Daily Life of Monster Girls in Alabama

by GoatManofAnime

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

64. Consequences

Chapter 59: Consequences

…Earlier…

Clawthorne could be seen inside the exchange office among the rest of the staff, busily handling incoming calls and reports.

"Yes ma'am, we understand. We're sending MON medical specialists to bring your homestay for treatment," Clawthorne assures the host family on the phone, "I assure you, we're doing all we can given the circumstances. We promise we'll do all we can for her! Yes. Yes, it's going to be alright, ma'am."

Clawthorne hung up and sighed heavily.

"Just as crazy on your end too, huh?" spoke a human female agent, seated behind the Elf woman.

"They just keep coming in! First, we get reports of a group of dangerous liminals threatening a host family then a terrible accident on one of this state's major highways INVOLVING two liminals with one dead at the scene and her fuckin' HEART removed?!" one of the human male agents vented, leaning back in his chair.

"What's worse, some of those vehicles involved in that accident belonged to host families. I think we got four students injured and six host individuals in need of medical care. And that's not even counting the nine injured non-hosts and two reported deaths. What the fuck is going on today? Somebody open the gates of hell on I-20 or something?!" the woman stated, clearly fed up with the situation.

"Dammit! We're gonna be here all night aren't we?" another human male agent complained.

"It sure looks that way. I heard from Agent Sterling that local law enforcement are still busy keeping these other idiots backed up in traffic in line. Director Greenly's been a huge help here, though," chimed in a male Wererabbit.

"Where is Sterling anyway? Still over at that house on 21 M & M subdivision?" another human female asked, overhearing the conversation as Clawthorne shot her a side glance.

"'That' house?" the Elf thought to herself.

"No, I heard he tried pursuing the van carrying some of the hosts and the students. Apparently, Agent Catcher's team and the host were attacked on the road by some kind of liminal assassins," kne of the guys chimed in.

"What?! Damn, that's crazy!" the other human man said incredulously.

"Yeah, so I don't think we'll see Sterling for a wh-" a human female started.

"Agent Clawthorne! I require your assistance! Now!" came the stern voice of Sterling, catching the Elf woman's and others' attention right away.

"Ah, speak of the devil. Wait, can I say that nowaday SWs?" one of the male agents questioned.

"Be right there, sir!" Clawthorne stated before getting up and quickly heading towards a hallway, rounding the corner to Sterling's office. She then saw him, his back turned to her, "What is it, si–"

Clawthorne stopped in her tracks as he turn to her, carrying an unconscious Baphomet in his arms bridal style.

"W-Wha?! Agent Sterling, who is–?!"

"Shhh! Keep it down, I'll explain later. First, I need you to get Greenly and have him meet me in the safe house in the Eastern wing," Sterling instructed.

"U-Understood, sir but…who exactly is this girl? I at least have to know that!" she said.

"OK, that's fair enough. This, Ms. Clawthorne, is Fantina. My old partner and was just a part of the mess we have been having to clean up."

Clawthorne's eyes widened in shock at what she had just heard and paused as a myriad of other questions flooded her senses.

"We'll discuss things further soon. I'll also send the rest of the staff home for now; otherwise, that overtime is gonna really rack up," Sterling said as he headed to the Eastern section of the building, carrying the Baphomet girl in his arms.

"Understood, sir," Clawthorne slightly bowed then watches him leave while carrying the Baphomet. A concerned look spread across her face, along with unease.

...Present…

Clawthorne, still uneasy about the entire scenario, could be seen pouring two cups of tea for the pair. She glanced at Sterling, still trying to comprehend why he had suddenly showed up with his old partner out of nowhere.

"It's definitely been a while, Fantina. Never thought we'd meet again, certainly not under these circumstances," Sterling said, looking at her quizzically as she narrowed her eyes at him. He then switched gears, "So, how ya been?"

"Cut the crap already! Don't act all nonchalant to put me at ease. I'm under arrest, aren't I?! Hurry up and just say so I don't hear anymore of this bullshit!" Fantina shot back in agitation, her paws clenched, desperately trying not to cry or show the pain she was feeling.

"Your tea," Clawthorne plainly spoke, giving them each a cup of tea on the table and cutting Fantina off.

"Thank you, Ms. Clawthorne," Sterling thanked her.

Clawthorne nodded to him then shot a displeased glare at the Baphomet who shot her own glare back as the Elf woman stood patiently behind the couch near Sterling, studying her.

"Have some tea, you must be exhausted after everything you've been through yesterday," Sterling offered.

"I don't want your tea! I just…wait, yesterday? How long was I out?!" Fantina demanded, feeling tense, needing to know how much time had passed.

"For roughly nine hours. I also had Ms. Clawthorne heal whatever injuries you had at the time," Sterling informed her and gestured to Clawthorne who continued to study the Baphomet.

Fantina was taken aback by the statement before realization sunk in that she hasn't had any contact with her coven for over half a day since she had sent them her warning. She hoped they were all safe.

"Also, to answer your question, no. You're not under arrest currently. ICEP higher ups don't even know you're here. Only eight agents know about you, me and Agent Clawthorne included," Sterling told her before taking a sip of his tea.

Fantina and Clawthorne looked at him in shock. The former of which thought for sure she would've been detained by now unless their protocols changed since she'd been gone. No, she could tell from his face that there was something more to it than that.

"...I guess the Arachne and the dweeb are the other two along with those weasels. So why? You can just have me detained right now for any number of the crimes I committed up until now. What's the purpose in dragging this out, what do you have to gain out of it?" Fantina coldly inquired.

"I suppose you're right…but I'm not. It isn't because we're old partners though, to be clear. I just wanted to offer you an alternative to being deported and blacklisted."

"...So that's what this is, huh? You want me to comply or you will run me out of the country? I guess that's all ICEP can do without risking damaging your precious image, huh?! Even if liminals kill and butcher your kind right under your nose or turn the very students you're trying to protect into cattle to be slaughtered and harvested or turned into sex slaves you'll just boot them out of this foresaken country and hope their own kind deal with them so you don't have to!" Fantina yelled, feeling pissed that this organization was still prioritizing its image to the general public over actually trying to stop legitimately dangerous liminals.

Sterling paused a moment knowing she was right. Especially since sooner or later, liminals would learn how easily that rule could be abused for those who entered illegally in the first place, "I suppose that's true, but this organization is meant to give every species a chance to integrate into this country. If they are unruly or dangerous, then we have no choice but to deport them. Capital punishment isn't applicable to liminal species right now since it would be a violation of the ICEP agreement with liminal nations."

"Yeah, real convenient for me then," Fantina bitterly chuckles much to the surprise of the Elf woman, "I've been around several liminals that definitely deserve a life sentence or worse."

"And you're one of them?" Sterling inquired, catching her off guard to which Fantina didn't p answer him, "Although, given how you reacted earlier, I think deportation actually would be problematic for you. Why is that?"

Fantina clenched her teeth then slammed her palm on the table, causing a little tea to spill over the small plate.

"I DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO YOU! BASTARD!" Fantina yelled at Sterling, feeling like this was the Malones all over again.

"That's enough!" Clawthorne interjected, no longer willing to stay silent and glaring daggers at the Baphomet, "How dare you talk to him like that!"

"Stay out of this you fat-fleshed long-eared bimbo! Why do you care? In fact, why are you even here?!" Fantina berated.

"I'm here to make sure Agent Sterling is safe. You've been around the Malones for years so there's no telling how much of a threat you still are unarmed, even with your mana blocked. I won't overlook a little criminal like you," Clawthorne shot back with a hint of venom.

"What did you say to me?! I'll–"

"ENOUGH! BOTH OF YOU!" Sterling shouted, having enough of their bickering then looked to Clawthorne, "Agent Clawthorne, I appreciate your concern but can I ask you to step out for a moment?"

Clawthorne was taken aback by his request as was Fantina, who appeared equally as confused as the elven woman.

"Sir…are you sure about that?" Agent Clawthorne asked with a concerned look, glancing back at Sterling, keeping her focus mainly on Fantina.

"I'm sure. Besides, the Director's spell is still active. It won't take more than five minutes."

Clawthorne looked to him to shoots a distrusting glare at the Baphomet before reluctantly complying to his request. She then took out her phone and tapped it a few times to Sterling's confusion, "As you wish sir. Five minutes."

'She's fucking timing us?!' Fantina thought in disbelief.

"Yes, five minutes, Agent Clawthorne," Sterling half-heartedly agreed, trying to get her to leave.

She walked to the door, then took one last look at him before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

"She's a real piece of work," Fantina sneered.

"She's just loyal to fault, don't mind her. Anyway, apologies for how insensitive that may have sounded. I guess old habits are pretty hard to break," Sterling admitted.

Fantina gave him a ponderous look then replied with her arms folded, leaning back into the couch, "Yeah, well, it's not like that's anything new. You've always been terrible with tact since the day we met," she said, remembering their first meeting.

"I guess you…got me there. Seems like I still kinda suck at reading the room," he spoke as Fantina glanced at him for just a moment.

A silence fell upon the room for a few seconds.

"So…is she the partner you got after I… left?" Fantina spoke, her voice a bit lower than before.

"She isn't my partner. Director Greenly brought her to me but I rejected the offer. She's simply an agent that's assisting me with work. As you can imagine, it's been hectic here lately."

"Then where is your partner? Doing clean up while you're with me?" Fantina said in a slight displeasure waiting to hear who or what species she'd been replaced by.

"I don't have a partner. I don't have a team. I haven't had one since you left," Sterling plainly replied much to Fantina's surprise, "I made it clear to my superiors I didn't deserve to have a partner after how I treated my old one."

Fantina's eyes widened, taken aback by his words, then looked away, not wanting to make eye contact. She wanted to hide her fluttering heart at his words, refusing to let her guard down.

"It...seems like a waste to me," Fantina spoke in a listless tone, trying to hide how she felt.

"What?" Sterling asked, perplexed by her statement.

"An agent as skilled as you…could have anyone as a partner. Like Candy Corn or whatever the fuck her name is. She's beautiful, tall, and fucking bouncy breasts and probably would be very loyal to you, knowing Elves, that is. In fact you could have an entire team! Your accomplishments in the past say you'd be a great leader. So why waste all this time being alone!?" Fantina borderline yelled, not understanding.

Sterling went silent for a moment, before he released a sigh, "It didn't matter because…none of them would have been you."

Fantina paused at the statement as he continues.

"Everything I accomplished back then for the organization was done so alongside YOU. You think I would have achieved anything worth a damn if I didn't have you watching my back?"

Fantina went silent, unable to deny his statement. He was a little careless back then, that much was certain. Honestly, if she had a witch in her coven for every time she had to save his skin, her coven would be triple the size it was today.

Still it didn't overshadow the fact that…he DIDN'T replace her after all this time. Fantina felt a odd sense of relief, even joy, upon hearing that but didn't want to show it out of pride.

"Well, I guess you got ME there," Fantina remarked, mimicking his phrase from earlier.

Sterling's eyes widened as he sensed less hostility and distrust in her voice than before.

"Fan Fan…why did you do this? Why would you willingly work with a group like the Malones? I know you wouldn't have done that unless you had a reason to do so, that you were willing to compromise your morals for. So what was it?" Sterling asked as Fantina was caught off guard by him using the nickname he gave her so long ago. His voice wasn't angry or spiteful, rather concerned for her.

Fantina was silent for a few moments, debating if should say while looking around to see if there are any cameras in the room that could record her.

At that moment, the door was suddenly pushed open. They looked to see, to their surprise, Director Greenly looking in on them.

"Ah, Agent Sterling, it seems I caught you just in time," the Elf man said, stepping inside.

"M-My apologies, Agent Sterling. I told the Director you were having a private conversation with the perpetrator. You still have one minute and twenty-seven seconds, by the way," Clawthorne apologized then showed her phone with a timer counting down.

"Director? Is there something wrong? Is there another incident involving the Malones?" Sterling asked.

"Well, it actually concerns our 'guest' here," he said looking to the goat girl as she tensed, "She has a…rather bold and intriguing visitor. Step right in here, miss," Greenly called out into the hallway.

Footsteps could be heard approaching as their visitor wearing a large black witch hat over long auburn hair walked into the room, peaking Sterling and Clawthorne's curiosity and the shock of Fantina.

"V-Venus?! What are yo–ah!"

The auburn-haired witch cut her off and ran over, wrapping the goat girl into a tight hug and lightly sobbing, "Oh, Madame Fantina! Thank goodness you're alive! We were SO worried about you!"

"Venus, why are you here? You should be…back home," Fantina said, choosing her words carefully to not reveal anything that could reveal her coven.

"Ms. Venus just recently arrived at this office requesting to see you. Though how she knew you were here is suspicious," Greenly said with a focused gaze.

"I have spent all night tracking the young mistress' mana. It took some time to locate her because it was so faint and her location kept changing, I worried she had been injured or worse! That's when I sensed her here. By the way, you need a better receptionist than scatterbrained Jane down there that doesn't know a grown woman from a hole in the wall! None would even listen to me if Mister Greenly hadn't come over."

"Of course, and I will be sure to have Sterling correct our staff about that behavior," Greenly said as Sterling shot him a displeased glare at how easily he dumped the issue on his shoulders, "But if you don't mind, I still want to know why you're here for Fantina?"

Venus hesitated for a few seconds before looking at Fantina as if asking for permission to say. Fantina reluctantly nodded, seeing no point in hiding it.

"The coven…we need her. The attack by the Malones earlier has stirred unease among the Witches and the Big Brothers. If we leave things how they are, things could escalate out of control. They…WE need our leader," Venus explained in a fervent tone, looking at Fantina.

Greenly and Clawthorne looked to each other, getting the general idea of what was going on.

Sterling looked to Fantina, starting to piece together her motives so far.

"I see, so you wish to prevent conflict among your clan," Greenly pondered, touching his chin pensively.

"Correct!"

"Um, pardon me but what do you mean by big brothers? I thought Witches, like all main species, were purely female?" Clawthorne inquired.

"It's their term used to refer to their husbands and lovers, not actually related to them like most assume hearing that," Sterling jumped in to explain as Fantina looked to him briefly then back to Venus.

"That is certainly an unfortunate circumstance, . However, former Agent Fantina cannot leave this facility as she's still wanted for her involvement with the Malones. We simply cannot let her out of our custody," Greenly replied, as Fantina clenched her fists.

"You can't!" Venus vehemently stated, "You have no idea how important the Baphomet leader is to a witch's coven! Without Madame Fantina, the foundation of our clan will fall apart!"

"I understand your position. We Wood Elves have a similar social structure with our Elders. However, given the nature of her crimes, we CAN'T let her leave. If you are in dire need, I could get few agents, we can spare at moment to go ba-"

"NO!" Fantina jumped in, cutting him off, "If you do that, you will get my children killed! They don't need your help! They need ME! Don't you dare even lay a finger on them! "

"Fantina… the men, the 'big brothers'...you got them from the Malones, didn't you?" Sterling asked starting to piece together her connection to the Malones and her reason for working with them. Clawthorne and Greenly also looked to the Baphomet and the Witch, starting to more clearly understand their intentions.

Fantina shot him a look, wanting to deny or verbally denounce him but knew it would only be in vain. She couldn't hide it anymore.

Sterling knew the situation those brothers were in and the likelihood was that they probably didn't have the best morals.

"So, is that why you left ICEP? You needed to find mates for your coven? No offense but, clearly there had to have been better options," Greenly remarked skeptically.

Fantina and Venus felt a surge of anger at his statement.

"And what options would those be?" Fantina bitterly spoke, glaring at the Elf, "Covens just like mine weren't GIVEN any alternatives because of your last minute changes to that damn bill! We can't breed with any other species besides humans! It's because of ICEP you condemned my species, MY CHILDREN, to possibly dying childless and YOU EXPECT ME TO SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING!?" Fantina all but screamed.

Sterling and the others were taken aback a moment by her statement. It slowly started to make sense to them, especially to Greenly. He always knew peripatric liminal species had it much harder when it came to finding a partner, yet never imagined what depths some would sink to.

Sidenote: Peripatric in biology refers to any species that reproduces with an isolated peripheral population, resulting in only those species only capable of creating viable offspring. Due to years of breeding with humans, liminals (with a few exceptions) within the group can only breed between them.

"Mr. Greenly, you must understand that everything Madame Fantina has done was all for our sake! I've known her since she was little girl and she has always strived to be like her mother, to be a coven protector, our protector."

"Wait, so you're childhood friends?" Clawthorne asked.

Venus gave Clawthorne a confused look, "No, I was her godmother at the request of her mother. I was around thirty-nine when she passed away."

Clawthorne paused, taking in what she had just heard.

'She doesn't look any older than her at all, how can they tell the ages apart?' She thought.

"Anyway, I know Fantina has done horrible things and hurt many people with her actions, but it was never for some selfish desire for herself, it was always for us, the Witches in her care. In that sense, that makes us just as guilty to her crime! So whatever you do to her, I will bare it along side her!"

"Venus! What are you talking about?! You don't have to do this!" Fantina said in distress.

"Of course I do! I'm not gonna sit by and let you suffer for us anymore! You've done enough for others' sake, let me bare this burden alongside you! Vedette would kick my ass in my dreams otherwise," Venus said, stepping forward with a determined look. Fantina's eyes widened at the mention of her mother, which made her heart wretch slightly.

Director Greenly and Clawthorne stood with mixed expressions at the situation, feeling perplexed but still obligated by their sense of duty.

"Actually, I think I have an alternative that would prove beneficial for everyone involved yesterday," Sterling's voice caught everyone's attention, especially from Fantina.

"What do you mean, Sterling?" Greenly asked him, wondering what he was planning.

"To say it in its simplest terms, having Fantina help clean up the mess she helped create by having her work alongside us to find and put an end to the now scattered parts of thr Malone in the aftermath of yesterday's events. This will prevent new groups forming from their remains and taking their place and becoming a new problem. Since she's been around the Malones, she should know where we can find them and where they operate."

Everyone, especially Director Greenly, stared at Sterling, "Agent Sterling, I want you to answer me honestly, did you plan on this happening?"

"No, this was a suggestion from another agent who has a… unique perspective on the situation," Sterling explained.

"OK… but sir, how does that help Fantina and her… people?" Clawthorne asked him.

"Simple, in return for her assistance we will take in her entire coven and give them full student rights and make their 'brothers' hosts, so they won't be separated until they can find some stability for the group," Sterling said.

"While that may sound good on paper, the issue is they're still listed as 'dangerous species'. We can't give student status even if I were to pull some strings, we would need a lot of support from the general public to even hope to overturn their current position," Greenly said.

"Yes, but that 'dangerous species' status has a loophole in Article 12-6. Where all unregistered species on that list are to be detained in Interspecies Affairs' holding center."

"True, but we would only be able to 'detain' them for a month, maybe a month and a half at best. It's not a permanent solution. Eventually, someone is going to abolish the little project for wasting resources."

"All I need is that month to finish something I have been working on for the last few years that could swing public opinion in our favor," Sterling vehemently stated as Fantina and the others looked at him in surprise.

Greenly took a deep breath before releasing it, "Sterling, you do understand that if we go through with this and it fails, it could ruin your reputation, hell cost you your current position in ICEP?" he asked him as Clawthorne gazed worriedly at the agent.

Sterling looked Greenly straight in his eyes and simply said, "Yes, and I don't care."

Fantina's eyes widened in shock and amazement at his words. She stared at her old partner from behind and, against her judgment, decided to follow his lead.

...

News about the string of events within Huntsville started bombarding every platform, from TV to TikTok. Between the sudden death of Boeing's Sasha Burns, the terrible eighteen-wheeler vehicle pile up on Highway I-20 creating one of the largest traffic jams in years, and several more unexplained deaths of both human and liminal ICEP agents, everyone was in an uproar all over the state. Videos captured by amateurs on their phones of two liminals fighting atop the truck involved in the accident circulated around TikTok and YouTube with varying reactions but were later removed by ICEP from both platforms. Many found the footage disturbing and demanded retribution, especially the families of the victims in the accidents who lost their lives to which ICEP officials directed much of blame for the accident to a 'dangerous species' that MON had to eliminate at the scene. This seemed to curb the families' desire for vengeance, leaving ICEP to simply compensate them for funeral expenses.

At the same time, even more outrageous incidents happening in Georgia flooded social media sites, including numerous reports and sightings of hostile liminals and gang members terrorizing much of Trenton, resulting in several deaths and badly wounded police and MON agents. Fortunately though, there were almost no civilian casualties, save for one unfortunate married couple running a motel.

The resulting skirmishes between MON forces and the police against the hostile assailants caused thousands of dollars in damages to public and private property. Images and videos captured of the destruction ranged from a badly damaged rail yard full of destroyed cargo to a construction site where much of the equipment appeared to have been 'melted' quickly circulated and created panic among those inside and around the neighboring states as many started distrusting ICEP even more. For each of the incidents, there happened to be a dead body of one of the 'hostile liminals' to which ICEP higher officials used as alibis for the causes of the destruction and MON was justified in stopping them. Once again, it seemed to shift much of the blame away from the organization but the state still required proper recourse to which ICEP higher officials, begrudgingly, agreed to help pay for all property damages, including road repairs, and compensate families of the officers and their own agents who died in line of action.

Then there was the incident in Summerville where, what was thought to have been a terrorist attack by a group of hostile liminals, turned out to have been an underground gang operation run by the infamous Malones who used enslaved liminals for prostitution and other illegal activity. Apparently, the liminals staged a revolt against their captors, resulting in the death of every single gang member and participants in the depraved acts. MON special forces were able to suppress and detain all of the rebels inside before any bystanders were injured and firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.

Lastly, there was the strange phenomenon on Mice and Men road where police and MON agents arrived on the scene to deal with a hostile Vampire and Malone gang members.

A blinding purple light suddenly enveloped the police and MON agents along with anyone else within a three mile radius. When paramedics finally arrived on the scene, they found several gang members dead either from bullet wounds or from massive heart attacks. Even stranger, the police and MON agents had no memory of why they were there. In fact, none could even recall the last twenty-four hours up until that moment; it was as if it was just erased. Similar cases of this mass amnesia occurred among civilians living near Mice and Men road and witnesses, just outside of the radius, began referring to the phenomenon as 'The Violet Flash'.

Oddly enough, the only ones unaffected and able to give a full recount of what had happened was a single MON team led by Commander Lovelace.

Amidst all of this, the public wanted answers on both who was responsible for all this destruction and how ICEP had allowed it to escalate so much.

It wasn't until two days later, they got their answer.

….

"What?! You're saying it was a HOST family that caused all this?!" stated Mississippi's ICEP branch representative in a Zoom call on the television monitor.

Sterling, along with Director Greenly, Clawthorne, and another of his assistants, were currently in the large meeting room with several of ICEP's representatives on call.

"While I wouldn't necessarily say 'caused', his actions and the students in his care actions did escalate the situation to an unpredictable level," Director Greenly admitted to which Sterling glanced at him quizzically, "We will not disclose the identity of the host to the public but just know they are currently in our jurisdiction awaiting appropriate action."

"Director Greenly? This host, Caleb Bezzill was it? I'm assuming he is the very same host that was involved in the Fourth of July incident some months back," asked Georgia's ICEP representative in a neutral tone.

Sterling and Director Greenly, along with the other representatives, were taken aback in shock.

"I…ahem, yes…that is correct and it is pronounced Bizzell," Greenly reluctantly answered, inciting chatter among the other representatives.

"Then we have our guy! Charge and arrest him with endangering ICEP students then remove said students from his care! Simple!" stated Louisiana's representative.

"I'm…afraid it's not that simple," Greenly replied much to the representatives' confusion.

"And why is that!? He's broken more than enough laws that could earn him a life sentence or even death," Florida representative questioned.

"I agree! No matter what the circumstances are, we have protocols to follow and hosts are to abide by them as well. We can't have a host just DECIDING to take the law into their own hands! Not only that, endangering the lives of the students for they were assigned to protect in the first place!" Ohio's representative stated.

"That's true, his actions were woefully irresponsible in an objective sense. However, we can't downplay the fact that this host risked life and limb to protect his students from a threat none of us were prepared for," Kentucky's representative stated much to Sterling and the rest's surprise.

"You're joking, right?! Are you saying you condone this kind of behavior?!" Ohio's representative incredulously demanded.

"Of course not, I simply wish to make it a point that any other person put in similar circumstances would like not go as far as this young man. He's a rare breed, one that could be of use," Kentucky representative replied.

"Be of use? Preposterous!" Tennessee's representative said doubtfully.

"I suppose you're fine with losing face among the public? You wanna admit to THOUSANDS of humans and liminals that we failed in protecting ONE host family?! You're out of your damn mind!" Ohio's representative denounced.

"You're even more insane if you can't see the value in any of this!"

"Value?! You realize that if we go to DA with this, it'll ONLY make ICEP look inept. You realize what that'll mean for our mining and raw materials contracts among the more developed liminal races?!"

"Enough!" Sterling stated loudly, getting everyone's attention. He took a deep breath, "It's understandable to look out for your own interests but not to the detriment of what this organization stands for. If we're going to seek retribution while not losing the trust of the people, we need to first look at things from a different perspective. Director Beddingfield, I have yet to hear your statement on this affair, given it's your home state to suffer."

The representative of Georgia's ICEP division paused for a moment in thought on what to say on camera before answering, "You're right, Sterling, we must conduct ourselves with honor to ensure we keep the students and our fellow humans' trust…but that doesn't mean we should condone vigilantism among ICEP hosts. Laws preventing ordinary citizens from taking a non-human's life exist for a purpose. Right now, we are still providing financial support for property damages and funeral expenses to the families of the deceased. Just like you, I wish I could put much of the blame on this one host…and I do…but only partially."

Sterling and the others were taken aback by her statement.

"What do you mean only PARTIALLY?!" shouted Ohio's representative.

"Yes, before starting a thorough investigation into the events, we met with commanding officer Lovelace and his team. They were the ones who assisted in the rescue of the host family and they've given their testimony on the matter and they are overwhelmingly positive. I do believe we can work with this," Director Beddingfield informed much to the surprise of Sterling.

'Holy shit, maybe can this actually work?' he thought to himself.

"Have you both lost your minds?!" Ohio's representative berated.

"Now, I think you are all looking at the situation in the wrong way. Yes, he's responsible for breaking several laws from that day alone, but he is also responsible for HELPING us bring down two dangerous groups who have been a thorn in the program's side for years. Be honest, ever since that, and I know this word is abused, 'incident' in North Carolina with those so-called 'Hunters', liminal applicants just haven't been coming in as much, right?" Kentucky's representative inquired, striking a chord with the others as they couldn't deny that they had seen a drastic decline in new liminals' applicants and HOSTS for that matter.

"Also, involving the Fourth of July incident, I can't say for sure for the rest of you but my state had seen a spike in students' applications, including from more reclusive species. This has even found emails from liminal representatives pledging their financial support to the organization, some even requested to meet him and wanting to know if he would be willing to take on additional students from them," Sterling remarked, catching the attention of the other representatives, along with Director Greenly and Clawthorne.

"Exactly…what kind of support?" Ohio's representative curiously inquired.

"Agent Clawthorne? What were the estimated value of raw materials offered by the representatives?"

"Nine tons in total raw materials valued at over sixteen billion dollars in revenue," Clawthorne answered with a confident smirk as the other representatives were taken aback in surprise that a state like Alabama could pull in that much in such a short time.

Beddingfield seemed especially intrigued, seeing it as a way to possibly reimburse the losses they'd face in damage relief and family compensations.

"Interesting. If that kind of response comes from a small time event, imagine the support we would receive from this? All we'd need to do is word the situation the right way and tweak a few facts to help him and his students come off more sympathetic. But more importantly, make US the true heroes!" Tennessee's representative said in approval.

"That is why I believe we should start spinning this in a way that can benefit each of our branches and hopefully restore some good faith among liminal groups and likely even the folks from LiLSiR," Director Beddingfield pointed out.

"We'll keep Mr. Bizzell's identity anonymous for the time being. Last thing we need is to bring unwanted attention to the host family, especially from the 'Hunters'," Greenly suggested.

"Ha, EVEN IF we go through with this, how are we sure this won't be immediately shot down by the D.A.?" Ohio's representative said, unconvinced.

"It won't be. Not if we show them proof of the benefits to the host family's actions," Greenly interjected.

"We can start with the large number of enslaved liminals we detained from the Malones base of operation."

"That's right. Didn't you find numerous enslavement collars on the property as well?" Director Greenly inquired.

"About a hundred and sixty-six to be precise. From what we could gather from some of the detained liminals, they all were just released when the mana in the collars suddenly dispersed. Our mana and forensics specialists deduced that all of the collars were linked to one person, Boris A. Barazovsky. A long time sex trafficker who apparently ran the underground liminal prostitution ring for the Malones. His body was discovered along with the butchered remains of several Malone gang members behind an antique store. Security camera footage captured, what appeared to be a hostile female insectoid liminal slaughtering the men. We also got footage of Mr. Bizzell fighting him."

Sterling and the others were taken aback by the revelation.

"Are you saying he…killed that man?" Sterling carefully asked.

"No, footage shows he was actually killed by the insectoid liminal at least from what we got, some of footage appears corrupted and damaged, seemingly spinning at certain parts," she informed as Sterling breathed a slight sigh of relief, "Point is, after his death, the collars instantly released all the enslaved girls."

"Why would they only have ONE person in control of the collars anyway?" Kentucky's representative questioned.

"Overconfidence and lack of foresight is my guess. Whatever the case, we have another card to use. The same ICEP host responsible for freeing even more enslaved liminals with assistance from its proud agents? Seems like a strong selling point to me, what say you?"

"I say it's worth a shot! We can definitely market a story like that to the public!"

"I admit that is a good selling point. Will it be enough though? Relationships among humans and liminals are already strained. I just find it hard to pin my hopes on some random guy," Florida's representative admitted, still skeptical.

"A random guy that's apparently only been an ICEP host for less than six months. Yet he's willing to go through all of that for a Centaur woman he barely knows. It's insane. So what we really need to be asking, Director Greenly, what is the true nature of his relationship with the student?" Ohio's representative inquired as the others listened in.

Sterling looked to Greenly expectantly as the Elf man tried to keep his composure.

"The nature of their relationship does not matter at this time. What is important is how it shows the bond this organization has forged between races," Greenly assured while dodging the question.

"That doesn't answer the question. This man in possession of a Nightmare, a species we BARELY know anything about because of how reclusive they are. You mean to tell me one of them just TRUSTS him while remaining purely platonic?" Ohio's representative accused.

Sterling sighed to himself, realizing they were trying to back them in a corner. He decided he may as well lay a few cards on the table.

"The truth then. I recently learned that Mr. Bizzell had been in contact with the mother of Marequine, whom just so happens to be the High Priestess. Long story short, she recently declared him a member of their clan by way of betrothing her daughter to him under their laws."

Greenly, along with the other representatives and his assistants, was taken aback in surprise.

"Y-You mean to say this man is MARRIED to an ICEP student under her species laws?!"

"Forget that, are you saying that Nightmare student is some form of royalty?! And you're JUST NOW bringing it up?!" Ohio's representative yelled incredulously at the screen.

"That's correct, I wanted to find the right time to bring it up since I wanted to make sure that that information wouldn't be taken advantage of. There are plenty, just like the Malones, that would have sought after Ms. Marequine if they knew her lineage," Sterling explained.

"Understandable, but at the same time I doubt that was entirely the case, agent Sterling," Georgia's representative replied dubiously, "What you're trying to say that if we attempt to permanently separate the host, it will likely create a tumultuous situation with the leader of the Nightmares. And if it goes public that we do not recognize their 'union', other species may view it as invalidating THEIR cultural practices. They'd surely want nothing to do with ICEP after that."

"I-In that case…we cannot allow that to happen. Besides, this Caleb Barbazoll may just be the key to sustaining positive relations between the Nightmare race," Florida's representative stated, trying to overcompensate for his brashness earlier.

"Yeah, for that matter, he may be the key to that species opening up a trade deal with ICEP? Not much is known about them still, who knows what resources they have access to? I say, on top of having this young man as our selling point, he can also be our bargaining chip to the Nightmares!" Ohio's representative said, much to the annoyance of Sterling and the others.

"Plus, he's a minority, so this could also help us build support from the black community as well!" Florida's representative said.

"Director McGee, Director Gillette, please calm yourselves," North Carolina's representative coldly replied.

"As they both ungracefully made it sound, I cannot deny the opportunities before us. We can make use of this host family. However, he still cannot allow his actions to go unfettered. To that, Director Greenly, since Mr. Bizzell is under your jurisdiction, it is only natural that you punish him and anyone involved in his endeavors accordingly."

"I couldn't agree more," Kentucky's representative chimed in.

Sterling and Director Greenly looked to each other in surprise before nodding and replying, "Understood."

"Right. Now, there's another issue I've been meaning to address," Director Beddingfield said in a morose tone as the others listened in, "The investigation into the Malones' headquarters also revealed the source of their production of the gluttony fang."

Sterling and the others looked to her in astonishment and dread.

"You're saying we now have a lead into the ones who manufactured the drug for the syndicate?" Director Greenly inquired.

"It appeared that it was a mix of few different species' venom and one other compound that we have yet to identify that seems to bind them all together to form the gluttony fang. We discovered a large warehouse, just over a mile from Malones' building, used by the manufacturers of the drug. They appeared to have fled in response to the commotion. The only thing left behind was some equipment used in its processing and a few fragments of shed lamia skin. No other trace of their identities were left. Even our canine liminal agents could not find a TRACE of their scent so pursuing them was impossible."

"This is bad. If they set up another base of operation, they'll undoubtedly begin flooding neighborhoods with the drug. We're still dealing with individuals suffering from extreme withdrawals in my state. There's been amateurs creating cheap imitations and a spike in robberies by addicts trying to curb their desire for the drug," South Carolina's representative pointed out.

"Not to mention the power gap the Malones' left behind, now that many of their leaders are dead. Other criminal groups will definitely try to fill that role and likely seek out gluttony fang manufacturers. We need a way to find and put and end to them once and for all!" Kentucky's representative said.

A smile spread across Sterling's face in disbelief at how intricately everything seemed to be lining up.

"Pardon me, but I think I have a solution to our problem," Sterling said, garnishing the intrigue of the others.

"What would that be, Agent Sterling?" Director Beddingfield asked.

"As it just so happens, we have an informant that could locate the manufacturers of the gluttony fangs, along with other valuable information on the Malones' associates. They've agreed to assist in hunting down the 'Amphetamine Team'," Sterling assured, garnishing intrigued mutters among the Directors who, up until now, didn't have a concrete name for the group.

"And where is this mysterious informant of yours?" North Carolina's representative factitiously inquired.

Sterling looked over at Clawthorne who nodded before going over to the door behind them, and opened it.

In stepped Fantina, getting all the representatives' attention, much to her dismay.

"Allow me to introduce Ms. Fantina. Former member of the Malones and also former ICEP agent," Clawthorne said, as all the other representatives just stared in disbelief.

…The next morning…

Lyca could be seen breathing laboriously and holding her broken right arm. Blood trickled from a large gash in her shoulder and deep claw marks all over her body. Her right eye was shut from the blood trickling down from her head.

Standing before her was Kulah, her body deathly pale, covered in claws wound, and reeking of decay. Her eyes were black and lifeless, yet she wore a disturbingly wide grin at the She-wolf.

"What's wrong, mutt? That's all you got? How 'bout trying to take another bite outta me," Kulah spoke, tilting her head to reveal a festering, black bite wound on her neck, unnerving the She-wolf, "I'm sure you'd be more fun than him."

Lyca looked to her left, horrified to see Caleb lying on the ground, brutally mauled to death with his chest and neck torn open and covered in blood. An expression of unbridled fear on his tear-stained face filled Lyca with indescribable sorrow at her failure to protect him. She clenched her teeth very tightly until her gums started to bleed as she glared at the Ocelomeh with unfettered fury. She unleashed a howling cry of rage out throughout the area then charged at her. She lunged, going for a powerful roundhouse kick.

"Too slow," the undead Ocelomeh spoke, easily dodging, then struck Lyca with her club, breaking her leg as the She-wolf cried out in agony, falling to the ground.

"Hahahaha! That's it?! That's all you got! Pathetic!" Kulah laughed hysterically, her body becoming more deteriorated by the minute, to the point where her muscle tissue was exposed.

She then kicked the She-wolf, making her land on her back with a pained cry. In that moment, Lyca changed into a ten-year-old version of herself. Her clothes were now an elk fur battle skirt and a shoulderless crop top, both worn down, barely being held together, along with bruises all over her body. She looked up, suddenly surrounded by tall shadowy figures with noticeable wolf-like ears and bared fangs. All them snarling while glaring down in disgust.

"Pathetic!"

"What a failure!"

"Omega trash!"

"Why was a weakling like you ever born into OUR pack?!"

Child Lyca trembled and tears trickled down her face as insults bombarded her from all sides. Suddenly, Kulah's large hand grabbed the top of her hair, making her shriek in pain. The Ocelomeh pinned her to the ground, her body degenerating more into a decrepit corpse, and bared her large fangs.

"On second thought, THINK I'LL TEAR A CHUNK OUTTA YOU!" Kulah roared like a furious jungle cat while sinking her fangs into Lyca's neck as she cried out.

"NOOO!" Lyca screamed out as she was jolted awake and panted heavily. Her naked body trembled and propagated with sweat as she took a moment for her to look around her room, getting her bearings. She then frantically touched her neck, relieved to find it intact.

"It was…it was just a bad dream…" Lyca sighed, calming herself down as she hugged her large stuffed wolf she called 'Bane' that Caleb won for her during that fourth of July; one of her most treasured possessions the other being the moon pendant choker, "Just a bad dream."

She sighed deeper before noticing the morning sun creeping through the blinds; another beautiful day in the city of Huntsville. The young She-wolf has had that dream for the last two days so far.

There was a knock at her bedroom door, getting her attention.

"Fuzzy! You OK in there? I heard you scream!" Caleb asked in a very concerned voice.

"I-I'm OK, Chief! I just rolled over outta bed in my sleep and it scared me. That's all. Haha," Lyca said assuringly while trying to laugh off the situation.

"...OK. I'm getting breakfast ready! Get washed up and join us!"

"Kay!"

Lyca quickly sat herself up and stretched out her body before going over to a closet where her pile of clothes, some clean, some not, were kept. She grabbed her outfit for the day then noticed her reflection in a large vanity mirror, showing off her toned and muscular form.

The reflection then changed into a younger, much more emaciated version of herself with bruises all over her body. Her eyes were dull and somber without a spec of life in them as voices from her dreams echoed in the background.

Lyca then shook her head, driving those thoughts out as her reflection returned to normal.

'Stop! That's not who I am anymore. I've changed,' Lyca thought to herself, touching the scar on her side, 'I know I have.'

Suddenly, her stomach growled loudly, bringing her from her thoughts.

"Hehe, right!" Lyca forced herself to laugh, clapping her face with her hands then beams a toothy grin at her reflection, "It's fine, they don't need to worry."

She exited the bedroom to take a quick shower before joining her beloved family for breakfast.

…

It had been three days since the Bizzell household were basically placed under house arrest by Sterling. In that time, a lot had happened.

...Flashback...

The morning after the events, Caleb and Mirabelle could be seen in the living room with the others. The couple had just finished explaining what had happened to them the previous night with Mirabelle's mother and the truth about her power.

"So you…basically have the power of a mind and soul bending god?" Zwei spoke, still, along with the others, trying to fully comprehend what she had just heard.

"That is a modicum of it, yes," Mirabelle softly admitted, as the others looked to her in shock.

"Yep, so that's where we are now," Caleb jumped in, "You guys have any other questions?"

"SEVERAL!" Ein blurted out, startling the others, before she quickly reeled herself in, "Sorry, sorry, I just…this is fucking insane."

"That's actually…fairly reasonable, not gonna lie," Caleb remarked.

"What did you expect? She just casually explained how she has the power to kill multiple people and even destroy a person's soul at once by turning their worst fears and sins against them. You're 'technically' married to Twitter!" Drei said as Mirabelle recoiled at the comment, casting her gaze down in shame.

"Hey! Moon pie's nowhere CLOSE to being that level of evil!" Caleb defended her.

"Still…I never knew Mira was so powerful," Lyca spoke with a ponderous expression, "It's really amazing…but also scary too."

"Honestly, I always had my suspicions. Ju cannot suppress the amount of mana ju wield from me, Señora," Camilla said while giving a scrutionous look at the Centaur, "Of course, now that ju explained the circumstances and having experienced them firsthand…I can understand why ju would do so. I do not AGREE completely but I understand."

"Are you saying you would use her power to hurt others?!" Ein incredulously stated.

"ONLY if they threatened mi familia. I can think of a few scenarios where I would have used them!" Camilla replied, earning a shocked look from Mirabelle and Ein.

"Seriously?! What did you talk about…" Ein facepalmed in disappointment, "You guys are gonna drive me crazy. Frankly, at this point, I can't decide who's more dangerous, you or Marequine."

"Excuse me?!" Caleb asked, "Neither of them are!"

"To YOU, perhaps but she just admitted to killing those Malones and–"

"And what?! Señora still saved our lives, did she not?!" Camilla defended.

"She still lost control and may have harmed Lovelace's team and the other officials! We can't be sure if–"

"STOP!" Mirabelle stated, cutting the wind weasel off as the others looked at her. "I CAN assure you, Ms. Ein, I did not harm Lovelace or any of those officers. I already told you…what happened back there was a mistake. I unleashed a power extremely forbidden by my bloodline and was punished for it. This power…is a blessing and a curse that no one should have."

Camilla's eyes widened before looking away in shame.

"Moon pie never intended to use that power at all. She was pushed way past her breaking point. We all were but… Fuck, she nearly DIED! I can't blame her too much for snapping when she did. It's partly my fault anyway since she was trying to save me. Really, we were all trying to save each other yesterday so it isn't fair to cast too much judgment," Caleb told Ein, defending Mirabelle.

Ein and the others exchanged looks, not wanting to deny his statement.

"So Ein, I hate to do this to you and your sisters again, but…please keep this between us."

Ein sighed, "Fine, why not? As long as Ms. Marequine promises to never do anything like that again."

"I most certainly will not! I'm not even sure if I can anyway," Mirabelle uttered the last part softly.

"Probably best if we don't try to find out. We already seen what happens when others 'F' around with you too much," Caleb replied.

"You're probably right, Dear."

"Hey, Mira? You said earlier you were punished for using your powers? What did you mean?" Lyca asked in concern, catching the attention of the others.

The color suddenly drained from Mirabelle's face and she slowly withdrew, "Y-Yes…my mum punished me harshly for breaking one of our clan's taboo."

"Whoa, seriously?!" Zwei said.

"W-Was it a pelting?!" Lyca fearfully asked as Zwei gave her a concerned look.

"I…don't know what that is but no. Six hours in the 'Sphere of Discipline'. Basically her clan's version of a time out," Caleb remarked as Mirabelle cringed.

"It was horrible. No Sailor Moon, No Sailor Scouts. No Tuxedo Mask. Not a TRACE of Queen Nehelenia's delightfully malevolent presence. Just shoddy transformations and terrible voice acting. A RUBBISH FIRE of mediocre, pie-eyed Powerpuff abominations!" Mirabelle shuddered, hugging her shoulder while seething with pure disgust and loathing.

Ein and the others looked to her, profoundly confused, as Caleb tried to keep a straight face.

"What is she talking about and why do I feel like I should cringe?" Drei inquired.

"Don't ask because you will," Caleb replied.

…Present…

In the kitchen, Caleb could be seen alongside Camilla, making breakfast for the others. Camilla prepared the chicken, turkey, and a large heap of scrambled eggs while he handled the cinnamon pancakes, plant based sausages, and one large avocado salad.

In the last three days, they'd been keeping up with the news on everything that had transpired. Caleb found out from members of his design team that news media people and investigators did in fact come to the firm, prodding for information related to Director Burns' death. Gary Stewart, the Director of Caleb's firm, gave a live statement of his condolences while stressing the integrity and ethics of his engineers and employees.

Later that same day, Caleb got a call from Stewart's secretary that the company was essentially forcing him to take a fifty-day leave of absence because of the controversy, much to Caleb's shock, getting thirty-five instead of the original fifty-five percent of his usual pay.

'This some fuckin' bullshit!" Caleb had thought in extreme displeasure at the time.

Following that, news coverage of what people had been calling a multi-state of disasters bombarded much of South Central. From the shooting in North Carolina to the eighteen-wheeler accident on the Alabama I-20 to the chaotic events wracking Northwestern Georgia, everyone was in an uproar.

It was just the other day when ICEP unveiled the cause of the incidents being a dangerous group of liminal assassins along with a deadly Russian Mafia threatening the safety of the public. However, what really drove the public into a frenzy was the reveal that a single human, an ICEP host that they were choosing to withhold the identity of, risked life and limb to save their homestays from both groups of villains. ICEP's leaders emphasized how their assistance allowed the organization to fully bring down the liminal trafficking and drug syndicate and save countless lives.

Every platform exploded on all sides about the reveal. Many were amazed and supportive of the individual, others blaming them along with ICEP for endangering civilians and causing needless destruction, others believing the organization was making the story up to curb favor from the public, and groups like LiL'SiR praising and vindicating the nameless hero for their actions. Whatever the stance was, nobody could deny how drastically human and liminal relations began to change.

"Baby, can you pass me some of that black pepper please?"

Camilla created a small blue magic seal, causing the square of pepper to levitate over to her lover.

"Here ju are," she playfully chimed.

"Thannnk you," Caleb chimed back.

However, said 'nameless hero' had other priorities right now.

"Good morning, you two!" Mirabelle clopped out from the hallway, drawn out by the smell of the food.

"Hola, Señora."

"Mornin', Moon Pie, breakfast just about done. Can you set the dinner tables up in the living room?"

"Be my pleasure, Dear," Mirabelle replied sweetly, noticing that he didn't turn to look at her before cautiously asking him, "Did you sleep well?"

"I think you already know the answer to that," Caleb remarked with a sarcastic grin.

"Yes, I suppose not," Mirabelle sighed already knowing the answer.

"I mean, can you blame me? Sterling who's supposed to be over here later today sentenced me to fuck knows what," Caleb replied coldly as Camilla looked to him in concern.

"I don't blame you. Honestly it's been plaguing my thoughts as well. No matter what I do to distract myself," Mirabelle muttered, sensing his growing irritation.

"Sure doesn't help that I hardly need to sleep all that much anymore. I can't help BUT think! How I'm damn near unemployed now! Of what's to come for us? What will we do? What I could've done differently so we wouldn't be in this mess!" Caleb replied, venting his irritation more and more on the vegetables he was chopping for the salad.

Suddenly, the knife blade froze in place, surrounded in blue aura, just an inch from cutting his finger.

"If ju KEEP overthinking ju will only hurt yourself, Señor!" Camilla sternly chastised him with a small blue seal at her fingertip. Caleb moved his hand away as the blue aura dissipated, letting the knife rest on the cutting board, "And if ju hurt, then WE hurt!"

Caleb's eyes widened, looking to her then noticed Mirabelle's worried expression and sighed heavily at how stupid he was acting.

"I know...I'm sorry, girls."

"Ju are not the only one who has been stressed the last few days. This affects all of us. What good is it if we just fall apart before we know the outcome?" Camilla continued with a disappointed scowl.

"I know, I KNOW…you're right, OO? I shouldn't be making you girls even more stressed. As the man of the house, I'm supposed to put on a brave face even when I can't," Caleb replied, realizing how inconsiderate he was being.

He then felt Mirabelle's hands against his cheek, and he turned his head towards her.

"I don't want a phony version of you. I prefer it when you're honest about what you're feeling. It means we can find strength together. Right?" Mirabelle said, looking him in the eye.

Camilla breathed a sigh, calming down a little before turning off the burner.

"Ju need to remember, ju do not need to suffer alone. Come and talk to us and we will be there to help; just like ju do for us," the Elder Devil assured.

"Thank you, both of you," Caleb said, lightly gripping Mirabelle's hand, "I just want to get it over with already."

"You make it sound like you're proper chuffed to be punished, Dear!"

"It's not that I'm eager, I just know it's deserved," Caleb replied, sensing her skeptical tone, "Even if I know in my heart what I did was right, it doesn't change what the law says and I have to accept that. At the same time, I don't WANT to accept that it all ends with you out of my life. See what I'm sayin'?"

"I do and it IS a frustrating idea."

"Well, personally, I could care less about what some HUMAN law says. I would like to see them TRY and take ju away from me, Señor," Camilla remarked in a dark tone, gripping her fist as a red aura pulsated around it.

"Putting up a fight at this point would only make things worse, and you know it," Drei spoke up from the living room couch, getting their attention.

"Oh, Ms. Drei. When did you come in?" Mirabelle inquired to the wind weasel.

"Around the whole 'eager to be punished' thing, I wasn't sure where that line was going, I just knew it was too early in the morning either way," Drei commented while going through apps on Caleb's TV and clicking on cable service, "Anyway, fighting back, bad idea."

"Ju CANNOT expect me to sit by and allow–"

"Camilla!" Caleb said cutting her off, "She's right. I know you mean well…but it'd just end up complicating things more. Not to mention, I don't want a target on your back."

Camilla wanted to retort but chose to bite her tongue, knowing he was right but starting to understand his frustration. She just despised feeling helpless to the whims of the world.

"Why's everyone shouting?"

Caleb and the others look to see a concerned Lyca standing in the hallway entrance, fully dressed after her shower.

"It's nothing, Fuzzy, we were just talking about Sterling coming today," Caleb answered, trying to ease the tension, "We're all just a bit ner–"

Before he could finish, Lyca quickly rushed to her mate, wrapping him into a tight hug, catching him and the others off guard, as she buried her forehead to his chest.

"It isn't nothing to me! We're gonna be OK, aren't we? Chief? I don't want to lose our pack," Lyca whimpered with a canine whine before looking up at him with sad puppy eyes, easily making his heart skip.

Caleb hugged her back and rubbed the top of her head and her back comfortingly.

"We will. I have no idea how but…I promise everything WILL be OK," Caleb told her with a determined look as Lyca smiled at him, her tail starting to wag.

"Señor certainly changed his tone fast for Señorita Lyca. It's almost enough to make me jealous," Camilla remarked to Mirabelle.

"It's those eyes. Those diabolical adorably manipulative sweet golden puppy eyes! It's too powerful," Mirabelle clenched her fists with rosy cheeks, thinking of every time Lyca flashed that look at her.

Camilla raised an eyebrow at her.

"Ju literally have the power to kill with a thought but somehow THAT is too much?" she questioned.

"Never underestimate the power of cuteness that will drain a man's willpower and wallet," Drei added, flipping through the channels.

"OK, Fuzzy, I think we're just done with dinner. Go help Moon pie set the tables up," Caleb said, pulling away, to Lyca's slight disappointment, wanting to enjoy his embrace bit more.

"O-OK," Lyca replied before going over to assist the Nightmare.

"Oh right, are Zwei and Ein back in yet to join us or is Ein still up there?" Caleb asked Drei.

"Ein's still surveilling for 'potential threats' and Zwei should be relieving her of duty as we speak. Or perhaps you want to try to bring her back in like yesterday?" Drei asked, leaning her head backwards against the couch.

Hearing that caused him to gain a slight blush "No no no, I will…leave it to her and, like I said before, it was an accident," Caleb quickly said.

"No such thing as an accident, only failure to recognize fate," Drei quoted, "Napoleon said that."

"Figures a walking Napoleon complex would quote him. 'Aight I'm gonna finish these healthy sausages for us."

"Those are just for your wife to swallow and you know it," Drei said, flipping the channels and landing on a news segment of a pharmaceutical company researching a drug to help liminals suppress their urges during a full moon, showing a man in a what some people would call a sleazy suit and lab coat combo, representing the company.

'While we can't say much on it at the moment for security reasons, we believe we can make it readily available for trials soon. This drug will revolutionize human and liminal relations. I can proudly say on behalf of the President, we will be the first to help solve this issue!' he finished with a wide shit-eating grin.

"Fuck you and your cheap knock off," Drei commented with a blank glare, her middle finger raised in defiance.

…

Outside the house, Ein could be seen on the roof, scanning the area around their homes for anyone or thing out of the ordinary or suspicious, doing everything in her power to protect Caleb and others from any harm as their bodyguard.

'We can't afford another incident happening. Our priority should be the safety of Mr. Bizzell and the others. As the oldest, and most responsible, I have to remain ever vigilant, I have to be unshak-'

"Hey sis," Zwei said behind her, breaking her focus and startling her.

"Gah!"

"Sorry, did I interrupt your 'Batman looking over the city' thing?"

"It's not—what do you want Zwei?" Ein tried to correct her but realized it was pointless.

"I came to relieve you of watch duty. You've been out here since 4:30 a.m. You should go eat something."

"Look, we need to be careful. Despite what many think, the Malones disbanding doesn't make them any less dangerous. Especially now some of them have nothing left to lose, meaning they might make a last ditch effort for revenge."

"Sis?"

" And we can't confirm if Mr Bizzell's information or his address aren't compromised in some way!"

"Sis?!"

"For all we know, their associates or HELL maybe even–"

"SIS?!", Zwei shouted getting up in Ein's face.

"What?!" Ein shouted back

"Sis, first of all we understand that you really think me and Drei haven't considered that? That we haven't been preparing for that possibility heck have you seen what on Drei pad?" Zwei asks and when Ein bite's her lip, unable to answer she continues. "It's the ICEP guide. She's been memorizing it or at least good chunks of it from what I saw."

Second, if that does happen, how much help are you going to be if you're exhausted and starving?" Zwei questions her.

Ein was about to retort before her stomach loudly rumbles, much to her embarrassment.

"See? Case and point.", Zwei stated poking at Ein's tummy as she blushed sheepishly.

"S-Stop that!" She said pushing her hand away

"No. Third! Trust me when I say, I get it. What happened is weighing heavily on you. You think what you could have been done better or how you could have stopped that from happening." Zwei said to and as she said the last part she clenched her hand tightly, "But remember what Mama Dai Lee constantly told us: 'Rúguǒ nǐ ràng nǐ de guòqù tūnshì nǐ, nàme nǐ jiāng shīqù nǐ de wèilái'(if you let your past consume you, then you will lose your future).

Ein pauses, reminded of her birth mother's words of wisdom. She sighs slowly realizing she couldn't win this argument.

"Ok, I concede. For once, you're actually right."

" Whaddya mean 'for once'? I'm always right and you know it!", Zwei proudly stated with a toothy grin.

"Even about your little conspiracy theory about the mail carrier?", Ein skeptically replies, raising an eyebrow and arms folded.

"Hey! There's no way he isn't a pervert. Nobody with dimples that big isn't into something shady. Bigger the dimples, the bigger skeletons in the closet!", Zwei asserts as Ein rolls her eyes, "Anyway, enough about him, go eat, get some sleep, take a shower I got this."

"Alright but if you see anything out of place-"

"I know, I know. I will set off the alarm just go already." Zwei insisted as her sister sighed, dropping from roof and went Caleb home just as someone else came into view as Zwei narrowed her eyes at him.

"You will slip up one of these days and when you do I will be there with the cuffs." She muttered watching the 'pervert' mailman go about his job.

….

Back inside the house, Lyca and Mirabelle finished setting the table and were now eating their breakfast served by Caleb and Camilla.

"Annnd here you are, meat and stacks for the shortstack.", Caleb remarks serving Drei a plate of two pancakes and a good helping of white meat and eggs.

"Be grateful I'm too hungry to care.", Drei replies, taking the plate.

"*Munch* *Munch* Mmm turkey's always so yummy! I could never catch one myself when I hunted.", Lyca utters with a mouthful of turkey.

"Considering how difficult I hear they are to hunt, it makes sense. Luckily, you don't have to worry about hunting anymore, unless you're bargain hunting like my frugal ass.", Caleb replies seated at his recliner enjoying his food with a diet .

"Hmmm, this plant based meat is quite good dear. I never knew meat made from vegetation was possible let alone this yummy.", Mirabelle hummed in bliss, her horse tail happily and gently thumps against the couch whipping purple mist.

"Yeah, science is great isn't it? Not gonna lie, the tofu meat wasn't hittin' on nothin' but this Beyond meat stuff pretty."

"Maybe that's the 'Beyond' part. Beyond expectations?" Mirabelle theorized.

"Probably. As long as it's not 'Beyond' my food budget.", Caleb remarks.

"You're 'Beyond' incorrigible.", Mirabelle playfully teases.

"You're 'Beyond' adorable.", He replies.

"Ju are both 'Beyond' my comprehension.", Camilla cheekily remarks, before biting into a forkful of chicken.

"I'm 'Beyond' hungry!", Lyca happily joins in, after gulping down a mouthful of turkey.

"This conversation is 'Beyond' my pay grade.", Drei plainly comments, before flipping the channels again.

At that moment, a familiar news story comes on.

'Law enforcement officials are still recovering from the strange phenomenon dubbed 'The Purple Flash' on Mice and Men in Trenton, Georgia. It can't be forgotten that the disasters, according to ICEP's Senior Director Judy Ginsberg, were due to an attack by a liminal assassination group and a Russian criminal syndicate. Both of which were neutralized by MON and ICEP forces. However, the details from a few various witnesses still talking about the mysterious ICEP host that started a one person campaign to rescue their liminal homestay from both criminal organizations…'

Caleb and the others pause for a moment upon hearing it. He sighs to himself with an indignant expression, already tired of hearing about his escapades from others mouths.

At that moment, Ein walks in about to speak only to stop when she see's Caleb state causing her hesitant on what to do only for Caleb to notice her

"Oh, hey Ein! Sorry we started without you and Zwei. There's more food in the kitchen.", Caleb says, choosing to put his attention away from the TV for a few seconds.

"O-Ok, thank you.", Ein replies, then looks back at the TV seeing the newswoman still going on about the 'mysterious host' and ICEP's involvement with them, "I…see they're running this story again."

"Yep. They're probably gonna be talking about this for a while.", Caleb remarks sounding less than pleased.

"I mean, for many, it must be quite an astonishing story, Senor. It is not everyday a human goes through the links ju did for a non-human. Hell, I highly doubt one would put themselves through HALF of what we endured to save a fellow human." Camilla points out.

"I guess, it just feels…weird and intrusive. Maybe because I'm an introvert but having my business on full blast for the WORLD to see is really discomforting."

"At least they made sure to keep yours and our identities as vague as possible. ICEP giving us some semblance of privacy at least.", Mirabelle added

"Yeah, that's true. Last thing I need is people trying to ride the clout and make my life an absolute hell.", Caleb replies taking a drink of DD pepper to settle himself.

"Well those people sure do seem to really be happy what you did. I mean look at'em.", Lyca says pointing to the screen.

'In other news, the liminal rights support group, Love is Love, Species in Irrelevant or LiLSiR, has made statement that, despite the threats and attacks on their members, including their leadership they refused to be intimidated. The inspiration was sparked after hearing the story of the 'mysterious host' seeing them as an example that liminal-human relations must be protected from those that wish to hinder that progress.', the news lady spoke as humans and liminals were shown wearing shirts and other memorabilia in support of the movement and either holding up sign and chanting, 'The movement along with ICEP has seen a spike in participating liminal species and outsourcing companies wishing to financially support the organization. It's because of the radical shift the movement will be soon rebranded as 'Young Americans Supporting and Safeguarding Interspecies Romance' or 'YASSIR' for short. They intend to take a more proactive role in ensuring the safety of their non-human neighbors.

'Its just…wonderful knowing that…humans like that person in this world. I thought after what happened in North Carolina…that was it. I didn't belong here with my darling husband anymore. I'm so glad I was wrong.', a female Lizardman says, hugging a human man, who comforts her.

'I mean whoever this guy or girl or whatever is, I think they're trying to send a message. Enough is enough. I've had it with these 'Hunters', these drug dealers, these traffickers treating these people like garbage and property! ICEP can't do everything! We have to take responsibility too! Protect our brother and sisters!', a darker skin human male stated on the TV.

'No statement for ICEP has been made at this time on the true identity of mysterious host but–'

"OK! That's enough.", Caleb says, teleporting next to Drei, taking the remote and changing the station to a random channel where 'The Jefferson's' theme started playing, then teleporting back to the chair with the remote.

"That was a bit of an overreaction.", Drei points out.

"Really? Cuz it felt appropriate to me.", Caleb obstinately replies before sipping more DD pepper.

"Aww, but they were saying such nice things about you, Chief."

"I know they are Fuzzy but…"

"But it's awkward having strangers that ju don't know or have ever even met ju force their own judgment on things they know nothing about?", Camilla finishes his sentence, understanding exactly where he's coming from.

"Exactly, yeah. I don't like that kind of attention and I never have."

"Heh. Ju and I are kindred then mi amor. The more we try to keep to ourselves the more unwanted attention we attract.", Camilla remarks with a chuckle before finishing her pancake.

Ein feels a breeze blow against her head and looks to see Drei gesturing with her eyes towards him. Ein was a bit nervous but takes a deep breath.

"Uh Sir...Caleb? I don't know if this is worth anything…but my mother always told us that any kind fame will fade as quickly as it comes. People favor only those that entertain them. It's the attention from those who truly care for you is something to forever cherish.", Ein spoke as the others look to her with mixed expressions. A blush of embarrassment spread over the weasel face, "T-That's just my input, at least."

"Well, thanks for it anyway. I'm fine if other people are getting something positive out of all this but...I mainly just care that you all are safe and happy.", Caleb replies as Ein and the others look to him, "It may be kinda selfish but that's honestly how I feel."

"Honestly, I can attest to that feeling. Oddly enough though, I feel a bit chuffed knowing so many people were inspired by my Dear, yet we are the only ones who have any proper experience of how wonderful he truly is.", Mirabelle added with a loving grin.

"Right?! Chief is great and he's all our own! It makes me feel…kinda special, ya know?", Lyca says with a light blush in her cheeks.

"Those fools can only make assumptions of who he is. I almost pity how unlucky they are.", Camilla remarks proudly.

"Ok, I get it! Can we stop trying to put me on some kind of pedestal, please?"

"Pedestal? Do not flatter yourself, Senor. We are only saying what is objectively true based on experience. There's critiques we can make as well.", Camilla says with challenging eyes and devilish smirk, expecting him to call her bluff.

"Oh yes, PLENTY that we can pick apart Dear. Do not test my courteous upbringing.", Mirabelle spoke with a playfully devious eyes.

"Are y'all threatening to ROAST me in place of compliments?! Is there no middle ground, just those two extremes?", Caleb stated.

"In this pack? Nope!", Lyca chimes in with a toothy grin.

Ein lightly chuckles at the group before she gets a call on her phone and sees it was Zwei.

"Zwei? What is it? Something wrong?", Ein spoke on the phone as Drei and the others look to her curiously, "O-Oh…he's here."

Upon hearing that, Caleb and the girls felt a sudden heaviness in the air and in their hearts knowing it was finally time.

"Hmm, guess the roast will have to wait. Darn. I had so much to throw about your weight.", Drei comments as Caleb scowls at her.

"Eh? What do mean by–"

Suddenly, a knock could be heard at the door stopping her midsentence.

"Let him in.", Caleb says in a serious tone as Ein looks at him for a second then opens the door.

"Good morning, Agent Ster…ling?", Ein spoke opening the door, expecting to see Sterling, but was instead met by a blonde Elf woman dressed in black ICEP suit and carrying a Samsung tablet. She was even more surprised and confused to see Fantina, dressed in casual civilian clothes consisting of black shorts and small child-sized red hoody, with her arms folded and a look of displeasure at seeing her.

"Good morning to you as well, Agent Zyklon. May we come in please?"

Ein was skeptical before noticing Zwei directly behind them shrugging, equally confused as her, before gesturing to 'go ahead.'

"Y-Yes, certainly."

She steps back letting the pair and Zwei walk inside, garnishing confused looks between Caleb and the others, as Ein closes the door.

"Good morning, Mr. Bizzell and his homestays! My name is Agent Clawthorne and this–"

"They already know who I am?", Fantina cuts her off before shooting a glare at Drei, who looks at her unfazed.

"Um, nice to meet you? Where's Sterling?", Caleb inquires.

"Agent Sterling is busy with…urgent matters at the moment.", Clawthorne says shooting a look at the Baphomet, "He sent me, his assistant, to oversee things here."

Caleb and the others look to each other questioningly.

Clawthorne clears her throat before opening a document on her tablet, "Before we start, as a formality, I am legally required to tell you that any information discussed outside ICEP jurisdiction with unauthorized personal or written consent is subject to fine if up to—"

"IS MI AMOR BEING ARRESTED OR NOT?!", Camilla shouted in her demonic startlingly the elf woman and the others.

"Fuckin' seriously.", Fantina wholeheartedly agreed with Elder Devil

Clawthorne gives her a cold glare wanting to chastise the Baphomet but chooses to remain professional.

"Ahem, first at the request of Agent Sterling and given the circumstances we will be covering, Agent Zyklon…all three of them( that must get confusing) and their actions before moving on to Mr Bizzell punishment."

Hearing that caused Ein and Zwei to tense up while Drei kept her neutral appearance.

"Now, because of their willful disobedience towards the instruction of a superior along with property damage caused by their involvement in Georgia, immediate course of action would have been revocation of their Adjunct licenses and excommunication by forceful deportation…", she says as Ein and Zwei look down in shame and fear while Drei still remains calm, "However, because of their role in overthrowing Komanda Monstra and the Malones, while protecting the host and students in your care under extreme circumstances, ICEP has instead decided to allow you to keep your contract but reduce your pay by 30% for next few months and permanently strip certain privileges from your contract, such as your unlimited parking."

Ein and Zwei were stunned upon hearing they weren't being fired or deported.

"I mean, we don't really have a car so…", Drei spoke, only for Ein to rush over at blinding speed covering her mouth.

"We understand, Agent Clawthorne, and we accept our punishment. We promise to do everything in our power to protect and his students from harm from now on."

"Ugh, calm down, it would've been a shit ton of paperwork to send you away. Do you have any idea how rare Karmaitchi are here in the U.S.? Keeping you around was the cheaper option.", Fantina points out with a hint of derisiveness.

"Hey, you're not supposed to tell them that!", Clawthorne whisper-screams at the Baphomet.

"Well I did.", Fantina nonchalantly says, shooting a daring look at the elf who glares back at her.

Ein and her sisters exchange confused looks unsure of what that was about then discretely do a three way fist bump in celebration.

"Ahem, on to Mr. Bizzell.", Clawthorne turns to Caleb and the others as they tense up expectantly, "Due to the…unique nature of your circumstances and after much debate between fellow branch leaders, they have come to agreement that you will remain as host for your students in your care under the following conditions."

Caleb and the girls were taken aback by the statement before he inhales deeply before releasing it "Ok, what are they?"

"First, you will have to complete six week of regulated community service activities at Interspecies Affairs' facility."

"Alright what else is there?" Caleb asks knowing there's got to be more.

"While doing so, you will be staying in one of the housing units on the property. Any expenses, including those related to activities, are your responsibility. Lastly, under these conditions absolutely no one is allowed to know the circumstances of your service there. If anyone learns of your involvement with the incident as of late, the conditions are forfeit and result in your immediate imprisonment of seven years in Alabama State Prison."

Caleb and the girls were shocked by the last part.

"So…as long as nobody finds out my involvement while I'm there…you won't send me to prison?", Caleb repeats.

"That is correct. You will remain as the host of you students and, once your service is over, be allowed to return home and resume your daily life.", Clawthorne explains, "Is that acceptable?"

"Yeah, that's fine by me. Moon pie, Fuzzy, Camilla? What about y'all?", Caleb accepted before confirming with the others.

"It's…fine. If this is really the best outcome then…I'm by your side all the way, Dear."

"I'm fine with it too, Chief. As long as it means we can stay together as a pack in the end."

Camilla doesn't answer, visibly displeased by the idea of being separated from her lover and being somewhere if someone threatens him she wouldn't be there. Not to say she didn't have any faith that he couldn't protect himself. It was just her instincts, "I will accept…but only if I am allowed to go as well."

The others look to her incredulously, as Fantina shakes her head.

"I'm sorry but we cannot allow that.", Clawthorne answers plainly

"And why not?", Camilla demands.

"You're presence would pose a security risk and we can't have a host's student with him as he serves his time.", The elf answers as Camilla shoots her a glare.

"How I be sure ju can protect him?! I just doubt the guard's their will have incentives to keep him safe."

"I can promise his safety. The MON there are highly trained."

"Camilla, please...", Caleb utters softly

"I just…I just can't accept this, Senor.", Camilla spoke, casting her gaze down, as Ein and the others are taken aback.

"Aw, come on.", Zwei mutters facepalming along with Ein shaking her head. Mirabelle and Lyca give her disappointed looks.

"Are you fucking serious? You must be stupid or something.", Fantina demands, getting the Elder Devil's attention.

"What?"

"Ms. Fantina, let me han–"

"No no, shut up for a minute!", Fantina cuts off the elf as she walks to the Elder Devil looking up at her, "This guy just is willing to accept his punishment AND had enough consideration to seek your approval and you won't even accept it cause you can't stand being a part for ONE month? You realize how much you just disrespected him and the others, right?"

"Que?! I…", Camilla was taken aback by the accusation but stands her ground, "I only want what is best for mi familia!"

"Don't you mean for you! Cause everyone else agreed to it. All you've done is call him weak and need YOUR protection along with disregarding his choice in favor of what you want. He's a grown man, not a kid for you to spoil whenever you want.", Fantina said getting more agitated as she spoke.

"T-That's not what I meant! I just…", Camilla wanted to retort, looking to Caleb, realizing how she was treating him right now.

"You just want there to be a better option? Well, sorry, Honey, but these are the cards you've been dealt with. It's the best hand you're getting.",

Camilla went quiet again before taking a seat looking towards the floor in frustration. She felt helpless. The thought of being separated from him was unfathomable but…she supposed it was better knowing she had a CHANCE of seeing him again. It's more than what she has when it came to her mother. She was just afraid of repeating that same feeling.

Caleb then takes her by the hand as she looks to him, their eyes meeting.

"I know this is hard for you as it is for me but, like she said, this is our best option. I'm willing to do what I need to for y'all but…I gotta know you're ALL with me too."

"...I am, Senor.", Camilla spoke softly, gently squeezing his hand, "I always am."

"I understand your concerns after what happened Ms. Sartana but you don't have to worry. I.A. is a very secure location with ICEP personnel everywhere. One of the Zyklons will also accompany him as additional protection.", Clawthorne assured them catching the Karmaitchi attention.

"Wait, which one of us?", Zwei asks.

"We'll leave that for you three to decide.", Clawthorne replied before turning back to Caleb and the others

"So, when do we need to leave anyway?", Caleb inquires.

"There's still a few…details we need to have in order, which you will be involved with, before moving forward. We intend to have everything in order, and you on your way, before Monday.", Clawthorne answers.

"Which is her tedious way of saying, get all your shit squared away while we get ours squared away.", Fantina nonchalantly adds as Clawthorne shoots her glare.

Caleb looks to Mirabelle and Lyca, who nods in agreement, then looks to Camilla who, reluctantly, accepts it as well.

"Alright. Understood ma'am.", Caleb politely replies to the Elf woman.

"Ahem, ok, so before we leave for now, any questions?"

"Yes, um, I have one that's been bugging me.", Mirabelle spoke up, raising her hand like a middle schooler, getting the others attention before pointing at Fantina, "Why is she here?"

"And here we go.", Fantina rolls her eyes.

"FINALLY someone said it!", Zwei bursts out, clearly tired of not addressing the elephant (or goat) in the room.

"I've been holding back until now but I REALLY want to know.", Ein emphasized.

"And what is up with the clothes? She looks like a little red riding hood, emphasis on the HOOD.", Drei comments.

"I swear, I will–", Fantina retorts at the short wind weasel, summoning her scythe and putting her sisters and the others on edge, but was stopped by Clawthorne blocking the Baphomet path with a stern glare. Fantina reluctantly withdraws, teleporting her scythe away with a frustrated grunts then folds her arms, scowling.

"As I said before, Agent Sterling couldn't make it because he was busy with urgent matters. I won't go into details but…they concern his new ICEP student. He simply asked me to watch her for today.", Clawthorne says looking at Fantina, who doesn't respond but her demeanor shows her displeasure and embarrassment.

Ein and Zwei, along with Caleb and the others eyes widened, flabbergasted by what they just heard. Drei raises an eyebrow, intrigued by how much the circumstances have changed than even she predicted.

"WHAT?!", The group shouted all in unison except for Drei who reaction to this was…

"Well, isn't she the living definition of a rollercoaster life?"

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WN

Sup Fam! Hope everyone enjoying 2023 so far? If not, don't worry the year just started. I'm sure things will change, maybe even tomorrow! Never know so keep your chin up so you can see your victory!

First chapter of the 2023 and we already hitting the ground running. I'm excited for so many things this season, The Amphetamine Team, Interspecies Affairs', and so much more. Thanks again to my wonderful beta readers and Cowriter Sandshrewmaster and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for the Bizzell Household as I'm sure you all are!

Again, if you haven't already, be sure to check out the fan art from some of my wonderful readers on my DeviantArt/GoatmanofAnime. On top of writing the chapter and my work at the firm, I'm also been working with my manga artists. Been making…slow but steady progress with chapter one even with things like financial and tech issues, creative differences, and one of my artist leaving to do his two years of military service in Korea. I hope 2023 will be the year I see it come to fruition.

Welp, that's all I have to say, see ya next time. Peace Fam!

*'My Mind' by ProducedbyMelv on YouTube plays in the background*