Chapter 67: First Day
…Dreamscape…
The area was surrounded by the usual purple mist as music could be heard throughout the surroundings. It was a smooth but energetic 90s style rap beat.
Suddenly, Caleb in his astral form could be seen sitting in an extravagant looking throne chair decorated with precious gemstones as it levitates in midair while slowly rotating. He wore a stylish purple jacket, black pants and black Tims, and black sunglasses as he began to sing.
'Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down and I'd to take a minute, just tell you today, about how I became the Fresh Prince of I.A….', Caleb sung as the music increased in base and a female Centaurean figure in a purple hoodie could be seen vibing to her boyfriend's bars, 'In West Alabama, born and raised, up Huntsville is where I spent most of my days. Chillin' and Vibin', gettin' paper everyday, showin' love to my girls at home they stay.'
The Centaur girl lightly chuckles at the wordplay before her boyfriend conjures up, to her surprise, shadowy figures of Komanda Monstra members and the Malones including their boss Mama Rose'.
'Then a couple of groups, they were up to no good, started making trouble for my neighborhood. We threw hands and we beat'em but Sterling got scared saying, 'You're gotta do some service at interspecies affairs.'
The second Caleb drops that lyric, all of the figures fall dead to the ground before disappearing into nothing then he creates a cartoonish, heavy set exaggerated version of Sterling dressed like a grandma with bifocals lenses, and blue polkadot dress, and gray hair rolled up into curlers.
"BWAHAHA HAHAHAHA!"
Mirabelle, unable to contain herself any longer bursts out laughing hysterically.
"Dear stop, I can't take it anymore. Hahahahaha!" Mirabelle cried holding her stomach, laughing hysterically.
"Hahaha! Alright alright, Caleb laughs while floating back down, conjuring a blue recliner beneath him as he sits down, "Sit on my throne as the prince baby."
"Well, technically, you're my Chevalier. You're more close to a knight who captured the heart of your high priestess in-training.", Mirabelle clarifies, appearing at his side, resting placing her hand atop his.
"Heh, guess I'M the lucky one then.", Caleb says before kissing the top of her hand making her giggle. He then concentrates, transforming the surroundings into a that of a large city with the two of them atop a very tall building overlooking many other buildings with a gorgeous sunset in the distance. Mirabelle looks out over the scenery in amazement.
"Ohhh, it's so beautiful."
"Yeah, this is just a the top of a hotel building I stayed at on business a couple years back. At one point, the stress of being around people 24/7 was getting to me so…I went up here to get some peace. I liked the sunset that day.", Caleb replies, shrugging before sitting down in a chair he conjures out of thin air.
"Social anxiety issues aside, it's still an impressive scenario, Dear.", Mirabelle says, summoning a Luma(from Mario) carrying a fresh pot of hibiscus tea and the cup in her hand. The little star creature pours her a cup before she lovingly pets prompting happy squealing sounds from it.
"Oh really? More impressive than the other night's little Western roleplay?", He says with a sly smirk, snapping his finger transforming his clothes to a cowboy outfit.
Mirabelle grins and blushes, as does the Luma, from the memory of their scenario as outlaw lovers on the run from the lawman (Sterling), "Hehe, I have to admit that was a mighty fine use of that there pistol, I tell you what.", She playfully spoke in her best country girl accent before sipping her tea.
"That right, Hank Hill? Figured you'd prefer something with a bit more…firepower."
"In your case, Dear, it's more of a water gun.", She sassily remarks leaving the tea cup to levitate midair, then teleports in front of him, locking eyes with a sultry gaze, "Now why not help me quench my thirst."
"You are one nasty little pony.", Caleb quips, getting up close to her face.
"I'm your nasty little pony and I wear that moniker with pride. Like condoms full of your essence draped on my body like ornamental trophies."
"When in the hell did you get so shamelessly kinky? What have I DONE to you?"
"What DIDN'T you do to me?" Mirabelle asks, giving a seductive wink and grin.
"Damn, am I that ravenous?"
"I prefer the term "Experimental"? Though, I don't really have a problem since I usually enjoy indulging your interest just as much as you enjoy mine."
"Well, if you say so.", Caleb accepted, snapping his finger changing his clothes back, "Still, if you don't like something I do to you don't ever just put up with it. You can tell me if you don't like it and I will respect that."
"Hehe, I know you will, Dear. That's why I'm happy to indulge you. You're so kind that I can't help but spoil you a little. ", Mirabelle says, touching her forehead to his, cupping his face.
Caleb brushes his fingers through her hair, giving her a tender kiss to the forehead, "I love spoiling you too…but thats probably why you such a nasty little pony."
"Oh shut it.", Mirabelle says, slapping his shoulder puffing her cheeks out prompting a chuckle from the young man. She felt her facade breaking as she chuckled along with him, hugging him tightly.
Caleb smiles, holding the girl he loved in his arms before looking out at the distant horizon and setting sun.
"Today's the day, huh?"
Mirabelle was silent for a moment as she clenches his shirt tighter before relaxing, "Yes…unfortunately…"
"Are you ok?"
"...No.", Mirabelle uttered softly burying her face in his shoulder.
He gently pets the top of her head to comfort her " I guess it doesn't help saying it only six weeks, huh?"
"No, so don't even try. I've never spent that much time away from you."
"I mean, you won't be too far away. You can visit me in this world anytime you want."
"It's...just not the same, Dear. Knowing you when eventually wake up, you won't be there in the real world? I…I just don't know how to handle it.", Mirabelle softly spoke, her lip trembling.
Caleb then stands to his feet as Mirabelle looks to him, worried she said something wrong.
"Moon pie, let's take a walk."
In an instant, the building start rising higher, quickly towering over them as a feeling of dropping fills their senses. Mirabelle looks to see them now at the ground with Caleb having sunk the whole building to ground level. He steps down off the now foot high roof top then offers his hand to Mirabelle. She accepts the polite gestures, stepping down from the ledge as they walk hand in hand down the empty city street with no vehicles. Strange but their world, their rules. All around them, NPC-like people were going about their simple pre-programmed existences Caleb created; half just walking aimlessly down sidewalks or in and out buildings and the other half repeatedly performing menial tasks like washing a window or giving out flyers.
"You'll handle it just fine. You've survived much worse, so this…should be about as difficulty as breathing. Besides, it might even be good for us."
"What do you mean?", Mirabelle asks, walking beside him.
"Well, I read that people in relationships need time apart from each other sometimes. It's supposed to be good for our growth as a couple."
"But we grow just fine together, don't we?", Mirabelle says, a bit confused and worried.
"Yeah, but if we're apart…we can grow more. Learn more about ourselves and what we want. Who we were before meeting each other? That kind of thing."
"...I didn't like who I was before meeting you though.", Mirabelle remarked in a morose tone stopping in front of an arcade where Nintendo characters could be seen playing their own games, "And what I want is to stay by your side."
Caleb pauses at her words, "I do too but…don't you think we spend too much time around each other?"
"No, that's absurd. We're not ALWAYS together. You have your work and the others to care for and spend time with. I don't think any one of us is being neglected in that regard."
"Well...you don't feel stifled or cooped up at all? I don't want y'all to get too dependent on me and neglect yourselves."
"Dear…THINK about what you just said.", Mirabelle spoke firmly, looking to him skeptically, "Despite our quirks and interests, we're NOT children, we're fully grown adults. I don't need your permission to speak and I choose who I speak to. Also, just because you're our host does not mean we're ENTIRELY dependent on you. We have rights and legal protection as ICEP students under Article 5 of the Exchange Bill. We're legally allowed day permits using our IDs for unsupervised time out of the house without our hosts so we're not that helpless."
Caleb pauses for moment then responds, "Huh, somebody's been doing their homework."
"It's easier and less boring when it comes from your brain, Dear.", Mirabelle smirks.
"So you're looking at my answers? Cheater.", Caleb teases.
"What's yours is mine. The point is, love, you don't stifle me at all. I can talk to, believe in, and do whatever I please within reason. What in bloody hell gave you that idea?"
"I just…I don't know, Moon pie. I only want what's best for you guys. I want to DO my best for you.", Caleb sighed, leaning against one of building walls as Obi-wan Kenobi walks buy with a latte and apple fritters.
"Hello there.", The Jedi greets him to which Caleb politely return the gesture.
"You're doing fine, Dear. You're 'best' is just you being you and treating us as you always do. That ALONE fulfills 95% of our needs! Is not accepting the terms of your service for OUR well-being not enough?"
"I'm doing it because I HAVE to!"
"That doesn't mean you have to be fine with it! You're allowed to hate it just as much as me!", Mirabelle affirms, looking him dead in the eyes, "As long as we hate together, then…"
Caleb sees the uncertainty in her eyes as realization dawns on him. He wants to convince the girls to be ok with him leaving when HE isn't even ok with leaving them. He's just lying to himself.
"I get it.", Caleb softly spoke, clasping her hand as she looks to him, "I do, Moon pie. I hate that I have to leave y'all. I really do."
Moon pie gives a somber grin to hugs him, "That's fine. I do too."
"Heh, look at us arguing over which of us hates how things turned out the most. Ridiculous.", Caleb shakes his head, chuckling incredulously.
"Not as ridiculous as that, Dear.", Mirabelle points out to a large parking lot where Chun-li could be seen standing proudly in her standard outfit.
"ALL MEN…ARE KINGS!", Chun LI shouted, taking a battle stance just before her opponent emerges from the shadow, right eye glowing with menacing energy. The figure revealed themselves as Juri Han emerges wearing HER standard outfit.
"IF HE BREATHES…HE'S A SIIIMMP!"
Chun Li yells a battle cry, rushing the twin-tailed assassin with a flurry as powerful kicks. Juri counters with her own flurry matching each of her strikes with expert precision as shockwaves rippled in the air from every impact of the feet. All while re-creating the Dio and Jotaro stand-off but with two of the sexiest women in fighting games.
"HAHAHAHA! YES!", Caleb cheered enthusiastically, watching the scene unfold as his girlfriend smiled at him.
"I knew that would cheer you up."
"You're just lucky I'm easy to please.", Caleb remarks before beaming a sly grin, "Then again, it's lucky for me I know your weak spots too."
With a snap of his finger and a poof of purple smoke, Caleb transforms his attire into that of a formal black tuxedo with a long flowing red interior cape, white masquerade mask, and black top hat. Mirabelle gasps in surprise while blushing feverishly at her boyfriend's Sailor Moon Tuxedo Mask cosplay.
"I am Tuxedo Mask! Look into your heart, Mirabelle Marequine, and find the warrior within!", Caleb stated dramatically, summoning a red rose to his hand while striking a pose, "How was that?"
"Ohhhh it was perfect. Absolutely wonderful! You nailed it perfectly! I am absolutely speechless Dear!", Mirabelle shudders, her eyes sparkling with admiration and arousal and a wide fan girl smile that could make the Joker jealous. Despite wanting to cringe, Caleb couldn't help but smile seeing the joy she felt.
"I knew you'd love it. Been practicing the line a bit too. Maybe I'm not the only one that's easy to please.", Caleb remarks, stepping up to her, gently cupping her chin and sending a jolt of ecstasy through her body.
"It's good that we are. It makes surprises that much better.", Mirabelle remarks, pressing herself close to him, then takes off his white mask, throwing it aside, "~So, what else have you practiced, my Dear?~", she whispered huskily, staring into eyes with hunger.
"How bout I show you?", Caleb utters before placing a tender kiss to her lips as she quickly melts into it, wrapping her arms around him. She pressing herself against her lover, moving her hand to remove his pants.
Caleb then glances around at the large city area and the cavalcade of random characters wonder about, some of which were watching them, including Obi-wan.
"Hello there.", The Jedi spoke sipping his drink.
"Hey... how's about a change of scenery? Feels odd doing it in the middle of the street."
"D-Did you have anywhere in mind? Cause I can think of one place that we would enjoy." Mirabelle suggests
With a mere thought, the scenery changes to that of a large, lush green hillside field with large apple trees growing. In the distance were farmlike fields with vibrant yellow wheat or varieties of delicious crops. There were old-fashioned single floor cottage homes further in the distance. The air was clean, the atmosphere calm, and pleasant wind blew around them. The pair stood atop the tallest hill under a large apple tree.
"Wow, what is this place.", Caleb remarked, impressed.
"This is my homeland, Dear. I took you to my favorite spot in the village. You can see everything. Beautiful, is it not?" Mirabelle said taking in view of her home
Caleb looks around captivated by the sight, "It sure is. I'd love to see it for real some day."
"I'd love show you everything someday. But for now…let me show you another reason this area is special", Mirabelle seductively spoke before snapping her fingers, making her clothes vanish with a poof of purple smoke, leaving her fully as Caleb's eyes widen, "You see, I always wished for my first love with take me in this spot."
Caleb blushes looking at her in surprise and fascination.
"N-Not to say that our first time in the gardens wasn't magical too! I-I just…"
Caleb snaps his finger making all of his clothes fly off like Doctor Strange's cloak leaving HIM fully naked as Mirabelle stares at him.
"Wish granted.", Caleb furrows his eyebrows with smirk as Mirabelle bites her lip with a hungry blush.
…Lemons…
Mirabelle softly moans, feeling his hands caressing up her curves gliding up to her awaiting breast then giving it a gentle squeeze. She hugs him tight, mushing her breasts into his bare chest as their body heats merge. He plants a firm kiss to her lips, their tongues wrestling for a moment before pulling away peppering her neck in kisses as she shivers in delight. He squeezes her breast, inciting a sharp gasp from the now panting centaur, then brings her fleshy orb into his mouth.
"Dear ahhahhh hhaa!", she moaned, hugging his head as his hot tongue swirled rings of hot, wet pleasure around her rosy red flesh bud. The lewd sounds of her lover sucking at her flesh mixed with the ripples of pleasure throughout her body made her knee quiver.
Caleb, pleased at the moans of his girlfriend/wife, then moves his other hand down her human stomach to another part that needs attention.
Mirabelle eyes shot open feeling his strong finger caress the slick lips of her front womanhood. She shudders and moans loudly as he lightly pinches and teases her front clitoris before shoving his middle and ring finger inside. Her hot, wet walls clench around his finger prompting him to churn and stimulate her favorite spots. Mirabelle throws her head back shrieking into the infinite violet sky as she comes all over his hand. She stood on her trembling legs, hold onto his shoulders for support. He hugs her making her heaving bosom his chest as she catches her breath.
"Looks like somebody's a bit more sensitive than usual. This place must really do it for ya."
"Haaa scenery is nice.", Mirabelle utters before reaching down and grabbing his rock-hard manhood, making Caleb tense up to her satisfaction as she starts pumping his shaft, "But the subject is what really matters."
Mirabelle then teleports away, to Caleb's surprise and dissatisfaction, before reappearing under the tree with her back turned to him. Her palms were flat against the tree as she presented her voluptuous horse rear and soaking wet pussy to him. Caleb's lust immediately went into overdrive.
"You're my favorite subject, Dear. Now come and take your priestess.", Mirabelle enticing spoke, swaying her rear alluringly.
Caleb teleports over to her and grabs both sides of her rear, inciting a squeak from Centaur, "Don't have to tell me twice."
As he aligned himself up with her entrance, he them looks to his girlfriend seeing her face towards the bark not looking at him. He really wanted to see her face right now. At that moment, an idea pops into his psyche as he releases her rear.
"W-What's wrong, Dear?", Mirabelle asks, growing concerned.
"Actually, I have a better idea. Wanna try something different Moon pie?"
"Um…alright. What did you have in mind?"
"Why not take a look for yourself?", Caleb smirks pointing to his temple as her eyes glow with bright purple light.
Mirabelle's eyes start glowing as well as she peer into his psyche. Her jaw drops and face goes bright red at what she saw.
"B-Blimey D-D-Dear! That's…I mean…a-are you…sure?", She asks in an insecure tone.
"Very sure, baby.", He assures.
"Hmmm…"
Moments later, Mirabelle could now be seen lying on her back with her human half propped slightly against tree for extra support and her horse raised up. Her horse belly and both quivering womanhoods on full display as her wispy tail barely gave her some modesty.
"L-Like this, Dear?", She sheepishly asks, blushing in embarrassment and shifting her gaze.
"Yeah, that's it, Moon pie. You look fantastic. You're comfortable, right? I can make you some cushions.", He says before making a large body pillow against her human back that fused with the tree.
"T-Thank you, Dear. It's just…isn't this more of position you'd use more with Lyca or Camilla?"
"Yeah, but I'd figured we experiment with it here before giving a try in the real world, you know? A test run.", Caleb says, stepping up a tracing his finger from her human tummy down to horse pussy, sending shivers down her spine and her legs twitch.
"A-Are you sure you don't want me to take my human form?"
"No, you're fine the way you are. You seem kinda nervous. It's fine if you don't want to do this."
"N-No! It's not that. It's just… I still find it hard to believe that you find this part of me attractive. I can't help think…"
"What?"
"Dear, d-do you, perhaps, have a thing for…equestrian bodies?"
Caleb looks at her taken aback and abit offended, "Moon pie, did you just ask me if I want to fuck horses?"
"N-No, that's…well I mean you always seem awfully eager to, well, do it there so…", Mirabelle spoke becoming quieter as she noticed his displeased expression.
"No, Moon pie, I DON'T have a 'thing' for horses. You are NOT some animal! Is it really hard to believe that I love ever part of you regardless of what it is?", Caleb affirms as Mirabelle looks away in shame before he cups his hand to her chin, making her look at him, "I love YOU, Moon pie and I'm attracted to every part of you. Not just the human parts."
"B-But when we first met, wasn't my human half the first thing you noticed? If I didn't have these, you wouldn't even look at me right?", She weakly attests, cupping her large breasts before feeling his hand against her horse underbelly, gingerly petting her velvet smooth fur. He noticed it was much smoother than anywhere else as Mirabelle lightly shudders at the pleasant sensation.
"Ok, Moon pie, I'll admit that I WAS attracted to your human…assets at first…BUT I quickly realized how beautiful your horse half was too. Not just that but you personality, your laugh, the adorable way you eat Cheerios. I love it all because it's you."
Mirabelle looks to him, her heart flutter as she stared at him lovingly, "Dear…"
"The human half may have grabbed my interest but everything else…now has my full…undivided…attention.", Caleb emphasized every word, kissing her belly down to her awaiting womanhood.
Mirabelle gasps feeling him spread her rear legs planting kisses right on her lower lips. He then starts licking away all her juices making her body quiver. He then shoved his hot tongue right into crevice causing her to throw her head back in delight.
"Hahhh! Ohhh! Dear, I-I love you so much! P-Please, never stop loving me!", Mirabelle half begged as her legs instinctively locked around his head.
"Mmmph, as if I ever intended to.", Caleb remarks, gripping both her horsey thighs that squished his cheeks. Her then caresses her legs trying to spread them, "Now, let me keep showing you how attractive you are."
Mirabelle nods with a trusting grin, spreading her legs and allowing him to move freely. She watches as he looms over her positioning his cock just over her lower entrance while his head was right above her human pussy.
In a swift motion, he thrusts into her as Mirabelle throws her head back in ecstasy. His hips start off with a gentle pace before quickly increasing in pace and rhythm.
"W-wow! Y-you're going so much deeper than usual! Is this how the others feel all the time?! This is incredible! H-Harder! More!", Mirabelle exclaimed in pure bliss as her rear legs lock him in place.
"You're incredible, Moon pie!", Caleb stated increasing his thrust, also enthralled with the new sensations from this position. He then notices the sweet scent emanating from her pulsating human pussy and smirks deviously. He plunges his tongue right into her human pussy sending even more jolts of stimulation into the purple centaur's body.
"Haaaaa! OH NYX YES! SO GOOD! It feels SO FUCKING GOOD!", Mirabelle cries out in pure ecstasy at being ravage from both ends, holding his head in places trying to get as much pleasure as she could, "Don't stop my Dear! Please, give me all your love!"
Too focused on enjoying her taste above and below, he responds by hugging the intersection between her human and horse body while increasing his thrusting pace. A few good thrusts later, he buries his cock inside her lower pussy and empties his load, filling her womb to the brim. she cries out in bliss from her orgasm hitting like a truck.
Breathing heavily from exhaustion, the pair allow their bodies to go limp against each other as they bask in the afterglow. Caleb was a bit surprised by how tired he felt despite this being his astral body. He could only imagine what his physical body was feeling right now.
…Lemon short cake…
"So...how was that? Good trial run or no?", He asks with a cheeky grin, catching his breath.
"W-Wonderful, my Dear.", Mirabelle sighs contently, hugging him with her arms and her horse legs.
"Good."
The enjoy the embrace a little longer as a light, comforting breeze blows through the area cooling their hot bodies with the rustle of the leaves above.
"I'm sorry…"
"For what? That just now?"
"Yes. I suppose it still hasn't completely sunk in that…you love me…despite everything and…every reason that you shouldn't. It's foolish, I know but…I can't shake this voice telling me I don't deserve it. I don't know if it will ever not plague my mind from time to time. I'm sorry if I make things diffi–ah!"
Mirabelle is silenced when Caleb reached up and taps his finger to her forehead.
"Go away weird thoughts.", He said before raising up to look at her, "Moon pie, I don't fault you for having doubts, you've lived a rough life that made it hard for you to really trust anyone, even me."
"I don't want to be like this! I want to love without a sliver of doubt in my mind! Yet…", Mirabelle stated in frustration, mostly directed at herself.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Y-Yes?"
"Why do you find ME attractive? Shouldn't you, I don't know, be more into male centaurs?"
Mirabelle looks to him perplexed, "What?! W-Why would be–?! Of course not, Dear! I could never be with those boorish, ruffians! You're the kindest, most wonderful person I've ever met! I don't care if you're human! I love you because…you're…"
"I'm me, right? So how are my feelings any different?"
Mirabelle's eyes widened before she went quiet, looking down in thought.
"Would your feelings change for me if something happened to me? Like say, if my face was badly disfigured in a fire?", Caleb asked, changing his face to have wicked burn scars all over.
"Of course not! You'd be my Dear no matter what you looked like!", Mirabelle says, cupping his badly burned face, kissing his lips then smiles, "It's a face I'd be happy to nuzzle…after a brief adjustment period of course."
"Ha! Freddy Krueger got nothing on you huh?"
"What about me? What if I'm stricken blind and need your constant support? Plus… I could never gaze into your eyes again and mine would be cold and lifeless. ", Mirabelle emphasized, removing the purple pigment, turning her eyes gray, giving her the appearance of a blind person.
Caleb brushes her hair back, "Then I'd just have to remind you how beautiful you are even if you can't see it. Also, I wouldn't mind looking after my blind wife. It'd be hard in the beginning but we'll make it work. Oh and don't worry about not watching sailor moon anymore you can just see the episodes in my dreamscape."
"AH! I nearly forgot about that! You're amazing, my Dear.", Mirabelle stated, her eyes returning to normal.
"What if I lose my legs and can't walk?", Caleb asks, raising an eyebrow thinking he got her now.
"Then you'd be riding my back almost 24/7. I see that as an absolute win, Dear.", Mirabelle replies with a grin.
"You'd be happy I'm paralyzed?! Golly! I can't walk no mo girl!" Caleb stated incredulously, getting a laugh out of her.
"Yes, but you would be Johnny Joestar.", Mirabelle hummed.
Caleb pauses a moment in realization, "... Know what? I changed my mind.", he says, making her laugh harder.
The couple continue like this the rest of the night in the dreamscape.
…DreamMasterz…
Early the next morning, around 6 a.m., the sun was just starting to creep into the horizon as the clouds shined a vivid orange-reddish pigment in light blue background.
Caleb's car trunk was loaded up with suitcases and other essentials. Drei's bags, mainly consisting of clothes and medical supplies, took up half the back seat. She didn't have her fragile supplies getting jostled around in the trunk.
"Now I left you both a generous supply of full moon suppressant drugs each. There also an emergency stash of healing salves and medicines in your room and the biohazard that Zwei refers to as her room.", Drei informs the two as Zwei rolls her eyes at the jab, "I sent calendar reminders to each of your phones to have those three take sleeping pills before full moon as well. Otherwise, you're going to have some angrily horny liminals tearing their way out the house looking for their mate."
"Heh, you're as thorough as ever sis.", Zwei remarks
"Understood. But what about you? Will you be ok by yourself?", Ein asks, worried about leaving her sister alone to deal with whatever trouble may arise, "One of us can still go along too. I'm sure Mr. Bizzell won't ev–"
"No, Ein. We've been over this. It's better this way in the long run.", Drei interrupts her sister, firm in her decision.
"Still…what if you need help and we can't…you know…", Zwei somberly spoke, remembering the events with Komanda Monstra.
"We're going to one of ICEP's most heavily staffed facilities, the odds of anything like what happened last week are slim. Besides, you're both needed here more."
Zwei and Ein look at each, knowing they couldn't change her mind, and choose to believe in their sister.
At that moment, a mint green Lexus could be seen coming down the road with its signal light on about to turn into Caleb's driveway.
"Perfect timing. Your reason for staying.", Drei comments.
…Meanwhile, inside the house…
"Ok, water, electric, Hulu, Netflix, and rent are taken care of for the rest of this month. Already sent the payments to the landlady for next, so we're good there. Groceries stocked, got plenty of detergent for y'all to wash clothes, y'all student debit cards are loaded…ok I think that's everything.", Caleb spoke, running through the to-do lists on his phone. Mirabelle and Lyca could be seen by his side while Camilla was making breakfast for them.
"A-Are you sure? I-I bet there's something you forgot Chief!", Lyca stated as Mirabelle looks to her.
"Uhh, no? I don't think so. I think y'all are squared away."
"N-No we're not! We haven't even gone on a morning run together!", Lyca attested.
"Zwei, Ein, or even Moon pie can do that. Besides, I'm pretty sure I mostly slow you down."
"That's fine! We and can take as much time as you need!", Lyca stated, forcing a grin.
"Lyca…please stop.", Mirabelle spoke, touching the She-wolf on the shoulder, "Dear has to go now and we have to accept that."
Lyca's smile fades as she clenches her teeth and fists trying to hold back her tears while her body trembled, "But…"
Caleb takes lays his hand atop her head making her pause then look up with saddened eyes.
"Fuzzy I know this is terrible. I hate this and I want to stay here with you all but the only way we can do that is I go there now and serve my time. Come here." Caleb said, pulling her into a hug and gently petting her head. Lyca quickly hugs him back, gently squeezing and whimpering into his shoulder. Mirabelle hugs the She-wolf from behind, sandwiching her between them trying to help calm her.
Suddenly, one of the cupboard doors in the kitchen loudly slams, startling the group as Camilla storms over slamming the tray of scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cinnamon toast down.
"The LEAST those pandejos could have done was allow ju enough time to enjoy breakfast with your familia!", Camilla spat in irritation.
"I know, Jelly Bean, but Sterling said that the only time they would agree on is 8 A.M. sharp. Says if I'm not there on time the first day, they can legally extend my time by…I don't know how much, he wouldn't fuckin' say.", Caleb says, much to the horror of the girls, "And it takes an hour and a half to DRIVE there assuming there is no traffic. Ain't that some bullshit?"
"That's absurd is what it is!", Mirabelle states in displeasure.
"It's like they're TRYING to make you fail on purpose!", Lyca stated in discontent.
"They ARE trying to keep our beloved trapped their. No doubt for some insidious scheme.", Camilla spoke, sensing danger.
"Knowing the federal government, that not uncommon but the more likely reason is they're fuckin' assholes.", Caleb says before teleporting to kitchen, grabbing a food container, then teleporting back to them, "I'll bring some with me baby."
Camilla frown a bit with saddened eyes, "It will not be as fresh by the time ju eat it."
"But I will still enjoy every bite cuz it was made with sweet love. A whooooole lot of it. So much, I might get diabetes and I'm not even care.", Caleb assures stepping up to Elder Devil, looking her in the eyes.
She weakly smiles a bit amused, "Huhu, ju know prefer spices to sweets."
"Then it's sweet heat. The best of both worlds!"
"Hehehe, does that make me the broth, Dear?", Mirabelle teased with a chuckle.
"Ooh! Can be the meat?! Should be bear, elk, or rabbit?", Lyca happily joins in.
"Are we making ourselves a stew?!", Camilla chuckles.
"I'd try it. I bet we taste good as hell together!", Caleb chuckles as the other girls join in. He then pulls them all close as the crowd him in a group hug pressing against each other, their laughter turning to light sniffling, "I'll miss you girls."
"I'll miss you too, Dear.", Mirabelle lightly sobs, feeling his hand atop her head.
"I'll really miss you, Chief.", Lyca sadly utters, tears running with her ears dropped down and tail lifelessly stiff as her gingerly pat her head to console her.
"As will I…mi amor.", Camilla utters tears going down her cheeks as she hugged his head close to her chest.
Caleb then ceases caressing the She-wolf and Nightmare's heads, to their disappointment before suddenly taking Camilla her shoulder, making her flinch a little in surprise, then plants a firm but loving kiss on the Elder Devil's lips. Mirabelle and Lyca look to them in surprise and anticipation.
Camilla's eyes widen, heart racing in anticipation before he pulls away. She blushes as he smiles warmly at her, "S-Senor…"
He then turns to Lyca, gently tilts up her chin and uses his thumb to wipe her tears for her amber puppy eyes, then plants a tender kiss to her lips. She eagerly accepts, hugging him close to deepen the kiss as the other two look at them hungrily.
He pulls away from a reluctant She-wolf and turns his attention to Mirabelle who, wasting no time, throws her arms around him into a passionate kiss. Lyca and Camilla look at them with desire in their eyes feeling a warmth in their cores making them rub their knees. They along with Mirabelle collectively thought of getting in a quick session before he leaves.
*Knock knock knock*
A knock at the door catches their attention as Caleb quickly realizes what he was doing and pulls himself together.
"Morning guys, it's me Cheryl!"
"Uh, O-OK! Doors open, come on in!", Caleb replies as he and the girls all quickly straighten themselves up trying to look more presentable with Mirabelle quickly refastening the front buckle of her cloak.
Cheryl opens the door and walks inside carrying a backpack, "Hey guys. Whoa it smells amazing in hear."
"H-Hello Cheryl.", "Hi Cher(pronounced 'share')!", Mirabelle and Lyca gave their friendly greeting.
"Yep! Camilla just everyone breakfast. I'm taking some with me.", Caleb informs as Camilla, with a small blue seal at her fingertip, causes an assortment of breakfast items she made to assemble nearly pack into the container then floats it over to her lover, "Thanks Jelly Bean."
"Hm? I kinda smell something else too. Something sweet…and musky.", Cheryl raises an eyebrow as the girls blush.
"Must be the potatoes.", Caleb brushes off, "ANYWAY, you ready to take the responsibility of hostess for these three lovely fiends."
"Who are ju calling a 'fiend', bean head.", Camilla snappily remarks as Lyca and Mirabelle burst out chuckling with Cheryl following suit. Caleb rolls his eyes accepting the joy at his expense.
"Haha, but yeah, I'm pretty much ready!", Cheryl replies with an assured nod.
Caleb smiles at her, "Good."
"Hey!", Drei calls to him from the doorway as Ein and Zwei enter, "If you're done being tiringly wholesome we have to get a move if you're going to make it in time."
"She's right sir! You can't afford to be late. You know that.", Ein added, a bit concerned.
"Believe me, I know. Alright…", Caleb turns to Mirabelle and the girls who looks at him intently, "I'll see you all soon. I love you."
"Aw, does that apply to us too?", Cheryl teases, gesturing to herself and the two Zyklons beside her, to both weasel's surprise. Mirabelle and the other two, especially Camilla, look at the human woman incredulously.
"As friends.", He shrugs as Zwei and Ein look at him, cheeks flushed in slight embarrassment, "I'm counting on you three. Keep these three safe."
"Heh, as if you needed to tell us, Boss.", Zwei cheekily remarks.
"Of course sir! Nothing will happen to them on our watch. You have nothing to worry about.", Ein assures with a confident grin.
"We got this. Don't worry my guy.", Cheryl replies with a thumbs up and a wink.
Caleb nods with the food container in hand as he turns and leaves.
"B-Be careful driving, Dear!", Mirabelle calls out.
"Thanks! I will!"
The door audibly closes leaving the house silent as Mirabelle and the girl look at each other and smile supportingly.
Outside, Caleb walks to his car where Drei was patiently waiting leaned against the passenger door.
"Have you finished saying your goodbyes?"
"More or less. You ready to head out?"
"I was ready yesterday.", Drei affirms the shows her phone, "Now hurry up and get going while traffic is still light."
"Right."
As he unlocks the doors letting her in then goes to start the engine, Mirabelle along the others including Cheryl waving him 'bye' from the living room window. He smiles and waves back before getting inside to start the vehicle.
'Everything will be fine, just serve your six weeks as uneventfully as possible and get back to them.', Caleb thought to himself as buckled up and then started pulling out of the driveway.
As he leaves, Camilla urges the others to eat before the food gets cold; to which Cheryl happily obliged, happy to eat the Elder Devil's cooking again. Mirabelle stares out the window where his car once was a moment before joining them
… At Interspecies Affairs building …
Inside the building, Sterling was waiting just outside with Fantina by his side in front of a large door in a secured area.
"Geez, they couldn't have scheduled this a little bit later?", Fantina yawned, complaining.
"No because after this we need meet up with Mr. Bizzell and make sure he's squared away. Besides, I thought you were used to getting up early?"
"Look, my sleep schedule hasn't been the most consistent since working for the Malones. You're lucky I'm only a little cranky right now.", Fantina replies arms folded in defiance.
"Right, I know how you need your beauty sleep.", He quips.
"Shut up. It's better than injecting brown legal stimulants into your body you humans call 'coffee'."
"Hey! Don't disrespect coffee. Just need a cup of Folgers and I am ready to take on the day at least until 4."
"Yeah, put THAT on a Hallmark card. Tea is much better for you, you know. Try some hibiscus if you wanna feed that caffeine high of yours and still be healthy.", Fantina nagged.
"Aw, it's cute you're concerned for health, but I'm fine. No need to worry.", Sterling teases.
"W-Who said I was worried?! I'm just saying it's better for you. I don't need you becoming a bigger dumbass than you already are.", Fantina remarks in slight annoyance, "Anyway it's too early for–"
At that moment, the door unlocked then opens and a woman dressed in white and blue ICEP medic uniform steps outside the room with a tired look on her face, catching their attention. She then notices Sterling and Fantina.
"Ah, A-Agent Sterling, good morning."
"Good morning, ma'am." Sterling greets her back, "May we come in now?"
"Yes sir, please follow me."
The pair follow the medical staff inside as the door closes behind them audibly locking. As they made their way through the large hall, they pass rooms with large two way windows showing ICEP medics caring for different liminals species with certain issues. From physical therapy because physical abuse living with a host to activities like puzzle solving for ones suffering from mental trauma.
They stop in front of one of these large windows peering inside of a large white room with a bed, table and a shelf full of books. Nestle at the corn was a female Harpy. Her body much larger than normal with vivid bright orange and yellow feathers, long reddish-orange hair, and dark gray eagle talons for legs. She wore a despondent, blank expression hugging her large wings close to her body.
"How is she doing?"
"Mentally, she's still the same. She hasn't spoken a word to anyone since she arrived. She isn't mute but she's clearly experienced deep psychological trauma. At times, she's been hostile towards the staff, especially the men who get too close She…also hasn't eaten and drank anything we've given her since she arrived yet still her body shows no negative signs of fatigue.", The female medical worker informs looking at the Harpy woman with slight caution, "In fact, when we brought her in, she had multiple wounds on her body when Georgia's special units subdued her. Reports say by the time they got a mana healer to her, all of the wounds had healed on their own; it's honestly remarkable."
"Hmm, it definitely sounds about right and given her appearance, it's safe to say she's the real deal alright.", Sterling replies, looking at the Harpy while touching his chin in thought.
"Yeah, guys have got an honest to Chaos, Phoenix in this country. Aren't you lucky?" Fantina said slightly sarcastically.
The female health worker looks to the Baphomet then to Sterling, "A-Agent Sterling, please, tell me what is this woman we picked up. There isn't much data on her particular Harpy species."
"Given that we have limited information on certain specific species, that's to be expected. All I can say is that girl belongs to the rarest and most powerful of the Harpy species, a Phoenix.", Sterling answers.
"Phoenix? Y-You mean like the immortal bird of legends that reborn from it's own ashes? They're real?!"
"Says the woman who works with creatures of legend EVERYDAY for 20 dollars an hour." Fantina mutter questioning why that is even surprise
"It's closer to 19.50 but yes, ma'am, they are most certainly real. Though the part about immortality is currently up for debate. Despite that, since one randomly appeared here in the states it could only mean that one of the other Phoenix in the world has died or passed on? Whatever equates to them not being reborn.", sterling said debating on what right term use in this case
"Eh? I'm afraid I don't quite follow sir."
"Haa, ok let me simplify it for you. Phoenix aren't necessarily a 'species' more like a title. Only five Phoenixs can exist in the universe at any period in time. At least, that's what we gathered from the ICEP branch in India who also has a Phoenix and who was willing to tell us all this at least before tightening her lip's. Anyway, if that girl is any proof, one of the five Phoenix has passed the title onto her after her "death' ", Fantina explains.
"H-How can they die if they're immortal?"
"Don't know. When the Indian reps asked, she gave them a veige answer and something about the 'Phoenix Spirit'.", Sterling replies still trying to figure what exactly it means.
''When the brightest flame has burned all it can alongside it's tinder, it will pass on it's ember's to the next dying kindle.' Or something like that.", Fantina shrugged.
"So they do have limited on their life span but what about that tinder part ? What does that have do with–"
"Look the full details aren't as important right now! What is important is keeping her out of the public eye for awhile. No doubt a rare breed like her would attract unsavory attention, human and otherwise.", Sterling jumps in, resting her hand to the glass staring at the Pheonix girl, "I'm sure this girl has been through more than enough as is."
Fantina looks at him in slight surprise at his consideration.
"What's her name?", Fantina asks the woman.
"That we honestly don't know. She hasn't spoken a word, so can't ask her and from what we were told the room she came from was burned to ash so they couldn't identify her using anything in there. The best we have is a list of 'merchandise' that was found in the building to keep track of the liminal they had though they are still going through it."
Sterling thought for a moment then replies, "Alright then, how about for now we refer to her by a codename, until we learn her actual name."
"What do you propose we call her? It better not be something stupid or punny.", Fantina remarks knowing him.
"I…was gonna say 'Ashley' but, how about just Ash?"
"I fuckin' knew it.", Fantina facepalms with a sigh, "You really picked the lowest hanging fruit didn't you?"
"You got a better suggestion? I'm all ears." Sterling asked
"Definitely not imaginative."
"I mean…I like it.", The female ICEP medic spoke.
"Yeah, I'm sure you would.", Fantina snidely remarks before pinching the bridge of her nose, "Haaa, know what? Whatever. It's just a placeholder for now. I'm NOT giving you praise for doing the bare minimum but…it is fitting for her."
"Aw, thanks for the support Fan Fan. Your kind words are appreciated.", Sterling teases as Fantina lightly groans. He then looks to the female worker, "You'll continue to monitor her progress. Keep agent interaction with her to a minimum outside of food, water, and other amenities and alert me immediately of any changes in her behavior."
"Understood sir.", The female medic respectfully replies.
Sterling nods then looks to Fantina, "Let's go, we're done here for now."
"Good, this place was starting to make me feel a certain way.", Fantina replies, walking beside him as the medic lady watches them looks to the Phoenix girl in concern.
Inside, Ash cradles her legs to her chest, eyes shut. Images of the Mama Rose's, her goons, her partner, and her sister bombard the girl's mind. The memories of the torture and humiliation those men put her through since that day her own partner sold away her life. Everything went black around her, her body failing, her wings and talons stripped clean by the jackals, she thought she'd give in and be free from this hell.
At that moment in complete darkness, she noticed a flickering flame that was slowly dying out.
'Not yet, the embers in your heart continue to burn…', those were the words spoken from a voice Ash couldn't make yet somehow recognize. She was surprised to see a large eagle-like creature, it entire body engulfed in rippling ember flames with eyes burning like the sun, 'I've seen past the farthest star, Flown in the infinite sky, touched the stardust of life, and found you. You will become my new bearer.'
Before Ash could answer back, she too was engulfed in flame. Hot, burning, suffocating flames felt throughout her entire body.
'Now young flame, go find your tinder and burn brightly together…for eternity."
The last thing she remembers was waking in the place, no memory of what happened. All she knew was, she wasn't the same anymore. She felt…powerful yet terrified of that power.
'Why? Why am I still…here? Just to suffer? I just want to go home. But…where is home? Why can't I remember?', Ash thought, looking in despair at her once black wings now emitting orange flames that didn't hurt her.
….
Over an hour had passed since Caleb and Drei left. They were currently headed down the interstate following GPS directions from his phone and listening to Kendrick Lamar's 'Silent Hill feat. Kodak Black'. The pair were vibing, rocking their heads to the beats harmoniously before the voice of the GPS app advised them to take the next exit and Caleb does as instructed.
"How are we looking on time?", Drei asks as they pull up to the stop sign.
"Uhh….10 minutes away but it's 7:20. Nice, we'll have half an hour to spare."
"Good thing we didn't take the other way.", Drei remarks as he takes a right driving down the road.
"Yeah, apparently they're still cleaning up after the crazy ass traffic incident last week. Heard people held up for four hours in traffic."
"Sounds like torture for anyone in a Nissan.", Drei comments.
"Or with kids. Or BOTH."
"I'd just walk, and by walk I mean 'Sky walk' "
"Must be nice being an Airbender.", Caleb quips.
"Must be nice being Nightcrawler." Drei counters
"Haa…in all seriousness though, I feel really bad for everyone caught in the middle of our bullshit.", He expressed solemnly.
"Don't go putting all the blame on yourself again. Much of what happened wasn't in our control. Lives may have been changed or even lost that day but we keep moving. We have no choice since the alternative gets us nowhere."
"I…guess you're right…still…", Caleb sighed, still saddled with guilt.
"Agent Ketcher and Tyrrian say 'thank you' by the way."
"What?"
"The flowers you had delivered for their fallen teammates."
"What the?! I sent them anonymously! How did they-"
"Apparently yours was the only one that didn't have a name. It wouldn't take much to figure out who sent them. That Tyrrian is also pretty sharp. She also says you're a good man."
Caleb doesn't answer and focuses on the road, a bit embarrassed. He owed it to them after what happened so he was just being fair. Anybody can do that.
Suddenly, the GPS advises for the to take the next right. He could see on the phone the phones were drawing closer to their destination.
"Hmm, it looks like we've arrived.", Drei says looking out the window at the huge hillside complex with tall white and blue buildings with giant metallic ICEP logos on top.
The GPS directs them to a toll gate with human and liminal guards dressed in blue and white armor padded clothes. Caleb pulls up to one of the gates and puts down his window as two guards approached the vehicle.
"Morning.", Caleb greeted as Drei quietly observes.
"Good morning sir. Please state your reason for coming." The liminal Fox woman asks them in a professional tone.
"I'm here as a volunteer service worker, name's Caleb Bizzell. That's B-i-z-z-e-l-l." Caleb said trying get ahead of what knew was going happen with his last name
"And her?", The fox woman looks to Drei as the human male guard circles around the vehicle inspecting
"Agent Zyklon. I'm here as his assistant slash personal guard for the duration of his stay.", Drei answers watching the guard while holding out her ICEP badge.
"IDs please and open up the trunk and back backdoor.", The fox liminal woman instructs as a male blonde elf guard walks up to the vehicle.
Caleb does as instructed with no complaints handing the fox woman his and Drei's identification. He checked the time on his phone seeing he still had a good twenty minutes but wanted the guards to hurry up.
"Hey! Careful with that. Those are fragile and expensive medical supplies.", Drei says, shoot the elf a cold glare at the guards.
"No need to worry, miss. It's just a routine check, nothing will be damaged.", He assures while summoning a bright yellow magic seal in his palm. He closes his eyes and a glowing yellow eye symbol appears on his forehead allowing to see through the bags and contents inside, scanning for anything considered deadly or illegal. He raised an eyebrow at the six cases of Diet Dr. Pepper, "Hmm…all clear!"
Caleb sighs in relief as both male agents close his doors and trunk. The fox woman returns their IDs, handing them back through the window.
"Ok, Mr. Baiseel, you're all set. You'll be reporting to building 3 to probationary officer Beechfauz. Do you require a guide to the building?", she says looking at Caleb, intrigued by his scent.
"No thank you. I think we will be good.", He assures, showing his phone not bothering getting annoyed by her getting his name wrong despite literally spelling it for her.
"Huhu, well aren't we resourceful.", She says with a smirk, lightly blushing at the man.
"Thank you. Am I allowed to proceed now?", Caleb not trying sound anxious.
"O-Of course sorry about that."
The fox woman gestures the male human to let them through as the gate raises up us allowing the pair to drive through.
As they proceed, guided by the GPS directions, they couldn't help looking around at the enormous facility. Various liminal species could be seen going about their morning. They see stores and shops run by humans and liminals alike, different breeds Kobolds doing morning jogs, Papillon, Harpies, and Honey Bee girls flying above, and even several liminal females doing Tai chi on a grassy area. MON personnel could be seen patrolling the area blue and white police armor. Humans and liminals were eating breakfast, seated outside and there appeared to be some kind of club that a line of mostly liminal and few humans were waiting in.
"Well, this place is definitely lively for it to be so early. Quite the massive facility."
"I mean, it's not that surprising. This place did used to be the largest community college in Alabama before it went bankrupt and ICEP bought it. I heard they not only renovated to hell out of these buildings but also expanded the campus grounds."
"So they took the largest educational facility in this state and made it even larger?", Drei raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"Hey, America's gonna America.", Caleb shrugs looking around at bit while following the GPS instructions, "At least you can't say we won't have anything to do here during our stay. That's assuming we can afford most of the stuff here."
"Afraid you're going to break the bank ordering a sandwich?"
"Yeah, can't wait for my bank card to disintegrate to ash by the end of these six weeks.", Caleb remarks looking around a little more, "That being said it's kinda wild seeing so many Non-humans in a college-esque setting. Almost feel like a freshman in college except now there's liminals."
"Nostalgia is nice but don't live in the past too much.", Drei advises.
'Take the next left and in 1000 feet, you will arrive at your destination.' Spoke the GPS.
"Nice! 15 minutes to spare too! That's what I'm talking about.", Caleb expressed taking the advised left. As he did, he failed to notice the female liminal kneeling in the road.
"LOOK OUT!", Drei shouted pointing ahead.
"SHIT!", Caleb shouted, stepping his foot on the brake. The figure, still kneeling, was taken aback the vehicle screeched in front of her.
Caleb quickly gets out the car, after placing it in park, "Holy shit! Are you ok?! You not hurt are–"
He stopped mid-sentence upon taking a good look at the female liminal with larger snow white wings, long golden blonde hair, sky blue eyes, a small glowing white halo atop her head, and dressed a white and gold tunic with Roman-espe leg tied thick sandals. He takes a step back in surprise and could immediately tell…she was an Angel, literally.
"Ah! I'm so sorry! My pocket purse dropped from my pocket! I-I'll get out your way! G-God bless you!", The Angel girl blurted out, quickly putting away the small white wallet then, with a flap of her large white wings, takes off into the air leaving Caleb dumbfounded by what just happened.
"What…the hell?"
"Hey! If you're done NOT committing vehicular homicide, we've got a time frame to meet.", Drei urges.
"S-Shit you're right!", Caleb stated, quickly getting back in the car, not having time to waste on…whatever just happened.
A few minutes later, the pair pull up to the building he was supposed to meet Mr. Beechfauz. The millisecond he parked the vehicle, Caleb rushes inside, almost beating Drei to the door. He goes up to the receptionist's desk where a female human was seated.
"Haa…G-Good morning Ma'am. I'm here to see Mr. Beechfauz, I'm Caleb Bizzell, his 8 a.m.", Caleb spoke, sighing a little.
"Let me see here…Ah! Here we go, I see you. Ok, you juuuust made it because Mr. Bitchface had another appointment scheduled for 8:15.", She replied.
'Bitchface?', Caleb and Drei both thought simultaneously, raising an eyebrow, then exchanging a look.
"I'll give him a call and let him know you're here. It should take only a minute." The woman said as she grabbed her phone as she began to dial his number.
"Hello Mr. Bitchface, Mr. Bazzill is here." The woman said as Caleb's face scrunches up in irritation.
"It's–"
"IT'S PRONOUNCED BEECHFAUZ! HOW MANY TIMES DO I NEED TO TELL YOU AND WRITE IT DOWN FOR YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?!", A tall, bald Caucasian man with a heavy North Carolina accent shouted while storming through a door to the right.
Caleb was startled by the outburst but keep his composure.
"Sorry, sir, Mr. Bazzel is here to see you."
"It's Bizzell!", Caleb stated in irritation as the tall man looked at him as if looking at a kindred spirit.
"Excuse me, Mr Beechfauz?"
" It's Beech-wait you actually got it right?" The man was caught off guard hearing his actual name.
"Yeah, it's pretty obvious that's how it's pronounced. Anyway, I'm here for the meeting."
"Of course! Right this way, Mr. Bizzell.", Mr. Beechfauz emphasized his name correctly, shooting a glare at his receptionist.
As they proceed, Drei tails behind them before Beechfauz stops.
"I'm sorry, Zyklon is it? I have to ask that you wait here in the meantime."
"I'm sorry, but I'm contracted to be with him at ALL times during his stay here.", Drei replies plainly, locking eyes with the man.
"Hey, Drei, it's cool. It'll only be a few minutes.", Caleb assure
"You said that before and it ended with you getting a ghost kiss. Sorry, but it's not happening. Not leaving your side unless he wants to call Sterling and talk to him about my contract."
"He got a ghost kiss?", The receptionist asks herself.
"Ok, ok, how about we compromise?", Beechfauz offered.
….a few moments later…
In Beechfauz's office, the door was slightly cracked and Drei stood leaned against the wall nonchalantly with her eyes resting and ears tuned in to the conversation.
"Sorry about that outburst from earlier Mr. Bizzell."
"No no, it's cool. I'm ALL about that energy. I know EXACTLY how you feel."
"Well good, at least we have some common ground. Ok so…I'm looking at your file from Sterling and the Directors and I gotta say…and excuse my language but, if you were anyone else, you'd be in very big trouble."
"Believe me, I know."
"Still, it is commendable you'd go to such links for your homestay. You're quite dedicated. That being said, you still have to be punished for your recklessness. Starting today, I'll be your case worker overseeing your community service activities.
"I understand. So what exactly are my responsibilities here?"
"Glad you asked. I'm not sure if you know or not but we've been a bit…understaffed lately and the problematic social climate has made it difficult to hire reliable staff. Your position here is to oversee the well-being of many of our liminal students and patients. We've already prepared a list of assignments related to certain problematic species. Your job is to complete them all in that time frame.", He says, presenting a large blue binder full of papers, lists, and dividers.
"You guys gathered up this many jobs this quick?", Caleb asks.
"This is actually just a small list of what we thought would be reasonable to complete within your time here. Honestly, ICEP tries to hide it, but there are many liminal who suffer from a multitude of issues either caused by the environment they grew up in, conflicts between different species that spanned generations, or just prejudices about humanity in general. The main issue is there are more issues coming in then we can solve, creating a backlog. It doesn't help that we're understaffed with the amount of newer students coming in here." Beechfauz said
"So I'm here to lighten the load in a sense?"
"More or less. The overall goal of interspecies affairs here is to help Non-humans coming into the country, unable to find a host, obtain the skills and necessary documentation to survive in our society. We're also in the business of rehabilitation. Giving liminals that have been chewed and spat out, so to speak, by society a second chance at life. I'm sure you can understand that, given what I've read about your homestays." Beechfauz said with sincerity
Caleb was taken aback a moment before responding, "Yeah, I get what you mean. Our world can be brutal. Then again, theirs isn't really much better."
"Sad but very true.", Beechfauz sighed before taking out a few documents from the binder to Caleb, "Alright, I need you to sign these to get you squared away. It's just some legal waiver and forms certifying your acceptance a temporary staff member. Also, there's the 'Article 5 clause' form. THAT one is mandatory."
"Article 5?"
"Due to the…unique nature of your 'employment' here, ICEP requires you to not allow anyone outside of our high ranking personnel to know of your involvement in recent events. If the truth does come out, for ANY reason, the original agreement is forfeit. You will be stripped of host status, your students forcibly removes, and you will receive a 10 years in federal prison along with paying reparations for damages caused to individuals affected by said events."
Caleb looks to the man in pure shock, feeling a lump in his throat, at just how punishing the terms are. He was reluctant to sign the form.
"Keep in mind, you can refuse to sign it, but I highly advise you from that. Refusal means you reject the terms of your service and the same result will apply. You'd go to prison and your students would be removed. It's, unfortunately, the best deal you're gonna get man."
"...Dammit. Haa, ok, fine.", Caleb sighed before reluctantly signing all of the forms, sealing his fate on paper.
"Ok, that's taken care of. Alright now, Mr. Bizzell, you take that and you'll begin your first assignment tomorrow morning. Inside that package, is your card key for the dormitory unit you and Ms. Zyklon will be living in during your service."
"I can't start right now?!"
"The staff leader that's meant to show you the ropes is busy today so she'll get you tomorrow. You can use today to rest up or explore the facility a bit. Get a general idea of where everything is, it's up to you.", Beechfauz advised with a supporting grin, "Alright, that's everything on my end. Do you have any questions?"
"No. No sir I don't."
Beechfauz nods, then offers his hand and the two shake on it.
"You hang in there. It'll get better.", Beechfauz says trying to assure him.
Caleb takes a deep breath and with sigh, replies, "Yeah…ok. Thanks Mr. Beechfauz."
Caleb then exits the office, getting Drei's attention as she follows him. Beechfauz watches his kindred spirit leave, silently wishing him the best. At that moment his phone rings, prompting him to answer it.
'Hello? Mr. Bitchface?'
"IT'S BEECHFAUZ!"
….
"It sounds like we really need to watch our backs this time around.", Drei remarks following Caleb out of the building.
"Yeah, no shit. From here on out, we mention NOTHING about what happened. Not even in private, never know who's listening. It'd be worse if they spread that info online."
"It appears our greatest enemy right now is Facebook.", Drei quips.
"That and TikTok.", Spoke a familiar voice, getting their attention.
They turn to see Sterling and Fantina standing behind them. The latter wore a jean skirt and jean crop jacket with an orange shirt underneath. Very civilian compared to the agent's suit.
"Sterling?!", Caleb stated in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"I decided to drop and sure you arrived on time. Didn't want our efforts to be wasted over tardiness now, do we?"
"Well, thanks for the concern but it's already taken care of.", Caleb sarcastically replies, showing the large binder, "We were about to go get settled in."
"Ignore him. He's the one who arrived twenty minutes late. He has no credibility to lecture anyone about punctuality.", Fantina remarks arms folded as Sterling tenses looking away in slight embarrassment.
"Oh hey, your…Fantina? Right?"
"Oh good, he remembered my name. Now my life is complete. Huzzah." Fantina sarcastically remarks making a 'whoop-dee-doo' gesture with her hand as Caleb gives her a cold glare.
"Long time no see.", Drei half-heartedly greets the Baphomet.
"Not long enough unfortunately. So it's just you with him, huh? No backup from cow udders and the one IQ wonder?"
"No, they're busy with a far more difficult job that I believe they're more suited for. I just drew the longest straw."
"Tch, you're awfully confident. You think you're enough for this job?", Fantina scoffed.
"I was enough to get you out of the 'Fuck Boy' cage. Now I'm overkill.", Drei remarks earning an embarrassed scowl from the goat girl.
" The WHAT kinda cage?", Sterling raises an eyebrow at the Baphomet as did Caleb.
"N-Nothing, forget it! We've confirmed they made it here, now let's go already!", Fantina stated grabbing Sterling's forearm pulling him to the car.
"Ah! Alright, alright, stop pulling. Ok, Mr. Bizzell, you get settled in and I'll check back with you later.
"Where are y'all off to in a hurry?", Caleb asks.
"It's just…important business to attend to. Alright, later!", Sterling says before closing the driver's door then driving off with Fantina.
Caleb gave a curious look before shrugging it off, "Alright, we better head to our new crib too."
"What? Not gonna stop for breakfast first? I'm starting to get hungry and that food Camilla made wasn't enough."
"Wha?! You ate my breakfast?! When?"
"While you were chatting with your new friend. Here's your key by the way.", Drei replies handing him the key to his ignition to his surprise.
"How the hell?", Caleb expressed, taking out his keys, seeing where the ignition key was cleanly removed.
"Dexterity, bitch.", Drei remarks, waggling her finger while leaning against the car door, "Gonna unlock the door or should I do it myself?"
"You know what? Fuck it.", Caleb said, not gonna bother fighting her, unlocking the car doors.
…
After leaving the office, the pair drove through what appeared to be a large apartment complex with many liminal species inhabiting them. A few of the buildings appeared to have been modified specifically for certain species, such as an aquarium-like building for mermaids, selkies, and other aquatic or semi-aquatic races. Another appears to be more heavily reinforced with steel-titanium alloy for more…rambunctious species.
They were currently looking for their living unit.
"Ok, we're in building 66…Unit 3A.", Caleb spoke, scanning the buildings driving slowly along the street as a few liminals passing by look at them curiously.
"There!", Drei stated, sitting atop the roof of his car, pointing at the building door on the ground floor closest
Caleb gently applied to brake, not wanting to knock the Kamaitachi off, "Perfect. Let's park over there."
After parking, the pair go up to their living unit, noticing the building had strange symbols carved on the sides, banners with inverted crosses surrounded and four mystic symbols on all four quadrants.
"Ok…interesting decorations.", Caleb remarks, looking around. At the same time, he almost felt like something was…compelling him towards the building.
"Maybe it's one those fraternity houses I heard about from BaBa(Dad).", Drei guessed.
"Well, hopefully the unit inside is less flamboyant.", Caleb replies taking out his card key approaching the door. He inserts into the card reader then opens the door.
They walk side going the decently sized contemporary living room, fully furnished with large sofa, coffee table, large flat screen, and carpet flooring.
"Huh, not bad. Slight downgrade from what we're used to but still good.", Drei remarks walking into the relatively smaller kitchen then opens the fridge. To her disappointment it was completely empty.
"Hey, I'm not picky. Kinda reminds me of when I lived in Alabama A&M dorms which makes sense all things considered.", Caleb remarks, proceeding to explore the living space and checking out the bedrooms and moderately sized bathroom. He enters one of the bedrooms, seeing a queen bed with a small desk, large bookshelf, and a nightstand with a small lamp. He then sits down on the bed testing the springiness, "Nice. Hey Drei? You check out your bedroom yet?"
"Not yet. I'm checking out all the power outlets to make sure they work."
"Ok? Imma go grab some of my bags. Want me to bring in a couple of yours?",
"Just the two with the in the back seat.", Drei says as he could hear her feet tapping down the hallway before flinging open his bedroom door.
"Uh, what are you doing?", Caleb asks, seeing the weasel girl opening the doors along the hallway.
"Opening all the doors in the house and windows in the house. We're in a new living area so it's best to allow positive chi to flow in.", She answers, noticing his strange stare before answering plainly, "It's a thing where I come from, ok?"
"I didn't say nothin'. You do you.", Caleb nonchalantly replies, walking by allowing her to continue her house warming rituals.
"Leave the front door open too, please."
"Can do.", He replied then spoke under his breath, "Better hope nobody breaks in here. Then again, ain't much to steal."
He opens the door wide and walks through.
"Alright, let's get this star–"
"C-Caleb-kun?!", "Caleb?!"
Caleb stops in his tracks, surprised to see a short, blue-skinned female lesser devil and a taller light tan silver haired female Greater Devil standing before him shocked. He quickly recognizes them as Hana and Sylvia, the devils he saved on the 4th of July.
At that moment, the door next to Caleb's unit, 3B, open up. Out steps a familiar female Greater Devil with long, bright red hair, Scarlett.
"Hana. Sylvia. I thought that was you two. Why are you guys shouting so early? It's bad enough the neighbors–", Scarlett stops mid-sentence upon noticing Caleb standing in the door next to her's.
The second their eyes met, they each felt a small jolt shoot through their nerves.
Caleb quickly realizes his service here was about to be a lot more interesting.
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WN
What's good Fam?! Hope y'all doing well, planning your three day weekend. Me? Chilling with my girl, my homies, and her fam. If you're not chilling with anyone this holiday, you're welcome to chill with me in spirit and through PMs.
Wanted to get this chapter out last week but said "fuck it, make it a Memorial day chapter", so here we are. Well that and there were a few scenes I really wanted to rewrite and do better. But hey, I say this chapter was decent enough as is, what do you think?
Ok, I'm not going to hold. Don't forget to hug your mom, drink water, get good sleep, LEARN TO PRONOUNCE NAMES, and I will see y'all later. PEACE FAM!