurt in that power struggle so, why not nip it in the butt? I'm sure she'll be of help to you."
Sterling looked at her incredulously but couldn't deny the logic behind it.
"Sir! I'm so sorry! Please, I'm begging you, she doesn't know better that she is your partner-" Ein blurted out, only to realize her mistake. She covered her mouth, but it was too late.
"WAIT, WHAT?!" Caleb and the others, aside from Ein and Drei, shouted in shock.
"OK, didn't see that one coming," Drei remarked, realizing she might have misplayed her hand.
"Enough!" Sterling retorted, pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing, "So what you're saying is, you're giving her as a bargaining tool to bring down what remains of the Malones which she was a part of probably less than three hours ago?"
"...Yes...," Drei said, still reeling from the previous revelation.
"And you honestly expect that to be the end of it?" Sterling demanded, still furious at their reckless actions.
"Of course not. We rightfully deserve to be punished. Mr. Bizzell especially…" Drei said as Caleb and the others looked to her unsure where she was going with this, "That doesn't mean you can't capitalize on such a rare opportunity. And, if you did go through with separating this host family, knowing FULL WELL how these students feel toward their host…that'll just be more paperwork and headaches for you and everyone in the department wouldn't it? I propose the lesser of two evils."
Sterling paused for a moment, contemplating, then looked to Fantina lying on the floor before sighing heavily, "Goddammit…God fucking dammit, this host family. Alright, fine, we don't really have any other ideal options."
"You're really going along with it?" Agent Katcher inquired in surprise.
"Unfortunately, she's right. Considering the disaster on the interstate and chaos caused by the assassins, ICEP will have its hands full for a while. We need any shred of reliable information we can get," Sterling said, feeling very uncomfortable with the situation he had been forced into.
"And she being your former partner has nothing to do with it?" Cody asked, feeling that needed to be addressed.
"That currently is irrelevant information. I'm simply doing what's best, for ICEP," Sterling said firmly.
"What I am curious about is why she did not simply flee this house. I have read that Baphomet are extremely well versed in magic," Katcher pointed out.
"Simple. She's likely very low on ki like the rest of right now. Thanks to Ms. Marequine here," Drei explained, as Mirabelle casted her gaze, down feeling the Agents look to her, "Plus, without her scythe, she can't really sling spells. Anyway, you may want to confiscate it to be safe."
"Wait, you mean this?" Agent Catcher said, picking up the scythe with ease, "It looks a bit…garish. Like one of those weapons from Cody's aneemays."
"ANIME!" Cody said loudly before noticing the others staring at him, "Ahem, apologies for that."
Seeing how quickly things were shifting, Ein decided to try salvaging their credibility even more.
"Excuse me. I think we have information that may also assist you, concerning the members of Komanda Monstra or, at least, their remains. We can give you their location so you can recover them," Ein informed with a hint of desperation.
"That's right! Like the Ocelomeh at the bottom of a pond. Though I can't remember exactly where it is, other than it's near the building where they kept Boss prisoner at," Zwei added, subtly taking a glance at Lyca, noticing how she flinched slightly at the mention of that, "Can't forget about that crazy Salamander we fought and killed at a construction site…with the help of Lovelace and his…HOLY CRAP! We need to tell you about Commander Lovelace and his MON team!"
"There was another MON team assisting you?!" Agent Cody stated.
"Oh FUCK! I almost forgot about them! We just vanished out of nowhere, they MUST be freaking out right now!" Caleb said.
"And you say they were involved with your impromptu rescue mission as well?" Sterling inquired, feeling his anger rising again.
"Hey, don't make it sound like that. They were just doing their job, trying everything within their power to keep us safe and out of trouble. We'd be dead if it weren't for them too," Caleb affirmed, not wanting Lovelace's team to be blamed as well.
Sterling sighed knowing he was going to have to send a few teams to hunt down the bodies. The last thing they wanted are children accidentally stumbling upon them, making a new headache he really didn't want to deal with.
"Alright, but still one thing is unaccounted for? Why? Why did these assassins want Ms. Marequine so badly?" Agent Catcher asked.
"That we have an answer to," Drei said before going quiet.
"Are you going to tell us?" Sterling said, getting impatient.
"They wanted…my power," Mirabelle plainly answered.
"You mean …your ability to enter dreams?"
"Yes, but that ability wasn't what they truly wanted. What I truly am…what that Vampire knew I was," Mirabelle explained as her emotions were getting better of her as Caleb took her hand.
Sterling, sensing the change in mood, took a deep breath, "I'm guessing you're referring to the leader of Komanda Monstra? Where is she now?"
"...She's gone," Mirabelle coldly uttered.
"What? What exactly do you mean by that, Ms. Marequine?" Sterling inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"She. Is. Gone," Mirabelle emphasized, her voice laced with sadness and anger-fueled venom, looking him dead in the eye as her eyes flash purple with energy.
Sterling was taken aback, he had never saw that look of pure malice in the normally timid Nightmare.
"Yeah…there's a reason Mr. Bizzell had to step in a minute ago," Drei said, "We just experienced first-hand what she is truly capable of, what kind of power she wields…and it is terrifying."
Mirabelle withdrew, as the glow left her eyes, replaced with panic, "I'm sorry! I just…I didn't mean…I was just so ANGRY, I–"
"Moon pie!" Caleb said, as she looked to him, "It's alright. It's over."
Mirabelle stared at him for a moment then looked downwards.
"Alright…clearly, today has been draining for everyone so, for now… we will leave things here," Sterling affirmed with his arms folded then shot them a serious glare, "I just need to make things clear. We WILL return to this as soon as we get things straightened out. I'm going to explain this to my superiors and decide the appropriate actions to take. I STRONGLY advise you all to comply until then. Otherwise…It'll be outta my hands."
Caleb and the others looked to him silently, all sensing the gravity of their situation and agreeing to comply.
"That being said, I am glad you're all OK," Sterling said in a sincere tone before turned to his fellow agents and looked at Fantina's sleeping face for a moment, "Bring her along, be careful with her."
"Of course," Agent Katcher said before picking up the unconscious Baphomet and slinging her over her shoulder. She then looked to Caleb and the others, "By the way, earlier Agent Tyrrian found us and informed of your little rescue mission."
"Oh, did she?" Caleb spoke, not able to quite read her tone, "Where's she now?"
"I sent her back to base to fully recover. She told us that she…tried to stop you from pursuing Ms. Marequine here but you forced your way past her?"
"That's…about right? We…I forced her to stay out of our way," Caleb lied, trying take the heat off of the girls.
"Interesting, because I have known Tyrrian for years and how tenacious she can be. If she wanted to stop you, she WOULD have, no matter what. Is that still the story you're going with?" Catcher eyed him as if trying to read his mind.
"...Yes," Caleb replied, looking back at the large Arachne.
Katcher lightly giggled with a small grin, "You are a good man. Foolish and reckless…but good. Guten Nacht!"
She then scuttled out the front door with Sterling behind Arachne, lightly shaking his head.
Agent Cody then inched over to Caleb and the others and whispered, "Don't let it get to you too much. He really was worried crazy about y'all."
"Yeah…we, uh…won't," Caleb replied.
"Or at least try not to. Whether or not it works is debatable," Zwei added.
"Agent Cody!" Sterling called from outside.
"Be right there, sir! And Mr. Bizzell, please stay out of trouble for the next few days…for yourself and your homestays," Cody told him before leaving the house, closing the door behind him.
A silence fell over the house, save for the sound of the Agents' vehicles starting as Caleb and the girls looked at each other.
"That was awfuuullll! Can the drama stop for like five freakin' minutes?" Zwei whined, as she slumped against the couch.
"Drei! What were you thinking?!" Ein stated, ready to berate her younger sister.
"I was giving us leverage to protect Caleb and especially us 'cause without any we would definitely be in a worse position then we are currently in. Though I will admit if I had known the connection between Sterling and the Baphomet I would altered my proposal and approach to it but clearly it still, for the most part, had ideal results," Drei explained.
"Actually, speaking of that, sis, you knew she was Sterling's partner and you didn't tell us. That really would have been useful to know," Zwei said to Ein with minor frustration in her voice.
Ein was taken aback then glanced away in shame at keeping that secret from them.
"I promised I wouldn't say anything about it, Agent Sterling made me swear I wouldn't tell a soul. But when I saw that Ms. Fantina there with you all and learning what you've all been through, I thought maybe…maybe she had changed."
"You still could've told US at least. Isn't that one of the most important rules of the trinity? We don't keep secrets?" Zwei sighed, looking to her sister skeptically.
"I know. I'm sorry," Ein said in a low tone as Drei gave a plaintive expression before looking to Mirabelle.
"On the topic of secrets, Ms. Marequine…" Drei spoke, alerting the Centaur woman, "Now that they're gone, would you mind telling us about that secret power of yours?"
Camilla and Lyca turned to her as well, still trying to comprehend the affect the Nightmare's power had on them.
"Yeah, you know what?! I want to know too! Whatever you did to us, it had me like…reliving all my memories and it felt I wasn't even in my body!" Zwei stated.
"It felt so real. I was back in my old pack again. I could feel…everything. I thought I lost you all and had to return to my life as Omega! I was so scared," Lyca said, holding back tears, telling herself none of it was real. Except it was since it all happened to her. Mirabelle felt her heart sink, hearing the sadness in Lyca's voice.
"I was as well…I felt as though I had lost everything…all over again," Camilla remarked, touching her heart then looking to Mirabelle with slight unease, "Señorita…what are ju?
Mirabelle clenched her fists in frustration, not wanting to talk about her accursed power. That was all she'd heard all day; everyone just wanted to take what was forced upon her since birth! And now…it had hurt people she truly cared about!
"That's enough, you guys! Let's drop it it for now," Caleb said, getting their attention.
"You can't be serious, dude!" Zwei said incredulously, "Did her purple light show scramble up your brain or something?
"Zwei's right! We weren't the only ones affected. Agent Lovelace and his team, the police and MON personnel, and who knows whoever else were stricken by her ability!"
"This is one thing we can't just brush off. If her power hurt innocent peo–"
"STOP!" Caleb snapped at her, "Don't even finish that because you know it's bullshit. Look, I get it. My mom would've raised a liar if I said what happened a while ago wasn't one of the worst things I felt. That doesn't mean I'm gonna jump to vilifying her when I don't have all the facts. Neither should any of you."
The others fell silent in thought as Mirabelle's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sterling's right, we've been through all kinds of shit today and we should rest. We deserve it," Caleb continued, "We can pick up on the subject tomorrow. Sound good?"
Camilla, Lyca, Mirabelle and the Zyklons gave ponderous looks before all of them, one by one, agreed.
"Good," Caleb sighs before going over to Camilla and Lyca then, to their surprise, pulled them both in for a hug, "I love you. I'm glad you're still here with me."
Camilla and Lyca couldn't help but smile happily.
"Me too, Chief," Lyca hummed, hugging him back, enjoying his scent.
"I am too, mi amor," Camilla sighed into his ear, also enjoying his scent.
Caleb then separated and turned to the Zyklons, "The same for you three."
Ein and Zwei blushed, taken aback by his sudden confession as Drei gave him a mildly surprised look.
"Not the 'love' part. I mean I DO really like y'all and everything. I meant, I'm glad you're safe and sound," Caleb attempted to clarify.
"O-Oh, right, of course…sir," Ein said with a flushed cheek and slight disappointment.
"O-Obviously…" Zwei chuckled, turning away to hide her blush.
Drei didn't respond but felt a tinge of warmth go through her body.
Mirabelle then rose to her feet, getting the others' attention but she kept her eyes to the floor, unable to look them in the eye.
"I'll be in my room. Goodnight, to you all," she spoke before teleporting away from the group.
Caleb gave a concerned look before deciding to accept and give her space.
"Is…Mira gonna be OK?" Lyca inquired, equally concerned for her packmate.
"Yeah, just…let her be alone for awhile. I'm going to sleep."
Caleb walked past them towards his bedroom, not having the energy left to teleport that far right now.
As they watched him leave, they collectively decide to take his suggestion.
"Well, at least this day is finally over. All in all, I'd say it was a job well done," Zwei remarked with a proud smirk.
"Oh, FUCK that. We got our asses rocked. I hope we NEVER have to do anything that insane again. That's enough bullshit for, like, the year," Ein replied in an exasperated tone.
"Agreed.", Drei concurred then goes to Caleb's kitchen, "On that note, I'm starving. Think I'll make a turkey sandwich."
"Can I have too?", Lyca stated.
"Wha–so after everything we went through, you guys just want food?!", Ein incredulously spoke.
"Do you not?", Drei plainly rebuts.
Ein facepalms with a heavy, "Fucking hell, yes."
"What about you Cami, aren't ya hungry?", Lyca asks.
"I do not have much of an appetite right now but gracias senora. Mostly because of spirit energy Senor provided my body earlier. In fact, I doubt I would have survived today if not for it boosting mi mana."
"Wait, seriously?! How did...when did you even have time to...", Ein stuttered with flushed cheek, in disbelief at their brazenness, "Haaa, unbelievable."
"Damn, right in the middle of war zone? You two are downright devious.", Zwei remarks with a naughty smirk.
"What can I say? He and I tend to have our best moments in motels.", Camilla shrugs nonchalantly.
"There's something I never thought I'd hear another girl say.", Drei comments while she and Lyca gather up all the turkey meat and other ingredients they can.
…Meanwhile, outside…
"Sir, what should we do now with Fantina? Should we bring her back to HQ now?" Cody asked.
"No, if we bring her back now they just use her as a scapegoat, no pun intended, to direct everyone's anger for all the death that happened today," Sterling told them.
"Then where do you suggest we bring her?" Katcher questioned him.
Sterling took a deep breath, "I'll call one of Greenly's assistants to arrange something. For now, put her in my vehicle. I'll bring her to a holding area for dangerous liminals."
"I'm sorry. I think we misheard you, sir, but you didn't just say put her in your car right?" Cody asked.
"I did."
"And you really think that's safe? What if she wakes up before you arrive?" Catcher inquired.
"She won't. The sedative Ms. Drei Zyklon gave her will keep her under long enough. The Karmaitchi may be alot of things, but she is no liar; at least when it comes to medical knowledge."
"Ja…the Karmaitchi," Catcher wistfully spoke, "I honestly didn't believe it when I read the report that a trinity of them had joined this branch as security contractors, given the organization's…strained relationship with their species in the past. I was more surprised when I saw they look quite different from typical Karmaitchi. Are they perhaps…Half-Bloods?"
"Their heritage doesn't matter. They were hired to do their job, just like you and the others," Sterling replied plainly.
Catcher eyed him but chose not to press further. The three Agents loaded into their respective vehicles and went their separate ways to their respective branches.
As he drove, Sterling glanced at the sleeping Baphomet in his passenger seat with mixed emotions.
…Later that night…
…Dream Masters…
Inside his dreamscape, Caleb stood on a fishing dock overlooking the vast Black Warrior River cutting through Tuscaloosa. A fishing spot where his father used to take him as a kid and one of his most treasured memories. It was pleasantly warm with a light breeze and the sky was a lovely blue in contrast to the darker blue rippling waves . The atmosphere was calm and serene. Perfect for letting one peacefully reflect on things.
Caleb took in a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs and the sound of the flowing waters fill his ears. He was trying his best to stay calm and not have panic attack over the events that had pushed the limits of his sanity and endurance.
At that moment, a purple glowing tear opened behind him and stepping through it, before it closed, was Mirabelle. The purple mist coming off her body rasped through the wind as she stood silently, watching him with an uncertain expression. She reached her hand out, then retracted it.
Caleb took a deep breath and sighed.
"You can stay behind me or come to my side. The choice is yours."
Mirabelle looked to him with hesitation, despite sensing no negative emotions directed at her from his psyche. She slowly walked up to him, joining him at his side.
The two simply stared at the lake together in silence. She still felt…afraid. She could sense the pain and fear deep within his psyche he was desperately trying to hold back and couldn't help feeling responsible for it.
"Nice, isn't it?" Caleb broke the silence as the Nightmare looked to him, "The Black Warrior River is one the Alabama's best kept secrets."
"...It's beautiful, Dear, reminds me of one my mum would show me in her dreams."
"Fun fact, the name is a translation of the city Tuscaloosa which in itself is a combination of two Choctaw native words. Tashka meaning 'Black' and 'Lusa' meaning 'Warrior'. Ha, my dumbass used to think it named that way after black soldiers in the Civil War. There weren't any battles NEAR the damn river! Haha!" Caleb laughed, trying to lighten the mood with small talk.
Mirabelle cracked a small grin and lightly chuckled with him.
The laughter quickly died down and a silence started to fall between them again. This time, Mirabelle broke it.
"Dear?" she spoke, getting his attention, "I just…I JUST WANTED TO SAY, I—"
Mirabelle was abruptly cut off by a blinding purple light, followed by a tear in space opening up. Caleb and Mirabelle shielded their eyes as a figure stepped through. The light died down and they saw, to their surprise, Mirabelle's mother standing before them with a displeased stare.
"M-Mother?!"
"Mirabelle Marequine! What have you done?!" her mother stated, sounding furious.
"Wait, what are you talking about?!" Caleb asked.
"Well, my sweet son-in-law, I was in the middle of handling important work betwixt leaders of the other clans when we were gobsmacked by a massive surge in astral energy. Nearly shattered the whole BLOODY astral link between us and along with our bodies. Now you have some explaining to do!" Madeline fumed.
Mirabelle's body trembled before she fell to her knees, tears rolling down her cheeks, much to the surprise of Caleb and her mother.
"I'M SORRY! I LOST CONTROL, MOTHER! I just couldn't take it anymore! I was so angry and scared and…I JUST WANTED THEM TO LEAVE US ALONE!" Mirabelle sobbed violently as her mother's angry expression morphed to concern.
"Moon pie…"
"Caleb? What's my daughter talking about? What happened?"
Caleb paused, unsure of how to even begin, "We've…been through a lot today, ma'am. I honestly don't know WHERE to start."
"No need. Both of you, give me your hands," Madeline requested.
Mirabelle stopped sobbing for a moment and slowly reached her hand out, followed by Caleb. Madeline took each of their hands in both of her own and concentrated. Her eyes glowed with purple light as images flashed through her head at incredible speed and her body winced and her grip tightened. She then ripped away from them, breathing heavily.
"By the crown of Onieori!" her mother gasped, clenching her chest, "You two have TRULY gone through a lot today! Especially you, my daughter. You've created a real mess, haven't you?"
Mirabelle looked away shamefully, not even responding.
"I'm sorry, can you PLEASE tell me what's going on?" Caleb requested.
"I suppose it's only proper, as her Cavalier, for you to know the FULL extent of her power."
"Full extent?"
"Well, you already know about our species' ability to enter dreams through the astral plane, but that is only the basic level ability that even the common members of our kind can perform. The High Priestess, however, are special since we are the direct descendants of Onieori herself. In other words, Nightmares of royal blood."
"Royal blood, huh?" Caleb repeated, looking to Mirabelle. To him, it was crazy to think that she was basically a princess.
"Correct. As such, that blood connection grants us access to Onieori-blessed power from Nyx: dominion over mind and soul," Madeline spoke, her voice growing deeper, reflecting the weight of her words, "Unique and very powerful abilities but very deadly abilities if used with malicious intent. In but an instant, we can fully overpower the will of our victim and bend them to our own; rewriting memories and personalities or even destroying their psyche entirely, rendering them an empty shell of a person. We could even create dreams so intense that victims die from heart attacks or strokes and even trap them in an endless nightmare for the rest of their lives with no hope to awaken from. However, our most powerful, and most dangerous ability, Soul Punishment, can completely destroy the soul by turning the victims' astral energy, coupled with their sins, against them. In that way, the body and spirit dies simultaneously. And what you just experienced with my daughter, unfortunately, was a demonstration of that," Madeline finished with a disappointed sigh as Mirabelle gazed shamefully downwards.
Caleb paused, trying to take in all of what he had just learned about his girlfriend. It was hard to believe that the woman he loved, the one who hated violence more than anything, was even capable of something so horrible. There was only one thing he could ask which didn't make sense to him.
"So why, if you have such power, why close yourselves off from the world? Why even avoid other Centaurs if you can just…end them with just a thought?"
Mirabelle looked to him in shock until Madeline stepped up to him with a serious gaze.
"That is exactly why we close ourselves off. We didn't ask for this power! It is both a blessing and an inescapable curse. What good would it do to instill more fear and hatred towards our people and thus increasing the amount of enemies we have?! It is why our ancient ancestors renounced violence entirely and instilled those teachings deep within the hearts of each of us! It is taboo to use our power to kill, corrupt, or destroy another living thing as such to tap into the power of Nyx should only be done as an absolute last resort but never with malicious intent," Madeline explained with slight agitation, "Unfortunately…there have been a few incidents in our past where inexperienced High Priestess' did lose control of their power due to extreme physical and mental stress. The results…were devastating, I am sad to say. It only gives more reason for our enemies to hate us, to see our blood eradicated from this earth…not that it isn't warranted. My daughter is simply an example of that deserved fear and distrust."
Caleb paused as her words seeped in. He then looked to Mirabelle with slight caution, seeing her visibly trembling and clenching her teeth. She then stood to her feet and screamed out.
"I GET IT, MOTHER! I BROKE OUR MOST SACRED RULE! I WAS SCARED THAT I WAS GOING LOSE HIM! I couldn't stand it anymore! Those criminals and that Vampire…I wanted to hurt them SO much the way they hurt me! So I made them pay! I knew they DESERVED IT! I made those gangsters experience TRUE fear and despair! I eradicated that wretched Vampire's entire being until not a scrap of her spirit could persist! I…I…I…I…" Mirabelle cried as tears flooded down her face, and she placed her palms to the ground, letting the teardrops fall as she was unable to finish her sentence. Her head hung low as she trembled and whimpers escaped her quivering lips. She then spoke in a fearful and shaky voice, "I...killed them. Oh Nyx…what on earth have I done? I…I'm a monster. A beast."
At that moment, her mother teleported in front of her, pulling her into a tight hug much to Mirabelle's surprise.
"No, my daughter…it's not your fault. I promise you, it's not your fault!" her mother attested, as tears rolled down her face, and cradling her daughter's head.
Caleb knelt beside Mirabelle and reached his hand to her lower horse half but hesitated. He really didn't know what to say or think at that point. He never could have imagined she held such terrifying power.
"So…do you still believe you can love my daughter, Caleb?" her mother inquired to him plainly without a trace of ill intent, as if sensing his hesitation. She was genuinely curious, as was Mirabelle, "Knowing now what we truly are? I will not think differently of you, no matter your choice. As I said, your fear is more than justified."
Mirabelle, unable to face her lover, buried herself in her mother's embrace. This was it. This had to be the last straw that'd push him away. She knew the day would come…when he saw her as the monster the rest of the world did.
Caleb was taken aback by the question as he pondered it himself for a moment. He clenched his fist then looked Madeline dead in the eye, "Are you serious? After everything I've been through up to today…for her?! After feeling what she's capable of when she backed in a corner? Do you really need to ask? OF COURSE I CAN! I'll ALWAYS love her!"
Mirabelle's eyes widened before she whipped her head around, looking at him in shock with Madeline keeping her inquiring stare.
"Ma'am, I had made you a promise that I'd protect your daughter no matter what…and I broke that promise today. The only reason Mirabelle was pushed to that state was because I couldn't stop those assassins from capturing her. Then when it finally came time for me to do my damn job and really protect her AND Lyca, I failed at that too and nearly lost her…because she tried saving me. So you're right, it's not Moon pie's fault…it's mine," Caleb spoke in disdain towards himself.
"NO!" Mirabelle cried out, teleporting out of her mother's embrace, before throwing herself at him, taking him by the shoulders with eyes full of desperation, "You tried your best for me, Dear! I couldn't ask for anything more! It's my fault! I LOST CONTROL!"
"But I should've been there for you! I couldn't protect you, Moon pie! It's MY fault!" Caleb stated fervently.
"No, no, NO! It's mine! I broke the taboo of my people! I NEARLY KILLED YOU AND THE OTHERS AS WELL!"
"But you DIDN'T! You could've done it but you didn't! If anything, you SAVED us all!"
"T-That was PURE luck! What happens when I lose control again?! I may not be able to avoid hurting you!"
"That won't happen. I'll be damn sure, no matter what it takes! It won't ever happen again!" Caleb stated with a fiery look in his eyes as the hoof mark on his chest glowed, alerting both Nightmares to a sudden shift in energy.
"Why? Why for me?"
"I love you. Isn't that enough of a reason?"
"Have you gone mad?! You're supposed to fear me! You're supposed to HATE me! All of you will eventually. I'm too dangerous," Mirabelle casted her gaze downwards before Caleb lifted her head back up.
"Moon pie, think about what you just said. I voluntarily live with a homicidal Mexican demon woman. I've SEEN who she is, yet I trust her with my life and I love her nonetheless. The same for you Moon pie. I don't care how 'dangerous' either of you think you are, because I know you'd NEVER hurt me or the others. Not even by accident."
Mirabelle stared at him trying to find more reasons for them to not be together. The more she came up with the sillier they seemed to get.
"Why? Why are you like this? You can't be real. Someone like me…doesn't deserve this."
"Whether you deserve it or not doesn't matter," Caleb spoke, caressing her face and wiping her tears away, "I choose to give it to you. I think you already know why."
"...You love me…" Mirabelle uttered, unable to deny the truth any longer. She could sense it in his mind and soul that he truly accepted her. She slowly reached her arms out to him, cupping his face as tears flowed down her cheeks, "I love you too…Dear."
Caleb, losing himself in the moment, leaned in and planted a firm kiss to her lips which Mirabelle quickly melted into, holding him close and refusing to separate.
Madeline couldn't help but smile a little, seeing the love and care between the two. She had to admit that a small part of her was jealous of her daughter for what she had found since leaving their clan.
"You're both wrong, you know," Madeline spoke, getting their attention as both remembered Mirabelle's mother was STILL there and stopped their embrace for a moment, "Neither of you are at fault. Events like these that are simply a part of our lives as Nightmares. However, you two and the family you found have survived and persevered through it, something that not all Nightmare can achieve, sadly. You both gave everything you had, even your lives, if meant protecting each other. So, my dear son-in-law, I'd say you didn't fail."
Caleb looked to her and gave her a small grin, "Thank you, ma'am."
"Come now, I've already accepted you into the clan. Call me 'Mum'," Madeline said with a cheeky grin as Mirabelle looked slightly embarrassed.
"Heh, OK, 'Mum'," Caleb said, trying out the word, "Yeahhh, still feels weird."
"You'll get used to it," Madeline remarked before summoning her dream scythe then slashing a glowing tear in space, "Well, I should be going now. But before that, daughter, step forward please."
Mirabelle did as instructed.
"From what I understand, you're both awaiting punishment from that Agent Sterling for your actions. Correct?"
Caleb and Mirabelle tensed slightly.
"Y-Yeah, that's right, though it'll probably be mainly me that will one that receive the brunt of it," Caleb admitted.
"I saw. So naturally, as her mother, it is only right that I oversee my daughter's punishment for BREAKING our species taboo! Lets begin," Madeline spoke before tapping her scythe to the floor as the sound rang out like a cathedral bell.
A large dark purple sphere appeared above them.
"What the hell is that?" Caleb said in bewilderment.
"Oh no…" Mirabelle uttered, her voice filled with dread, "Not the Sphere of Discipline!"
"The fuckin' what?!"
"Ta-ta, sweety," Madeline remarked, swiping down with her finger as the dark purple ball hurdled toward Mirabelle.
"NO, MOTHER, PLEASE W–"
The dark purple ball swallowed up Mirabelle's entire astral body much to Caleb's shock.
"What the fuck?! What do you do to her?!" Caleb demanded, gripping his fists in anger.
"Calm yourself, Caleb dear, there's no need to fear. My daughter is unharmed."
Caleb slowly relaxed, sensing no hostility in her words. Then he turned to the large dark purple sphere next to him and poked it experimentally, causing ripples to spread across the surface.
"What is this thing?"
"Oh, just a special technique the Crescent moon clan uses to correct very unruly or disobedient members. I've created a pocket dimension within the astral plane where individuals are forced to live out one of their worst fears or embarrassing moments. It lasts for a set period of time relative to the outside world," Madeline explained.
"So, basically, it's your species' version of a time out except more mentally scarring."
"Oh, my dear son-in-law catches on quickly. We don't really approve of corporal punishment, you see," Madeline crooned sweetly.
"Still, she'll be OK in there, right?"
"Of course, physically. Emotionally…well quite it's effective," Madeline shrugged, "Would you like to observe her?"
Caleb raised an eyebrow at the question then responded, "Uh…sure."
Madeline tapped the sphere with the sharp end of her scythe, causing a large glowing hole to open up. Inside, they could see Mirabelle wandering around in a large city in a panic.
"NOOOO! IT CAN'T BE! IT CAN'T BE! SAILOR MOON! THE SAILOR SCOUTS! QUEEN SERENITY! ARTEMIS! TUXEDO MASK! THEY'RE ALL GOOOOONNNNEE! NOOOO!" Mirabelle cried out to the heavens, dramatically falling her knees.
Caleb looked on in befuddlement, "What uh…what am I looking at?"
"One of her biggest fears is, apparently, a world where the Sailor Moon franchise doesn't exist."
"So you made it so it doesn't exist?"
"Technically, the sphere did. I simply set the time limit to what the punishment could be."
"So how long did you set it for?" Caleb asked, feeling like he would regret asking.
"Seven hours, real world time."
"Damn! Isn't that a little harsh?!"
"Do I need to explain the gravity of her offense again? I was actually a bit lenient. The maximum time is around eighteen hours which one can safely remain there. Don't worry, once the time is up, her astral body will safely return to her physical one."
"Well, that's a bit more reassuring. I guess."
"NOOOOOO! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! THEY CAN'T HOPE TO REPLACE SAILOR MOON!" Mirabelle screamed at the top of her lungs
"Now what's going on?" Caleb inquired, seeing Mirabelle running around in a fuming tirade.
"Hm. It appears in this world of hers a franchise she absolutely despises has taken the place of Sailor Moon and appears to be everywhere. It's something called…Powerpuff Girls Z?" Madeline said, though she wasn't quite sure what in Nyx Powerpuff Girls Z was. She glanced at Caleb for an answer.
'Ouch,' Caleb thought, knowing exactly what it was and just watching one episode was painful for him, especially when compared to the original series. So for Moon pie…
"ITS BULLOCKS! IT'S HERESY! IT'S A TAINTED IDEA AT THE VERY FOUNDATION! IT'S AN ABOMINATION!" Mirabelle spiralled into a rabid nerdy breakdown before her mother closed the sphere opening. She then sent it high above them as it disappeared out of sight.
"That daughter of mine," Madeline remarked with a sigh, "Well, I think I shall take my leave now. If you need me, just have my daughter let me know if you want to talk, I can always make time for you both," Madeline said, giving him a hug.
"Appreciate it. I'll be sure to. Definitely would like to meet up again during better circumstances for once," Caleb said, returning the hug.
"Indeed. Plus, I can see why my daughter enjoys your dreamscape. The energy here is very welcoming which, of course, reflects a kind soul," Madeline said with a caring grin.
"That's nice of you to say…Mum," Caleb said it, despite sounding awkward still.
Madeline lightly blushed with a pleased smile before stepping towards the glowing rift in space, causing it to expand into a circular opening.
"Take of each other until next time. I hope by that point…you'll tell me I'm going to be a Grand Mummy, my dear son-in-law," she spoke in a cheeky tone, catching Caleb off guard, then stepped through the portal vanishing before he could reply.
Caleb stood flabbergasted and blushing like crazy, before withdrawing with a sigh, realizing it was useless at that point.
'Well, I see where Moon pie got her sassiness from,' Caleb thought to himself before leaning against the wood rails of the fishing spot.
He looked over at an empty spot next to him with contemplation. He focused his energy as a mass of purple light enveloped the spot.
Before him was a dark-skinned man in his early forties and wearing fishing attire and seated down with a fishing pole. Next to him was a young boy, around nine, in a similar attire made for children and with a child-sized fishing rod.
"Now you wanna use the silverfish here 'cuz that's what them trouts like to snap at. Hook it on, like this here, and it'll wriggle, to try and get loose, but stab him on there," the older man instructed, "Once you got him on, just CAST the line out far as you can."
"Like this?" the young boy did as instructed before proudly presenting the squirming insect on the hook. Caleb smiled to himself, observing them.
"There ya go! Now, grip that handle and cast his butt out over that water like YAH!" the man enthusiastically shouted, casting his line out overhead a few dozen feet away.
"HYAH!" the little boy shouted, tossing his overhead, snagging the older man's hat right off his head, and flinging it into the water.
"Damn! You trying catch some hatfish, Caleb?!" the man heartily chuckled, touching the top of his head as the younger Caleb chuckled along with him.
Caleb observed with a small grin as the two of them fade into purple mist and their laughs echoed. He sighed, looking out over the vast water silently.
…The following morning in the real world…
At Huntsville's Interspecies Cultural Exchange branch, there was a large panic room located on the far eastern side of the building. Inside, the Baphomet could be seen lying on a large blue sofa.
Fantina groaned as she tossed and turned, feeling something over her body. Her mind slowly tried to remember what had happened. She had been sent to get the Nightmare, was betrayed by the Vampire, had to fight for her life, had her coven escape being killed by Malones, she was reunited with Sterling, she - wait…STERLING!?
The second that thought hit, her eyes shot wide open, breathing heavily as she saw that there was a blanket put over her body to her confusion. She pulled it off and immediately noticed the handcuffs still on her wrists. She grimaces remembering that literal weasel that betrayed her. The next time she saw her, she was going to imprint her hooves right on her stupid face.
She then glanced around the large, contemporary business room.
"Where am I?" she muttered to herself as she looked around, taking in the decor and the scent. She couldn't figure why but there was something strangely familiar about this environment.
It was at that moment she realized her scythe was nowhere near her. She then concentrated her mana while extending her hands to summon it, yet, for some reason, it didn't appear. What was more, it felt as if her mana was weakening. How? There was no collar and the cuffs didn't seem enchanted.
'What the hell's going on here? What is this place?'
At that moment, the entrance to the room opened, and standing there was an Elf woman.
"Ah, you're awake, perfect," the Elf woman said with smile before entering.
"Who are you?! Where the hell am I?" Fantina demanded, standing to her feet before suddenly feeling lightheaded and stumbling back to the couch.
"Easy now, you've been out for quite a while. Give your body time to adjust from all the stress it's been recovering from," the Elf woman advised, "My name is Agent Clawthorne, you can call me Elia if you like," she said while going going over to a table next to a sink with cups on it.
"Oh that's nice, Clawthorne, but that doesn't answer the question of where I am," Fantina said with minor sarcasm while conjuring a small magic seal in her palm only for it to immediately dissipate, much to her surprise.
"If you're attempting to use magic, I'm afraid that won't be possible. This entire room was laden with a Wood Elf Amaura courtesy of the Director that suppresses non-Wood Elf mana," Clawthorne explained while casually making tea, knowing she wasn't in danger, "Anyway, you are currently being held in a safe room within the Interspecies Exchange office."
"What?! How did I- " Fantina was about to ask when she realized what the answer probably was, "It was that damn Karmaitchi girl who brought me here, wasn't it?"
Agent Clawthorne looked confused by what she said. "Um, I'm not sure what Karmaitchi you're talking about but it was Agent Sterling who brought you here and got in contact with the Director."
Fantina paused for a moment before her eyes widened in shock upon hearing that. If what the Elf said was true, that would mean she was back at–
Right as the thought crossed her mind, the door of the room opened again, getting both girls' attention.
"Ah, impeccable timing. She's awake, sir," Agent Clawthorne informed with a dedicated grin, "I have some jasmine tea with lemon brewing."
"Perfect. I could use it right about now."
Fantina stared blankly, trying to fully wrap her head around the situation as her former partner walked over and took a seat on the couch across from her with only a square mahogany brown coffee table separating them.
"It's been a while, Fan. Nice to see ya," Sterling said in a welcoming tone, looking her dead in the eye.
Fantina tensed up, glaring intently at him and trying to read his expression for falsehood or some indication that he was putting on an act. She didn't find any, to her surprise, but still remained on guard.
Sterling could understand her feelings and uncertainty all hitting her right now. He at least had some time to process his feelings with the situation but her…
Fantina then reluctantly answered back, "Hey…Sterling."
Sterling released an internal sigh of relief, feeling a bit at ease, but remained professional on the outside.
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WN
'My Mind' by ProducedbyMelv on YouTube plays in the background
Sup Fam! Merry Christmas! Hope you enjoyed that this last little chapter of 2022. I wanted to hopefully get it out before Big J's big day and also on my birthday. December/Capricorn baby over here.
Really hoping to put out much more content in 2023. I have sooooooo many ideas I want to use! Once big thanks to my beta readers and Cowriter Sandshrewmaster for making my chapters what they are. I may be an engineer now but I STILL suck at grammar sometimes.
Welp, that is about it. Stay safe, drink water, hug your parents, enjoy the story, and be glad you're not Nightmare's kid. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Peace Fam!
P.S: You know, I am just now realizing that Mirabelle's basically a homeschool kid with the power of the Mind Stone and Soul Stone and a splash of Fear toxin.