Chapter 11: Everything Stays but Changes
A month passed since that eventful 4th of July weekend. A lot has happened; so much that's it's kinda hard to pick where to start. For starters, Mon and police launched a full-scale investigation using the information they collected from the crime scenes at the motel and warehouse, the GPS in the van used by Renalds and Fat Bastard, and several testimonies from Camilla and the devil girls. Wick and his men faced rigorous interrogation, but most were unwilling to give up anything. Not even Mark or Andy, though they didn't really know very much since both arrived in Alabama barely a month prior. They are all currently awaiting trial each with a possibility of life without parole.
The hellhounds that were placed into Mon custody were also questioned. They were surprisingly less obstinate about giving up what they knew. Mainly because they said felt no real loyalty towards the organization and just wanted to get off if they could. The information they provided was substantial enough to help further the investigation. They were all soon deported and black listed by interspecies affairs. Furthermore, one of them was distraught over the whereabouts of her missing sister who disappeared at the motel. I.A. dispatched agents to locate the missing hound.
It wasn't long before Mon and the police uncovered a more disturbing conspiracy within their system. It would appear the van used by Renalds and Fat Bastard to transport Liminal cargo was one of many issued by an agent operating and dealing with Liminal black market traders. Through their influence, guys like Renalds and Fat Bastard we're able to carry about their activities all while flying under the exchange programs radar. They were immediately brought into custody and discharged from ICEP. After disclosing the names of everyone they were dealing with which led to even more arrests of these 'phony agents' and their buyers. Host families were soon warned of any possible fraudulent agents and methods to help identify them.
Second, with all these arrests the police got further and further into finally locating the underground liminal trade channel in Alabama. The police were able to find one of the Malone Family's meeting spots, a rental home near Hoover's Riverchase. The entire place had been vacated, oddly, without any trace of anyone ever being there. What's more bizarre, is that most of the furniture, floors, and even the walls in a very thin but sticky layer of red viscous fluid. According to forensics, it was some type of highly concentrated corrosion slime. It made gathering fingerprints or DNA traces impossible as it eroded away any trace.
But, the police were even more surprised by what they found in a backyard shed on the premises. It was a grisly sight of the hellhound(Scar) that was reported to have alluded capture at the motel strung up to the ceiling by her arms in chains with her kneecaps broken. She hung limply with multiple bruises littering her body and face. She was severely dehydrated. What's more her tongue had been cut out of her mouth and along with some of her fangs. Above her where the chain was affixed to, the words 'ничто болван' were etched into the support beams. It was later translated to mean, 'worthless mutt'. The hellhound was immediately brought into interspecies affairs and received four days of rigorous medical treatment. Police wanted to try questioning her, but was denied by I.A. chairperson. She appeared to be extremely traumatized and hasn't even attempted to speak a word to anyone since being admitted into care.
Nevertheless, the police and Mon forces continued to pursue the Malone Family and their associates by following different points along the trade channels. It wasn't long before they able to gradually slow the influx of extraspecies trafficking. Numerous liminals that were being abused and exploited by shady practitioners for the resources they produce or to be forced into servitude were rescued and put into the care of interspecies affairs. Although, police units were never able to arrest any other members of the Malone Family; soon concluding the organization had ceased activity due to all the heat being put on them. While this only meant the Malones simply relocated to one of their establishments further North, this also meant police had at long last succeeded in closing trade channel into Alabama. Certain information of these events would later be kept confidential from the public so as to avoid the likelihood of the exchange program losing their credibility and assurance of liminals safety in the state. It was decided the public is to know what they SHOULD know. The police and Mon forces working tirelessly to stop a group of vicious criminals. Acknowledgement of innocent people that lost their lives to these criminals and the justice for grieving families as they witnessed the murderers led out of court to prison. And to top it off, an exchange host who's courage led to their capture and rescue of several liminals and is the reason many more were saved from a similar fate.
That's how it was painted on the surface anyway. A lot of half-truths so police and Mon can save face and simultaneously gain more favor in the public eye.
But enough focusing on quasi fake news for protection of common welfare, let's get back to our main heroes.
****Present Day****
The morning sun bathed the entire city of Huntsville in warming, welcoming light accompanied by a refreshing breeze. August had come quicker this year. While this meant Autumn was fast approaching plenty of things besides leaves were changing. Elementary through college students beginning their new school year, farmers getting in a fresh harvest, weather changing on a dime, but the most prominent thing of all...football season. It is no exaggeration the Alabama is one state that doesn't simply play football, they freakin' live it. Commercials, a University, entire stores dedicated to merchandise, food, hell even fan clubs all created in support of Crimson Tide. Everywhere you go during the season you're bound to see or hear the phrase ''Roll Tide or Roll Tide Roll" from prideful if not overly enthusiastic fans. Granted it isn't the most well-liked team, in fact, it's the most hated college football teams in the South. Not because Crimson Tide are losers but because they WIN too goddamn always; pretty much fostering resentment in the college football world. Eh, price of victory. The outside of the Bizzell household was virtually same. All of the 4th of July decorations had been taken down and stored away for next year. This was the outside though, as within this seemingly peaceful home a storm was starting to brew.
Darkness. That's all Caleb could see around him as his eyes darted back and forth erratically and nervously to find... something. Anything that would assure him that safety was possible. He opened his mouth and spoke, but no sound came out. Suddenly he felt a strong pressure around his neck and he was lifted up off the ground gasping for air and flailing desperately. A pair of fiery red eyes occompanied by the sadistic wide mouthed smile of the large hellhound Chrolla filled his vision. Fear overtook all of Caleb's senses. His gaze shift for a moment and two figures stood in the distance. He recognized them as his brother and sister and they each glared with the say hateful intensity he had seen before. Chrolla then slammed him hard to the ground. He screamed and groaned and the hound chuckled boisterously at his pain. It was then Caleb heard an audible and familiar ''click". Caleb reluctantly rose his head to the pair of black pants legs in front of him. He looked upwards to the person in front of him and grew even more fearful. Wick stood above him pointing the very same P30L at Caleb's head. Caleb's legs trembled when he made eye contact with that man. Those cold, soulless eyes that invoked unease and hopelessness. The eyes of a murderer. He grinned at Caleb as the hellhound licked her lips hungrily.
"What's wrong, can't stand on your own two feet?", He taunted preparing to fire. All Caleb could do was stared down that dark barrel feeling both fear and anticipation. A part of him was about to surrender to this fate, when suddenly...
"DEAR!", called another voice. Caleb eyes widened to the sight of Mirabelle galloping to him. Her arms were outstretched with tears in her eyes. Wick's expression morphed to irritation as he then turned the gun in her direction aiming for her head. Caleb's legs stopped trembling as he rushed in front of Wick just a millisecond before...BANG!
Caleb's eyes shot open as he jerked his upper body to sit up in bed. He gasped holding his chest. "Gah! Hah haaaah shit.", Caleb sighed exhaustedly. His body was drenched in cold sweat soaking his entire t-shirt and part of his sheets.
"C-caleb... came a quiet whisper that caught Caleb's attention as he noticed the slender arm on his thigh. He calmed down a bit when he saw it was only Mirabelle. She stared with those violet eyes filled distress with tears in the corners. Her attire of a sailor moon shirt that hugged her curvaceous breasts and stomachs snuggly and cloak that stopped at her upper legs. She quivered ever so often wanting to say something but felt her words lodge in her throat.
"Hey, morning moon pie.", Caleb uttered tiredly, "You okay?"
"Y-yes... I am. But you... I", she trailed choking again.
Caleb sighed again wiping the sweat from his face then sat up on the beds edge, "Yeah, it's that dream again, you don't have to-"
"Please, don't tell me not to worry.", Mirabelle interrupted cupping his face in her hands. Caleb stared back at her and saw the anguish in her eyes, "Not as long as that pain is still there."
"Can't hide much from you can I?", He replied dryly.
Mirabelle looked away remembering the terrible images she seen in his dreamscape.
Caleb sorrowfully glanced down to the floor, inhaled then exhaled, before giving her a stern look, " Moon pie, remember what I said about pain and what we can do about it?"
Mirabelle slowly nodded before uttering, "A-acknowledge it and...learn from it in order to move forward."
"That's right sweetie, and that's just what I'm going to do.", He then cupped her chin gently forcing her to look at him, "that's what WE'RE going to do. Okay?"
Mirabelle blushed meeting his gaze while processing his words. She snapped out of her thoughts when he released her chin and quickly stepped to the side.
"But right now, I am, I need to shower and change. Haven't sweated this much since my first finals week in college.", Caleb giggled. Mirabelle joined in and the two shared an awkwardly forced laugh together to relieve. Caleb picked up his new phone to see the time, 6:45 a.m.
"Pretty early, don't even have to be at work until 9.", Caleb said grabbing his work shirt, beige slacks, socks, and underwear, "Eh, more time for us to spend together. Could ya wake up Lyca and Camilla for breakfast moon pie?"
"Of course, darling. I-is there anything you may need? I could maybe tidy your room a bit.", Mirabelle inquired devotedly.
"Nah it's fine, I can do it later.", Caleb replied gathering up the last of his clothes.
"Oh...um ok", Mirabelle uttered beaming a loving smile and he returned it before walking out. Her smile soon vanished as she once again overcome by a deep sadness. She exited the room in time to hear the shower running in the bathroom down the hall. She stared in its direction clutching her hand to ample bosom. Her heart felt like it was in a vice grips.
Tears began to run down her cheeks as she tried to hold in her sobs. " I'm sorry, dear. I'm so sorry.", She whispered remorsefully shaking her head.
Inside the bathroom shower, Caleb stood with his forehead pressed against the wall as the hot water ran down his head and body. He ran his hand over the now healed but plainly visible bullet wound in his shoulder and sighed. He gulped pressing it lightly with his finger and the loud 'BANG' sound followed by the agonizing feeling of red hot piece of metal stabbing into his flesh and memories of that night flashed through his mind. He sharply exhaled clenching his eyes shut then they shot open as he glanced around frantically. It took him a couple moments to realize he was still in the shower. He soon finished and stepped out to dry and get dressed.
He stood in front of the mirror, wiped away the steam and stared at his reflection. He started to internally ruminate on the events of previous weeks.
While the police and Mon agents were fighting against smugglers and gangsters, Caleb and the girls were busy combating the emotional, physical, and psychological ramifications of the 4th of July events. First, he had to personally pick out everyone involved in the Malone family at the police lineup. Caleb had to spend three days in protective custody for fear of him being targeted by assassins. Mirabelle and Lyca had to be watched round the clock by I.A. personnel within his home as precaution. During that time, Caleb was also questioned by bureau agents in the murders of Gangster Renalds and Fat Bastard as a suspect. Luckily, they found out there was surveillance camera attached to a light pole that captured everything that transpired on the back of the warehouse. He was soon dropped of all homicide charges much to his great relief. When he finally got to go home, he was greeted happily by not just Mirabelle and Lyca but his uncle and Vanessa as well. Hearing their worried voices, feeling their warm hugs, and seeing those looks of genuine care was the catharsis he needed at that moment to feel at peace.
Then came the wave of social media posts and news reporters looking to get as much info as they could out of him, Camilla, Sterling, the devil girls, and any officer or agents even remotely involved. All for being on top of the latest craze especially when it involves liminals While Caleb was painted as hero for his deed, even receiving multiple requests for interviews on the local news, he turned them all down. His Facebook timeline was filled post from hundreds of people, some praising him, some looking for spotlight, and some straight up hateful posts that denounce him as a 'devil worshipper'. In truth, Caleb just didn't want to draw so much unnecessary attention and because he knew whatever he said they'd just twist and mold to suit however THEY wanted. Not that staying silent really stopped them much. There were even some the hounded him at work which distracted him hurting his productivity on the new project. Speaking of work, even his relationship among his co-workers. Typically, Caleb tried not to stand out much simply finishing his part of a project then going home like he was never there. But since then, talk and rumors, some good some bad, began to circulate among his colleagues and even their project manager complained about the reporters hindering productivity towards their deadline.
Finally, the day of the trial of Wick and his men. Caleb, Camilla and all the devil girls, families of deceased, Mon agents, police, and even some victimized host families, were all in attendance. After hearing testimonies, running over a substantial amount of evidence, and short deliberation, all of Wick's men were sentenced 25 years in federal prison. Wick, however, due to the gravity and frequency of his crimes amounted to capital punishment. He was sentenced to death within two weeks. When asked if he had anything else to say for himself, he looked out over everyone in the court lingering a bit on Caleb, Camilla and the other devils, and said, "I am sorry but I just don't feel I'm guilty of anything." He said those words with the utmost certainty and an unwavering calm demeanor that sent a chill down the spines of some people. The judge banged the gavel and the sentence was carried. As he and the rest of his men were led out in handcuffs, Wick turned his head and met eye contact with Caleb. The latter felt a surge of fear run through him but tried hard to let that man see it. The image of Wick's cold, malicious eyes that stared into Caleb's soul burned itself into his mind.
Days after the trial, things start to slowly cool down. The media gradually eased up on it's interest in the events. Caleb was able to fully take up his mantel again as Mirabelle and Lyca caretaker. It looked like Caleb could finally get back some modicum of normalcy and control in his life.
Caleb exhaled sharply staring at himself in the mirror. He knew they only survived that night because of pure luck. He had no real plans or anything, he was just trying desperately to stay alive like the coward he was. And, despite what he's been told, he knew it was because of him that motel clerk, the police chief and the officers, and old man were killed. HE was the reason Wick and his men did that. Caleb glared at his reflection with self-loathing and regret. Once again started to ask himself if all of that was truly worth? Would he have been better off if he had decided to drive off in that van when he had the chance? Leave well enough alone and let it sort itself out somehow? Go back to his homestays and pretend all was well?
Then he thought of Camilla, Scarlett, Hana and the other devil girls. The looks of genuine happiness, hope, and gratitude on their faces. The Facebook and Instagram posts with images of host families, some victims of the trafficking, giving him their thanks. Finally, his mind went to his Uncle Andrew, the look of pride on his face. Cousin Vanessa patting his back happily. Lyca wrapping an arm around his neck in a playful headlock. And Mirabelle, her slender arms wrapped around him with her head nuzzling his chest then looking up at him with those beautiful violet angelic eyes.
He looked down at his bare chest to the black hoof mark and lightly placed his hand on it. Exhaling slowly he looked back up to his reflection and nodded.
"Come on, keep it together man.", He thought to himself putting on his clothes he had laid out, "For them. And for her."
He walked out of the bathroom ready to take on a new day.
****7:20 a.m.****
Caleb was now fully dressed and made his way down the hall towards the kitchen. As he walked down the hall, he noticed a wonderful scent wafting through the air. A scent that made his stomach and his mouth water in anticipation. Entering the kitchen, the first thing he saw was Mirabelle standing near the couch staring at the kitchen. She didn't react to his presence because she was too captivated by whatever was happening in front of her.
He approached Mirabelle immediately falling dead silent with wide eyes as he understood why she was in such a daze. In his kitchen, Camilla wore one of Caleb's apron (the black Darth Vader one) under a red tank top that stopped at her belly and hugged her double D breasts and blue jean skirt with brown stockings that matched her mocha brown skin and extenuated her curvaceous thighs and plump rear. Her wings were folded neatly in small of her back like a cape as her tail swayed with her hip movements. She was softly singing a song in Spanish with her back turned to them cooking something in the skillet. Next to her however, a line of animate potatoes stood up in a line hopping rhythmically one by one into the sink of running water turning itself off and on, hopping out, then getting skinned and chopped up by a couple of levitating knives before being scooped into a floating skillet and placed on a lit burner to sautee. On the counter, a few other levitating knives were busy chopping and dicing lettuce and other vegetables then sliding them into a medium bowl to be tossed by floating wooden spoons. Camilla snapped her finger creating a small yellow magic seal and the refrigerator door swung open, five large eggs came flying out, before closing. A small bowl and whisk hovered next to her and the eggs simultaneously cracked and emptied their content before being stirred up in the bowl. The shells discarded themselves in the trash as Camilla emptied the skillet full of chopped chicken into a plate. She grabbed the bowl above her and dumped the eggs into the frying pan stirring it with a spatula before dumping the chicken in with the potatoes adding a touch of olive oil.
"~ahh perfecto~", she hummed sweetly when she tasted a bit of the food with s fork. She turned around and was to surprised to see Caleb and Mirabelle staring at her, "Oh! Buenos Dias Senor Caleb and Senorita Mirabelle."
They both nodded simultaneously not even blinking.
Camilla tilted her head in confusion, "I-is something wrong? Did I do something to upset ju?!"
"No no, you're good. I'm just busy once again internally questioning every fundamental principle of the universe. So far, all I've come up with is that Isaac Newton was a fuckin dumbass.", Caleb dryly stated as he watched the knives slice up pieces of cheese, green pepper, and onion then a levitating bowl take the ingredients and add them to the frying pan while Camilla continued to stir.
"Hehehehehe Senor is a man of science to a fault. This is nothing more than a simple enchantment spell, nothing complex", Camilla snarkily grinned finishing the eggs.
'Yeah you say that but still', Caleb thought with a deadpan expression before he looked at Mirabelle who was curiously staring at the salad being tossed by magic utensils.
"*Yawn* Mornin' everybody, something smells really good.", came the half-awake voice of Lyca. The others turned to see the she-wolf in her pajamas consisting of grey panties and grey cutoff t-shirt. Her tail swayed excitedly as she drooled bearing her fangs in a toothy half-grin. She had serious bed head with her hair sprawled out like a frilled lizard.
"Heh, good morning sunshine", Caleb smiled at her glancing at the completely healed scar near her ribs.
"Good morning Lyca, did you sleep well?", Mirabelle inquired with a smile also avoiding looking at the scar. After that night, she and Lyca realized how much they each cared about Caleb and they began bonding more over other things. Mirabelle read her books since Lyca wasn't very good at it, Lyca would help her out in the garden, and they'd enjoy talking about random topics. When Caleb, Lyca, and Camilla finally told Mirabelle about what happened to Lyca when she took off to find Caleb and how Lyca nearly died, she fainted on the spot. Although she was extremely grateful towards Camilla did (with Caleb's help), she was even more grateful towards Lyca realizing that she was the reason Caleb was alive. The two eventually started viewing each other less as romantic rival and more like close friends; almost like sisters.
"Shoot yeah, that was the best sleep I had in a good while.", Lyca said as she stretched out her arms and back the did a few squats, "So is the food done?"
"Almost, I just need to finish a few things.", Camilla grinned at Lyca before sliding the eggs onto the serving tray then turning back with stern but kind eyes, "But first, all of you are to clean yourselves right now; dis is not le casa for pigs."
"I've already finished getting dressed. Lyca, Mirabelle, I've already prepared the hot water go on ahead wash up. We'll have the table set in 15 minutes.", Caleb stated as they each beamed him appreciative grins.
Lyca bounded over to Mirabelle signaling her to follow "Come on Mira, can't let Chief gesture go to waste can we? Meet ya in the bath in a minute, gonna grab some clothes.", she said before taking off to her room. Mirabelle went to her room to get her some clothes when she heard Caleb speak.
"Alright Ms. Sartana, let me finish up the cooking.", Caleb stated walking into the kitchen raising an eyebrow when the enchanted utensils apparently stopped working to 'look' at him.
"Oh it's no trouble Senor, I wanted to show my thanks to ju and the others.", Camilla said.
"That's really nice of you, but I'm your host. It's my job to keep you ladies happy and fed with my amazing home cookin'.", Caleb in a playfully pompous tone.
Camilla giggled stepping away from the stove giving him room. He grabbed one of his aprons (the white one with the words ''Chef is love Chef is life" in black) then headed over to the fridge to grab a freshly thawed steak from the fridge, a lemon, and a small bag of white rice.
"So how you enjoying your here so far?", Caleb inquired placing the steak on a cutting board then glancing for a knife; only for one to levitate up to him handle side up and he took it. He trimmed the fat from the steaks and put them in the frying pan. Then he filled a small pot up with water and set it to simmer.
"I love it here Senor. Ju, Senorita Mirabelle and Lyca, are all so welcoming and just all seem really happy together. It has been a long time since I've been apart of a real home.", Camilla responded leaning her back to the counter next to him.
"Glad to hear it. I'm just sorry it took so long to get you registered.", Caleb said as Camilla hung her head pensively remembering he time in Interspecies Affairs. She remembered how tedious the process was since she had to personally tell them things about her background. It didn't help that it took longer than normal to get her approved as a student. Mostly because, at the time, the exchange was dealing with a flood of other undocumented liminals brought in after the arrests and that she was still under watch for her safety from any of the Malones assassins. It took over two weeks but Camilla was finally registered in I.A.'s system. It took another week to process Caleb's host request forms for her. When she finally arrived at Caleb's residents, the second she saw him step out of the house she scooped him into another smothering hug.
She sighed, "It was not too much trouble Senor. Besides, the meal ju had prepared upon my arrival was worth it."
"Heh, I bet you haven't had homemade chicken risotto like that before.", Caleb smiled as he used the spatula to turn over the steak empty a bag of rice in the boiling pot, "Your reaction when you took that first bite was priceless. '~Ai ceintos Diablios Mia, so delicious~", Caleb playfully mocked her in a really bad girly Spanish accent.
Camilla crossed her arms and huffed in annoyance leaning off the counter. She smirked getting a little revenge idea before swiftly grabbing a fork with her tail. She picked a piece of potato and chicken from the serving tray and moved closer to him. Caleb noticed a stopped stirring the chicken now focusing on her and how she stared down at him with half challenging half devious eyes. She brought the fork close to his face and leaned her upper body downward meet him at eye level.
"Why don't ju put your money where your mouth is Senor", she said in a husky voice as her breasts hung limply giving Caleb an eye full of her bountiful cleavage. Caleb gulped nervously at how close she was to him while trying his best to focus on JUST her eyes. He slowly opened his mouth, not breaking eye contact, and took the food in his mouth. His eyes widened as he chewed every bite. The potatoes were so tender with the right amount of garlic and salt. The chicken practically melted in a puddle of spicy sweetness that combined with the seasoned potato into an fire cracker of flavor. Caleb blinked rapidly stricken dumb silent trying to process the little experience. Camilla curled her lips in a satisfied devilish grin straightening her back.
"Well Senor?", Camilla inquired coyly.
Caleb snapped back to this reality and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "I, uh, hehe you definitely just gave my cooking a run for it's money. What's that called?"
"Asado pollo y salteara patatas (sauteed potatoes and chicken), one of mi best dishes Senor.", Camilla stated proudly fanning her wings.
Caleb chuckled slightly not quite understanding what she said, "It definitely shows. I can just tell you put a lot of love into it."
Camilla blushed feeling her heart thump upon hearing those words.
"~Ohohohoho, senor~" she giggled bubbly shimmying her body in little victory dance. She stopped only to the smell of something burning.
"Um senor, ju should stir that rice.", Camilla pointed to the steaming pot.
"Shit, hang on! I got it, I got it", Caleb exclaimed grabbing a wooden spoon and stirring the pot vigorously in an attempt to salvage most of it. He then took a bowl and a white container filled with brown powder from the cabinet. He took a good portion of the rice in a bowl then mixed in some of the powder.
Camilla tilted her head, "What is that ju are adding to the rice?"
"Protein powder. Canine liminals like Lyca need alot of protein due to their high metabolisms and active lifestyles. Plus, she's been really in to her work outs lately, so the extra protein is big help.", Caleb explained before taking more rice into another bowl and cutting the lemon in half the squeezing out the juice, "And Mirabelle likes a bit of lemon juice in hers."
"You seem to know the girls well.", Camilla commented.
Caleb shrugged placing the medium rare steaks on the plate for Lyca, "Guess you could say so. I've gotten to know alot about them and their cultures. Our lives together have really meshed to the point where everything we do just feels natural you know. I hope to say same about you too. We can even cook more meals together."
Camilla smiled warmly and stepped closer to him then petted his head, "Gracias senor. Heh, ju know, I realized something. Ju are the first man I've ever met who's ever cooked for or offered to cook with me."
"Well, I consider myself deeply honored by that fact— ", Caleb said before he flinched from something snaking it's way up from his leg, to his butt then around his lower stomach. It was Camilla's tail. He looked up at her cheeky grin and her red eyes filled with passion before leaning close. Her breasts lightly grazing his chest and arching her back allowing her shapely rear to be pushed up. Caleb could feel his cheeks heating and his throat go bone dry.
Unbeknownst to them, Mirabelle was peeking around the corner watching them. A purplish mist emanating from her tail to her legs concealed her presence and erased the sound of her steps. She wore a shocked and saddened expression covering her mouth to muffle a few choked sobs.
Caleb could feel his heart race faster than a Kenyan Olympic gold medalist as she blushed deeply.
"~I'm glad ju were my first~", she whispered huskily as her hot breath sent a chill down Caleb making him trembled.
Caleb gulped trying to avert his eyes droning, "U-uhhhhh...Ms. Sartana... please this is."
Camilla suddenly burst into laughter stepping away as she unwound her tail, " Bah hohohohoho eres muy guapo( you're so cute) Senor, I was only joking. It's what we succubi do, we tease. Ju aren't mad right?", She finished innocently swaying her hips with a puppy-dog pout.
" No, ", his voice cracked a bit much to her amusement then he audible cleared his throat, "Ahem, no it's fine. Well let's finish up and get the table sought."
"Ju read my mind Senor. Do not want these eggs getting cold ohohoho", Camilla giggled quickly grabbing one serving tray and hurrying out the kitchen. She muttered something under her breath in Spanish. Her heart refused to stop pounding in her chest and she suddenly took deep breaths to calm herself. She couldn't believe she lost herself like that. Just hearing him say those sweet things she never realized she needed to hear. Things that were a bit similar to other men she had met, but his were filled with genuine love and support in them with no subversive intent behind them. It warmed her heart and soul so much she just lost it and wanted to...
"Uh, Ms. Sartana, you alright?", Caleb inquired to Camilla who flinched making her wings unfold slightly and turned to see him behind her with the rest of the food.
"Oh, s-si senor, just thinking out loud.", Camilla chirped. He nodded letting it be and the two passed the empty hall Mirabelle once stood.
They sought up the table with the delectable spread of culinary delights bringing a new life to the room. The scent of cut vegetables and fruits, and freshly prepared meat filled the room.
Caleb and Camilla were busy putting down the plates and utensils at the respective places at the table. Caleb then adjusted one of the seats for Mirabelle place. As he did so, Camilla watched his movements plaintively thinking to herself. Ever since she met this man, she had new feeling brew inside of her unlike anything she had felt before. She had met plenty of men in the last hundred plus years. All of them with similar desires and vices; none of them ever making her feel less empty inside. Before meeting Caleb, she viewed all men with same apathetic filter. But now, this man, who makes her heart race with excitement, this man, who's presence alone makes her feel complete. This man who, despite his protests, showed her life. Deep down she hoped this feeling was a sign for what many succubi sought more than anything in this world.
They finished and Caleb looked over the table in approval. Camilla stood behind one of the chairs gripping the wooden edge with her claws. It was a long shot, but she had to just try and tell him. She inhaled sharply and turned to him with a serious look.
"S-senor, I have to tell ju— ", Camilla started but was quickly interrupted.
"~Oh Boy, sirloin!", Lyca shouted as she came bounding into the dining room table wearing a black T-shirt with ''Avenged Seven Fold' in red letters and light grey denim shorts, "I could smell it soon as I stepped out of the bathroom. And TWO of them?!"
"There was a sale in the deli section the other day.", Caleb said before a black blur entered his vision and Lyca caught him in a tight hug, released him, then sat down to wolf down the first steak. Being sure to use the knife and not her claws to cut it like Caleb said, "Thanks a bunch Chief." Lyca uttered through a mouthful of meat.
Caleb smiled a patted her head, "Anytime", he said before turning his attention back to Camilla, "Oh, what were you saying Ms. Sartana?"
Camilla averted for a second in thought then put on a cheerful grin, "Nothing, nothing Senor, later perhaps." She then took a seat and started cutting her omlet into pieces.
Caleb looked over at the empty space with the large bowl of salad, three raspberry cressants and small bowl of rice, "Hey, Lyca is Mirabelle still in the bathroom? She usually out by now."
Lyca chewed a bit then swallowed with a loud gulp before answering, "She came in after I finished.. Think she was in her room looking for something to wear the whole time."
"Hmm, maybe I should go check on her", Caleb said as he the recognizable sound of a utensil hitting a plate and was met by Camilla shooting him a questioning gaze, "Not like that! I'm just gonna knock on the door."
Before Caleb could step foot out of the dining room, Mirabelle appeared from the hallway trodding slowly towards into the dining room.
"Oh, hey Moon pie I was just about to go see about ya.", Caleb grinned as she returned it a bit half-heartedly.
Caleb then noticed that her eyes were a reddish-pink and immediately grew concerned.
"Whoa, Moon pie are you ok? You're eyes are red.", He stated cupping he face with both hands to get a better look as her cheeks flushed from the gesture. Lyca and Camilla had stopped eating and looked over at the pair.
Camilla then stood up, "Let me see, I can probably heal her w-"
"N-no! I'm fine really.", Mirabelle stated a bit embarrassed tone , "I just...got some soap in my eyes rubbed and I rubbed them too much to get it out, that's all."
Caleb's removed his hands using only one to slightly lift up her chin, "Are you sure? Your eyes are red all over, let me get you a cold towel.", Caleb was about to leave but gingerly tugged his shirt getting his attention.
"No, no it's fine dear. It'll go away on it's own, but thank you anyway.", Mirabelle said smiling warmly at him. Lyca grinned comfortingly before going back to her steaks.
Caleb blinked skeptically turning to Camilla and nodded and she sat back down. He released his hand from her chin and gave her space to walk in, "Well alright sweetie, just make sure after breakfast you flush them out thoroughly."
"Y-yes dear.", she replied before taking her place at the table.
... Earlier in the bathroom...
The steam from the very large bath tub filled the room as Mirabelle stood near the large counter sink mirror drying off. The purple fur on her lower half had a nice sheen. She dried her head with a towel as beads of sweat slid down from her large cream-colored mounds past her flat stomach to her nether regions. She pulled off the towel and placed it in the laundry hamper. Looking at the image in the mirror, she shuddered at how pathetic she looked. Her deep frown, baggy tear stained reddened eyes, and slumped shoulders served to reflect everything she despised about herself. She thought of what happened with Caleb and Camilla and how she stood there watching. She wanted desperately to say something to make her stop, to let her know he belonged to her. But she froze, she realized she had no grounds to say such things. She couldn't even bring herself to go to him when he needed her most. That night while the person she loved was in life threatening danger, Lyca, Sterling, everyone, including Camilla did everything they could to save him. But her, nothing, she did nothing but hide and wait.
She ran back to her room tearfully lamenting on what a coward she was. He deserved better than her.
The last few weeks she's entered his dreams, she could feel the trauma and pain he was afflicted with and it was tearing him up inside, but he tried his best to move on to and not look back. But it still tormented him, even in the real world. It hurt. She wanted to help him, in any way she could to make him feel at ease. It was the least, or rather the only thing she could do.
Mirabelle sighed to herself as she buttoned her lavender blouse over a plain light purple t-shirt tucking the hem into the grey cloak on her bottom half. She opened the door of the bathroom and stepped. A loud noise of someone screaming, 'Oh boy sirloin!', made her jump out of her skin. She calmed herself realizing it was Lyca and giggled dispassionately for not being used to her excited outbursts by now. She put on a smile and made for the dining room.
*****8:15 a.m.*****
Breakfast went by moderately as they enjoyed their time together. They enjoyed some small talk, partially geared towards Camilla to get to know the others a bit more. Mirabelle didn't say much, of course, or even really look Camilla in the face. Caleb and Lyca just wrote it off as nervousness and helped her out in telling things about herself. Lyca stretched standing up then went into the living room to continue watching a new show on Netflix she started enjoying called 'Sons of Anarchy'. Caleb was gathering up the dishes and serving trays as Camilla sat finishing the last of her food. Caleb reached for Mirabelle's plates but she quickly piled them up and got up from her seat.
"Oh, it's fine dear, I've got them. I can help you with dishes as well.", She said wanting to be helpful.
"Oh, thank you", Caleb replied.
Mirabelle followed him to the entrance when suddenly she felt something restrain her front legs. She gave a sharp, startled cry as she dropped three of the plates and they shattered on the floor. She was on her front legs looking at shattered mess of glass on the regretfully. Camilla turned her head in surprise and instinctively jumped up to aid.
"Whoa, Mirabelle are you ok?!", Caleb said placing the tray on a nearby stand then stepping around the carefully glass. Mirabelle saw the worry in his face and nodded remorsefully.
Lyca came sliding in, "Mira?! What's wr-oh! Hey, you're not hurt are you?"
"N-no, i'm okay.", Mirabelle knew her words were filled with concern but still felt them sting her to the core
Caleb kneeled down to help her up and she reluctantly accepted, "You sure, no cuts or anything? That was quite a spill."
"Jes, an injury is still an injury. Even smaller ones shouldn't be ignored, here Senor I can take c-", Camilla said summoning a small blue magic seal but was interrupted by Mirabelle.
"N-no! I mean, i-i'm sorry but I'm fine, really. I don't have a single scratch on me.", Mirabelle finished coldly, "But I broke some of your good plates"
Caleb lightly petted the top of her head "I'm just glad you're fine, they're just plates. But don't move until I sweep up all this broken glass."
"That won't be necessary Senor.", Camilla said confidently before facing the pile of sharps extending one hand and making a figure eight with the other. A yellow magic seal with an infinity symbol appeared and the shards started glowing same color. The floated off the floor and instantly reformed themselves back into a stack off whole plates, as if they were never broken.
Caleb, Lyca, and a Mirabelle stared at the plate in amazement then collectively turned to her.
"Que?", she uttered confused by their behavior. In a flash, Lyca appeared in front of her starry eyed and grinning excitedly.
"That's so cool. What did you do?", Lyca stated bouncing in one spot.
"Yeah, that was pretty awesome. What is it like a fix'it spell like the one in Harry Potter?", Caleb asked staring at the plates intrigued.
"Please do not compare our use of the mystic arts to that self-deluded, vapid, libidinous twaddle Senor.", She said in annoyance, "But it is, in a sense restoring something to a previous state in it's history. Think of it like, rewinding time."
All their jaws dropped before Caleb said, "You can control time too! Did the laws of physics just stop caring when your species came into existence?!"
Ignoring his question, Camilla decided to clarify, "That spell only works on inanimate objects. It doesn't work on people."
Caleb nodded thinking to himself, 'wow, that'll save me some cash on repairs.'
"Also, it won't work on the same object more than three times.", Camilla added.
Nevermind.
"Ok, looks like everything's good in here.", Lyca candidly spoke side stepping out of the room to finish the rest of her show. Mirabelle
Caleb glanced at his phone and his eyes widened, "8:20 already? Man time moves fast. Let me finish up these dishes before I go to work.", he said grabbing the plates on the floor only for them to levitate out of his grasp and on to the serving.
"Esta bien( it's alright) Senor, it's not that much. I'll take care of it.", Camilla smiled assuringly as the entire tray and it's contents levitated in front of her.
"Really? I have time, you already did most of the cooking. It's the least I can do as your host.", Caleb said.
Camilla felt that warmness again, "That's sweet of ju Senor but ju have to get going. Go do your, um engineering...stuff."
She left the room with the enchanted dishware floating behind her like a balloon. She glanced curiously back to Mirabelle who stood like a statue.
Caleb shook his head before turning his attention to Mirabelle. She cradled her arms cast her hooded gaze to the floor, appearing to be deep in thought.
"Moon pie?", Caleb said and she snapped out of her thoughts greeting him with an attentive smile, "You sure you're ok?"
"Yes dear, as I said before.", Mirabelle nodded.
"Good, because that was just an accident. We all make mistakes, I wasn't mad, so try not to dwell on it, okay. Besides Camilla fairy godmothered the plates, so it's all good."
Mirabelle giggled slightly at the comment, "Ok, dear."
Caleb scratched the spot on her ear and cooed from the gesture, "Alrighty, I'm gonna grab my laptop and my blueprints then I'll be heading off."
"Ok. I-I love you.", Mirabelle uttered soft enough just for him to hear. Caleb responded by gingerly kissing her forehead.
"I know", he whispered in her ear before leaving for his office room. She touched the spot watching him leave before her expression dissolved into a sad frown.
******10 minutes later*******
Lyca leaned forward on the couch engrossed in the episode as she clutched Bain( her stuff beowolf grimm from RWBY) to her chest. There was a knock at the front door and her ears twitched from the sound.
"I got it!", She paused the episode and wnt to answer the door. Standing outside was a Caucasian human woman in a uniform consisting of a blue suit jacket with white dress shirt underneath and navy blue slacks. She carried a black file case with the Interspecies Affairs logo on the front. Lyca and the critically eyed the woman sniffing curiously as the latter cleared her throat never changing her diligent expression.
"Good morning! I'm looking for a Mr. Caleb Beezell, are you one of his charges?", The woman spoke with a thick Southern accent as Lyca stopped sniffing and was about to say something before she heard Caleb's voice.
"Right here, yes she is, and it's pronounced 'Bizzell'", Caleb answered with slight annoyance near the end then petting Lyca's heard nonverbally telling her 'Thank you, I got it.' and she scampered off to the living room.
"How can I help you ma'am?", Caleb inquired.
"Good morning! My name is Jacqueline Pelt of the Interspecies Affairs branch of Alabama. I will be looking after you charges while you perform your duties as an employee.", The woman explained showing her license and form with authorization seal.
Caleb looked at both forms of identification nodding in approval, "Ok, please come in. What happened to Paul?"
Jacqueline stepped inside, "He was temporarily assigned to Japan to assist a man there with his former charges. All of whom the man is currently married to. "
"Good Lord, eight?! Don't know if that's impressive or insane.", Caleb replied inciting a chuckle from her.
"You know, I have to say it's nice to meet the man who helped restore our organization integrity.", She said with a smile.
'ah geez, here we go', Caleb thought not wanting to have that conversation.
"There have been plenty of host families and liminal we've rescued that would love to meet you. Perhaps we can schedule something?", She asked inquisitively.
"Thanks, but no. I honestly want to just move on from that mess. Please?", Caleb stated melancholically much to her surprise. Then something else caught her attention.
"Oh, hello.", She said looking over Caleb shoulder and waving. Caleb turned around to see Mirabelle standing behind him.
"Oh! U-um, h-hello, my name is Mirabelle M-Marequine. H-how and w-who are you?", Mirabelle stuttered speaking to Ms. Jacqueline. Caleb watched her both carefully mentally crossing his fingers as Jacqueline approached her.
"Hello , I'm from I.A. and I will looking after you and the others until your host returns", Jacqueline said extending her hand to Mirabelle.
Mirabelle inhaled deeply then shook her hand, "Nice to meet you and thank you for your help." Caleb peaked over Jacqueline giving Mirabelle a thumbs up..
"Perdoméme (excuse me)", Camilla stated catching their attention, "but is it really necessary to have an agent watch us for a few hours. We are capable of looking after our home."
"Ah, you must be Ms. Sartana the newest resident here. I'm sorry but only exchange students who have been members for one year and pass the citizenship exam are not required to have chaperones."
"That is a rather arbitrary set of rules.", Camilla stated plainly.
"A little bit yes, but they're necessary. There a still plenty of liminals and humans with rather bad intentions.", Jacqueline stated giving her a knowing look and Camilla crossed her arms not to dignify a response.
Caleb interjected walking out for the doorway, "Alright then, I trust you to look after them. See you at 4 girls! You have my number, call me if anything happens", he said before closing the door. He then noticed a white Camry parked next to his grey Honda. It's likely her's. As he walked to his car, the door suddenly swung open and out came.
"Wait, Mr. Bizzell I forgot to tell you Agent Sterling is going to be here later to discuss something important with you."
Caleb raised an eyebrow, "Ok then, thanks for letting me know."
"Hehehe, well now look at that.", She said looking away at his house. He turned around to see Mirabelle and Lyca hands pressed to the glass with worried even slightly fearful looks on their faces. Caleb waved to them beaming a confident grin that said everything will be fine. Camilla came up from behind and touched their shoulders and gave them both caring smiles. Lyca returned her own and Mirabelle...averted her gaze in discomfort. Mirabelle and Lyca stepped away from the window with Mirabelle giving one last glance back before going off about their business. Camilla waved him goodbye.
'They're never gonna let me out of their sight again.', Caleb thought fervently before stepping into his vehicle and, starting it, back out of the driveway to see enter his home, then driving off.
"Well, I'm gonna go work out.", Lyca stated before going off to her
*****Work*****
A large 4-story tall building stood in the Eastern section of the city just 22 miles away from Caleb's residence. There were a multitude of darkened windows covering much of the exterior with spots of white and burgundy walls covering certain areas. The entrance was a revolving door under a large burgundy canopy structure right next to it was a toll gate to an underground parking lot. A large triangular sign of arrows that read 'H.O.D. Dynamics' in Orange and Black color.
Inside was a research and development center. It was typical office filled with cubicles with computers and standard office supplies (copiers, staplers, ect.) but there were private rooms were teams could discuss progress and data on projects. Caleb was inside one of these room explaining his blue prints on the newly refined turbine structure to his team members. The five of them, including their supervisor Rodney, sat at the large fold in table with three laptops and folders cluttering much of it, listening to him intently.
"And so, if we use blades with a tungsten-steel based alloy, it will reduce the energy loss from friction on the axial shaft by 30% and keep well within the range of our budget.", Caleb finished exhaling slowly and waited for a response.
Rodney stood and approached him, "My man!", he stated before repeated slapping Caleb on the back in praise, "I had a feeling you'd find a way to work around out piggy bank of a budget!"
"Yes, I never even considered air resistance could be minimized by using to metals with low electronegativity. You're something else Caleb.", a tall Indian man with a goatee and glasses said in astonishment.
"Thanks Raj, but it just is what it is.", Caleb stated rubbing his back of the soreness.
"Ah come on Cal, you gotta be learn to accept praise man.", Rodney stated to which Caleb shrugged.
A short blonde woman wearing a red button with a white capital 'A'(The Crimson Tide symbol) on her white dress shirt spoke next, "So how DID you come up with that idea any?"
Caleb paused for a second thinking to himself, "I...thought of it in a dream?"
A few of them were surprised by his answer and the blonde girl was about to inquire further before…
"IT'S HIGH NOON.", came a masculine voice accompanied by classic western sounds. It was Rodney's alert on his phone.
"Oop 12:30, that's the lunch bell kids. Who's up for Chick-fil-a?", Rodney stated joking waggling his phone in hand. Caleb and the other gave him a dry stare.
"You really need to see a doctor.", the blonde girl said.
After a few more hilarious exchanges, they exited the room, locked it, and made their way through the office. As Caleb made his way to the elevator, he couldn't help but overhear the whispers of people as he passed by.
'That's him huh?'
'yeah, I heard he even killed some of those gangsters'
'Willing to take human lives, but he'll save a bunch of Satan's minions? He's got to be some kind of heathen.'
'That's nothin', I here he's even living with one of 'em.'
'Definitely ain't no Christian. I seen him in town with this centaur right? But it's dark purple with like mist around it's tail and it's always following him from behind.'
'Maybe it's some kind of demon horse making him act that way.'
'and who's to say those demons at that hotel didn't manipulate him into doing those things no sane person would.
There words cut him, not deeply, but enough to feel the sting. He inhaled and exhaled slowly as the elevator open for his group. More rumors have circulated around the building. It's gonna be another long day.
****Back at home****
Mirabelle was in her room looking over some of her figurines. After ensuring Sailor Mercury was free of any dust and defects, her attention fell on the Sailor moon plushy Caleb won for her. She solemnly looked at it before picking it up. She gripped the side of it sadly clenching her eyes. Alot of 'what ifs?' ran through her mind. What if she didn't carelessly leave it behind? What she stayed with him and asked Lyca to retrieve it for her? What if she wasn't so selfish? She whimpered before hugging the plushie to her chest like security blanket
Down the hall across from the bathroom, the sound of strained grunts could be heard from Lyca's room. The inside of her room was decorated in a very rugged, rustic outdoorsy theme with wood paneled walls and floors. A deer head was mounted on the wall next to the door; a momento of her first hunt. Her camo patterned dresser had stuffed taxidermy bobcat on top but half of her clothes were scattered around the room anyway. Her bed was a pile of sheets and various animal furs. On the far end of the room, was a miniature gym with a treadmill, a bench press with several weights, and a pull-up bar. Lyca grunted through gritted teeth doing her pull ups with 50lb weights attached to each leg. With trembling arms, she finished the last pull-up before landing to the floor. She wanted and gasped as sweat ran from her lean biceps, past her rock hard abs, to her toned thighs.
'Damn it, still not close enough.', She thought frustratedly. She shut her eye and images of that large fire eyed dog filled her mind. It was strong, too strong for her to take on her own and Chief had to protect HER instead. Hell, she nearly DIED if it weren't for Chief and Camilla. She opened her eyes again with renewed vigor. She will get stronger, she will protect the one person who treated her like an equal. She had to.
After drinking (or lapping) from her cold water bottle, she got up the treadmill turning it up to 120 mph.
****Chick-fil-a****
The group sat outside on the restaurant patio tables enjoying their lunch. Raj and the blonde crimson tide girl chatted while Rodney, Caleb, and the others were engaged in their own stimulated conversation.
"No, no, no, and no. Total BS man", Rodney shook his head emphatically.
"Come on man, it totally makes sense.", The short Caucasian man with hazel colored hair said.
"There is no way on God's green earth that's true. It's bare a conspiracy theory", Rodney said.
"Dude of course vampires created twilight as way to make humans less afraid of them. Thus, more likely for us to allow them to have our blood. What teenage girl wouldn't if a real one came strolling up to her now?"
"Ok, what are you smoking? Give me some, and turn in your resignation letter", Rodney stated in mock seriousness.
Caleb simply listened to their back and forth. Then noticed his drink was empty so went inside to refill. It was not a flimsy excuse to avoid being dragged into the conversation. On his way back, he placed his wallet in his back pocket then checked his phone noticing a few texts from cousin Vanessa and scrolled through a few giggling to himself. He failed to see the man walking and bumped into him spilling his drink on him. His grey shirt was wrinkle with a red stain and his dingy pants had holes in the knees. He was skinny, looked like he needed a shave, and reeked of cigarettes.
"Gahh, What the hell's your problem man?! Watch where the fuck your goin'!", The man shouted attracting the attention of other people on the patio including Caleb's group.
"I'm really sorry, that's my fault. Let me get you some napkins or something to—", Caleb apologized but was interrupted.
"I don't need your help, just move it dumbass!", he said before shoulder bumping Caleb walking past towards the restaurant entrance. Caleb failed to notice the man slip his wallet from his pocket. He brushed himself off and turned and squatted to pick up his phone. Suddenly, a gust of wind picked up around the restaurant and then spike in speed and ferocity. Trash whipped around, table parasols shook violently, and some vacant chairs were flipped over. While everyone shielded their eyes from the strong winds, Caleb then heard a startled shout past the whistling winds. He looked up and turned to see the man from earlier sitting flat on his rear groaning as he held his lower back. He didn't notice his wallet tumbling towards his feet and stop at his heel. The winds immediately stopped, much to everyone's confusion and relief. Caleb stood up and saw his wallet on the ground then picked it up. He inspected wondering how it fell out of his pocket. He mentally shrugged, placed it back inside, then went back to his table ignoring the rude man from earlier as he shakily stood up.
"That was some bizarre weather, even for down in Alabama.", Rodney stated picking some fries that had spilled in his lap as Caleb sat back down.
The man from earlier walked inside the restaurant with several new holes in different area in his clothes
After their lunch time weather phenomenon, Caleb and his associates returned to the office to present an update on their progress to the project manager. The rest of the day went by without much cause for alarm. Of course, Caleb still heard a bit of gossip about him but most of it was tolerable to a degree. He really hoped this would blow over soon.
Finally, it was 4 'o clock and Caleb could finally punch out for the day. As Caleb was walking to his car, he noticed something attached to his car door. It was white square banner with a red pentagram drawn on it and the words 'devil loving heathen' also in red.
"Tch, fucking…", Caleb sneered before tearing it off his door and throwing it away in a nearby trash. He got inside his car and started the ignition. He gripped the steering wheel hard, looked around to make sure the windows were all up and no one was around. Inhaling sharply for a few seconds, and then proceeded to scream his head off as loud as he could muster. When he was done relieving himself, he took a few shout breaths and cleared the scratchiness from his throat. "Time to go.", he uttered wearily pulling out of the parking space and to the toll gate. He scanned his ID pass and the bar raised allowing him to leave.
*****20 minutes later*****
Caleb had just gotten off the freeway and turned onto the street to his neighborhood. As his house came into view, he noticed Sterling's car parked in his driveway. It was then the memory of…what's-her-name?, Jocelyn?...telling him that Sterling had something important to discuss with him.
'I wonder what he wants to talk about. Hopefully it's something good, I do not want any more shit in my show.', Caleb thought sarcastically as he pulled into the driveway next to Sterling's car putting his vehicle in park.
After locking the doors, he walk through the driveway up to the front door and unlocked it with an audible clunk. He then heard loud, thumping footsteps. He cracked his neck and rotated the stiffness his shoulders physically preparing himself for tor what was to come next. He removed to key, cracking the door slightly, then it immediately flew open revealing Lyca standing there brimming with joy as her tail wagged excitedly.
"Chief's back!", Lyca exclaimed before leaping into very tight hug nuzzling his chest. He managed to pry one arm out of her grip and lightly petting her head at first, then evolved to rapid patting on her shoulder. She looked up a bit puzzled then saw his face desperate gasping for air and immediately released him stepping back, "Oh, sorry about that chief. Got a little too excited…again hehehe".
Caleb sharply inhaled then coughed a few times, " *A-A-Ahem*, No problem. I pretty used to it. Hoo child.", he said rotating the stiffness from his shoulders.
"Welcome home dear. How was work today?", Mirabelle who was sitting on the other end of living room couch reading manga.
"It was pretty good. They liked my design of the turbine blade at least, so that's a win.", Caleb said walking over to the couch with Lyca passing him then leaping over said couch to sit down.
Agent Sterling appeared from the kitchen eating a sandwich he made. He ate the last but brushed his hands with a nearby paper towels. Then popped open a can of Dr. Pepper.
'This guy.', Caleb thought with a vexing look.
"Ah good evening, Mr. Bizzool!", He said taking another sip from the can before placing it on the counter, " Also, you're out of Dijon mustard."
"It's Bizzell", he growled, "and that depends on what you call smooth. As for the mustard, I recommend subway next time."
"Heh, fair enough.", Sterling shrugged.
Camilla then appeared walking down the hallway carrying what looked like a large sketch pad. She smiled at Caleb feeling her cheeks heat up a bit.
"Buenos noches, Senor, happy to see ju ", she said
"Hey there Ms. Sartana. What's that you're carrying?", he said
Camilla held up her sketch pad, "Oh, it's some of my drawings."
"You're an artist?", Caleb inquired
"I dabble, but I wouldn't say i'm a professional. I can show you some time."
"I'll take you up on that. So, what did you guys do today?", Caleb said turning to Mirabelle and Lyca.
Lyca sat on her knee leaning towards Caleb, "We had a lot of fun. Mirabelle and I played that game 'Injustice 2' you bought last week. I tried getting Camilla into it, but she rage quit after the first 20 minutes."
"Quien Liedo, I was not enraged it was only a silly game.",Camilla huffed.
"You nearly snapped the controller in half.", Lyca said raising an eyebrow.
"W-well that's...it's not my fault those buttons are so complicated. I literally just kept pressing them fast and random.", Camilla retorted.
"Then she stomped off and to her room to sulk.", Lyca smirked snorting a laugh.
"I went to mediate! I felt my mana beginning to leak out as dark magic and had to cal-I mean, regulate it!", Camilla retorted with crossed arms looking away in a huff.
Caleb chuckled at them glancing over to Mirabelle who had her head buried in the manga taking occasional peaks at Camilla. He tilted his head at her before Sterling spoke up.
"Well, Ms. Sartana, I see you've adjusted to living here quickly.", He said as she and everyone else gave him surprised stares to which he rolled his eyes, "Yes, i'm still here."
Caleb stepped up to him, "Oh yeah, you had something important to talk to me about?"
"Yes, a few things actually. First off, Jakob capital punishment has been moved up to three days from now.", Sterling said
Caleb and the girls, especially Camilla froze at hearing that. To be honest, Caleb really wanted to think about it but he and the rest new that it would resurface soon.
"Oh.", Caleb said. That's all he could say.
Sterling finished the last of his sandwich and wiped his hands with a paper towel, "Yes and there's more. It concerns you AND your houseguests as well."
Caleb and the others stiffened as their expressions became more serious.
"We've been continually tracking any remaining dealers operating in Alabama for the Malone family. Many have been detained, but there are likely still plenty of associates of the Malones working to carry out their activities. That even includes blacklist hitmen.", Sterling said the last part with a hint of malice.
Caleb eyes widened in realization, "What...exactly are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying, one of these hitmen, amatuer or otherwise, may make an attempt on your life at some point. They may even come after one of your homestays.", Sterling answered with very serious tone.
Lyca, Camilla, and Mirabelle all wore horrified expressions. Of course they were worried about themselves, but they were even more worried for Caleb.
Caleb felt his heart rate quicken as fear began to creep up his spine. He could feel another attack coming on and began to take deep breaths. Mirabelle got up from her position went to Caleb. She hugged his arm weakly looking up with a scared but compassionate expression. Lyca joined them with a worried but determined expression. Camilla caressed his back attempting to calm him with a supportive but slightly uneasy expression.
"I-I'm fine Moon Pie, all of you.", Caleb said to them giving a reassuring grin. Sterling watched them with an approving grin before continuing.
"We came up with a number of solutions. The obvious would have been to relocate you and put you in witness protection, but seeing as how you've pretty much been trending on social media for the last few weeks that was ruled out. We have limited resources and the Malones have station throughout most of South Central. But, we do have another solution. We have enlisted a highly skilled Mon agent that will watch over you for any suspicious characters.", he stated
Lyca and Camilla stepped away from Caleb with offended expressions.
"Excuse me, we don't need some fancy agent! I'm more than fast and strong enough to stop them before they can even touch Chief!", Lyca said flexing her muscles and brandishing her claws.
"I don't intend to brag, buuut I am proficient 5 different forms of martial arts and I am well-versed in the mystic arts of conjuration, enchantments, charms, and even spirit manipulation. I refuse to allow anyone to harm the man who saved my life.", Camilla stated trying not to sound boisterous.
Mirabelle looked at Camilla and Lyca both of them surrounded in a strong, confident aura and she looked down insecurely.
'Well ladies, the problem with that is you two are both labeled as students of the exchange, as in, not FULL citizens of the country. Which means any acts of physical violence inflicted upon a person is grounds for punishment and possible deportation. Regardless, of who instigated said violence", he said bursting their collective bubbles, "Mon agents, on the other hand, are granted permission to use forceful methods on humans and non-humans and are not restricted from certain areas."
Camilla and Lyca both scoffed at the idea that anyone would be better up to the job.
"Then, who is this person that's supposed to be protecting us anyway.", Caleb inquired before the loud whistle and howling of wind outside the house caught his and everyone else's attention.
Sterling walked to the door with a knowing grin on his face, "Well, it looks like they've arrived."
Caleb and the girls immediately shot confused glares at the door, 'They?', all of them thought collectively.
The front door suddenly burst open bringing a powerful whirlwind that whipped through the entire room sending small objects flying around. Caleb and the girls shielded themselves from the violent winds even struggling to keep balance. Finally, the winds died down and Caleb was the first to uncover his head to see what happened. They living room was a mess but then his eyes widened to the sight of three girls standing on his coffee table in dramatic poses. They were all dresses in green, red, and gold kunoichi-style outfits complete with sandals and white thigh high stockings. They each had lime green hair with fur on their bushy tail, slender arms, and small ears. The tallest one had a long pony tail with bangs covering her left eye and very curvaceous figure with muscular thighs, breasts that could give Camilla's a run for her money, and plump rear. She wore a stoic expression and had long scythe-like protrusion extended from the back of her wrists that looked duller than a spoon. The second tallest had a slightly less curvaceous with shapely legs, a flat butt, and C-cup breasts. She wore a more mischievous expression and had shorter scythes that looked sharp enough to cut the wings off the back of a fly in mid flight. The shortest one had a more petite frame almost similar to Lyca's, except while Lyca had clearly defined abs and muscles, she had softer even childlike features. She wore a content childish grin and held in her delicate hands a small pot with an odd liquid inside.
"Bringing the golden wind of change into your future.", said the tall one
"Cutting down all dark foes that oppose us", spoke the second tallest
"and Driving away all pain and fear.", spoke the shortest
"Strength of a might hurricane! I am Ein!", The tall one stated crossing her arms in front of her.
"Swiftness of the windy plains! I am Zwei!", the second tallest said crouching in a ninja run position.
"Serenity of the doldrum! I am Drei!, the shortest state
"Now rejoice, for the Zyklon Sisters are here!", they all state simultaneously striking a different pose.
Caleb, Mirabelle, and Camilla stared blankly taking in and trying to process what the hell was happening.
Lyca had stars in her eye admiring how cool they all looked.
Sterling stepped next to the posing girls, "Mr. Bizzell, meet your new bodygaurds."
Caleb blinked slowly collecting his thoughts before finally speaking, "Greeeat...please tell them to get off my damn table."
Writer's note:
Ohhhh boy, this took a while, again. Finals were tough as balls but I managed to finish this semester in college strong with As and a couple of solid low Bs in all my classes. I hope you all had a merry Christmas. I sure did, and a pretty good birthday as well. Got plenty of birthday money, RDR2, Assassins Creed Odyssey, shirts, and a whole lotta love.
Now this chapter was meant to go up on Big J's birthday, but I was pretty occupied with celebrating with my family and kinda lost track of time. Luckily, I was 95% finished so I didn't lose TOO much ground. Honestly, I felt this chapter could left a few holes that needed filling( phrasing) and hope to do so next release( also phrasing). And with Camilla apart of the family, my Creatures of the Night aka Lunar Trifecta is complete. The Dark Horse, The Werewolf, and The Demon/
Also, I'd like to thank everyone for their votes on the new monster girl. Kamaitachi for the win! Figures I get this Trifecta to go with my OTHER trifecta.
Lastly, I got a few complaints over two things: My infrequent updates and the decision to do Character info stats.
To the first complaint, give me a break, life is tough. I'm juggling college, work, a few bills, AND family issues. Besides if I'm taking a long time to update, that only means I have something good brewing. Have a little patience guys.
To the second complain, yes I actually agree. I thought it was cool at first but later realized maybe it was a bad idea to make a chapter solely for character info. I'll probably include them in the main story at some point, though.
Ok, that's literally all I got right now. Make sure to follow, fav, and review. Merry late Christmas and a Happy New Year! As always…
Peace Fam!