Chapter 65: Good Christian Fun
"Been a long time, Caleb." The man called said Christian.
"Yeah, guess it has.", Caleb answers, stepping up to the man.
For a moment, there was a tense silence as their respective students watched as both human males appeared to size each other up. on Mirabelle and Ein looked on with concern. Drei apparered indifferent yet curious to what will happen. Camilla glares at Aurelia, who had a confident smile, as she readied to defend her man.
Right when it looked like both men were about to throw hands, they instead clasped hands in a brotherly display of affection, much to the other's surprise.
"HAHA! My man! What's good?!", Christian asked with a big smile on his face to Aurelia's confusion.
"Nothing much, man just carrying on. What about you? How long has it been?", Caleb replies, equally enthused as Mirabelle and the others exchange confused looks.
"At LEAST three years man. Goddamn time goes by fast!"
"I know that's real. You are just spittin' facts right there! But damn, it's good to see you—"
"EXCUSE ME?!", Aurelia blurted out, tired of being out of the loop, "What is the meaning of this, Master?! Do you already know this apostate?!"
"Apostate? Ari what are–"
"I-I want to know what's going on as well, Dear!", Mirabelle stated, getting a look from Aurelia.
"Oh, right, sorry. Girls, this is Christian Bautista, he's an old buddy from my college days. Christian, these my homestays, Mirabelle, Camilla, Ein, and Drei. There's two more but they're off playing a game right now", Caleb explains, introducing each of the girls as both Zyklon sisters pick up how he referred to them as his students. They figured he probably wanted to create less questions that way.
"Whoa! You have SIX students?! I thought the max was five though?", Christian pondered as Aurelia looks to them suspiciously.
"It's a long and complicated so I won't bore you with the details. Basically, ICEP made a little exception.", Caleb replies before quickly changing the subject, "I…see you're host now too."
"Yep! How crazy is it that we each have a centaur? I guess we both have good taste.", Christian remarks with a cheeky grin as Mirabelle glances away nervously.
"Do not be so coy, Master. Such praise is wasted on the likes of her kind.", Aurelia remarks, as Mirabelle recoils behind Caleb.
"Hey!", Caleb stated, taking offense.
Camilla raises her hand with a scowl, conjuring a tiny ball black and red ball of energy at her fingertips. Ein casually forces the Elder Devil's hand down much to her discontent.
"Ari! I'm so sorry, she can a bit…headstrong sometimes.", Christian apologies as Aurelia scoffs looking away, "Where were you guys headed anyway?"
"We we just gonna grab some lunch over there. These three here have already grabbed a snack so it's just me and Camilla", Caleb remarks as Mirabelle blushes in embarrassment and Camilla looks to him sighing as she dissipates the spell.
"Oh cool! We were just about to grab some food too. Why don't you join us?"
"What?!", "Que?!", "What?!", Aurelia, Camilla, and Mirabelle exclaimed simultaneously.
"I mean…I'm all for it but well…things are kinda volatile between your houseguest and mine.", Caleb replies, looking to Aurelia who scoffs at him.
Christian looks between Aurelia and the others of Caleb's household, "I see. Then that's even more reason for you to join us. Let's try and iron this all out and get along. Besides, I really would like to catch up man."
"Yeah, I'm sure you would but…we should just go…", Caleb sighed as Mirabelle and Camilla look to him, sensing his disappointment. They could tell he wanted to spend time with an old friend but also put their feelings as top priority. Both started to feel a bit guilty for inadvertently stifling him.
"We'd love to join you!", Ein spoke up, to the other's surprise, "I'm certain both you and Mr. Bizzell have a LOT of stories to tell. While observing confidentiality, of course."
"T-T-That's right." , Mirabelle spoke up this time, giving a smile to Caleb, "It'd be a shame to not be acquainted with one of my Dear's friends. I'm quite curious to know about you too."
Aurelia give the Nightmare an incredulous stare, trying to understand what game she is playing at. Was she trying to pry information to use against her and her master later? Not on HER watch! Two can play at that game! She would protect the man she held dear no matter what!
"In that case, I agree! I would like to know more of YOUR master, Nightmare. Let us compare our master's strengths and weaknesses! I am CONFIDENT that MY CHRISTIAN has far fewer of the latter!", Aurelia haughtily spoke as the others look to her in surprise at her one-eighty.
"Hey, come on now.", Christian lightly scolds.
"Huh, someone's easy to read.", Drei remarks.
Camilla, not really caring about the human or his disrespectful centaur, decides she'd go along with it for Caleb's sake.
"I am…fine with it….too Senor.", Camilla begrudgingly spoke, hands on her hips.
Caleb looks to the girl in surprise, quickly replaced by appreciation for their consideration before looking to Christian, "Alright, let's grab something to eat."
"Yeah, bet, bro! Hey, besides I have some WILD shit to tell y'all about this man. ", Christian remarks slyly, making a whispering gesture towards Mirabelle and the others.
"Ah, nah! No no no, don't you start that! Don't you start! I know damn well…", Caleb started as the group moves towards red canopies.
As they moved, while two men bickered, both Centaur gave their respective partner a loving grin and nodding along to whatever they said but then glared daggers at one another.
….
While that was going on, Andrew Jr. could be seen preparing with the other men in his group for their part in today's service. He also glances around as if looking for something…or, more accurately, someone.
"Where is he? It's just about one now.", He says looking at his watch.
"Hey, y'all almost ready?", Loretta says walking up to the group, "The band already done setting up."
"Yeah, just about. We got t–", Junior says before looking around, "Where the hell Rufus gone at?"
Junior and Loretta then see the old human man further talking up a seemingly disinterested female Dark Elf sitting at a picnic table.
"Ain't this somethin'? Hold up.", Loretta remarks incredulously before going over to him calling out, "RUFUS! GET YO PLOTTIN' ASS OVER HERE FER' I DRAG YOU THROUGH THIS DAMN GRASS!"
"Lord, that fool stay prowlin'.", Luther remarks, shaking his head as Andrew agrees adjusting his collar, "And then Loretta, the main one, wanting to show the liminals how we do good Christian hospitality."
"Yeah, she about to show how we do a good Christian ass whoopin' ", Junior remarks chuckling as Luther bursts out laughing as well.
"Afternoon, my brothers!", Stated another males voice getting their attention as they turn to see a tall, dark skin well-dressed human man in dark blue suit, red handkerchief in suit pocket, black tie with white collar shirt, and black dress shoes. Draped around his shoulders was white clergyman sash with golden crosses at each end. He was bald with a neatly trimmed black beard that was noticeably graying and wore thin framed glasses. Given his rather muscular, imposing build and height, some people often confused him for Shaquille O'Neal even though he never played basketball all that much. He offers a handshake to Andrew Junior.
"Afternoon Reverend Kirk! You ready for this service?"
"As much as I wanna say 'yes', I can't shake this…unease.", Reverend Kirk replies.
"What do you mean?", Luther asks.
"I mean, is what I am about to say is truly what these people want to hear."
"It's not about what they want, Reverend, it's what they NEED to hear. You know that?"
"Yes. It doesn't matter who or what they either too.", Reverend Kirk replies looking around at the liminals enjoying themselves among the humans, paying extra attention to the few devils in the crowd, "…I never realized how much we preach the word while also enforcing the Devil as the enemy of mankind. We grew up with that. It was beaten into our soul by the same folks who had it beaten into them. Now we live in a world where devils are everywhere…and most of them are nothing like we were cvs told. How am I supposed to preach acceptance for the devil?"
Luther and Andrew Jr. look to him quizzically, realizing what he was saying was the truth. An ugly one at that. Andrew then walks up to him.
"The same way you preach acceptance for ANY person."
Reverend Kirk ponders his words a moment then taking a deep breath, "We're going to lose even more members if I go through with this sermon, I hope you know that?"
"If they leave, they were never true servants of the Lord. Just to themselves.", Andrew Junior plainly spoke.
Reverend Kirk thought for a second then turned away from them, clenching his fist, "I'll see you both in a little while."
As they watch him leave, they look to each other.
"Everyday feels like a new test. Wonder if we ever gonna pass it or we just gonna keep repeating the same mistakes.", Luther remarks.
"That's why we gotta learn. We ain't that damn old, Luther. We got to it these kids gone have a chance.", Andrew Junior answered.
"Yeah, you're right."
….
While that was going on, Caleb's group could be seen sitting at a couple of picnic tables near some trees enjoying their food. Camilla sat next to Caleb, feeling uneasy after having to tolerate inane comments and prying eyes of strangers when getting her food, while Mirabelle kneeled her lower body near the edge of the table beside him. She tried ignoring the cold glares the centaur opposite of her was giving as she ate while both Zyklons sat across enjoying the delicious southern grilled chicken and pork chops.
At the same time, Caleb and Christian spent some time catching up on what the other's been up to after graduating.
"Whoa, cool man, so you design like the gas turbines for like the power plants and rockets and stuff?"
"Yeah, mostly the latter though. Our biggest client is all about the best turbine engines used for aircrafts."
"Nice! I know that pays well!",
Aurelia scoffs, taking a bit of fluffy cornbread, giving a side glance towards Caleb seeing his response.
"Yep! Yeah…sure does.", Caleb remarks, forcing a smile before turning up his water bottle, silently hoping that'll still be the case later on, "So, what have you been up to?"
"Oh I–", Christian started before Aurelia jumps in.
"Well my Christian has a much more noble calling that shows his chivalry and honor that TRULY helps people!", Aurelia proudly proclaims as Camilla and gives her blank stare as Christian gets nervous and embarrassed.
"Ahem, I'm actually a massage therapist. It's…hardly what I call chivalrous, some of my clients ARE men too."
"Oh, really? Cool. I remember you talking about wanting to go into the medical field.", Caleb replies, ignoring Aurelia, as Drei raises an eyebrow, looking up with a mouthful of pork.
"Which kind of message movement do you most commonly use?" Drei asks after swallowing her pork.
"It kinda depends on the clients particular needs but the most common I've used is effleurage. It's especially effective with older clients experiencing muscle tension and back problems."
"Not a bad choice. Personally, I prefer the use of acupressure. It's really effective for relaxing chi channels and promoting tissue reconstruction." Drei said can see he knows what he talking about.
"I actually have been looking into techniques like those. In fact, I'm even working with ICEP to work on liminal patients too. Aurelia here is actually my first centaur testee. So far, my technique is pretty good according to her, hence why she's quick to sing my praises."
"That is not true! I said you were phenomenal and–", Aurelia stated with a heavy blush at the memory of his hands running all over her lower body as upper human back before noticing the others watching and quickly corrects herself, "Ahem, I mean, your skills are unmatched, my master. It's an honor to be of valued service that benefits others of MY kin.", She says with emphasis hoping to provoke a reaction from the Nightmare, who looks away.
"That being said, you seem to know a lot about the subject. Are you a tissue specialist?", Christian asks the small wind weasel.
"I'm an Everything Specialist " Drei plainly replies, looking him dead in the eye.
"Ha! That is a hilarious joke, cat!", Aurelia chortles, mockingly.
"That's facts.", Drei remarks, unfazed.
"It's true. She knows her stuff now. Also their not cats their weasels.", Caleb joins in, lightly corrected the blonde centaur.
"Whatever! It does not change the undeniable fact that MY master actually HELPS people rather than line his pocket for himself." Aurelia stated as Mirabelle felt a surge of anger shoot through her.
Camilla slams her fist against the table, "What would JU know?! A pendaja like you has NO idea what he–"
"Camilla!", Caleb stated stopping the Elder Devil tirade before she says something they didn't need others to hear. Camilla shoots a glare towards the Centaur then clicks her teeth in discontent.
"I'm SO sorry. She's normally not like this. What's gotten into you today?", Christian asks, confused by his homestays hostile behavior toward his friend.
"It's a long story, buddy to get to poin-" Caleb tried to tell his friend before Aurelia jumps in.
"I will tell MY master, thank you!", Aurelia stated, catching the attention of a few people and children nearby.
"Senor. I swear to Discord…if she yells at us one more fucking time…", Camilla utters, quickly reaching the limit of her patience as Caleb takes opportunity to rub her back trying to calm her. Mirabelle was also trying her best to remain calm.
Aurelia shoots the devil woman a look, "Anyway, that man you call your friend, master, is an apostate that has taken a heathen such as her as his steed. Before I met you, I offered him the chance to be with a true knight and pure blooded descendant of Chiron, such as myself, and break that heathen's spell on him through a duel of skill. Little could I predict that HE chose to be with her and live their abominable union together."
"In normal people talk, she tried to make me her master, I said no, she wouldn't accept that, then challenge mirabelle to race, lost, complained, then fucked off to who gives a damn.", Caleb sums up briefly as Mirabelle and Camilla look to him amused and Aurelia scowls at him.
"Ohhh, now it makes it sense.", Christian says now comprehending their beef as Drei gives him a dubious look.
"No the hell it didn't.", Caleb lowly remarks, scooping some Mac and cheese in his mouth.
"Still, it doesn't matter what your beef with each was back then. We're out here on a really nice Sunday so let's put that to rest and enjoy ourselves. Sound good?", Christian says, trying to mediate the group.
"Couldn't agree more, Mr. Bautista. This is an especially good time for us all to learn more about human Christianity.", Ein points out.
"Not sure how much you'll learn from one revival today but it's at least good exposure. That's why I got Aurelia and myself out today.", Christian points out.
"I cherish the experience, either way.", Aurelia assures.
"Yeah, I'm kinda just out here today because of my uncle. He's a deacon or something in his church and they're doing this performance later at two.", Caleb replies.
"Oh yeah! How is your uncle?"
"Well-meaning but intrusive, as always.", Caleb says noticing Mirabelle pouting in displeasure, "Buuut he says they need to experience the Christian life too so…brought'em out. Still not all for the faith."
"It's still good you're getting them exposed to the faith, even if you're inner agnostic is probably groaning non-stop.", Christian joked, knowing his friends views on religion.
"I'm mostly tuned in and out at this point. Besides, my uncle really likes these girls too, especially Moon pie.", Caleb remarks gesturing to his girlfriend, who lightly blushes with a grin.
'Tch, so she's worked her charm on THIS fool's uncle as well? Despicable wench!', Aurelia thought, sneering at her.
"Well now, you seem like a fairly reasonable and sensible person compared to your houseguest. That's why I'm wondering HOW exactly this whole thing came to pass?", Drei asks, circling a chicken leg stripped of meat at the human and centaur.
"Yeah, I've been wondering that too.", Caleb agrees as Mirabelle nods.
"Hm, well if you MUST know, after being thoroughly disappointed with my previously sought after master, I was narry out of options. I feared I had failed and would have to return home a disgrace to my clan. That is, until one fateful evening, a stumbled into a grizzly scene of a group of humans that call themselves 'Hunters' attempting to abduct two weremouse girls working at a local cafe. I, an honorable knight, could not allow such unscrupulously, diabolical behavior to occur so I leapt into action. I swiftly defeated the first three with ease but, in my haste, two more flanked me and forced me to the ground. Two both pulled out firearms and would have shot until, like a phantom in the night, HE appeared and defeated both assailants saving my life!", Aurelia stated clenching her hands to her heart, swooning at the memory of their first encounter.
"Wait, is that true?! Are you ok?", Caleb incredulously asks, more concerned than impressed, looking to his old friends.
"Yeah, more or less. Honestly, I was just passing through on the way home when I found her. Those guys were arrested and those girls were allowed to go home so it all worked out. Heh, I guess those self-defense classes back in the day came in handy. You still doing judo, Cal?"
"You could say that. Though my repertoire has improved lately.", Caleb replies with a knowing smirk at Mirabelle who smirks back.
"Hmph, it matters what you add to your repertoire my Christian will always be stronger. I knew right at that moment he was a master worthy of a knight, such as myself.", Aurelia proudly proclaims to most of the others annoyance.
"When exactly did all of this occur?", Ein curiously asked.
"Three weeks ago.", Christian answered.
"Three weeks?!", Caleb and Ein stated in surprise.
"I know right? It feels a lot longer than that since she and I have been living together as a host family.", Christian acknowledges rubbing the back of his head, "In fact, a whole has happened since then. First the mass shooting in South Carolina then I'm sure you guys heard about that host that went on a whole crusade to save his student right?! Crazy!"
Caleb nearly chokes on his food, as the girls are taken aback, upon hearing that.
"Oh! Dude, you alright?"
"Koff*…yep, I'm good, I'm good. *Koff* went down the wrong windpipe.", Caleb clears his throat as Camilla gently but firmly pats his offering him a bottle of water.
"To answer your question, yes, we do know about. I doubt there's anyone who doesn't at this point.", Ein says in humdrum tone.
"Not helping.", Drei utters under her breath for her sister to hear.
"True. But you can't deny, after that tragedy with innocent people dying it feels like hope got restored knowing there people willing go through something that extreme for their homestay. There's hope for us humans yet.", Christian expresses as Caleb give a small, slightly satisfied grin.
"I would not say that, ju all have MILES to go before ju are anything close to respectable. Of course, exceptions can be made.", Camilla remarks as her tail coils around Caleb's lap, surprising him, before subtly winking.
"Do not listen to her, master. Humans are not perfect but it's always reassuring to know TRUE sense of justice exists among them! It is one reason our species got along so well in the past thanks to the wisdom Chiron.", Aurelia proudly stated, placing her hand atop her bountiful chest as Caleb's smile disappears immediately.
"I guess that's true too. Actually, if I'm being honest, when I first heard that my mind went to you Caleb."
Ein spits out her drink right onto Camilla as the Elder Devil glares at her wordlessly then creates a blue magic seal pulling every drop of liquid from her body, "What?! W-Why would you say that?! AHH!", Ein stated before a compressed ball of the water she just spit out splashes against her face.
"Cabrona(Dumbass)", Camilla remarks in annoyance. Drei then offers her sister napkins to wipe her face.
"Yeah, what's that gotta do with me?", Caleb says, remaining calm as Mirabelle nervously glances back and forth between them.
"It just reminded me of that incident you got involved with a few months back with the devil and the Mafia at a hotel. It almost made me think the host from the recent one might've been you.", Christian says as Aurelia gives her host an incredulous stare.
"Pfffff come man. What do you take me for? A superhero or some shit? Please, what happened during the 4th of July was a mistake. You think I'd willingly throw myself head first into something like that?! It's not who I am.", Caleb stated brushing off the claims as Mirabelle and Camilla look to him quizzically trying not to feel hurt by his words.
"Yes, of course! Caleb wouldn't do something like that going straight towards it without a plan and against suggestions others around him telling not to! THAT would be incredibly foolish! Completely idiotic!" Ein added, earning harsh glares from Mirabelle and Camilla as Caleb appears unfazed by her unintended insults.
"Again, not helping." Drei lowly said to Ein, who recoils in shame.
"That's right. What she said. Whoever it was that went through all that MUST be insane!", Caleb affirms, much to the others' shock.
"Master, I believe you are giving him FAR more credit than he deserves. From my own experience with him, he could never achieve a feat that grand alone muster the courage to even ATTEMPT it. In fact, I'm beginning to believe that "triumph" on the independence day incident was mere fluke! Probably just exaggerated his deed to make himself look better and has Devils like her go along with it.", Aurelia coldly spoke as Camilla and Mirabelle look to her incredulously, their anger rising.
Camilla nearly shot up from her seat before Caleb took her by the hand, squeezing it firmly with a serious gaze. He does the same with Mirabelle assuring them both it was fine.
Mirabelle clenches the hem of her skirt tight as Camilla takes a deep breath to relax. They understood WHY he was doing this but still…it hurt to hear him speak that way.
"Aurelia, don't you think that's a bit harsh. What's important is that people are safe in the end, right?", Christian asks, not liking her attitude towards his friend.
Aurelia quickly notices his tone and adjusts, "Y-You're right, master! My apologies, I wasn't trying to besmirch your name."
Not getting what he was trying to say at all, Christian sighs then looks at Caleb.
"In any case, whoever that guy is, it makes me glad people like that still exist in this world. It hasn't been easy for humans and liminals to really trust one another lately. Also, don't downplay what you did either Caleb you helped a lot of people too.", Christian says looking to Camilla, who appeared conflicted on how to react to that statement.
Caleb pauses a moment then replies, "Yeah…I'll try to remember that. Even if I don't want to."
"Master, you ALSO shouldn't downplay your deeds as well! If not for you, I would have been knocking upon the gates of Olympus and those girls would have met a terrible fate at those fiends hands!"
"I know and I'm more than happy you weren't hurt but still…"
Caleb looks to Christian, sensing something off with his tone before Ein jumps in.
"Ah! Mr. Biz–I mean Caleb, it's almost two in the afternoon!", She stated, hopping her feet, nearly making her breasts spill out as she adjusts her robe.
"Oh, damn. Uncle Junior doing his thing! Come on girls, bring your plate if you can.", Caleb urges them, standing to his feet as well, prompting Camilla and Mirabelle to grab their plates with leftover food while Drei quickly scarfs her food down.
"Wait, what's going on?", Christian asks, curiously.
"My uncle's doing some kind of performance for the actual sermon and choir starts soon and we are going to… listen." Caleb hesitated with the last part.
"Really? I thought you weren't a church going kind of guy last time I checked."
"Today…is special and let's just leave it at that.", Caleb replies, dodging the question, "You're both welcome to join us if you want."
Aurelia, Camilla, and Mirabelle look at him incredulously, none of them wishing to spend more time around each other.
"We'd love to! Honestly, we probably would've checked it out anyway. Right, Ari?"
"I…uh, haaa of course, master. I'm sure we'll have a nice time.", Aurelia strained out the last part, forcing a smile for her beloved master.
The group picks up whatever plate or drink they had and walk away from the table.
Camilla then walks up to her lover and lays a hand on Caleb's shoulder, leaning down close to his ear and whispering, "Senor, have ju gone loco(crazy)? I am already close to tearing her fucking head off if she utters one more word!"
"I agree.", Mirabelle whispers in his other ear, "I don't want to be around her any longer. Your friend I understand, but her?"
"It's fine, girls. Nobody's going to ruin our day. Let's be better and not give her any satisfaction.", He whispered back.
"Well said sir. It's probably best for everyone that we try to stay on neutral terms anyway.", Ein whispered, joining in.
"Stuff it, weasel. You're not off the hook for what ju said about Senor."
"What? I was just trying to sell his cover better! I don't actually…", Ein utters feeling guilty.
"I have nothing to add other than I have plenty of paralysis serum on hand if things go south, no pun intended.", Drei remarks, swashing around a vial of yellow liquid.
"Nobody's getting paralyzed! Let's just get through today with minimal bullshit. Ok?", Caleb firmly spoke, offering his hand to Mirabelle.
"...Ok.", She says before clasping his hand.
Further behind them, Aurelia walked with her host glaring at the Nightmare and dark skin human seeing them walking hand-in-hand. It made her sick but, at the same time, somewhat jealous. Her hand reaches to take Christian's hand but withdraws. For whatever reason, despite her subtle attempts to charm him with her undeniable beauty, her master was quite hesitant to show that kind of affection towards her. Why? She's perfect for him! She's a knight of noble birth after all!
Christian then notices her staring at him and gives her a caring smile that made her heart flutter as she smiles back. Though she's known him a short time, she couldn't deny the love she had for him.
'I won't give up. I'll make you mine, my master. My love is TEN–no a HUNDRED times more pure than hers!', Aurelia thought with conviction, glaring daggers at the Nightmare.
…
As the group approached the area where the choir and stage was already sought up. Several women, young and old, could be seen in burgundy gowns getting ready. Two werecat church members could be seen hand out program sheets to everyone which the group accepted as some of the older teen guys on stage couldn't help noticing the well-endowed blonde centaur and Elder Devil walking by. They found a spot with just a few enough people for them to have space and enough shade for all of them.
They were quickly joined by Zwei and Lyca, fresh off a game of fetch with another group of Kobolds. Both were surprised to meet Caleb's old friend and had mixed feelings towards the centaur from before. Nevertheless, they rejoined Caleb's group wanting to support Caleb's uncle.
Suddenly, one of the finely dressed teenage boys on stage goes to the microphone testing the volume.
"Good afternoon and welcome to Morning Star Missionary Baptist church's first 'Liminal Acceptance' rivival.", The teen says as several visitors, along with the host families, applaud.
"That's a mouthful.", Caleb remarks, reading the program pamphlet, to which Mirabelle shushes him.
"We'll begin today's service with a piece by our deacons.", The teen says, stuttering a little, before removing himself.
Immediately, Junior steps on stage along with Luther, Rufus, and a few other deacons he didn't recognize as Lyca happily calls out to him. The drummer starts off with a simple percussion then joined by the bass guitar.
Junior and the others begin to perform their own rendition of the Jubalaires gospel song 'Noah' only more upbeat and Junior was the lead. Caleb, the girls, Christian and even Aurelia couldn't help but be impressed and were applauding their performance along with the rest of the crowd.
After it was over, Junior and the other deacons exit the stage as the choir gets ready to their hymn. A tall dark skin human woman and a chubby Caucasian woman walk up on stage as the drummer lays down some nice beats.
"Alright now, y'all stick around. Pastor got something for y'all.", Junior says to a male host and his green lamia, as the pair thank him then go off to enjoy themselves more. He then looks around again, "Where the world he at? He said he was coming."
"I see you haven't lost a step.", Caleb quips, getting his and the other deacons' attention.
"Oh Lord.", One of them remarks taken aback upon noticing Camilla as Luther tries to assure them it's fine. Camilla gives a disdainful look at the men before scoffing, arms folded.
"Can't lose what you were born with nephew, hahaha!", Junior heartily chuckles, going up to them. He then notices two new faces in the group, "Oh I see y'all picked up a couple friends. Nice to meet y'all."
"This is Christian. He's a friend from college.", Caleb introduced.
"Pleasure to meet you sir.", Christian politely says, shaking his hand.
"And this is–", Caleb was, reluctantly, about to introduce the blonde but she did it instead.
"I am Aurelia Vasiliki Lambos, eldest daughter of the 1st Cavalry under the doctrine of Chiron and knight to my master, Christian Bautista! Pleased to make you acquaintance.", She bows in a chivalrous manner, involuntarily giving an eye full of her mountainous endowments.
'GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!', Rufus and the other men thought, jaws slightly dropping.
"Ahem, yeah um…nice to meet you.", Junior clears his throat, shaking her hand trying to maintain eye contact.
"It's REAL nice to meet you! I'm Rufus.", Rufus say with a wide grin, eagerly shaking her hand joined by a few others, "Christian, you a lucky man."
"Uh hehe, I guess so.", He rubs his head grinning in slight embarrassment as Aurelia blushes at his bashfulness.
"No, sir! It is I who art the lucky one. To be able to pledge my mind, soul, AND body to a worthy master such as him. I am his noble knight and steed!", Aurelia proudly proclaims as Christian recoils even more in embarrassment.
"Sheesh, and yet you're riding him harder.", Zwei remarks softly as Caleb tries to hold in a laugh.
'Haaa, at least she's distracting them enough from me, but still…', Ein thought, face palming at the shamelessness before her.
"That was awesome! I didn't know you could sing so well!". Lyca happily stated.
"And such a harmonious rhythm you all have.", Mirabelle praised with similar energy.
"You guys had me vibin'! You should do an album or something. I'd buy it!", Zwei says, making Junior and the others smile in appreciation.
"Thank you. Appreciate that darlin'. Y'all might be our first fan club!", Junior jokes then looks at Camilla, who appeared a little anxious, "So what did you think, Camilla?"
Camilla was surprised, being put on the spot not wanting their attention on her then simply replies, "It was…nice. I enjoyed it."
The other deacons exchange surprised looks, unsure of how to feel.
"That's good to hear, Camilla.", Junior assures as the Elder Devil simply nods, still cautious.
"That was an admirable performance. So, you are this man's relative. How interesting. I can at least see some resemblance.", Aurelia says with intrigue as Caleb gives her a skeptical glare.
"That's right, ma'am! This boy here has a lot of his daddy in him, but you got my sister's big wide bean head forehead!", The older man chortles teasingly, tussling Caleb's head.
"Augh, come on Uncle Junior! You trying to break my skull?"
"You know you're too hard-headed for that to happen, boy! Ain't that right, Baby Girl?"
Mirabelle lightly chuckles at them, "Hehehe, right!"
"Traitor!", Caleb stated as Mirabelle playfully shrugged.
Aurelia watches as the heathen jokes around with his uncle with a disgusted, 'Baby girl huh? I see she's definitely worked her charms onto this fool's family. Unforgivable! I haven't even met my master's family and yet she…', she thought looking to Christian gripping her fists.
"HEY Y'ALL! We having a business meeting over here?", Came the voice of Loretta as she approaches the group.
"Hey, Loretta, what you got going on? You see us up there a while ago?", Luther stated.
"I got to see some of it. I mean busy getting things ready with Pleasant Valley's choir. They just came and lord have mercy, my feet already tired. ", Loretta puffs wiggling her legs for emphasis.
"Yeah, that what happened when got them flat feet.", Rufus jokes earning chuckles from a couple other deacons and Caleb's group, "Bet if yo foot get hot enough you can make grilled cheese with them. Kyahaha!"
"Hush yo mouth! You can't tell me nothing with those SASQUATCH feet you got.", She retorts doing a head rock to add to the sassiness earning astonished or amused looks from the group.
"Hey, you know what they say about men with big feet now!", Rufus says with a wide grin as Loretta rolls her eyes.
"High blood pressure?", Drei asks with a plain expression.
Loretta and the other deacons, including Junior and Luther, burst out laughing. Even Rufus couldn't help laughing despite being the butt of the joke, couldn't help laughing too.
"Haha! Child you a mess.", Loretta chuckles, patting Drei's head.
"That was my diagnosis.", Drei says, fixing her hair.
"So, nephew, I y'all enjoying yourselves.", Junior says.
"We are! Thank you so much!", Mirabelle replies.
"Glad to hear that, baby! I had seen you and Caleb over there eating a while ago.", Loretta joined in.
"Yeah, this one here really loves cornbread. Careful y'all might give her a new addiction that I won't be able to quench.", Caleb remarks playfully patting the Centaur's head.
"Not as much as this one loves his Dr. Pepper. I dare say his blood is made of the stuff at this point.", Mirabelle teases poking his finger into his cheek, inciting a few chuckles from Junior and the others.
"Haha, y'all both crazy.", Rufus chuckles, "Y'all make a cute couple for real."
"Yeah, he keeps saying the same thing.", Caleb says, gesturing to Junior.
"Only speaking the truth.", Junior remarks, "Honestly, anyone of these three would make a good wife for you someday."
Upon hearing that, Mirabelle, Lyca, and Camilla's hearts all skip a beat and their cheeks flush. Despite knowing they're relationship already, it's a whole different feeling having it acknowledged by someone outside of their group.
Aurelia was also taken aback by his statement for different reasons.
"I won't deny that, uncle, but I'm not exactly ready for marriage, yet.", Caleb replies ending with a subtle wink towards Mirabelle making her smile.
"Well don't wait too long. You and your friend here are some fine young men. Don't end up like this fool, divorced twice.", Loretta cautions, gesturing to Rufus.
"Why you always use ME as an example?!", Rufus stated in annoyance.
'What is going on? How are they so friendly to that…thing? Don't they know what she is?! No, of course not. These humans are totally oblivious to the true nature of her kind. Then, it's up to me to show them the way. Like the flame of Prometheus I shall be the one to remove the ignorance they're blinded by!' Aurelia thought as she ready herself for when she acts.
"Mhm, anyway, y'all staying longer to hear the preacher's sermon? Should be in a couple hours.", Loretta asks.
Caleb was surprised by the question, "Well–"
"Definitely!", Lyca stated, jumping in.
"We wouldn't dare miss it. I'd love to see what human worship is like.", Mirabelle added as Ein and her sisters voice in agreement. Caleb wanted to object but sighs in exasperation knowing it would be in vain.
"Oh, well sho' in for somethin'! Y'all have seen the way black folks worship!", Rufus wholeheartedly stated, "Stay in long you gonna see somebody catch the holy ghost in here!"
"Holy…ghost?", Lyca tilted her head curiously then gasps, "Wait, there are ghosts here?! Girls, protect Chief!", She spoke wrapping her arms around Caleb protectively with her body going on high alert as Mirabelle and the others looked at her incredulously.
Aurelia, Christian, Junior, Loretta and the other deacons give her confused looks.
"Uhh, what's she's talking about?", Christian asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing, it's just a little game we invented a while back.", Caleb assured, petting the protective She-wolf's arms to calm her and gently get her to let go as he hugs her.
"Yeah it's something we were uh…made up. Ehehe.", Mirabelle added with a slightly nervous laugh raising Aurelia's suspicion.
"Alright then.", Junior accepted for the moment but will get some answers later since pup seemed legitimately scared.
"Ok. So who's your new friends?", Loretta looking at the blonde centaur and Christian.
"Greetings! I am Aurelia Vas–
"THESE FOLKS OUT OF THEIR DAMN MINDS!"
An irate voice interrupts her catching the large group's attention as they see a few people storming off. Luther goes up to one of the men.
"Hey, Hey now! What's the problem?"
"Problem?! HA! He wanna know what the problem is. How about y'all letting these damn minions of SATAN in the church?!"
"We've been members for almost seven years now! What the hell wrong with y'all?", a woman stated.
Caleb and the others were taken aback as Camilla clenched her fists glaring at the man.
"Look, it's been clearly proven that they aren't connected to HIM! They're people just like us just trying to make their way through this world just the same." Junior said in their defense.
"HORSESHIT! They ain't nothing but a bunch of hellspawn sent to corrupt us!I just saw one of them kissing on this boy pressing her nasty body against him RIGHT by where I'M trying to eat! DISGUSTING!", He shouted as the others in his small group agree, drawing attention from others passing by.
Camilla grits her teeth as black sparks of energy ripple from her body prompting Ein to take her by the shoulder.
"Stay calm. Don't listen to him." Ein whispered to her keeping tight grip on her
"It don't matter! I'm not coming to this church no more! When Jesus come back he ain't gone see me with the Devil next to me!", Another man stated before storming off with his human girlfriend and their baby in hand.
"Enjoy rotting in hell with her! Motherfucker.", A man stated pointing his finger right at Camilla, who eyes burn red with anger, heart racing, ready to tear his jaw off to shut him up.
"Camilla.", Caleb says, getting her attention as she looks at him with a fierce gaze. She gently takes her hand, unable to stop glancing at the man walking away, "It's ok. Look at me. It's ok."
Mirabelle and Lyca also go up to comfort her along with Ein.
Camilla's expression softens, as the red glow of her eyes fades and her anger slowly dies down. She takes a deep breath and exhales, calming herself.
"Gracias, Senor. All of ju."
Rufus and the other deacons look to them curiously as does Christian who was especially fixated on Caleb. A humble grin of appreciation spread across his face.
Junior gives a disappointed look to the group walking out of the park, shaking his head as Luther approaches.
"We already knew this would happen. It only shows who the real Christians are, like you said right?"
Junior exhales, "I know."
"So sorry y'all had to see that, especially you, Camilla.", Luther apologies, looking to the Elder Devil.
"It's fine. Believe me, we've experienced worse than that.", Caleb coldly replies looking to each of the girls, "Anyway, yeah we're staying."
"That's good! Oh, I was about to ask when I came over here. Can I…borrow Ms. Camilla for a little bit? I have folks I want her to meet."
Camilla was taken aback by the request, as was Caleb, since both had no idea what she had in mind.
"I…don't know about that. I wanted us to stay in a group and not spread out too much. Plus, it's not up to me. It's totally Camilla's choice."
"Jes and I simply do not wish–"
"It'll only be for a few minutes! I promise. Please, I really need your help.", Loretta politely requests with the pleading, soulful eyes of a mother.
Camilla was taken aback trying not to look her right in the eyes then looked to Caleb unsure of what to do. He shrugs and gestures to her to 'go ahead' feeling a little bad.
"Haaa…a FEW minutas?"
Loretta's face lights up with a smile, "Yes, Ma'am! Then you go right back to enjoying yourself with Junior, nephew!"
Camilla ponders for a couple seconds, "Fine but this better not be a waste of time."
"It's not. Trust me, it'll be good for you and everyone."
"Oh! May I please accompany you both? I am curious to know these people as well. I just like people.", Ein says, trying to validate her excuse for tagging along.
"Sure, you can come along. Ok, follow me now."
As Camilla follows to elderly woman, unsure of what to expect but keeps on guard, Ein darts over to Caleb.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure she doesn't do anything rash.", She whispered before going to catch up with the pair.
Camilla looks back to Caleb and the others as her lover smiles, assuring they'll meet up again later.
"Alright nephew, we're just gonna leave y'all to it. See you later. Don't forget now."
"I won't. You've chiseled it into my forehead at this point.", Caleb remarks, earning amused chuckles from the other deacons.
Junior and the rest of the go off on their way, leaving to group to themselves.
"Heh, you all seem to get along well. I can tell your uncle really likes all your homestays. I wonder which is his favorite.", Christian remarks, fake pondering as Aurelia and the others give him mixed expressions, "Ha! I'm jokin'! I know you all are."
"Knowing him, that's likely the case. Pretty sure he sees these girls as family by now.", Caleb affirms as Mirabelle and Lyca smile at him, hearts warmed by the sentiment.
"Thank you, Dear.", Mirabelle blissfully spoke as Aurelia sneered at her in disgust.
"Oh really? Does that include us too?", Zwei slyly remarks, gesturing between her and Drei.
"Probably but I think of you more as those cousins who just spawn outta nowhere and are now my close friends somehow..", Caleb replies.
"Sounds accurate enough.", Drei comments.
"So, what do y'all wanna do until this sermon they keep hyping up?"
"Oh! There's a bunch of games over there we can try!", Lyca stated, pointing to a distant area of the park where humans and liminals were playing football, racquet games, horseshoe toss and other activities.
"Alright, why don't we check out a–"
"Who gave YOU the right to dictate where we go and what we do?! You're not the boss of anyone here! We go where WE choose and we choose not to play some childish games!", Aurelia immediately chews out Caleb, glaring scornfully at him.
"I'm fine with it. It looks like it'll be fun.", Christian remarks.
"I couldn't agree more, Master! Some thrilling recreational activity can be good for one's spirit after all! Lead the way.", Aurelia cheerfully praised, following close to him.
Caleb and the girls pause for a moment in pure annoyance at the blonde centaur complete one-eighty before following along.
"By the way, Caleb, your uncle kinda has a point."
"Huh? Whaddya mean?", Caleb raises an eyebrow.
"I mean you and your homestays all look good together. You all seem so close too, especially you and Ms. Marequine. Are you two dating?", Christian points out as Aurelia's eyes widen in surprise.
Caleb and Mirabelle look at each other in response then smile.
"What if I say we are?"
"Then you have my congrats bro. You finally got yourself a girlfriend! Proud of you. You're so lucky.", Christian acknowledges with a grin.
"Yeah, way more than I honestly deserve to be.", Caleb says, looking at Mirabelle then to Lyca as they both smile lovingly at him. Aurelia glares at them feeling a sting of jealousy hit her core. Suddenly, a thought occurs to him, "Oh, by the way, I just noticed I haven't seen Jamie. Are y'all still together?"
Aurelia's eyes widened in surprise thinking to herself, 'Jamie?'
"Uhh, no, we kinda broke up six months ago", Christian answered with a melancholic gaze as Aurelia senses his spiritlessness.
"Wait, really? Y'all were together for so long. What happened?!", Caleb questioned in disbelief.
"I want to say it was 'mutual' but my mother would have raised a liar so I'll just say it. Jamie cheated on me with some guy at an anime convention in Birmingham. So…yeah, that shit happened.", He says with a hurt look in his eyes.
"Damn.", Caleb utters in disbelief.
"Oh no…", Mirabelle adds, touching her mouth, feeling sorry for him.
"Master...you never told me this…", Aurelia remarks, saddened for him but also couldn't help but want to find this Jamie woman and show her what TRUE woman is like.
"Yeesh, that's rough buddy.", Zwei says, shaking her head
"Cheaters deserve a pelting!", Lyca stated with indignation, arms folded.
"The hell's a 'pelting'?", Caleb inquires, eyebrows raised.
"Don't ask.", Drei advises.
"Thanks but…I'm ok guys. Sure I sunk a lot of time, energy, money that could've been put to BETTER use but…it's not that bad. I got out of a relationship that I was no longer happy in." Christian said, putting on a forced smile.
Caleb looks to him, sensing the pain behind that smile and says, "Well, if you ever need anyone to tal-"
"Master! Clearly that Jamie was unworthy of you and your nobility and that man who seduced her and is just as vile! Those who steal from their betters are scum who don't deserve to tread on these lands!" Aurelia vehemently stated, pulling Christian close to her, pressing his head against her breasts while emphasizing the last part as she glared at Mirabelle, "I will always be by your side, Master! That woman doesn't deserve someone as wonderful as you!"
"Huh? Woman? What woman?", Christian asks while looking up from between her breasts, a bit confused.
"What do you mean 'what woman'? That Jamie tramp of course!"
"Uhh…Jamie is a guy.", Caleb points out, eyebrow raised as Mirabelle and the other girls look at them with mixed expressions.
Aurelia pauses, taking a few seconds for the information to fully register, "...Huh? Your lover…was a man?"
"Yeah? See?", Christian says, showing his phone with a picture of him and a very attractive guy with dirty blonde hair and muscular build, "I know, I should've got rid of these by now but…you know. Also, can you let me go? Your perfumes are kinda strong."
Aurelia gasps and immediately releases him, straightening her clothes, "A-Apologies. So…y-you're…"
"Gay? Yep!", Christian answered wholeheartedly as Zwei looked at him curiously.
"W-Why didn't you tell me?"
"I mean, it kinda never came up. I'm kinda staying out of the dating game for a while anyway."
"Still…"
"What? Are you BOTHERED by that or something? Didn't you just say you'd always be by his side or whatever?", Caleb accused, arms folded in disapproval towards her behavior.
"O-OF COURSE NOT! Don't put words in my mouth you heathen lover! MY feelings for master could never waver no matter what! I will be eternally loyal to him! ", Aurelia affirmed, more to herself than anyone else.
"Good, clearly he needs a friend to help him though this especially if he is trying to bottle his feels again.", Caleb points out as Christian gives him a surprised look, "Yeah, I know how you are when something like this happens, Christian."
"Heh, can never hide anything from you, Caleb."
"Nope. Now then, let's go check out some of these games.", Caleb insists, walking ahead with the girls by his side.
"Fine, just don't complain when I beat your ass in the first five minutes.", Christian says with a challenging smirk then looks to Aurelia who appeared deep in thought, "You coming, Ari?"
"O-Of course…master." Aurelia said hesitating when calling him master.
"Huh, didn't see that coming. Hey, are you still here with us or do you need a minute? " Drei said, snapping her fingers in front of Zwei's face.
"Y-Yeah I'm fine! I just …I'm fine, it's nothing." Zwei awkwardly said as Lyca looked back, slightly concerned for her friend, "Come on, let's go!"
Drei gives her sister a skeptical look before following, "If you say so."
…..
On the other side of the park, near the playground, Mary and several other church members were sitting at the stone table under a green shelter talking while human children frolicked about. One of the church members had a baby with her that was getting doted on by the older women as music from the choir on stage filled the area.
"Anna Mae! I've been lookin' for you!", Loretta calls, getting the group's attention.
"Loretta!? Hey Gir–", Anna stops mid-sentence upon seeing her friend approach with an almost seven foot Devil woman and Cat lady tailing beside her. She and the others were taken aback in shock while giving the black woman an incredulous glare.
As they got closer, Camilla grew more uneasy as their attention was right on her. She noticed a few trembling in fear.
"How y'all doing?! I want y'all to meet my new friends here, Camilla Sartana and Ein Zyklon.", Loretta stated much to the other women's surprise.
'Amiga? Since when?!', Camilla thought, shooting doubtful glares.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you all!", Ein replies, doing a gracious bow, putting the women a little at ease.
"W-Well, it's good to meet you Ein and…Camilla.", Anna said, not able to make eye contact with the Elder Devil.
"Well, let's have a seat, get to know everyone.", Loretta stated, gently patting Camilla on the shoulder, as the Elder Devil recoils at the sudden touch giving a warning glare.
"Come on.", Ein says, taking the Elder Devil's hand guiding her towards the human women as some of them quickly make room going to other tables, including the one with her baby. The pair takes a seat where only five members, including Anna, were now seated as Camilla wraps her tail around her waist to keep it out of the way.
"Loretta, can I talk to you? Right now?", Mary stated, going up to her pushing her off to the side so the Devil doesn't hear. She then quietly states, "What are you doing bringing that…thing over here?!"
"That THING has a name, and you will call her Camilla like everybody else.", Loretta replies, glaring at the slightly shorter black woman.
"I don't give a damn what her name is! Comalla, Coraline, whatever all I know is she is SATAN! Outta go back to hell where she belongs."
"She BELONGS here just like the other liminals we invited. Haven't heard you complain once about them! She hasn't even done anything to you. She seems ok to me."
"Yeah, I'm sure she does. But, listen here, what exactly separates her from the demons the Bible teaches us about? Cuz I don't see much difference between them. Both try to corrupt and destroy people, both manipulate people, both turn good folks away from God and into a life of sin. So what's the difference?", Mary demanded as Loretta looked at her in disbelief.
"Gramma!", Called a little three-year-old girl running up to Mary.
"Heyyyy baby!", Mary says, bending slightly and picking up the child as Loretta smiles.
"Why yelling?", The child asks innocently.
"Nothing, everything is just fine baby. You around good Christian folks.", Mary says shooting a cold glare before walking off, "Go on and play now. Mama will come back in a little bit."
"So that's it? That's the kind of thinking you want your grandchild to grow up with?"
"You mean to not trust these demons around us? Yeah.", Mary remarks coldly, "They don't belong here anyway."
Loretta looks at the woman with an unflinching gaze, "They said the same thing about black folks."
Mary looks at her not responding before shaking her head then walking away. Loretta shakes hers in pity watching as her church member leaves.
"Auntie!"
A voice catches her attention before she turns to see three small children, two girls and a boy, going up to her putting a smile on her face.
While that was going on, Ein and Camilla were getting comfortable; one more so than the other.
"So…are y'all joining our church?", Anna Mae asks cautiously as the other members look at them with hesitation.
"Not at the moment, we're just out today with Mr. Bizzell. You know, a little exposure to Southern christianity?" Ein said with smile
"Oh, y'all know Andrew?! Are y'all his homestays with that ICEP program or something?", One of the other women asks curiously.
"Well, no, we're here with Caleb Bizzell, his nephew. He's her host, I'm just an agent accompanying them.", Ein answered as Camilla gives a skeptical look.
"Ohh, you, I've lived with his nephew! Ok! I haven't seen him in a long time! How is he doing? Y'all like living with him?", She asks before Ein looks at Camilla expectantly.
Camilla sighs and honestly says, "Jes, I enjoy every moment I am with him.", Anna Mae gives a curious look, sensing a bit of sincerity in her tone.
"Well that's good. I hope he's helping you adjust to living here."
"It has been…difficult but bearable because of him.", Camilla says with a small grin.
"Heyyyy, I'm back. Look who I got with me", Loretta happily stated, coming up to the group with three young human children running up to the table as Camilla looked at them in surprise, "I like y'all to meet my nieces, Kayla and Serena, and my nephew Deondre. Y'all say hi to Ms. Ein and Camilla."
"Hiii!", The children stated, all intrigued by the Karmaitchi and Elder Devil.
"Hello. So cute.", Ein expressed as Camilla glances to the side, unsure of how to deal with kids.
"Are you a cat?", Loretta's niece Kayla asks.
"Uh, no, I'm a weasel little one. A Karmaitchi actually.", Ein clarifies.
"You're Caramel weasel? What the world?", The girls sister remarked, sounding confused as a few women, including Loretta, chuckled. Ein herself couldn't help being amused by her innocence.
"Where's Mary going?", Anna Mae asks, seeing the woman walking away.
"Said something about her daughter forgetting her other baby's pampers. She grabbed some from her car.", Loretta lied.
"She is always forgetting that baby stuff. These young folk get these kids and don't know what they are doing. Just like mine over there", Anna Mae remarks as her daughter rolls her eyes.
"Then they got the nerve to try them on us like we don't have lives too. Hah, the devil is a li–", one of the members says before catches herself as Camilla shoots her a look, daring her to finish her sentence.
"Can you fly?", The little boy asks the Elder Devil, getting her attention. He was curiously looking at her large bat wings. A few of the church women immediately became nervous.
"Huh?"
"You got bat wings, so can you fly? Are you a vampire bat?", The little boy, Deondre asks curiously excitedly.
"I'm…a Devil.", Camilla answered the boy, a bit weirded out by him staring so fixated at her wings, "Also, jes, I can fly but only with enough mana."
"You're a Devil? Mama says the devil is bad. He always tries to hurt everybody. Are you bad?", Kayla says pointing at Camilla, who gives a light scowl.
"Mama said i-if we're bad the devil will come get us that's why you gotta pray.", Serena adds with an innocent sway, repeating her parents words while oblivious of the weight they carry.
"Nono, Kayla, Serena, that's a DIFFERENT kind of devil. Camilla and others like her aren't like that at all.", Loretta clarifies much to Camilla's surprise.
"She not?", Serena asks, tilting her head looking at the Elder Devil.
"That's right, little ones. Don't let her menacing exterior fool you, she's really sweet", Ein quickly jumps in as Camilla gives her an annoyed glare, "HEY! Did you know that Camilla is an amazing artist?"
"Oh, is she now?!", Loretta says, intrigued, "What kind of stuff do you like to draw?"
"N-Nothing special. Mostly people I know or am close to and sometimes landscapes and other things that interest me. But, again, nothing special", Camilla says, not wanting the attention.
"She's being modest. Here, check this out.", Ein says, taking out her phone and bringing up pictures of some sketches Camilla has done showing them around.
"Que?!"
"Oooohh, these are so good! Are those flower cactuses? Here look y'all! Like look at these. Aint that pretty?", Loretta acknowledges as the other women look at the phone, all expressing their admiration for the art.
"Wha?! WHERE DID JU GET THOSE?!", Camilla stated, her cheeks with embarrassment.
"Who's that lady?" Kayla asked, seeing a sketch of a very beautiful woman with Devil horns and a loving smile.
"I don't know, she's really pretty even though she got horns.", Anna Mae acknowledges as the girls agree before, to her and the others surprise, the phone starts glowing with blue aura and levitates over to Camilla who snatches it when it was in grabbing range.
"This mi Madre! She is not merely 'pretty'! She is BEAUTIFUL! Ju do well to remember that.", Camilla glares at her, clenching the phone. Anna Mae and a few others were taken aback by her sudden fierceness.
"What's a Maudrey?", Deondre asks, looking up with curious eyes prompting Camilla to look away.
"She means her mom, little one.", Ein answers.
"Ohh, this is your mother?! Haha, now it makes sense. Better put some respect on Mama huh? I perfectly understand that. Believe me, I was a Mama's girl too. ", Loretta stated trying to put her and the others at ease.
Camilla glances away with a slight blush in embarrassment.
"I believe it.", Anna Mae voiced in agreement, "Y'all just like my grandbaby over there with her mama. Anybody else besides me or her try holding her, she starts hollerin'."
"Ma!?", A dark skinned woman, who looked to be around 26, spoke from the table behind them not wanting to draw the Devil's attention. She held a female infant in her arms that looked to be barely a year old.
"Awww, she's so cute. Right, Camilla?", Ein croons, at the infant.
Camilla looked at the human baby, who stared back curiously, while its mother glared at her with distrust. Camilla turns away from them both, feeling a sudden aching in her chest staring at the phone with her mother's picture.
"Camilla?", Ein spoke.
"Is your mama here too?", Deondre asks, to her surprise, sitting on his knees next to her looking at the phone.
"No, she is not.", Camilla answers plainly.
"Where is she?"
Camilla pauses, staring wordlessly at the device before answering plainly again, "...I don't know."
Loretta, along with the other church members look to her quizzically sensing the sincerity in her voice. Even Anna Mae's daughter's expression softened in surprise hearing the hurt in the demon's voice.
Camilla suddenly feels a tiny hand against her shoulder.
"Don't be sad.", Deondre spoke with a worried expression, looking up with kind brown eyes.
Camilla was taken aback by the gesture, unsure how to react at first then gently but cautiously pats his head giving a small grin, "Gracias…"
Loretta and the other women look upon the scene in astonishment. None of them believed the day they'd see a demon with an oddly human spirit.
"Ms. Camilla, can we see the floaty thing again?", Kayla asks, looking up at the She-Devil with sparkling eyes.
"Q-Que? J-Ju mean that minor spell?"
"Spells?! Like magic spells?!", Serena stated
"Ah! That's right, little ones! Ms. Sartana can do all sorts of magic, would you like her to show you?", Ein suggests as Camilla looks at her incredulously.
"Yeah!", "I wanna see! I wanna see!", "Me too!", The three children enthusiastically stated bouncing energetically.
"Is that ok with you all?", Ein asks, looking at Loretta and the others.
"Child you good. Shoot I want to see it too.", Loretta says as Anna Mae and the others express their interest as well.
Camilla grabs the wind weasel by the arm and yanks her close, making her yelp, before whispering, "What are ju doing?"
"It's fine, just show them a few spells. You got this.", Ein assures the Elder Devil before a thought occurs to her, "Er, but no coffee snakes this time. Something…fluffier. They just wanna know more about you."
Camilla looks to Loretta and the other church members then the children. She sighs, releasing Ein before facing the group.
She holds up both hands conjuring two small green magic seals that mix together forming a jack rabbit made of air much to the children and adults amazement. It leaps around them with motions and mannerisms of the actual animal before stopping in front of Deondre, who reaches out to pet it, only for his hand to pass through. The air rabbit then nuzzles his nose making his chuckle before it vanishes with a puff.
Loretta proceeds to applaud her followed by a few other church members, the children, and Ein as well. Even the baby was seen giggling as his mother smiled at the Elder Devil.
"That was amazing! Wasn't that amazing y'all?", Loretta heartily stated.
"It sho was! Felt like I was in one of those Disney princess movies for a minute hahaha!", Anna Mae stated, clapping her hands.
Camilla looks around at their approving smiles feeling an odd sense of relief.
"That was awesome! It was just like Harry Pott–!", Serena happily stated
"No. No it is not.", Camilla interrupts, containing her irritation, as the children look at her a little confused.
"Uhh how about another spell!?", Ein interjects, quickly changing the subject.
"Yeah! Let's see more!", Deondre excitedly stated.
Camilla averts her, not wanting to look directly at the adorable creature, then replies, "Very well. Now settle down."
A fair distance away, Mary could be seen watching the group, smoking a cigarette. She could see the children levitating in mid-air laughing along with Loretta and the others allowing that spawn of Satan to corrupting those innocent minds.
'You're all lost! Every damn one of you!', Mary thought to herself, puffing smoke before turning away in disgust.
….
While that was going on, Caleb group were busy enjoying themselves.
Several green and yellow candy cane pattern poles could be seen sticking from the ground before several horseshoe went flying towards them. Three horseshoes land on each of the poles with perfect precision much to the astonishment of the other host families playing against the two Karmaitachi and werewolf.
"Heh, that the best you chumps got?", Zwei smugly says, nonchalantly spinning a horseshoe on her finger as a female lizard grumbles in frustration on her hand and feet while Lyca pumps her fist celebrating their victory.
"Dammit! How could I lose?!", The female lizardman stated before her female human host approached her.
"Wow, you two are…scary good at this game.", The host acknowledges with a grin, "You straight up massacred us."
"Well, we are assassins.", Drei remarks as the two look at her, starting to get nervous.
"When it comes to games like this, she means. It's a joke.", Zwei clarifies.
"Ohhh! Haha! Sorry for a second there we thought you were being literal.", The female host chuckles along with the Lizardman.
"Yeah, hahaha…now pay up so it stays a joke.", Zwei remarks, holding out her hand.
The human and Lizardman females tense up, sensing she was serious.
"Ooh! Ooh ooh ooh!", Lyca uttered, getting their attention.
"Lycs, you're a werewolf, not a monkey, use your words.", Zwei remarks, taking two twenties from the irritated human woman and stuffing them down in her chest.
"Look at Chief and Mira! They're really going at it!", Lyca stated, pointing to where the pair could be seen playing badminton with Christian and Aurelia.
After arriving, the group split off to whatever games interested them. Naturally, caught Caleb and Christians attention as they both used to play it together for fun in college. Christian suggested a doubles match between both pairs of hosts. The best of three rounds to eleven points wins. Its just a friendly match. Or at least HE saw it as just a friendly match.
"Rrrahh!", Aurelia shouted a battle cry, smacking the shuttlecock over the net as Mirabelle scrambles to get to it.
'Why? How could he not tell me something like that?! I'm his knight! How could I not have known?! Does this mean…we can't…we can't…', Aurelia thought in frustration, clenching her racket tightly. She then glares at Caleb with utter disdain as he concentrates on the game, 'He knew it all along. Bastard. You and that heathen won't make a fool of me!'
"Moon pie! Raise up now!", Caleb stated, getting her attention.
Mirabelle, doing as instructed, raises up on her hind legs with her racket held high. The shuttlecock taps against the surface going off course about to fall to the ground before Caleb intercepts sending it back over the net.
"That's the ticket, Dear!", Mirabelle praised.
'Would he even be willing to make an heir for our family?', Aurelia thought, starting to space out.
"Ari! It's right to you!", Christian called his partner.
Aurelia immediately snaps out of her thoughts then raises her arm going for an overhead swing. To her surprise, she misses the shuttlecock as it lands on the ground.
"Ah damn, that's a foul.", That's two points for you guys. So that's…nine for us, eleven for you guys. Guess y'all win this round.", Christian says, tallying up with his phone as Aurelia gives a disappointed look.
"Haha! Valiant footwork, Dear!", Mirabelle happily praised, high-fiving her boyfriend.
"Hey, you set them up and I knock them down! That's our dynamic, baby!", He says before chuckling with her.
"Apologies…master. I should've been more mindful!", Aurelia stated apologetically, bowing her head.
"It's alright. It's only the first round. We still have a chance.", Christian lifts her head up, giving an assuring grin.
Aurelia's heart flutters but feels conflicted at the gesture from knowing that it was purely platonic. It SHOULD be enough for her but…
"Wow, look at what we got here. A power couple vs a power…couple with a question mark.", Zwei teases as she, Lyca and Drei approach them. Aurelia scowls at the comment, knowing it was a jab at her.
"Come on, Zwei, don't start shit. We're just playing a game.", Caleb says in a serious tone.
"Ok ok, my bad. So who's winning?"
"These two so far. By the way, gotta say Caleb really hasn't lost a step even after a few years. Figured the engineer lifestyle would've slowed you down a bit.", Christian jokes.
"Well…these girls keep me movin'. I'll tell ya that much..", Caleb remarks slyly causing Mirabelle and Lyca to blush sheepishly.
Aurelia, noticing the Nightmare's blushing grin, grips her racket handle tightly to the point of nearly snapping it two feeling a surge of jealousy. She wanted nothing more right now than to shove that smug face in the dirt where it belongs.
"Ha! I believe it. I go running with this one in the mornings so I perfectly understand living with liminals requires being fit sometimes. It's worth it though.", Christian stated as Aurelia looks to him quizzically before an amazing idea hits her.
"Ah! Master? I'd like to make the next rounds more…interesting."
Christian raises an eyebrow, "Really? How's that?"
"We shall continue to game as is BUT our masters must be mounted to stop their knights. If either falls off at ANY time, the round goes to the knight still mounted.", Aurelia suggested, shooting a challenging glare at Mirabelle who recoils a bit.
"Hmm, that is interesting. Alright let's try it! That's ok with you guys?"
"Um, sure, why not. Is that fine with you, Moon pie?", Caleb asks, getting her attention. He sees the uncertainty in her eyes then assures her, "It's ok if you don't wanna, just know we're just having fun.", He assures.
Mirabelle looks at him, suddenly feeling more at ease, then takes a deep breath, "Let's do it, Dear."
Caleb gives a surprised look before smiling at her.
Both men proceed to mount their respective Centaurs, sending jolts of ecstasy through both horse women. The sight immediately catches the attention of other host families and attendees passing by. Lyca and Zyklons sat at the sidelines deciding to cheer them on.
"Oh wait! I don't think I can keep tabs on the score like this!", Christian stated.
"I'll be the ref.", Drei steps up to them as Aurelia glares down at her, "It's the roll I'm best at, apparently."
"Ok, thanks!", Christian says, handing off his phone to the weasel.
"Handing your unlocked phone to a stranger. No way this'll backfire.", Drei softly comments, walking away, swiping his screen.
'Hmph, this is perfect.', Aurelia thought haug
htily grinning with confidence seeing the bright blushes on two faces, 'I can tell just by looking at those reprobates that they haven't ridden together NEARLY as much as Master and I. Neither of you fools have a chance! I'll show them just how inferior they truly are! And…with my master on top of me like this, surely even HE will be tantalized. There's no doubt if I defeat them, he'll see me as the woman I am and…', she thought with a heavy blush and lascivious grin to herself as Christian raises an eyebrow at her from behind.
"Players ready?! First serve to Team Bautista!", Drei stated, snapping the blonde centaur from her lewd thoughts.
"Ready on our end, right Ari?"
"O-Of course! My master!"
"Team Bizzell?"
"You ready, Moon pie?", Caleb asks, laying a hand to her shoulder.
"I am, Dear. Let's give them a proper thrashing!", Mirabelle stated, locking eyes with the blonde centaur. Caleb gives Drei a thumbs up signaling they're ready.
"Begin!"
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'My-Mind by ProducedbyMelv plays in the background'