Chapter 73: Working for the Weekend
…Five days later…
The rest of the week passed by relatively peacefully within the I.A. facility.
For a while, the staff and liminal students gossiped about the 'war' that nearly broke between the angels and devils at the Cait Sith pizza restaurant. Some debating who would've won, some disappointed at not getting to watch the battle, some joking about how nearly started a war over 'cat pizza', all rumors more ridiculous than the last. However, one piece of the story they definitely amused and curious about was the human that, apparently, stopped both groups from fighting. I.A. security worked to suppress these rumors, even strongly insisting that the human who stopped them WAS a security officer 'doing their job'. Not necessarily to protect Caleb but to ensure the integrity of I.A. security forces were not looked upon with scrutiny among the students.
Scarlett and the other Chaos-Born, along with Michael and the angels, knew the truth of what happened that day. However, since then, neither group has had any contact with the other, I.A. security made good on their promise to minimize contact with both species. Afterwards, several students involved in the incident received a pink stamp added to the I.A. cards for misconduct and advised both groups there would be more severely punished if another incident occurs.
Scarlett and Jocelyn were, unfortunately, among those that received a stamp. They didn't care, for the most part, as long as the angels were where they belonged, away from them. They continued on with their lives on campus, attending GED classes, going to work or certification training, or just going about their daily lives.
All the while, Scarlett and the others barely saw Caleb and Drei throughout the week, aside from hellos and short conversations on how they were doing.
Putting it mildly, the pair had their hands full with following up on liliraune and their progress. They assisted Sarah and the other I.A staff in getting the former humans more used to living as a plant-type liminal, including, thanks in part to Caleb's influence, having them socialize with the alraune and other liminals in the greenhouse. It took only a couple days for Emilia and Carolyn to get comfortable with the other alraune even finding they had a lot in common with them, aside from their physiology that is. The alraune even began teaching them to effectively control and harness innate powers bestowed by their flower, namely their control of other plants, even ways to move from one location to another by spreading the roots of their flower..
Despite the progress, the girls still experienced bouts of emotional stress due to all the changes happening at once. That stress created a constant build up of nectar within their flower which had to be relieved; which is where Caleb, begrudgingly, came in as they weren't comfortable enough with the staff members yet. Besides, they were already pretty 'fond' of him so Caleb, unfortunately, had to endure, not only giving them a couple more rounds of awkwardly sensual massage, but also the unwanted attention he got on the way home from reeking of their aphrodisiacal nectar.
It was now Friday morning and the last day for this assignment. A fact Caleb couldn't be happier about as he and Drei could be seen heading through the huge botanical garden-like area. All the while, greeted by some of the staff and liminals as they passed who had already used to seeing him.
Though, from Caleb's perspective, he honestly couldn't wait for this assignment to be over.
"Ahhh man, I can't wait for this assignment to be over. Glad I chill this weekend, I could sure use it.", Caleb yawned, stretching his arms up as he walked.
"Huh, here I thought you were living every male's dream job.", Drei comments.
"Ok, 'A', not when one of your girlfriends is a literal nightmare. 'B' the word 'job' implies I'm being paid to do this, which we both know I'm definitely not. I'm somewhere between an unpaid intern and an Amazon employee. 'C', contrary to popular beliefs, not EVERY man dreams of fondling women's bodies for a week straight. A cold one and a favorite show with a partner is usually more than enough for us.", Caleb replies, as they passed four I.A. workers collecting the excess spores from a group of Mandragora, all of them wearing protective masks.
"I'm not sure if that's profound or depressing."
"They're basically the same at this point. Anyway, I hope you've collected enough herbs and other plants around here because this your last chance"
"I've collected more than enough, fortunately. The rare materials here and their properties have been quite ruminating. If fact, I am currently working on a serum synthesized from the denticulata of visnaga daucoides or Khella to…"
Caleb wore a blank expression, mentally facepalming, realizing he just put the wind weasel in speech mode again. It happened a couple times earlier in the week when he asked what she was doing with the weird red flower buds she brought home and ended up getting an hour long lecture on MANY properties of ashwagandha. While he admired how knowledgeable even a bit passionate she sounded, this stuff was way out of his element.
"Hey, good morning Mr. Bizzell! You too Ms. Zyklon", Sarah called out to them, getting their attention.
Caleb looks ahead with a sigh of relief at the medical plant lecture getting interrupted, "Morning, Sarah!"
"Did I get it right that time?", Sarah jokes winking at him.
"Yep! Finally got on the last day(even though it took 14 damn tries to get here)!", Caleb grinned at her while softly uttering the last part in the back of his head, oblivious to the small roots creeping underneath him.
"Haha, yeah, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later!", Sarah chuckles before clearing her throat, "Anyway, I already let Mr. Bitchface know on your progress and we both agree you've been a huge help to us and those girls. They're really getting along well with the other liminals, especially the alraune. I feel like they're truly coming to terms with their new life."
"That's good to hear. So where are they righ–"
At that moment, Caleb was interrupted when a giant flower bud bursts out the ground behind him, startling him and Sarah greatly as he stumbles forward in shock and Drei leaps backwards.
"HOLY FUCK!", Caleb shouted about to faceplant, only to stop inches from the ground, caught by two large vines by his under arms then lifting him up, then turning him towards the flower bud.
The giant flower bud opens up and out bursts Emilia and Carolyn.
"Surpriiiiise!", The yelled ecstatically in unison, arms extended waggling them like a pair of magicians doing a trick.
"We thought we heard your voice. You're a bit early today. ~Did you wanna see us that much?~", Carolyn teases.
"Were you impressed by our little flower trick? Believe me, I sure was. Surprisingly more convenient than walking. Plus, these roots are crazy cool!", Emilia happily stated, forcing the flower roots out the ground then grabbing nearby plum from a small tree.
"The alraunes have been teaching us all kinds of cool stuff about our flower. I feel like Poison Ivy or something!", Carolyn added with a toothy grin.
"Yeah, getting liminal powers tend to hit like that at first. Can y'all put me down now?", Caleb asks.
"Oh, sorry bae, hehe.", Carolyn snaps her finger, making the vines set him back on his feet unwrapping from his arms.
"Bae?", Caleb raises an eyebrow at that.
"Sorry about that, Mr. Bizzell, as you can see they're slowly learning more about their species and their unique characteristics.", Sarah tried to salvage the situation, "The nectar we gathered in your 'extraction' sessions has benefitted the liminal materials research and development teams."
"Right, extraction.", Caleb uttered with an unamused expression, memories of the erratic, loud moans ringing in his ears. Emilia and Carolyn flush with proud grins while looking at him.
"Furthermore, they've agreed to pay handsomely for more samples and a generous percentage of the proceeds will even go to both Emilia and Carolyn for their contributions.", Sarah happily informs.
"Oh, well that's great to hear!"
"Hell yeah! You should've seen the offer we were given. It's more than four times what I used to make in a month!", Emilia expressed with a wide grin, "We're rolling in it!"
"We're basically set for life! See? I knew it'd work out in the end! We're making bank on this nectar after all!", Carolyn enthusiastically stated, scooping up some nectar letting it run through her fingers.
"I would slap you right now but I'm honestly too happy to care.", Emilia says with a toothy grin.
"Hehe, yeah, good to hear everything is working out for you two.", Caleb congratulates them.
Emilia and Carolyn's happy expressions slowly vanish, replaced by uncertainty.
"Well, almost…"
"What's wrong?", Caleb looks between them confused by their now humdrum demeanors.
"Our parents are coming to visit us next Monday.", Emilia answered, not sounding pleased at all.
Caleb looks at them in surprise but understood what they were feeling. The two of them haven't so much as talked to their parents since their…transformation so it's only natural they'd be nervous how they'd react.
"We contacted both of their parents as, personally, I felt the time was right. Now they're growing comfortable with their liminal bodies, it's only natural their loved ones know they're OK. We explained to them some of the details but…it's best that they see them in person for a fully explanation.", Sarah informs, wanting what's best for the girls and their parents.
"Better to just get it over with and see how they react huh?", Drei questions, earning incredulous gazes from all three women but not Caleb, who actually agrees with her.
"In a sense, yes. It's not right for us to keep them here and their parents have no idea what happened to their children even if…as a mother myself I personally couldn't sleep at night knowing the pain we causing them", Sarah stops herself.
Caleb pauses a moment, pondering what their mothers must be feeling then wondering how his own mother would feel…if she was still here. Would she accept what he did with his life? Would she accept the girls and their relationship?
"Yeah, but still…you guys couldn't have waited a little longer? I'm not sure if I'm ready for my mom and dad to see me like…this.", Emilia gestures around her vine bikini and green arms with leaves sprouting out.
"Mine too. I wasn't the closest with my parents, definitely not mom. she left when I was five and my old man raised me with my aunt so…the mother thing doesn't quite resonate. I get it though! No idea HOW they're gonna react to THIS.", Carolyn remarks, gesturing to the flower, uncertain about how she'll deal with facing them when the time comes.
At that moment, the nectar in their flower starts overflowing, spilling from the petals onto the ground.
"Well…I won't pretend I fully understand what either of your home lives we're like before your…life changing event but wouldn't it be better to meet Monday and get it over it?", Caleb suggested earning curious looks from both girls.
"What? You mean like…just go for it? And what if they want nothing to do with us when they see us like this?", Emilia contested.
"Then you and your parents have closure. You can all move on with your lives, little by little, going your separate ways.", Caleb replies before a shrug, "But if they accept you, that's a whole different story, same method. You all can move forward together, making ehhh a few adjustments along the way but you'll eventually get to where you're all comfortable with the changes. Besides, if your parents agreed to meet y'all after waiting so long, they obviously love you both a lot. Isn't that what matters?"
Emilia and Carolyn stare at him a moment while contemplating his words. Maybe they really were worried for them and, if so, could they at least do the right thing as daughters and give them the assurance they were doing fine in spite of circumstances.
"Well said, Mr. Bizzell. Don't worry, neither of you are alone in this. You have support from I.A. and the other liminal volunteers as well for advice and if you need to talk with someone.", Sarah assured them.
Emilia and Carolyn smiled at her then look at Caleb, feeling a little better about their circumstance.
"Thank you, all of you.", Emilia expressed sincerely.
"No problem. Anyway, it doesn't look like I'm needed much here. Mind if I call this assignment finished?", Caleb asks Sarah.
"Huh? You're leaving already?", Carolyn asks sounding disappointed.
"Why yes, today is Mr. Bizzell's last with us. I believe we discussed this previously."
Carolyn and Emilia look at each other, slightly depressed at the news, then perk up simultaneously getting the same idea. The flower roots began to move them closer to him.
"In that case, do you mind giving us one last massage? It's been a stressful morning since we found out our parents are coming to see us and it's affecting the flowers' nectar.", Emilia suggests, running her hands through the usual viscous liquid but now it was slightly watery.
"You know, help us relax a bit before our parents arrive. ~You're massages have really perked us up these last few days.~", Carolyn says with a sultry grin, running her hands along her stomach.
"Ah, if that's the case, Mr. Bizzell would be happy to do so. Right?", Sarah asks, but her tone sounded less like a request and more like a statement.
Caleb looks to them in disbelief then Drei, who gestures to 'get it over with', and sighs heavily. He knew full well he wasn't getting off that easily but decided to try anyway. Might as well power through until the end, right?
"Alright…sure. I'll meet y'all in the usual spot the–ah!", Caleb reluctantly asks before two large roots grabs his waist and pull him towards them, "Hey what the hell–"
He was cut off when both girls grab him on each arm, sandwiching both biceps between their breasts while smiling at him.
"~Actually, we have somewhere else in mind.~", Carolyn coyly spoke as the flower started moving.
"Where exactly?", Caleb half demanded
"~You'll see when we get there.~", Emilia chirps in his ear making him flush a little.
"Ok, I guess I'll let you get to work while I go attend a weekly meeting.", Sarah says with a light chuckle at how used to him they've gotten. It almost made her wish she could extend his time longer, "Oh, I almost forgot, he'll need this. Can you please give it to him?", Sarah asks, handing a bottle of special alraune massage gel.
"It's what I live for.", Drei responds taking the bottle.
"Ok, bye now, we appreciate your hard work!", Sarah stated as she walks away.
"You're really gonna do me like this?!", Caleb retorts, squirming trying to get loose of their hold. Despite their soft bodies, their grip was surprisingly strong. He couldn't teleport because there were too many other liminals and staff members watching in intrigue, even chuckling in amusement. The sick bastards.
"Don't worry, Caleb, just one more day. I believe in you.", Drei says in a mundane tone giving a thumbs up while following them then holds up the bottle, "Don't forget your lube."
"Fuck you Drei!" Caleb yelled as they moved away from the area.
…Meanwhile..
In another part of the facility was a large white and blue building labeled 'I.A. Adult Education'. Inside were various classes where liminals of many variety could be seen participating in certification and 'human standard' GED educational programs. In every class, a variety of liminals could be seen learning practical trade skills ranging from mechanics, welding, chefs, web development, practical nursing, even programmining.
In one of the GED math courses, Hana, Heidi, and Sylvia could be seen among the other liminal students seated and chatting. Three of the hellhounds, Lowanna, Jannali, and Kaiya also took part in the class. They were seated directly behind Hana and the other happily chatting with them, save for Kaiya, who mainly kept to herself reading the required textbook for the class. Around them the other liminals were loudly talking and laughing, showing each other videos on their phones and just enjoying themselves.
"Ha! She's just got mad because I was speaking the truth! My legs are sexier.", Sylvia chortles with a cheeky smirk crossing her sexy toned in brown tights legs to emphasize her point, telling her story, right as the teacher walks in.
He was a tall dark skin, lanky human man with a large black curly permed afro, thick prescription glasses, dressed in light green Florida Gators collar shirt and brown slacks, and carrying his leather bag.
"Ok, everybody settle down.", He requested, putting down his bags proceeding to go through them, only to be ignored by his students who kept chatting away.
"Why was she is even looking?! You guys were in the gym right, were no other machines available?", Jannali asks, raising eyebrow.
"YES! Several! Yet she comes RIGHT up to mine with this human lady comes up to me with those chubby alligator legs like boobadooba daboobadoo ba boobadooba daboobadoo ba 'You're not impressing anyone you know.' ", Sylvia repeats her words before recoiling in confusion as the others look to her with mixed expressions, "Like, what the hell are you taking about? I don't even know you bitch."
"Ok, everybody settle down.", The teacher requested, putting down his bags proceeding to go through them, only to be ignored by his students who kept chatting away.
"U-Um the teacher wants us to–", Kaiya murmurs, almost whispering but was cut off.
"That is clearly a girl with deep seeded insecurity. What is especially funny is how she singles you, a devil, out of the other liminals there.", Heidi points out.
"Easy target?", Hana hypothesized.
"Who?", Sylvia look to the blonde devil incredulously, "I know you don't mean me."
"Ayyy some of these meesees(hellhound for 'human girl') just petty as all outside. No room for self-respect in those tiny egos of theirs to match their chuchali( pussy) ah?", Jannali remarks with a smirk, leaning back in her chair.
"Yeah, they got those hard candy nobody want and we got the bakery everyone needs, baby.", Lowanna slyly remarks, cupping her generous G-cups in hand as Kaiya glances away in embarrassment.
"Hahaha! I know that's right!", Sylvia emphasized, hugging her breasts proudly as Heidi shakes her head at her brunette friend.
"Y'all looking to give out a few cavities? I got me a sweet tooth, you know what I'm saying?", A male Satyr offers leaning in with a smug look, goat tail wagging.
"Hah, too sweet for you, little lamb! Sit your ass back down before you get insulin shock.", Lowanna remark, smothering his face with her paw then flinging him backwards prompting a fit of laughter from Sylvia and Jannali.
"oh my Lord WON'T EVERYBODY BE QUIET?! DAMN!", The teacher screams getting the class's attention.
"O-Oh my. When did the teacher arrive?", Heidi expressed a bit ashamed while Hana also straightens up.
"What the hell is he yelling for?", Jannali asks, slightly annoyed as Kaiya give her a side eye.
"What the hell is wrong with him?", Sylvia remarks.
"I can't stand this class.", The voiced as his male gnome uttered in discontent.
"Did Mr. Carodine get a perm or something?", Hana asks, raising an eyebrow.
"He looks like he got electrocuted.", Sylvia observantly remarks.
"I TOLD Y'ALL TO BE QUIET! IS YA DEAF?!"
"Only on weekends.", A female dark elf student jokes.
"I AM TRYING TO GIVE BACK Y'ALL DAMN TESTS! YOU BUNCH OF DEGENERATES!"
"Who the hell you callin' delicate?", A Lowanna stated, offended.
"Why are you yelling Mr. Carodine?", A female dwarf stated.
"I'm looking at it! Trying to give you your damn tests! Shoot! Bad enough, I spent 23 years in Florida teaching a class full of human DUMMIES, now I got liminals dummies trying to get their damn GED but don't wanna pay attention in class! Don't get paid enough for this! ", Mr. Carodine berates, passing the student their tests back.
"You are a teacher. You don't make that much anyway.", A male kappa chortled.
"And who the hell you callin' a damn dummy? I'll break this table over your bush head ass!", Jannali growled, gripping the table before Kaiya touched her arm trying to calm her. Jannali sighs at the gesture, "Haaa, I'm good…I'm good, Kai."
"Heh, only thing you're breaking, Ms. Cerberjack…is the record…for worst score in the class at 38!", Mr. Carodine stated plopping her test paper down in front of her, then giving Kaiya, Lowanna, their papers.
"WHAT?!", Jannali stated, flabbergasted, starring at the big red '38' circled with comment and notes by her answers, some snarky, some plain rude. All the while, other students laughed or expressed their shock as well.
"Damn, girl, you a dumbass.", A small breed jumping spider-type arachne chuckled as Jannali growls menacingly at her.
"Shut it bug!"
Carodine places Heidi, Hana, and Sylvia's test in front of them seeing the scores were 87, 96, and 46 respectively.
"Ninety-six? Vunderbar, Hana!", Heidi expressed, proud of her friend then looks to Sylvia with a slight glare, "As for you...shame on you."
"Fuuuck, how did I fail?! I know I did this formula right!", Sylvia anguishes as Heidi takes a look at her paper, raising an eyebrow.
"The quadratic formula is not even required for that problem! It is asking for to solve for 'y'! Did you learn nothing in our last tutoring session.", Heidi said, flabbergasted as the teacher continues passing out the exams.
"Hey, I tried, OK?! Sorry i'm not genius like you and Hana!", Sylvia rebukes, rolling her eyes with an agitated frown.
"N-Not really. I missed this super simple part of the problem. I could've gotten a hundred if I wasn't careless.", Hana bemoans a little while trying to cheer her up.
"Huuh?! You're complaining of FOUR over measly points. I'd be satisfied with a 60 at least!", Sylvia complained, clenching her test in frustration.
"You realize that is still a failing mark, ja?", Heidi points out, somehow more disappointed.
"Hahaha! Sucks for you girls! I got 73 points bitches!", Lowanna happily stated while pumping her fist proudly then looked to her quieter sister, "What you get Kai?"
The female hellhound was surprised then shows her paper while tussling the black hair covering her eyes, "I-It's bit…lower than yours..."
"69?!", Lowanna stated, taking the paper look right at it with a wide smile, "You got a straight 69 for real?!"
"She got the SEX number as her passing score?! The fuck?!", Sylvia stated emphatically as Kaiya withdraws, her dark gray cheeks becoming darker in embarrassment.
"Damn Kai, you got a D minus THE D. Hahahaaa, i'm on a roll today!", Lowanna bursts out laughing, joined by Jannali and Sylvia. Kaiya puts her hood over her head and ears in embarrassment.
"Shhh, guys keep it down.", Hana advises, seeing the teachers agitated expression.
"Now as y'all can see, from these tests last Friday, half of y'all in here are doing very well, and will meet your GED requirements! The OTHER half ya…IS STUPID!", Mr. Carodine stated as Sylvia, Jannali, and the other failing students looked at him incredulously.
"Who the hell are you talkin' to?!", The male lizardman growled.
"Y'all should be ashamed and disgraced!"
"Ya mama!", A female orc stated.
"Your parents should be ashamed!"
"My parents were already ashamed. That ain't nothing new.", A female vamp mosquito casually replied before sipping a blood packet through a straw.
"To those of you who managed to pass will be excused the rest of the day, the one's who failed…hmph, hope y'all got plenty of free cuz, on top of keeping up with the new material next week y'all doing the makeup for this test NEXT Friday.", Mr. Carodine stated much to those students' relief while the others groaned and vented in discontent, " SHUT UP! I don't wanna hear all that damn groanin' and moanin'! Matter of fact, since y'all wanna complain so damn much, riddle me this: How in the hell did half y'all fail?"
"Cuz you a bad ass teacher.", The male Satyr replies.
"And you a horny ass goat! Over licking on Mindy's neck like a damn tootsie pop while I'm instructing! Yeah, I see y'all, you ain't slick!", Carodine berates prompting a feverish blush from the small arachne who puts her head down embarrassment, "Shoot, save that hanky panky for the motherfuckin' moon! You damn heathens!"
"Why are you yelling so much?!", The vamp mosquito stated in annoyance.
"I'll slap those damn glasses off your face!", A female orc threatens, raising up in her chair.
"Little girl I ain't scared of you! I taught in Tampa high school for 23 years! Don't think just cuz you ain't human you can't catch these hands! I'll spin your whole damn block around! Don't try me you bunch of heathens! Shoot, you lucky I.A. hired me to teach y'all. Not whoop some liminal asses! I can EASILY get paid for doing that any damn day and I put that on GOD!", Carodine tiraded as some of the failing students look to him with annoyance, knowing nothing they do would intimidate this insane man.
"Calm your hedgehog headed ass down!", Jannali stated in annoyance as he ignores her.
"NOW THEN, if y'all done wasting time, lets pick up where we left off on quadratic equations and how to use the zero product property. We'll start with a word problem.", Carodine says, going over to the dry erase board, proceeding to sketch an isosceles triangle. Hana, Heidi, and a few other liminals could be scene taking notes, "Now, if we have an isosceles triangle with hypotenuse 13, opposite 'x minus 5', and adjacent 'x' the using the equation for Pythagorean Theorem we can substitute the values then apply the zero product property of the quadratic formula…"
He continued as Sylvia, Jannali, and a few others audibly groaned and complained about how long and complicated the problem was already becoming. A few even complain how they're 'gonna fail again'.
"Hana, you gotta help me. I gotta pass next Friday.", Sylvia pleads.
"Um, sure, I can help you study. I already passed three of the six courses so my schedule is free.", Hana replies with a grin.
"Haaa, thank you. Hopefully you'll be more helpful than sauerkraut Sally over here.", Sylvia gestures to Heidi who frowns in displeasure.
"Hmph, fine. It will be more free time for me to finally clean that cluttered abomination you call a 'bathroom sink'."
"Don't touch my stuff, I have a system!"
"SYLVIA I KNOW YO ASS AINT TALKING WHILE I AM INSTRUCTING!", Carodine yells, glaring with wide crazy eyes at the demoness.
"That what it looks like.", The Lizardman says with a smirk as the Jannali and her sister glare at him.
"No sir, I wasn't.",
Carodine stares at her a second then huffs before returning to the lesson, "Uhhhuh, now we solve for the square root of this polynomial function then combine like terms…", he says writing on the board beginning accidentally dropping the marker then bending his back to pick it up, "Lord have mercy on me Jesus."
…Elsewhere…
At the shopping center, inside of the nearby Dollar General, three witches from the Fantina Coven could be seen shopping with the ICEP guard acting as a chaperone.
"Haha, check this out Mars.", Nova chuckles pointing at the Halloween decorations of a witch with green skin, worts, and large nose, "Can you believe people in olden days really wore these? Did they really think this is what a witch looks like? Where did they even get inspiration for that?! Though I do find this more hilarious than offensive.", She chuckles, slapping the fake witch's nose around.
"I don't know. Drugs? You know the ones we were told of?", The wavy red haired witch answered while the dark blue haired witch with bangs, using her wand to levitate baking supplies into the shopping cart which glowed with shimmering red energy. It was filled with various gardening and cooking supplies, "Can you please focus so we can hurry back?"
"Uhh, I am focused. Focused on what a travesty a part our culture has become. I remember mom talking about how All Hallows Eve was a sacred period of fasting and devotion to the great elder spirits where the Baphomet leaders would offer up their blood infused with potent mana and a few forest animals for a coven's prosperity. Now it's just an excuse for humans to get drunk off their asses dressed as something called 'Tinkerbell' or something else stupid and buy ridiculous sweets to stuff their mouths without even giving single thought about the elder spirits.", Nova ranted, taking a look at the several bags of Halloween candy and a few cheap costumes then picks up a witch's hat and robe for little girls, grimacing, "This has to be what they call 'appropriation' right?"
"I don't know anymore. All I know is times change. People change. They don't sacrifice livestock like they used to. Maybe restaurants but that's a VERY different–", Mars replies, levitating two bags of chocolate and mint chocolate chips in front of her trying to choose between them but was quickly interrupted when Nova shoved a package of cookies in her face.
"I mean, take a gander at this bullshit! Halloween Oreos.", Nova read the name with a bewildered expression then looked to Mars, "They seriously made the HOLIDAY…a flavor. Sweet Discord, these people are insane. I mean what does this even taste like? Oranges? A pumpkin maybe? You have to be crazy to eat these.", She says with an incredulous smirk.
Mars gives her a plain look, already looking past her facade, "Do you want them?"
"Yes."
"It's not on the list, Nova. Put them back.", Mars replies, placing the chocolate chips in the bag then pushing the cart along with her magic.
"Aww, come on, I'll share some with you. You've gotta be curious too.", Nova whined.
"I'm curious how you forgot we're on a very tight budget."
"If that's a cute way of saying 'we're poor', I get that buuuuuuut a seasonal treat can help forget that for a few minutes."
"No, Nova!", Mars replies a bit annoyed, "Geez, if you're not going to help pick everything on the list then go help Gala or something."
"I can't, she's with our chaperone, the ICEP guy, what's his name uhh…Gregory? I can't third wheel my coven sister like that.", Nova casually replies, "Anyway, back to important stuff, what if…these are actually the best flavor of Oreo?"
"Oh Chaos…", Mars facepalms rubbing her forehead.
While that was going, Gala and agent Gregory could be seen near the cleaning and home fragrance supplies with a shopping cart full of candles.
"This one?", Gregory asks with his arms raised to the highest shelf, ready to grab the box of detergent at the little witch's word.
"Hmm, you know what, I changed my mind again, how about the one next to it? Please?", Gala innocently asks with upturned eyes, twisting her body cutely.
The young man shakes his head, wishing she'd make up her mind before shifting over to the next box. All the while, oblivious to the smirking magenta hair witch with pigtails getting a good view of his toned butt in black pants. She knew full well she could just use magic to get what she needed but enjoyed how patient and kind he was to 'help' her.
"This one?", Gregory asks, hoping she would be satisfied.
"Hmm, yeah, that's perfect.", Gala happily replies, deciding she's had enough fun.
"Good.", He sighed, taking the box down and placing it in the carts, "You sure are picky about your detergents."
"Yeah, well hehe, what can I say…I'm particular what touches my skin.", Gala says, pulling at the collar of her shirt a little, giving her best seductive smirk.
"Ohh, you mean like sensitive skin! Yeah I have a little sister who had the WORST eczema growing up. I know some creams you can try out.", Gregory offers, not getting the hint.
"Oh, that's…so nice, thank you. I'm sure you're a nice brother to her!", Gala replies delighted to hear that.
"For the most part, I used to mess with her alot but I always had her back. Hehe we used to play pretty rough back then but I knew she could handle it.", He replied with a light chuckle, unaware that his word had a double meaning in the young witch's mind, causing her imagination to go wild and her face flush red as she stared at him, "Hey, you ok? Your face looks kinda red?
"I-I'm fine, just a little hay fever, hahaha!", Gala laughs off, trying to calm herself down as the young agent looks to her curiously.
"Ok? Should we go check on you friends now?"
"Nah, they're fine. So, um…do you like movies?", Gala tries changing the subject, looking at him with a smile.
"Uh, yeah I gues–"
Agent Gregory was cut off when another cart suddenly bumped into his own cart.
"Hey, what the hell?! Watch where you're going!", a feminine voice yelled at him.
"Ah! I'm so sorry! I wasn't…", Gregory apologizes before pausing upon seeing tall devil woman with stunning red hair, voluptuous figure, ruby red eyes, and large pink lips. Her whole demeanor seemed to radiate otherworldly beauty that captivated his attention. She shoots him an annoyed glare, "...p-paying attention."
"Yeah, that much is obvious. Watch where you're going ok, more than you in the store.", The red haired devil says, reaching down to check in her cart that was full of vegetarian based frozen meals, cleaning supplies, and personal care items, inadvertently giving him a view of her sexy back and cleavage.
"R-Right, sorry…", the agent replies, noticeably flustered with a blush in his cheeks, "Your stuff isn't damaged right?"
Gala looks at him inquisitively, seeing his reaction to her, then puffs her cheeks while glaring daggers at the devil.
"No, luckily for you I had nothing breakable."
"Maybe you're the one who needs to pay better attention, devil!", Gala stated, getting the red hair devil's attention.
"Excuse you?"
"You heard me! Maybe if you could see past those big globs of fat on your chest, you wouldn't be bumping into people!", Gala protested, stepping up to her despite the size difference, as the red haired devil glares at her clearly offended.
"Hey! Come on now! It was clearly an accident on my part! No need to make this a big deal.", Gregory tries to diffuse the situation.
"Oh it isn't, in more ways than one.", Scarlett responds, looking the magenta pigtailed witch up and down, unimpressed.
Gala clenches her teeth angrily then pulls out a slender black magic wand summoning a yellow magic seal at the tip, "How about I just take you down a notch then? Your proportions are WAY too big anyway!"
The red haired devils sigh, unimpressed, letting her red aura flare around her body as red lightning pulsates around her giving her a more intimidating appearance, "Listen here I've had a rough week, and I'm about ready to snap someone in half. So i'll ask nicely for you to put your little stick down, you and your clumsy human turn around, and leave me alone."
Gala and Gregory recoil at the sight of her but the witch refuses to back down.
"Gala! Are you ok?! What's going on here? What are you doing to our friend, devil?!", came the voice of Nova, getting the trios attention, as she and Mars appeared on the scene with their wands at the ready.
"Seriously? There's more of you little fleas?" Scarlett said with her patience being tested.
"Yeah and you're about to get bitten if you don't step off!",
"Hey! Stop! We just built this dollar store! It's gonna take all afternoon to repair if you destroy it! Why don't we all just calm down and think for a moment here?", The agent stated still trying to de-escalate the situation as Mars, after taking a good look at the red haired devil, realizes she recognized her.
"Wait…I know you. Aren't you that red-haired devil with the Chaos Faction involved in the scuffle with the angels a few days ago, right?", Mars asks her, lowering her wand, dissipating the spell.
Scarlett looks at Mars a moment then exhales, letting her the red energy around her body simmer down, "Yes, that was me, unfortunately.", she responds as Nova and Gala look at her in surprise.
"Whoa, hey guys, it's alright. Lower your wands.", Mars asks the pair as Nova slowly lowers her wand but Gala was more reluctant, "You too, Gala!"
Gala grumbles before slowly lowering her wand as the agent sighs in relief.
"Wait, so you're THAT red haired devil? What are you doing in a place like this?", Nova asks.
"Same as you, I have things I need to live. Fortunately, this place is just within my budget.", She replied picking up a box of microwavable spinach alfredo, "And my name's 'Scarlett' by the way not 'Red-Haired devil' "
'Scarlett? More like harlot, bitch.', Gala thought with a grimace, noticing Gregory still looking at her.
"I mean, to be fair, their both pretty accurate. Hey, cool, now I know TWO redheads.", Nova chuckles gesturing between Scarlett and Mars who both look at her unamused.
"Anyway, it's nice to meet you because...we've heard through the grapevine that the leader of the Chaos Faction is trying to unite all the Chaos-born as one organization within the facility.", Mars says as Scarlett raises an eyebrow.
"And if they are?"
"I wanted to know if you could talk to them. Ask them why they haven't invited our coven sisters into their meetings. We're Chao-born too, so–" Mars was saying only to be interrupted by Nova jumping in front of her.
"We DESERVE representation too! Better representation than whatever the nine rings this is!", Nova stated, holding up a rubber green wicked witch mask then tossing it over her shoulder.
Scarlett looks to them in thought, aware of her species' complicated relationship between the witches and others, as they called them, 'Lesser-born'. Chaos-born that have been diluted by human blood to where they were seen as inferiors, even lower than Imps or even Lesser Devils that were created when human women are exposed to high concentration of a devil's mana. Of course, that was apparently back in the old days when the devil population and power was at its apex. But now…
"What she's trying to say is…we'd like to join our fellow Chaos-born in progressing together. That's what it's about right, us sticking together? All of us, moving forward and making better lives for ourselves.", Mars continues with a small grin on her face.
Scarlett looks to her, expression softening a little, understanding her desires then softly sighs, "Alright…i'll see what they say."
"Awesome and we'll inform the others of our coven, Lady Venus and Mistress Fantina as well when she visits again! Oh, do you know when and where the meetings are?", Mars happily asks.
"The community center a few blocks West from here. We meet Mondays at 11:30 am and Fridays 3:00 pm", Scarlett answers casually with a sigh, "Someone will let you know if it's ok to attend, until then, just wait. Can I leave now?"
"Oh, yeah sure.", Mars says, levitating her cart partially off the ground, giving the demoness some room to get by. Scarlett turns her shopping cart around going to the checkout area as they all watch her leave, "Thank you. Hopefully we'll see each other again."
Scarlett doesn't respond; merely putting her hand up she pondered whether or not it was a good idea to let them in.
"She seems nice.", Gregory says as Gala looks at him in shock.
"Oh really? What about her seems nice? Her killer aura or her stripper tits?", Nova asks with a raised eyebrow, catching him off guard.
"I uh—"
"Don't make him answer that! Foul temptress trying to seduce a sweet man like Gregory, unforgivable!", Gala irately stated.
'I was being seduced?', Gregory thought in wonder.
"Ignore her, she's just paranoid. More importantly, Greggy boy, what's your opinion on Halloween oreos?", Nova asks him, presenting the cookies as Mars groans in annoyance.
"Oh, I love those! They're the best flavor in my opinion." Gregory
"Ha! See?! We're definitely getting these!"
"Chaos dammit!", Mars stated.
At the checkout station, Scarlett could be seen with an annoyed expression as a beige-furred female wererabbit, the ONLY employee in the entire store, was present, curious about the noises in the back.
"What is going on back there?", she asks, placing the items in the bags.
"Don't ask.", Scarlett advises
….Back to Caleb…
In a deep area of the greenhouse, there was a grouping of Treefolk. All of them were tall enough to reach up to the ceiling. How did I.A. managed to get them inside the facility was unclear but, the important thing, given their extremely docile demeanor and sedentary nature, they rarely speak. Not to mention extremely durable bodies with hollow trunks they occasionally shed. These shedded hollow tree trunk were commonly used as shelter by other species from birds to fairies.
"~Aaaahhhhhh!~", Emilia cried out in orgasmic bliss.
"Nnnahhhhghhh!", Carolyn cries with just as much energy.
These trunks were also a convenient spot for certain species in the greenhouse could have some quiet, alone time.
"Hahhhhhhhhh!", Both girls cried out in ecstasy as the nectar from the nectar from the flower spills out on the wood bottom of the trunk, eventually running onto the grass.
Caleb stood behind them near the tree trunk opening, dispelling the thin barrier covering his body except his hands from the nectar, with a dead expression on his face. He lets out a heavy sigh before flicking his hands.
"And there goes another piece of my dignity.", He mutters to himself, wiping the remaining nectar on her already damp pants.
"Haaa that felt good. I swear you're getting better at this everytime.", Carolyn hummed in satisfaction, slumped against the tree trunk wall.
"Trust me, it isn't voluntary, I just have a tendency to analyze.", Caleb replies then looks around at the glistening orange-yellow goo puddle below him, "This is a lot more than last time. Hope Sarah won't be pissed at it being wasted like this."
"Hehe, it's fine. We can always make more.", Emilia lightly giggles looking back at him with a sultry smile.
Caleb looks away and clears his throat, "Riiight, anyway it looks like you guys are good. I'll be on my way but I wish you both the best.", he says, backing away to the entrance of the tree hollow as large root slither beneath him.
"Nope!", both girls simultaneously, playfully stated before the larger roots quickly wrap around his waist and arms.
"Hey, let me go! What the hell are you–heyyy!", Caleb struggles to get free before he pulled towards them and they quickly embrace him, pressing their soft, sweet smelling upper bodies against him with seductive smirks.
"Come on, you really thought we'd let you leave here without thanking you?", Carolyn remarks seductive mushing her sticky, wet breasts to his arm.
"A simple verbal 'thank you' is more than enough! Now let me go before somebody sees us!", Caleb stated, already feeling the scent of the nectar permeating his senses, eroding his will to resist. He needed to get out fast.
"We don't have to worry about that. We heard from the alraune that the I.A. guys hardly come here since the Treefolk don't really need much care aside from the occasional excess fruit removal. As such, it's become a little spot for the alraune and their favorite caretaker to…have a little fun during safe days.", Emilia informs him, dragging her hand down his body, hooking her finger on his belt.
"There's no way that's true.", Caleb says in slight disbelief, only slight.
"Oh it's true. So, how about we have some fun?", Carolyn huskily whispers, gently nippling his ear sending shivers through his body as the he felt his arousal growing.
"Stop! I keep telling ya'll, i'm NOT interested!", Caleb protests, trying to break away, using the nectar to try slipping his arms through.
"Aww come on, you can't fool us. I can see that bulge from here, big man. You've been helping us release our nectar all week so how about we return the favor and help you release yours?", Emilia seductively whispered.
"Ooh, good one Emi.", Carolyn complimented her besties dirty talking skills then looked at Caleb, "She's right though, don't fight it. I know you're curious to know how this plant pussy feels. I sure wanna test it out.", she emphasized, spreading her plump green lower lips open, showing the darker green insides. Caleb eyes widen in amazement before shaking his head then slipping his arm out of one of the roots.
"Don't be shy, you can pick whichever of us to start with. We're fine with sharing.", Emilia hungrily smirks, beginning to unfasten his belt. At the same time, Caleb silently rejoices reaching and pulling out what he was searching for from his pocket.
"Sorry…I'm happily married.", Caleb stated, a loud crunching sound coming from his clenched fist catching both girls off guard.
"Wait wh–", Emilia pauses before Caleb blows a red powdery substance in their face, immediately holding his breath and both girls are stunned for a moment. He focuses intensely and teleports away from them.
"Ooooh, it's you agaaaain.", Carolyn swooned drunkenly, smiled with a delirious energy before tackling Emilia in an affectionate snuggle as her friend happily reciprocated.
Caleb wipes the remaining powder from his hand onto the nectar-soaked grass as the girls continue going at it smooching and playfully wrestling.
'I'm…sure they'll be fine.', He thought before walking away. Unbeknownst to him, a few treefolk had been silently watching them, enjoying the spectacle as they usually did.
Caleb continues until he exits the area of the treefolk, finding Drei already waiting for him.
"I'm done.", He casually replies, walking past her
"I know, I saw. I almost thought I'd have to step in once they started getting handsy again.", Drei replies following alongside her.
"Yeah, that pellet you gave me really came handy."
"I guess that trial batch is a winner if even a newb could use it.", Drei comments before scribbling something on a small notepad.
"Hey, give me some credit. At least I didn't infect myself with the lusty loopies."
" 'Lusty loopies'?", Drei dubiously asks, raising an eyebrow.
"How else would you describe that behavior of theirs?"
"Anything but that. Though I can't come up with anything off hand so, right now, it's a decent placeholder.", Drei admitted.
"Aww, you're using my placeholder idea. I'm truly honored.", Caleb teases with a smirk.
"I'll credit your very minor contribution in the final stage of development.", Drei remarks.
"So I'm like the 'Edison' to your 'Tesla'."
"In many ways, yes." Drei replied as they passed through an area filled with exotic flowers where Trolls and Dryads could be seen caring for them.
"Excuse me your Caleb right, do you know where those Liliraune girls went?", a human female I.A. staff member called out, getting his attention.
"They're over in the Treefolk area. You can't miss them. Word of warning though, bring gloves and rubber boots.", Caleb informs her.
"Ah, you're one of those 'extractors'. Ok, thank you!", She rolls her eyes a little before going in the direction of the treefolk.
Caleb looks back stunned for a moment, processing the implications behind those words, "Wha…does she…know about the…", he shakes his head, throwing his hands up choosing to ignore it, "Fuck it. I'm never coming back here again anyway."
"That much you've made clear. What are you going to do now?"
"First, I'm going back to the apartment to shower and change.", Caleb answered, gesturing to his body that reeked of sweet, aphrodisiacal nectar, which Drei already developed tolerance to, "After that, I don't know, maybe go out to eat a celebratory meal for my first assignment done."
"Sounds fine. Almost surprised you didn't want to join Scarlett and her friends in their cult meeting today. I know that Hana girl's been asking me."
"Not a cult and no, I've never been into clubs and stuff like that."
"Plus the hellhounds are there.", Drei points out, prompting a surprised look from him.
"Haaa, look it's…complicated, alright? Scarlett and the others like them but if me being around them makes me uncomfortable so it's best I stay away…for all our sakes. Besides, I have a feeling i'm not as welcome there as they want me to believe; especially not by that Tubala Cain lady. I see how she looks at me."
Suddenly, a large metal watering can falls to the ground with a loud clang against the ground, startling him a little. He turns to see a troll woman looking at him with a trembling almost fearful expression.
"S-Sir? Did you say…Tubala Cain?", she shakily asks, stepping up to him, slowly raising her large hands, "S-She's not a devil, right? With black, wavy hair…right?"
Caleb looks at her confused and slightly worried but answers, "Uh…yeah that's her."
Her eyes shot open with a horrified expression before grabbing Caleb by the shoulders, "Stay away from her! You understand?! Stay far, FAR away from that woman! Why is she HERE?!"
Drei tries to get between them because the troll lady's height made it difficult. She was about to use scythes on her before another voice called out.
"Molli?! Molli! What's wrong?!", another female troll calls out in concern joined by three others that rush to their distressed friend, pulling her off of Caleb as she continues shouting warnings, leaving him stunned.
"Apologies sir, we'll take care of her.", one of the female trolls assures him before going to attend to a distressed troll named 'Molli'.
Caleb looks on trying to process what she meant or even who she is.
"Hey.", Drei spoke, gently tugging his shirt snapping him to attention, "Are you ok?"
Caleb looks back at the troll then nods before walking away, "Yeah, let's get the hell outta here."
Drei follows behind him, equally confused by what happened but chooses to get some answers later. At the same time, making a mental note about the black haired devil.
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WN
Sup Fam! I hope everyone has been well. I've been busy as hell. New project at the firm, planning my vacation this weekend, getting over Covid(again) and finding time to write in between.
It looks like things are getting interesting for the Caleb, Drei, and Scarlett and everyone else. As always I'd love to hear your opinion on current chapter climate. I appreciate honestly, it's such a rarity these days. Also don't forget to check the fan art in my DeviantArt page sent by my lovely readers. Love y'all. And big love to Sandshrewmaster and my beta readers.
Anyway, that's all for now, be safe, hug your parents, drink water, get yourself some Halloween Oreos, and I'll see you in the next one. Peace FAM!
**'My-mind' by ProducedbyMelv plays in the back**
P.S. Yes that Mr. Carodine scene was inspired by my old junior year high school math teacher of the same name. I almost miss that crazy ass petty sumbitch.