Daily Life of Monster Girls in Alabama

by GoatManofAnime

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

52. Chase

Chapter 50: Chase

Mirabelle and the three liminals stood frozen at the sight before them trying to fully register what was happening.

"I-Is that...the Nightmare?", Nikami inquired then looks to the still smoldering van, "W-Why did she just jump out of the van? And why is there no driver? What happened to Madoka?!"

"I have about as many answers as you do, Nikami! ", Ranka retorts, glaring intently at the Nightmare, "We'll worry about the others later, right now, we need to subdue her."

"Then you shouldn't have much trouble.", Fantina spoke stepping up scythe resting on her shoulder, "I can't sense any mana from her. It looks like those three managed to at least clamp an Enslavement Collar on her neck."

"A-Ah...you're right. That should make things easier.", Nikami spoke feeling a bit at ease.

"The fact that that's your first thought proves how wrong you are.", Fantina chastised watching Mirabelle closely who appears to be further away than before. She was slowly spinning away. Fantina steps up and shouts to her, "THERE'S NO USE RUNNING!"

Mirabelle tenses up trembling stopping herself in her tracks.

"THAT COLLAR ON YOUR NECK IS SUPPRESSING YOUR MANA! YOU CANNOT USE YOUR POWER TO FLEE OR FIGHT! I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU MAKE THIS EASIER ON YOURSELF AND SURRENDER NOW. OTHERWISE, I WON'T GURANTEE THAT PRETTY FACE OF YOURS WILL STAY PRETTY BY THE TIME THEY'RE DONE!" Fantina shouted her warning to Mirabelle as Ranka steps up crack her knuckles with menacing stare. Nikami mimic her but pops her finger the wrong way eliciting a pained yelp as she cradles her fist.

Mirabelle took a step back as every cell in her body screamed for her to run as fast as she could. And she did. Barely a second later, Mirabelle pivoted her body and bolted down the street.

"And she STILL chose to run," Fantina expressed, shaking her head, "Alright, Tiger Queen, you're up."

"Don't call me that," Ranka coldly replied, getting into a running position, knuckles at the ground and rear in the air, focusing a predatory gaze on the distant Centaur. She took off with tremendous force, cracking the asphalt beneath her as she sprinted after her target like a Kenyan at the Olympics. She then leapt into running on all fours, actually doubling her speed.

Mirabelle galloped down the road, refusing to stop until she was far away from those people but having no idea where she was going. She quickly glanced behind to see how much distance she covered and immediately let out a horrified shriek upon seeing the large Jinko on all fours and right on her tail.

Mirabelle increased her pace, panting heavily, feeling her heart racing and muscles burning as the tiger woman closed in on her. She then noticed a path up off the side of the road and decided to take a chance. Ranka closed in and leapt overhead to tackle her to the ground when Mirabelle suddenly leapt into a sharp right turn onto a dirt path. Ranka attempted to follow her but was blindsided by Mirabelle kicking up dirt in her face using her hind legs before taking off again, leaving the Jinko to rub her eyes clean.

Mirabelle continued galloping down the narrow beaten paths before coming to a crossroad. She frantically glanced around, wondering which way to go as she panted laboriously. Her ears then perked up at the sound of people in the distance to the left path. Having no other option, she decided to follow the path, hoping she could find help.

Further up the path, seven men could be seen gathered in a small clearing with three large pickup trucks lined up along the edge of the path. They were all dressed up in matching black paramilitary-like uniform. On each of their chests was a patch with the MON symbol but with a red X crossed over it. They were all seated around, drinking beer and chatting.

"So wife and I, we go out to our favorite place over in Cullman, right? Wanna relax go out tie on a few. We get at the table order our food and our waitress is one of these fuckin' bug women," one of the men spoke.

"Ahh man, one of those?! With the weird boney fingers and them eyes on their head?" another spoke, recoiling in disgust.

"Yeah! It said it was a Mothman or something. I don't care I don't want it touching its bug hands on our food. And what made it worse, it got all this dust and shit on my pants! Imma tell you I just about to smash my behind bottle right upside it's head if my wife didn't stop me!"

"I tell ya EVERWHERE you go now you run into one of them," the guy next to him bitterly stated, tossing a can in the nearby bushes, "They got these fuckin animals and freaks working everywhere running jobs that SHOULD be run by REAL people!"

"Not just that, everywhere you go everything get remodelled so that THEY can our public places! Can't even take a shit normally anymore. You see all this fucking borderline handicap shit they got on restrooms now! Hell, let them go outside, where they belong."

Another guy stood up callously, tossing his beer to the ground with a fuming look on his face.

"See man. THIS exactly what the boss is talkin' about! Our way of life is in danger! It's up to us, Hunters, to restore order. Fuck all these freak loving traitors! Fuck ICEP! Fuck all these monster freaks ruining this country!" the man ranted as the others voiced their approval.

Suddenly, one of them could hear the sound of a horse galloping toward them and turned in surprise.

"Whoa..." he spoke, getting the others' attention as they all stared in shock to see a purple Centaur woman galloping towards them, coming to a stop.

"H-hello...? M-My name is Mirabelle, I am in need of assistance! Please, I'm in danger!" Mirabelle nervously spoke as the men looked to each other.

"Really? What kind of danger?" the leader of the group replied skeptically, strutting up to her as the others followed.

"I-It's a b-bit hard to explain. T-These Liminals are after me and have probably hurt my host!" Mirabelle said cautiously glancing around at the men approaching her, becoming uneasy.

"Sounds like a hell of a ordeal. Where you from?" the man spoke, getting up closer to her with an imposing demeanor.

"W...What?"

"What?" one of the men mimicked her in a feminine voice and a bad British accent, "Sound like she from London."

He jeered as a few of them chuckled heartily, starting to surround her. A couple of them eyeing her more human features, particularly her ample chest. Mirabelle shifted her gaze around at the men taunting her, becoming afraid and embarrassed.

"Well, let me tell you somethin' 'Mirabelle'..." the man spoke breathily, getting up in her face much to Mirabelle's discomfort, "The only dangerous thing I see here...is you. Take her."

At that command, two men seized her arms, holding her in place as she struggles as the other four forced her lower half down to the ground.

"S-Stop! Let me go!" Mirabelle cried out, struggling to get free as any strength she had was sapped away, allowing the men to overpower her completely

"What we gonna do with her, Steve?" one guy excitedly stated.

"Exactly what humans been doing for millions of years..." Steve says grabbing a larger hunting tool from his boot examining it before turning to them, "Hunting animals."

Mirabelle eyes widened in terror as the man glared at her with killing intent.

"Hey, you what Steve? I don't remember animals ever wearing clothes," one guy said with a lecherous gaze at her double D breasts much to Mirabelle's shock.

"Heh, you're right. Animals don't need clothes."

The man excitedly positioned himself in front of the Centaur woman as the others cheered in anticipation.

"Ignore the horse half boys! The real fun up here!" the man stated, reaching and grabbing both ends of Mirabelle's button up shirt, about to rip it in half

"N-No...please don't do this! Please!" Mirabelle begged, feeling one guy lifting up her lower half skirt.

As the man in front was about to rip her shirt in two, a small red magic seal appeared above his head to the surprise of the others. A torrent of red lightning ripped through his body as he hollered, falling backwards and flailing on the ground to the others' surprise. He twitched, trying to weakly raise himself up before a pair of rock hard goat hooves slammed down hard on his pelvis. He jolted upward, gagging, before falling back unconscious. Mirabelle's eyes widened, seeing the goat woman from earlier.

"Good grief," Fantina spoke, looking at Mirabelle, "You really aren't making my life easy. And who the hell are you assholes? The midlife crisis militia?"

Without answering, Steve tried to rush her from behind to stab her, only to stop in place feeling a cold steel blade of her scythe against his neck levitating behind him. He then takes out a pistol from behind him.

"Please," Fantina spoke with her back turned in front of the man, then elbowed him hard in the lower gut as the scythe removed itself from his neck. He gagged dropping both weapons, lurching forward and falling to his knees then received a straight uppercut from Fantina's furry fist, breaking his nose, as he fell backwards, unconscious.

The remaining guys left Mirabelle, two making a break for the trucks and the others pulling out firearms and one guy a machete as Fantina shook her head in dissappointment.

"You fucking devil bitch!", The ones with guns took aim at the Baphomet who doesn't appear the least intimidated.

Before they could fire at her, two large tiger paws smother both their heads then effortlessly twists their heads around making audible popping. They fall to the ground like ragdolls as Mirabelle screams covering her mouth at the grisly sight. She looks up of the 7 foot tiger woman standing over her.

Ranka looks at the man with the machete trembling with weapon bared. Her eyes cold steely showing no emotion.

"Put down your weapon now if you value your life.", Ranka warns but the man clenched his weapon tighter with a hateful and murderous glare.

"RAGHHHHH!", He screamed rushing the Jinko putting all his strength in a downward swing hoping to hack her arm off.

Ranka merely tenses the muscles in her arm and the blade shatters on impact much to the man's shock. He looks to the now stump of a weapon in disbelief then to the Jinko who already had her paws raised with claws extended. In a swift more, she slashes the man's head nearly obliterating it into ribbens leaving him headless as his neck stump gushes blood before his body falls backward to the ground.

Mirabelle screams out again see the headless cadaver gushing blood on to the grass staining it red.

"Guess he didn't value his life.", Fantina sarcastically spoke with a shrug as one of the trucks engines roars getting her attention.

"Come on! Come on! Let's go!", One of the men shouted at the other in the driver seat.

"I'm tryin!", he retorts cutting the wheel unaware of the floating blue and white flame ball stealthily entering the back sear through a cracked window. It floats up to the dashboard as the two men stare at it in beffudlement.

"What the fuck is th-", one of them spoke before the fireball explodes inside the vehicles covering the two men in blue flames. They don't burn the men skin or clothes instead they both gasp for air before slumping against the seats motionless. The flames pull away from their bodies reforming into a singular flame but with a brighter shade of white than before. The flame wicks through a crack in the driver window and is recalled to Nikami open palms who was standing off to the side by the trucks proceeding to absorb to energy into her body.

"Enemy neutralized. W-Was that good?", Nikami informed before looking Ranka for approval.

"Yes. They were attempting to flee and thus were not an immediate threat unlike these two. If they attempted to attack from vehicle with a ranged weapon then lethal means would have been necessary. You made the right call.", Ranka casually informs lightly praising before Nikami grins happily with flushed cheeks.

"I hate to interrupt the wholesome teacher-student moments but we still have a job to do.", Fantina interjects in annoyance stepping up to a trembling Mirabelle locking eye with her.

"P...Please...let me go...", Mirabelle whimpered with pleading eyes.

"Hm. That's a hell of a way to thank the ones who saved your life.", Fantina coldly replies.

"T-Thank you?", Mirabelle utters with mixed emotions about what she's saying.

"Much better.", Fantina cutely says flashing a grin then shifts to a cold gaze that could freeze on contact, "Now, I'll say it again for you're own good, make this easier on yourself and come with us."

Mirabelle stared back with trembling lip noticing the Tiger and Fox woman approaching from either side barring down on her. She grips the hem of her now wrinkles shirt with gray smudge marks from that man's fingers.

"N-no...I won't...", Mirabelle shakily replies as her body quivers wanting to keep running but knew it would be in vain. Yet, she couldn't allow herself to be taken away either.

Fantina shakes her head in dissappointment, "I heard Nightmare were supposed to be incredibly timid, pacifistic introverts. Basically, the exact opposite of other Centaurs. But I guess stubbornness is the one thing you all have in common. Take her."

At the command, Mirabelle feels a large furry hand close around her head warranting a shrill shriek as the large, she claws extend slightly around her neck.

"Stand up. Now.", Ranka sternly spoke lightly digging her claws at the skin just enough to show she meant business. Mirabelle whimper tears in her eyes before doing as she was told.

With a slash of her scythe, Fantina creates a rippling glowing portal that spreads outwards. Ranka removes her from Mirabelle head leaving small cuts around the Centaur neck. Mirabelle stares at the portal in front of her.

"Walk.", Ranka urged shoving Mirabelle forwards who slowly and reluctantly moves toward it.

"Come on, already! I don't have all-"

Before Fantina could finish her complaint, a small green ball goes soaring over head and explode on Ranka covering her face in sticky green substance much to the shock of the others.

"Ranka-sama!", Nikami stated as the Jinko gives muffled cries trying to pull the green substance off her face. She rushes to try helping her as Mirabelle moves away from them. Nikami is then struck with the same green goo bomb that explodes all over her face as she thrashing about trying to pull it off.

"What the fuck-ah!", Fantina stated before sensing something heading towards her. She puts up a small barrier blocking a projectile that explodes in yellow power forcing her to hold her breath.

Mirabelle looks on confused before a figure descends landing in front of her startling her. Her eyes widen in realization before welling up with tears of relief.

"Ms. Drei..."

"Looks like I barely made it. I'd ask what happened to the van but I doubt that matters now. Are you injured?", Drei inquires looking around seeing the dead human men and the enemies before them.

"N-No.", Mirabelle answered.

"Why didn't you teleport away?"

"I can't. They placed this collar on me that suppresses my powers."

Drei takes a quick look at it, "An enslavement collar? Now THAT'S just cheating."

"B-But what about Dear and the others?!"

"... I'm not sure, honestly.", Drei answered to Mirabelle disheartenment, " I pursued you and left Zwei and miss Elder thang to handle rescuing him. I managed to take out that Kunoichi that kidnapped you but I guess that shinigami thing of hers is gone now."

Ranka and Nikami eyes widen at what they just heard.

"Wait...what did she jus-", Nikami utters in disbelief but was quickly interrupted.

"Let's not think about that. Right now, we have our own problems.", Drei pointed out.

Mirabelle nodded conceding before noticing the Baphomet cast a wind spell to blow away the powder.

"Yeah... don't we all.", Fantina interjected facing the Karmaitachi, "If it isn't the shit weasel cadet. Where the big one? Couldn't get outta bed with those watermelons weighing down her chest?"

"Hey! Watermelons WISH they could be as plump and juicy as her tits!", Drei defended wholeheartedly.

Fantina gives a disappointed look, "Annnd my stupidity threshold is filled for today so i'm gonna make this quick."

The Baphomet body radiates a menacing red aura as she brandishes her large scythe.

Drei extends her wrist scythes and says to Mirabelle, "I'll keep them occupied. Get to the main road, head East, and do NOT stop."

"Sorry, but she's not going anywhere!", Fantina stated creating a purple magic seal in front of her. A torrent of purple light rips towards them.

Drei and Mirabelle instinctively dodge the attack making the ground erupts in an explosion. The wind weasel tosses one of her small green balls at the Baphomet who teleports away having it splatter against one of the trucks. Fantina appears in front of Drei going for a roundhouse with her rock-hard hoof which the wind weasel manages to barely block. Drei quickly grabs her performing a Tai Chi pivot and tossing her away. Fantina, unimpressed, summersaults in midair landing on her feet gracefully.

She then surprised by the sound of something bursting and looks down in surprise to see her right hoof covered in green sticky rubbery substance.

"Wha?! You cheeky little...", Fantina expresses realizing the weasel planted her green balls after they made contact. She tries to pull herself free but didn't budge as the paste started to sit like rubber

"Go!", Drei stated snapping Miracle from her daze.

The Centaur turns to the original path she came heading that away. At that moment, Ranka rips the rubbery substance apart free her face as she sharply gasps for air then notices Mirabelle fleeing. She sprints after her.

Drei sneers before generating a mini whirlwind and pursing the Jinko. Suddenly, her tail goes erect sensing danger and instinctively dodges Fantina's large scythe. It levitated in front of her while twirling itself imposingly before spinning rapidly glowing with red aura. It chases after the wind weasel who steadily manages to evade every slash. Using the distraction, Fantina creates a red magic seal burning away the green substance trapping her. Drei steals a glance of concern for Mirabelle while dodging the scythe attacks.

Speaking of, the Nightmare gallops down the path as fast as she could with the Jinko on her tail. She looks back seeing the tiger woman was mere foot from grabbing and instinctively used her hind legs to kick up more dirt in her face again. Ranka anticipates this and jerks to the left avoiding the blinding attack to Mirabelle shock.

"Not this time!", Ranka stated before ramming Mirabelle in the lower body with her shoulder like a Linebacker knocking her to the ground.

Mirabelle grunts from the pain shakily attempting to pick herself up only to have the side of her head pushed down in the dirt. The Jinko climbs over her pressing her weight against her so she knew there was no escape.

"Don't. Move. It's your last warning.", Ranka says to the whimpering Centaur her claws one motion away from ripping into her skin. Ranka looks down at her "prey" fighting her instinct to sink her fangs into it's neck.

Mirabelle stared off in a daze noticing a small cluster of daffodils near the bottom of a tree wondering if this was it. This was where she'd die.

"...please...", Mirabelle utters lowly her lip trembling, "Please... don't kill me. I'm not ready. Please...don't..."

Ranka looks at her a moment seeing the desperation in her eyes, a look she was very familiar with, and sighs, "No one ever is. That's just the way of the world."

Mirabelle eyes widen at her fear coming true, "No..."

"But that doesn't apply to now, we need you alive. Killing you here would be counterproductive.", Ranka affirms taking a little of her weight off her but still holding the Centaur down, "So, if you and that-"

"Get off her!", came the voice of Drei catching their attention.

Ranka turns to see the Karmaitachi launching towards her fangs and scythes bared gives a furious war cry.

"Speak of the devil.", Ranka acknowledged brandishing her claws.

"I'm a weasel!", Drei shouted ready to slash with her scythe.

Ranka thrusts her claws forward like a spear prepared to intercept her. However, when they were a couple feet from each other, Drei does a right angle jump upwards. Ranka eyes widen in shock upon seeing Fantina's scythe spinning like a buzzsaw towards her and quickly dodges but ends up getting her shoulder slashed in the process.

"Ghr!", The Jinko elicits holding shoulder as Mirabelle looks up in surprise. A kunai then stabs Ranka deep in the upper back making wince at the added pain. Drei suddenly appears above the back of the Jinko neck with her scythes dripping with yellow paralyzing serum.

She goes for a cross slash but the Jinko suddenly delivers a powerful uppercut straight into the Karmaitachi stomach knocking the wind out of her with a strained cough.

"Too slow.", Ranka remarked plainly.

She's sent Drei limply flying upwards flailing like a ragdoll as Mirabelle watches in horror.

Drei's falls back down and Ranka catches her by her right legs the proceeds to slam her hard into the ground creating tiny fissure in the earth. Drei's gags up blood with more spill from the impact wound on her head. Her whole body went numb and twitching.

Her vision became cloudy and unfocused and her ears rang. The words of the Jinko became unintelligible garble before finally falling unconscious. Ranka the finishes with a strong hammer fist right on the Karmaitachi back. The impact rattling the ground beneath them with a loud crash coupled with sound of bone cracking. Drei coughs up a spurt of blood gagging before losing counciousness. Her body goes limp as blood pools beneath her.

"DREI! Noooo!", Mirabelle stated in horror at seeing her friend possibly being killed.

Fantina teleports in joining the group before raising her hand recalling her scythe back to her.

"What is wrong with you?!", Ranka chastised the Baphomet holding her wounded shoulder, "You could've decapitated me trying to pursue her."

"Hey, I was busy freeing myself from this fucking rubber goo she hit me with so I put scythe in auto pilot to keep her busy. Not on me if you're too slow.", Fantina dismissive brushing off remaining goo from her knees.

"You little...", Ranka growled in a displeased tone before noticing

"R-Ranka-sama! Ranka-sama!", Nikami stated joining the group holding two hand full green goo with a considerable amount still on her face.

"Well, look who decided to join the fight. Too bad it's already over.", Fantina chide the Inari in an unamused tone.

"S-Sorry! I just couldn't get this off. It was suffocating and...ah! Ranka-sama you're bleeding!", Nikami stated in concern just now noticing the wound on her shoulder then looking to the limp Karmaitachi on the ground, "D-Did she do that to you?"

"No, surprisingly, it was Baphomet "ally" over here.", Ranka scoffed at the goat woman to Nikami surprise.

"Geez! How many times do I have to say sorry?", Fantina complain rolling her eyes

"Once would suffice!", Ranka stated in irritation before pulling out the kunai from her leg examining it.

"Oh... nevermind then.", The goat woman waves off as the Jinko elicits a low growl.

"D-Don't worry, I'll heal you.", Nikami says as her hands glow with bluish-white energy positioning on the Jinko shoulder.

"Now then...as for you.", Fantina says now focusing on Mirabelle who stared at the still lifeless body of the Karmaitachi tears streaming down her face.

"Drei...", Mirabelle uttered sadly tears in her eyes.

Fantina looks back at Drei's lifeless body and sighs before levitating her scythe positioning the blade at Mirabelle face. She could see her reflection in the blade surface.

"Stand.", Fantina demanded.

Mirabelle slowly and reluctantly stands up with a grim expression. The scythe the levitated away and sliced a glowing portal of distorted space.

"For what it's worth, you're friend died like a warrior.", Ranka informs. Mirabelle bites her lip suppressing a sob as Fantina steps up tapping her side with her scythe blade.

"Let's go.", She instructs all of them as she and Mirabelle reluctantly step through the portal.

Ranka and Nikami look to the Karmaitachi one last time before turning to leave. Suddenly...

"...nng..."

Nikami fox ears perk up before turning around alerting the Jinko.

"What is-ah!", Ranka inquires before being taken back in surprise see the small Karmaitachi breathing laboriously and staring at them with hooded unfocused yet determined eyes. She weakly tries to push herself up but her trembling muscles refused to obey. Yet she kept trying to move. Deep in her soul she knew she had to. Ranka looks on as a smirk crosses her lips, "I'll be damned. This little one really is a warrior."

Nikami looks to Ranka surprised rarely ever seeing her smile so genuinely.

"Come on! What you two doing?!", Fantina impatiently called from e other side of the portal.

"B-Be with you in a second!", Nikami assured before looking to Ranka, "So...what do we do about her?"

"Simply leaving her to succumb to her wounds would be optimal but something tells she isn't the type to die so ingloriously. Besides, what she said earlier, about defeating an ally of ours, caught my attention.", Ranka remarks

"You don't think she's...", Nikami spoke not wanting to finish the question now starting to glare at the Karmaitachi.

"Only one way to find out. Pick her up. We can press her for answers later.", Ranka suggested.

"Oh my God! Come ON ALREADY OR I'M LEAVING YOU IN ALABAMA!", Fantina angrily stated from the other side of the portal.

"WE'RE COMING!", Ranka roared back then gestures to Nikami. The golden Inari carefully picks up the grunting Karmaitachi girl carrying her like a potato sack and following the Jinko. A thought then occurs to her.

"A-Are you sure it's a good idea to bring her? She IS a Karmaitachi, right? What about...Hush...?"

Ranka paused for a moment now remembering and important detail.

"It's fine. We'll explain when we get back.", Ranka affirms.

Nikami nods understandingly then follows Ranka through the portal. It begins to collapse in on itself.

"Ugh, took you long en-wait...WHY THE HELL IS-", Fantina stated from the other side just before it closed completely returning the space to normal.

...Meanwhile...

Caleb and the others could still be seen inside the gas station seated near the dining booths by the large windows. He sat in front of Lyca and Zwei while Camilla took a separate table due to her large wings and Tyrrian remained outside surveying for any MON personnel vehicles. Caleb was currently on the phone with Sterling while Lyca was enjoying a couple large pulled pork sandwiches(graciously purchased by Tyrrian). He had just filled Sterling in on what has been happening including the fact that two of the assassins had been killed already. Although, he omitted HOW they died allowing Zwei and Tyrrian to take the credit. They'd eventually tell him the truth in private.

"Uhhh we're at...the Fill' Ya Up?", Caleb says with questioning tone at the sign above. "Yeah the Fill' Ya Up gas and deli station in Hazel Green."

Zwei listens in as she was sitting next to him

"Ok. What about Mirabelle? Are you sending someone after her?", Caleb inquires before Sterling erupts on the other line in frustration which the others picked up with their sensitive ears

"Haaa I know. Dammit I know, Sterling! Don't you think we've been through enough already?!"

Camilla and Lyca notice the strain in his voice.

Caleb groans rubbing his forehead, "Yeah...fine. Ok, she's right here "

He then hands the phone to Zwei who quickly takes it.

"Yes, sir?", Zwei answers listening and answer with a plain "Yessir" or "Understood", "Understood, I won't let anything happen to them."

Zwei hangs up handing the phone back to Caleb who reluctantly takes it sighing as he lays his forehead to his palm.

"What did he say?", Tyrrian inquires not liking his reaction.

"They're sending a van to pick us up. That the good news.", Caleb replied in visible frustration as the girls ready themselves for the bad news, "BAD news is, they can't send any agents after moon pie!"

Lyca and Camilla eyes widen in shock as Zwei looks away remorseful and Tyrrian gives a low sigh.

"Que?! Why not?!", Camilla stated in disbelief shooting up from the booth behind Caleb almost knocking off the condiments and napkin dispenser.

"He it's because their staff is spread to thin as is. Even if they were to send a squad to pursue them now, they'd have no idea where to begin searching.", Caleb spoke in irritation cleaning his fists tightly.

"They're trying to track them using Drei's phone, since she's likely still on their tail but... there was some bizarre interference and now they can't find her signal at all.", Zwei mentions with a concern tone.

"That's fuckin reassuring. I guess that means Drei is our best chance right now.", Caleb sighs in frustration, "Will she be enough though, I wonder?"

"Hey, don't do that.", Zwei says getting his attention, "Don't start doubting us now. Drei isn't the type to go down so easily. In fact, it's what people are known for. We NEVER give up and NEVER get tired so you bet that my sister won't stop until Mirabelle's safe."

Caleb looks to her wanting to believe every word she said yet he couldn't shake this terrible feeling he had.

Suddenly, a knock at one of the windows caught all of their attention instantly putting them on defensive. That is...until they saw who it was.

"GUYS!", Ein screamed in excitement from the other side of the glass her face pressed against he surface.

"Sis?!", Zwei exclaims in surprise before clumsily climbing over Lyca almost knocking her second sandwich out her mouth as Ein rushes towards the entrance. Caleb and Camilla quickly stood up from their seats as the taller Karmaitachi enters the establishment. Zwei manages to get out the booth, faceplants on the floor, quickly picks herself up then rushes toward her sister.

"Zwei! You're ok!", Ein stated kneeling slightly to embrace happily smiling and Zwei smiled back returning the hug.

"And you're HERE! What are you doing here?!", Zwei inquired.

"That's something I'd like to know too!", Caleb added as Camilla nodded in agree equally curious.

"We overheard a voicemail message of you guys being attacked and I asked agent Ketcher if I could leave to provide backup for you all. I've been pursuing you all for the last hour now until I saw Agent Tyrrian soaring around. She let me know you guys were down here. ", Ein explained as the Raptor Harpy steps into view giving a thumbs up with her weird bird finger, "I kept trying to reach you by phone but it just kept going to voicemail. Speaking of which..."

Ein puts Zwei down bending down slightly before clutching the sides of her face.

"Sweet sister, why didn't you inform me ONCE that you and the others were out of danger? I was insanely worried.", Ein spoke in a tone barely hiding her frustration with a smile and eyes that appeared to bore in her sister soul as she tightens her grip.

"Owowow c-come on sis! My phone got destroyed! Enough with the psycho eyes!", Zwei stated turning her gaze as her sister bore down with the intensity of medusa.

"It's a long...REALLY complicated story and I can't quite share the details right now, but we managed to escape two of those assassins.", Caleb explained looking to the floor sullenly, "As for Moon pie...she was captured and we still don't know what's going on."

Ein looks to him sadly before releasing Zwei, "I-I see..."

"Ow, but hey! Good news is that Drei is pursuing her so it's not COMPLETELY hopeless.", Zwei assures rubbing the soreness from her cheeks.

"Ah, you're right, that is good news!", Ein exclaimed

"We just need to put our trust in the Healer of our pack! Everything will be fine, right?", Lyca stated having finished her sandwiches as the others look to her

"Mhm. Jes, we mustn't lose hope.", Camilla added confidently.

Caleb looks to each of them wanting to believe to but something deep inside him, something aching, told him otherwise.

*generic Samsung ringtone*

Ein's phone suddenly starts ringing.

"Ah. Hang on second. Hello? Yes, this is agent Ein Zyklon. ,", she answered in a polite cheerful tone, "I'm currently with Mr. Bizzell, my sister, Agent Tyrrian and two of his homestays. The whereabouts of Ms. Marequine of them is still unknown but-

Eins expression changes becoming visibly shocked.

"What?", was all she could utter.

The others look to her with dread filling their senses. None more so than Caleb, who felt as his heart was filled with lead sinking down to his stomach.

.

.

.

...Elsewhere...

Drei begins to regain consciousness. Her body still aches and head felt fuzzy but she could feel some strength coming back. Her entire ached and she taste blood and...something else in her mouth. She could hear people talking but it came to her as muffled speech.

"What were you two thinking?", Came an unknown voice as another responds.

"You know how she is! What did you expect?! Count yourselves lucky Miss Satella...", berated an unfamiliar voice fading in and out.

"We know...but...AH!"

"YOU IDIOT! DON'T LET HER GO!"

Drei lightly groans her eyes fluttering open as her vision gradually returns. The first thing she sees upon waking up is an insect woman charging at her, arm raised with a long scythe blade ready to evict her head from her body. The Karmaitachi eyes shot wide in shock instinctively going into defensive mode then realizing she couldn't move her arms or legs. A familiar face comes into view. The Jinko from earlier.

She grabs the mantis by the arm stopping her blade mere inches from Drei's neck. The Mantis visibly struggles glaring murderous at Drei. Ranka grabs the other arms fully restraining her holding her off the ground. The mantis woman flails and thrashes to get free while loudly hissing and snarling trying to free herself. Drei looks on confused then notices she was seated in a school desk with her hands and feet bound with rope to said desk and gag placed in her mouth. She then looks around at the people around recognizing their faces from the sketches they obtained then looks around at the large makeshift living space.

"Dammit, Nikami! I told you to restrain her!", Ranka berated.

"I'm sorry! S-She just...slipped out of my grasp and..." the Inari shamefully apologized as Hush continued to hiss and thrash in the Jinko's grasp, gradually losing more and more steam.

"Stop. Making. Excuses. Unless you can accept your mistakes and try to improve. You need discipline," the Jinko chastised as Nikami cast her eyes down in shame.

"I could say the same to YOU, Ranka," came another voice. Drei looked up to see a tanned woman with reptilian features and small flames emanating from her tail, "What did you expect would happen bringing a Karmaitachi here knowing full well of Hush's hatred of them?!"

Drei's eyes widened, recognizing the face of the woman from sketches Camilla had made. She knew that she was the Salamander of the group; Ember. So the Mantis must be Hush.

"That's beside the point though. I wanna know WHY you two insisted on bringing that Karmaitachi here?"

She saw Drei watching curiously and silently stared at them as they refocused on her.

"I just had some questions for her and I need her alive, for now, to answer them," Ranka remarked mostly to Hush, who was now panting from running out of steam. She looked up at the Jinko and closed her eyes submissively. Ranka accepted her contrition and sat her back to her feet before the Mantis continued glaring at Drei, "Remove her gag, Nikami."

"R-Right..."

She went up to Drei, hooked her finger under the cloth and pulled it down her chin.

"Blegh. Ugh. Ah fuck. What was that a dish rag? Ugh worse yet, was that AJAX and...tuna I tasted? Yuck." Drei spat, sticking her tongue out in disgust.

A pause settled in the room.

"Is...is she serious?" Nikami inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm disgusted," Drei answered plainly as Nikami gave her a confused look. Hush glared, her arms trembling, looking like she was going to slash her head off at any moment, "Now then, where am I? And what have you done with Ms. Marequine?"

Ranka stepped up to the Karmaitachi, "I'm afraid you are in no position to ask questions, little warrior. I spared your life so you can answer some questions of ours. And don't even think about trying anything funny. See this?"

The Jinko points at the metal collar on Drei's neck.

"Know what it is?"

"You're recurring wet dream?", Drei replied to the Jinko's annoyance.

"No, it's an enslavement collar. It seals away your mana rendering you without your powers."

"Hopefully not without options.", Drei muttered under breath.

"What?", Ranka raised an eyebrow.

"So what? You brought to your lair to ask ME questions while denying my right questions? Sorry, I'm not a fan of the politicians game. Wayyy too much repetition," Drei commented.

"Is this some kind of game to you?!" Ember snapped, irritated by her attitude.

"No, since that would imply I'm enjoying myself. I see this more like...taxes," Drei said with a shrug.

"Quite the snarky one, isn't she?" Ember remarked, arms folded.

"I'm shocked she's still alive! She was a bloodied mess when I saw her!" Nikami stated in disbelief.

"Honey, I'm a medic. You have any idea how many drugs, tonics, and healing salves I've tested on myself over the years? Possibly higher than you can count. My healing factor is broken. Not Deadpool broken, but still.", Drei nonchalantly explained.

"Well, I suppose that explains all these we took off you," Ember emphasized, reaching down beside Drei. She held up a plastic bag, jingling the vials of medicine and other items inside to the weasel's surprise, "How does such a small body fit THIS many items? I'm more confused than impressed."

"Trade secret of a pragmatic medic! Also, pockets, everywhere," Drei replied happily.

Ember gave Ranka an incredulous look, "Ah, good, ya brought the world's shortest and snarkiest drug smuggler into our home!"

"I'm more curious about these weird green balls," Nikami wondered aloud, examining a small freezer bag along with Hush.

"Those are my glüber balls. They're my favorite candy. Go ahead, pop one in your mouth," Drei suggested.

"AS IF! I remember Ranka-sama and me getting hit by these things. We nearly suffocated!" Nikami stated furiously.

"Well, they have the properties of glue and rubber. Great for censorship AND restraining deadly assassins...and hapless Inari apparently," Drei commented as the Inari grimaced with an annoyed groan. "Alright, that's two questions answered. Now I'm allowed two."

"What? I didn't even ask-" Ranka started before Drei interrupted.

"No, but THEY asked me already. It wasn't specified who I'd answer."

Hush glared at her, irritated by the Karmaitachi's audacity.

"I'll ask again: Where. Is. Mirabelle?"

Ranka folded her arms, glaring down at the defiant Karmaitachi, impressed but refusing to move an inch. She had to remind her THEY had the upper hand.

"She's with our leader," she answered.

"Ranka!" Ember gasped in disbelief.

"It's fine!" Ranka assured as Ember gazed at her skeptically, "Of course, she wanted nothing to do with this and left your life in my hands. She and The Baphomet are interrogating your Nightmare friend as we speak. She's safe...for now."

Drei eyes widened in surprise and quickly looked between each of the women and noticed the golden Inari looking off in another direction, at the entrance of a corridor. Drei narrowed her eyes for a moment, then focused back on the Jinko.

"Alright, next, where are we right now?" Drei inquired.

"You're at our base. That's all you need to know," Ranka replied coldly.

"Fair enough. Now it's your turn," Drei plainly spoke.

"Hmph, someone is quite cooperative all of a sudden," Ember suspiciously remarked, then looked to the Jinko, "Well?"

Ranka pulled out a kunai knife, presenting it to Drei, "This knife you stabbed me with belongs to our comrade, Madoka. I can presume you both have already crossed paths. There's the fact that the van was without a driver."

Drei stared at her silently, already guessing what she was implying.

"So, tell us...where is Madoka?" Ranka asked in a serious tone, her question catching Nikami and the others by surprise before they watched the Karmaitachi in furious anticipation.

Drei gazed up at them with cold eyes, "She's dead. I killed her on the way to the van."

Nikami, Ember, and Hush stared at the Karmaitachi in shock.

"M-Madoka's...dead...?" Nikami whispered in disbelief.

"...And what of the others? Vernal, Kulah, and Heather. I'm sure you encountered them," Ranka inquired, glaring intently, looking for any sign of lying.

"We haven't actually. If you refer to the Dark elf and the Ocelomeh, I have no idea. Although, I'm willing to bet my comrades have probably taken care of the first two by now. The ghost? I'm not the one who can answer what happened to her," Drei replied as the others looked shocked.

Ranka knelt down, eye-to-eye with the Karmaitachi, "I never mentioned what species they were, just their names. In fact, almost no one ever has learnt that Heather's a ghost. How could you know that?"

"We have our sources," Drei answered plainly.

"What do you mean by...you can't answer what happen with Heather?" Nikami asked.

"I don't know. Ask the Nightmare," Drei replied, much to the shock of the others at what she was implying.

Hush clenched her fists and her teeth hard, ready to tear Drei apart at the slightest command.

"That's three questions you asked.", Drei pointed out.

"Eh? You JUST answered Nikami question!", Ember retorts.

"No I didn't, I simply shifted it someone else. That's Politics 101.", Drei replied and the Salamander grumbles in annoyance, "Now, next question, why do you want Ms. Marequine?"

"It's not really her we want. Rather we want the power she possesses. A rather unique and extraordinary power indeed.", Ranka informs much to the discontent of Ember.

"Ah, I get it. The classic 'goodie good-good that all the baddies really wanty-wanty'. Typical.", Drei taunted in an unimpressed tone.

"Don't make us sound like a bunch of uncouth power hungry monsters! Our goal is far more expansive than that! I doubt that a troglodyte like you could ever understand.", Ember expressed bitterly with fiery eyes.

"Maybe not, but I do understand that it won't succeed."

Ember and the others glare at her intensely. One could feel the malice in the air.

"And why is that?", Ranka coldy inquires.

"You really think it's just me pursuing Marequine. My sisters and no doubt her HOST have informed ICEP, in and out of state police, maybe even I.A. of the circumstances. They have your names and your appearances. It doesn't matter how well you cover your tracks now. They're coming for you all.", Drei finished as the others glare at her with mixed expressions.

"...Good to know. But, just so you know, this isn't the first time we've been in a tight spot.", Ranka assured with a smirk in the Karmaitachi face, "Any more questions?"

"Yeah. what's her problem? The Mantis that keeps glaring at me like mom looking at her kids reports card."

Hush narrows her gaze at the Karmaitachi before feeling Ember grip her shoulder securely then stepping up.

"Her problem? Do you have any idea what this girl has been through?! The misery that your people put her and her people through? The crimes your greedy, vile lot committed are worthy of death FIVE TIMES over!" , Ember belittled with an accusing gaze.

Drei goes silent looking down with a shadow covering her eyes.

"Oh, sorry! That was three more questions!", Ember berated sarcastically, "So, Karmaitachi, child killer, care to apologize on your people behalf to this young Mantis? Not that it's worth much anyway."

Drei doesn't respond at first then looks up at the group focusing on Hush with a serious stare.

"I don't even know who she is outside her name and species. I have nothing to apologize for.", Drei plainly replied as the Mantis expression intensifies, "That's four questions by the wa-OOPH"

Before she could finish, she receives a hard punch across her face courtesy of Hush taking Ember and the others by surprise.

"RAAGHH!", the Mantis hollers proceeding to furiously beat the hell out of Drei.

...Meanwhile...

Deeper into the base, in a large room that once served as a nursery, later converted into a holding cell for captured "prey" by Vernal and Kulah, Mirabelle sat behind metal bars with a long chain fastened to the wall and connected to her collar. She wore a doleful expression with her head low, indifferent to the voices calling her.

"Hey! Aren't you listening?" Fantina snapped, growing tired of the Centaur's self-pity act, "This is getting old! You're here now, so you may as well cooperate."

Mirabelle didn't respond, instead looking away as she gripped her skirt.

"I grow weary of these games," came the voice of Satella seated in the darker corner of the room with her legs crossed, the only light being the scarlet glow of her piercing eyes. She stood up, strolling to the makeshift cell, "Giving your background, I would assume you'd be more useful than this."

"So me my people skills are a bit rusty, so what?! Why am I still here? The Nightmare's captured, I can just report to Mama rose and she can pick her up, you guys get paid, and I can get back to my real project!", Fantina complained turning with a huff.

Satella looks down on the Baphomet before answering, "That's right, Mama Rose gave us orders to capture this rare specimen."

Fantina raised an eyebrow at the strange tone in her voice, "Yeah...that's right."

"Do you know what is so special about this Centaur species?", Satella inquired"

"Not that much given what ICEP has on record. They're Centaurs that can basically enter the dreams of people. I also heard a rumor about the mist they produce of their tails being capable of curing insomnia and other sleep disorders but, again, it's just a rumor."

"Hm, then you are not aware of their aptitude for mental manipulation.", Satella replied laying her hand on the bars staring at the Nightmare but keeping just out of the light beam, "Actually, it is much deeper than that. I heard tales as a child of their ability to cause emotional distress to their enemies, altering the memories and personalities of others, and even control willpower of anymore no matter their strength."

Fantina stood silent in thought surprised by the information then looks to Mirabelle, "Wait, seriously? I mean...look at her. She looks like she'd be too scared to harm a fly. You sure about that?"

Mirabelle winces at the comments slightly upset before hearing the sound of metal bending and looks up flinching at the sight of the Vampire. Her are glowed red with a scowl and gripping the steel bar deforming it to the shape of her fingers.

"I know what I am talking about. I experienced the power of her kind first hand! The sensation of having entire being controlled yet feeling though I am in control, it was...it was...excilarating.", Satella expressed with an unsettling expression of ecstacy as Fantina withdraws a bit slightly disturbed by the Vampire behaviour, "Can you imagine having that power?"

"...What?", Fantina inquired

"Being able to control the will of anyone. Rewriting their memories and personalities to best suit your agenda. Turning enemies into allies, giving current allies the resolve to kill other even themselves to further your cause, having complete dominion over every one of your followers that obey because they want to. A puppet master without the need for strings.", Satella looks off at the window in thought as Fantina also starts to ponder

Mirabelle scoffs turning her head in disgust which didn't go unnoticed by the Vampire.

"Oh, am I wrong? Or did you did you tongue involuntarily? If you have something to add, kindly share it.", Satella inquires calmly

Mirabelle goes silent as Satella frown in dissatisfaction her crimson red eyes beginning to glow.

"SPEAK!", The Vampire bellows out a frightful commanding roar that shook metal bars and scaring both Miranda and Fantina as an oppressive atmosphere filled the room.

Mirabelle lips and rest of her body trembled trying bring herself to say something but could only mutter intelligible fearful sounds and tears forming in her eyes. She gives up burying her face in her palms gently sobbing much to the discontent. Fantina looks to Mirabelle then back to Vampire

"Tch, Ce jalnic(How pitiful in Romanian).", Satella spoke with a frigid glare before loud crash caught her, "Vhat IS that?!"

Suddenly, the door of the room comes flying open and in steps Nikami softly panting.

"S-Satella-sama! So sorry bother but we need you to come quick!"

"Vhat is it?", Satella inquires in slight annoyance before hearing Ranka and Ember yelling in the distance.

"It's the Karmaitachi! She awoke not to long ago and we started questioning her and... it's bad. Now Hush is attacking her and we can't calm her!", Nikami stated in panic.

Mirabelle ears perked up upon hearing what she said about Drei.

"W-What?", She uttered softly looking up as Fantina and Satella give her a quick look for the latter sighs.

"Alright, let me handle her.", Satella relents then shoots a stern look toward Mirabelle, "I am not finished. You will learn who is in control."

With that, Satella body becomes cloaked in shadow before darting out the door at great speed avoiding the sun light almost knocking Nikami backwards. The Inari glances at the Baphomet and Nightmare before going after her leader.

"She's ok.", Mirabelle utters letting the thought sink in a second feeling relieved by the news.

"Heh, looks who's talking now that the scary vampire is gone.", Fantina remarked.

"... I'm just glad...", Mirabelle uttered, "I was afraid they killed her."

"Well, from the sounds of it that option is still on the table.", Fantina says leaning against a wall with her arms folded, "I can tell ya imagine what that Vampire is gonna do."

"...what a ghastly woman. The look she gave me felt as though she would out my heart at any moment.", Mirabelle replies holding her trembling shoulders recalling the experience.

"Wait until you meet Mama Rose. That woman can make an Angel question if there's a God.", Fantina remarks shaking her head, "Honestly, it's hard to tell which side is worse. They're all shit bags in the end."

"... I'm not going with her. I refuse.", Mirabelle insists clenching her skirt.

"You don't have much choice, princess. As long as that collars on your neck, YOU aren't going anywhere. And I doubt anyone else is coming for you.", Fantina rebukes coldly.

"You're wrong! I know my Dear and everyone else is ok. I can feel it. And I'm sure by now Sterling and others in ICEP know what's happening. I know they're coming.", Mirabelle affirms with a assured tone.

Fantina pauses eyes widening in surprise upon hearing that name.

"What did you saying?", The goat woman inquires in disbelief.

"I said I know their com-"

"No no, before that!", Fantina cuts her off, "Did you say...Sterling?"

Mirabelle gives her a ponderous look, "Y-Yes... he's my coordinator. He's the one who introduced me to my Dear."

Fantina goes silent a moment in thought with an incredulous expression. A smirk suddenly grows on her face followed by a light chuckle.

"Hehehe, goddamit...this world really is too small.", Fantina expresses before taking thoughtful tone, "I just can't seem to get him out of my life."

"W-Wait...do you and Sterling...know each other.", Mirabelle inquires.

"...He used to be my partner...and my best friend...", Fantina spoke in a wistful tone much to Mirabelle surprise.

...Meanwhile...

In the other room, Hush could be seen savagely stomping Drei face into a bloody pulp hissing and crying out.

"Hush! Hush that's enough!", Ranka stated reaching for the Mantis should only to receive a fast slash to the palm from her scythe blade forcing her to quickly withdraw from the pain. Hush gives the Jinko a serious rage filled glare as if warning no to interfere again before resuming kicking the Karmaitachi to death.

"I haven't seen her THIS angry in such a long time.", Ember expressed in a worried tone as Ranka clenched her bleeding palm as both watched the brutal display. Blood splattered more and more on the floor to Embers discontent of it staining.

Suddenly, Satella appears in a viel of shadow in between the two liminals to their surprise. She narrows her eyes at the Mantis who fails to notice her.

"HUSH!", The Vampiress bellows in a voice the shook the entire room and air around them became heavier. Hush body tenses freezing mid stomp as she glances around as if snapping out of a trance then turns to see Satella shaking her head.

The Mantis eyes widen in realization looking back at the bloody mess the was the Karmaitachi then back to Satella. Her piercing red eyes bore holes into her heart and the Mantis gasps before going up to Satella kneeling respectfully and apologetically bowing her head.

Satella bends down slightly touching the top of the Mantis head between her antennae causing her to look up at her. She was met with a soft expression and accepting crimson red eyes. The eyes of the person she treasured the most. Satella caress her face a bit inciting a small content grin from the Mantis knowing all was forgiven. Embers and the others look on silently.

"Now then, vhat happened? Vhat did you learn from our unwanted guest?", Satella inquires in a serious tone looking to Ranka and the others.

"W-Well, it's basically like this...", Ranka says beginning to tell her everything.

...back to Mirabelle...

"Y-You're partner? He never mentioned anything about you before.", Mirabelle stated in surprise.

"Heh... that's fair, I guess...", Fantina says in a listless tone.

"Did... something happen between you both?", Mirabelle inquires.

"Both yes...and no...that the problem. He chose what path he wanted even if it didn't include me. So I did the same.", Fantina remarked.

"And your path led you to become a criminal?", Mirabelle skeptically replied.

Fantina shoots a glare at the Nightmare, "Don't gimme that! You have no idea what his and ICEP decisions meant for me and others like me. The Malones found me and offered a chance they didn't give me."

"So what? You turn your back on ICEP and Sterling...because they weren't up to your standards?", Mirabelle question in disbelief.

"It's more complex than that, but yes.", Fantina spoke frankly, "I doubt you'd understand but the Malones are my best chance of completing my mission. I owe them a huge debt in service of that mission."

"Mission?", Mirabelle repeated.

"You really think ICEP is all about helping ALL liminals? Don't be naive! Even THEY have exceptions to their rules if it mean earning public favor.", Fantina stated gripping the metal bars with her paw, "They'll gladly through a few 'undesirables' under the bus if it means the ones they favor can progress. How long before they or worse civilians learn what you're capable of? You think they'll allow you to stay albeit under very close supervision or will they cast you out having deny any knowledge of what you are? I doubt Sterling would even defend you. He doesn't care about anyone."

Mirabelle pauses at her question collecting her thoughts, "If I'm being frank, and perhaps it's just in my species nature, but I was always skeptical of this organization. The thought of no longer hiding from other societies and being free to live and grow as I please? Of course it's too good to be true. Perfection doesn't exist."

Fantina huff unsurprised by her answer and was about to say something but Mirabelle keep going

"But that doesn't matter, because ICEP is the reason I met my Dear, Caleb Bizzell. The man that gave everything I ever needed and more. I love him so much and he loves me back, even when I can't love myself at times.", Mirabelle says in a heartfelt tone much to Fantina intrugue, "That's why I'm not giving up just yet on ICEP or Sterling. In fact, he's the entire reason I, and my other housemates, can express our love for Dear on every level."

"Wait, what?", Fantina replies in shock at the statement, "Y-You mean like... romantically?"

"And physically.", Mirabelle spoke her cheeks flushed. Fantina cheeks flush pink at the comment, "I mentioned that Dear loves me but he also loves Camilla and Lyca as well. So, Sterling proposed that we all enter a polygamous relationship as an experiment of sorts."

"Experiment?! I don't believe you! T-There's no way that ICEP would approve that.", Fantina chastised.

"...Sterling didn't inform anyone outside our group.", Mirabelle informs, "He's doing it in secret."

Fantina is taken aback, "What? He's acting on his own..and going behind ICEP back? Why?"

"I don't know the full answer. However, I believe he truly wishes to help liminals like us become part of society without denying our own culture ", Mirabelle says in an assured tone, "What I'm certain of is that Sterling is always looking out for us even if we make his job considerably harder. And trust me, we do. I suppose what I'm trying to say is, Sterling is a good man."

Fantina goes silent a moment in thought the utters under her breath, "Never said he wasn't."

"P-Pardon?", Mirabelle inquires curiously

"I-I said, why are you telling me this? You know I could expose your little polygamy plan."

"Yes, but something tells me you won't because...deep down even you want to see it work. Right?"

Fantina pauses unable to deny the claim, "Whatever. It makes no difference anyway. When Mama Rose gets a hold of you, that'll be it. You may as well forget about your little experiment."

"I already told you, I'm not going anywhere with anyone.", Mirabelle insists, "My dear will come for me along Ein and Sterling and others from ICEP!"

"Oh? The little princess waiting for her knight and merry band of nitwits to save her? I'd love to see it. I've been meaning to pay that guy back for what he did to Nikolai anyway.", Fantina threatens creating a small red ball of pulsating energy as Mirabelle shoots a glare going silent. Fantina then dissipates the energy ball, "Kidding! There's no way they'll find you. We'll be long gone from here soon."

Mirabelle wears a look of worry before shaking her head, "No...I believe in my Dear."

Fantina gives a skeptical look, "You really love this guy, don't you?"

"Yes."

"...Heh, yet another liminal willing to give anything for their love. You kids need to wake the fuck up.", Fantina scoffed taking a scythe that had been leaning against the wall

Mirabelle grits her teeth then retorts, "Don't act like you're any better! I saw that look in your eyes..when I started talking about Sterling."

"What?"

"I know it all too well. You...you loved him... right?"

Fantina eyes widen in surprise at the question as her cheeks flush, "I...I don't know what you're talking about."

"You can't deny it. I don't need my powers to see it. The pain in your heart, I know it. I've felt it. You must be so afraid.", Mirabelle expressed in a sympathetic tone.

Fantina clenches her fist shaking with rage then taps her scythe to floor. A small red magic seal appears above Mirabelle sending a tiny jolt of red lightning striking the collar to Mirabelle surprise.

The runes on the collar glow brightly and send a powerful jolt of energy ripping throughout the Nightmare body as she cries out loudly in pain and her body convulses violently The room is illuminated brighter from the white energy sparks radiating as Mirabelle cries out falling to her side her body spasming. Fantina huffs and turns walking away.

"Consider that a taste of what's to come if you don't obey Mama Rosé.", Fantina spoke leaving the Nightmare alone as the sparks die down.

...meanwhile back to Drei...

"Vhat did you say?", Satella questions in disbelief.

"Yes, from what we've... excruciatingly gathered from the Karmaitachi...Madoka has been killed and it's possible Vernal and Kulah have been killed as well.", Ember sadly informs holding back tears. Hush held her head low with a despondent expression and her antennae drooped.

"Possibly?", Satella repeats.

"We've received no word from them by phone in the last 3 hours. If not Kulah, Vernal would have at least sent an update every hour. As it is, we can only assume the worst.", Ranka added as Nikami sniffles quickly wipes the tears from her eyes, "We don't know what happened to Heather. Apparently, the Nightmare has something to do with her disappearance oddly enough."

"Eh. Not that much of a loss honestly.", Ember simply shrugs noticing the stares of comrades, "What? We were all thinking it!"

"Yeah, but we weren't actually gonna say it.", Ranka points out as Satella nods in agreement.

"Guys, come on! It's Heather!", Nikami stated in disbelief with Hush next to her looking to her intrinsically, "She was our frie...she was our al...she was so ki...w-well she was here!"

She finishes and Hush gently shakes her head.

"Ahh enough! We will shall honor our fallen sisters, and Heather, later! Right now, ve have bigger issues.", Satella stated firmly before noticing Fantina passing the group, "Vhere are you going?"

"Uh, I'm going back to Mama Rose and report that you have the Nightmare.", Fantina replies walking towards the entrance when Hush suddenly steps in front of blocking her way to the Baphomet confusion, "What the? Get out of the way."

Hush simply stares back with cold, unflinching eyes as Fantina recoils. Her instincts told her something wasn't right.

"Actually, that will not be necessary.", Came the voice of Satella in the Baphomet ear sending a fearful chill up her spine. She grips her scythe turning to slash the vampire only to receive a sharp jab to the back of the stunning her entire body. Fantina releases her scythe as it hits the floor with a 'clang' limply falling onto the floor.

All the while, Drei, having partially recovered from the previous beating with still noticeable swelling and bruises still present and right eye still swollen shut, observed the even silently with her one good eye.

Fantina was still conscious but surprised. She tries to stand up only to find her body wouldn't move an inch and felt heavy as stone.

"W-What...did you do to me...?", Fantina utters her cheek pressed against the floor.

"Helping you understand your place.", Satella remarked before nodding to Hush who then lifts up the Baphomet then slings her over her shoulder like a ragdoll. Satella turns to the others with a serious look, " I am doing it now."

Ranka and the others look to her in surprise before nodding in understanding. Drei listens no clue what she meant but knowing it wasn't good.

"What we do with her?", Ember inquires looking to Hush carrying the paralyzed Baphomet.

"Restrain her. I intend to use her a bit longer."

"And her?", Ember says disdainfully looking at Drei, who was now pretending to still be unconcious.

"Do vhatever you like.", Satella dismissively replies her body becoming cloaked in shadow bolting away with great speed back to the Nightmare room.

Hush plops Fantina in a small chair proceeding to duct tape her hands behind it.

"What...the hell are...you assholes doing...", Fantina spoke as Hush started to work on her legs next.

"You'll find out. You and the Malones.", Ember chided with a haughty smirk strolling up to the Karmaitachi. She snatches up Drei by the hair who lets out an involuntary yelp, "Ahh, you are awake and it looks you weren't just talking out your ass about that fast healing of yours."

"What are you planning to do with her, Ember?", Ranka asks in a serious tone.

"I intend to make her suffer just like our family has suffered. Unless you intend to question her more.", Ember inquires.

Ranka pauses a moment thinking back to how the Karmaitachi looked upon nearly being killed. The sheer, uncorrupted will to live that was present in her eyes...it reminded her of when she was a cub.

"...No...I got all that I need.", Ranka replies folding her arm looking aware with Nikami noticing the strange tone of her voice.

"Good. Hush! It's time you learned about proper torture.", Ember says with a toothy grin as tiny flames billows from the sides of her mouthe. Hush nods to her understandingly before Ember turns her attention back to the straining Karmaitachi who glared with her non-swollen eye.

"Good thing about that healing factor of yours. We won't kill you right away. We'll let you recover so we can beat you to near death over and over and over. Consider it the start of your penance for Madoka", Ember says lifting Drei up to her face by the hair as she clenches her teeth at the pain.

"Can you start with my nose please. That way I never have to smell your charcoal breath again", Drei commented with a tense glare.

Ember glares back at her a moment the grins, "Sure."

Obliging, the Salamander knees the Karmaitachi hard in the face creating a spurt of blood and accompanied by and audible cracking as Drei falls backwards. The others watching with varying expressions as Ember looks at the weasel girl with disdain. Fantina watches as the Salamander begins to viciously beat the poor girl.

...Meanwhile back to Caleb...

Caleb along with Camilla and Lyca were visibly in distress over the news they've been given. They learned that the van carrying Mirabelle was discovered state troopers with no passengers and the hood absolutely totalled. What's worse, there was terrible accident on the highway where a flipped 18 wheeler resulted in a twelve car pile up preventing hindering traffic and holding up the transport that was meant to pick them up. They even found a dead liminal woman on the scene belonging to the Kunoichi, a Devil subspecies, and no sign of Drei.

Zwei and Tyrrian watch the three wanting to help but had no idea how. Lyca pacing around and Camilla seated with Caleb who kept running her hands across his forehead. Ein steps up attempting to salvage the situation as a random male customer enters the store looking at them curiously but ignoring the group.

"L-Listen, I...I know this all seems bad but-"

"Bad? BAD?! THIS IS FUCKING HORRIBLE!", Caleb shouted jumping up startling the others and two nearby customers. A customer nervously pays for his gas, the cashier still under Camilla spell. He was surprised by the 'tattoo' on the cashier forehead and quickly leaves.

"I-I know...but...we have to-"

"Have to what?! You realize Moon Pie could be TWO states away for all we know!", Caleb berated further his heart and mind racing, "Why is nobody doing anything?!"

Ein clenches her fist at the question, "We ARE doing the best we can!"

"Yet, it does not change the situation. Senor is right. The enemy could be long gone by now with Senora and we are just sitting on our culos!", Camilla asserted.

"Why aren't they sending more people after her?!", Caleb stated.

"It's because they have no idea where to begin looking, correct?", Tyrrian joins in as Ein looks to her.

"Yes. Without a proper into where the enemy is keeping her, we won't be able to find her.", Ein regretfully admitted before the group erupts in a scramble of complaints and discontent. Ein feels her frustration boiling over.

"I understand! Don't you think I and no doubt Sterling and other agents of ICEP realize how FUCKED this all is?! I'm worried for her too and for my sister as well! Who, may I remind you, hasn't checked in for the last couple hours", Ein stated clenching her fists and eyes fighting back tears

Zwei steps up to her sister's side, "It's alright. I'm worried too sis."

"D-Does this mean...Mira's...gone?", Lyca says with a whimper and the saddest frown that would break any heart. Zwei looks to her morosely seeing the anguish in her eyes.

Caleb exhales loudly plopping down on a nearby booth seat with his elbows on the table and head in his hands as frustration and powerlessness filled his being. Lyca, Camilla, even Tyrrian approach him.

"S-Senor?", Camilla slowly reaching out touching his shoulder.

"Stop!", Caleb stated much harsher than intended as the Elder Devil withdraw with a hurt look, "Please, just..."

"It's ok. He just needs a little breathing room. Let's step outside.", Tyrrian urges them away with her wings. They look back in concern leaving him at the table alone. Ein and Zwei give a concerned look before joining the others outside.

"Fuck...Moon pie...", Caleb bemoaned.

...Back to Mirabelle...

"Haa...Haa...", Mirabelle breathed slowly recovering from the pain the collar had inflicted. She rose up regaining her barrings still feeling the aching all over her body. She remembered her conversation with the Baphomet and-

"Good, you're finally awake."

Mirabelle gasps in dread whipping her head to the where the voice came from. In a dark corner of the cell, away from the sunlight, in front of her were a pair a scarlet red eyes glaring at her. She hastily stands up intending to back away. Suddenly, the chain attached to her collar is yanked hard making her cry out as she forcefully dragged closer and closer.

Satella then seizes the Nightmare by the face forcing her to look into her crimson, demonic eyes with her free hand tightly on the chain keeping her from pulling away. Mirabelle whimpers stares back fearfully.

"P-P-Please...don't kill me ", Mirabelle uttered weakly.

"Kill you? Vhy would I do that? I need you.", Satella says with a toothy grin, "You're power is rare on that not even my kind could ever replicate. I can't ignore such an opportunity. That said, I know you von't simply give it to me and force would be counterproductive. So, I intend to make you mine."

"W...What?", Mirabelle spoke eyes widening.

"That enslavement collar around your neck has a rather unique feature called 'imprinting'. I will become your master and then your power will become mine to command. You will be bound to me body, mind, and soul Disobey me or attack me, and this collar will end you immediately.", Satella threatened with a sinister energy that sent fear through the Centaur being.

Mirabelle stared back in pure shock and terror of the situation. This wretched woman is going to make her into a slave?!

Using her claws like a dagger, Satella quickly slashes Mirabelle cheek drawing blood inciting a pained yelp from the Centaur. The blood trickles on the collar causing bright yellow runes to glow.

"First a little of your blood to bind your Excellent.", Satella expressed in satisfaction licking the remaining blood from Mirabelle cheek making her flinch.

"Rnghh...", Mirabelle winces in disgust at the sensation.

"רצונך ייעשה(Thy will be done), Satella chanted in a different language as the collar appeared the twinkle in response.

She then raises her hand and, using the claw on her thumb, punctures her index finger drawing blood, " Now some of my blood to mark you as my slave."

"N-No. Stop.", Mirabelle expressed in desperation.

At that moment, the drop of blood makes contact with the collar. The runes change from yellow to a bright red as pulses aq red electricity ripple throughout Mirabelle body. She shudders as a stinging sensation that more and more intense until it felt let her body was engulfed in flames.

She cries out in pure agony her voice echoing throughout the room. In her head, she could see flashes of the Vampire's memories and the horrific things she's done throughout her life. Satella smiles in satisfaction beginning to feel a powerful sensation throughout her body. Tears stream down Mirabelle face as her cries grow louder in response to gradually intensifying pain. Suddenly, her body starts rippling with shimmering purple aura and bright purplish-white light fills her eyes much to the Vampire's confused. Purple lightning begins pulsating in conjunction with the red energy as the collar runes alternate between purple and red glow.

"AHHHHH! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! DEEEAR!", Mirabelle screams to the ceiling as her eyes shine brighter like a beacon of a lighthouse.

...Back to Caleb...

The young man could be seen inside despairing over the current situation. The girls were outside the store discussing their options while allowing the occasional civilian into the store. Caleb had no idea what to do now. Had he really lost her forever? The thought alone was like a knife being twisted in his heart. He notices two customers, a male and female human, chatting and picking junk food from the shelves. A simple pleasure he'd welcome right now.

'D...R', echoed a muffled voice catching his attention. Caleb looks around then out the window able to see the girls still chatting with Camilla and Ein in a heated discussion. Where did it...?

'DEAR!', the voice cries out in his mind. He quickly jumps to his feet bumping the table startling the customers. It was Mirabelle's voice. He began frantically looking around the store going from aisle the aisle.

"Moon pie? Moon pie!", Caleb called out alerting the two customers. He approaches them, "Did either one of you hear a a voice like somebody calling 'Dear' just now?'

"Uhh no?", "No sir", they answered as the guys takes her hand backing away from the seemingly crazed man.

"Boss? What's going on?", Zwei stated in concern darting inside with the others soon joining her.

"Is something wrong?!", Tyrrian inquired

"I heard her!", Caleb stated.

"Who?", Ein replied confused as the others look to him intrinsically. The two customers sneak away going to the cashier who greet them plainly; both surprised by the 'tattoo' on her forehead.

"Moon pie! Can't you hear her?!", Caleb stated incredulously as the others look to him with concern.

'DEAR!', her voice echoed again

"There it is again! Can't you hear-", Caleb stops midsentence feeling a powerful surge of pain shoot throughout his body, similar to when that woman tortured him, making him hunch over holding his chest and crying out", Ahh! AHHHHH FUCK! AGH!"

"Senor?!", "Chief!", "Boss!", "Sir!, "Bizzell?!" the girls exclaim rushing to his side. The customers from before observe the scene unsure if they should leave or not.

"What's wrong?!", Ein stated in concern.

"I-It hurts!", Caleb stated his senses are then struck with a feeling of impending doom and overwhelming fear. The chivalier mark begins to glow brightly through his shirt catching the girls attention.

"W-What is that?!", Tyrrian stated.

'DEAR! HELP ME!', The voice echoed again with far more power being it than before causing Caleb to jerk his head straight up to the ceiling catching the others by surprise. His pupils take on ethereal purple glow before beams of purple light shoot from hey eyes and mouth. He then collapse to the floor unconscious as everything goes black for a moment.

Caleb open his eyes again finding himself standing away from the Camilla and the others with their backs turned to him. They were huddled in one spot appearing to be in a panic. Their voices while intelligible appeared to echo around them. He then notices the guy from earlier approach informing that he's dialing 9-1-1. Approaching them, he was shocked to see himself lying motionless on the floor. He looks at his hand shocked seeing they, not only rippling with purple aura, but were transparent like a ghost. The sensation felt very familiar though. As if...he was back in the dreamscape.

'DEAR!', Mirabelle's voice rings all around alerting him.

'Moon pieAHHHHHHHHHHHH!", Caleb cries out as his body is rocketed up phasing through the ceiling high into the sky before coming to a stop when he was hundreds of feet above ground. His eyes dart around confused at what was happening. The sensation reminded him of his excursion inside Camilla's dreamscape.

'Whats haaaaaaaa!", before he could question anything his body is sent propelling at light speed as he cries out passing by forests, streets, skylines, neighborhoods, before finally...

Caleb finds himself in a large dark room and in front of him was...Mirabelle. Her entire body rippling with red and purple aura. Her astral body.

"AHHHHHHH!", She cried out in agony as deep glowing red pulsating vein-like marks covered her entire body.

'Moon pie! MOON PIE!', Caleb calls her.

Mirabelle gasps upon hearing his voice and turns around surprise but overjoyed to see her lover.

'Dear. You're alright.", She said with tears in her eyes. Caleb then notices the collar around her neck.

"Moon pie! Hang on baby, I got-!", Caleb assures reaching for her.

"No, stay back!", Mirabelle warned.

Before Caleb could reach the collar, he then noticed another presence. It was a pale woman with ruby red glowing eyes and long fangs staring at him curiously . He stared back, petrified by her presence. She bared her fangs, emitting a loud and terrifying hiss while taking a more demonic form. He was then thrust out of the room by an unknown force while desperately calling Mirabelle's name. He was then greeted with the sight of four liminal women. Drei was bound to a chair as a lizard woman with a flaming tail and insect woman beating her. His body rocketed through the air at light speed as the entire world passed like a blur...until...

Caleb sharply inhales, raising up off the floor to the surprise of the others surrounding him.

"Chief!" Lyca sobbed, snuggling his head to her chest.

"De todo lo que es profano [For all that's unholy], do not SCARE me like that!" Camilla shouted on her knees, leaning into him, her eyes welling with tears as she gripped his hand in fear of losing him again.

"I'm back," Caleb whispered, seeing his hands were no longer transparent.

"Yeah, you are! I swear, you REALLY need to stop with the near death experiences," Zwei urged, deeply relieved he was alright.

"That's something we both can agree on," Ein sighed.

"Alright, the ambulance says it's on the way!" the man called, coming back into the store.

"Thanks! Thank you, we're good man. Call them, and cancel it or whatever," Zwei told him.

"A-Are you sure? That looked like a bad fall," the woman insisted.

"Trust me, he's had WAY worse. You can go now," Zwei urged.

"We appreciate your humanitarianism. You're both good people!" Ein complimented as the couple shrugged, reluctantly leaving.

"Ok, now can someone please tell me what just happened? Why were his eyes glowing?!" Tyrrian stated, profoundly confused.

"I feel her," Caleb said, staring at his hands, "I know where she is."

"What?" Ein inquired.

Caleb quickly stood up as Lyca and Camilla gave him room, "I know where she is! I saw the building she was being, the room...even the people there. I think I just astral projected."

The girls glanced to each other in shock.

"How? Is...is this another of Ms. Marequine abilities you unlocked?" Ein inquired.

"What?" Tyrrian exclaimed.

"I guess so! All I know for sure is she is in danger. They were torturing her! They even got one of those enslavement collars on her like they had with me!" Caleb said, pacing around.

"Dude, calm down. You're acting worse than before now," Zwei urged.

"Is no one going to answer me? He has her powers?!" Tyrrian stated incredulously.

"I can't. Not when I know for certain that she's suffering like this. I felt it," Caleb replied, ignoring the Harpy's question, "There was another presence there. An awful and very dangerous one. Not to mention scary as shit!"

"Well, if you know where theses assassins are keeping her, we NEED to report to Sterling or ICEP headquarters immediately," Ein insisted.

"That'll take too long. I could feel it, she's wayyy out of Alabama," Caleb groaned,

"If that's true, then ICEP in this state would have to contact branches in the border states and usually takes some time. Not to mention, they'd still have to gather MON teams, arrest warrants, and-"

"Exactly! It'll take too long. She doesn't have much time," Caleb said with dread in his voice, "And there's not much Sterling and the rest can do since it's out they jurisdiction."

"Then, what do we do?" Lyca asked uncertainly looking to the others.

Caleb clenches his fist taking a deep breath steeling his nerves.

"I'm handling this myself," Caleb answered in a serious tone to their surprise, "I'm going after her."

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WN

Hey fam. I'm back. After a long adjustment period, spending time with loved ones, and really taking time to reflect on some things, I can say i'm...wouldn't really say done but...greiving has become more tolerable now. Death never gets easier it only becomes more familiar. It's with that awareness I seek to finish what I started not just with THIS story, but my Monster Girl love stories, and got with my friend on here Superairraptor to help me with my manga. I'm still standing and moving forward. Thank you all so much for your support and I hope to make you all proud of what I create. Speaking of which, I notice several of you have had trouble viewing the character designs from the link. So I decided to correct that.

httpscolon double/ wwwdotdeviantartdotcom double/ goatmanofanime